Cairo is a busy, colorful, and fascinating city in Egypt. It is one of the world’s largest cities, with over 20 million.
There are two airports you can use to get here:
– Cairo International Airport (CAI)
– Sphinx International Airport (SPX)
Here are the main experiences, attractions and information you need to make the most of your stay in this vibrant city.
- Saint Mary Church (also called Hanging Church because apparently it was built on two towers of an old roman fortress. In the same are there is also Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Church of St. Sergius.
M1 Mar Girgis Metro station is near.
- Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Sultan Hassan, Al-Rifa’i Mosque and Mosque of Muhammad Ali ( also called Alabaster Mosque, built by Muhammad Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848). They are located within 200 meters area. To get here, look for buses heading toward Sayeda Aisha Square or Al Abageyah.
- Sunset Nile Cruise: dinner and live music aboard a traditional felucca or dinner boat
- Pedestrian street Al-Muizz (concentration of medieval Islamic architecture, including mosques, palaces, and public buildings from the Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman eras)
Ataba Station is the nearest metro station, and many buses stop at the Al Azhar Mosque which is very close.
Very close from Al-Muizz street you have Khan El Khalili Bazaar (famous bazaar in the historic center): shop for handcrafted jewelry, copperware, textiles, spices, perfumes, papyrus paintings, leather products, traditional Egyptian outfits like galabeyas, musical instruments, and ornate wooden boxes, as well as cultural items and souvenirs.
- Zamalek District, elegant neighborhood with art galleries, and boutique shops. Nearby metro stations Opera Station (Line 2) and Safaa Hegazy Station (Line 3) or get a taxi or an uber.
- Egyptian Museum (located in Tahrir Square).
Take the Line 2 metro to Sadat Station, and walk to the museum, or a bus to the Abdel Moneim Riad Square Bus Stop.
It contains over 120,000 artifacts showing Egypt’s history from the Predynastic Period, Tutankhamun’s Treasures, the statues of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure: Builders of the Giza pyramids and mummified pharaohs
- Pyramids of Giza, Egypt’s most iconic monuments built over 4,500 years ago. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Menkaure and The Great Sphinx + Valley Temple. They are part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
During the day consider a Camel ride or guided tour, and in the evening maybe stay for the Sound and Light Show.
Ways to get here:
Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Giza Station (also called El Giza or Omm El-Misryeen).
From there, hop on a microbus or taxi heading to Al Haram Street, where the pyramids are located.
The metro ride costs around EGP 2 (about $0.06) and takes ~20 minutes
Bus: 355 or 357: They run from Tahrir Square or near the Egyptian Museum directly to the Giza Plateau.
The ride takes about 1 hour and costs EGP 3 (~$0.10).
Taxy or Uber: from downtown Cairo expect to pay ~3$
You can also go by guided tours (expect to pay more but everything is organised, and you just enjoy).
- Memphis, first capital of Egypt: Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser (the world’s oldest known monumental stone structure and the first Egyptian pyramid). It is located 30 km south of Cairo, near the town of Mit Rahina, max 5$ for a taxi or uber.
- Bent Pyramid (with its unusual, changing slope) and Red Pyramid (a true, smooth-sided pyramid)
There are a lot of 4 or 5 star hotels in Cairo, these are 3 hotels where location and reviews are telling us they could be perfect for a pleasant stay, but choose one that suits you better:
Traditional Egyptian dishes:
Ful Medames (mashed fava beans), Koshari (rice, lentil, and macaroni dish), and Tameya (fava bean falafel). Other popular dishes are Mulukhiyah (jute leaf stew), various grilled meats like Kofta and Kebab, falafel, koshari, and basbous, and Mahshi (stuffed vegetables). For sweets, there’s Om Ali (bread pudding) and Basbousa (semolina cake). Or you can go on a Cairo food tour
Try also some of the traditional drinks: Shai (Egyptian Tea), Kerfa (Cinnamon Tea), Sahlab, Sobia, Qamar al-Din or Sugarcane Juice (Asab)
Remember these tips:
Ask for prices before, and keep in mind that 100 EGP (local currency Egyptian Pound) = ~ 2$.
Smaller notes (5, 10, 20) are handy for tips and small purchases.
ATMs are widely available and usually offer better rates than currency exchange booths.
Avoid exchanging at airports or hotels—they often have less favorable rates
Taxis are common, but always negotiate the fare upfront, or use uber.
Cairo’s metro is affordable and efficient, though crowded during peak hours
October to April offers cooler weather, ideal for sightseeing.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
In the meantime explore this map and see if we forgot any important landmark:
