Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0 · source
Lower Egypt

Cairo

The pulsing capital of the pharaohs

Verified by our Egypt team Best time to visit: October – April CAI — Cairo International

Destination snapshot

Quick facts

Best time to visit
October – April
Recommended stay
2 – 4 nights
Airport
CAI — Cairo International
Weather
Warm winters, hot dry summers
Currency
EGP (Egyptian Pound)
Languages
Arabic · English widely spoken
Timezone
GMT+2 (EET)
Family friendly
5/5
Luxury rating
5/5

Why visit Cairo

From the last surviving wonder of the ancient world to the labyrinth of Khan El Khalili bazaar, Cairo is where Egypt's 5,000-year story begins.

Top attractions

1

Great Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx

2

Grand Egyptian Museum

3

Islamic & Coptic Cairo

4

Khan El Khalili bazaar

5

Felucca sail on the Nile

Things to do — Cairo

  1. 1

    Tour the pyramids at sunrise

  2. 2

    Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum

  3. 3

    Walk Al-Muizz street by night

  4. 4

    Dine on a Nile cruise restaurant

  5. 5

    Day trip to Saqqara & Memphis

Best experiences

Featured tours

Recommended packages

Featured packages

Recommended Nile cruises

Featured Nile cruises

Travel guide

How to get there

Most travellers arrive via Cairo (CAI), Hurghada (HRG) or Sharm El Sheikh (SSH). Domestic flights and sleeper trains connect the main sites.

Local transport

Private, air-conditioned vehicles with a licensed English-speaking driver are the safest and most comfortable option — we arrange them for every booking.

Safety

Egypt's main tourist areas are safe and heavily protected. Follow your guide's advice, keep valuables in the hotel safe and dress modestly at religious sites.

Money & payments

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. Cards work in hotels and major restaurants; keep small cash for tips, taxis and site kiosks.

Dress code

Light, breathable clothing suits Egypt's climate. Cover shoulders and knees at mosques and churches; women may bring a light scarf.

Internet & SIM

Local SIM cards (Vodafone, Orange, We) are affordable and easy to buy at the airport. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafés.

Tipping

Tipping ('baksheesh') is customary: ~10% at restaurants, a few EGP for bathroom attendants, and small notes for drivers, guides and hotel staff.

Electricity

230V / 50Hz — European two-pin (Type C / F). No adapter needed for most EU travellers.

Accessibility

Many temples have uneven ground and stairs; accessible transport and wheelchair-friendly hotels are available on request — just tell us in advance.

Local customs

Egyptians are famously warm and hospitable. A greeting of 'As-salaam alaikum' opens doors; asking permission before photographing people is appreciated.

Perfect for

Families Couples History lovers Luxury travellers Solo travellers

Itinerary ideas

1 day

Cairo

A focused day exploring the essentials of Cairo — best sights first, expert guide throughout.

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2 days

Cairo

Two comfortable days to cover Cairo at a relaxed pace — headline sights plus one hidden gem.

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3 days

Cairo

A perfect long-weekend format for Cairo — all icons, a scenic experience and one editorial-worthy meal.

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5 days

Cairo

A full immersive stay in and around Cairo — icons, local life and one nearby escape.

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Featured articles

Sailing the Nile: The Ultimate 7-Night Cruise Itinerary

nile-cruises · 11 min

Sailing the Nile: The Ultimate 7-Night Cruise Itinerary

A 7-night Nile cruise is more than a trip; it's a slow, deliberate immersion into the lifeblood of Egypt. This day-by-day guide, informed by 30 years of on-the-ground experience, details the definitive week-long journey from Luxor to Aswan and back.

3-Night vs. 4-Night Nile Cruise: A Guide's Honest Advice

nile-cruises · 11 min

3-Night vs. 4-Night Nile Cruise: A Guide's Honest Advice

It’s the classic Nile cruise dilemma. With over 30 years of experience on the river, I'll explain the real difference—it's not just one night, it's the direction, pace, and the entire feel of your journey.

Luxor Travel Guide: Inside the World's Greatest Open-Air Museum

history-culture · 14 min

Luxor Travel Guide: Inside the World's Greatest Open-Air Museum

Forget the clichés of dusty ruins. Luxor is a living, breathing chronicle of human ambition, where the temples of ancient Thebes stand not as relics, but as pillars of a city that has thrived for four millennia. This is your essential guide.

Egypt's Finest: A Guide to the Best 5-Star Hotels

luxury-egypt · 14 min

Egypt's Finest: A Guide to the Best 5-Star Hotels

From historic palaces on the Nile to contemporary resorts on the Red Sea, our expert guide navigates Egypt's legendary 5-star hotel scene. Discover where to stay for unparalleled views, service, and history.

The Art of Luxury Travel in Egypt: A Complete Guide

luxury-egypt · 14 min

The Art of Luxury Travel in Egypt: A Complete Guide

Beyond five-star hotels, true luxury in Egypt lies in seamless access, expert guidance, and curated privacy. Our guide, crafted with 30 years of on-the-ground experience, defines how to experience the timeless wonders of the Nile Valley in ultimate style and comfort.

Lake Nasser vs. Classic Nile Cruise: Which Is Right for You?

nile-cruises · 11 min

Lake Nasser vs. Classic Nile Cruise: Which Is Right for You?

One river, two vastly different journeys. We break down the temples, timelines, and onboard life of a classic Nile cruise versus a voyage on the serene waters of Lake Nasser.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Cairo?

Three full days lets you cover the pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Islamic & Coptic Cairo, and a day trip to Saqqara.

Is it safe to walk around Cairo?

Tourist areas are well-policed and safe. We always recommend a private guide for first-time visitors.

Why Book Directly with EGT Luxury Travel?

Licensed local operator

Book directly with the Egyptian company running your journey.

Tailor-made itinerary

Every quotation is built around your dates, pace and interests.

Availability checked before quote

We confirm Nile cruise cabins and hotels in real time before pricing.

Multilingual support

English · German · Russian · Bulgarian, before and during your trip.

Flexible payment by quotation

Deposit to confirm, balance later — clear terms in every quotation.

Direct local operations in Egypt

Our own team on the ground, from arrival transfer to farewell.

How Quotation Works

  1. 1

    Request Quote

  2. 2

    Receive Personal Offer

  3. 3

    Approve Your Quotation

  4. 4

    Receive Payment Instructions

  5. 5

    Travel with EGT

Nearby destinations

Location & map

CAI — Cairo InternationalOpen in Google Maps

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