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Egypt
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Calendar of events

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Shopping in Cairo

Travel etiquette
How to fit in

Health

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Cairo – a brief overview
With more than 20 million inhabitants, suburbs that sprawl out into the desert and some of the most wondrous ancient sights on the planet, Cairo is at once overwhelming and intoxicating. Home to the Pyramids, the Citadel of Saladin and one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, there’s no shortage of wonders to marvel at.
Then there’s the people themselves, almost universally friendly and ready to share a cup of mint tea, and the huge Khan el-Khalili bazaar where everything from King Tut cologne to a copper table can be had. In short, Cairo is intoxicating chaos: beautiful, frequently frustrating but always memorable.
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Top 10 sights in Cairo

Pyramids of Giza
Giza
Cairo
Egypt
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The only one of the seven ancient wonders of the world still standing, the Pyramids of Giza and the nearby Sphinx are still enchanting. The only blot is the crowds of hustlers that blight the area – avoid them if you can.
Egyptian Museum
Cairo
Egypt
Tel: 02 579 4596
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1900
Home to the treasure of Tutankhamun and much more, the Egyptian Museum boasts 120,000 artefacts dating from the earliest days of the pharaohs as well as from the reigns of Cleopatra and Alexander.
Al Azhar
Cairo
Egypt
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A cluster of five historic mosques surrounded by a set of ruined ancient walls, most of Al Azhar dates from the Fatmid period. The oldest of the mosques was erected in 973AD while the youngest was completed in 1073.
Tahrir Square
Cairo
Egypt
Tel:
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The scene of the 2011 protest that toppled former president Mubarak, Tahrir Square is a large central island usually ringed by traffic and thronged with people. Facing the Justice Ministry, it’s an interesting place to people-watch.
Saladin Citadel
Qesm Al Khalifah
Cairo
Egypt
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A 700-year-old fortified outcrop which once housed the palace of crusader nemesis-in-chief Salah Al-Din, building work commenced during the 12th century and continued until the 19th.
Bab Zuweila
Darb Al-Ahmar
Cairo
Egypt
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All that remains of the southern part of the city that the Fatmids once called Al-Qahira, Bab Zuweila is an ancient gate thought to bring luck by locals who cover it with small offerings such as scraps of cloth.
Islamic Art Museum
One of the world’s finest collections of Islamic art with a huge collection of artefacts dating from the seventh to the 19th century.
City of the Dead
Qesm Al Khalifah
Cairo
Egypt
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A huge necropolis that flanks the Citadel, the City of the Dead might sound grim but is actually lovely and filled with architectural gems such as the stunning Mosque of Qaytbey.
The Hanging Church
Coptic Cairo
Cairo
Egypt
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1700
Named for its location – suspended over the southern gate of a Roman fortress – the seventh-century Hanging Church is the oldest in Cairo. Whitewashed and plain from the outside, inside it’s covered in stunning frescoes and holy icons.
Al Azhar Park
Cairo
Egypt
Tel: 02 510 7338
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-2200
Filled with flowerbeds and pretty promenades, Al Azhar Park is where Cairenes come to relax. Perched high on a hill close to the Citadel, it’s particularly spectacular at night when the panoramic city views come into their own.
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Country overview
Country overview
From iconic pyramids that rise from ancient sands and bustling medieval bazaars full of colour, to the endless desert dotted with oases of palm trees, busy cities and modern coastal holiday resorts offering some of the best diving in the world, Egypt is a living museum and a land packed with amazing attractions.
Observing the call to prayer at sunset or bartering for a bargain in Cairo’s ancient Khan al-Khalili bazaar, taking tea and talking with one of its garrulous residents in a random coffeehouse or simply stopping awhile in a rural village, silent but for the chatter of hooves on tarmac, will give a glimpse of a country full of character, colour and fortitude.
Geography
Traditional home of the roaming Bedouin, most of Egypt’s landmass is comprised of flat, mostly featureless desert, supportive of minimal vegetation.
The Mediterranean Sea forms Egypt’s northern border, bringing cooler weather to the seaboard city of Alexandria and providing a coastal getaway for Cairo’s residents. To the east lies the mountainous Sinai Peninsula, which borders Israel and the Palestinian Territories; to the south, the deserts of Egypt quietly roll into the deserts of Sudan; to the west, the Great Western Desert forms an almost seamless wilderness through Libya and beyond.
Sinai is divided from the main landmass of Africa by the country’s busy shipping lane, the Suez Canal.
For centuries, however, it was the River Nile, plied by felucca (traditional Nile sailing boats), that provided the main conduit for trade along the country’s length. Railways and roads now compete for that distinction, but the Nile remains an important economic and cultural artery.
The Nile perfuses the Delta north of Cairo, supporting 90% of the population in a flood land of cotton and rice-growing crops. The river’s potency has been reduced since the building of the Aswan Dam; on the positive side, the dam has provided the country with a safe and reliable electricity supply – and has had the side effect of keeping the crocodiles out.
General knowledge
General Information
Population: 97 million (estimate 2017)
Capital: Cairo (El Qahira).
Language
Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely spoken.
Currency
Egyptian Pound or ginee (LE; symbol E£) = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of E£200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 50 piastres and 25 piastres. Coins are in denominations of 25, 20, 10 and 5 piastres.
British pounds sterling, Euros and the US Dollar are accepted everywhere although change may be given in Egyptian pounds.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Sockets take the continental European-style two-pin plugs.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last up to several days, depending on the region.
2020
Coptic Christmas Day: 7 January 2020
Revolution Day 2011: 25 January 2020
Coptic Easter: 19 April 2020
Sinai Liberation Day: 25 April 2020
Labour Day: 1 May 2020
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 24 – 26 May 2020
Revolution Day 2013: 30 June 2020
National Day: 23 July 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 1 – 3 August 2020
Islamic New Year: 20 August 2020
Armed Forces Day: 6 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 29 October 2020
2021
Coptic Christmas Day: 7 January 2021
Revolution Day 2011: 25 January 2021
Coptic Easter: 2 May 2021
Sinai Liberation Day: 25. April 2021
Labour Day: 1 May 2021
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): 13 – 15 May 2021
Revolution Day 2013: 30 June 2021
National Day: 23 July 2021
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 20 – 23 July 2021
Islamic New Year: 10 August 2021
Armed Forces Day: 6 October 2021
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 19 October 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Cairo
Cairo’s nightlife is seriously buzzy with everything from boat-borne clubs to laid-back bars available.
Many of the best are in expat favourite Zemalek, while all the big hotels have luxe lounges and terraces of their own.
Sequoia
Zamalek
11211 Cairo
Egypt
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Tucked away on a Zamalek outcrop, Sequoia has a good cocktail menu and free-flowing shisha.
Cairo Jazz Club
Agouza
Cairo
Egypt
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Despite the name, this smoky little haunt doesn’t always play jazz but is usually good fun.
El Horreya
Cairo
Egypt
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A student favourite, El Horreya is great for a relaxed beer or glass of fresh hibiscus juice.
El Fishawy
Cairo
Egypt
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Right in the heart of Khan el-Khalili, tea with mint comes on tap but there’s no alcohol.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Cairo
Egyptian food is delicious and nowhere does it better than Cairo. While rumours of the odd stomach upset aren’t unfounded, most visitors eat their fill without having a problem later.
If you try nothing else, make sure you taste the lemon-mint and hibiscus juices – both are heavenly.
Naguib Mahfouz Coffee Shop
Khan El Khalili
Cairo
Egypt
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Price: Expensive
Fresh juice, traditional puddings and live music make this a cosy place to spend the evening.
8
11519 Garden City
Cairo
Egypt
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Price: Expensive
Authentic Sichuan food with a dedicated dim sum night every Friday.
Abou El Sid
Cairo
Egypt
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Price: Moderate
The décor is slightly kitsch but nowhere does Egyptian meze better.
Café Riche
Abdin
Cairo
Egypt
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Price: Cheap
First opened in 1908, this Cairo institution does hearty meat dishes and strong local coffee.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Pharaonic Race
Inspired by a piece of ancient rock telling the story of Pharaonic soldiers running 100km, this epic race sees competitors run from the Hawara Pyramid to the Sakkara Pyramid.
