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For over 700 years Cairo has been the largest city in Africa, and it continues to grow at a rapid pace.

The urban sprawl, dusty streets and chaotic driving do not endear the city to everyone, but those who persevere are rewarded by a diverse and dramatic history, and many unsung attractions.

Exploring Cairo

Mohammed Ali Mosque, CairoThe one stop that really must be included in any visit to Egypt is the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, a vast treasure trove handed down through the ages that includes the legendary treasures of Tutankhamun.

Scratch beneath the surface and Cairo reveals its wondrous secrets, beautiful mosques, imposing citadels, labyrinthine bazaars, ancient Coptic churches and unexpected garden oases.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel Country Specialist Kerry-Ann

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Cairo by contacting one of our Egypt specialists

Suggested itineraries featuring Cairo

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Cairo, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Cairo

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Cairo

    Our expert guides to exploring Cairo

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Cairo, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Cairo at its best.

    • What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide
      Dahshur Pyramid, Egypt

      What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide

      What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide

      Home to some of the world's most historical monuments and best dive sites, Egypt's size makes it possible for the first-time visitor to see many of its highlights in a relatively short trip.

      9 min read

      Read this guide
    • Past Civilizations of Ancient Egypt
      Abu Simbel, Egypt

      Past Civilizations of Ancient Egypt

      Past Civilizations of Ancient Egypt

      Discover the culture and history of Ancient Egypt on a tailor-made vacation. Our knowledgeable specialists can create a unique itinerary for you that suits your interests, including a few places that you might not have known about.

      2 min read

      Read this guide
    • Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt
      MS Pyramisa Nile Cruise, Aswan

      Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt

      Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt

      A Nile cruise is the classic way of exploring Egypt. Drift down the Nile in a comfortable cruise boat, making stops to visit Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs. Egypt specialist Steve outlines how you can make the most of your cruise.

      10 min read

      Read this guide
    • Luxury Egypt: live like a pharaoh
      The Palace Wing and Pyramids, The Marriott Mena House Oberoi, Giza

      Luxury Egypt: live like a pharaoh

      Luxury Egypt: live like a pharaoh

      A room at the foot of the Great Pyramid, an opulent ship on the Nile, and private guides — Egypt specialist Emma outlines the most indulgent ways to enjoy the country’s classic sights.

      6 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Cairo

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Cairo. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Cairo

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Cairo, and which use the best local guides.

    • Museum, Citadel, Mosque & Souqs
      Spices, Khan El Khalili, Cairo

      Museum, Citadel, Mosque & Souqs

      Museum, Citadel, Mosque & Souqs

      Situated on a spur of the Muqattam Hills, the citadel dominates Cairo's skyline and was the nerve center of the city and wider Egypt for almost 700 years.

      View details
    • Giza, Saqqara & Dahshur
      The Pyramids of Giza

      Giza, Saqqara & Dahshur

      Giza, Saqqara & Dahshur

      As the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramids at Giza occupy a unique place in world history, and are a perennial favorite with travelers.

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    • Half Day Old Cairo tour
      Detail from a door, Coptic Cairo

      Half Day Old Cairo tour

      Half Day Old Cairo tour

      Old Cairo is contained within the boundaries of the Roman fortress of Babylon, where the Copts built their churches for protection.

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