Are city breaks to Cairo in Egypt worth it?
When I got back to the hostel after visiting the Pyramids and Sphinx, I felt worn out.
The chaos of Cairo had taken its toll!
So should a city break to Cairo be in your plans?
During my solo trip around Egypt I started my adventure in the Egyptian capital and spent a couple of days exploring and becoming accustomed to the local culture.
This blog will detail what you can expect from a short trip to Cairo, and whether it is a worthy city break destination.
Enjoying my first morning in Cairo at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.
The local culture in Cairo.
Egypt is home to many historical highlights which is a big draw to visitors, along with the famous culture of Cairo.
The Egyptian capital is where desert meets metropolis as the ancient pharaonic culture meets the new modern ways, which I can only describe as 100mph. Day or night, the crowds and noise of Cairo are like something I have never experienced before - the city really never sleeps!
Whether it is the call for prayer echoing around the streets, or the sound of constant beeping of horns from the standstill traffic, the sensory attack was constant.
Regular power cuts and sandstorms can add an ancient feeling to the city.
No trip to Egypt is complete without experiencing the chaos first hand. I enjoyed a couple of days of it before catching the sleeper train to Luxor to carry on my adventure down the Nile.
A local Egyptian boy carrying fresh bread near the markets.
Getting around Cairo.
Cairo is not the easiest city to navigate due to the sheer amount of vehicles on the roads, which along with no road rules makes it very overwhelming. It took me until my second day to get a grasp of the dynamics of the city.
There are several options of transport available to you during your city break:
Metro.
The Cairo Metro is a clean, affordable, and efficient way to get around the city. It has three lines that cover most of the major tourist destinations, including the Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and Coptic Cairo.
Tickets are very cheap, costing only LE 5 (less than 10 cents) for nine stops.
I found this option to be very hot and stuffy as I visited in September when the temperatures were high - this wasn’t a good mix with the busy crowds!
Taxis.
Taxis are readily available in Cairo and can be a convenient way to get around, especially for short trips. However, be prepared to negotiate fares, as taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging tourists. Make sure to agree on a price before you get in, and use a trusted taxi company if possible.
I got stung a couple times, with the driver using the language barrier as an excuse to overcharge me!
Carrying small notes will help with negotiations.
Uber.
I found Uber to be the best option in the city. It was very efficient and at a fixed rate.
This is also a very reasonable cost.
Buses.
There is an extensive bus network in Cairo, but it is quite difficult to navigate if you are not used to it, therefore, I wouldn’t use this option for a short city break.
Around the tourist sites, you will find tuk tuks, horse-carts and other quirky modes of transport. Again, you need to make sure you negotiate a fixed price to avoid being scammed!
There many modes of transport available to use in Cairo.
Which landmarks can you visit in a Cairo city break?
I don’t need to tell you that most global tourists visit Cairo because they want to see the Pyramids of Giza!
A morning visit to the world’s wonder is a bucket list adventure that you will never forget, however, the city does have other landmarks in and around the capital which also offer some unique history. Here is a summary of some you should consider.
Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx.
The most important activity on any Egypt itinerary should be the short journey across to Giza to experience the mighty pyramids. You can spend a whole morning exploring the pyramids without getting bored.
My favourite parts were riding a camel around the site, and entering inside one of the pyramids. You can climb onto the pyramids for a couple of blocks to get more of an idea of the how the iconic Egyptian structures were constructed. I got told off for venturing too high, so be careful.
I visited the sphinx on my way out of the Giza plateau, which is another reason why many tourists visit Egypt!
Step pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara.
Although not as popular as the Pyramids of Giza, the Step Pyramid of Djoser has its own claim to fame, as one of the oldest known pyramids in the world at 4700 years old.
An interesting Ancient Egyptian fact for you!
Its ‘step’ design differs from other pyramids in Egypt, and is one of the main features from the design by ‘Imhotep’, one of history’s most important architects. The steps make for a great photo opportunity.
