Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Best Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile
Cairo is a historic, yet chaotic and dirty, city – you’ll need to be prepared and know what to see and do, because in the midst of the chaos you can find amazing architecture, history, food, hidden peaceful places, amazing views and so much more.
I’m so glad I chose to spend some time in Cairo after I went on a tour in Egypt, because I was able to experience the real, modern city and get to know what it’s like plus talk to locals! Egyptians really are the most hospitable people, and they can make a dirty city enjoyable as much as the sites themselves – read on to learn how to make your trip worthwhile.
Planning Your Cairo Trip? Use my favorite resources:
Accommodation: Booking.com
Rent a Car: Discover Cars
Travel Insurance: Allianz
Flights: WayAway
Tour: Felucca sail with a tour of Manial Palace in Cairo & lunch
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi
Map of Things To Do In Cairo, Egypt
Is Cairo Worth Visiting: What To Expect In Cairo
Pros of Cairo
✔️ Super affordable
Cons of Cairo
23 Ways to Make Your Trip To Cairo Worth Visiting
Top Cairo Tour
Before we get started, here’s my top tour recommendation for seeing Cairo plus more famous places in Egypt:
✈️ Book this 8-Day Private Tour Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Nile Cruise Including Air Fare
1. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you see the Pyramids & Sphinx in Giza
Giza is literally right next to Cairo, and so you can stay at amazing places like the Mena House Hotel in Giza (which is where I stayed for these sites) and be right by the Pyramids and Sphinx, but you should also hop over to see some Cairo sites while you’re in the area at the very least!
Also, since the Mena House is expensive, if you’re on a budget and stay in a Cairo hostel (like I did) you can hire car to take you to the pyramids from the city!
I recommend getting to the pyramids as early as possible in the morning, at 7am – you’ll get the coolest weather, least amount of other tourists, and best lighting for photos!
One more tip for this area: don’t trust the sellers! Some people say their trip was ruined by people selling camel rides and such, but I don’t know why anyone would let that ruin seeing this AMAZING bucket-list and UNESCO World Heritage site. The Great Pyramid is the only original world wonder still standing!
I’ve also seen people write online that the pyramids weren’t as big as they thought and it was disappointing. Well, I vehemently disagree and besides that, re-read the reasons above to visit – if a trip to the pyramids isn’t exciting to you, maybe Disney World is more your main type of trip!
Tip: Just ask your driver for a recommendation if you want to ride a camel!
Here’s what’s on tap for you to see at the Pyramids site in Giza:
- The Great Pyramid (also called Cheops or Khufu) – the largest of the three; you can buy an extra ticket to go inside, but it’s empty other than an also empty sarcophagus.
- The other 2 main pyramids: the Pyramid of Khefre & Pyramid of Menkaure
- Other archaeological areas, including the mastaba (tomb) of Queen Meresankh III, the wife of Khafra and granddaughter of Khufu
- Eastern and Western Cemeteries, which include the tombs of family members and nobility
- The Sphinx
- Camel or horse ride and/or photoshoot
- The area around the Sphinx includes the Valley Temple of Khafre, a paved stone road that connects the Temple to a mortuary temple beside Khafre’s pyramid, and the Sphinx Temple – all discovered during the 20th century!
- Old Kingdom period tombs that belonged to laborers who built the Sphinx – a mystery for centuries only discovered in 1990 on accident by an American tourist! This led to the discovery of the Lost City where the people lived.
Fun fact: A theory about the Sphinx is that it served as a big clock: the temple’s sanctuaries line up with points where the sun rises and sets during the 2 equinoxes.
Logistical Information for Giza Pyramids/Sphinx:
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 240, Student: EGP 120
Extra tickets must be purchased for: Going inside the pyramids, the Tomb of Meresankh III, or the Worker’s Cemetery.
Ticket that includes entry to the Great Pyramid: Adult: EGP 600, Student: EGP 300
Hours: 7am-4pm in summer, closes at 5pm in winter months
Wondering what to see in Cairo besides the Pyramids? Keep reading for lots of options!
3. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you explore the Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is world-renowned, and while you can’t possibly see everything in one visit, this is one of the top sites that makes Cairo worth visiting – trust me, it’s amazing!
The Egyptian Museum is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, and has the most pharaonic antiquities on earth! The best way to visit this museum is to research what they have to offer and plan what you want to see before you go – don’t miss the King Tut room! Here are my recommendations:
- Mummified animals room
- Book of the dead room
- Amarna Letters
- Treasures of Tanis
- Narmer Palette
- Statues of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure (builders of the Giza pyramids)
- Amenhotep III and Tiye Colossal Statue
- Sarcophagus of Kawit
- Menkaura triads
- Masks of Yuya and Thuya
Note: The GEM recently opened (see more information about it later in this post), which is where many artifacts were moved.
Logistical Information for the Egyptian Museum:
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 200, Student: EGP 100
Photography ticket: (Personal Use –without Flash): EGP 50
Hours: 9am-3pm
4. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you sail on the Nile on a Felucca
Spending 24 hours on a felucca was one of my favorite travel experiences of all time! We ate, slept, swam, did yoga and hung out on this traditional boat, and it was nothing short of amazing.
There are all kinds of ways to experience a felucca sail on the Nile, some including a meal. Here are a few options that are 1-3 hours:
⛵️ Take a 1-hour Viator felucca sail
⛵️ Go on a Short Viator felucca sail with lunch
⛵️ Go on a Felucca sail with a tour of Manial Palace in Cairo and lunch
5. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you see Ancient Heliopolis & El Matareya
El Matareya is a city that contains Ancient Heliopolis. It’s located to the east of the Nile, and was one of the oldest ancient Egyptian cities. Many big statues of Rameses and others have been found here, even recently!
What you’ll see:
- The Misalla, or ancient Obelisk (one of the few Pharaonic ones left in the country, and the only in situ surviving feature of ancient Heliopolis and the Temple of Re-Atum)
- Tombs of High Priests of Re (6th Dynasty)
- Necropolis of Heliopolis (Middle to New Kingdom)
- Tree of the Virgin Mary
- Recently discovered archaeological sites & more
6. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you experience El-Khalili Bazaar
El-Khalili Bazaar is a famous market that has existed since the 14th century CE, and has appeared in many movies! It’s great to experience during the day and at night (I did both)!
What you’ll see and do here:
- Shop for souvenirs like lamps, spices, rugs, jewelry & more (don’t forget to bargain)
- Drink Arabic coffee, tea and eat
- Get a photo in the iconic archway with shopping items
- Experience the sales people and general atmosphere
7. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you hop over to Zamalek
Zamalek is one of the best neighborhoods in Cairo! It’s located in an affluent area in western Cairo on part of Gezira Island on the Nile. There are all kinds of restaurants, shops and hotels here.
What to see & do in Zamalek:
- Cairo Tower is the tallest building in North Africa and the second most distinctive building in Egypt after the pyramids, with a lattice exterior resembling a lotus plant. There’s also an amazing view at the restaurant located on the top floor!
- The Egyptian Opera House
- El Sawy Culture Wheel Center
- Museum of Islamic Ceramics
- Gezirah House
- All Saints’ Cathedral, which also resembles a lotus flower
- Cairo Marriott Hotel
8. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you see the Mosques
Cairo is filled with amazing Mosques that you can see, as this is the most prominent religion/culture in modern-day Egypt. Here are the best ones!
Tips: Most mosques are free, but sometimes have a ticket price. Women must have their heads covered and shoes must be taken off. There’s usually an expected tip for shoe storage.
👉 Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun (Mosque of Aḥmad ibn Ṭūlūn) is the largest in Cairo and one of the oldest in Africa (it was built in 879 CE). It has an open air stucco design seen in ʿAbbāsid architecture of Iraq, which makes for amazing photography.
Tickets includes entry to the next-door Gayer-Anderson Museum, an Arab art and antiquities museum (it appeared in the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me!)!
