Cairo

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.

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.

Cairenes are known to be incredibly welcoming, curious, and always ready for a chat. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Arabic words like "Shukran" (Thank you) goes a long way. Be prepared for a certain level of persistence, especially from vendors. It's not malicious; it's just part of the economic reality. A key cultural concept to grasp is bakshish (tipping). It isn't just for good service; it's a part of the social fabric and an expected supplement to low wages for small services.

Cairo's food scene is unforgettable; it's hearty, delicious, and unbelievably cheap. You absolutely must try Koshary, the national dish of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with a spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. Abou Tarek in Downtown is a top recommendation. Another staple is Ful Medames (fava bean stew) and Ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel, made with fava beans instead of chickpeas), which are classic breakfast foods. Beyond these staples, explore the vibrant street food culture – from fresh juices and grilled meats to pastries – you'll find incredible value and authentic flavors on every corner. A meal at a local spot can cost just a few dollars, while a nice dinner won't break the bank either.

Cairo's infrastructure is under immense strain. The traffic is legendary, and you'll spend a lot of time in it. Power cuts can happen, though they're less common in major hotels and tourist zones. Internet can be a bit hit-or-miss, so its advisable to grab a local SIM card at the airport (Vodafone or Orange are reliable, with data packages often starting from around $6-10 USD for significant data bundles). Air conditioning is standard and non-negotiable, especially in the summer. The metro system, however, is a surprising highlight—it's cheap, efficient, and a great way to cover long distances if you don't mind the crowds.

You'll almost certainly fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI), which is a modern and reasonably efficient airport. From there, use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Careem. It's cheap (expect to pay around 80-130 EGP to Zamalek or 150-250 EGP to Downtown), the price is fixed, and it saves you from the inevitable haggling with taxi drivers, which can be an exhausting first experience in the city. While there are buses, the ride-hailing apps are just too convenient to ignore.

You can rely on a mix of two things to get around Cairo: the Metro and Uber/Careem. The Cairo Metro is fantastic for north-south journeys, like going from Downtown to Coptic Cairo. It's incredibly cheap (fares are only a few Egyptian pounds, varying by distance), and there are dedicated carriages for women which can be more comfortable during peak hours. For everything else, many people use ride-hailing apps; they're affordable and save you from negotiating fares. Walking is great for exploring a single neighborhood like Zamalek or Downtown, but the city is too vast and traffic-clogged to be considered truly walkable between districts.

Cairo is a relatively safe city in terms of violent crime, but you need to be street-smart. The biggest risks are petty scams and traffic. Be firm and say "La, shukran" (No, thank you) to overly persistent touts. A common scam involves someone telling you a specific attraction is closed and trying to lead you to their cousin's papyrus or perfume shop instead—just smile and keep walking. For solo female travelers, expect a degree of attention and staring. Dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) significantly reduces this and is a sign of respect for the local culture. Avoid walking alone in quiet, unlit areas late at night. The tourist police (dial 126) are specifically there to help tourists and are usually very helpful. A note on terrorism: you should be aware of the ongoing and elevated risk of terrorist attacks across Egypt, including in urban centers like Cairo. These attacks could be indiscriminate and occur with little to no warning, targeting various locations frequented by both locals and foreign nationals. Potential targets include religious sites such as churches, mosques, and monasteries, as well as tourist attractions, transportation hubs, shopping malls, restaurants, and government buildings. While Egyptian authorities maintain a significant security presence and implement extra measures at major tourist sites, a high degree of vigilance is recommended, particularly in crowded areas. It is strongly advised to avoid all travel to the North Sinai Governorate and the Western Desert unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company, and to exercise extreme caution in all border areas, which are considered military zones.