About Cairo
Cairo is the Arab world's largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth — and it feels that way. Islamic Cairo's medieval alleyways and minarets, Coptic Cairo's ancient churches, and the overwhelming Egyptian Museum could fill a week before you even reach Giza. But the pyramids are the thing — seeing them for the first time from the plateau at dawn, the desert stretching west behind them, is one of travel's genuine unmissables. The Egyptian street food culture is underrated: ful medames and ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel) for breakfast at a hole-in-the-wall, koshari from a koshary shop for lunch, grilled kofta in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar at night. Cairo rewards visitors who lean into the chaos rather than trying to manage it.
Highlights
Giza Pyramids at dawn — the plateau road at 6am, before the touts, extraordinary scale Egyptian Museum — the world's greatest collection of ancient artefacts, Tutankhamun alone is worth it Khan el-Khalili bazaar — medieval Islamic market, best on a weekday morning Koshari at Koshary El Tahrir — Egypt's national dish, the definitive version, always packed Al-Muizz Street at dusk — the best-preserved medieval Islamic street in the world Felucca on the Nile at sunset — an hour on the water as the city lights up
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Practical Info
EU, UK, and US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days or apply for an e-visa in advance.
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), with roughly 30-32 EGP to 1 USD. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and upscale establishments, but cash is preferred in markets and smaller shops.
Tipping (baksheesh) is customary; 10% in restaurants, small change for drivers or guides, and 5-10 EGP for porters or service staff.
Cairo is generally safe for tourists, but be cautious of pickpockets, scams, and aggressive vendors in crowded areas like markets.
Vodafone or Etisalat SIM cards are best for data, costing around 50-100 EGP for 5-10 GB at official stores.
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger Egyptians.
26 Local Tips
Dress modestly by default when you're heading out at night, especially in non-tourist neighbourhoods — it signals respect and honestly makes your whole evening smoother and more welcoming. You don't need to overthink it, just avoid anything too revealing and you'll blend in fine.
During Ramadan, the entire city flips its schedule and truly comes alive at night in a way that's unlike anything else — streets fill up after Iftar and the energy runs until Suhoor near dawn. If you're ever in Cairo during Ramadan, push past any tiredness and stay out late because the atmosphere is genuinely magical.
Maadi has a quieter, more expat-mixed nightlife vibe with a neighbourhood feel that's easy to navigate on foot after dark. It's a good option when you want a social night out without the sensory overload of central Cairo.
Live oriental music and belly dancing performances are embedded in wedding culture here, and on weekend nights you'll often hear celebrations spilling out from banquet halls or even streets in residential neighbourhoods. If you hear the music, walk toward it — Egyptians are famously hospitable and strangers getting pulled into a wedding celebration is not unheard of.
Friday night is the big night out here, not Saturday — Friday is the start of the Egyptian weekend, so that's when the energy peaks and everything runs the latest. Plan your big nights accordingly or you might find the vibe unexpectedly quiet on a Saturday.
Uber and Careem are genuinely how you should move around at night — regular taxis can be unpredictable with pricing after dark and the app rides are far more consistent. Always confirm your destination is typed in Arabic script if you're going somewhere less central.
Downtown Cairo around Talaat Harb has a gritty, artistic night scene with creative locals, street musicians, and a real old-city energy that feels nothing like tourist Cairo. Walk the streets rather than sitting in one place and you'll stumble into things you'd never find on an app.
Shisha culture is central to Cairo nights — sitting for two or three hours at an ahwa (coffeehouse) with shisha, tea, and backgammon is not killing time, it's the actual point of the evening. Order mint tea and let the night stretch out without feeling rushed.
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