Ticket prices: Combined Adult: EGP 60, Student: EGP 30
Hours for non-locals: 8am-4pm
👉 Mosque of Al-Hakim
The Mosque of Al-Hakim is another one of Egypt’s oldest mosques, as well as the second largest. It was built in the Fatimid style with the oldest preserved minarets in Cairo. There’s a lot of natural light in the courtyard, arches, windows, chandeliers, calligraphy, floral carvings and more.
Entry is free
Hours: 10am-3pm
👉 Mosque of Sultan al-Muayyad
The Mosque of Sultan al-Muayyad (Al-Mu’ayyad Sheikh Mosque) was built in 1421 with Mamluk architecture and even used stones from pharaonic temples with Egyptian inscribed on them! You can climb the iconic twin minarets, and there’s an amazing panoramic view over the city from the top.
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: 25 EGP, Student: 15 EGP
Hours: 9am-5pm
👉 Sultan Hassan Mosque & El-Rifai Mosques
The Sultan Hassan Mosque is also one of the largest mosques in the world, and the architecture is some of the most ornate and impressive with Cairo’s tallest minaret! It was built in the 1300s CE, and is right next to El-Rifa’i Mosque, a more modern mosque relatively (completed in 1912) that has elaborate tombs for various Kings (it’s also called the Royal Mosque).
The two mosques have similar styles, which makes them interesting to visit together because of the time difference in when they were built!
Ticket prices for non-locals: Combination ticket: 80 EGP
Hours: 8am-4:30pm
👉 Citadel of Saladin/Mosque of Muhammad Ali
The Citadel of Saladin, or Citadel of Cairo (The Citadel of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin)) is one of the most impressive sites to visit in Cairo! It was a defensive fortress from the Middle Ages that had a strategic location with amazing panoramic views over Cairo from the Gawhara Terrace.
Here are more amazing things to see at the Citadel:
- The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha or Alabaster Mosque
- The Mamluk Mosque of El-Nasir
- The Military Museum
- The Police Museum
- The Royal Carriages Museum
- The Qaser El Gawhara Museum
Ticket prices for non-locals: 60 EGP
Hours: 8am-4pm, closed Fridays
9. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you see the Synagogues
While modern-day Cairo is mostly Muslim (around 85%) and Christian (5-15%), Judaism is a recognized religion (these three are the only recognized religions in the country) with a lot of interesting history in Egypt (obviously)!
There are only a handful or so of Jewish people living in Cairo today (estimated), but prior to 1948 there were over 80,000. Read more about the history here. Here are the Cairo synagogues to see:
👉 Ben Ezra Synagogue
Ben Ezra Synagogue (El-Geniza Synagogue or the Synagogue of the Levantines) is the oldest synagogue in the country and where it’s said that Moses was found as an infant. It’s also where the Cairo Geniza was found.
Hours: 9am-4pm
👉 Shaar Hashamayim (Adly St.) Synagogue
Shaar Hashamayim (Adly St.) Synagogue (Temple Ismailia or the Adly Street Synagogue) is the largest in Egypt, and it opened in 1899. You probably won’t be allowed inside, and photographs might be not allowed – I got in trouble trying to take a photo from across the street, which I think is because the military was present.
You can see this site for more information and videos! You can try to ask the Egyptian synagogue manager for access through your hotel or accommodation, too.
Hours: 8am-5pm
10. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit the Churches
The churches in Cairo are really unique and photo-worthy, and are definitely a major reason to visit Cairo! Here are the ones most worth visiting:
👉 The Cave Church
The Cave Church (Monastery of Saint Simon) is in Cairo’s Garbage City (the name comes from the fact that garbage collectors live there). It’s located in SE Cairo, in the Mokatam mountain.
The Cave Church is the largest church in the entire Middle East and yes, it’s in a huge cave!
👉 Check out this Coptic Cairo Tour: Cave Church of Saint Simon and Old Cairo churches!
