Pyramids of Giza and the SphinxAttraction
Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
The last surviving wonder of the ancient world: three great pyramids and the Sphinx on the desert edge.
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Things to do in Cairo
Compare tickets, tours, transfers, hotels and flights for Cairo in one place, and see who provides each one before you book.
Photo: KennyOMG, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
AirportsCairo International (CAI), Sphinx International (SPX)
Getting aroundRide apps, taxis and the metro
CurrencyEgyptian pound (EGP)
Best monthsOctober to April
Cairo in brief
Cairo is one of the largest cities in Africa, stretched along the Nile. The pyramids stand at Giza, on its western edge, where the desert begins.
Beside them, the Grand Egyptian Museum holds the treasures of Tutankhamun. Across the river lie the mosques and bazaars of medieval Islamic Cairo and the churches of the old Coptic quarter.
Traffic is heavy at all hours. Plan one part of the city per day, start early and allow more time than the map suggests.
Top attractions in Cairo
Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.
Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Grand Egyptian MuseumAttraction
Grand Egyptian Museum
A vast new museum near the pyramids, with the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. Entry is by timed ticket.
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Islamic Cairo and Khan el-KhaliliAttraction
Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili
Medieval mosques, gates and houses around the city’s great bazaar.
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Saqqara and the Step PyramidAttraction
Saqqara and the Step Pyramid
The oldest stone pyramid in Egypt, with painted tombs around it, south of Giza.
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Cairo CitadelAttraction
Cairo Citadel
Saladin’s hilltop fortress, crowned by the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with views over the city.
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Coptic CairoAttraction
Coptic Cairo
The old Christian quarter, with ancient churches, a synagogue and the Coptic Museum.
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Photo: Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx — Slyronit (CC BY-SA 4.0); Grand Egyptian Museum — Ibrahim.ID (Public domain); Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili — Viator (); Saqqara and the Step Pyramid — Wknight94 talk (CC BY-SA 3.0); Cairo Citadel — Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 3.0); Coptic Cairo — Ovedc (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Tours and day trips
Guided tours, day trips and experiences, with photos, reviews and prices.
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More tours and experiences
4 Days Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon
★ 4.7 (692) · 96 h
From$229
Private Tour to Whales Valley & Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls in El Fayoum from Cairo
★ 4.7 (170) · 10 h
From$100
Getting there and around
Airport transfer from Cairo International Airport (CAI)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel. Alternatives are ride apps or the official airport taxis.
Trains and flights from CairoTrains reach Alexandria in about three hours. Flights to Luxor and Aswan take about an hour, and sleeper trains run overnight.
Car rentalNot recommended. Traffic is dense and unpredictable, and a car with a driver is the usual choice.
Flights
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Where to stay
Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.
1
Giza
Close to the pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, with pyramid views from many hotels.
2
Downtown
The centre around Tahrir Square, with older hotels, cafés and the metro.
3
Zamalek
A leafy island in the Nile, with restaurants, galleries and quieter streets.
4
Garden City
Large riverside hotels along the Nile, south of the centre.
Hotels in Cairo with live prices
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Cairo day by day
- Day 1: The pyramids and the museumThe Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx early in the morning, then the Grand Egyptian Museum in the afternoon.
- Day 2: Islamic CairoThe Citadel in the morning, the great mosques below it, then Khan el-Khalili towards evening.
- Day 3: Saqqara and Coptic CairoSaqqara and the Step Pyramid in the morning, Coptic Cairo in the afternoon, then a cruise on the Nile.
- With a fourth dayTake a day trip to Alexandria.
Local tips
- Start early. The pyramids are cooler and quieter in the first hours of the day.
- At the pyramids, agree the price before any camel or horse ride, and feel free to say no.
- Use ride apps for getting around. They show the fare before you set off.
- Carry small notes. Tips are expected for many small services.
- Drink bottled water, and carry some with you at the open-air sites.
Before you go
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
Everything for Cairo
Ten services for the trip, all in one place.
Travel guide
Cairo is best from October to April, and 3 to 4 days covers the Pyramids, museums and the old city. Traffic is heavy, and the airport has no metro link, so taxis and apps are the usual way in.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Cairo?
October to April is warm and dry, with cool nights in winter. Summer is very hot.
How many days do I need in Cairo?
Three full days cover the main sights. Many visitors then travel on to Luxor and Aswan.
Should I book the Grand Egyptian Museum ahead?
Yes. Tickets are sold online for a set time, and busy days sell out.
How do I get from the airport to the centre?
From Cairo International, ride apps and official airport taxis run to the city. The drive takes from forty-five minutes to well over an hour, depending on traffic. Pre-booked transfers are also available.
Can I go inside the pyramids?
Yes, with an extra ticket. The passages are steep, low and hot, so the climb does not suit everyone.