Wafaa Al-Nil Festival
August 15, 2020
Venue: Along the Nile
Egyptians cherish and celebrate the Nile since ancient times. In the past, beautiful girls were sacrificed and thrown into the river in hope of a good harvest. Today this festival is celebrated with concerts, poetry readings, and family-friendly competitions.
Prophet Mohamed’s birthday
October 29, 2020
Venue: Various venues
On the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-awwal, Egyptians celebrate the Prophet’s birthday with readings from the Koran as well as attending religious lectures.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Cairo
Cairo’s hotels tend to be either super-luxe, five-star affairs or bargain basement bunk-ups with questionable hygiene and few mod cons.
Finding the middle ground isn’t easy but it certainly can be done.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
11519 Garden City
Cairo
Egypt
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Category: Expensive
Perched on the banks of the Nile, the Four Seasons is comfortable and stylish.
Golden Tulip Flamenco Hotel
11211 Cairo
Egypt
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Category: Moderate
The décor is a bit dated but it’s comfortable, clean and very conveniently located.
Semiramis InterContinental
11511 Cairo
Egypt
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Category: Moderate
Set in a modern high-rise, this huge hotel is slightly impersonal but spacious.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 07:00 UTC

sunny
temperature
10°C
wind direction
southwind speed
4.375 mphhumidity
77%7 days forecast
Saturday
16.01.2021
21°C / 11°C
Sunday
17.01.2021
20°C / 11°C
Monday
18.01.2021
18°C / 9°C
Tuesday
19.01.2021
18°C / 12°C
Wednesday
20.01.2021
18°C / 10°C
Thursday
21.01.2021
18°C / 10°C
Friday
22.01.2021
19°C / 9°C
Climate & best time to visit Egypt
Egypt is a huge country with plenty of variety in its climate; when it’s chilly and wet in Alexandria, it can be ravishingly hot in Aswan.
The best time to visit most sights, including the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, or diving in the Red Sea, is from February to April and October to November. During these months the heat reminds you that it’s the ‘Land of the Sun’, but not too hot to be enjoyable. At this time, the skies and sea are a perfect blue. The downside is that these are the most popular times of the year for visitors.
In April, the hot, dusty khamsin wind blows from the Sahara, making touring of sights potentially troublesome; during an intense sand storm, vision may be reduced to a few meters. During the hot, dry summers (June-August) there’s always the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion, which might confine visitors indoors during the early afternoon.
Winters (November-February) are usually mild and often overcast, leaving the desert and its ancient monuments looking lacklustre. Rainfall is negligible except on the coast.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 31 °C | 1 °C | 18 °C | 9 °C | 59 % | 7 mm | 1 | 7.1 h |
Feb | 35 °C | 0 °C | 20 °C | 9 °C | 54 % | 4 mm | 1 | 7.5 h |
Mar | 39 °C | 4 °C | 23 °C | 11 °C | 53 % | 4 mm | < 1 | 8.6 h |
Apr | 43 °C | 7 °C | 28 °C | 14 °C | 47 % | 2 mm | < 1 | 9.2 h |
May | 47 °C | 11 °C | 32 °C | 17 °C | 46 % | 0.5 mm | < 1 | 10.2 h |
Jun | 46 °C | 10 °C | 34 °C | 20 °C | 49 % | 0.5 mm | < 1 | 11.9 h |
Jul | 46 °C | 18 °C | 34 °C | 21 °C | 58 % | 0 mm | 0 | 11.3 h |
Aug | 43 °C | 17 °C | 33 °C | 21 °C | 61 % | 0 mm | 0 | 10.9 h |
Sep | 43 °C | 14 °C | 32 °C | 20 °C | 60 % | 0 mm | 0 | 9.4 h |
Oct | 43 °C | 12 °C | 29 °C | 17 °C | 60 % | 1 mm | < 1 | 9.4 h |
Nov | 39 °C | 5 °C | 24 °C | 13 °C | 61 % | 3 mm | < 1 | 8.1 h |
Dec | 32 °C | 3 °C | 20 °C | 10 °C | 61 % | 5 mm | 1 | 6.4 h |
year | 47 °C | 0 °C | 27 °C | 15 °C | 56 % | 26 mm | 3 | 9.2 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +20
Telephone
Public telephones take cards available from pharmacies, tobacconists and newspaper shops, and are a convenient way to call home. Telephones in hotels can be expensive.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming exists with many international mobile phone companies, although coverage is limited to Cairo, Alexandria and major towns along the north coastline of the Red Sea and the Nile. If you’re in Egypt for some time, it is much cheaper to buy a local SIM card, either Vodafone or MobiNil, if your mobile phone is unblocked.
Internet
There are internet cafés in the main cities, including Cairo, Alexandria, Dahab and Luxor. Even small, more remote towns including Siwa will have at least one venue, usually in the market area. Connection is usually reliable. Tourists can also access the Internet in hotels, with in-room Wi-Fi available, though often at a hefty price.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Cairo
Key Areas
Most people make a beeline for Khan el-Khalili, the sprawling central bazaar where anything from King Tut cologne to a gorgeously wrought copper table can be had. It can feel overwhelming at times but, conveniently, streets are named after the items on sale which makes navigation a little easier. Elsewhere, try Heliopolis for malls selling most of the big international names and don’t miss Zamalek’s Nefertiti – it does the best organic body cream in the world.
Markets
Khan el-Khalili is the main market but you’ll find street vendors practically everywhere. Try the cornice for flower sellers hawking fragrant jasmine garlands.
Shopping Centres
Heliopolis’ CityStars is the main mall and sells everything imaginable, as well as boasting several good cafés and a cinema. Alternatively, Giza’s First Mall stocks the big designer names.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Islam is part of all aspects of daily life with many social conventions stemming from the teachings of the Koran, the Muslim holy book. Hospitality is a significant element, especially to visitors. Shaking hands is the normal greeting but male visitors should wait for a woman to offer her hand first.
Dress should always be conservative and women should cover upper arms and legs. This is particularly important when visiting religious buildings – when hair should also be covered – and conservative towns. Dress standards tends to be a little more relaxed in modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars in Cairo, Alexandria and other tourist resorts.
Official or social functions and smart restaurants usually require more formal wear. Smoking is widespread.
Photography
Tourists are required to pay a fee if wishing to take photographs inside pyramids, tombs and museums. Ask permission when taking pictures of someone, especially women. Some traditionally-dressed locals demand money when they ‘pose’ outside historic sites, especially temples and pyramids.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Main emergency number: 123
Food & Drink
You should avoid uncooked vegetables and peeled fruit that may have been washed in tap water, and make sure any poultry or egg-based dishes, and any seafood or shellfish, is thoroughly cooked. Hotels and restaurants are generally safe to eat and drink in, but it is advisable to avoid street vendors.
Use only bottled water for drinking and, to be on the safe side, when brushing teeth. When buying bottled water, check the seal of the bottle is intact. A popular scam is for unscrupulous individuals to collect used bottles from rubbish bins, refill them with tap water, attempt a reseal and sell them as genuine clean bottled water. Also, avoid unbottled beverages and ice except in top hotels and restaurants. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled.
Other Risks
Immunisation against polio is advised because of the persistence of polio in Egypt. Precautions against hepatitis E should be considered. Immunisation against hepatitis B and tuberculosis is sometimes advised. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis), a tropical disease caused by parasites burrowing into the skin, is known to be present in the Nile Delta and the Nile Valley. You should avoid swimming and wading in their waters. Avoid touching any stagnant water as this, too, may result in bilharzia.
Avoid long exposure to the sun, which can be intense. Use plenty of high factor sun cream, wear light cotton clothing, a hat or scarf covering your head, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and sunburn. It is a good idea to pack rehydrating salts.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Prof. Dr. Abu-Zekry, Mona1 Sheriffein Str.
Cairo
Egypt
Tel. +2-0239-24195
7 El Zuhur Str. Mohandessin
Egypt
Tel. +2-0237-600101
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.