👉 The Hanging Church
The Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa) is located in Coptic Cairo, or Old Cairo, and dates to the 3rd century CE.
It’s built in Basilica style with a 19th century facade, and has a roof shaped like Noah’s Ark, twin bell towers with biblical designs.
Hours: 9am-5pm
👉 Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus
The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus (Abu Serga) is also located in Old Cairo and is the oldest church in Egypt, as well as the church where it’s believed that the holy family rested while fleeing Egypt.
The church has a Basilica layout and is in an underground cave!
Hours: 9am-5pm
👉 El-Matariya Church and the “Virgin’s Tree”
El-Matariya Church is where the Coptic Christian legend says Mary rested when fleeing with the holy family.
The tree will cost 20-25LE, and it’s only worth seeing if you’re interested for religious reasons (otherwise, it’s not that impressive).
11. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you walk on the Kasr El Nil Bridge
The Kasr El Nil Bridge was built in 1931, and replaced the first bridge over the Nile in Cairo. It’s the most famous bridge, mostly for the four bronze lions which were made by the French sculptor Henri Alfred Jacquemart.
12. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit Old Cairo/Coptic Cairo
Old Cairo/Coptic Cairo (Historic or Islamic Cairo) is a section of the city that is a UNESCO site in and of itself!
What you’ll see in Old/Coptic Cairo:
- Fort Babylon
- The Hanging Church, Coptic Museum & churches
- Islamic era settlements
- Ben Ezra Synagogue
- Mosques, Madrasas, Hammams & Fountains
👉 Check out this private guided photography tour of the area!
13. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you explore the Tentmakers’ Bazaar
The Tentmakers’ Bazaar, or Street of the Tentmakers, is a covered market from the 17th century. It’s known for Khayamiya, an Egyptian art appliqué textile from the time of ancient Egypt!
The appliqué panels are primarily used for ceremonial tents, and there are also intricate wall hangings, cushion covers, bedspreads and more things you can find.
This area isn’t as heavily visited by tourists, so it’s also a great spot for interesting and authentic photography!
14. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you admire the Architecture
👉 Architecture – Downtown Cairo
Downtown Cairo was designed by French architects and the goal was to make Cairo better than Paris. Cairo was expanded in the 19th-century between medieval/historic Cairo and the Nile. The area has been declared a protected area, and many buildings are protected for their architectural heritage.
Today, it has sadly been neglected and most of Cairo’s buildings were burned in the Cairo fire before the 1952 Revolution. This, mixed with the lack of law enforcement or regulations, allowed in commercial buildings in downtown, and many have been or are being renovated.
Here are places to find in Downtown Cairo:
- Groppi ice cream shop (landmark building)
- Café Riche: WIntellectuals and revolutionaries met here during the 20th century
- Said Halim Palace
- St. Joseph’s Church
- The Egyptian Museum
- Baehler Passage
- Talaat Harb Square
- Egyptian Diplomatic Club
- Cinema Radio
👉 Baron Empain Palace
Baron Empain Palace (Le Palais Hindou), is a historic Hindu palace built with ornate Heliopolis Style architecture. It was inspired by temples in southern India, and was constructed between 1907 and 1911. This is a great spot for photos on the roof of the view!
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 100, Student: EGP 50
Roof tickets: EGP 50
Photo shot tickets (by camera ): Camera: EGP 50, Camera Stand: EGP 30
Photo Session: EGP 800
Hours: 9am-6pm
👉 Qalawun Complex
Qalawun Complex is a major Islamic monument with Mamluk style architecture, built in 1285. It has a hospital, madrasa and mausoleum.
What to see in Qalawun Complex:
- Sultan Barqouk Mosque
- Sulayman Agha Al-Silahdar Mosque
- Al-Nasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun Mosque
- Musa Bin Maimun Temple
- Hammam Inal
- Amir Beshtak Palace
Ticket prices for non-locals: 100 EGP (combination ticket)
Hours: 9am-5pm
15. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you see even more Museums
Cairo has a lot of amazing museums, which is one of the main reasons not to skip it on a trip to Egypt!
