Cairo Holidays

A city where ancient pyramids chill out next to buzzing streets, where the call to prayer meets car horns in perfect harmony, and where every corner tells a story thousands of years old—Cairo is chaotic, colourful and completely captivating.

Destination Highlights

• 🏛️ Home to the Pyramids of Giza – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

• 🛍️ Haggle like a pro in the legendary Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

• 🛶 Sunset felucca cruises along the Nile – yes please!

• 🍽️ Food that’s as rich in flavour as the history is in drama

Getting around

Cairo’s got that big-city buzz, so getting around can be a little mad but totally manageable. The Cairo Metro is the fastest and cheapest way to zip around – it’s air-conditioned (a blessing in summer), super affordable, and has signs in English. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are also widely used – just make sure the meter’s running or agree a price first. And if you’re heading to the pyramids? Hop in a cab or jump on a guided tour for a smoother ride through the sands. Walking is doable in some areas, but be ready to dodge traffic like a pro.

Things to do for families in Cairo

Cairo is a surprisingly fab family destination, with loads to keep both little adventurers and grown-ups grinning. Start with the Giza Pyramids – yep, those ones – and don’t miss the Sphinx giving serious side-eye. You can even hop on a camel for a truly iconic (and bumpy) family photo. Then, it’s museum time! The Grand Egyptian Museum is a total showstopper and packed with mummies, ancient treasures and enough wow-factor to impress even the grumpiest teens.

For something more interactive, head to KidZania Cairo – a mini city where kids get to play at being grown-ups, from fire-fighting to flying planes. And when you need a cool-down, Magic Planet or Aqua Park are brilliant for a splash and a giggle. Oh, and Egyptian sweets? Guaranteed sugar highs. Parents, you've been warned.

Things to do for couples in Cairo

Cairo is wildly romantic in a chaotic, cinematic kind of way. You’ve got sunsets over the Nile, candlelit dinners with pyramid views, and a soundtrack of distant calls to prayer – it’s like stepping into your own epic love story. Start with a stroll (or a sail!) along the Nile Corniche – grab a spot on a felucca boat and watch the city light up as the sun sinks low. Swoon.

Then there’s the Al-Azhar Park, a green oasis with dreamy gardens, fountains and panoramic views over Old Cairo – ideal for hand-holding and horizon-gazing. Culture vultures can wander through the Coptic Quarter or explore the breathtaking Mosque of Muhammad Ali inside the Citadel – trust us, the architecture alone is worth the trip.

When night falls, head to Zamalek, the city’s arty, leafy island neighbourhood. Think romantic rooftop dining, cool cocktail bars, and a side of live music if you're lucky. Cairo’s chaos has a softer side, and couples will love discovering it.

Things to do for groups in Cairo

Travelling with your crew? Cairo is packed with group-friendly adventures, whether you’re ticking off bucket list sights or just here for the good vibes and great eats. First things first: the Giza Pyramids. They’re even more mind-blowing in real life, and seeing them with your mates? Unforgettable. Snap some squad selfies, climb aboard a camel, and soak up those “we’re literally at the pyramids” moments.

Then it’s time to get your haggle on at the Khan El-Khalili Bazaar – a labyrinth of spice stalls, trinket shops, and local crafts. Split up, set a time to regroup, and see who comes back with the weirdest souvenir (bonus points if it’s a magic lamp). For something a bit different, why not book a private cooking class, belly dancing show, or even a night-time desert safari?

Evenings are best spent by the Nile, with dinner cruises offering food, live music and a bit of boogie. Or hit up a rooftop bar in Zamalek and toast to your Egyptian escapade with fresh mango juice or something a little stronger...

Things to do for foodies in Cairo

If your travel motto is “will fly for food”, then Cairo is your kind of city. The flavours here are bold, fragrant, and packed with Middle Eastern magic. Start your foodie journey with a plate of koshari – Egypt’s national dish and a carb-lover’s dream: lentils, pasta, rice, crispy onions and tomato sauce all in one glorious bowl. Street food is where it’s at, so keep your eyes peeled (and your stomach ready) for ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), shawarma, and piping hot feteer – a buttery, layered pastry that can be sweet or savoury.

Cafés are big in Cairo – especially old-school ones like El Fishawy in Khan El-Khalili, where mint tea and people-watching is a sport. Want to go high-end? There are loads of gourmet restaurants serving Egyptian classics with a modern twist – think Zooba, Kazouza, or the elegant Sequoia overlooking the Nile.

Oh, and dessert? Don’t miss om ali (a creamy, nutty bread pudding) or basbousa (a syrupy semolina cake that’s ridiculously moreish). Basically, Cairo is one big, buzzing buffet – dig in.