Cairo, Egypt
Where Ancient History Meets Modern Adventure
Egypt combines some of the world's most recognizable ancient monuments with bustling cities, desert landscapes, bucket list experiences and food culture.
★ 5.0 • 7-10 days
History • Food • Culture • Adventure • Content
EXPERIENCE Cairo
EAT
Egyptian food is hearty, affordable and built around bold flavors, breads, legumes, grilled meats and street-food staples. Cairo is especially good for eating your way through traditional Egyptian dishes.
Koshari • Ful Medames • Ta'ameya • Hawawshi • Fattah • Shawarma • Egyptian Tea
PLAY
Egypt isn't primarily a nightlife destination, but Cairo offers rooftop lounges, restaurants, Nile dinner cruises, cafés and late-night venues. For a completely different experience, spend an evening exploring markets and street-food areas or watching Cairo come alive after sunset.
EXPERIENCE
Egypt is one of those destinations where the attractions you've seen your entire life actually live up to the anticipation.
Stand beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza, see the Sphinx, explore ancient tombs, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, walk through historic Cairo and experience the Nile.
If you have additional time, travel south to Luxor and Aswan for temples, tombs and a Nile cruise, or head to the Red Sea for diving and resort experiences.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
LANGUAGE
Arabic. English is commonly spoken in major tourist areas, hotels and attractions.
CURRENCY
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
AIRPORT
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
GETTING AROUND
Ride-hailing • Taxi • Private Driver • Domestic Flights • Trains • Organized Tours
For a first visit, a combination of ride-hailing within Cairo and reputable tours/private transportation for major attractions can make the trip easier
CLIMATE
Egypt has a predominantly hot, dry desert climate. Summers can be extremely hot, particularly in southern Egypt. Cooler months are generally more comfortable for extensive outdoor sightseeing.
DRIVING
Right side of the road.
PASSPORT PIMP TIP
Don't try to squeeze Egypt into two or three days. Cairo/Giza alone can fill several days, and adding Luxor, Aswan or the Red Sea creates a dramatically different trip.
DON'T GET PLAYED
STAY SMART IN Cairo
Egypt's major tourist areas attract huge numbers of visitors, which also means travelers can encounter aggressive selling, inflated tourist pricing and unsolicited offers.
Safety tips
Agree on prices before accepting a service; verify guides and tour operators; use reputable transportation; protect valuables in crowded areas; be cautious with unsolicited “help”; confirm what is included in camel, horse, carriage and tour prices before starting; and don't assume something being offered is free.
Local Rules
Travelers should check current official guidance regarding medications, drones, photography, antiquities, alcohol and prohibited substances before departure.
THE PASSPORT PIMP VERDICT ON Cairo
Few destinations can match the feeling of standing in front of something built thousands of years ago and realizing it's even more impressive in person. Egypt can be intense, chaotic and unforgettable—and that's exactly what makes it such incredible travel content.