Are you thinking of traveling to Cairo, Egypt? Lucky for you! In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to travel to Cairo.
Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is a fascinating destination that offers visitors a unique blend of ancient history and modern culture. With its iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and vibrant atmosphere, Cairo is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Middle East.
1. Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza
No trip to Cairo would be complete without visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza. These ancient structures are among the most recognizable landmarks in the world and are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians. You can explore the pyramids on your own or join a guided tour to learn more about their history and significance.
One of the most anticipated openings since the first plans were put in motion in 1992, the Grand Egyptian Museum is more than just a fancy new gallery opening in Giza. We expect the GEM, also referred to as the Giza Museum, will be the world’s largest archeological museum housing the artifacts of ancient Egypt.
This massive triangle shaped structure is expected to be more than 5,000,000 square feet of space, just over a mile from the Pyramids of Giza. The GEM, featuring many first time exhibits, will bring together collections from Alexandria, Cairo, Fayoum, The Grand Pyramid, Luxor, Minya, Assiut, the Delta and infamous exhibits from around the world.
Currently slated to finally open its doors in 2023, the anticipation has been all but nail biting since 2021 with the opening finally within planning reach. The original spring 2020 opening was pushed to 2021 as a result of the pandemic. Further delays have disrupted travel plans with the most recent delays in opening. However, the wait is sure to be worth every rescheduled trip to Northern Africa. Egypt plans to unveil the world’s largest archaeological museum complex.
The Egyptian Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the famous treasures of King Tutankhamun. The museum is located in the heart of Cairo and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history and culture.
The Citadel of Salah El-Din is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century. The fortress was built to protect the city from invading forces and is home to several historic buildings and monuments, including the Mohammed Ali Mosque, which is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace that has been around for centuries. You can find everything from spices and perfumes to jewelry and souvenirs at this colorful and bustling bazaar. Make sure to brush up on your bargaining skills before you go, as prices are often negotiable.
A Nile River cruise is a great way to see Cairo from a different perspective. You can take a short ride on a felucca, a traditional sailboat, or book a longer cruise that takes you to other parts of Egypt. You’ll get a chance to see the city’s landmarks and historic sites from the water, which can be a truly magical experience.
The Coptic Museum is located in the heart of Old Cairo and is home to a collection of ancient Christian artifacts and artwork. The museum is housed in a 4th-century AD Roman fortress and includes a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of Christianity in Egypt.
Egyptian cuisine is a delicious and flavorful blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Make sure to try some traditional dishes like koshari, falafel, and ful medames while you’re in Cairo. While fish and seafood are very popular in Egypt, our vegetarian clients will find the delectable cuisine abundant with vegetables and legumes, most enjoyable as many Egyptians are vegetarians. Our carnivores will indulge in delicious dishes of lamb, chicken or squab. You can also enjoy a cup of traditional Egyptian tea or coffee at one of the city’s many cafes.
The Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the most important Islamic institutions in the world and is located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. The mosque was founded in the 10th century and is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities. Take a guided tour of the mosque to learn more about its history and significance.
Believe it or not, Cairo has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. You can enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar, dance the night away at a nightclub, or watch a live performance at one of the city’s theaters.
Make sure to check out the events calendar to see what’s happening while you’re in town.
Getting to Cairo
The first thing you need to do when planning a trip to Cairo is to figure out the best way to get there. Cairo International Airport is the main entry point for travelers, with daily flights from major cities around the world. Once you arrive at the airport, you have several options for getting to your hotel or villa. Alternatively, included in your itinerary, you can include a private transfer in advance through Superior Cruise & Travel, a KROZ Company.Flight Options to Cairo, Egypt
There are several airlines that offer flights from the United States to Cairo, Egypt. Flying out the following cities makes it convenient for you with one or two connections.- Atlanta, GA (ATL)
- Chicago, IL (ORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
- Denver, CO (DEN)
- Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
- Charlotte, NC (CLT)
- New York, NY (JFK)
- Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
- Seattle, WA (SEA)
- Houston, TX (IAH)
- San Francisco, CA (SFO)
- Orlando, FL (MCO)
- Miami, FL (MIA)
- Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
- Boston, MA (BOS)
Getting Around Cairo
Cairo is a sprawling city with a population of over 22 million, so getting around can be challenging at times. The most popular modes of transportation for travelers are taxis, Uber, and private car rentals. Private transportation provides you with the most flexibility. Uber is also available in Cairo, and it’s a convenient option for those who prefer a more budget-friendly option. Another option for getting around Cairo is by metro. The Cairo Metro is a quick and efficient way to travel around the city, with two lines that cover most of the major tourist attractions. However, the metro can get very crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to avoid it during rush hour.Top Things to See and Do in Cairo
Next, let’s explore the top things to see and do when traveling to Cairo, as well as practical tips for planning your trip.1. Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza
No trip to Cairo would be complete without visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza. These ancient structures are among the most recognizable landmarks in the world and are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians. You can explore the pyramids on your own or join a guided tour to learn more about their history and significance.
