$10 back on your first eligible booking — in the RatedOtels app only. Get the app Terms
BOOK

Cairo

Egypt

Pace: balanced Historic Bustling Ancient Cultural
Ideal trip length
3 - 5 days
Busiest
Oct-Apr
Cairo
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
SEARCH
Where to stay

Hotels in Cairo

Book direct on our own Cairo hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Arid
Languages
Arabic and English
Local currency
EGP (EGP)
Local time
(GMT+3)
Ideal trip length
3–5 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Zamalek
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Expected for most services.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 75 · Good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Koshary Ful Medames Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel) Mahshi

When to visit Cairo

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: November Busiest: Oct-Apr
  1. Jan
    85

    Cool, pleasant weather

  2. Feb
    88

    Mild, ideal for sightseeing

  3. Mar
    80

    Warm, comfortable

  4. Apr
    70

    Hotter, but manageable

  5. May
    55

    Very hot, less comfortable

  6. Jun
    40

    Intensely hot, low season

  7. Jul
    35

    Extremely hot, stay hydrated

  8. Aug
    38

    Scorching, avoid midday

  9. Sept
    50

    Hot, slowly cooling

  10. Oct
    75

    Warm, good for visits

  11. Nov
    90

    Mild, perfect weather

  12. Dec
    87

    Cool, pleasant, festive

Things to do in Cairo

6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Explore the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx

Giza 3.5 hrs

Stand in awe before the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.

Outdoors Good for children

Discover the Citadel of Salah al-Din

Islamic Cairo 2.5 hrs

Explore a medieval Islamic fortress offering panoramic views of Cairo and the Muhammad Ali Mosque.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore Old Cairo (Coptic and Islamic)

Old Cairo 4 hrs

Walk through ancient streets, visiting historic churches, synagogues, and mosques.

Indoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Giza 4 hrs

Discover an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures.

Indoors Good for children

Wander through Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Islamic Cairo 3 hrs

Immerse yourself in a historic market, bargaining for spices, souvenirs, and crafts.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Take a Felucca Ride on the Nile River

Zamalek 1.5 hrs

Enjoy a relaxing traditional sailboat ride on the legendary Nile at sunset.

Outdoors Good for children

Cairo itineraries

View All itineraries
First-timer highlights

3 Days in Cairo — First-Timer Highlights

Unearth ancient mysteries, navigate vibrant bazaars, and cruise the timeless Nile.

This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors eager to experience Cairo's most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures. From the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza to the bustling alleys of Khan el-Khalili and the serene waters of the Nile, you'll delve into millennia of history and vibrant modern life. Perfect for those seeking a comprehensive yet efficient introduction to Egypt's captivating capital.

3 Days 15 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Cairo

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Koshary 95 · Outstanding
Ful Medames 87 · Outstanding
Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel) 78 · Very good
Mahshi 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Explore The Giza Pyramids And Sphinx 95 · Outstanding
Visit The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) 90 · Outstanding
Wander Through Khan El-Khalili Bazaar 85 · Outstanding
Take A Felucca Ride On The Nile River 80 · Very good
Discover The Citadel Of Salah Al-Din 75 · Very good
Explore Old Cairo (Coptic And Islamic) 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Families 95 · Outstanding
Couples 89 · Outstanding
Friends 83 · Very good
Budget 76 · Very good
Adventure 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Bargain politely in markets for souvenirs. 95 · Outstanding
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. 83 · Very good
Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem for fair fares. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Cairo

Straight-line distance from the centre of Cairo.

Getaways from Cairo

Places people from Cairo travel to, from our own travel research.

$10 back on your 1st app booking
App bookings only · Terms
Get app