Cairo travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

October to April has mild days and is the best period for sightseeing at the Pyramids. December to February is the busiest. Summer is very hot, often over 35 degrees, and outdoor sites are tiring after mid-morning.

During Ramadan, restaurants may close during the day, and opening hours change. Eid holidays bring crowds and local travel. Friday is the weekend day, and some sights open later after midday prayers.

How many days you need

Three days are the minimum: one for the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, one for the Grand Egyptian Museum, and one for Islamic and Coptic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili. A fourth day allows Saqqara and Dahshur.

Traffic is heavy at most times. Allow extra time between sights, and do not plan more than two big sights in a day.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is in the north-east. There is no metro or train link at the terminal. The usual options are official taxis from the ranks outside arrivals, ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem, and hotel pickup. White and yellow taxis should use the meter. Older black and white taxis have no meter, so agree the price first. A public bus is cheaper but slow.

The trip to Downtown or Zamalek takes about 30 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Pyramids hotels in Giza are on the other side of the city and can take longer. Agree the price or use an app, and ignore touts in the arrivals hall.

Getting around

Uber and Careem are the main ways for visitors to move around. The Cairo Metro is fast and cheap, has carriages for women, and is useful between Downtown, Giza and Heliopolis. It is crowded at peak hours. Lines 1, 2 and 3 are in use. The metro does not reach the airport, the Pyramids or the Grand Egyptian Museum, so finish those trips by taxi or app.

Walking is possible in Downtown, Zamalek and parts of Islamic Cairo, but pavements are uneven and traffic is heavy. Nile ferries and felucca rides are scenic.

Where to stay

Zamalek is a calm island with cafes and embassies. Downtown (Wust El-Balad) is central and historic, but noisy. Garden City is quiet and near the Nile.

Giza suits those who want to see the Pyramids early, with some hotels with views. Maadi and Heliopolis suit longer stays and are residential.

What to book in advance

The Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids is fully open, including the Tutankhamun galleries. Tickets are for a set date and time. Book only through the museum's official ticket site before you go, because slots can sell out.

At the Giza Pyramids you can buy tickets at the plateau by card machine or office, or online through the official e-ticket platform. Entry inside the Great Pyramid needs a separate ticket and is limited. Go early. Check the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for current rules. Many day trips and Nile cruises should be booked in advance in peak months.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not accept help from friendly strangers at the Pyramids who offer horse, camel or entry without a ticket. Agree the price and the route first, or avoid.

Do not enter a taxi without checking the meter or agreeing the price, or use an app. Do not take photos of military sites or bridges. Do not drink tap water.

Do not dress in a revealing way. Loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees are best, especially at mosques. Do not step on carpets with shoes in a mosque.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The currency is the Egyptian pound. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is needed for taxis, markets and small cafes. Use ATMs inside banks.

Tipping, or baksheesh, is customary for small services. Carry small notes. Plug types C and F are used, at 220 volts. Check official government sources for visa rules, which vary by nationality.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Cairo