Cairo travel cost guide

Egypt’s capital, home to the pyramids, ancient treasures and the mosques and bazaars of Islamic Cairo. Traffic is intense, so plan a day per area.

Suggested stay: 3–4 days

Estimate a 3-night, 4-day Cairo trip

When to visit Cairo

October–April

Cool enough to explore the pyramids and ancient sites.

Weather: October–April is cool enough for sightseeing, while summer is very hot; the khamsin dust wind can blow March–May. source

Times to avoid: Midsummer is very hot, the khamsin can blow March–May, and daytime hours may shorten during Ramadan.

Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.

Don't miss in Cairo

1. Giza Pyramids and Sphinx The only surviving wonder of the ancient world, a drive from central Cairo.
2. Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) The museum on Tahrir Square, packed with ancient Egyptian treasures.
3. Citadel of Saladin A medieval hilltop fortress whose Muhammad Ali Mosque overlooks the city.
4. Khan el-Khalili The historic bazaar lanes of Islamic Cairo.

Where to stay in Cairo

Downtown / Zamalek

Close to the museum and metro; Zamalek, a Nile island, is calmer.

Giza

Pyramid-view hotels, ideal for an early start at the site.

What to eat in Cairo

• Koshary — Rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce and fried onions
• Ful medames — Slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, lemon and cumin, a breakfast staple
• Taameya — Egyptian falafel made from fava beans
• Molokhia — Green soup of chopped jute leaves with garlic and coriander, served with rice and chicken

Cairo tips and things to watch out for

Cairo travel tips

• The metro is cheap and avoids traffic, and ride-hailing apps save you from haggling over taxi fares.
• Sites charge separate foreigner prices; buy tickets yourself at the official counter.

Good to know in Egypt

• Tipping (baksheesh) is expected in restaurants, hotels and on tours, so carry plenty of small notes. source
• Drink sealed bottled water rather than tap water. source

Watch out for in Egypt

• Fake guides and touts work around the pyramids; buy tickets at official counters and agree camel or carriage prices first. source
• Some regions carry advice against travel; check official government travel advice before you go. source

General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.

Real menu prices in Cairo

Per-person meal prices from restaurants’ official menus (where tax and tips are extra, the calculator adds them).

• Koshary Abou Aya – Koshary medium box: EGP 30.00
• Buffalo Burger – Old School: EGP 205.00
• Al Beiruti – Chicken Shawarma with thick cut fries: EGP 455.00

Cairo attraction & theme park tickets

Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.

• Giza Plateau area entry (foreign adult): EGP 700.00 · child EGP 350.00
• Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) – foreign adult: EGP 550.00 · child EGP 0.00
• Cairo Citadel – foreign adult: EGP 550.00 · child EGP 275.00

Estimate a 3-night, 4-day Cairo trip

Must-see spots, local tips, admission prices and foods to try in Cairo. Price data as of 2026-10-17.