Traveler's Toolkit

Essential Guide

Everything you need to know before you go.
Daily Cost
$30 - $80
Best Time
Oct - Apr
Visa Policy
On Arrival / e-Visa
Time Zone
GMT+2

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and home to over 20 million people. The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are located on the city's western edge. The Grand Egyptian Museum holds a massive collection of pharaonic artefacts, including the Tutankhamun treasury.

The city features extensive historical districts. Islamic Cairo contains medieval mosques and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. The Nile Corniche provides waterfront dining and cruises. Districts like Zamalek and Downtown offer modern cafes and rooftop venues. The city layers modern commerce over thousands of years of continuous history.

Cairo International Airport serves as the main gateway to Egypt. Terminal 3 handles EgyptAir and Star Alliance partners. The airport sits 20 kilometres from downtown. Taxis take 30 to 60 minutes and cost EGP 250 to 400. Ride-hailing apps like Uber provide reliable transfers from designated terminal zones.

Downtown Cairo places visitors near the Egyptian Museum and the Nile Corniche. Zamalek offers upscale boutique hotels on Gezira Island. Giza provides immediate access to the Pyramids. New Cairo features modern luxury properties further from the historic centre. Accommodation ranges from $15 hostels to $250 luxury hotels.

The Cairo Metro connects Tahrir Square, Coptic Cairo, and Giza. Tickets cost EGP 8 per ride. Uber and Careem are the safest alternatives to street taxis. Traditional taxis require strict fare negotiation. Hiring a private driver or joining a guided tour is the most efficient way to navigate heavy traffic and limited parking.

Cairo is safe for tourists. Busy areas have persistent vendors, requiring a polite but firm decline. Modest dress is required in mosques, with shoulders and knees covered. The Egyptian pound is necessary for street purchases. Tourists are generally advised to drink bottled water. Many businesses close during Friday prayers from 12:00 to 2:00 PM.

Feel the Energy of Historic Cairo

Ancient pyramids, lively bazaars, world-famous museums, and the timeless Nile River make Cairo a destination filled with history, culture, and unforgettable moments at every corner.