🇪🇬 Egypt

10 best places in Cairo

Cairo is a deafening, exhilarating megacity on the Nile, where millennia-old pyramids sit alongside chaotic bazaars, shisha cafés and one of the richest museums on Earth.

Sight

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

The last surviving wonder of the ancient world, still standing on a plateau at the city's edge.

Museum

Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square

The largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb.

Market

Khan el-Khalili

A legendary 14th-century bazaar of gold, spices, carpets and narrow alleys buzzing with life.

Sight

Citadel of Salah al-Din and Mosque of Muhammad Ali

A medieval hilltop fortress with an alabaster mosque and sweeping views over Cairo.

District

Coptic Cairo

The city's oldest quarter, home to ancient churches, the Ben Ezra Synagogue and cobbled lanes.

Park

Al-Azhar Park

A manicured green oasis with views of the old city's minarets, best visited at sunset.

Café

El Fishawy

Cairo's oldest café, tucked into Khan el-Khalili and running almost nonstop since 1773.

Restaurant

Naguib Mahfouz Café

A restaurant in the heart of Khan el-Khalili, named for the Nobel laureate, serving classic Egyptian dishes.

Sight

Ibn Tulun Mosque

One of Cairo's oldest and largest mosques, a masterpiece of 9th-century early Islamic architecture.

Sight

Cairo Tower and the Corniche

An observation tower on Zamalek Island overlooking the Nile and Cairo's lively evening promenade.

FAQ

Best time to visit Cairo?

October to April, when days are warm rather than brutal and the pyramids are bearable. Summer can push past 40C, so tours shift to early morning. Spring brings the khamsin, a dusty desert wind.

How many days do you need in Cairo?

Three days: Giza and the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel with the Mohamed Ali mosque, Coptic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili. A fourth day suits Saqqara and Dahshur, which are far quieter. Traffic eats hours, so plan loosely.

Is Cairo safe?

Violent crime rarely affects visitors, but the city is loud and pushy, with touts, inflated prices and meterless taxis part of the deal. Agree a price up front or use a ride app. The genuine hazard is the traffic and crossing the street.

Can you get residency in Egypt?

Egypt grants residence permits to property owners and on employment grounds, and it runs a citizenship by investment programme with several options, from a bank deposit to real estate. Amounts and terms have been revised more than once. Verify the official requirements before transferring any money.