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Cairo, the capital of Egypt
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Cairo

Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, home to more than 9.8 million people and part of the largest urban agglomeration in Africa. The city sits within areas inhabited since ancient Egypt around 6000 years ago, including the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis.

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

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Egyptian pound (EGP)
Language
Arabic
Timezone
EET (UTC+2)
Local time now
04:58:38

Hotels in Cairo

Cairo offers a range of hotel options for visitors to Egypt's vibrant capital. From well-established properties like the Intercontinental Semiramis and Cleopatra Hotel to other notable accommodations, travellers can find suitable lodging throughout the city. See all hotels →

Royal Town Hotel
98 m from centre
Cleopatra Hotel
215 m from centre
Almadiafa - المضيفه
323 m from centre

Airports in Cairo

Cairo is served by several airports, with Cairo International Airport (CAI) being the primary commercial hub for the city. Additional facilities in the greater Cairo area include مطار ألماظة, مطار حلوان, and military airports, providing various options for air travel and services to the region. 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 needing vehicle rentals. Local and international providers such as Europcar, شركه ماضي كار لايجار السيارات, ليمو زين, and الكربه operate throughout the city to serve your transportation requirements. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Cairo

Cairo offers visitors a wealth of historic and cultural attractions to explore. From iconic monuments like the Ramses II statues to sites commemorating Egypt's modern revolutions, the city provides diverse experiences that reflect both ancient heritage and contemporary history. 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 vibrant restaurant scene reflecting both international and local cuisines. From established chains like Pizza Hut to traditional Egyptian eateries such as Felfela and Fatatri At Tahrir, the city provides diverse dining options for every preference. 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 at the Faculty of Agriculture at Cairo University, as well as other dedicated pool venues throughout 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 diverse entertainment options for visitors and locals alike. From live music venues like Cairo Jazz Club to clubs such as Echo Club and Vent, the city comes alive after dark with energy and culture. 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's bar scene offers a diverse selection of venues for evening entertainment and drinks. Popular establishments include Stella bar, King bar, Dos canas, جامايكا, and كرلتون, each contributing to the city's vibrant nightlife culture. 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's cafe culture offers a blend of traditional and modern coffee spots where locals and visitors gather throughout the day. From Cilantro and Juice to traditional venues like قهوة ريش and Café Al Bustan, the city's cafes provide welcoming spaces to enjoy refreshments and experience everyday Egyptian life. 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 commercial centers and established markets. Visit مركز البستان التجاري, طلعت حرب مول, and النخيلي for a range of retail options, or explore specialist stores like الشركة الاسلامية للمعدات الكهربائية for electrical equipment. 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 green spaces for visitors seeking nature and wildlife experiences. Notable natural areas include Tahrir Square (ميدان التحرير), Al-Andalus Garden (حديقة الأندلس), Freedom Garden (حديقة الحرية), Cairo Governorate Garden (حديقة محافظة القاهرة), and Saad Zaghloul Mausoleum Garden (حديقة ضريح سعد زغلول), each providing respite and outdoor recreation within the bustling city. 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 desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The city receives minimal rainfall throughout the year, making it one of the driest capitals in the world. Dust storms and strong winds are common seasonal occurrences, particularly in spring.

Interesting Facts About Cairo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Cairo is home to the Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis, all dating back to early-dynastic ancient Egypt around 6000 years ago.
  • 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 on 16 August 1976 by the Egyptian Association of Film Writers and Critics, headed by Kamal El-Mallakh. The festival has since become an established event in the city's cultural calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cairo

What is the population of Cairo?

Cairo is home to more than 9.8 million people, making it the largest city in Egypt and part of the largest urban agglomeration in Africa.

What is the currency used in Cairo?

The currency used in Cairo is the Egyptian pound, the official currency of Egypt.

What language is spoken in Cairo?

Arabic is the primary language spoken in Cairo, as it is the official language of Egypt.

What region is Cairo in?

Cairo is located in the Cairo Governorate in northeastern Egypt, in North Africa and the Middle East.

What ancient sites are near Cairo?

The Giza pyramid complex and the ancient cities of Memphis and Heliopolis are all located within or very close to modern Cairo, dating back approximately 6000 years.

Map of Cairo

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors