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.

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.

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 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.

When visiting Cairo, you'll find two types of electrical sockets commonly used. Type C sockets have two round pins, while Type F sockets have two round pins with two earth clips on the side. The standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. We recommend bringing a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be plugged in easily during your stay.

Cairo offers diverse shopping experiences. You'll love exploring the Khan el-Khalili bazaar for traditional crafts and souvenirs. For modern shopping, visit Cairo Festival City Mall or City Stars Mall. Many resorts also have on-site shops for convenience.

For authentic Cairo cuisine, try local restaurants in downtown Cairo or Zamalek. We recommend tasting koshari, a popular street food, and trying traditional dishes like molokhia and mahshi. Many resorts also offer Egyptian nights featuring local specialties.

Cairo's nightlife is lively and varied. You'll find everything from rooftop bars with Nile views to live music venues. Many hotels and resorts offer evening entertainment. For a local experience, try a Nile dinner cruise with traditional music and dance.

Tipping, known as 'baksheesh', is common in Cairo. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included, but an additional 5-10% is appreciated. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, small tips are welcome but not mandatory.

Cairo itself doesn't have beaches, but you'll find excellent options nearby. We recommend visiting Alexandria or Ain Sokhna for beautiful Mediterranean and Red Sea beaches, respectively. Both are within a few hours' drive from Cairo and offer great resort experiences.

For Cairo, pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for hot, dry weather and comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient sites. Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Include modest clothing to cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites, plus a light scarf for women to cover their heads.

When visiting Cairo, dress modestly in public areas by covering shoulders and knees, and at mosques use loosefitting clothing covering shoulders, chest and knees. "Salam alaykum" is a common greeting to use with locals, and avoid taking photos of people without permission. Tipping, called baksheesh, is common and appreciated for services.