๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ Things to Do in Cairo

Home to the last surviving Ancient Wonder - the Pyramids of Giza, plus pharaonic treasures and bustling, chaotic charm.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget: $50-120/day
๐Ÿ’ฑ Currency: EGP (Egyptian Pound)
๐ŸŽฏ 10 Activities

What are the best things to do in Cairo?

Cairo rewards visitors with an extraordinary concentration of ancient monuments and living history that no other city can match. The Pyramids of Giza, built around 2560 BC for Pharaoh Khufu, remain the only surviving wonder of the ancient world and are best experienced on a guided tour ($45) that covers their precise astronomical alignment with Orion's Belt. The Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square houses over 120,000 artifacts, including Tutankhamun's 24-pound solid gold death mask, all for a $20 entry fee. A day trip to Saqqara ($49) reveals the 4,700-year-old Step Pyramid, designed by architect Imhotep and widely considered the world's oldest surviving monumental stone structure. October through April offers mild temperatures and manageable crowds, with most major sites reachable for under $150 in entrance fees. Cairo rewards travelers drawn to archaeology, ancient religion, and layered urban history over beach or resort travel.

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Insider Tip: Hire a licensed guide at the Pyramids - they keep touts away and share fascinating history that makes the visit 10x better.

Travel gear we would pack for Cairo

Carry-on-friendly picks - cheap, Prime-fast, genuinely useful.

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EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
One plug for 150+ countries, USB-C + 4 USB ports.
~$23Check price on Amazon →
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BAGAIL Packing Cubes (6-set)
Compress a week of clothes into a carry-on.
~$25Check price on Amazon →
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Anker 20K Power Bank
~4 phone charges - survives long sightseeing days.
~$40Check price on Amazon →
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Trtl Travel Pillow
Real neck support on flights, packs flat.
~$30Check price on Amazon →
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Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
Lockable zips + hidden pockets for crowds.
~$40Check price on Amazon →
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Cairo Guide (Lonely Planet)
Offline maps + local picks for Cairo.
~$20Check price on Amazon →

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10 Best Things to Do in Cairo

About Cairo, Egypt

Home to the last surviving Ancient Wonder - the Pyramids of Giza, plus pharaonic treasures and bustling, chaotic charm. With 10 carefully curated experiences ranging from landmarks & monuments, museums & art, tours & sightseeing, there's something for every type of traveler. The best time to visit is October to April (cooler months) - see our month-by-month Cairo guide, and you should budget approximately $50-120/day per person per day.

Cairo Travel Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in Cairo?

3-4 days covers the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili, and Saqqara. Add days for Luxor or Alexandria.

Is Cairo safe for tourists?

Tourist areas are well-guarded and generally safe. Main concerns are aggressive touts, taxi scams, and petty theft. Use Uber/Careem.

How much does it cost to visit the Pyramids?

Entry to the Giza plateau is about $10. Entering the Great Pyramid costs extra $18. Hiring a guide costs $25-50.

When is the best time to visit Cairo?

October to April when temperatures are pleasant (15-25ยฐC). Summer can reach 40ยฐC+ and is very uncomfortable for sightseeing.