Planning a trip to Cairo? Here’s a concise, up-to-date mini-guide to help you pick the best time to go, the must-see sights, and a few hidden gems—all based on 2025 sources

🗓 Best Time to Visit Cairo

- Sweet-spot months: March–May & September–November

Mild weather (70-85 °F), thinner crowds, and lower hotel rates.

- Winter (Dec–Feb): Coolest temps (60s °F) but peak tourist season—expect crowds at the Pyramids and higher prices.

- Summer (Jun–Aug): Scorching (100-110 °F) and fewer visitors; hotel deals abound if you can handle the heat.

- Festivals to note: Cairo Jazz Festival (Oct–Nov), International Film Festival (Nov), Ramadan dates vary—some eateries close by day.

Plan around Islamic holidays; during Ramadan daytime hours can be limited.

Top Sights You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza – arrive early (7-8 am) to beat crowds and heat.

2. Grand Egyptian Museum (2025 soft-opening) – 100,000+ artifacts including the full Tutankhamun collection.

3. Saladin’s Citadel & Muhammad Ali Mosque – panoramic city views.

4. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar – haggle for spices, lanterns, and souvenirs; sip mint tea at El-Fishawi café.

5. Nile Sunset Felucca Ride – classic wooden sailboat; best in autumn or spring evenings.

6. Day-trip trio: Saqqara (Step Pyramid), Dahshur (Red & Bent Pyramids), and Memphis – fewer crowds than Giza.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

- City of the Dead – Mamluk-era tombs, street art, and cultural center MASQ; shop for hand-blown glass at HodHod.

- Gayer-Anderson Museum – 17th-century mansion near Ibn Tulun Mosque; rooftop starred in a Bond film.

- Al-Azhar Park – manicured gardens on a former rubbish hill; great Citadel views and cafés.

- Nilometer on Rhoda Island – 9th-century Nile flood gauge plus a small Umm Kulthum museum next door.

- Khalil Museum (Zamalek) – Nile-side palace with Monet, Renoir, Rodin; a quiet art escape.

Quick Practical Tips

- Dress code: light layers; cover shoulders/knees for mosques.

- Getting around: Uber/Careem beat haggling with taxis; metro is cheap but crowded.

- Cash: Egyptian Pound (EGP); many places accept cards, but keep small bills for tips and bazaars.

- Guides at Giza: pre-book a licensed guide to avoid touts and to gain pyramid-entry shortcuts.

- Evenings: locals dine late; try an open-air mamai grill or a Nile dinner cruise for classic views.

Enjoy the energy of Cairo—chaotic, historic, and unforgettable. Have an amazing trip!