Things to Do in Cairo

About Cairo

Cairo arrives in a haze of diesel fumes and dust that coats the back of your throat before you’ve left the terminal. This is a city of layered noise: the five-times-daily call to prayer echoing from the minaret of Al-Azhar Mosque, the incessant, percussive honking of Peugeot taxis gridlocked on the 26th of July Corridor, and the quiet, rhythmic slap of flip-flops on the stone floors of Khan el-Khalili’s 14th-century market. The Pyramids of Giza, visible from the highway like a mirage, share a skyline with the half-finished concrete apartment blocks of Mohandessin, where the city’s youth sip mint tea in 24-hour ahwas (coffeehouses) that spill onto the sidewalk. You’ll get lost in the medieval warren of Islamic Cairo, where the scent of sandalwood from a perfume merchant’s shop gives way to the sweet, cloying smell of sugarcane juice being pressed on the next corner. A plate of koshary—Egypt’s national dish of lentils, pasta, rice, and fried onions—from Abou Tarek costs EGP 35 ($1.10), and it’s a better, more honest meal than anything served on a white tablecloth in Zamalek. The traffic is biblical, the summer heat will flatten you, and the constant negotiation can wear you down. But stand on the Qasr al-Nil Bridge at dusk, watch the feluccas drift by as the city’s million lights blink on, and you’ll understand why Cairenes call it Umm al-Dunya—the mother of the world.

Travel Tips

Transportation: The Metro is your lifeline—it’s clean, cheap, and the only thing that moves predictably in Cairo. A single journey costs EGP 10 ($0.30), and the Red Line will get you from Ramses Station to Giza in 30 air-conditioned minutes, bypassing two hours of traffic. Download the 'Cairo Metro' app for a map; it’s surprisingly reliable. Avoid hailing black-and-white taxis off the street unless you’re prepared for a lengthy fare negotiation. Instead, use Uber or Careem—the price is locked in, and the driver’s route is tracked. A ride from Downtown to the Pyramids should run about EGP 150-200 ($4.70-$6.25). One insider trick: for short hops, use a tuk-tuk (the three-wheeled auto-rickshaws). They’re not officially sanctioned, but they’ll weave through traffic no car can touch. Agree on the price before you get in; EGP 20 ($0.60) is fair for most trips under 2km.

Money: Cash is still king in Cairo, and Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are essential for markets, street food, and taxis. ATMs are everywhere, but withdrawal fees can be high; it’s often cheaper to bring USD or EUR and exchange at a bank or a reputable exchange office like ‘Banque Misr’ in Downtown. You’ll get a better rate for larger bills ($50, $100). A solid meal at a local eatery like Koshary El Tahrir runs EGP 40-60 ($1.25-$1.90), while a fancier dinner in Zamalek might be EGP 400-600 ($12.50-$18.75). Major hotels and upscale restaurants accept cards, but always carry a few hundred pounds in small denominations for tips, water, and incidentals. The biggest pitfall is being quoted prices in ‘dollars’ at tourist sites—insist on paying in Egyptian Pounds. It tends to work out cheaper.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly. This isn’t about strict religious law, but about respect and minimizing unwanted attention. For everyone, that means covering shoulders and knees. Loose, breathable fabrics are your friend in the heat. When visiting mosques, women should carry a scarf to cover their hair (and both genders will need to remove shoes). A simple ‘shukran’ (thank you) goes a long way. Photography is a minefield. It’s generally fine in public spaces, but always ask permission before photographing people, especially women. At museums and some historical sites (like inside the Pyramids), photography is often prohibited—look for signs or ask. The rule of thumb: if there’s a guard nearby, they’ll likely expect a small ‘baksheesh’ (tip) of EGP 10-20 ($0.30-$0.60) to let you take a picture, even if it’s technically allowed. It’s an ingrained system; just factor it into your budget.

Food Safety: Eat where the locals eat. The busiest street cart with a constant line is your safest bet—the high turnover means nothing sits around. Stick to cooked foods: falafel fresh from the fryer, shawarma meat shaved off the rotating spit, and koshary assembled to order. A legendary fuul (fava bean) breakfast from Gad in Downtown Cairo costs about EGP 25 ($0.80) and is a rite of passage. Be cautious with fresh salads and unpeeled fruits from street vendors, as they may have been washed in tap water. Drink only bottled water (a 1.5L bottle costs EGP 10 / $0.30) and use it for brushing teeth. For dairy, packaged is safest. One insider move: the fresh sugarcane juice stalls are generally safe—the sugar content is so high it’s somewhat preservative—and a tall, ice-cold glass for EGP 15 ($0.45) is the best way to beat the afternoon heat.

When to Visit

Choosing when to visit Cairo is a negotiation with the sun. The sweet spot is late autumn through early spring: October to April. Daytime temperatures in November hover around a pleasant 25°C (77°F), nights are cool, and the haze over the city tends to lift, offering those postcard-perfect views of the Pyramids. This is also peak season, so hotel prices in areas like Giza and Zamalek can be 40-50% higher, and sites like the Egyptian Museum get crowded by mid-morning. For better deals and thinner crowds with still-manageable heat, target the shoulder months of March-April or October. March sees daytime temps around 28°C (82°F), but be prepared for the occasional khamsin sandstorm that can blow in from the desert, coating everything in a fine, orange dust. Summer (May-September) is punishing. July and August highs regularly hit 38-42°C (100-108°F), and the humidity from the Nile makes it feel even hotter. Sightseeing between 11 AM and 4 PM becomes a serious endurance test. However, this is when flight and hotel deals are deepest, with prices sometimes dropping by 60%. If you can handle the heat—planning major outdoor visits for early morning and retreating to a pool or museum in the afternoon—it might actually be worth it. Major cultural events to consider: Ramadan (dates shift yearly) transforms the city’s rhythm; everything slows during the day, then erupts into festive energy after sunset. While some find museums and shops keep shorter hours, the nightly iftar feasts are spectacular. The Cairo International Film Festival in late November/early December brings a different, glamorous energy to the city.