Greater Cairo
Cairo
Egypt's capital sits on the Nile just south of the Delta, where the river fans out toward the Mediterranean. Medieval mosques, Coptic churches, modern neighbourhoods and river islands sit side by side, which makes the city a natural starting point for many trips.
Cairo experiences
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Things to do in Cairo
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A guide to Cairo
When to visit
Many visitors prefer the cooler months, roughly October to April. Summer is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Getting around
Traffic can be heavy and journey times vary widely. Ride-hailing, taxis, the metro and private drivers are common options; a private transfer is often easiest on arrival.
Neighbourhoods and areas
- Downtown
- Central streets with older apartment buildings, cafés and the area around Tahrir Square.
- Zamalek
- A leafy district on a Nile island, home to embassies, galleries and restaurants.
- Historic Cairo
- The old walled city with mosques, markets and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar area.
- Coptic Cairo
- An area with historic churches and religious sites south of the centre.
A short history of Cairo
- Ancient era
The area around present-day Cairo was close to Memphis, an early capital of ancient Egypt.
- Islamic era
The city of al-Qahira was founded in the 10th century; much of historic Cairo dates from the following centuries.
- Modern era
From the 19th century the city expanded west toward the Nile with new districts such as Downtown.
Read before you go
Questions about Cairo
Is Cairo the same as Giza?
No. Giza is a separate governorate and city on the west bank of the Nile, but it is part of the wider Greater Cairo area.
How many days do I need in Cairo?
It depends on your interests. Many travellers combine a few days in Cairo with time in Giza; our team can help you plan.