Home / Egypt / Cairo
Cairo, the capital of Egypt
Flag of Egypt Capital of Egypt

Cairo

Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, serving as the heart of one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. The city is home to ancient wonders like the Giza pyramid complex and sites of Memphis and Heliopolis, blending millennia of history with modern urban life.

Photo: Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Egyptian pound (EGP)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
EEST (UTC+3)
Local time now
00:19:08

Hotels in Cairo

Cairo offers a variety of hotel accommodations for visitors to Egypt's bustling capital. From established properties like the Intercontinental Semiramis and Cleopatra Hotel to other options across the city, there are choices available to suit different needs and preferences. See all hotels →

Cleopatra Hotel
215 m from centre
Almadiafa - المضيفه
323 m from centre
النيل
343 m from centre

Airports in Cairo

Cairo is served by several airports including Cairo International Airport (CAI), the city's primary hub, alongside other facilities such as Almaza Airport and military airfields. These airports connect Cairo to destinations worldwide and within Egypt. See all airports →

مطار مستشفى معادي العسكري
8.4 km from centre
مطار ألماظة
13.0 km from centre
مطار القاهرة الدولى (CAI)
18.8 km from centre

Car Hire in Cairo

Cairo offers several car hire options for visitors and residents looking to explore the city and surrounding areas. Major rental companies such as Europcar and local providers like شركه ماضي كار لايجار السيارات, ليمو زين, and الكربه are available to suit various travel needs. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Cairo

Cairo offers visitors a rich array of attractions spanning history and culture. From iconic statues like Ramses II to significant historical sites commemorating Egypt's revolutions, the city provides unforgettable experiences for every traveler. See all things to do →

موقع ميلاد ثورة 30 يونيو
22 m from centre
موقع ميلاد الثورة المصرية 2011
25 m from centre
Ramses II
356 m from centre
Ramses II
364 m from centre
تمثال قصر النيل
398 m from centre
المتحف المصري
436 m from centre

Restaurants in Cairo

Cairo offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from international chains to local favorites. Whether you're looking for casual international fare or traditional Egyptian cuisine, restaurants like Pizza Hut, Rouh Beirut, Fatatri At Tahrir, Tom and Basil, and Felfela provide options for visitors and residents alike. See all restaurants →

Pizza Hut
pizza · 109 m from centre
Rouh Beirut
lebanese · 129 m from centre
Fatatri At Tahrir
عابدين · regional · 163 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Cairo

Cairo offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Notable options include the Swimming Pool located at the Faculty of Agriculture at Cairo University, providing recreational swimming opportunities in the heart of the city. See all swimming pools →

Swimming Pool, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University
4.1 km from centre
Pool
4.6 km from centre

Spas in Cairo

We're still gathering spas listings for Cairo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Cairo

Cairo's nightlife offers a diverse array of entertainment venues for visitors and locals alike. From live music at Cairo Jazz Club to contemporary clubs like Vent and Echo Club, the city provides options for evening entertainment across different styles and atmospheres. See all nightlife →

Vent
320 m from centre
Cairo Jazz Club
3.0 km from centre
Echo Club
العجوزه · 3.1 km from centre

Bars in Cairo

Cairo offers a variety of bar venues where visitors and locals can enjoy drinks and socialise. Notable establishments in the city include Stella bar, King bar, Dos canas, جامايكا, and كرلتون. See all bars →

Stella bar
331 m from centre
King bar
516 m from centre
Dos canas
593 m from centre

Cafes in Cairo

Cairo offers a vibrant cafe culture where locals and visitors can enjoy coffee, tea, and refreshments. Popular spots include Cilantro, Juice, Caf, قهوة ريش, and Café Al Bustan, each providing unique atmospheres for relaxation and socializing. See all cafes →

Juice
109 m from centre
Cilantro
coffee_shop · 170 m from centre
Caf
319 m from centre

Shopping in Cairo

Cairo offers diverse shopping experiences across modern shopping centers and commercial establishments. Visitors can explore retail destinations including مركز البستان التجاري, طلعت حرب مول, and النخيلي, alongside specialist retailers like الشركة الاسلامية للمعدات الكهربائية. See all shopping →

مركز البستان التجاري
عابدين · 318 m from centre
النخيلي
379 m from centre
طلعت حرب مول
760 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Cairo

Cairo offers several parks and gardens where visitors can experience nature within the bustling city. From حديقة محافظة القاهرة to حديقة الحرية, these green spaces provide respite and insight into the city's flora and outdoor recreation. See all nature & wildlife →

ميدان التحرير
3 m from centre
حديقة محافظة القاهرة
755 m from centre
حديقة ضريح سعد زغلول
785 m from centre
حديقة الأندلس
797 m from centre
حديقة الحرية
1.0 km from centre
حديقة الزهرية
1.0 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Cairo experiences a hot desert climate with scorching, dry summers and mild winters. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, making it an arid destination where temperatures vary significantly between seasons.

Interesting Facts About Cairo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Cairo is home to the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis, which date back approximately 6,000 years.
  • The city is part of the largest urban agglomeration in Africa, the Arab world, and the Middle East.
  • The Greater Cairo metropolitan area is one of the largest in the world by population, with over 22 million people.
  • Cairo hosted its first international film festival on 16 August 1976, launched by the Egyptian Association of Film Writers and Critics.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Cairo

16 August 1976
Cairo International Film Festival
Cairo's first international film festival was launched by the Egyptian Association of Film Writers and Critics, headed by Kamal El-Mallakh. The festival has grown to include international competition and is presided over by prominent figures in Egyptian cinema and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cairo

What is the population of Cairo?

Cairo is home to more than 9.8 million people, and the Greater Cairo metropolitan area has over 22 million residents, making it one of the largest urban areas in the world.

What is the official language spoken in Cairo?

Arabic is the official language spoken in Cairo.

What currency is used in Cairo?

The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the currency used in Cairo.

What region is Cairo located in?

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and is located in Africa, serving as the heart of the Arab world and the Middle East.

What ancient sites can be found in Cairo?

Cairo encompasses the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis, areas inhabited since pre-dynastic and early-dynastic ancient Egypt, roughly 6,000 years ago.

Map of Cairo

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors