When to visit Cairo: Summer is extremely hot and dry; visits are best planned for early morning or evening activities
When is the best time to visit Cairo?
Avg Temp
28–36°C
Rainfall
Negligible, under 5mm/month
Best Time
Summer is extremely hot and dry; visits are best planned for early morning or evening activities
Packing Tips (3)
- Light, loose cotton clothing to cope with intense heat
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- A scarf or shawl for covering shoulders at mosques and Islamic Cairo sites
What does Cairo cost?
Typical prices
- Budget mealEGP 100.00
- Mid-range mealEGP 350.00
- CappuccinoEGP 60.00
- Domestic beerEGP 90.00
- Taxi (per km)EGP 8.00
- Public transport ticketEGP 10.00
- Museum entryEGP 600.00
- Mid-range hotel (night)EGP 2,200.00
Local currency: EGP
Food & Drink
Abou El Sid
A Zamalek institution serving traditional Egyptian dishes like molokhia and fattah in a richly decorated, old-Cairo interior.
Koshary Abou Tarek
A multi-floor downtown spot devoted entirely to koshary, Egypt's national dish of rice, lentils, pasta and fried onions.
Sequoia
A sprawling Nile-side lounge restaurant on the Zamalek waterfront known for mezze and shisha with river views.
Felfela
A long-running downtown Cairo restaurant near Talaat Harb famous for ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel) and fresh juices.
Naguib Mahfouz Cafe
A Khan el-Khalili bazaar cafe named after the Nobel laureate, serving Egyptian classics amid Islamic-style decor.
Zööba
A modern fast-casual chain reinventing Egyptian street food like ta'ameya wraps and hawawshi for a younger crowd.
Cairo Jazz Club
A long-standing live music venue in Agouza hosting jazz, blues and Egyptian bands most nights of the week.
The Tap Maadi
A craft beer bar in Maadi popular with expats, offering a wide range of imported and local beers.
Culture & History
Grand Egyptian Museum
The new flagship museum near the Giza pyramids housing the complete Tutankhamun collection and thousands of ancient artifacts.
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square)
The original antiquities museum in downtown Cairo, still home to royal mummies and countless pharaonic treasures.
Coptic Museum
Located in Old Cairo, it holds the world's largest collection of Coptic Christian art and artifacts.
Museum of Islamic Art
One of the world's most important collections of Islamic artifacts, near Bab al-Khalq in central Cairo.
Zawya
An arthouse cinema in downtown Cairo's Cinema Odeon building specializing in independent Egyptian and international films.
Cairo International Film Festival
One of the oldest film festivals in the Middle East, screening international and Arab cinema.
Active & Fun
Gold's Gym Cairo Festival City
A large branch of the international chain inside Cairo Festival City Mall with full weight and cardio facilities.
Wadi Degla Club pools
A member sports club with outdoor pools across several Cairo branches, popular with families in summer.
Dream Park
A large amusement park on the outskirts of Cairo with roller coasters, water rides and family attractions.
Cities in Egypt
Planning Cairo?
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