👉 Coptic Museum
The Coptic Museum is located in Old Cairo, and it holds the largest collection of Coptic Christian artifacts in the world (you won’t find these in the Egyptian Museum). You can also find reconstructed ancient churches in the museum.
Coptic Christianity borrowed from Egyptian beliefs as well as Greco-Roman mythology and Byzantine and Ottoman, which is what makes it super interesting! You can see the connection from ancient Egypt through modern-day by learning about this religious sect.
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 100, Student: EGP 50
Audio tour: 20 EGP
Hours: 9am-4:30pm
👉 National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) has artifacts from Predynastic through modern times, from both the Egypt and Arab worlds. This is a continuation of history where the Egyptian Museum leaves off, if you want to keep seeing parts of Egypt’s more modern history!
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: 200 EGP, Student: 100 EGP
Hours: 9am-5pm Sat-Thurs, 9-5 and 5pm-9 pm Friday, Ramadan 9am-4 pm.
👉 Museum of Modern Egyptian Art
The Museum of Modern Egyptian Art (Gezira Center for Modern Art), located in Zamalek, is one of the best places to see modern art, which really helps you experience modern-day Cairo!
It’s located next to the Opera House, another great place to visit in Cairo.
Hours: 10am-4pm (closed Mondays & Fridays)
👉 Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
The Grand Egyptian Museum (Giza Museum) recently opened, and is the biggest archaeological museum on Earth with the largest Egyptian artifact collection, including never-before seen artifacts!
👉 Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art has the largest collection of Islamic Art in the world that includes over 100,000 pieces from India, China, the Levant, North Africa and more, covering all Islamic branches from every time period!
Ticket prices for non-locals: Adult: EGP 120, Student: EGP 60
Photo ticket: 50 EGP
Hours: 9am-5pm; Fridays 9am-11:30 am & 1:30pm-5 pm
16. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you eat at the Restaurants
Cairo has amazing food that make visiting all that much more worthwhile! Here are some of the best places I visited where the food was amazing:
👉 Zooba
Zooba is a great spot to sit or get food on the go! They have amazing and unique food, plus photo-worthy branding – and a location in NYC so you can go when you’re stateside!
Hours: 10am-12am
👉 El-Fishawi cafe
El-Fishawi cafe is in the Khan el-Khali market, so it’s easy to find! It’s one of the oldest cafes in the city (established in 1797)!
Hours: 12:30pm-12am
👉 9 Pyramids Lounge
9 Pyramids Lounge is the iconic first restaurant near the Giza Pyramids with amazing views and seats so you can set up amazing photos! They’re pretty new, and they have amazing food and service.
Hours: 9am-4pm
17. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you visit Al Azhar Park
Al Azhar Park, a 72-acre area in Old Cairo, is an amazing green space to get out of the chaos of the city, take beautiful photos, eat at restaurants and more!
It’s listed as one of the world’s best public spaces and is a renewed area that used to be a trash dump, that today has Islamic designed gardens, Citadel views, water fountains and more!
18. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you walk on Al-Mu’izz Street
Al-Mu’izz Street (Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi Street) is located close to the Khan el-Khalili market in historic Cairo. It’s one of the oldest streets in the city, dating to the 10th century – and it used to be one of the most significant, with the markets and buildings.
Today you can still see antique markets, historic architecture including mosques, monuments, the Qalawun Complex, Medieval mansions and palaces, the Bab Zuweila gate and more!
19. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you get the views from the Bab Zuweila roof
Bab Zuweila is a major landmark, and one of the three remaining gates in the Fatimid fortification wall of Cairo’s Old City. There are minarets on each side of the Al-Muayyad Mosque, a small museum with artifacts from the street excavations and amazing city views from the roof!
Fun Fact: Local myth has it that the ghost of Ottoman Sheikh Al Mitwali lives in the doorway. There’s a model of a boat hanging there, and the myth is that the boat is there for him to use to go to Mecca.
