Cairo City Guide

General Information / Guide

Cairo, the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Middle East and Africa, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Situated along the Nile River, with 18 million inhabitants, the city's east side houses historical landmarks, while the west is modern. Often called the "City of a Thousand Minarets" due to its numerous mosques, Cairo is a gateway for Egypt's tourism, offering unique experiences with its pyramids, sphinxes, and desert safaris. Its history spans from the Pharaoh's era, and 94% of its population is Muslim.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Cairo experiences an arid desert climate, with two distinct seasons: a hot summer from May to October, with temperatures averaging 35°C, and a milder winter from November to April, with daytime temperatures ranging from 19-29°C. The city's weather features significant temperature differences between day and night, rare rainfall, and high humidity due to the Nile River. Dust storms may occur in March and April, while January and February are favored by tourists for their lack of desert winds and sandstorms, making the winter months the optimal time to visit.

How to Get There

Cairo International Airport, located 22 km from the city center, is accessible via direct and connecting flights from various locations. To reach the city center, travelers can opt for taxis or airport buses, both taking approximately 45 minutes.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Falafel and kebap are popular traditional Egyptian dishes, available throughout Cairo with a slightly spicier twist. Renowned places like "Khan El Khalili Restaurant," "Abou Tarek," and "Felfela" serve these dishes, while the Fish Market is ideal for seafood lovers. Many big hotels also offer delicious meals. It's advisable to avoid street food due to the city's dust, and be aware that many local eateries may close during Ramadan, leaving hotel restaurants as the main option. Additionally, numerous coffeehouses serve delicious coffee, though some may cater exclusively to men.

Important Places / Places to Visit

Abu Simbel Temples: Two engineering marvels for Ramses II and Nefertari.

Giza Pyramids: Includes the Pyramids of Kefren, Menkor, and the 146-meter Great Pyramid of Keops (one of the seven wonders). Limited daily entry.

Cairo Tower: 187-meter TV tower from 1961, with Nile and city views.

Egyptian Antiquities Museum: Over 100,000 artifacts; including Tutankhamun's treasures, mummy room, and royal tombs.

City Castle (Saladin Citadel): 12th-century Islamic art hub with mosques and museums.

Al Azhar: Fatimid-era architecture and five major mosques.

Old Cairo: Oldest city section with 20 churches, a synagogue, and the oldest mosque.

Dashur: Pyramid area 32 km away, houses Red and Bent Pyramids.

City of the Dead: Mamluk cemetery and home to 3 million poor in tomb houses.

Museum of Islamic Arts: Displays 7th to 19th-century Islamic Art, reopened in 2010.

What to Do

Experience Egypt through various activities: Take a Nile River boat tour to visit Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, or enjoy an evening dinner cruise. Dive into the Red Sea to explore coral reefs, or relax at numerous summer resorts. Experience camel rides near pyramids, embark on desert safaris, shop in city markets, and savor coffee in renowned cafes.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Cairo's nightlife includes traditional Egyptian cafeterias, mostly serving men, and unrestricted Western bars. Due to alcohol laws, many places close at midnight, but hotel bars remain open. Popular venues include "El Horreya" and "Pub 28." For live music, visit “Cairo Jazz Club” for jazz or “El Sawy Culturewheel” for classical Arab music. Cultural experiences like belly dancing and dervish performances can be enjoyed at “Cairo Sheraton” and “El Ghouri Arts Centre” respectively.

Shopping / What to Buy

In Cairo, you can buy souvenirs like Sphinxes, pyramid miniatures, and jewelry. El Halil, the city's renowned 14th-century market, is a must-visit. For authentic crafts, explore the narrow streets near this market, like the Coppersmith's market. Modern shopping options include “The First Mall” or “35 Sharia Giza.” For glass and crystal objects, the “Asfour Crystal Factory” is a popular destination, reflecting Egypt's prominence in glass art.

Festivals

January: Egypt Flower Festival

February: Abu Simbel Festival – Celebrates King Ramses II's birthday with music, dance, food, and drink.

February: Al Nitaq Festival – Features visual arts, theater, music, and poetry.

May: Spring Festival – Artistic events throughout the city.

August: Arab Music Festival – Famous musicians perform at the Cairo Opera House.

August: Wafaa El Nil Festival – Includes dressing a wooden toy bride and throwing it into the Nile, plus concerts.

October: Pharaohs Rally – Car races in the Sahara Desert.

November: Cairo International Film Festival

December: Sphinx Festival – Art and science festival at the Giza pyramids, including dance, musicals, and seminars.

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

07 January - Coptic Christmas

12 January - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

25 April - Sinai Liberation Day

1 May - Labor Day

23 July - Revolution Day

August - Eid al-Fitr

06 October - Armed Forces Day

November - Eid al-Adha

25 October - Islamic New Year

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

In Cairo, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, with business resuming on Sunday. Bargaining is customary, so it's wise to compare prices and negotiate before purchasing. Tipping is also a common practice. Visitors should remain vigilant against pickpockets and be aware of the high levels of air pollution in the city.

Transportation

In Cairo, the metro is the best choice for tourists, being inexpensive and reliable, running from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, with the first morning service reserved for women. Buses and minibuses are less recommended due to crowding and pickpocketing risk, and some Arabic knowledge might be necessary. Walking is possible, but signage is scarce. Taxis are readily available, but as meters are often unused, fares should be negotiated and agreed upon before getting in.