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Cairo

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About Cairo

Cairo’s big city buzz complements the austerity of its pyramids and sand-covered tombs that mark it as the oldest civilisation in the world. A fast paced city, it holds together a 20 million-strong population, honking traffic, squawking street sellers, blankets of smog, and a general frenzy of activity. It is a city in transition that has all the sorts of quirks and hassles that make it so captivating. The best places to stay in Cairo are those that offer green spaces, roof top terraces with sea or Nile views and essences of Egypt! These might be charming boutique hotels, a budget place with balconies or a Five Stars hotel that has flair as well as good facilities.

Cairo is a bit East meets West. Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo form a rhizome of minarets - medieval schools, mosques, monasteries and ancient churches of the native Egyptian Christians. Wander through the streets to soak it all up and then visit the Egyptian Museum which houses the glittering artefacts of this melting pot.

For shopping Cairo offers a wealth of spice markets, antique bazaars, papyrus makers and bookbinders, funky jewellery sellers, plus purveyors of Egyptian cotton and silk kaftans. There truly is a treasure trove of things that you can bring home.

Taxi or metro are the easiest ways to get around Cairo, or take a felucca down the Nile, scenic and efficient! At least four days in the city is a must in order to really get a sense of this place. It is intense, take it slowly so as to not burn out in the first two days of arrival.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Cairo include a few boutique hotels and the obvious Five Star luxury destinations. Use our guide and start to plan your trip.

The best places to stay in Cairo

On a budget

  • Gawharet Al Ahram Hotel in Cairo – simple rooms with charming balconies very close to the Giza pyramids.
  • Talisman Hotel - full of character and charm. This hotel is great for those looking for an excellent low-cost option.

For a boutique experience

  • Villa Belle Epoque – a charming country house. Colonial-style verandahs, romantic bedrooms, large garden with pool, traditional cuisine.

For Luxury

  • Four Seasons First Residence Cairo - a grand hotel with glamourous flair. Opulent rooms and suites, views over the river, excellent Thai, Lebanese, and Italian restaurants.
  • The Mena House Hotel - boutique luxury on a grand scale, close to the Pyramids in Giza. Romantic bedrooms, stunning gardens, excellent Italian restaurant.
  • The Gabriel - a good choice for movers and shakers for its lively roof top bar and fine dining restaurant 'Salt'. The rooms are more glitzy glamour than stylish.

For Nile views

  • Kempinski Nile Hotel - combining an unparalleled location on the Nile with stunning five-star luxury. This hotel embodies Egyptian grandeur.
  • Four Seasons at Nile Plaza - a vision of modern luxury right on the Nile, from the superb restaurants to a deluxe spa, no expense is spared at this hotel.

For a private apartment

  • Looking for a bit of additional privacy, explore the range of private apartments at our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • International flights for Cairo all connect to Cairo International Airport.
  • For those looking to hire a car, we recommend visiting our online partners Rentalcars.
  • The best times to visit Cairo are in the months that bookend the summer. March to April and October to November are the months with warm temperatures, fewer crowds and cheaper hotel rates.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Cairo

Best Hotels in Cairo

  • Gawharet Al Ahram Hotel Cairo (Giza) 100 rooms from £14

    Value chic
    Sights nearby  -  Close to the Pyramids in Giza, Cairo University, Giza Zoo, and First Mall Cairo.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
    Air conditioningRestaurantViews

    A cute hotel with simple rooms close to the Giza pyramids. Charming balconies and terraces, a good traditional restaurant and roof top pool. Excellent value, ideally suited to those on a budget. See More

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  • Talisman Hotel Cairo 24 rooms from £49

    Value chic
    Sailing  -  Cruise the Nile on a felucca.
    Sights nearby  -  Pyramids at Giza and Zosser.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Fodors

    A lovely little boutique with bargain prices. Colourful simple rooms have lots of space and characterful decoration. Walking distance to excellent restaurants. Perfect for visiting Cairo on a shoe string without staying in a hostel. See More

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  • The Mena House Hotel Cairo 420 rooms from £85

    Foodies  -  Italian, Indian and traditional restaurants.
    Views  -  Spot the pyramids!
    Romantic Break
    City Style
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A romantic Five Star hotel close to the Pyramids. Elegant traditional suites have four poster beds, killim rugs, and Egyptian antiques. Excellent Italian, Indian and traditional restaurants. A top of the range spa, enormous pool, and stunning grounds. A grade. See More

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  • The Gabriel Cairo 25 rooms from £86

    Foodies  -  Fusion Mediterranean and Asian.
    Lively  -  Bar and live music nights.
    Sights nearby  -  City Stars, Virgin Mary's Tree and Cairo International Stadium.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A glitzy luxury hotel in the West of the city. Contemporary rooms and suites have chrome and red colour schemes and all the mod cons. Salt restaurant serves award-winning fusion cuisine. A lively bar and rooftop terrace. A great choice for young and energetic foodies. See More

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  • Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo (Garden City) 191 rooms from £101

    Lively  -  The hotel has its own nightclub on the roof top.
    Views  -  Stunning river views.
    City Style
    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViews

    A hotel in an unrivalled location on the river's edge. Five Star luxury includes a state of the art spa, a wonderful Italian restaurant, chocolaterie, and a lively roof top bar and nightclub. Contemporary classic rooms and suites are palatial with all the mod cons. For the luxury traveller. See More

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  • Villa Belle Epoque Cairo (Maadi) 13 rooms from £130

    City Style
    Romantic Break
    Sights nearby  -  Pyramids at Giza, Step Pyramid at Zosser, El Azhar mosque or Khan el Khalili.
    Sailing  -  Cruise the Nile on a felucca.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParking
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    The best boutique hotel in Cairo. A country house with colonial verandas, a luscious garden, swimming pool, and an excellent traditional restaurant. Characterful rooms have antique furniture, delicate fabrics, and private balconies. Romantic, family friendly, a chic home from home. See More

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  • Four Seasons First Residence Cairo Cairo 269 rooms from £142

    Foodies  -  Italian, Thai, Lebanese restaurants.
    Views  -  Stunning river views.
    Romantic Break
    City Style
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection

    A grand Five Star hotel with a boutique feel to it. Centrally located with views over the Nile. Gorgeous rooms and suites with tasteful decoration, balconies, and all the mod cons. A choice of Italian, Thai and Lebanese restaurants. State of the art spa, pool and tennis courts. Very luxurious. See More

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  • FOUR SEASONS CAIRO AT NILE PLAZA Cairo (Garden City) 366 rooms from £214

    Foodies  -  Italian, Chinese, traditional restaurants.
    Views  -  Stunning river views.
    Romantic Break
    City Style
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParking

    A Five Star hotel in a fantastic riverside location. Luxurious rooms and suites with creamy furnishings, all the mod cons and balconies. A choice of Italian, Chinese or traditional restaurants. Two huge pools, terraces, excellent spa, and unrivalled views. For the luxury traveller. See More

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