5-Day Cairo Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Cairo, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
On this page
About Cairo
- Capital
- True
- Population
- 21000000
- Languages
- Arabic (Egyptian dialect), English
- Currency
- Code EGP, Name Egyptian Pound, Symbol E£, Usd rate 49.0
Explore Cairo by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Cairo
The 10 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
7-Day Classic Cairo
- Days 1-2Cairo city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Cairo
- Days 1-3Cairo comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Cairo, departure
Where to stay in Cairo
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $50-100
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $100-200
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $300+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Iconic five-star hotel on the Nile in Garden City, consistently rated one of the best hotels in Cairo. Features two towers with stunning Nile views, world-class dining, a luxurious spa, and impeccable service.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
Situated on Tahrir Square with direct views of the original Egyptian Museum and the Nile, the Ritz-Carlton occupies a prime Downtown Cairo location. The hotel offers refined rooms, an award-winning spa, and rooftop dining with panoramic views.
Marriott Mena House
A legendary 19th-century hunting lodge converted into a hotel, with rooms and gardens overlooking the Pyramids of Giza just minutes away. A historic property that has hosted Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, and numerous world leaders.
Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
A striking circular tower hotel at the north end of Zamalek Island with 360-degree Nile views. One of Cairo's best five-star values, combining French Accor luxury with a prime island location and excellent dining.
Where to eat in Cairo
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Koshary Abou Tarek
The most famous koshary restaurant in Cairo and arguably in all of Egypt, Abu Tarek has been serving the beloved Egyptian staple — layers of pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, and tangy tomato sauce — since 1950. A four-storey institution beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Felfela
A Downtown Cairo institution since the 1960s, Felfela serves home-style Egyptian cooking in a colourful, kitschy atmosphere complete with hanging cages and aquariums. Beloved by locals, politicians, and celebrities for its authentic mezze, grilled meats, and Egyptian specialties.
Naguib Mahfouz Café
Named after Egypt's Nobel laureate and located deep in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, this elegantly decorated café-restaurant offers a refined setting for traditional Egyptian food and shisha in an area where the writer himself used to walk. The decorative mashrabiya screens and antique lanterns create a magical atmosphere.
Zitouni
The flagship Egyptian restaurant of the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Zitouni is widely considered one of the finest Egyptian dining experiences in Cairo. The menu celebrates Egyptian culinary heritage with refined presentations, using the freshest local ingredients. Spectacular Nile views complete the experience.
Sequoia
Sequoia is one of Cairo's most glamorous restaurants, set on a spectacular open-air wooden deck extending over the Nile at the northern tip of Zamalek. Perfect for a long leisurely meal, sunset drinks, or special celebrations. The diverse menu spans Lebanese, Mediterranean, and international dishes.
Abou El Sid
Abou El Sid recreates the atmosphere of a 1940s Egyptian home complete with antique furniture, sepia photographs, and mashrabiya screens. The menu is a celebration of Egyptian home cooking with grandmotherly dishes often overlooked by modern restaurants. One of Zamalek's most beloved restaurants.
Getting around Cairo
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-40 | $50-120 | $150+ |
| Food (per day) | $10-25 | $30-60 | $80+ |
| Transportation | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Activities | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Daily total | $50-100 | $100-200 | $300+ |
Best time to visit Cairo
Essential travel tips
- Research visa requirements before your trip
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language
- Carry cash as cards may not be accepted everywhere
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Purchase travel insurance before departure
Safety information
Frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Cairo?
The currency in Cairo is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Cairo?
The main language(s) spoken in Cairo: Arabic (Egyptian dialect), English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.