Hotels in Cairo

Exploring Cairo

The vast city of Cairo sprawls across the desert lands around the Nile River and is home to over 17 million people. Surrounded by the remnants of one of the world’s greatest civilisations, it’s been a hub for curious visitors for several hundred years. A magnificent mix of ultra-modern downtown districts and ancient history just a few kilometres away, its medieval heart, Islamic Cairo, is just east of the downtown core with its high rise hotels, skyscrapers and central business district.

Basically, modern Cairo lies along the eastern banks of the river, abutted by Coptic and Islamic heritage districts, and the affluent, quieter suburbs of Heliopolis and Nasr City are close to the airport. The western bank holds business districts and the giant Giza pyramids, with the ancient cities of Memphis and Saquarra set further south. Orientation is easier than it sounds, and a good selection of accommodation is found around downtown and its neighbouring districts. The Ritz Carlton, formerly the Nile Hilton, and the Ramses Hilton are both good bases for touring the city.

Accommodations in Cairo

There is a range of options for all travelers. The most popular hotel in Cairo is the Great Alexander Hostel, which has been booked 5 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended Welcome Pyramids in Cairo as it has been reserved 5 times.

There are a number luxury accommodation options in Cairo with the best amenities and services. Check out Concorde El Salam Hotel and Fairmont Nile City, Cairo.

Sightseeing in Cairo

- Pyramids at Giza

The Great Pyramid of Cheops is the only remaining representative of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, and the Sphinx is the icon of Egypt, with its origins and purpose shrouded in mystery. The surrounding, smaller pyramids held nobles and queens, and walking the narrow, steep passages inside the massive tombs is an eerie experience.

- Egyptian Museum

Set in Midan Tahir district, this museum displays the premier collection of Egyptian Pharaonic artefacts in the world. Tutankhamun’s gold burial mask, fabulous gold and ivory jewellery, alabaster flasks, mummified rulers, votive offering jars, plaques carved with hieroglyphics and more are all here.

Transportation in Cairo

Cairo boasts the first Metro system on the African continent and, although it has only two lines, it’s efficient, comfortable and covers most of the tourism highlights. Public buses are cheap but crowded, with a better option the air-conditioned buses found in the city’s main squares and able to be hired on the street. Solid-White metered taxis are the best bet for safety and cost, and can be hailed on the street, and the bright yellow Cit Cabs are another alternative.