Destination Guide

Cairo, Egypt

Travelling to Cairo is for the traveller that is serious about experiencing the greatest places on earth. Very few cities can boast that they have the same level of historical significance. Even before Cairo was formally established, the land it sits on saw pharaohs, empire and war. Its proximity to the fertile Nile River has been attracting civilization for thousands of years.

Today, Cairo is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city on the African continent. It is bursting with people from numerous backgrounds and traditions. Egypt refuses to identify itself only with Africa or the Middle East. The Egyptians have long been acknowledged as one of the most advanced societies in history with their affinity for art, engineering, and science. Their ancient customs and traditions have fascinated the world for thousands of years.

Visitors to Cairo won't leave disappointed. The ancient Pyramids are as breathtaking today as they were when they were first built and the city of Cairo is as lively today as it's always been. A trip to Cairo feels like stepping into a history book!

Getting in and around Cairo

Cairo Airport

Cairo International Airport is the major airport in Cairo and is frequented by many of the major airlines. However, the airport is located on the edge of the city and getting to the city's centre can be a challenge. Negotiating fees with cab drivers is difficult if you don't speak Arabic but it can be done. There are also express buses that travel to and from Alexandria during the daylight hours.

Cairo Transport

Getting around Cairo is relatively easy as Cairo has one of the most advanced metro systems in Africa. You can even get all the way to Giza to see the Pyramids on the metro. Taxis are also available but again, communication with Arabic-speaking drivers can be tricky if you don't speak the language.

Cairo Car Hire

Driving yourself in Cairo is not recommended as the traffic is completely overwhelming and driving laws and signals are not consistently obeyed by Egyptian drivers. However if you decide to you will find car hire available in Cairo.

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Cairo accommodation

Accommodation in Cairo ranges from the luxurious world-wide chain to the very basic hostel. Luckily, there are many wonderful quality hotels located in safe neighbourhoods just a few easy steps away from many of the must-see Cairo attractions. Travellers on a budget can still find quality accommodation for a fairly reasonable price.

Luxury
Mid-range
  • The Windsor Hotel is conveniently located in one of Cairo's most active neighbourhoods and just minutes away from prime attractions.
  • Ramses Hilton For a guaranteed comfortable stay, you can't beat the Ramses Hilton located in the convenient Midan Ramses district.
Budget
  • Hotel El Hussein is beautifully located in historic Cairo and close to main attractions.
  • Mayfair Hotel is a comfortable and recently renovated hotel that gives you everything you need and nothing you don't.
Backpackers
  • Lialy Hostel is one of the best in Cairo with clean, comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
  • King Tut Hostel is a great place to stay for budget travellers of all kinds.
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Things to do in Cairo

As one of the world's oldest and most historically significant cities, you can't imagine how much there is to see and do in this magnificent city. The Egyptians' history as one of the sophisticated cultures on earth has made art, architecture, and diversity the defining factor in Cairo's list of attractions.

  • The Pyramids at Giza. Just a few minutes outside of Cairo lies the only remaining structure among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Pyramids served as elaborate tombs for Egyptian pharaohs and are examples of sophisticated ancient engineering. They are one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.
  • The Sphinx. The Sphinx, also at Giza, is a statue of a lion with a human head that was carved from a single stone. It is one of the oldest statues in the world and the largest existing monolith in the world.
  • Al-Azhar Mosque. Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the most important mosques in the Muslim tradition and is also the site of the oldest university in the entire world.
  • Cairo Opera House. Cairo is a centre for the arts as well as history and architecture. The Cairo Opera House is one of the finest in the world. Enjoy opera as it was meant to be enjoyed in one of the world's oldest cities.
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    Day trips in and around Cairo

  • Egyptian Museum. Cairo and Egypt are hubs for historians and archaeology. Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to experience one of the world's greatest collections of Egyptian artefacts.
  • Sail the Nile River. When you come to Cairo, you must experience the river that was at the centre of the ancient world. Ride a felucca down the Nile River for a relaxing afternoon (available at the Four Seasons).
  • Khan El-Khalili. The Khan El-Khalili is an ancient marketplace with numerous shops, factories, and vendors.
  • Old Cairo. Old Cairo is a district within the city where tourists can enjoy historic buildings and traditional Egyptian architecture as well as some of the city's most popular attractions.
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