Excursions to Cairo: four ideas to make the most of your trip (2023)

FAQs

How do you spend a day in Cairo? ›

How Many Days in Cairo? Cairo is a really massive city, the second-largest in Africa in terms of population. You could spend weeks and weeks touring it all, but for a first visit, we recommend spending at least three days in Cairo.

What Does Cairo Contain? The city is most famous for containing the famous Giza Pyramids Complex that holds one of the Seven Wonders of the World the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, the world's oldest and biggest statue the Sphinx and the house of mummification the Valley temple.

You could certainly see lots of the city in a 2-day visit, but you'd need to be on the go the entire time. What is this? A 3 or 4-day break would be more suitable if you'd like time to take in a few more of Cairo's wonders, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

The Egyptian Tourism Authority advises that travelers are not allowed to bring more than 5,000 EGP (approximately 320 USD) into the country in local currency. You can bring up to 10,000 USD or the equivalent in foreign currency and then swap it for Egyptian pounds at a currency exchange.

Passport and Visas:

U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt. U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. A multiple entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD. The Government of Egypt has created a website for the issuance of “e-visas.”

If you spend humbly but you don't hold back, you'll average about $40 a day, and if you do a lot and stay at mid-range hotels you're looking at $50 a day. It'd be hard to spend more than an average of $100 a day in Egypt, but if it's luxury you're seeking then that's a comfortable amount to budget for.

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April when daytime temperatures are comfortable and nights are cool, but you're still guaranteed sun. The conditions are perfect for exploring chaotic Cairo or venturing into the desert.

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler, but still pleasantly warm across the country. This makes exploring the busy streets of Cairo, visiting the Pyramids in the desert, and exploring ancient Pharaonic tombs more comfortable and enjoyable.

Is it safe for Americans to walk around Cairo? ›

Egypt is nearly crime-free. Most crime is petty theft, with little violent crime. Still, you need to keep alert when walking through densely populated areas of Cairo or Alexandria, just as you would in other large urban areas around the world.

1. Koshary. Koshary is a national dish and one of Cairo's most famous street foods. It has a base of rice and macaroni and is mixed with lentils or chickpeas.

The best ways to get around Cairo are by metro train or taxi. Egypt's capital is constantly choked by traffic. But below Cairo's congested streets, the metro system is clean, affordable and extremely efficient.

The Pyramids of Giza sit about 11 miles southwest of downtown Cairo on the Giza Plateau and are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Public transportation is not available within walking distance, so it's best to drive, hail a taxi or take a bus tour to the site.

The cost of visiting the Pyramids of Giza varies depending on your nationality. Egyptians and nationals of other Arab countries can enter for free. Visitors from other countries can enter for a fee of 200 Egyptian pounds. Here are several option for tickets including Guided Tours.

US dollars are widely accepted in major tourist establishments, hotels, and souvenir shops. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers cheques which may be brought into the country. However, passengers entering Egypt with Egyptian currency exceeding 1000 USD must declare this on arrival.

What currency? In Egypt, it is better to tip in the local currency, i.e. in Egyptian pounds (LE) because it will cost you less, or possibly in US dollars. In Egypt when tipping in dollars, it is best to prepare banknotes of low denominations such as $ 1, $ 2, $ 5 $ 10, or a maximum of $ 20.

Should you carry your passport with you in Egypt? ›

You should therefore take sensible precautions: Don't carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. Don't carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.

Tipping 10–15% of your bill total is customary at cafes and restaurants, and loose change is acceptable for food purchases from street vendors and markets. Often known as 'backsheesh' in parts of Asia and the Middle East, tipping is standard practice in Egypt.

No. Passengers traveling to Egypt are not required to take a COVID-19 test to fly to Egypt.

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Egypt. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Egypt: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, polio, rabies and tetanus. Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.

All American citizens with a valid passport must apply for an eVisa to travel to Egypt. A Single Entry eVisa may be purchased for USD $86.99 which includes the processing fee. The Multiple Entry eVisa allows for a stay of 30 days Per Entry and costs USD $89.49 which includes the processing fee.

The Egypt Visa's processing time is at least 10 working days in the US from when the mailed application is received. Though the application for the eVisa is quick and easy, applicants are advised to apply for their eVisa 7 days before departure to receive the visa timely. It takes 5 working days to process the visa.

EGP 8.15(Inc. VAT)

Adult tickets are 80 Egyptian pounds ($9) per person, while student tickets cost 40 Egyptian pounds (less than $5) each. All tickets include entrance into the Great Sphinx's temples, as well as access to the adjacent pyramids.

Egypt is conservative. Very conservative. You won't find couples cuddling and kissing in public, as any type of public affection is a big no-no (even handholding isn't really approved of).

Flights to Egypt take around five and a half hours, and you'll touch down in either Hurghada or Marsa Alam, on the country's east coast, or Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula.

What month is the coldest in Egypt? ›

January is the coldest month in Egypt, and August is the warmest. In January the days are cool and the nights can be cold. If you're taking a trip to Egypt at this time of year, you'll need to make sure that you have warm clothing with you.

The cheapest time to go to Egypt is between January and February. This is right at the end of the peak season, so hotels and airlines tend to encourage an extended stay from tourists by offering discounted prices and deals.

Can visitors go inside the Pyramid of Giza? Yes. Among the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza, the Pyramid of Khufu allow tourists to visit the inside, and the only passageway is from the Grand Gallery to the King's Chamber.

Egypt - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism.

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler, but still pleasantly warm across the country. This makes exploring the busy streets of Cairo, visiting the Pyramids in the desert, and exploring ancient Pharaonic tombs more comfortable and enjoyable.

In short, Americans and other visitors can rest easy: yes, Egypt is a safe country for tourists.

Alcohol. Drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is not allowed and can lead to arrest.

While Egypt is mostly a safe and welcoming country, it is recommended not to stroll alone at some places after the sunset. So, at such times, it's better to be accompanied by a trusted local guide than moving alone. Plus, they can also give you some valuable insights about the rich Egyptian history.

Visiting Egypt in 4 days is an excellent time to explore the basics that this country has for you. So if you plan a trip to discover the wonders of this territory, you will be able to do it decently in this time.

Is Cairo a walkable city? ›

Cairo has walkable areas, but is not typically a walkable city. Sidewalks are not consistent throughout the city and can often land you walking in the street, even in suburban areas such as New Cairo City.

An eternity feels like too little time to explore the magnificent ancient sites, the wealth of cuisine and fascinating museums on both sides of the Nile. Worry not, even a single day in Cairo is enough to fill your solo journey with the grandeur of Giza and the riches of the pharaohs.

The Pyramids of Giza sit about 11 miles southwest of downtown Cairo on the Giza Plateau and are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Public transportation is not available within walking distance, so it's best to drive, hail a taxi or take a bus tour to the site.

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April when daytime temperatures are comfortable and nights are cool, but you're still guaranteed sun. The conditions are perfect for exploring chaotic Cairo or venturing into the desert.

- How long you'll need at the Pyramids: Plan for at least 4–5 hours to leisurely explore the Giza Complex. If you purchase tickets to enter the different pyramids and visit the cemeteries and tombs as well, you can easily spend 7+ hours there.

In general it is perfectly safe solo travel in Egypt. Most tourists heading to Egypt travel with a tours that organizes sightseeing everything. Some beach lovers stay the whole time in one resort. We are used to travelling solo and enjoying independence, so we decided visit Egypt without a tour.

1. The Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. This is the number one reason people pay a visit to Cairo, so let's start off with this first.

In short, Americans and other visitors can rest easy: yes, Egypt is a safe country for tourists.