Cairo

The Destination

Egypt’s capital is a city of layers — pharaonic monuments, medieval mosques, and a modern metropolis of twenty million people, all within a few miles of each other. The Giza Plateau, on the city’s western edge, holds the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World; downtown, the Egyptian Museum keeps watch over the largest collection of pharaonic antiquities anywhere, Tutankhamun’s gold mask included.

Best time to visit: October through April, when daytime temperatures sit comfortably in the 20s (Celsius). Summer visits are possible but plan indoor time around midday heat.

What You'll See

Highlights of Cairo

The Giza Pyramids

The only Wonder of the Ancient World still standing, a short drive from the city center.

The Egyptian Museum

Home to Tutankhamun’s treasures and over 120,000 other pharaonic artifacts.

Old Cairo & Khan El Khalili

Medieval mosques, Coptic churches, and one of the world’s oldest covered markets.

Gallery

Moments in Cairo

Common Questions

FAQs about Cairo

Frequently Asked Questions

Two full days covers the essentials — Giza and the Egyptian Museum on one day, Old Cairo and the bazaar on the other. Add a third day for Saqqara and Memphis if you have time.

Central Cairo is walkable in short stretches, but distances between major sites are best covered by private car — traffic and heat make walking between neighborhoods impractical.

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; a headscarf is provided for women at most sites, but bringing your own is more comfortable.

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