MuseumsFree cancel
Full Day
Egypt
Cairo Travel Guide
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the largest city in the Arab world and sits on the Nile at the head of its delta. On its western edge rise the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, with the Grand Egyptian Museum nearby housing Tutankhamun’s treasures.
- Best time: October to April
- Airport: CAI / SPX
- Egyptian pound
Overview
About Cairo
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the largest city in the Arab world and sits on the Nile at the head of its delta. On its western edge rise the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, with the Grand Egyptian Museum nearby housing Tutankhamun’s treasures.
Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the medieval mosques and madrasas of Islamic Cairo, the Citadel and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, while Coptic Cairo holds some of the country’s oldest churches. Many hotels line the Nile Corniche and Zamalek island.
- Best time to visit
- October to April
- Currency
- Egyptian pound (EGP)
- Time zone
- Eastern European Time (UTC+2), summer time UTC+3
- Language
- Arabic; English is common in hotels and at major sites
Hotels in Cairo
Where to stay in Cairo
Each area links to places to stay on our Cairo hotels page.
- GizaHotels near the pyramids plateau, some with direct views of the pyramids, and close to the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Downtown & the Nile CornicheLarge international hotels along the river, close to Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum.
- ZamalekAn island neighbourhood in the Nile with embassies, cafés, galleries and boutique hotels.
Getting there
Flights to Cairo
Cairo International (CAI), north-east of the city, handles most flights. Sphinx International (SPX), west of Giza, has a smaller number of flights and is closer to the pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- CAI
- Cairo International Airport
- SPX
- Sphinx International Airport
Popular routes
Things to do
Things to do in Cairo
Popular tours and tickets from our activity partner.
Popular attractions
- Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- Egyptian Museum (Tahrir)
- Khan el-Khalili
- Citadel of Saladin
- Coptic Cairo
- Saqqara & the Step Pyramid
MuseumsFree cancel
3 hours
Cruises & BoatFree cancel
Full Day
MuseumsFree cancel
5 hours
Cairo, Egypt
Private Guided Tour to Giza Pyramids Egyptian Museum & Khan El Kahlili Bazaar
Free cancellation
OutdoorFree cancel
2 hours
MuseumsFree cancel
6 hours
Day TripsFree cancel
Full Day
Day TripsFree cancel
4 hours
When to go
Best time to visit Cairo
October to April is the most comfortable period, with warm days and cool evenings. May to September is very hot, so sightseeing at Giza is best very early in the day. Hotel demand rises around the winter holidays.
Transport
Getting around Cairo
The Cairo Metro serves the city centre and Coptic Cairo, but traffic is heavy and most visitors use ride-hailing apps or a hired driver, especially for Giza and Saqqara.
Travel tips
Cairo travel tips
- Visit Giza at opening time to avoid heat and crowds, and agree the price of camel or horse rides before getting on.
- Allow at least half a day for the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Use ride-hailing apps for fixed, upfront fares — traffic in Cairo can make short distances slow.
- Dress modestly, particularly in Islamic Cairo and when visiting mosques.
Cairo essentials
Cairo travel FAQs
Where should I stay in Cairo to see the pyramids?
Giza hotels are closest to the pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum; the Nile Corniche and Zamalek are more central for the rest of the city.
What is the best time to visit Cairo?
October to April, when temperatures are comfortable. Summer is very hot, so plan outdoor sightseeing for early mornings.
How many days do you need in Cairo?
Three days covers Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Islamic and Coptic Cairo; add a day for Saqqara and Memphis.
Plan your trip
Plan your Cairo trip
- Hotels in CairoExplore hotels in Giza and Downtown & the Nile Corniche and more.
- Things to do in CairoExplore Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum and other experiences.
- Egypt travel guideEgypt travel guide starting with Cairo: the Giza pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, the best season and where to stay.
Nearby and related destinations
- Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaJeddah travel guide: historic Al-Balad, the Corniche and King Fahd’s Fountain, Red Sea beaches at Obhur, trains to Makkah and where to stay.
- Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDubai travel guide: the best areas to stay, when to go, getting around from DXB, top things to do, and hotels, flights and tours to book.
- Istanbul, TürkiyeIstanbul travel guide: Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu or Kadıköy, the best time to visit, which airport to use, and hotels, flights and tours to book.
Facts last reviewed 27 September 2026. Hotel, flight and activity availability is provided live by our booking partners, and bookings are completed with them.