This Cairo travel guide is for a first visit to Africa's largest city — home to the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, the vast new Grand Egyptian Museum, medieval mosques and bazaars, and life along the Nile. Cairo is loud, busy and endlessly fascinating, and most of its highlights fit into three or four well-planned days. From Pakistan, flights connect through the Gulf and take about 7–9 hours.
The best time to visit is October to April, when days are warm and pleasant (20–28 °C). Summer from June to September is very hot, often above 35 °C, so plan outdoor sights for early morning. During Ramadan, opening hours shorten but evenings come alive.
Getting into Cairo
Most international flights land at Cairo International Airport (CAI), about 20 km north-east of downtown and 45 km from Giza. Some flights use the newer Sphinx International Airport west of the city, which is closer to the Pyramids. Use a pre-booked hotel transfer, an official airport taxi or a ride-hailing app — ride-hailing is usually the cheapest and avoids haggling.
Many nationalities, including Germans, can get a visa on arrival (about USD 25, paid in cash at bank counters before passport control) or an e-visa online in advance. Pakistani passport holders need to arrange a visa before travel through an Egyptian embassy. Always confirm current rules on official Egyptian sources before you fly.
| From CAI airport | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ride-hailing app to Downtown | 30–60 min | EGP 250–450 |
| Ride-hailing app to Giza | 60–90 min | EGP 450–750 |
| Official airport taxi | 30–90 min | EGP 500–1,000 |
| Airport bus / metro combination | 60–90 min | Under EGP 50 |
Top places to visit in Cairo
Cairo's sights are spread out, so plan by area: Giza in the west, downtown and the Nile in the centre, Islamic and Coptic Cairo in the east and south.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure and the Great Sphinx — arrive at opening to beat the heat and crowds.
Half day · ticket from about EGP 700A huge modern museum near the Pyramids with the full Tutankhamun collection and a giant Ramses II statue.
3–4 hoursThe historic downtown museum, still packed with mummies, statues and treasures.
2–3 hoursAl-Azhar Mosque, Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa'i mosques and the medieval street of Al-Muizz.
Half dayA hilltop fortress crowned by the Muhammad Ali Mosque with city views.
2 hoursA centuries-old market of lamps, spices, perfumes and souvenirs, with historic cafés.
2–3 hours · haggleThe Hanging Church, ancient synagogue and Roman walls in Old Cairo.
2 hoursA traditional sailboat ride at sunset — a relaxing break from the traffic.
1 hourFood to try in Cairo
Egyptian food is hearty, affordable and almost all halal. Don't miss koshary (rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce and crispy onions), ful medames (stewed fava beans), ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel made with fava beans), molokhia, grilled kofta and hamam mahshi (stuffed pigeon). For dessert, try om ali, basbousa and fresh mango juice.
A street meal costs EGP 50–150, while a sit-down restaurant meal is about EGP 300–800 per person. Drink bottled water, choose busy stalls with high turnover, and try mint tea or Turkish coffee in a traditional ahwa (café).
Getting around: public and private transport
The Cairo Metro is cheap, fast and avoids the notorious traffic; Line 1 and Line 2 serve downtown, Old Cairo and areas near Giza, and the first two cars of each train are reserved for women. Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to reach the Pyramids, the Citadel and Islamic Cairo, with fixed fares shown in advance.
For a full day of sightseeing, many visitors hire a private car with driver or a licensed Egyptologist guide (about USD 40–80 per day). Driving yourself is not recommended. Walking is fine within neighbourhoods, but cross busy roads carefully.
Safety and local tips
Cairo is generally safe for tourists, and violent crime against visitors is rare. The main annoyances are persistent touts, fake 'guides', camel and horse ride overcharging at Giza and taxi scams — agree on prices first, or use apps and official ticket offices. Keep valuables close in crowds and bazaars.
Dress modestly, especially in mosques and old neighbourhoods: women should cover shoulders and knees and bring a scarf for mosques. Small cash (baksheesh) tips are expected for many services. Emergency numbers: police 122, ambulance 123, tourist police 126. Plugs are types C and F (220 V).
Where to stay in Cairo
Choose your base by what you want most: Pyramid views, Nile views or easy access to old Cairo.
Hotels with Pyramid views, close to the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Budget to luxuryLeafy, calmer areas on and beside the Nile with good restaurants.
Mid to luxuryCentral, affordable and close to the metro and Egyptian Museum.
Budget to midModern areas near the airport — handy for short stays.
Mid to highA 3-day plan for Cairo
Day 1: Giza — the Pyramids and Sphinx at opening time, then the Grand Egyptian Museum in the afternoon. Day 2: Islamic Cairo — the Citadel, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Al-Azhar, Al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili in the evening. Day 3: Coptic Cairo in the morning, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, and a felucca on the Nile at sunset. With an extra day, visit Saqqara and the Step Pyramid. Our full Cairo guide has timings and prices.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Cairo airport to the Pyramids?
A ride-hailing app or pre-booked transfer takes about 60–90 minutes from CAI to Giza; Sphinx Airport is closer if your flight lands there.
Is Cairo safe for tourists?
Yes, generally. Expect touts and overcharging rather than danger — agree prices first and use apps and official ticket offices.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Many nationalities, including Germans, can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa. Pakistani passport holders should arrange a visa through an Egyptian embassy before travel.
When is the best time to visit Cairo?
October to April, when the weather is warm but comfortable; summer is very hot.
How many days do I need in Cairo?
Three to four days covers the Pyramids, the museums and Islamic Cairo comfortably.
Prices and transport details were checked 8 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.