2. The Grand Egyptian Museum – Opening Late 2023
One of the most anticipated openings since the first plans were put in motion in 1992, the Grand Egyptian Museum is more than just a fancy new gallery opening in Giza. We expect the GEM, also referred to as the Giza Museum, will be the world’s largest archeological museum housing the artifacts of ancient Egypt.
This massive triangle shaped structure is expected to be more than 5,000,000 square feet of space, just over a mile from the Pyramids of Giza. The GEM, featuring many first time exhibits, will bring together collections from Alexandria, Cairo, Fayoum, The Grand Pyramid, Luxor, Minya, Assiut, the Delta and infamous exhibits from around the world.
Currently slated to finally open its doors in 2023, the anticipation has been all but nail biting since 2021 with the opening finally within planning reach. The original spring 2020 opening was pushed to 2021 as a result of the pandemic. Further delays have disrupted travel plans with the most recent delays in opening. However, the wait is sure to be worth every rescheduled trip to Northern Africa. Egypt plans to unveil the world’s largest archaeological museum complex.
3. Discover the Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the famous treasures of King Tutankhamun. The museum is located in the heart of Cairo and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history and culture.
4. Visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din
The Citadel of Salah El-Din is a medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century. The fortress was built to protect the city from invading forces and is home to several historic buildings and monuments, including the Mohammed Ali Mosque, which is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
5. Shop at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace that has been around for centuries. You can find everything from spices and perfumes to jewelry and souvenirs at this colorful and bustling bazaar. Make sure to brush up on your bargaining skills before you go, as prices are often negotiable.
6. Take a Nile River cruise
A Nile River cruise is a great way to see Cairo from a different perspective. You can take a short ride on a felucca, a traditional sailboat, or book a longer cruise that takes you to other parts of Egypt. You’ll get a chance to see the city’s landmarks and historic sites from the water, which can be a truly magical experience.
7. Visit the Coptic Museum
The Coptic Museum is located in the heart of Old Cairo and is home to a collection of ancient Christian artifacts and artwork. The museum is housed in a 4th-century AD Roman fortress and includes a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of Christianity in Egypt.
8. Enjoy Egyptian cuisine
Egyptian cuisine is a delicious and flavorful blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Make sure to try some traditional dishes like koshari, falafel, and ful medames while you’re in Cairo. While fish and seafood are very popular in Egypt, our vegetarian clients will find the delectable cuisine abundant with vegetables and legumes, most enjoyable as many Egyptians are vegetarians. Our carnivores will indulge in delicious dishes of lamb, chicken or squab. You can also enjoy a cup of traditional Egyptian tea or coffee at one of the city’s many cafes.
9. Visit the Al-Azhar Mosque
The Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the most important Islamic institutions in the world and is located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. The mosque was founded in the 10th century and is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities. Take a guided tour of the mosque to learn more about its history and significance.
10. Experience the nightlife
Believe it or not, Cairo has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. You can enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar, dance the night away at a nightclub, or watch a live performance at one of the city’s theaters.
Make sure to check out the events calendar to see what’s happening while you’re in town.
What to Bring on Your Vacation to Cairo
- Passport: This is pretty obvious but you’ll need a passport to fly internationally into Egypt.
- Comfortable clothing: Cairo can get very hot, especially during the summer months, so make sure to bring lightweight and breathable clothing. Modest clothing is also recommended for visits to historic sites.
- Sun protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Cairo has many historical sites and markets to explore, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
- Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important in Cairo’s hot climate, so bringing a reusable water bottle is a good idea.
- Phone/Camera: With so many iconic landmarks, markets, and ancient ruins, you’ll definitely want to capture some memories of your trip.
- Egyptian currency: It’s a good idea to have some Egyptian pounds on hand for taxis, food, and other small purchases.
- Power adapter: Egypt uses the European-style two-pin plugs, so make sure to bring a power adapter if you’re from a country that uses a different type of plug.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be a problem in Cairo, especially during the summer months, so bring insect repellent to keep them at bay.
- Medications: If you have any prescription medications, make sure to bring enough for your entire trip. You may also want to bring over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, antacids, and allergy medicine.
