Things To Do
in Cairo
Cairo is Egypt’s sprawling, historic capital where ancient monuments sit alongside bustling modern neighborhoods. The city pulses with unmissable sights — from the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx to the Egyptian Museum’s vast collections. Streets brim with markets, street food stalls and a loud, lively energy that reflects centuries of cultural mixing.
Despite heavy traffic and crowds, Cairo rewards visitors with unforgettable archaeology, vibrant street life and warm hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a sunrise visit to the Great Pyramid plateau, feeling the desert breeze as you approach the ancient stones. A guided tour reveals the mysteries of Khufu’s tomb and the engineering feats achieved over 4,500 years ago. Capture panoramic views of the Sphinx and the surrounding desert landscape.
Descend into the tomb of Queen Khentkawes or venture into the Great Pyramid’s interior chambers for an intimate glimpse of royal funerary passages. Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the monument. Wander the Pyramid complex at leisure, discovering lesser-known tombs and inscriptions.
Return to your hotel for a brief rest before heading to Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids. Watch as lasers and narration animate the history of the pharaohs across the limestone faces. End the night with mint tea under the stars and echoes of ancient tales.
Drive south to Saqqara, the world’s oldest stone pyramid, and explore Djoser’s funerary complex. Marvel at the intricate reliefs in the tombs of nobles like Mereruka. Engage your senses with the dusty grandeur of this first monumental stone structure.
Proceed to the open-air museum at Memphis to see the colossal statue of Ramesses II. Enjoy a riverside picnic under acacia trees with views of desert horizon. Learn about the significance of this Old Kingdom capital at the on-site visitor center.
Return to Cairo and refresh at a local café in Al-Maadi district. Sample fresh sugarcane juice and savory ful medames under lantern light. Reflect on the architectural evolution from Saqqara to Giza over a plate of kunafa dessert.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Local taxi (short ride) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-100 |
| 🎫Museum or site entrance fee | $5-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unrivaled access to ancient monuments like the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum
- Rich, lively street life and affordable food options
- A deep, layered cultural and historical experience
- Relatively inexpensive compared with many other capitals
- Heavy traffic and pollution in parts of the city
- Crowds and aggressive street vendors in tourist areas
- Summer heat can be extreme and uncomfortable
- Variable quality of services and infrastructure in some neighborhoods
- "As-salāmu ʿalaykum" - Peace be upon you (hello/greeting)
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Min faḍlik" - Please
- "Kam thamanuhu?" - How much does it cost?
- "Ana nabati" - I am vegetarian
- "Ayna al-ḥammām?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Cairo
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic views of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx — sunrise and sunset offer dramatic light and fewer crowds; consider elevated vantage points for wide panoramas.
Colorful alleyways, brass lamps, textiles and lively street scenes ideal for candid street photography and detail shots of crafts.
Panoramic views of the city and photogenic Ottoman-era architecture with ornate interiors and domes.
Historic churches, narrow lanes and ancient architecture offering a quieter, atmospheric backdrop for cultural shots.
Riverside promenades, feluccas on the water and modern cafés — great for golden-hour cityscapes and street portraiture.
Less-crowded, atmospheric tombs and pyramids with wide desert horizons that make dramatic landscape photos.
Food in Cairo
Cairo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved national street-food staple: a layered mix of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. Find it at local koshari shops across the city — cheap, filling and vegetarian-friendly.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked fava beans often served for breakfast with olive oil, lemon, cumin and flatbread. Widely available at breakfast stands and family-owned cafés.
Fried patties made from crushed fava beans and herbs, crisp outside and green inside; commonly served in pita with salad and tahini. Excellent from street vendors and local falafel shops.
Vegetables (pepper, zucchini, grape leaves) stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes minced meat. Served at home-style restaurants and family-run eateries.
Seasoned minced meat or chunks of lamb/beef grilled over coals; found at kebab houses and mid-range restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market full of souvenir stalls, small cafés and street vendors. Try fresh juice, Egyptian sweets, roasted seeds and quick bites; some cafés serve simple local dishes.
Neighborhoods with abundant street-food stalls: koshari joints, falafel stands and ful sellers. Good for inexpensive, authentic meals.
