Travel Guide Cairo
Some 220 km south of Alexandria and 150 km west of the Suez Canal, on the banks of the Nile, the country's titanic and pharaonic capital, the epicentre of ancient Egyptian civilization, now a true political and economic centre of North Africa and the Arab world, flourishes. The second most populated city on the continent after Lagos, it is more than 16 million inhabitants - the Cairoites - who continuously thrill Cairo with a thundering activity. If it is difficult to summarize in a few words all the architectural richness of the city and its surroundings so many are the remains of the ancient civilization of the Pharaohs, the tourist guide of Cairo will give you some tracks and landmarks, starting with Tahrir Square, the nerve centre of the metropolis which has become the symbol of the Arab springs since 2011. Old Cairo is also home to the Fortress of Babylon and the Coptic Museum, but also the Islamic Quarter, listed by UNESCO, and its famous souk, Khan al-Khalili. As we travel south, it is the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis that is revealed to the visitor, while in western Cairo for centuries the enigmatic Sphinx and the pyramids of Giza, of which the one of Kheops is undoubtedly the most famous, have been enthroned. Between history and modernity, ancient mysteries and archaeological sites, Cairo's cuisine and Arab culture, Cairo is one of the most prestigious destinations in the world and must be visited at least once!
What to visit Cairo?
Suggested addresses Cairo
When to go to Cairo?
When to go to Cairo? The high tourist season runs from October to February and even early March, while the low season runs from May to September.
Winter can be freezing in Cairo or Alexandria. This is especially noticeable at night, especially since very few places are adequately heated. Those who camp in the desert should take precautions and not be trapped by the very mild daytime temperatures.
In spring, a prevailing southwest wind (the khamsin or "fifty", as it is supposed to blow for fifty days) warms the whole country. Hot and dry, it blows sometimes violently (100 to 120 km/h) and can cause many delays in air and road transport (sandy roads, erased runways...).
From June onwards, the thermometer climbs to unreasonable temperatures (40°C, 42°C, 44°C up to 48°C on certain days in high Egypt). The coastline sees an influx of visitors. It must be said that any activity other than swimming quickly becomes unbearable.
From the end of August until the beginning of November, the temperature becomes tolerable again, while remaining very pleasant on the seashore.
Knowing all this, when to go to Cairo? Half seasons seem to be the best time to go, so that you can enjoy the attractions of the city without getting too hot or too cold. Spring and autumn are the best times to go to Cairo.
Weather at the moment
The weather in Cairo is always humid, due to the presence of the Nile, and hot from April to September. Temperatures in Cairo then drop a little, and a sweater is needed on evenings from January to March. It can rain during the winter. However, things are not so simple because, as in all semi-desert countries, the influence of the (frequent) wind remains crucial on the temperature level.
The national currency is the Egyptian pound (EL). Cairo is still cheap if you go as part of an all-inclusive package. Individual travelers will see the price of accommodation, food and travel double. Note that it is becoming necessary to carry euros or dollars in Cairo, as some tourist services are payable exclusively in these currencies (at the risk of losing out on exchange when paying in LE).
Entry to Cairo and Egypt for French nationals is easy since the visa (maximum validity of 3 months, cost $15) can be purchased locally. Luggage is not searched very much, but it can be searched. Travellers are allowed to enter Cairo and Egypt in possession of LE 5,000. Above this amount they would be exposed to a seizure of the amount exceeding this amount.
In Egypt and especially in Cairo, in addition to the sun, air pollution is a risk for you if you suffer from allergies, asthma or respiratory problems. You should also be equipped with repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, carriers of viral diseases. Make sure that your mandatory vaccinations in France are up to date (DT polio for example). Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. You should also be vaccinated against a number of diseases such as typhoid, rabies and hepatitis B as a preventive measure for a prolonged stay where conditions may be precarious. There is no longer any malaria in Egypt. Moreover, the water is not drinkable in Cairo. Therefore, do not hesitate to bring bottles of mineral water.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Cairo? Our advice & tips
If there is one destination where the tour package has earned its letters of nobility, it is Egypt! It is even strongly recommended, in order not to pay twice the value of the services, to use the services of tour operators to visit the country of the Pharaohs: all-inclusive stay (all-inclusive), family trips, honeymoon trips, self-drive, tailor-made tours... the possibilities are wide. All that remains is to select the formula that suits you best!
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThe average price of a direct round trip flight between France and Cairo is 500 € in high season and 400 € in low season. However, the arrival of low cost airlines on the market has changed the situation and it is now easy to find cheap air tickets, around 150 € round trip. Please note that the price variation depends on the airline used, but especially on the reservation deadline. It is essential to book well in advance, ideally six months in advance.
To get around Cairo, learn here that there are three metro lines (the network is the oldest in Africa) and a very dense bus network. Most of the connections are provided by two kinds of buses: the baladi, a kind of omnibus that transports locals from one point to another, and the tourist buses, which are more expensive and equipped with an air conditioning system. In the city, cabs are also very numerous.
