Cairo - القاهرة

The City of a Thousand Minarets

Cairo, the sprawling capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world, is home to over 20 million people. Founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid dynasty, Cairo (Al-Qahira - "The Victorious") sits on the Nile River and serves as Egypt's political, cultural, and economic heart. The city is a fascinating blend of ancient pharaonic monuments, medieval Islamic architecture, and bustling modern metropolis.

From the nearby Giza Pyramids (technically in Giza Governorate but part of Greater Cairo) to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, from the treasure-filled Egyptian Museum to the labyrinthine Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Cairo offers more ancient wonders and cultural experiences than almost any city on Earth.

Quick Facts

• Population: ~20 million (Greater Cairo)
• Founded: 969 CE (Fatimid dynasty), but area inhabited since pharaonic times
• Location: Nile River Delta, Lower Egypt
• Climate: Hot desert climate, winter 9-22°C, summer 22-38°C
• Best Time to Visit: November-March (pleasant weather)
• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
• Language: Egyptian Arabic, English in tourist areas

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit the Pyramids: See the last Ancient Wonder - absolutely essential!
• Explore GEM: World's greatest archaeology museum, recently opened
• Bargain at Khan el-Khalili: Experience Egyptian market culture
• Take a Nile Dinner Cruise: Floating restaurant with belly dancing
• Walk Islamic Cairo: Medieval mosques and atmospheric streets
• Taste Koshari: Egypt's national dish at Koshary Abu Tarek
• Visit Coptic Cairo: Ancient Christian heritage
• Sip Tea at El Fishawy: 250-year-old historic cafe
• Ride Cairo Metro: Africa's first metro, fast and cheap
• Watch Sunset from Cairo Tower: 360-degree city views

⛵ Book Nile Cruise

Where to Stay

• Giza (Pyramid View): Mena House, Marriott Mena House
• Zamalek (Upscale): Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Sofitel
• Downtown (Budget): Tahrir Plaza Suites, hostels
• Garden City: Kempinski Nile, Nile-view hotels

Getting Around

• Uber/Careem: Most convenient (EGP 30-150 typical ride)
• Cairo Metro: 3 lines, very cheap (EGP 5-15)
• Taxis: White taxis (negotiate first) or Uber
• Private Driver: EGP 500-1,000/day for tours

Best Time to Visit

• November-March: Perfect weather 15-25°C
• April-May: Warm, Khamsin sandstorms possible
• June-September: Very hot 30-40°C, lowest prices

Essential Tips for Cairo

• Arrive Early: Major sites (Pyramids, GEM) best visited 8-10 AM
• Use Uber: Avoid taxi scams, fixed pricing
• Drink Bottled Water: Never tap water
• Dress Modestly: Shoulders/knees covered, especially in mosques
• Bargain Hard: In markets, expect to pay 40-50% of asking price
• Watch for Scams: Unofficial "guides" at tourist sites
• Traffic: Allow extra time (Cairo traffic is infamous)
• Pollution: Can be significant, especially summer

Recommended Duration

• Minimum: 2-3 days (Pyramids, GEM, Egyptian Museum)
• Ideal: 4-5 days (includes Islamic Cairo, Saqqara, relaxed pace)
• Extended: 6-7 days (all sites, day trips, deeper exploration)

Where to Eat

• Koshary Abu Tarek: Best koshari in Egypt (Downtown)
• Abou El Sid: Upscale traditional Egyptian (Zamalek)
• Sequoia: Mediterranean, stunning Nile views (Zamalek)
• Zooba: Modern Egyptian street food (multiple locations)
• El Fishawy Cafe: Historic cafe in Khan el-Khalili (since 1773)

Safety

• Tourist areas generally safe with heavy security
• Pickpocketing exists in crowded areas - watch belongings
• Women: Dress modestly, expect some catcalls (ignore)
• Avoid political demonstrations
• Tourist Police available (dial 126)

Money

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
• Exchange: Airport, banks, exchange offices (best rates)
• ATMs: Widely available, withdraw as needed
• Cash Needed: For markets, taxis, street food
• Cards: Accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants