Cairo holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Cairo is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, you should always check the government’s foreign travel advice for up-to-date safety information before you go and remember to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover you while you’re away. In addition, try to be mindful of your valuables and surroundings in crowded areas, respect the local culture and be wary of unsolicited offers and services.

There’s a pretty diverse nightlife scene in Cairo. The Zamalek and Downtown districts come alive after dark with a mix of trendy bars, lounges, and nightclubs that are popular among tourists and locals alike. For a more authentic night on the town, you can enjoy traditional music and belly-dancing shows in places like the Khan El-Khalili bazaar area. Nile river cruises with a show and entertainment are also popular nighttime activities.

Yes, there’s a handful of beaches within driving distance of Cairo, even though it’s not a coastal city. The closest one is Ain Sokhna, which is around a one and a half-hour drive east of the capital on the Gulf of Suez. Head here for powder-fine sand and snorkelling opportunities, or drive just over two and a half hours the other way to Alexandria. There, you’ll find lots of beaches rolling out to the Mediterranean Sea, where the water’s nice and warm.

Cairo’s main attractions include archaeological sites and historic architecture. You’ve got the Pyramids of Giza – undoubtedly the city’s most famous site – where you can see the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. Tutankhamun’s treasures are housed in the Egyptian Museum, while the Coptic Museum has Christian art dating back to the third century AD. Then, there’s mosques in the Medieval district, and the Islamic-era Cairo Citadel on Mokattam Hill. Modern attractions include the Cairo Tower and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

You can get around Cairo by public transport, taxi or tuk tuk. The metro system is efficient and affordable, but it can get crowded during peak hours. You can also hop on a bus, but English signage can be lacking. So, you might prefer to hop in a black-and-white or a yellow cab – there are usually lots available, and they’re relatively inexpensive. Or book a ride using Uber and Careem, the Middle East’s ‘everything app’. For short distances within neighbourhoods, lots of locals use tuk tuks, while it’s best to book on a tour with organised transportation for daytrips and far-flung excursions.

You can expect a mix of Egyptian and international cuisines in Cairo. Restaurants typically serve things like koshari – Egypt’s national dish, which pairs pasta, rice and lentils with fried onions and tomato sauce – and ta'ameya, Egyptian falafel made with dried fava beans. The city’s also home to many street food stalls serving up things like shawarma, where marinated rotisserie meat meets warm pitta bread, and stuffed pastries called feteer – or ‘Egyptian pizza’. Save room for dessert if you’ve got a sweet tooth, too – flaky baklava packed with chopped nuts and sticky syrup is on lots of menus.

The best time to visit Cairo is usually between October and April, when milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C make for more comfortable sightseeing. It’s often above 35°C in the summer months from May to September, which can make outdoor activities challenging. Just keep in mind that there’ll likely be bigger crowds during peak tourist season, which runs from December to February.

Direct flights from the UK to Cairo typically take around five to six hours, depending on where in the UK you’re departing from.

There are shops for every budget all over Cairo. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar in the Islamic area is a must-visit for traditional Egyptian goods, spices, and souvenirs. And if it’s international brands you’re after, the City Stars mall in Heliopolis and the Mall of Arabia in 6th of October City are popular options. You’ll also find boutique shops and art galleries in the Zamalek district, plus Talaat Harb Street in Downtown Cairo offers a mix of local shops and department stores.

There are plenty of guided tours available for visiting the Pyramids of Giza. Small group tours led by Egyptologists offer in-depth historical insights and often include visits to the Solar Boat Museum and the Great Sphinx, while private tours provide a more personalised experience and flexibility with your schedule. Some tours also combine trips to the pyramids with other nearby attractions like Saqqara and Memphis. This private tour with home-cooked lunch is ideal if you’re staying in Cairo, while the tour of the New Grand Museum, Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx is an ideal option if you’re basing your holiday in Hurghada.

Yes, daytrips from Cairo to Alexandria are popular and readily available. It’s around a three-hour drive from the capital to Alexandria’s top sights, which include the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa and the Citadel of Qaitbay. Some tours also stop at the Roman Amphitheatre and Pompey's Pillar, the only ancient monument in Alexandria still standing in its original location. TUI reps at your resort can assist in recommending and booking tours, too.

While Uber is widely used in Cairo, there are many popular alternatives. Careem is a well-established and reliable ride-hailing app that many people use to get around the city. InDriver is similar, but it allows passengers to negotiate fares with drivers for more cost-effective trips. There’s also Swvl’s River App, which offers a unique bus-hailing service that's popular for longer routes within the city, and you can always hop in a taxi if you’re not worried about the language barrier.

You’ve got your pick of lots of places to stay in Cairo, depending on your preferences and budget. For luxury stays with views of the River Nile, the high-end hotels in Garden City and Zamalek areas are popular choices. Downtown Cairo is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the city, close to major attractions and museums, while the trendy Maadi district is a top pick for those who want to live like a local while they’re away.