Ticket prices: Adult: 20 EGP, Student: 10 EGP
Hours: 9am-5pm
20. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you experience the Nightlife
There are some really great places to visit in Cairo at night, no matter what you’re looking for! Here are some places to check out at night to make Cairo worth visiting:
- Nile Dinner Cruise
- Le Pacha 1901 in Zamalek, a floating boat that stays docked and has late-night karaoke
- Shahrazad Cairo
- El Sawy Culture Wheel
- Crimson Cairo
- El-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo Jazz Club
- El Horreya
- Cairo Opera House
21. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you go to Roda Island
Roda Island is located along the Nile in Old Cairo and can easily make a whole day if you have the time! It’s been used since Phoaroanic times for fortification, as a port, forbuilding ships, as an arsenal, for palaces and more.
What to see here:
👉 Gardens
👉 The Nilometer, which was used to measure the Nile as it rose. There is also a Mamluk-period aqueduct here.
Tickets: Adult: 15 EGP
Hours: 9am-4pm
👉 The Manial Palace of Prince Mohamed Ali Pasha, which has 5 buidlings and gardens. It’s known for its style, mixing Islamic with European Art Nouveau and Rococo styles.
Tickets: Adult : EGP 100, Student: EGP 50
Photo tickets: EGP 50
Photo session: EGP 800
Hours: 9am-5pm
👉 City of the Dead/Cairo cemetery (Cairo Necropolis or the Qarafa) has mausoleums from the Islamic period and more.
👉 Qasr al-Aini Medicine Museum was founded by Dr. Mohammed Almenawi, the general secretary of the Faculty of Medicine at the Qasr Al-Eini School of Medicine. The museum links ancient Egypt and modern-day medicine.
22. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you go to the other Pyramids
The “other pyramids” are just 25 miles south of Cairo, in Memphis (Egypt’s original ancient capital city)! You can go inside many of the pyramids at these UNESCO sites! Here’s more about them:
The Saqqara pyramids at the Saqqara Necropolis are the oldest in the world and are well-preserved. Here’s what you can see here:
- Pyramid of Djoser, a step pyramid
- Persian Shaft
- Serapeum of Saqqara, ancient tombs for bulls
- Other pyramids & tombs
- The Imhotep Museum
Fun Fact: 5 Old Kingdom tombs were recently discovered here in March 2022!
The Dahshur pyramids, at Dahshur Necropolis, are where the Egyptians honed their skill for pyramid-building. The Bent Pyramid was an attempt at making the surface smooth. Here’s what you’ll see here:
- Red Pyramid
- Bent Pyramid
- White Pyramid
- Black Pyramids
- Pyramid of Sesostris III
- Several other pyramids
- Nearby tombs of royal women
Ticket prices: Adult: 150 EGP, Student: 75 EGP
Hours: 8am-4pm
🐪 Check out this Viator tour that includes the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, Lunch & Camels
23. Is Cairo Worth Visiting? Yes, if you go on a Day Trip to Alexandria
I went on a day trip to Alexandria, and it was one of my favorite parts about my time in Cairo! It’s a 3-hour car ride each way, and it’s best to get a tour.
This Alexandria Day Tour From Cairo includes all the best things in Alexandria, with a professional driver (in a vehicle with A/C) and tour guide, plus bottled water, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off included:
- The Roman Theater
- Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa (so fascinating!)
- Alexandria Library (closed on Fridays)
- And more!
🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Michael_I:
“Our guide was extraordinary. Had great knowledge of the places and the food was amazing. The driver was amazing as well.”
