The largest city in Africa, Cairo is a great place to take your family for a holiday. With many thousands of years of history and culture to explore, with artefacts from every era, your only issue will be fitting everything into Cairo city breaks.
When you arrive in Cairo you will fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI) before travelling the short distance into the city.
A UNESCO-protected city, Cairo has many attractions to visit, including the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx of Giza, Gabalaya Park, Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque and Tahrir Square. Other unmissable sights are the River Nile and Zamalek (Gezira) Island.
If you want to experience the vibrant markets and traditional Egyptian bazaars, then the whole family will enjoy walking through Cairo's Old Town. With many traditional stalls and hidden squares it is worth wandering through the area and experiencing the true feeling of living in Cairo. After visiting the busy Old Town, taking a relaxing cruise down the River Nile to the pyramids and Sphinx of Giza will bring ancient Egypt and the pharaohs to life.
The Egyptian Museum has many ancient artefacts that will astonish and amaze all of the family. The highlight of a visit here is seeing the many famous treasures that were found in the tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamen.
Weather
You can enjoy city breaks in Cairo at any time of the year. However, many people choose to visit between November and March as the climate in the city is pleasant and comfortable, with average temperatures in the range of 18-23 degrees Celsius and limited rainfall. During the summer months the temperature can get very hot, with averages of 34 degrees Celsius in August.
Events
The Cairo International Film Festival takes place every year at the end of November and is the largest film festival in the Arab-speaking world.
The Sphinx Festival is a five-day event that features many different artists performing traditional folk dances. The festival also plays host to different styles of traditional music performed by local musicians. The event usually takes place in December every year.
In St John's Church there is the Caravan Festival of the Arts exhibition which is host to the fascinating works of over 45 different local artists. The event has free admission and is open to all.
The Spring Festival takes places in May biennially and is an art event with many different disciplines on show. It showcases local photography, writing, dance and music in many different locations throughout the city. The event is held simultaneously in Beirut and Cairo.
The Egyptian International Modern Dance Festival is a great place for the family to relax while enjoying many international and local dancers performing their latest routines. Held every year between June and July, the festival attracts the best dancers from around the world.
If you are planning a trip to Cairo this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.
Best of Cairo city breaks for...
Families: Children will be in awe at the sight of the mighty Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is also a great family attraction. There will be no cries of “it's boring” in this museum - not when they spy ancient mummies.
Relaxing: Take a trip back in time along the River Nile aboard a traditional felucca sailing boat. You can base your holiday on one, or simply opt for a lunch or dinner cruise.
Romance:Stay in Zamalek or Garden City during your break in Cairo and check into one of the fabulous four- and five-star hotels in these leafy areas. Chill by the pool before taking dinner with a view of the Nile.
Getting into Cairo from Cairo International Airport
An airport shuttle bus runs every half hour and connects the terminal with central Cairo. Expect a journey time of around 45 minutes.
Jump into a white taxi outside the arrivals terminal. Insist on the meter being used, as fixed fares often bump up the true cost.
The budget option is a public bus from the nearby bus station, which is connected to the airport by a free shuttle bus. It can be a task for the brave, as bus numbers are often in Arabic and the journey takes 60-90 minutes.
Getting around on weekend breaks in Cairo
Metro: Getting about using the two lines of Cairo's Metro is a fast and cheap but limited affair.
Bus: Bus services navigate the streets of the city. Some routes use old, non-air-conditioned vehicles that can be crowded, with other main routes featuring air-conditioned buses. It's a cheap way to see Cairo, though heavy traffic can slow down many journeys.
Taxis: If you want to use cabs while in Cairo, white taxis are your best bet. Insist the meter is turned on when you get in. If you use older black and white cabs (usually non-metered) expect to either barter on a price at the start of the journey, or pay a tourist premium at the end.
