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Holiday in Cairo

City in Egypt — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇬

Country

Egypt

Type

City

Best time to travel

October–April (cooler, pleasant)

Budget/day

50–90 €

Getting there from Germany

Direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin to Cairo (CAI) in 4–4.5 hours. Visa upon entry ($25) or online in advance.

What makes Cairo special as a destination?

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the largest city in Africa and the Middle East — a chaotic, loud, and absolutely fascinating metropolis, watched over by the Pyramids of Giza for 5,000 years. The three pyramids and the Sphinx literally stand on the city's outskirts, providing a surreal contrast between ancient wonder and modern urban chaos. The Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square houses the largest collection of pharaonic artifacts in the world, including the legendary gold mask of Tutankhamun. The new Grand Egyptian Museum at the foot of the pyramids will be the largest archaeological museum in the world upon its opening. The Islamic Old Town with the Al-Azhar Mosque, Saladin's Citadel, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar — one of the oldest markets in the East — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a feast for all senses. A felucca ride on the Nile at sunset, when the minarets and skyscrapers are bathed in golden light, is one of Cairo's most magical moments. The Coptic Old Town with its early Christian churches tells another chapter of the city's history. Culinary delights include Koshari, Ful, and freshly squeezed mango juice. October to April is the most pleasant travel time with mild temperatures.

Culture
95
Urban
85
Adventure
70
Safety
60
Romance
55

What are the top highlights in Cairo?

The top highlights in Cairo include Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Islamic Cairo, Nile Cruise.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Pyramids of Giza

The last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the Sphinx, and the panoramic view over the desert on the outskirts of Cairo.

2

Egyptian Museum

Over 120,000 artifacts, including the gold mask of Tutankhamun. The new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world.

3

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

One of the oldest bazaars in the world (since 1382): a labyrinth of alleys filled with gold, spices, perfume, and the famous El Fishawy Café.

4

Islamic Cairo

The medieval Old Town with over 600 mosques, Al-Azhar University (established in 970 AD), and Saladin's Citadel – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5

Nile Cruise

A felucca ride on the Nile at sunset shows Cairo in its most romantic light – with views of the illuminated skyline.

Hotels in Cairo

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Reise-SIM für Cairo

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Cairo?

The best time to visit Cairo is October–April (cooler, pleasant). Extremely hot and dry, 35–45 °C, practically no rain, dusty In winter: Mild and pleasant, 12–22 °C, rarely rain, perfect sightseeing temperatures

Recommended travel time

October–April (cooler, pleasant)

Summer

Extremely hot and dry, 35–45 °C, practically no rain, dusty

Winter

Mild and pleasant, 12–22 °C, rarely rain, perfect sightseeing temperatures

How much does a holiday in Cairo cost?

Budget travellers: 20–35 €/day, mid-range: 50–90 €/day, luxury: 150–400 €/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

20–35 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

50–90 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

150–400 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Cairo?

Direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin to Cairo (CAI) in 4–4.5 hours. Visa upon entry ($25) or online in advance.

Book a package holiday to Cairo

Compare thousands of package holidays to Cairo and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

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What travel tips are there for Cairo?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Visit the pyramids early in the morning (opening at 8 AM) – less heat, fewer tourists, and better light for photos.

Always negotiate the price before a ride or purchase – use a meter or Uber/Careem instead of unmetered taxis.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza opened in 2024 and should not be missed on any trip – Tutankhamun's complete burial equipment is on display there.

Friday afternoons everything is closed (Friday prayer) – the best time for the pyramids as it is less crowded.

What should you eat in Cairo?

Typical specialities in Cairo: Koshari — Egypt's national dish: rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and tomato sauce topped with fried onions – hearty, inexpensive, and vegetarian., Ful Medames — Fava beans slowly cooked with olive oil, lemon, and cumin – the traditional breakfast of Egypt., Shawarma — Tender meat from a rotating spit in flatbread with tahini and pickled vegetables – Cairo's ubiquitous street food classic., Om Ali — Egypt's famous dessert: a warm bread pudding with milk, nuts, raisins, and coconut flakes – sweet and comforting., Fresh sugarcane juice — Freshly pressed at every street corner for a few cents – refreshingly sweet and the perfect drink in the heat..

These specialties you must try!

Koshari — Egypt's national dish: rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and tomato sauce topped with fried onions – hearty, inexpensive, and vegetarian.
Ful Medames — Fava beans slowly cooked with olive oil, lemon, and cumin – the traditional breakfast of Egypt.
Shawarma — Tender meat from a rotating spit in flatbread with tahini and pickled vegetables – Cairo's ubiquitous street food classic.
Om Ali — Egypt's famous dessert: a warm bread pudding with milk, nuts, raisins, and coconut flakes – sweet and comforting.
Fresh sugarcane juice — Freshly pressed at every street corner for a few cents – refreshingly sweet and the perfect drink in the heat.
Suitable for:HistoryPyramidsCultureBazaarAntiquityNileUNESCO

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