Cairo holidays

How to reach Cairo

Flight time:

• Direct flights to Cairo from London take around 5 hours.

• You can also find flights from other major UK airports, including Manchester and Birmingham. Some are direct, but most involve a stopover, extending the travel time to upwards of 7 hours.

Transfer time:

• The most common way to reach the city centre from Cairo International Airport is by taxi (metered and unmetered) or private transfer.

• The journey typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Price:

• A taxi ride from the airport to the centre of Cairo costs around £10–£15.

• Alternatively, you can book a private transfer in advance for about £20.

Weather and best time to visit Cairo

While Egypt’s weather is dry year-round with plenty of sunshine, the most popular times for holidays to Cairo are the milder months from autumn to spring. Here’s a guide on what to expect during the different seasons:

• October to April is high season, when the weather is most pleasant, and the number of tourists is highest. Daytime temperatures range from 15°C in January to 25°C in April, so it's perfect for escaping the cold UK winters to explore the pyramids and other outdoor attractions.

• May to September can get very hot, especially during July and August when temperatures soar to above 40°C, so is usually avoided. Even for extreme sun worshippers, at any point during summer, it is best to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and hide from the heat in the middle of the day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the city's tourist areas, hotels and restaurants. A few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful and will be appreciated by locals.

• Local habits and customs: Egyptian culture is conservative, so dress modestly when away from tourist resorts – especially when visiting mosques – and public displays of affection are frowned upon. Haggling is common in markets and shops.

• Currency: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency, divided into 100 piastres (pt). ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas, and credit cards are widely accepted. It's useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tips.

• Getting around: Cairo has an extensive public transport system, including metro, taxis and buses. A single metro ticket costs from EGP 6 (10p). Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are widely used; always agree on a fare before starting your journey.

• Electricity and plug types: Egypt’s supply is 220V, with either the C or F two-pin plug types. UK travellers will need an adaptor for their devices.

• Time zone: Cairo operates on Eastern European Time (EET), 2 hours ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Cairo

A hectic and vibrant city, Cairo offers a mesmerising blend of ancient history and bustling modernity with a treasure trove of experiences. From iconic ancient monuments to lively markets, here are the best things to do on your Cairo holidays:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Cairo Tower: Standing 187m tall, the Cairo Tower offers panoramic views of the city, the River Nile and even as far as the pyramids. It’s an excellent spot to get your bearings and enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant.

• The Citadel: Located on Mokattam Hill, the Citadel was a fortified area containing the seat of Egypt's rulers since medieval times, and now provides stunning views of Cairo’s skyline, with the towering minarets and bustling streets below.

The best districts

• Central Cairo: Located around Tahir Square and Talaat Harb Square, the modern city centre is known for its colonial architecture and lively atmosphere. It is a hub of activity with plenty of shops, cafés and cultural sites to explore.

• Gezira Island: Zamalek and Gezira are upscale districts on this island with beautiful gardens, art galleries, an opera house, other cultural venues and excellent dining options. They are great places to relax and enjoy a more laid-back side of Cairo.

• Islamic Cairo: This historic area is a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient mosques and bustling bazaars, and is a fantastic place to soak up the city’s rich Islamic heritage.

• Old Cairo: This area, with its beautiful churches, including St Virgin Mary’s, aka the Hanging Church, and the Coptic Museum, is a fascinating place to discover more about Egypt’s Christian heritage.

Historical monuments

• Pyramids of Giza: The Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, are Cairo’s most famous landmarks and the last remaining survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Along with the Sphinx, plus several smaller tombs and temples, this area is a must-visit for its incredible relics of Egyptian history.

• Great Sphinx of Giza: This iconic limestone figure, with the body of a lion and the face of the pharaoh Khafre, was carved out of a natural rock outcrop when the causeway to his pyramid was being built. One of the oldest and largest statues in the world, it’s a must-see.

• The Egyptian Museum: Home to over 100,000 artefacts, the Egyptian Museum is a fascinating journey through the history of ancient Egypt.

• Grand Egyptian Museum: With its delayed opening finally happening in 2024, this new archeological museum in Giza is set to be the largest in the world. It will have a vast array of exhibits, including the entire Tutankhamun collection, which moved here from the Egyptian Museum.

