Cairo

Overview

Cairo is the rare capital where a 4,500-year-old wonder sits at the edge of the city rather than deep in the countryside — the Pyramids of Giza are visible from some of the city's western suburbs. Beyond Giza, the older parts of Cairo hold the Egyptian Museum's collection, medieval mosques, and Khan el-Khalili's covered bazaar.

Getting There

Cairo International Airport (CAI) connects to the city center by taxi or ride-hailing app in 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Cairo's metro is inexpensive and avoids surface congestion for cross-city trips, though taxis remain the easiest option for most sightseeing.

Top Things to Do

• Visit the Giza Plateau early morning to see the Pyramids and Sphinx before the heat and crowds build.
• Spend a few hours in the Egyptian Museum, or the newer Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza.
• Explore Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Islamic Cairo, then visit the nearby Al-Azhar Mosque.
• Take a short felucca sailboat ride on the Nile near sunset.

Local Tips

Agree on taxi fares before the ride, or use a ride-hailing app to avoid negotiation. Entry fees to sites like the Pyramids' interior chambers are often separate from the general admission ticket — budget for extras.