Cairo tourist information | Holidays to Cairo

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Home to 20 million people, Cairo is the biggest city in Africa. Its streets are constantly abuzz, with layers of history interweaved with daily life in a frenetic, everyday circus of noise and activity. It's guaranteed to knock you sideways.

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Currency

Egyptian pound (LE)

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Visa Requirements

Visas can be bought in advance (£15, www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk). A visa on arrival costs less (around US$17) but can take some time at the airport to process

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Language

Arabic, with English widely understood

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Timezone

Arabic, with English widely understood

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Weather

Very hot summers; mild winters

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Dialling Code

00 20

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Electricity

220V, with European-style round-pin plugs

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Health and Safety

No immunizations or vaccinations required. Private hospitals are preferable to public ones and comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Tap water is best avoided. Bottled water is widely available.

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Useful Links

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Flights to Cairo arrive at Cairo International Airport. Beware of taxi touts and bogus 'Ministry of Tourism' reps hanging around Cairo Airport arrivals and the medina: however friendly they seem, just say no. Public buses head into town for pennies but it's easier to take a taxi (LE50) or a limousine (LE80).

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The Pyramids and the Sphinx

The Pyramids and the Sphinx (Giza). Cairo's iconic monuments, located on the western fringe of the city, are a mind-bending 4,500 years old. No matter how familiar you think they'll be, seeing these gigantic structures up close is simply breathtaking. Come early in the morning (8am), to avoid the crowds and heat – or, even better, in late afternoon when the desert sunset is a sight to behold.

Address: Giza
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Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square). This is the largest repository of Pharaonic artefacts in the world, though the century-old building, situated on one of Cairo's busiest squares, is now hopelessly cramped and tricky to navigate. To make the most of your visit, take the two-hour guided tour (about LE120), which includes Tutankhamun's gold death mask.

Address: Tahrir square, Cairo
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Tel No:00 20 579 6974

Khan el-Khalili

Khan El Khalili. For a shopping experience like no other, head into the medina where you'll find the souks of this vast bazaar. The gold souks and labyrinth of stalls piled high with spices, perfumes and jewellery are the star attractions. If something catches your eye, bargain hard, and be prepared for endless invitations to sit and drink tea. Leave valuables in your hotel.

Address: Khan El Khalili
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Quick Lunch - Aura

Savour Lebanese cuisine at Aura, an easygoing poolside restaurant offering superb mezze as well as grills and kebabs.

Address: 35 Giza Street
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Tel No:00 20 235 731 212

Top Table - Le Pacha 1901

The boat Le Pacha 1901, moored on the Nile in Zamalek, hosts ten separate restaurants, all outstanding. For succulent steaks, an extensive wine list and romantic Nile views, dine at the French-style bistro, Le Steak.

Address: Saray El Gezirah Street, Zamalek, Cairo
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Tel No:00 20 227 356 730

Cheap Eat - Abou Tarek

Cairo's classic streetfood is ‘koshary', a mix of rice, lentils, macaroni and fried onions, with chilli sauce. Abou Tarek, just off Tahrir Square, has the best in town.

Address: Champollion Street
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Tel No:00 20 225 775 935

On Business - Grand Hyatt

The Grand Hyatt is a serene, Nile-side luxury hotel offering, among other attractions, the Middle East's highest revolving restaurant, on the 41st floor.

Book now

Address: Corniche El Nile P O Box 2288
Post Code:11519
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Lap Of Luxury - Mena House Oberoi

Occupying a privileged position at the foot of the Great Pyramid, the Mena House Oberoi is a former 19th-century hunting lodge with classic good looks updated with 21st-century facilities. The views, needless to say, are breathtaking.

Book now

Address: Corniche El Nile P O Box 2288
Post Code:11519
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Cheap Sleep - The Windsor

As featured in Michael Palin's TV adventures and numerous costume dramas, The Windsor is a colonial-era hotel of great character. Rooms are plain, but you're buying into the atmosphere.

Book now

Address: 19 Alfi Bey Steet Down Town
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Coffee And Chat - No Big Deal

Drop in to No Big Deal (1A El Sayed El Bakry St), a friendly Zamalek coffee shop serving California-style frappuccinos, juices and light bites.

Address: 1A El Sayed El Bakry St
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Formal Presentation - Cairo Marriott Hotel

The vast Cairo Marriott Hotel (16 Saraya El Gezira Street, 00 20 227 283 000) has the classiest meeting rooms in town. The former palace of the Empress Eugenie is now a modern, upmarket haven.

Address: 16 Saraya El Gezira Street
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Tel No:00 20 227 283 000

Evening Drinks - Abu as-Sid

Also an upscale restaurant, Abu as-Sid (157 26th July St, 00 20 273 5 96 40) offers oriental-style lounging amidst the coolest of Cairo's beautiful people and the sharpest of its new thinkers.

Address: 157 26th July St
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Tel No:00 20 273 5 96 40