Cairo Travel Guide 2026: Best Time to Visit, Top Things to Do, Costs & Tips

Cairo (Kairo), the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world, is a sprawling, chaotic and utterly fascinating metropolis on the banks of the Nile. Over 1,000 years of history are layered in its streets: medieval mosques and madrasas in Islamic Cairo, ancient churches in Coptic Cairo, the bustling bazaar of Khan el-Khalili and the elegant belle-époque buildings of downtown. Just outside the city, the Pyramids of Giza and the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum, which fully opened in November 2025, make Cairo the essential starting point for any trip to Egypt. Add felucca rides on the Nile, rooftop cafés and some of the best street food in the Middle East, and Cairo becomes unforgettable. This Cairo travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top places to see, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, visa rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Cairo

Cairo has a hot desert climate with very little rain.

Autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April) are the best times to visit, with temperatures of 22–30°C, ideal for sightseeing.

Winter (December–February) is mild and sunny by day (18–22°C) but cool at night. It's the peak tourist season, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Summer (May–September) is very hot, often 35–40°C. Sightseeing is best early in the morning, but hotel prices are lower.

Ramadan: In 2027, Ramadan is expected to fall in February–March. Many restaurants close during the day, but evenings are festive, with lanterns and late-night meals. Opening hours of sites may be shorter.

Top Places to Visit in Cairo

1. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

The world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation, located near the Giza Pyramids, opened fully on 1 November 2025. For the first time, the complete treasure of Tutankhamun, more than 5,000 objects, including his golden mask, is displayed together. Highlights also include the colossal statue of Ramesses II in the atrium and the grand staircase lined with pharaonic statues. Tickets must be bought online in advance, with foreign adult tickets costing around 1,450–1,700 EGP.

Booking tip: Book tickets or a guided tour in advance to skip the queues. Book Grand Egyptian Museum tickets on GetYourGuide

2. Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

The last surviving wonder of the ancient world, about 20 km from central Cairo. See the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx. Arrive early to avoid heat and crowds.

Booking tip: Book tickets or a guided tour in advance to skip the queues. Book Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx on GetYourGuide

3. Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square)

The historic pink museum on Tahrir Square still holds an enormous collection of antiquities, including the Yuya and Tjuyu treasures and many royal statues, though Tutankhamun's treasures have moved to the GEM.

Booking tip: Book tickets or a guided tour in advance to skip the queues. Book Egyptian Museum tickets on GetYourGuide

4. Khan el-Khalili

One of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East, a maze of alleys selling spices, lanterns, perfumes, jewellery and souvenirs. Stop for tea at El Fishawy, a café open since 1773.

Booking tip: Book tickets or a guided tour in advance to skip the queues. Book Khan el-Khalili on GetYourGuide

5. Islamic Cairo and Al-Muizz Street

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with the greatest concentration of medieval Islamic architecture in the world. Walk along Al-Muizz Street, visit the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and the Bab Zuweila gate, and climb its minarets for views.

Booking tip: Book tickets or a guided tour in advance to skip the queues. Book Islamic Cairo and Al-Muizz Street on GetYourGuide

6. Cairo Citadel

The Saladin Citadel dominates the skyline, home to the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (the Alabaster Mosque) with panoramic views over Cairo.

Booking tip: Book tickets or a guided tour in advance to skip the queues. Book Cairo Citadel on GetYourGuide

7. Coptic Cairo

Visit the Hanging Church, the Church of St Sergius and Bacchus (where the Holy Family is said to have rested), the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum.

Booking tip: Book tickets or a guided tour in advance to skip the queues. Book Coptic Cairo on GetYourGuide

Also worth visiting: Al-Azhar Park, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) with the royal mummies, Cairo Tower, the Nilometer on Roda Island, Zamalek district and a sunset felucca ride on the Nile.

Beyond Cairo

• Saqqara: The Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt's oldest pyramid.
• Dahshur: The Bent and Red Pyramids, often without crowds.
• Memphis: The ancient capital with a colossal statue of Ramesses II.
• Alexandria: Mediterranean city with the Library and Qaitbay Citadel, about 3 hours away.
• Fayoum: Wadi El-Rayan waterfalls and Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley), a UNESCO site.

Suggested 4-Day Cairo Itinerary

Day 1 – Giza and the GEM: Visit the Pyramids and Sphinx at opening time, then spend the afternoon at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Day 2 – Islamic Cairo: Explore the Citadel, the Sultan Hassan Mosque, Al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili, then watch sunset from Al-Azhar Park.