🚗 Learn More About this Day Tour from Cairo to Alexandria Here
Where to Stay In Cairo On Any Budget
✅ Budget Option: Pyramids lounge
- Sun terrace
- A/C
- Fridge, minibar & coffee machine
- Walk-in shower
- Free WiFi
- Continental Breakfast
- Coffee shop, grocery delivery & minimarket
- Airport shuttle
- 24-hour front desk
- Room Service
🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Borja:
“From my arrival until I left, all the staff were attentive all the time to make me feel as comfortable and safe as possible, not only in the place, I enjoyed the talks and the family atmosphere of this place, I really feel lucky that my first My visit to Egypt was with them, since they gave me a lot of advice and where to go so that I could enjoy and get to know the culture, I would definitely return but this time with my family”
🛌 Check Current Prices & Availability at Pyramids lounge Here
✅ Mid-Tier Option: Al Masa Hotel Nasr City
Al Masa Hotel Nasr City is the top-rated mid-range hotel in Cairo, and it has a lot to offer! From a terrace swimming pool, to 5 restaurants, a wellness center and your own private balcony, there are plenty of things to make this hotel worth staying in! Here are more:
- Continental breakfast
- A/C, flat-screen TV and minibar
- Garden
- Library
- massages
- Billiards & bowling
- Bar
🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Awatif:
“I loved it it’s a large resort I dont know why it says that it’s a hotel it was so clean and the property was amazing it has a really big pool and many restaurants each restaurant is better than the other and it has a bowling alley, cafés, 8 ball table, cinema’s.. it’s just perfect if I ever go back to Egypt I’m definitely gonna stay in it again”
🛌 Check Current Prices & Availability at Al Masa Hotel Nasr City Here
✅ Luxury Option: Mena House Hotel
This historic, 5-star Marriott hotel is spectacular! It opened Egypt’s very first swimming pool in 1890 after being a private hunting lodge to begin with, and is one of the most iconic hostels in Egypt. I stayed here and I highly recommend it, especially for your visit to the pyramids!
The hotel is amazing, from the spectacular breakfast buffet and dinner, to the pool, grounds, pyramid views and rooms!
They also have a fitness center and spa, bar, room service and more!
🌟 Don’t just take my word for it! Check out this 5-star review from Harry:
“Staying here is a huge treat. It is a beautiful hotel and you are made to feel special the second you arrive. The staff are exemplary and we were treated fantastically. The grounds are wonderfully cared for and the pool area is amazing with a huge amount of beds, an excellent bar and the pool is large. Food at Mena House is similarly, perfect. We had room service and it was fresh and quick and the food at the onsite Moghul Restaurant was lovely. The best bit is the breakfast buffet. It needs to be seen to be believed and having your breakfast staring at the pyramids is once in a lifetime event. I will never forget my stay here.”
🛌 Check Availability at the Mena House Hotel Cairo Here
Best Photography Tours in Cairo
Because one of the best things about Cairo is all the photo opportunities, here are my top recommended photo tours if you’re interested!
📸 Go on a Custom Photo Tour for Photographers
📸 Get this Professional Customizable Photoshoot in Cairo
📸 Go on this Photography Tour With Equipment Included
Getting To And Around Cairo
What You’ll Need For Visitng Cairo:
The best months to visit Cairo, and Egypt in general, are March-April and October-November! This is when the weather is cooler and there are less crowds.
You’ll need travel insurance. Allianz is what I use and recommend. If you’re from outside of the US, Safety Wing is also a great choice!
The currency is EGP (Egyptian Pound). Check the exchange rate before you go, but as of this post, 1 EGP = 0.032 United States Dollar.
What to wear & pack for Cairo
Cairo is hot and sunny! You’ll need:
- Lots of sunscreen
- Something cool to cover your shoulders (for Mosques + sun protection)
- Long skirts, dresses and/or lightweight breezy pants (like these Lightweight Cargo Pants) for modesty culture and because many mosques require knees and shoulders to be covered
- A jacket for cooler nights
- Swimsuit for swimming in the Nile or hotel pools
- Universal Power Adapter
- This Microfiber Towel
- Earthbreeze Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets if you’re going to do laundry or hand-wash clothing
- Anker Portable Charger for your phone
👉 For more, check out this post for how to pack your carry-on for your (long) flight plus more tips for International flights, and check out this list for packing tips for photography gear!
