Cairo

Cairo is Egypt's capital, one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East. It straddles the Nile and is famous for its history, preserved in the medieval Islamic city and Coptic sites, with historic Cairo inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Egyptian Museum and Khan al-Khalili bazaar are must-sees, and no trip is complete without the Giza Pyramids and Saqqara. Though attached to the past, Cairo also has a vibrant modern society.

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the busiest in Africa, served by EgyptAir and many international carriers. Sphinx International Airport (SPX) serves budget airlines like EasyJet and Wizz Air. Ramses Station is the main railway hub, with trains to Alexandria (2.5 hr) and other cities. Long-distance buses from Go Bus, Super-Jet, and East Delta connect to Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Sinai.

Cairo has a metro system (Lines 1, 2, 3) covering many areas. Taxis are abundant but often negotiate fares; Uber and Careem apps provide fixed prices. InDrive allows negotiation. Buses and microbuses are cheap but chaotic. Walking is possible in central areas but crossing streets is challenging.

The best time is winter (November to March) with daytime highs below 26°C (79°F) and nights around 10°C (50°F). Summer can exceed 38°C (100°F). Spring may bring sand storms. Autumn evenings can be smoky from rice husk burning. Pack warm clothes for winter as not all buildings have heaters.

Cairo has a wide range of accommodation, from low-rent budget hotels downtown to five-star palaces along the Nile. Downtown is convenient for budget options, while Zamalek and Mohandiseen offer mid-range and luxury. Near the Pyramids in Giza, there are hotels with pyramid views. For backpackers, budget hotels in downtown are the most affordable.

Cairo has an enormous number of restaurants. Cheap food is available everywhere from street stalls serving koshari, falafel, and shawarma. Downtown is great for budget eating; Zamalek and Mohandiseen have higher quality options. Traditional coffee houses ('ahwa') serve Turkish coffee, tea, and sheesha. Try hibiscus tea (karkadeh), sugarcane juice, and tamarind juice. Alcohol is served in some medium to high-end restaurants but not in cheaper ones.

Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the only surviving Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore the Egyptian Museum (now partially moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum), the Citadel and Mosque of Mohamed Ali Pasha, Al-Azhar Mosque, the Coptic Quarter and Hanging Church, and the Cairo Tower for panoramic views. Take a felucca ride on the Nile or relax in Al-Azhar Park. For cultural events, check the Cairo Opera House, the Culture Wheel, and the Cairo Jazz Club.

Scams are common; a good rule is if someone approaches you on the street, they're probably scamming. Common scams include claiming your destination is closed, offering unsolicited help, and leading you to overpriced shops. Use Uber or Careem to avoid taxi scams. Crossing streets is dangerous; follow locals. Avoid wearing football jerseys of Al Ahly or Zamalek to prevent incidents. Women may experience catcalling, but it rarely goes beyond that.

Cairo is very affordable for backpackers. Street food meals cost as little as 20-40 EGP, museum entry around 550 LE, and budget hotel dorms from 150-300 EGP per night. Uber rides around town are about 50-100 EGP within central areas. A daily backpacker budget of 500-800 EGP (approx. $16-26 USD) is reasonable excluding accommodation.

Alexandria can be a day trip by train (2.5 hr). Ain al-Sukhna on the Red Sea is a 1.5-hour drive. Fayoum offers Qaroon Lake and Wadi Al-Rayyan, plus early pyramids. Dahshur has the Red and Bent pyramids with fewer crowds. Saqqara is nearby with the step pyramid.

From Cairo, onward destinations include Alexandria, Ain al-Sukhna, Fayoum, Siwa and Bahariyya oases, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. The Japanese Gardens in Helwan are a short metro ride away.