Day 3 – Coptic Cairo and mummies: Visit Coptic Cairo and the NMEC to see the royal mummies, then take a sunset felucca on the Nile.

Day 4 – Saqqara and Dahshur: Discover the oldest pyramids in Egypt.

Cairo Food Scene

Cairo is a paradise for street food. Try koshari (rice, lentils, pasta and spicy tomato sauce), ful medames (stewed fava beans), ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel made with fava beans), feteer (flaky pastry), molokhia (green soup) and hawawshi (spiced meat in bread). For dessert, try om ali (bread pudding) and basbousa, and drink fresh sugarcane juice or mint tea.

Where to Stay in Cairo

• Giza (near the Pyramids): Hotels with pyramid views, close to the GEM.
• Zamalek: An upscale island district with cafés, embassies and Nile views.
• Downtown: Budget hotels near Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum.
• Garden City and the Corniche: Luxury hotels on the Nile.
• Heliopolis and New Cairo: Convenient for the airport.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Cairo here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Cairo

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is Egypt's main hub and the base of EgyptAir, with flights from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Sphinx International Airport (SPX), west of Giza, serves some flights and is closer to the Pyramids. Search and compare cheap flights to Cairo to find the best fares. Regional conflicts can occasionally cause airspace restrictions and rerouting, so check with your airline.

By Train

Trains connect Cairo with Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan, including sleeper trains to Upper Egypt.

Getting Around Cairo

• Uber and Careem: The easiest and safest way to get around.
• Cairo Metro: Cheap and efficient, with women-only carriages.
• Taxis: Agree on the fare in advance.
• Nile taxis: Small boats along the river.
• Traffic: Cairo's traffic is notoriously heavy; allow extra time.

Travel Costs in Cairo

Egypt is very affordable for visitors, though entrance fees for major sites have increased. Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP).

Visa & Entry Requirements

• e-Visa: Many nationalities, including EU, UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens, can apply online through the official portal. Since 1 March 2026, a single-entry tourist visa costs US$30 (multiple-entry US$65), allowing stays of up to 30 days.
• Visa on arrival: Also available at Cairo Airport for eligible nationalities for US$30, payable in cash (US dollars or euros).
• Passport validity: At least 6 months beyond arrival.

Always check the official Egyptian e-Visa portal and your government's travel advice before departure.

Local Tips for Cairo

• Safety: The US advises Level 2 ("exercise increased caution") for Egypt. Cairo's tourist areas are generally safe, but avoid demonstrations. Governments advise against travel to North Sinai and areas near the Libyan border.
• Touts and scams: Be firm with touts at the Pyramids and bazaars; agree on prices in advance.
• Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees, especially in mosques; women should bring a scarf.
• Tipping (baksheesh): Expected for most services; carry small notes.
• Water: Drink bottled water only.
• Fridays: The Muslim day of prayer; some sites and shops have reduced hours.
• Staying connected: Local SIMs (Vodafone, Orange, e&) are cheap and available at the airport, or use a travel eSIM. Get your Egypt eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Pyramids and GEM guided tour: With an Egyptologist guide.
• Islamic Cairo walking tour: Discover medieval mosques and bazaars.
• Felucca sunset cruise: Sail on the Nile.
• Street food tour: Taste koshari, ta'ameya and sweets.
• Saqqara and Dahshur day trip: See the oldest pyramids.

Browse and book the best tours in Cairo here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Egypt & Cairo

How do I get to Egypt?
Direct flights connect Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh with several European cities, with a flight time of about 4 to 5 hours. The visa is straightforward for most travellers, available online as an e-visa or directly on arrival at the airport.

What language is spoken in Egypt?
Arabic is Egypt's official language. English is generally well understood in hotels, tourist areas and organised excursions, though much less so in rural regions away from tourist centres.

Is Cairo safe for tourists in 2026?
Cairo's tourist areas are generally safe, but exercise increased caution, avoid demonstrations and check your government's advice.

Is the Grand Egyptian Museum open?
Yes. It fully opened on 1 November 2025. Tickets must be bought online.

How much is the Egypt visa in 2026?
US$30 for a single-entry tourist visa since 1 March 2026.

How many days do you need in Cairo?
Three to four days to see the Pyramids, GEM and historic Cairo.

What is the best time to visit Cairo?
October–November and March–April.

Cairo's layered history, from the Pyramids to the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum, medieval bazaars and Nile sunsets, makes it one of the world's most essential and rewarding capitals — book the GEM and Pyramids in advance, then lose an afternoon in Khan el-Khalili.