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

• Want to fly to Cairo?

• 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?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Cairo,
• Also you can extend your search and check out all our Egypt recommendations.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Cairo