🇪🇬 Egypt
Cairo travel guide
Cairo is a city that never sleeps - a chaotic, vibrant metropolis where the Great Pyramids of Giza stand at the edge of modern suburbs. The largest city in the Arab world bursts with life, from the ancient treasures of the Egyptian Museum to the medieval streets of Islamic Cairo. The Nile flows through it all, providing a thread of calm amid the beautiful chaos.
Language
Arabic (English in tourist areas)
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Timezone
GMT+2
Best time
October to April (cooler, pleasant weather)
Budget/day
EGP 1000-3000/day ($20-60)
When to visit
Jan
9°C - 18°C
Feb
10°C - 20°C
Mar
12°C - 24°C
Apr
15°C - 28°C
May
19°C - 33°C
Jun
22°C - 35°C
Jul
23°C - 35°C
Aug
24°C - 35°C
Sep
22°C - 33°C
Oct
18°C - 29°C
Nov
14°C - 25°C
Dec
10°C - 20°C
Safety
moderateCairo is generally safe for tourists in well-visited areas. Harassment of solo women visitors is common — dress modestly and use authorised tour guides. Avoid informal offers near pyramids.
Women travellers
Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Harassment exists but tourist areas are safer. Stay in groups after dark, use Uber not street taxis.
Culture & etiquette
- + Dress modestly, especially women (no shorts, sleeveless)
- + Remove shoes when entering mosques
- + Bargain politely - it's expected
- + Accept tea if offered - great hospitality
- - Don't photograph military/police installations
- - Don't show affection publicly
- - Don't eat/drink in public during Ramadan (find private space)
- - Don't point soles of feet at people
Food to try
Koshari
Egypt's national dish - rice, lentils, pasta, tomato sauce
Ful Medames
Stewed fava beans - breakfast staple
Taameya (Falafel)
Egyptian falafel made with fava beans
Shawarma
Grilled meat in pita
Mahshi
Stuffed vegetables - grape leaves, peppers
Um Ali
Egyptian bread pudding dessert
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.