Cairo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Egyptian Tourist Authority
Discover one of the world’s greatest ancient civilisations in the museums and nearby pyramids of Egypt’s dynamic and surprisingly modern capital.

Cairo is a cultural delight. Discover glittering ancient treasures in theEgyptian Museum, explore the breathtaking architecture and streetscapes ofIslamic Cairoand immerse yourself in the contemporary arts on the island of Gezira. Just 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Cairo at theGizaPlateau, enter the tombs of the pharaohs at theGreat Pyramidsand marvel at theGreat Sphinx.

Start your adventure into the history of the city by exploringOld Cairo, an area surrounded by the walls ofBabylon Fortress, dated at nearly 2,000 years old. In the area around the fortress, known asCoptic Cairo, you will find theCoptic Museum, home to artefacts of early Christian history, art and culture. Don’t miss theHanging Church, which has religious paintings from the 8th to the 18th centuries. Next door, at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, visit the place baby Moses is said to have been found.

For a taste of contemporary Egyptian culture, head across one of the many bridges to Gezira Island, located in the centre of the Nile. Experience Egypt’s incredibly rich music scene at the Cairo Opera House or at the Egyptian Center for Culture and Art (Makan). Then dine by the Nile’s ancient waters or join a dinner cruise to take in the lights of Cairo at night.

If you’re keen to take some of Cairo home with you, go shopping at the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Here, you can sample street food and wander the labyrinth of stalls selling jewellery, perfume, spices, hand-painted pots and brass lanterns. After the bustle of the bazaar, take a break in one of Cairo’s green spots. Picnic in Al-Azhar Park’s shady, landscaped gardens or enjoy the views over the city from one of the restaurants that ring the park.

Cairo is easy to navigate via subway and bus services, but for trips to Giza and the Old City it’s best to go with a guided group so you don’t miss anything!

Where to stay in Cairo

Cairo showing tropical scenes

Downtown Cairo

3.5/5(33 area reviews)

The interesting museums and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Cairo. A stop by Talaat Harb Street or Midan Talaat Harb might round out your trip.

Downtown Cairo
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Zamalek

5/5(2 area reviews)

Cafes, museums and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy about Zamalek. Check out Zamalek Art Gallery or Aquarium Grotto Garden while you're exploring the area.

Zamalek
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Nasr City

4/5(2 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the parks and casinos in Nasr City. You might want to make time for a stop at City Center Shopping Mall or City Stars.

Nasr City
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Heliopolis

4/5(10 area reviews)

Heliopolis is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Baron Empain Palace and Tivoli Dome while in the area.

Heliopolis
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Al Haram

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Al Haram, Giza Pyramid Complex and Grand Egyptian Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Al Haram
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Maadi

Live music and riverfront are just a few things travellers like about Maadi. A stop by Mostafa Kamel Museum is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Maadi
Pyramids View inn Bed & Breakfast
Pyramids View inn Bed & Breakfast
3 out of 5
10 Sphinx Street Nazlet Samman, Sound&Light Square Front of Sphinx gate, Giza
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$76 per night from 21 May to 22 May
NZ$76
per night
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly B&B in Giza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free valet parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (990 reviews)
"We had a amazing time during our stay , the staff was very positive and friendly, they was trying their best to feel us at home and definitely we felt that .. our service was great, the hotel is good, we had a good breakfast, the terrace has an amazing view of the pyramids and the sphinx, they arranged ..."

Reviewed on 30 Apr. 2024

Pyramids View inn Bed & Breakfast
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
5 out of 5
16 Saray El Gezira, Zamalek, Downtown, Cairo
The price is NZ$363 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$363
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 14 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Extraordinary hospitality
"I'm so glad to book again in Marriott cairo This visit was much better than the previous stays The suite was amazing, Hospitality was perfect and the service was more than excellent Thank you so much Ms NADIA SHOUSHA for the extraordinary hospitality as well as Amr and all staff members Ms Nadia ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
Le Méridien Cairo Airport
Le Méridien Cairo Airport
5 out of 5
Cairo Airport , Terminal 3, Cairo
The price is NZ$279 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
NZ$279
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"The hotel is very clean and safe with professional employees"

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Le Méridien Cairo Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Afnan Cairo Airort
Afnan Cairo Airort
3 out of 5
2h Taha Hussain Road New Nozha, information technology institute, Cairo, Cairo
Stay at this apartment in Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions City Stars and City Centre Almaza Shopping ...
7.2/10 Good! (5 reviews)
A budget friendly must stay
"Friendly staff and incredibly clean facility. 10/10 - Better than spaces that cost 6 times the daily rate. Bathroom not attached, but two available and VERY clean with amenities. Was very happy with this stay."

Reviewed on 18 Jan. 2024

Afnan Cairo Airort
Parkside Boutique Furnished Apartments
Parkside Boutique Furnished Apartments
5 out of 5
17 Rafik Salah Al Din, Cairo, Cairo Governorate
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions City Stars and Khan el-Khalili are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (33 reviews)
"Clean and nice place."

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

Parkside Boutique Furnished Apartments
Prime Residence New Cairo
Prime Residence New Cairo
2.5 out of 5
New Cairo 1, New Cairo, Cairo Governorate
Stay at this aparthotel in New Cairo. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Point 90 Mall and Maxim ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"The property was in a great location and staff are all friendly and accommodating. You get a full suite with all the things you need your stay. A great option for those who need to stay close to the university. Thanks again."

Reviewed on 8 Mar. 2024

Prime Residence New Cairo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Cairo

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 14.705882352941176%
4 - Good
17
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 26.470588235294116%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 8.823529411764707%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Feb 2020

A vibrant city with a lot of variety of experiences to offer

3/5 - Okay

ISS
25 Dec 2019

Pyramids are great. But man it’s a tough city to get by yourself. Lots of people looking to take advantage of the fact you’re a tourist. Always being on the Gaudí takes something away.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
23 Dec 2019

I hope the local people start to take better care of their city and keep it clean. Lift the service level at all high profile locations so that all tourist will happily pay more.

4/5 - Good

Raqueeb
23 Dec 2019

It is rich is history and its unique culture. Felt safe and saw police almost every where. However, the tour sales people and people on street who sales items are extremely pushy. The taxi drivers and horse carts driver in Luxor are doggy & greedy.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Dec 2019

The Museum of Islamic Art is a gem - don't miss it

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Dec 2019

It’s a fantastic place to soak up all of Egypt’s history. So much to see and do. Loved it

Cities near Cairo