A traditional market area (parts redeveloped) offering spices, herbs, and snacks; ideal for photographing market life and sampling local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly in religious sites and conservative neighborhoods — cover shoulders and knees; women may choose to wear a scarf in mosques. Beachwear is fine at resort beaches but not for city streets.
Show respect during prayer times and when visiting mosques or churches; ask before photographing people, especially women, and don't enter active prayer areas with shoes on unless directed.
Cairenes are hospitable and enjoy conversation; polite refusal of generous offers may lead to repeated invitations — decline gently if you truly can’t accept.
Haggling is expected in souks and markets — start lower than the asking price and negotiate politely; fixed-price shops will not appreciate bargaining.
Safety
Tipping in Cairo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping (baksheesh) is customary: small tips for porters (EGP 10–20), café servers (5–10% if service not included), and guides (more substantial, depending on service). Taxis rarely expect tips but rounding up is typical.
Cash (Egyptian pounds, EGP) is king for markets and small vendors; credit cards are accepted at many hotels and mid-to-upscale restaurants. ATMs are widely available in the city, and mobile payment adoption is growing but uneven — always carry some cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–August are very hot (often 35–40°C/95–104°F) with strong sun and low rain; plan early-morning or late-afternoon activities, stay hydrated and avoid midday outdoor exertion.
September–November bring milder temperatures and clearer skies — a comfortable time for sightseeing and outdoor excursions, though occasional dust storms can occur.
December–February are mild to cool (10–20°C/50–68°F). Nights can be chilly, especially by the Nile and in desert areas; this is peak tourist season for comfortable exploring.
March–May are warm and pleasant but can include the khamseen (dry hot wind) bringing dust and higher temperatures toward late spring; carry a light scarf and sunglasses.
Cairo at Night
Hiking in Cairo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A nearby desert valley with walking and moderate hiking trails, about 20–30 minutes from central Cairo; offers rock formations and simple trails for a nature break.
Short drive to the east of Cairo toward the Red Sea; coastal hills offer low-intensity hikes and scenic views over the desert toward the Gulf of Suez.
Urban hills near Old Cairo suitable for short walks and panoramic city views; accessible and popular for short outings and sunrise/sunset photography.
Walking routes around Giza and Saqqara plateaus provide desert hiking experiences with archaeological scenery; early morning is best to avoid heat and crowds.
Airports
How to reach Cairo by plane.
Main international gateway located northeast of central Cairo; accessible by taxi, private transfer or shuttle. Handles most international and regional flights.
Smaller airport near Giza serving some domestic and seasonal international flights; useful for travelers heading directly to the Giza/Saqqara area when available.
Located near Alexandria, about a 2–3 hour drive from Cairo; occasionally used as an alternative for regional connections and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents; diverse socio-economic backgrounds including long-time Cairenes and recent migrants from other governorates seeking work and education.
A historically significant religious minority concentrated in Coptic Cairo and present throughout the city with cultural and religious institutions.
Smaller communities working in diplomatic, NGO, educational and corporate sectors, often concentrated in neighborhoods like Zamalek and Maadi.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Egypt with passionate local support for clubs like Al Ahly and Zamalek; matches draw large, enthusiastic crowds.
Egypt produces many world-class squash players and the sport is popular among youths and clubs in Cairo.
Both have solid followings and club structures; played at school, club and national levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cairo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers do well in Cairo: many dishes (koshari, ful, ta’amiya, mahshi) are naturally vegetarian. Ask for plain rice, salads and eggplant dishes; confirm that sauces aren’t meat-based. English menus are common in tourist areas but learning phrases like 'Ana nabati' (I’m vegetarian) helps.
Vegan options exist but may require asking to omit dairy (e.g., yoghurt, tahina with butter) or eggs. Koshari and many falafel/ta’amiya preparations are typically vegan; verify in restaurants.
Most meat in Cairo is halal by default; pork is uncommon. Seafood and vegetable dishes are widely available for those avoiding pork or seeking halal options.
Street food is generally safe when busy and freshly made; avoid raw salads from uncertain vendors and drink bottled water. Peel fruits and prefer hot, well-cooked dishes if you have a sensitive stomach.