The Best Things to Do

During my master’s, I got the chance to spend ten days in Cairo for a summer school on sustainable innovation. It wasn’t just about classes though! Thanks to my Egyptian classmates, who showed us around and gave us a real glimpse into their daily lives, I was able to really get to know the city and its culture.

I won’t lie, it was a bit of a culture shock coming from Central/Northern Europe. Cairo is loud, busy, and honestly sometimes overwhelming. But that’s also what made it so memorable. I left with amazing impressions and even made friends I’m still in touch with.

In this travel guide, I’m sharing the must-see spots in Cairo, where to stay, and how to get around without losing your mind. If you’re planning a trip, this Cairo travel guide will help you make the most of your time in this incredible city.

Get to Know Cairo

Cairo is big, loud, and honestly a little chaotic. But it’s also full of life, history, and some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. With over 20 million people, it’s one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East. It’s a place where ancient history and everyday life are constantly bumping into each other. You can spend your morning walking through 1,000-year-old mosques, then grab koshary at a busy street corner, and end the day watching the sunset over the Nile.

Cairo has been Egypt’s capital for over a thousand years, and you really feel that sense of history everywhere. Whether you’re getting lost in the old alleyways of Islamic Cairo or passing modern apartment blocks on a metro ride, the city never really slows down. It’s overwhelming sometimes, sure, but once you let go and lean into the pace of it all, Cairo becomes one of those places that just sticks with you.

How to Get There

Getting into the city from Cairo International Airport is actually pretty easy. The airport is the biggest in Egypt and one of the busiest in all of Africa, so be prepared for a bit of chaos. It has three main terminals, and they’re surprisingly far apart. When I landed, I wanted to meet my friend at her terminal, but I ended up walking nearly thirty minutes to get there. I’m pretty sure there are shuttle buses connecting the terminals, but I didn’t see any signs right away.

Before any of that, though, you’ll have to go through immigration. On the plane, you’ll usually be handed an immigration form to fill out. If not, don’t worry. There’s plenty of space and time to fill it out once you land.

Most travellers will also need to get a Visa on Arrival. Right before passport control, there are a few bank counters where you can exchange money and also buy your visa. It costs about 20€. You’ll get a little sticker, which you then take along with your immigration form to passport control. Just hand both over to the officer, and they’ll take care of the rest.

How to Get Around

There are two ways I recommend getting around Cairo: the metro and Uber.

The metro system is super connected and well thought out. It takes you quickly and safely from A to B, and I used Google Maps to figure out which trains to take. It worked like a charm every time, and I never had a problem getting to where I needed to go.

One thing to know before hopping on the metro is that there are designated carriages for women. Men are strictly not allowed, and honestly, everyone really sticks to that rule. So, if you’re in a mixed group, you either need to ride in one of the mixed carriages or split up for the ride. We usually decided to split up because I loved the female-only carriages. I felt incredibly safe and, in some cases, even safer than I do back home in Berlin. It was such a relaxed way to travel through the city.

Getting tickets is super simple too. Just walk up to the ticket counter at any metro station, tell them where you want to go, and they’ll hand you a ticket. That’s it.

Your second option is Uber, which works the same way in Cairo as it does pretty much everywhere else. The difference is that it’s probably way cheaper than you’re used to. Most rides I took were around 6€, and I found it to be a super comfortable and affordable way to get from place to place when the metro wasn’t an option.

Where to Stay in Cairo

The area I recommend to pretty much everyone is Zamalek. It’s located on an island called Gezira right in the middle of the Nile River. This part of the city feels much more laid-back and calm compared to the rest of Cairo. It’s like a little green oasis in the middle of the chaos. Think of it as Cairo’s version of a hipster district, packed with cute coffee shops, great restaurants, and independent boutiques.

I stayed at the President Hotel, which looks great in the photos and leans a bit more toward the higher-end side of accommodations in the area. While it was perfectly fine for a few nights, it didn’t really live up to the expectations. The rooms were a bit dated, and there was a lingering smell of smoke in the hallways. Another option nearby would be the Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences, which seems like a more polished alternative.

If you’re more into the buzz and energy of the big city, Downtown Cairo might be for you. You’ll be right in the middle of everything, close to the Egyptian Museum, great restaurants, and public transport like the metro. For me personally, it’s a little too chaotic and overwhelming, but if you love city life, this could be your spot.

And if your main reason for visiting Cairo is the pyramids, why not stay in Giza? You’ll be right near the action, and if you’re lucky, you might even get a hotel room with pyramid views.

What to See

And now, finally onto the section you’ve all been waiting for! What actually is there to see and do in Cairo? So so much, let me tell you. Here, I’ve just listed some of the best or most impressive sights I’ve seen. Some honorable mentions that I’ve not included are the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (where you can see actual real mummies), and Saint Samaan the Tanner Monastery.

The Great Pyramids & Sphinx

I mean, who would go to Cairo and not visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the world famous Sphinx? It’s probably the reason many of you even travelled to Cairo! Certainly, when I realised we had a day off during our study program, I pitched the idea of going to this archeological sight. Not that anyone actually needed any convincing, whatsoever.

I would suggest going quite early in the morning to try and avoid the tourist masses that will inevitably fill the area. We got there at around 10 in the morning. There were already quite a few people there, but it was honestly still pretty relaxed. That said, it really depends on the time of year. We went in February, which isn’t peak tourist season, so the crowds were manageable.

To get there, just grab an Uber and type in “Giza Pyramids Ticket Office” as your destination. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Zamalek or Downtown Cairo, depending on traffic.

You can either buy your tickets at the counter when you arrive or get them online beforehand. The price is the same either way, but booking ahead means you can skip the line. Tickets cost 700 EGP (or 350 EGP for students) if you’re not an Egyptian or Arab national. That gives you access to the entire Giza Plateau, which includes multiple pyramids and the Sphinx.

However, if you want to actually climb into one of the pyramids, you will need another ticket for that. I didn’t do it, since I’m super claustrophobic. My friends, though, said it was a lot of fun but incredibly narrow with a low ceiling. So, fair warning.

Grand Egyptian Museum

With its fairly recent opening, the Grand Egyptian Museum is now the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation. When I visited, they had just launched the soft opening. As of spring 2025, it’s moved into what’s called the advanced soft opening. This means that most of the completed areas are now accessible. You can explore nearly all the artefact galleries and exhibition halls, although the King Tut galleries are still closed. The full opening is expected around mid-summer 2025.

So, what exactly is the Grand Egyptian Museum, and why should you go? This enormous project has been in the works for over 20 years and is set to become the largest archaeological museum complex in the world. It will eventually showcase more than 100,000 artefacts. Visitors will get to see the entire King Tutankhamun collection, along with mummified pharaohs and countless other treasures. Even now, during the soft opening, there’s plenty on display, including massive statues of King Ramses and various gods and goddesses. The building itself is worth seeing. It’s an architectural gem, complete with a viewpoint that looks out over the Pyramids of Giza.

The museum is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, except on Saturdays and Wednesdays when it stays open until 10:00 pm. Admission is 1270 EGP for non-Egyptian adults, and about half that for students. I’d recommend buying your ticket online to avoid waiting in line. Just a heads-up if you’re carrying a camera: I wasn’t allowed to bring my Sony inside and had to drop it off in a small locker room. Once you’re done exploring, you can go back and pick it up.

Khan El Khalili & El moez

No visit to an Arab country is complete without exploring a market or bazaar. I honestly think it’s one of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in the culture. My Egyptian classmates took us to El Moez Street and Khan El Khalili Bazaar (also written as Chan El Chalili). While it definitely has a touristy vibe, it’s also just a lot of fun to wander through the narrow alleys and check out all the little stalls and shops.

Khan El Khalili is one of the oldest markets in the Middle East, with a history dating back to the 14th century. You can find everything from spices and lanterns to chess boards, sweets, and street food. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s absolutely worth seeing. You might even take a break at one of Cairo’s most iconic cafés, El Fishawy. It’s a great spot to catch your breath in an area that can feel completely chaotic, crowded, and overwhelming.

Getting there can be a bit of a mission. We took the metro to the closest stop along our line, but it still involved a 20-minute walk through busy streets filled with traffic, vendors, and people everywhere. I have to admit, it got a little claustrophobic at times and it’s not for the faint of heart. On the way back, we decided to grab an Uber instead, which was much easier and more comfortable.

visit a Mosque

While we’re on the topic of immersing yourself in a new culture, you should really visit a mosque while you’re in Cairo. So many of them are stunning, with beautiful architecture and rich history. I ended up at the Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque because my Egyptian friends had to go to prayer. Later on, I found out it’s actually the oldest mosque in all of Africa. Some other visitor-friendly mosques include the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Sultan Hassan Mosque, and Al-Rifa’i Mosque.

I really appreciated being able to witness such a personal moment of my friends’ lives. They explained that they needed to perform a washing ritual before entering the main prayer area. Naturally, we had to take off our shoes, and the women needed to cover their hair. I didn’t have a scarf, so I just used my hat and tucked my hair into it. Honestly, it’s easiest if you just carry a small scarf with you.

While my friends prayed, I explored the space. The mosque has a large marble courtyard, a fountain in the center topped with a domed canopy, and elegant arches all around. It felt calm and sacred, almost like stepping into a different world.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to visit a mosque. Be respectful. Take off your shoes before entering, and if you’re a woman, cover your hair. Try to stay quiet, and avoid speaking loudly. If you want to take photos, be mindful of your surroundings and the people in them. Always ask for permission, especially if you’re photographing worshippers.

Nile Boat Tour

City trips can be exhausting, especially with all the walking involved. In a hot and crowded place like Cairo, you’re bound to need a break at some point. One of the best ways to unwind is by taking a relaxing boat ride along the Nile.

The most traditional option is a felucca, a wooden sailboat that moves without an engine. It’s calm, quiet, and ideal for sunset or dinner rides, or even just to sip some tea and watch the city drift by.

My travel group didn’t go for the felucca. Instead, we hopped on a larger motorboat, which you can easily find all along the Nile. My Egyptian friends did the bartering and got us a great deal. We even had the boat to ourselves, which was a nice bonus. We only went out for about an hour, though, so we didn’t see that much of the city. The sun was already setting and we were a bit short on time.

If you’re looking to do something similar, the easiest place to catch a boat is along the Corniche in Zamalek or Garden City. Once you’re there, people will already be approaching you with offers. Just don’t forget to negotiate!

Coptic Cairo

I’ll be honest, when our lovely classmates suggested going to Coptic Cairo, I was a little unsure. At first, I thought it’s basically just a church and a museum and might be too boring. Boy, was I wrong. Coptic Cairo is a part of Old Cairo and is home to some of Egypt’s oldest churches. The whole area is enclosed by walls and made up of small alleyways you can get lost in. There are so many ancient and impressive churches to visit, especially the Hanging Church which dates back to the 8th century.

And if you’re just not that into churches, you should still consider visiting Coptic Cairo. The alleyways are charming, with small stores where you can buy books, postcards, or other souvenirs. The buildings and courtyards are a beautiful place to hang out, and there’s even a kiosk to keep you refreshed.

The entrance to Coptic Cairo and the churches is free and open daily between 8 am and 4 pm. The museum, however, has an entrance fee of 100 EGP for non-locals and is open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Zamalek District

If you need some time to unwind, Zamalek is perfect for you. It’s a ward in Western Cairo, located on an island right in the middle of the Nile River. As mentioned before, you can think of it as Cairo’s version of a hipster district. I do want to mention, though, that this area is very expensive and privileged and probably doesn’t reflect the true Cairo. Still, I think it’s well worth a visit for a relaxed afternoon.

There are some really great coffee places around, like Cava Coffee and Oj. If you’re hungry, why not just grab a sweet potato from one of the street vendors and stroll along the streets while munching? And for dinner, you can choose between the many great restaurants along the Nile and enjoy the perfect view.

But it’s not just about food. Zamalek is also home to cultural spots like the Cairo Opera House, the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art, and the Cairo Tower. Zamalek really is the best mix between food and culture, making it a must-see attraction.