GoTourist
The pyramids of Giza

No. 97 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Cairo

Egypt

The pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum and a thousand years of Islamic Cairo on the Nile.

Open in Maps Apple Maps

Photo: Ricardo Liberato, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Cairo is No. 97 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Egypt's capital, the largest city in Africa and the Arab world, lies on the Nile just south of the delta.

Its sights span five thousand years, from the pyramids at Giza to the mosques and madrasas of Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum.

Al-Muizz Street in Historic Cairo
Al-Muizz Street in Historic Cairo. Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, source

Best time to go

October to April is the most comfortable time, with warm days.

Summers are very hot, often above 35 °C; visit the pyramids early in the morning.

Top sights

  • 1

    Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza

    The Great Pyramid, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, and the Great Sphinx.

  • 2

    Grand Egyptian Museum

    The vast new museum near the pyramids, with the treasures of Tutankhamun.

  • 3

    Egyptian Museum

    The historic museum in the city centre, with royal mummies and ancient sculpture.

  • 4

    Khan el-Khalili and Al-Muizz Street

    The bazaar and a street of medieval mosques, madrasas and houses.

  • 5

    Citadel of Saladin

    A medieval fortress with the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and city views.

  • 6

    Coptic Cairo

    Old churches, including the Hanging Church, and the Coptic Museum.

Getting there

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is about 20 km north-east of the centre; allow 45 to 90 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing app, depending on traffic. Sphinx International Airport (SPX) is west of the city, near Giza.

Getting around

The metro is cheap and avoids traffic; ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem are the easiest way to get around.

Practical tips

Currency
Egyptian pound (EGP). Carry cash for tips, markets and small shops; cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.
Language
Arabic. English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas.
Dress & customs
Dress modestly, especially in mosques and older districts; women cover their hair in mosques.
Safety
Expect persistent touts at major sights; agree prices first and use ride-hailing apps. The emergency number is 122 (police).
Visa & entry
Most visitors need a visa. Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and EU countries, can apply for an e-visa online or get a visa on arrival. Apply only through Egypt's official e-visa portal.
Power
220 V, 50 Hz; plug types C and F.

Official information: Experience Egypt (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Open in Maps View larger map Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors