EG
Cairo
A vast, chaotic capital on the Nile, home to the Pyramids of Giza, medieval mosques and the new Grand Egyptian Museum
A vast, chaotic capital on the Nile, home to the Pyramids of Giza, medieval mosques and the new Grand Egyptian Museum
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built around 4,500 years ago, stands with the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx on the Giza plateau. They form part of the UNESCO-listed Memphis necropolis.
Arrive at opening time to avoid heat and crowds; tickets to enter the pyramids themselves cost extra.
Photo: Jerome Bon, CC BY 2.0
A huge museum near the pyramids, fully opened in November 2025, displaying the complete Tutankhamun collection alongside a giant statue of Ramesses II and thousands of other artefacts.
Book tickets online and allow at least half a day.
Photo: Amr F. Nagy, Public domain
Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is packed with medieval mosques, madrasas and gates. At its heart, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar has traded since the 14th century.
Photo: Warren LeMay, CC0
Saladin’s 12th-century fortress, crowned by the Ottoman-style Muhammad Ali Mosque, with views across the city.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try koshari (lentils, rice, pasta and spicy tomato sauce), ful medames (stewed fava beans), ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) and feteer pastries.
Downtown Cairo and Zamalek have the widest choice of restaurants and cafés.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is north-east of the city; Sphinx International Airport, west of Giza, has a growing number of flights. Use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Careem, or the metro, to get around; traffic is heavy.
Most visitors need a visa. You can apply online for an e-visa (US$25) or buy a visa on arrival at airports (US$30 since 1 March 2026); both allow stays of up to 30 days. The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). The US State Department rates Egypt Level 2 (exercise increased caution), with “do not travel” advice for northern and middle Sinai and border areas. Check current rules and advice before you travel.
Cairo is inexpensive, but entrance fees to major sites are a significant cost.
Excludes entrance fees.
Pyramids, museums and old Cairo.
Visit the pyramids and Sphinx early, then spend the afternoon at the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Explore the Citadel, the mosques of Sultan Hassan and al-Rifa’i, Al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili.
See the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo, then take a trip to Saqqara and the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Tipping is expected for many small services; carry small notes in Egyptian pounds.
At major sites, politely but firmly decline unofficial guides, camel rides and “free” gifts.
Uber and Careem avoid fare haggling and are safer than hailing street taxis.
Dress modestly, especially at mosques, where women should cover their hair.
Quick answers for planning time in Cairo.
Most visitors do: an e-visa costs US$25 online, or a visa on arrival US$30, each for up to 30 days.
Yes, it fully opened in November 2025 and displays the complete Tutankhamun collection.
About 15–20km, which can take an hour in traffic.
Most visits are trouble-free; the US rates Egypt Level 2, and the main nuisances are touts and traffic.
October to April, when temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing.
Google Maps works well in cities; download offline maps for desert areas.
Free
Arabic is the language; English is common in tourist businesses.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Egypt travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.