Egypt

Cairo

Photo: Gary Denham from Edinburgh, Scotland · CC BY-SA 2.0

Destination details

Coordinates
30.0444, 31.2357
Time zone
Not available
Population
9,606,916
Default country currency
EGP

Live Weather & Forecast

Weather in Cairo

Real-time temperature and 5-day forecast to help you plan your itinerary and sightseeing in Cairo.

21°C

Clear sky

Feels like: 23°C

Humidity81%
Wind Speed5 km/h
UV Index4.9 (Moderate)
Traveler's Packing & Outfit Advice:

Crisp and cool — a light jacket or sweater is recommended, especially for morning walks and evenings.

5-Day Weather Forecast

Today
Overcast
30°19°
Tomorrow
Overcast
27°19°
💧 3%
Fri
Slight rain showers
24°18°
💧 15%
Sat
Overcast
24°16°
Sun
Partly cloudy
24°14°
Live atmospheric weather forecast provided via open meteorological models (Open-Meteo).

City Travel Guide

Visitor & Tourism Guide for Cairo

Cairo, the cradle of civilizations and Egypt's bustling capital on the Nile, combines millennia of pharaonic history with medieval Islamic architecture and vibrant cultural life.

Best Time to Visit

October through April offers pleasant daytime temperatures (20°C–26°C), perfect for exploring the Pyramids and walking through Islamic Cairo.

Getting Around the City

  • Cairo Metro lines 1, 2, and 3 provide the quickest escape from street-level traffic.
  • Uber and Careem provide upfront pricing and eliminate the need to negotiate taxi fares.
  • Nile felucca sailboats offer relaxing scenic rides from downtown corniche docks.

Local Tips & Recommendations

Visit Pyramids Early

Arrive at the Giza Plateau right at opening time (8:00 AM) to avoid afternoon heat and tour bus crowds.

Carry Small Cash

Keep small denomination EGP bills handy for entry tips, restrooms, and local street stalls.

Itinerary, Neighborhood & Daily Budget Guide for Cairo

Choosing Where to Stay in Cairo

As the capital of Egypt (population ~9,606,916), staying near central transit corridors in Cairo significantly reduces daily travel time between museums, embassies, and commercial districts.

Daily Budgeting & EGP Payments

All local pricing in Cairo is denominated in EGP. While major hotels accept international cards, carry smaller EGP notes for local taxis, cafes, and neighborhood markets.

Urban Mobility & Regional Day Trips

Located at coordinates (30.04°, 31.24°) in the UTC time zone, Cairo connects to surrounding attractions via municipal transit, taxis, and intercity highways.

Emergency Contacts & Safety in Cairo

Emergency services across Cairo and Egypt can be reached at 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 180 (Fire), 126 (Tourist Police). Keep your hotel's address saved in the local script for smooth taxi navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cairo

When is the best time of year to visit Cairo, Egypt?

October through April offers pleasant daytime temperatures (20°C–26°C), perfect for exploring the Pyramids and walking through Islamic Cairo. You can also check the live weather card on this page for current temperature and wind observations in Cairo.

What currency and emergency numbers are used in Cairo?

The local currency in Cairo is EGP, and official emergency dispatch numbers for Egypt are: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 180 (Fire), 126 (Tourist Police).

How many days should I plan for an itinerary in Cairo?

A 2-to-4-day stay allows ample time to explore Cairo's historic core, cultural museums, local markets, and parks, with an extra day recommended if taking regional excursions.

Should I rent a car in Cairo or rely on local transport?

Within central Cairo, municipal transit, metered taxis, and ride-hailing apps avoid urban parking hassles, whereas renting a car is advantageous for multi-stop countryside or coastal day trips.

Sights & Tours

Top Attractions & Tours in Cairo

Discover premier attractions, cultural landmarks, museums, and scenic destinations in and around Cairo.

Ancient Wonder

Giza Pyramids & Great Sphinx

Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure pyramids on the Giza Plateau, the iconic symbol of ancient Egypt.

World-Class Museum

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) & NMEC

Home to the treasures of King Tutankhamun and the royal mummies hall.

Historic Bazaar

Khan el-Khalili & Islamic Cairo

Medieval alleyways filled with brass lamps, spices, perfumes, and historic El-Fishawy cafe.

Fortress & Mosque

Citadel of Saladin & Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Panoramic hilltop citadel overlooking the entire skyline of Cairo.

Cairo travel guide

Reviewed destination facts for Cairo, Egypt, including areas, airport context, and sourced transport when available.

About Cairo

Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt and the Cairo Governorate. It is home to more than 9.8 million people. The city is also part of the largest urban agglomeration in Africa, the Arab world, and the Middle East. The Greater Cairo metropolitan area is one of the largest in the world by population with over 22 million people. Areas of what would become Cairo were inhabited from pre-dynastic and early-dynastic ancient Egypt c.

Key facts

Coordinates: 30.0444, 31.2357. Country default currency: EGP.

Airport & Ground Transit

Airport Arrival & Ground Transportation

Cairo International Airport (CAI) connects to greater Cairo via frequent terminal shuttle services, connections to Cairo Metro Line 3, public and SuperJet express buses, 24/7 metered white taxis, and pre-booked private transfers.

City Airports & Arrival Terminals

  • Cairo International Airport · CAI · HECA

Cairo Metro & Airport Shuttle

Free 24/7 terminal shuttles link passenger terminals to the airport bus hub and Heliopolis, connecting directly into Cairo Metro Line 3.

Public & SuperJet Airport Buses

Air-conditioned municipal buses (Line 111 & 381) and SuperJet coaches connect Terminal 1 to Tahrir Square, Ramses, and Giza.

White Metered Taxis & Rideshares

Official white metered taxis and ride apps (Uber, Careem, inDrive) are widely available outside arrival exits.

Book Airport Taxi & Private Transfer for Cairo International Airport

Pre-booked door-to-door transfer from the arrivals gate directly to your hotel with fixed pricing.

Air Passenger Rights

Flight Delay & Cancellation Compensation

Was your flight delayed by more than 3 hours, cancelled, or overbooked? You may be entitled to up to €600 in cash compensation per passenger under international passenger rights regulations. Check your claim eligibility below:

Flight Deals & Search

Flights & Airfare Deals to Cairo

Search direct and connecting flights to Cairo (CAI), and explore the live interactive radar map to compare airline prices.

Direct Flight Search to Cairo

Search and compare live flight fares from top airlines with Cairo as your final arrival destination.

Book Flights to Cairo Now →

Accommodations & Stays

Hotels

Explore hotel stays and accommodations in Cairo with competitive live rates.

Direct Hotel Search for Cairo

Browse hotels, resorts, and vacation apartments with instant confirmation and flexible cancellation.

Car Rental & Road Trips

Rental cars

Compare and book car rentals in Cairo or Cairo International Airport from trusted international and local rental brands.

Travel Connectivity & Internet

Instant Travel eSIM in Egypt

Stay connected with high-speed instant mobile data in Egypt the moment you land, without swapping physical SIM cards.

Instant 1-minute activation via QR
Keep your WhatsApp & home number active
Premium coverage on top national carriers

Explore More in Egypt

Nearby Cities & Day Trips

Discover other exciting destinations across Egypt perfect for day trips and travel itineraries.

Alexandria is a major city in Egypt. Lying at the western edge of the Nile River Delta, it extends about 40 km (25 mi) along the country's northern coast. It is Egypt's principal seaport, the second largest city after Cairo, and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, Alexandria was one of the largest and most important cities of antiquity and a leading hub for science, culture, and scholarship. Nicknamed the "Bride of the Mediterranean" and "Pearl of the Mediterranean Coast", the city is a popular tourist destination and a major industrial centre.

👥 5,200,000 inhabitants🌐 31.20, 29.92

Sources