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Egypt · Cairo

Cairo and Giza travel guide

The Pyramids, the Sphinx and a vast, chaotic capital

The Pyramids of Giza. Photo: KennyOMG, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

4h 45mflight from London
CAInearest main airport
30° in Julwarmest month
12° in Jancoolest month

Cairo is Africa's biggest city, loud and full of life, with the Pyramids of Giza on its western edge. The Great Pyramid is the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.

The Grand Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo's mosques and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar fill another day or two.

Good forHistoryMuseumsCultureFood

What Cairo is known for

  • The Pyramids

    The last surviving ancient wonder.

  • The Sphinx

    A lion with a pharaoh's face.

  • Tutankhamun

    His treasures in the Grand Egyptian Museum.

  • Khan el-Khalili

    A historic bazaar of lamps and spices.

Top things to do in Cairo and Giza

  1. 1

    The Pyramids of Giza

    Go at opening. You can enter the Great Pyramid with an extra ticket.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Great Sphinx

    Next to the pyramids at Giza.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    The Grand Egyptian Museum

    Tutankhamun's treasures and a giant statue of Ramesses II.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    Khan el-Khalili

    Bargain for lamps, spices and souvenirs.

    Find tours and tickets
  5. 5

    Islamic Cairo

    Mosques, minarets and the Citadel.

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  6. 6

    Saqqara

    The Step Pyramid, older than Giza.

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See all tours and tickets in Cairo

Where to stay in Cairo and Giza

Find a hotel in Cairo

Best time to visit Cairo and Giza

Best value: Apr, Oct. October to April: warm, sunny days. Summer is very hot.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
12.1 C12°J13.7 C14°F17.1 C17°M20.9 C21°A25.3 C25°M28.5 C28°J30 C30°J29.9 C30°A27.5 C28°S23.7 C24°O18.7 C19°N14 C14°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Cairo and Giza, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 4h 45m from London to CAI, and flights from most UK airports.

Use Uber or Careem, or a private driver. Traffic is heavy.

Find flights to Cairo (CAI)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Hire a licensed guide for the big sites.
  • Expect persistent sellers at Giza: a firm "no, thank you" helps.
  • Dress modestly, especially in mosques.
Egypt guidesTravel safetyLGBT+ travelWomen travellersVisasHealthcare abroadTap waterWhen to go

Cairo and Giza FAQ

How many days in Cairo?

Two or three days.

Is Cairo safe?

The main tourist areas are generally safe. Check FCDO advice.

More places in Egypt

Back to the Egypt travel guide + Add Cairo and Giza to your bucket list