Cairo trips and vacations

No vacation 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. 

Whether you’re on a short trip 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.

El-Moez Street in Old Cairo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit during any vacation 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 El-Khalili market, sip mint tea at El Fishawy Cafe (open since 1771) and admire city vistas from the Bab Zuweila gate.

Located on Gezira Island, Zamalek is one of the best areas to stay in Cairo for Nile river views. An affluent neighborhood, it’s packed with galleries, restaurants, boutiques and river-facing palaces. Admire the cityscape from Cairo Tower, and steal a quiet moment in the Aquarium Grotto Garden. At night catch a concert at the Cairo Opera House or indulge in sugarcane juice cocktails at Abou El Sid.

Good for: Galleries, restaurants, green spaces

It’s all about culture and 19th-century architecture in bustling Downtown Cairo, the capital’s commercial center and home to some of the city’s most famous sights. Admire the artifacts at The Egyptian Museum in El-Tahrir Square, stroll through the Baehler Passage, and grab lunch at Felfela. Crowded and bursting with life, this is a great area to stay for first-time visitors.

Good for: History, museums, shopping

The historic suburb of Heliopolis is defined by its blend of modern and traditional architecture, with beautiful gardens, elegant boulevards and a plethora of upscale boutiques and cafes. Visit the Baron Empain Palace and enjoy tea outside the Aswan Cafe. With its proximity to the city’s international airport, Heliopolis is where to stay in Cairo for convenient travel.

Good for: Architecture, green spaces, upscale shopping

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 snorkeling among the coral reefs. 

With an abundance of ‘souks’ (markets), bazaars and excellent malls, shopping in Cairo is second to none. Make a beeline for Zamalek, where boutiques specialize 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.

Once you’ve picked over the Egyptian Museum’s massive collection of ancient artifacts, 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.

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.

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.

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.