I enjoyed a much quieter experience at this pyramid!
The famous shot of the Great Pyramid and Sphinx.
Memphis.
Memphis is located in greater Cairo, and was once the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom era, so makes for a great addition to your itinerary. The highlight at the Memphis site is the giant colossi statue of Ramses II, which is over 3000 years old, and offers a glimpse back in time. Although the statue is lying down, I can imagine it being very similar to the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor if it was stood up.
Memphis is only 12 miles from the Giza plateau, therefore, many tours include it in with the Pyramids and Saqqara for a full day trip.
Cairo Tower.
Climbing the Cairo Tower offers panoramic views of the Nile and surrounding city from its 187 meter high vantage point.
You can enjoy the magnificent views from either the outdoor deck, indoor deck, or restaurant situated at the top.
Manial Palace.
The Manial Palace and Museum is a former royal palace complex located in the El-Manial district of Cairo, that offers some peace and quiet away from the city’s mayhem.
Visitors can visit the palace for a small fee and are free to wander at their own leisure around the grounds. It is a popular place to see local Egyptian weddings.
Sat on the Great Pyramid - a bucket list activity ticked off.
Do museums or markets interest you?
Including a museum visit and market trip to your Cairo city break itinerary definitely helps to uncover the city’s proud history and traditions.
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
Located in Tahrir Square, this famous museum is home to over 120,000 ancient artefacts, making it the largest of its kind in the region. It also has a special room dedicated to King Tut, offering another unique offering, which other museums in the country can’t match.
This makes for great early morning activity, before the midday tours and crowds arrive. An hour was long enough for me to enjoy all the history of the place at my own pace.
Museum opening times: 9am - 7pm everyday.
Museum entrance costs: 300 EGP (£7.50).
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.
To feel the true essence of Cairo, I recommend that you pay a visit to the world famous ‘Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. It was first opened at the end of the 14th century making it older than most of the other famous markets in Egypt.
You need to head to Islamic Cairo, and you will find the souk near the famous mosques.
Day or night, you will feel the heartbeat of Egyptian culture amongst the narrow streets and ascending chaos of the market. I would recommend that you visit the market at night to enjoy the full experience, and if you want to have some local guidance, then many official tours visit this spot.
Bazaar opening times: 9am - 12.30am every day.
The popular Khan-El-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo.
Is a city break to Cairo safe?
It is no secret that Cairo has had its problems in recent years, with political unrest, terrorism and general safety issues.
I didn’t come across any problems during my visit in September 2023, and there was high security in place through armed police officers in the streets, and body scanners in hotels/famous landmarks, however, it is a volatile region of the world, so you should keep up to date with current travel advice.
Some common safety concerns in Cairo:
Petty theft: Cairo, like any large city, has its share of petty theft. Be vigilant in crowded areas and keep your valuables close.
Traffic accidents: Traffic in Cairo is notoriously chaotic. Be careful when crossing streets and take taxis or ride-sharing services instead of driving yourself.
Political unrest: While major protests and demonstrations are less frequent than in the past, they can still occur. Stay informed about current events and avoid large gatherings if possible.
Scams: Tourist scams are common in Cairo. Be wary of unsolicited offers of help, especially near tourist attractions.
The backstreets of Cairo a certainly sketchy.
The general vibe on a Cairo city break.
If it is a relaxing city break you are after, then Cairo is the wrong city for you!
It is a city where the desert meets the metropolis, as the hustle and bustle energy radiates across the capital city from the pyramids of Giza to the downtown areas.
In my time spent in Cairo, I felt like there were no rules in place and it was like being in the wild west - and this continued during my Luxor visit!
Other famous cities in Egypt do offer more relaxing vibes if that is what you want. I found Aswan in Southern Egypt to be the best option for a week of relaxation.
Chaos is all around Giza and Cairo.
There is some nice street art in the city.
The religious side of the Egyptian capital.
Although most of the residents in Cairo are muslims, there is a Christian population within the city.
You don’t have to venture far to hear the Islam call for prayer as it echoes loudly around the city. If you pay a visit to Islamic Cairo, you can visit famous religious sites such as the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, along with the Citadel.
If you want to experience the Christian side of the city, or learn about the vast Christian history, then Coptic Cairo should be your choice of destination.
This is home to many famous churches, which are thousands of years old.
Al-Azhar Mosque.
One of the coptic churches.
Some practical tips to help plan your Cairo city break itinerary.
Here are some practical tips to use when visiting the Egyptian capital:
Choose the right time to visit.
Egypt can get very hot in the summer, so planning your trip around this will help. The best times to visit are during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the temperatures are more pleasant.
Be prepared to haggle.
Don’t be scared to haggle with the locals for souvenirs, camel rides etc. It is an aspect of Egyptian culture which can be annoying, unless you embrace it.
Learn some basic Arabic phrases.
Using some basic Arabic phrases such as no thankyou, hello, and goodbye will go a long way to keeping some hustlers off your back.
You aren’t expected to tip.
You are not expected to tip, so don’t feel obliged to. I stuck to tipping genuine people who deserved it.
Purchasing a travel pass might save you money.
A Cairo pass can help you to save money on sightseeing and includes entrance to over 40 landmarks.
The most famous shot of them all in Egypt.
Where to stay in Cairo on your city break?
There is an abundance of accommodation options in the Egyptian capital dotted across the city, so where do you want to base yourself? If you are only on a short city break to Cairo, it is very important to be strategic with your location.
Here are some of the highly rated hotels in popular areas of the city.
Tahrir Square
I based myself in Tahrir Square and it was a very convenient location, near restaurants, the Nile, and The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.
Luxury - The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo.
Mid Range - Tahrir View.
Budget - Cairo Hub Hostel.
One of the popular hotels in Tahir Square.
Giza.
It goes without saying why you would want to stay in Giza. Imagine opening the curtains on a morning and seeing the pyramids in all of their glory!
Luxury - Horus Horizon INN Pyramids View.
Mid Range - Desert Moon.
Budget - Number One Pyramids Hotel.
Along the River Nile.
There is something special about the world famous River Nile. Many great options are located up and down the mystical Egyptian treasure. So grab yourself a room with a balcony facing it!
Luxury - Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza.
Mid Range - Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino.
Budget - Egyptian Nile Cairo.
Downtown Cairo.
Downtown Cairo is one of the oldest parts of the city and close to Ramses Train station and other key points of interest, making it a great option for a city break stay.
Luxury - Cleopatra Hotel.
Mid Range - Midtown Nile View Suites.
Budget - Downtown Cairo Sweet Home.
My verdict on Cairo.
My feelings on Cairo are that it is a chaotic city which can definitely be intimidating for some travellers, however, if you want to fully immerse in the Egyptian culture, then it is a must on your trip.
Two or three days in the city is enough, so it makes for a great starting point when you arrive in the country, before heading south to the jewels of the Nile.
Combining Cairo with one or two other Egyptian cities will give you a true experience of Egypt.
Who doesn’t want to tick off the pyramids of Giza?
Considering a solo trip to Egypt?
Has Egypt been on your travel radar for a while, but you don’t have anyone to visit the ancient lands with?
There were some very refreshing moments on my solo adventure in Egypt - there is just something beautiful about wandering around the pyramids of Giza in awe of the place and taking your time to enjoy it on your own terms.
Group tours to the fascinating tombs and famous temples were also ideal for meeting like-minded travellers and making new friends.
On my Group day trip in Luxor, we enjoyed the Grand Hypostyle Hall in Karnak Temple, the Colossi statues at Luxor Temple, and the colourful hieroglyphics in Medinet Habu Temple together, having just met!
A trip to the pharaoh’s land doesn’t have to just be a dream!
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