• Mosque of Muhammad Ali: Located within the Citadel, this grand mosque is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture. The alabaster interior and grand domes are truly impressive.

Day trips in the area

• Saqqara: Located south of Cairo, Saqqara was the necropolis (cemetery) for the ancient capital of Memphis. The Step Pyramid of Zoser was the earliest in Egypt and was the first great building in the world to be made of stone.

• Fayoum Oasis: A 2-hour drive southwest of Cairo, Fayoum offers stunning landscapes, ancient ruins and the serene Qarun Lake. It’s a great escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

• Dahshur: Further south of Saqqara, Dahshur is known for the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid and the Black Pyramid and offers a quieter and less crowded alternative to Giza.

Activities for families in Cairo

Cairo is an exciting destination for families, offering a variety of activities for all ages. From interactive museums to scenic parks, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.

• Parks and gardens: Families will love Al-Azhar Park, a beautifully landscaped green space in the heart of Cairo. It’s perfect for picnics, playtime and stunning views of the city.

• Museums: The Children’s Museum in Heliopolis offers interactive exhibits that make learning about history fun for kids, with re-enactments of ancient Egyptian life in the Pharaonic Village. The Egyptian Museum and Grand Egyptian Museum also have child-friendly exhibits and activities.

• Historical monuments and sites: Kids will be fascinated by the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, where many guided tours include storytelling elements to engage young visitors.

Free things to do in Cairo

Exploring Cairo doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free activities that allow you to experience the city’s rich culture and history without spending a penny.

• Free events: Cairo’s calendar is filled with free cultural events and festivals. During Ramadan, the city comes alive with street festivities, music and Iftar celebrations.

• Free museums: Some museums in Cairo offer free entry on specific days, so it’s worth checking their schedules.

Wellness in Cairo

• Spas and thermal baths: For a luxurious spa experience, head to hotels such as the Four Seasons at Nile Plaza, where you can indulge in various treatments in a tranquil setting. The spa features a sauna, steam room and a variety of massages.

• Traditional body care: Embrace the traditional Egyptian hammam experience at the Al Sagheer Spa. Here, you can enjoy a thorough scrub and massage using natural ingredients like olive oil and black soap, leaving your skin refreshed and rejuvenated.

Local dishes in Cairo

One of the great delights of holidays to Cairo is trying the rich and diverse range of Egyptian cuisine. From savoury street food to indulgent desserts, there’s something to tantalise every palate. Here’s a guide of what to look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Ful Medames: This popular dish, made from fava beans, garlic and lemon juice, is typically served with bread and is commonly found at breakfast.

• Koshari: A hearty mix of rice, macaroni, lentils and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s a super cheap meal and true Egyptian comfort food.

• Taameya: Egyptian falafel made from crushed fava beans, herbs and spices, deep-fried to perfection. It is often enjoyed in sandwiches with salad and tahini.

Meat dishes

• Kebabs and kofta: Kebabs are grilled skewers of lamb or chicken marinated in aromatic spices; kofta is minced meat, usually lamb or beef, mixed with herbs and spices before grilling.

• Shawarma: Marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, slow-cooked on a rotisserie and served in pita bread with tahini, garlic sauce, vegetables and pickles.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Sayadeya: A classic dish in which white fish is cooked with rice, tomatoes, onions and a mix of spices. It is often served with tahini sauce on the side.

• Gambari: Freshly caught prawns, often grilled or cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

Sweets and desserts

• Kunafa: Shredded pastry filled with cream or cheese, baked golden brown, and soaked in sweet syrup.

• Baklava: Layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.

• Umm Ali: A traditional Egyptian bread pudding made with pastry, cream, nuts and raisins, served warm and richly comforting.

Local drinks

• Karkade: A refreshing tea made from dried hibiscus petals, served hot or cold, with a tart flavour similar to cranberry.

• Sahlab: A warm, thick drink made from milk and flavoured with rose water, often topped with nuts and coconut. It’s perfect for cooler evenings.

• Egyptian coffee: Strong and often flavoured with cardamom, Egyptian coffee is a staple, best enjoyed slowly in one of Cairo’s many traditional cafés.