Things to Do in Cairo

About Cairo

Cairo has ~20 million people crammed between the pyramids and the Nile, and you feel every single one of them. Street vendors sell knockoff perfume next to monuments that predate most civilizations, taxis lay on their horns while the call to prayer echoes overhead, and narrow alleys built in the 1300s now lead to WiFi cafes. Total chaos. Locals call it the Mother of the World. They aren't exaggerating. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar will swallow an entire afternoon if you let it—expect aggressive haggling and mint tea pushed into your hands by shopkeepers who won't take no for an answer. The Sphinx sits there with that unreadable expression, smaller than you'd expect but still unsettling. And the Nile just keeps flowing, same as it has for thousands of years, keeping this desert city alive. Cairo sits where Africa meets Asia meets the Mediterranean trade routes. You can't escape the history. Sunset turns the mosque minarets gold, dinner runs late because everything here does, and you'll walk more than you planned. The past didn't go anywhere—it just made room.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem for reliable service and fair pricing. The Cairo Metro is efficient but crowded—avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). Negotiate taxi fares before starting your journey, and always carry small bills for tips and micro-buses.

Money: Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are essential—many vendors don't accept cards. Exchange money at banks or authorized dealers for better rates than airports. Carry small denominations (5, 10, 20 EGP notes) for tips, as tipping is customary for most services.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques—cover shoulders, arms, and legs. Remove shoes before entering prayer areas. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking publicly during daylight hours. Learn basic Arabic greetings; locals appreciate the effort immensely.

Food Safety: Stick to busy restaurants with high turnover for freshest food. Avoid raw vegetables and fruits you can't peel yourself. Drink bottled water and use it for brushing teeth. Street food from popular vendors is generally safe—follow the crowds of locals.

When to Visit

Cairo's desert climate creates distinct seasons that dramatically affect both comfort and costs. October through April offers the ideal window, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F), minimal rainfall (under 5mm monthly), and crystal-clear skies perfect for pyramid exploration. December through February sees the coolest weather (10-20°C/50-68°F) but brings peak season crowds and accommodation prices 40-60% higher than off-season rates. March and April offer the sweet spot—pleasant 20-28°C (68-82°F) temperatures with moderate pricing. The scorching summer months (May-September) bring intense heat reaching 35-40°C (95-104°F), making daytime sightseeing challenging, though hotel rates drop 30-50%. Ramadan dates vary yearly but significantly impact dining and cultural experiences. Key festivals include the Cairo International Film Festival (November), Sham el-Nessim spring celebration (post-Easter Monday), and Coptic Christmas (January 7th). Budget travelers should consider late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) for moderate weather and pricing. Luxury travelers preferring cooler comfort should book December-February despite premium costs. Summer visitors can take advantage of dramatic savings but should plan early morning and evening activities, with midday refuge in air-conditioned museums and hotels.