A fast-paced city with a population of 20 million, Cairo is a buzzing modern metropolis, as well as being home to one of the world's oldest civilisations in the world. The ancient pyramids and sand-covered tombs are reason enough to visit, but it's the quirks of a city in transition which make Cairo truly fascinating.
When it comes to the best places to stay in Cairo, our Gurus have highlighted simply budget-friendly spots as well as striking five-star hotels with marvellous Nile River views and stacks of style.
Wander through Cairo's bustling streets to spot medieval schools, mosques, monasteries and historic churches. Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo form a rhizome of minarets, testament to Egypt's fascinating cultural fusion. Tour the Egyptian Museum to marvel and glittering artefacts, before filling your bags with fragrant spices from lively markets. The city's antique bazaars are brilliant, as are the papyrus makers, bookbinders, jewellers and purveyors of Egyptian cotton and silk kaftans whose stalls line the markets.
Zip between neighbourhoods by taxi or metro, and don't miss the chance to take a felucca down the Nile. We'd suggest devoting at least four days to exploring Cairo. Sweltering and intense, the city can feel overwhelming, and it's well worth slowing down to make the most of highlights beyond the main sights. So much of life in Cairo centres around food, and you'll find people spilling out of cafés and restaurants throughout the day and evening, savouring favourite delicacies all across the city. At the end of the day, retreat to your pick of the best places to stay in Cairo for soothing spa treatments, delicious dinners and gorgeous views.
Robin's top tip: Catch folkloric dancing and a singing Tanoura performance, held three times a week at Wekalet El-Ghoury - near the Khan Al Khalili market - for a sense of Cairo's rich culture.
The Hotel Guru is a curated hotel recommendation platform that delivers expert-selected luxury and boutique properties straight to your inbox. No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.
Cairo (Giza)
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.
Cairo (Maadi)
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.
Cairo
A five-star riverside hotel on Gezirah Island, within easy reach of Cairo's landmark sights. Interiors combine French style with contemporary design and subtle Oriental details. Expect an infinity pool, gym, impressive spa and multiple riverside dining spots. A refined base for exploring the city.
Cairo
A grand five-star hotel in the heart of downtown Cairo overlooking the Nile. Classic decor and elegant rooms give it a refined, timeless feel. Expect standout dining across multiple venues, a rooftop bar, an impressive spa and outdoor pool. A great base for mixing sightseeing with downtime.
Cairo
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.
Cairo (Garden City)
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.
Cairo
A luxury riverside hotel on Cairo's Nile Corniche, close to the city's iconic sights. Interiors combine Egyptian craftsmanship with handmade furnishings and elegant Mashrabiya details. Expect an expansive spa, kids club, seven restaurants and bars, plus sweeping Nile views. A five-star city base.
Cairo
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.
Cairo (Garden City)
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.
Cairo
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.
