Cairo holidays
A bucket-list must for history buffs, the largest city in the Arab world sits at the crossroads of antiquity and modernity. A holiday to Cairo invites you to walk in the footsteps of pharaohs, sail down the Nile and hone your bartering skills at a 600-year-old bazaar. Need an escape from the heat? The gentle waves and coral reefs of the Red Sea are a short trip away.
Cairo holiday highlights
Panayis Chrysovergis
Ancient wonders
No holiday to Cairo is complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Be aware that there’s a fee to access the Giza complex and additional costs to enter the pyramids. Book a tour or a local guide in advance and plan to spend at least four to five hours exploring the area to get the most out of your visit.
Nile adventures
Whether you’re on a short break to Cairo or enjoying a longer stay, don’t miss exploring the Nile on a ‘felucca’, a traditional Egyptian sailboat. Trips typically last a few hours with the option to add dining experiences. Or bring along a picnic and watch an unbeatable sunset as you sail down the river.
A walk through history
El-Moez Street in Old Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit during any holiday to Cairo. Visit the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan and the Cairo Citadel, home to Egypt’s rulers for 700 years. Lose yourself in the Khan Al Khalili Market, sip mint tea at El Fishawy Cafe (open since 1771) and admire city vistas from the Bab Zuweila gate.
Cairo: Know before you go
Language
Arabic
Currency
Egyptian pound (E£)
Time zone
UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)
High season
November – March
Low season
June – August
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Find the best time to go to Cairo
Weather in Cairo
May – October: Egypt’s desert climate has a hot season and a cold season. Summers in Cairo can get toasty, though the shoulder months of May and October, when temperatures cool down at night, are more pleasant. The city also sees little rainfall, but the Nile keeps things humid, especially between June and August.
November – April: The cold season is fairly mild and warm. October to December are the most popular months to visit the city. If you don’t mind braving the crowds, you’ll enjoy high daily temperatures averaging between 21 and 30°C and cooling evening breezes. Be aware that Cairo can experience sandstorms between March and May.
Events in Cairo
Sham El-Nessim (April or May): Held on Orthodox Easter Monday, this ancient spring festival dates back more than 4,500 years. Picnic in the parks with locals, and try the traditional ‘feseekh’ (fermented mullet).
Wafaa el-Nil (August): This nationwide event celebrates the Nile and its role in Egyptian life. The two-week-long festival includes processions of boats decorated in flowers and lanterns, storytelling and traditional music and dance.
Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival (October to November): Showcasing Egypt’s contemporary art scene, D-CAF takes over Cairo’s downtown for three weeks each year. Expect performance pieces, visual art installations and workshops in the city’s historic buildings.
The best neighbourhoods in Cairo
Things to do in Cairo
Panayis Chrysovergis
Beaches
While you won’t find any beaches in Cairo itself, you can get your seaside fix in Ain Sokhna, less than two hours away from the capital. Sitting on the Red Sea’s Gulf of Suez, it’s ideal for a day trip. Expect peaceful sands, dolphin pod sightings and excellent snorkelling among the coral reefs.
Shopping
With an abundance of ‘souks’ (markets), bazaars and excellent malls, shopping in Cairo is second to none. Make a beeline for Zamalek, where boutiques specialise in handicrafts and artisan goods, or explore the labyrinthine streets of Khan El-Khalili and its famous gold and spice markets. Need to escape the heat? Look no further than Heliopolis’ huge Citystars Mall.
Take in the culture
Once you’ve picked over the Egyptian Museum’s massive collection of ancient artefacts, explore some of the other museums in Cairo too. Head to Old Cairo for the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Abdeen Palace. For something totally different, stop by the Umm Kulthum Museum in Old Cairo, dedicated to Egypt’s most famous singer.
Nightlife
Despite the city’s strict alcohol regulations, there’s still a thriving nightlife in Cairo. If you are looking for a budget-friendly night out, you’ll appreciate the ‘baladi’ (local) bars serving beers and bites downtown. For a more typically Western nightlife experience, check out the scene in Zamalek’s hotel bars and rooftop cocktail lounges.
Places to eat
Between sightseeing adventures, refuel at one of the many street food stalls and restaurants in Cairo. Head downtown to Abou Tarek for ‘koshary’, Egypt’s national dish of lentils, pasta and rice. Or explore Zamalek’s wide choice of traditional and international restaurants. The Maadi area is also known for its dining scene, tempting visitors with family-run eateries, bakeries and hipster coffee spots.
Free things to do
Visit the Hanging Church in the Coptic Cairo area (part of Old Cairo) or admire contemporary art exhibitions at the Zamalek Art Gallery and the Aisha Fahmy Palace. Other free things to do in Cairo include the Al Azhar Mosque and Mosque of Ibn Tulun. But remember to dress modestly when visiting places of religious worship.
Plan your holiday to Cairo
FAQs about Cairo holidays
The warmest month in Cairo is July, when temperatures peak at 40ºC (104ºF).
The airline you pick, where you depart from, and the timing of your trip can impact the cost of a city break in Cairo. Prices for Cairo flights and hotels can vary widely, but planning in advance and keeping your travel dates flexible can help you save.
Around here, you'll mostly hear Arabic. Mastering a few local expressions can be an easy way to start conversations and connect with others during your city break in Cairo.
Organise your Cairo holiday for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. 8ºC (46ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
You can check most things off your sightseeing to-do list on a short break to Cairo, but we recommend at least three to four days to fully immerse yourself in the city’s history and culture.
The rainiest month is March, which gets an average rainfall of 0.2 inch. But don't let that take the shine off your Cairo trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like indulging in retail therapy, visiting an art gallery, or checking out cosy cafes.
Holidays to Cairo are generally safe, provided you take the necessary precautions. As in most large cities, petty crime and scams do sometimes occur, and Cairo’s notorious traffic means additional care is needed when crossing the road. For the latest updates on Cairo’s political situation, we recommend checking governmental websites ahead of travel.
Weather-wise, we recommend planning a holiday to Cairo between November and February for mild temperatures. If you don’t mind the heat, however, June to August is the low season for tourists, meaning you’ll experience Cairo’s attractions without the crowds.
The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, having some cash on hand during your trip to Cairo will be useful.
Whether you're just getting started or returning for more, this city knows how to leave you wanting more. If exploring attractions is on your list of things to do in Cairo, you'll want to include giza pyramids and Egyptian Museum.
More holiday inspiration
How to get cheap last-minute flights
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Plan your holiday to Cairo
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