Cairo City Guide

Cairo is a breathtaking tapestry where millennia of history meet the frenetic energy of a modern megacity. No visit is complete without standing before the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx, ancient wonders that continue to defy the passage of time on the city's western edge. Within the city center, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square offers an unparalleled collection of pharaonic treasures, including the shimmering gold mask of Tutankhamun, while the newer Grand Egyptian Museum provides a state-of-the-art look into the country’s vast heritage.

For a deeper immersion into the city’s medieval heart, wander through the labyrinthine alleys of Khan el-Khalili. This historic bazaar is a sensory feast of spices, textiles, and copperware, perfectly complemented by the nearby Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the world's oldest centers of learning. To experience the spiritual grandeur of the Citadel of Saladin, climb up to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali for sweeping views over the capital's sprawling skyline and the distant desert horizons.

As the sun sets, life shifts toward the Nile. A traditional felucca ride offers a serene escape from the urban bustle, gliding past the cosmopolitan district of Zamalek. This leafy island neighborhood is the pulse of Cairo’s contemporary culture, home to upscale art galleries, chic cafes, and the iconic Cairo Tower. Whether exploring Coptic Cairo’s ancient churches or enjoying a late-night mezze feast, the city reveals itself as a place of endless discovery.

Cairo's true pulse beats in the spaces between its ancient monuments. For a unique perspective, head to the Monastery of Saint Simon, often called the Cave Church. Carved directly into the Mokattam Hills, this massive amphitheater serves as a spiritual and architectural marvel within the vibrant Zabaleen community. It offers a profound look at the city’s capacity for beauty in unexpected places.

In the heart of Zamalek, El Sawy Culturewheel provides a front-row seat to Egypt's contemporary creative scene. This bustling cultural hub hosts everything from underground rock bands and traditional puppet shows to poetry slams. It is the perfect spot to mingle with Cairo’s youth and experience the city's modern artistic identity away from the museum crowds.

For a quiet escape, wander through the winding, circular streets of Garden City. This neighborhood was designed to break the traditional grid, featuring art deco villas and lush greenery. Walking here feels like stepping into a different era of Cairo’s cosmopolitan history, offering a peaceful contrast to the city’s high-energy thoroughfares.

Navigating Cairo is an adventure where modern convenience meets historic chaos. For most visitors, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are the most reliable options, offering upfront pricing and GPS tracking to navigate the city's complex layout. White taxis are also abundant, but it is essential to ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare before starting the journey. To bypass the infamous street-level traffic, the Cairo Metro is a highly efficient way to traverse the city's main hubs, featuring gender-segregated carriages for added comfort.

Walking is a delight in specific districts like Downtown, Zamalek, or Coptic Cairo, though the city’s vast scale makes it less practical for long-distance travel. Local microbuses and larger public buses serve every corner of the metropolis, though they can be challenging for newcomers to navigate without a bit of local knowledge. For a more scenic transition between riverfront points, the Nile Taxi provides a refreshing alternative to the bustling roads, offering a faster route along the water.

Transportation in Cairo remains very affordable. A trip from Cairo International Airport to central areas like Downtown typically costs between 150 and 250 EGP via ride-hailing services. Short trips within the city center generally range from 40 to 80 EGP. For the budget-conscious, Metro tickets are priced by distance, usually costing between 6 and 15 EGP per ride, making it the most economical way to see the sights.

Cairo offers a shopping experience that spans centuries, from the chaotic charm of ancient bazaars to the air-conditioned luxury of modern mega-malls. For a traditional adventure, head to Khan el-Khalili, where narrow alleyways are filled with the scent of spices and the glint of hand-hammered copper. It is the perfect place to find authentic souvenirs like intricate lanterns, silver jewelry, and high-quality leather goods. Bargaining is part of the culture here, so embrace the process with a friendly smile.

For those seeking international brands and high-end fashion, Cairo’s modern districts offer sprawling complexes like Citystars Mall or the Mall of Arabia. These venues provide a sleek, global shopping experience with luxury labels, designer boutiques, and vast food courts. Whether browsing a dusty antique shop in Zamalek or a glitzy storefront in New Cairo, visitors will find a city that caters to every budget and aesthetic.

When searching for uniquely Egyptian items, prioritize world-renowned Egyptian cotton linens, which are prized for their softness and durability. Hand-painted papyrus art and exquisite gold jewelry, particularly cartouches personalized with hieroglyphics, are also iconic purchases. For food lovers, high-quality dates and aromatic spice blends make for excellent gifts to bring a taste of Cairo home.

Tipping, or baksheesh, is a deeply ingrained part of the local culture in Cairo. While many high-end restaurants include a service charge on the bill, this often goes to the establishment rather than the staff, so adding an extra 5% to 10% in cash is greatly appreciated. The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and for reference, 1 US Dollar is currently worth roughly 48 to 50 EGP. Keeping a supply of small banknotes is essential for navigating daily interactions smoothly.

Beyond dining, small gestures go a long way in this hospitable city. It is customary to offer around 10 to 20 EGP to restroom attendants or porters for their help. For private tour guides and drivers who provide dedicated service throughout the day, a tip ranging from 200 to 400 EGP is a standard way to show gratitude for their expertise. While tipping is an expected social norm, it should always reflect the quality of service you receive.

The ideal window to explore Cairo is from October to April, when the sweltering desert heat gives way to crisp, pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor sightseeing. During these months, the city’s historic landmarks and the Giza Pyramids are best enjoyed under clear, sunny skies without the intensity of the mid-summer sun. While winter nights can be surprisingly chilly, the daytime warmth remains comfortable for navigating the bustling streets of Islamic Cairo.

As this is peak tourist season, travelers should expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations, particularly around the December and January holidays. For those seeking a balance, the shoulder months of October and March offer a sweet spot of temperate weather and slightly more competitive pricing. Visiting during the summer months from May to September results in significantly lower costs and thinner crowds, but the extreme heat can make exploring the city’s outdoor treasures physically demanding.