Gateway to Egypt, Nile-side Cairo delivers an intoxicating and often intimidating blend of ancient, modern—and medieval. The Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx occupy pole position in most people’s list of things to do in Cairo, alongside the Egyptian Museum, Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur. Yet the medieval old town also holds UNESCO World Heritage status, and the Khan El-Khalili bazaar district, Cairo Citadel, and Christian Coptic Cairo entice travelers to go deeper. A dinner cruise or a felucca ride are lovely ways to discover the Nile, one of Earth’s great rivers.
Cairo’s ancient sites require serious steps, which can be a sticky business during the scorching summers. Visitor numbers peak during the European winter (mid-October to February), with those same months in Cairo seeing average highs ranging from 67°F (19°C) to 86°F (30°C). To avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the perfect seasons to discover the city, although sandstorms can be an issue in March and April. For travelers who don’t mind a little heat, May, September, and early October hit the sweet spot.
Cairo’s bewildering array of buses and microbuses can be largely impenetrable to travelers who don’t speak Arabic. But the metro is easy to use and covers a couple of helpful routes, with stops at Tahrir Square and Coptic Cairo (keep in mind that two carriages in every train are reserved for women). Most travelers find Uber or regional ride-hailing app Careem easier than metered taxis, where scams are common. Meanwhile, private drivers are your best choice for seeing the ancient sights.
Egypt’s signature street food is koshary, a tangy but carb-heavy blend of rice, macaroni, lentils, and chickpeas topped off with a tasty mound of fried onions, tomatoes, hot sauce, and a garlic-vinegar drizzle. The Koshary El Tahrir chain (also written Koshari Al-Tahrir) is so popular it’s opened locations in neighboring Saudi Arabia. There’s a branch about a 15-minute walk from the Egyptian Museum.
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Cairo is most famous for the Giza Pyramids, a complex of pharaonic tombs built about 4,500 years ago. Most visitors admire these monumental UNESCO-listed structures—alongside the mysterious Sphinx—before discovering the city’s other attractions, including Tutankhamun’s treasures at the Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo’s mosques, churches, and Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
...MoreTwo or three days is enough to cover Cairo. Devote day one to the Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum to see its mummies and Tutankhamun’s gold burial mask. Next, discover Old Cairo’s mosques, citadel, and Khan el-Khalili bazaar; visit Coptic Cairo's churches; and take trips to nearby ancient Memphis or Saqqara.
...MoreMost Cairo visitors prioritize Giza’s Pyramids before checking out the city’s wider offerings. History buffs head for the Egyptian Museum’s antiquities and then dive into Old Cairo’s many sights. Those wanting a slower pace, meanwhile, are happy browsing the colorful souks and malls and taking scenic cruises on the Nile.
...MoreCairo buzzes at night, with shops, bazaars, and restaurants packed till late. Watch a spectacular Pyramids Sound and Light Show or admire Cairo’s sunset and skyline on a Nile felucca (sailboat) or dinner cruise, complete with belly-dancing shows. Alternatively, roam Old Cairo’s lit-up souks, pausing for coffee at a cafe.
...MoreThe popular activities largely depend on location. In the Nile Valley, touring pharaonic-age treasures is tops, with most visitors focusing on ancient pyramids, temples, and museums. Along the Red Sea, other pursuits dominate: relaxing at the beach or pool, scuba diving, snorkeling, and shopping and dining out at night.
...MoreYes. Cairo is safe to stroll around, although women should be cautious about walking alone at night in some areas, and be ready for occasional unwanted attention. Statistically, crime and terrorism risks are low, but it’s wise to stay vigilant, follow local security measures, and keep your valuables safe while exploring.
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