Upon Arrival
👉 Tourist Visa: You’ll get this when you arrive at the airport for $25 USD.
👉 Distance from Cairo International Airport to Cairo & Giza: The airport is a one-hour drive from Giza, and around a 35-minute drive into Cairo, depending on traffic.
👉 SIM Cards: The airport does not have WiFi… but you’ll need a SIM card to get Internet if you don’t have an international phone plan, or if you don’t opt into the $10/day offer from your US cell provider, for instance.
Once you buy a SIM card, you still need Internet access to activate the card. The vendors refused to help me with getting Internet access, so I just kept bugging them until one gave me access through their password.
👉 Airalo eSIM is the best option to avoid this! They’re already used by over 1 million travelers. With Airalo, you can download and install a digital data pack for over 200 countries/regions and get connected as soon as you land!
The reason you’ll want Internet access before you leave the area is if you’re leaving the airport, because you’ll want to get an Uber…
👉 Get an Uber instead of a taxi… it’s cheaper, and taxi drivers are known for cheating tourists. Don’t rent a car in Cairo, unless you already know how to drive in lawless chaos!
👉 There’s an airport hotel I stayed in called the Le Meridien, and there are other hotels close by if you want to stay close to the airport your first or last night.
👉 Safety: Keep your belongings close and safe. Egyptians are known for their world-class hospitality, but it’s still a major city. My hostel provided me with people to take me places and meet up with me when I wanted to go places at night since I was traveling solo, so just ask where you’re staying if they’ll help you out!
👉 Cairo Pass: Valid for 5 days, you can buy one of these for $100 USD in the Egyptian Museum, Giza plateau, the Citadel or in Zamalek. It includes the Giza pyramid sites, Egyptian Museum, Historic Cairo sites, Museum of Islamic Art, Coptic Museum, Citadel, Saqqara, Dahshur (just the Red and Bent pyramids).
👉 To get the Cairo Pass, you’ll need extra copies of your passport and extra photos (2 of each), it’s cash only, and must be new bills!
👉 The only reasons you should buy this pass are 1) if you’ll definitely go to all these sites (because it costs the same amount), and 2) if you’re going to visit sites multiple times (which is allowed with the pass).
What to Consider for Visiting Cairo & Egypt
👉 Plan Ahead. Egypt is a unique place to visit, with chaos in Cairo that means you won’t want to drive (there is public transportation, but I never felt like using it). You can use apps like Uber to get drivers in the city, or for day trips you can hire a driver.
👉 Be aware of gimmicks by locals. Locals need to make money, just like the rest of us, but that doesn’t mean you need to be scammed! Ignore and don’t make eye contact if you feel uncomfortable, practice your strong “no” followed by walking away, and be prepared to bargain at the market and sites! Also, people in many areas (especially if they’re working) will want payment if you take a photo of them, so be prepared!
👉 You cannot drink the tap water in Cairo. Cairo is a cheap place to visit overall, and you can easily buy huge water bottles!
👉 Go with the flow. Like I’ve mentioned, Cairo is really chaotic, dirty and overwhelming, so just be prepared to go with the flow and get some amazing travel stories to tell later on!
The craziest thing that happened to me was my first night in the hostel, when I had to step over remains from a goat that was slaughtered in the doorway – not to mention using the elevator in this unfinished building. However, the people were so nice and hospitable I was over the incident quickly, and now it makes a great story (if you stay in a hotel listed above, you’re unlikely to experience this)!
Is Cairo Worth Visiting : FAQs
👉 Is Cairo a good tourist destination?
Cairo is a really amazing place to visit, as long as you can appreciate the experience! If you’re already going to Egypt and have at least 1-3 extra days, you should stop and see some of the best sites in Cairo like museums, churches, mosques, synagogues, the market and more!
👉 Is it safe to walk around Cairo as a tourist?
I spent a week in Cairo as a solo female traveler, and I felt safe walking around. At night, people who worked at my accommodation offered to go with me to the market, and I took them up on it, which I recommend for both directions and safety!
