Things to Do in Cairo

About Cairo

Where the eternal Nile flows past towering minarets and ancient pyramids pierce the desert sky, Cairo pulses with an energy that bridges five millennia. This is a city where the call to prayer echoes across neighborhoods where pharaohs once walked, where the aroma of freshly ground spices mingles with exhaust fumes in bustling bazaars, and where every cobblestone seems to whisper tales of empires risen and fallen. In the labyrinthine alleys of Islamic Cairo, craftsmen hammer copper as their ancestors did centuries ago, while modern cafés spill onto sidewalks where locals debate politics over strong tea and backgammon. The golden hour transforms this chaotic metropolis into something magical—dust motes dance in cathedral-like shafts of light streaming through mosque windows, and the pyramids glow amber against the endless desert. Cairo doesn't just contain history; it breathes it, lives it, and invites you to become part of its continuing story.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use Uber or Careem for reliable rides with fixed pricing, avoiding taxi negotiations. The Cairo Metro is efficient and cheap (5-7 EGP) but can be extremely crowded. Download offline maps as GPS can be unreliable in dense neighborhoods. Always carry cash for microbuses and shared taxis.

Money: Egyptian pounds (EGP) are essential—many places don't accept cards. Exchange money at banks or authorized dealers, never street vendors. Keep small bills (5-20 EGP) for tips and vendors. ATMs are widespread but may charge high fees; Banque Misr and CIB have lower charges.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques—long pants and sleeves, women should carry a headscarf. Remove shoes before entering prayer areas. During Ramadan, avoid eating/drinking publicly during daylight hours. Friday prayers (11:30am-1:30pm) mean some areas become very crowded.

Food Safety: Eat where locals eat—busy street stalls with high turnover are safest. Avoid raw vegetables and tap water; bottled water is cheap and widely available. Try ful medames and koshari from popular local spots. Avoid dairy products from street vendors during hot weather.

When to Visit

Cairo's optimal visiting window spans October through April, when temperatures range from comfortable 15-25°C (59-77°F), making pyramid exploration and walking tours pleasant. December through February brings cooler weather (10-20°C/50-68°F) with occasional rain—perfect for sightseeing but pack layers for chilly evenings. March and April offer ideal conditions with warm days (20-28°C/68-82°F) and minimal rainfall. Peak season (December-March) sees hotel prices surge 40-60% higher, while October-November and April offer sweet spots with 20-30% savings and fewer crowds. Summer (May-September) brings scorching heat (30-40°C/86-104°F) and is best avoided unless you're comfortable with extreme temperatures, though accommodation costs drop by 40-50%. Cultural calendar highlights include Ramadan (dates vary annually), when the city takes on a special evening energy but daytime activities are limited. Coptic Christmas (January 7) and Islamic New Year create festive atmospheres. The Cairo International Film Festival (November) and the spring Sham el-Nessim celebration (April/May) add cultural richness. Budget travelers should target May or September for lower prices despite heat, while families with children should stick to December-February. Photography enthusiasts will love the golden light and clear skies of October-November and March-April.