Why Cairo should be your next budget city break

The best things to do in Cairo

See world wonders at Giza

The Pyramids of Giza remain the city's undeniable highlight. Cairo's most popular attraction, these 4,600-year-old funerary temples are a marvel of ancient architectural brilliance.

The Great Pyramid or Pyramid of Khufu is the largest, and its interior can be explored. The nearby Pyramid of Khafre and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure are also noteworthy, along with the iconic Sphinx guarding the site​​.

Most visitors take the 20km (12 miles) journey to the Giza Plateau by taxi, but a DIY combo of the metro to Giza station and a local minibus is a more affordable alternative​​.

For the full experience, you could also book a tour*, which will often include a camel or horse ride for the most classic of tourist snaps.

Dive into history at GEM

The nearby Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilization and costing a cool one billion dollars to build, has unveiled parts of its vast collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts.

The 100,000-item collection includes objects that have never been displayed to the public before. While the full opening date is to be confirmed, you’ll still be able to visit most of the main exhibitions as well as highlights such as the Grand Staircase and gardens.

Get lost in vibrant markets

In addition to ancient wonders, history is alive in the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Founded in 1382, this market in the heart of Islamic Cairo is filled with shops and stalls selling everything from spices to jewellery.

The bazaar has historical significance, having been expanded in 1511 by Sultan Qansuh al-Ghawri and experiencing restoration after Napoleon's invasion in 1798. Today, it remains a centre for trade and culture, giving you the chance to experience traditional Egyptian culture firsthand​​.

Sail the Nile on a felucca

For a more serene escape, a felucca sail on the Nile is a picturesque and peaceful way to experience the world’s most famous river.

Greek historian Herodotus described Egypt as the ‘gift of the Nile,’ and a sail on a traditional Egyptian felucca* certainly captures this sentiment.

The best place for a felucca ride is Maadi, where the absence of bridges ensures uninterrupted sailing, and the standard charge for tourists is around £12 an hour.

Be there for sunset for an unforgettable experience.

The best eats in Cairo

Begin your day with an authentic Egyptian breakfast: a ful wa ta'ameya (beans and falafel) sandwich. Not just a meal but a daily ritual for many locals, it's incredibly affordable at around 26 pence (10 EGP).

When lunchtime rolls around, dive into the heart of Cairo's street food scene with local favourites like koshari and ful medames. A great spot to try them is hip street food spot Zooba, on 26th of July Street in Zamalek.

And for those with a sweet tooth, a visit to bakeries like Simonds or Grand Kunafa Ala El Fahm is a must. Here, you can indulge in some of Cairo’s finest traditional Arabic desserts, including the ever-popular basbousa and kunafa.

Where to stay in Cairo

Downtown Cairo, reminiscent of 19th-century Paris with its grand avenues crafted by French architects, is an essential visit for those exploring the city.

As the commercial hub, its lively streets – lined by weathered buildings that display a sense of faded grandeur – house restaurants, shops and hotels. Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting one of the traditional ahwas, or Egyptian coffeehouses. These popular spots are where locals gather to enjoy coffee or tea, smoke shisha or play board games like backgammon or chess.

In contrast to the energetic Downtown area, the river island of Gezira is a serene escape. This upmarket oasis, including the Zamalek neighbourhood, hosts notable landmarks such as the Cairo Opera House and the Cairo Tower. It’s easily accessible from the mainland via bridges and a causeway, and has cafes, restaurants and boutiques within walking distance.

The ideal time to visit the island, and Egypt in general, is between October and April, when the weather is more pleasant and the tourist traffic is less intense.

Getting around Cairo

From the Metro to mopeds, getting around a city with the largest population in Africa or the Middle East can be surprisingly efficient.

The Cairo Metro is your budget-friendly magic carpet, running from 5am to midnight and offering fares as low as 13 pence (8 EGP) for short rides. A practical way to move between the city's major tourist hotspots, tickets can be purchased at stations​​.

For a more adventurous experience, Uber's moped service is a death-defying way to weave through Cairo's notorious traffic. Regular taxis are also cheap, plentiful and easy to hail on any street corner.

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