Cairo

EGYPT

A beautiful, maddening, glorious mess.

Updated: September 10, 2025

Map of Cairo

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Introduction & Vibe

Cairo is the kind of city that delivers an immediate impact. It’s an overwhelming, non-stop whirlwind of sound, traffic, and millions of people, all set against the most staggering historical backdrop on earth. The vibe is pure, uncut energy—a city that feels like it’s been awake for 5,000 years and has no plans to sleep anytime soon.

Why Visit?

Travelers visit Cairo to feel humbled by time. Standing in front of the Pyramids of Giza is a core human experience—they aren't just piles of rock; they're a genuine wonder. Then there's the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), now largely open, with the full official grand opening including the entire Tutankhamun collection anticipated in November 2025. Beyond the pharaohs, you may find getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Islamic Cairo, haggling for lamps in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and then finding a moment of total peace on a felucca sailing down the Nile at sunset to be incredibly rewarding. It's also incredible value for money; your travel budget will stretch further here than in almost any other major world city.

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Best Neighborhoods To Stay In

People

Top Highlights

Food Scene Highlights

Infrastructure

Accommodations

Getting There

Getting Around

Safety

Dealbreakers

When to Visit

Sample Itinerary

Packing List

FAQs

How-To Guides

Resources & Further Reading

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I've made this guide with every attempt to be as accurate as possible; however, the world is a dynamic place, so there is a chance that something here needs updating. If you've spotted something in this guide that could use an update, please let me know! Your feedback helps tremendously. Alternatively, if you found something super helpful or you have a great tip to add, I'd love to hear that too!

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