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Africa · Egypt

Cairo

The Pyramids, the Nile, and 5,000 years of history in one city

Best time
October to April
Language
Arabic (English in tourist areas)
Currency
EGP (Egyptian Pound)
Timezone
UTC+2
Experiences
22+ available
About Cairo

Cairo is one of the most overwhelming cities on Earth, and the Great Pyramid of Giza on the edge of town makes it immediately clear you are somewhere historically extraordinary. Beyond the pyramids, the Egyptian Museum holds treasures that took a civilisation millennia to create. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar is a maze of spices, silver, and stories. Cairo is not easy: it is loud, dusty, traffic-choked. But it is unforgettable.

Top attractions
Pyramids of Giza & SphinxEgyptian MuseumKhan el-Khalili BazaarCitadel of SaladinCoptic CairoNile Felucca cruise
Must-try food & drink
  • 01Ful medames (fava beans) for breakfast
  • 02Koshari at Abou Tarek
  • 03Shawarma in Zamalek
  • 04Umm Ali (Egyptian bread pudding) at a local restaurant
Getting around
Cairo traffic is severe, use Uber or Careem. The Metro covers central areas efficiently. Negotiate taxi fares clearly before getting in.
Local tips from travellers

Pyramid sunrise with a reputable guide is worth the early alarm and the price

Haggle at Khan el-Khalili but with humour, it is a ritual, not a battle

The Egyptian Museum overwhelms, focus your energy on the Tutankhamun room

The Coptic quarter is quiet, beautiful, and often entirely missed by visitors

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Health

The most effective jet lag recovery approach, based on chronobiology

Light exposure, not melatonin, is the most powerful tool for resetting your circadian clock.

Safety

Most travellers are underinsured - here's the minimum you actually need

A single medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$200,000. Standard travel insurance often doesn't cover it.

Editor's choice

our top pick in Cairo

Experiences

things to do in Cairo

Hand-picked tours, activities and tickets, vetted by travellers

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