Very few cities can boast that they have the same level of historical significance as Cairo. Even before Cairo was formally established, the land it sits on saw pharaohs, empires and wars. Its proximity to the fertile Nile River has been attracting civilization for thousands of years.
The Egyptians have long been acknowledged as one of the most advanced societies in history with their affinity for art, engineering and science. Their ancient customs and traditions have fascinated the world for thousands of years.
Visitors to Cairo won't leave disappointed. The ancient Pyramids are as breathtaking today as they were when they were first built and the city of Cairo is as lively today as it's always been.
Getting in and around Cairo
Cairo Airport
Cairo International Airport is the major airport in Cairo and is frequented by many of the major airlines. The airport is about 20 kilometres from the city and there are two main options for getting into the city. Buses are the cheapest, but slowest option. Taxis are faster, although be sure to use the official airport taxis.
Cairo Transport
Getting around Cairo is relatively easy with the advanced metro system. Buses, river buses and carriages are also available, as are taxis.
Cairo Car Hire
Driving yourself in Cairo is not recommended as the traffic can be overwhelming, and driving laws and signals are not consistently obeyed by drivers. However, if you decide to, you will find car hire available in Cairo.
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Cairo accommodation
Accommodation in Cairo ranges from the luxurious world-wide chains to the very basic hostel. Luckily, there are many wonderful quality hotels located in safe neighbourhoods just a few easy steps away from many of the must-see Cairo attractions. Travellers on a budget can still find quality accommodation for a fairly reasonable price.
Luxury
Marriott Mena House. A beautiful luxurious hotel in Giza that offers breathtaking views of the Pyramids.
The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza offers everything you expect from the Four Seasons name, right on the River Nile. Mena House Oberoi A beautiful luxurious hotel in Giza that offers breathtaking views of the Pyramids.
The Four Seasons Hotel in Cairo offers everything you expect from the Four Seasons name.
Mid-range
Novotel Cairo El Borg is conveniently located in one of Cairo's most active neighbourhoods and just minutes away from prime attractions.
Ramses Hilton. For a guaranteed comfortable stay, you can't beat the Ramses Hilton. The Windsor Hotel is conveniently located in one of Cairo's most active neighbourhoods and just minutes away from prime attractions.
Ramses Hilton For a guaranteed comfortable stay, you can't beat the Ramses Hilton located in the convenient Midan Ramses district.
Budget
Hotel El Hussein is beautifully located in historic Cairo and close to main attractions. Hotel El Hussein is beautifully located in historic Cairo and close to main attractions.
Mayfair Hotel is a comfortable and recently renovated hotel that gives you everything you need and nothing you don't.
Backpackers
Dahab Hostel is one of the best in Cairo with clean, comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
Freedom Hostel is a great place to stay for budget travellers of all kinds. Lialy Hostel is one of the best in Cairo with clean, comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
King Tut Hostel is a great place to stay for budget travellers of all kinds.
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Things to do in Cairo
As one of the world's oldest and most historically significant cities, there are numerous things to see and do.
The Pyramids at Giza. Just half an hour outside of Cairo lies the only remaining structure among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Pyramids served as elaborate tombs for Egyptian pharaohs and are examples of sophisticated ancient engineering. They are one of the most recognised landmarks in the world.
The Sphinx, also at Giza, is a statue of a lion with a human head that was carved from a single stone. It is one of the oldest and largest existing statues in the world.
The Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the most important mosques in the Muslim tradition and is also the site of one of the oldest universities in the world.
Cairo Opera House. Cairo is a centre for the arts as well as history and architecture. The Cairo Opera House is one of the finest in the world. Enjoy opera as it was meant to be enjoyed in one of the world's oldest cities.
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Day trips in and around Cairo
Egyptian Museum. Cairo and Egypt are hubs for historians and archaeology. Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to experience one of the world's greatest collections of Egyptian artefacts.
Sail the Nile River. When you come to Cairo, you must experience the river that was at the centre of the ancient world. Ride a felucca down the Nile River for a relaxing afternoon.
Khan El-Khalili. The Khan El-Khalili is an ancient marketplace with numerous shops, factories and vendors.
Old Cairo is a district within the city where tourists can enjoy historic buildings and traditional Egyptian architecture as well as some of the city's most popular attractions.
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