Cairo is not an easy city. It’s loud, chaotic, and intense. But it’s also full of history, life, and energy that makes it completely unforgettable. Before visiting, I read so many mixed reviews—some people loved it, others swore they’d never go back. For me? Cairo was overwhelming in the best possible way.
✔ It was intense but unforgettable.
✔ I felt safe and welcomed.
✔ I will 100% be back.
That being said, Cairo is not for everyone. If you don’t know what to expect, don’t have a guide, or don’t embrace the chaos, you might find it stressful. Here’s everything I wish I knew before visiting Cairo and why a guide is an absolute must!
Visa on Arrival – What You Need to Know
When you arrive in Cairo, you’ll need to get a visa on arrival before heading to passport control.
✔ Cost: $25 USD (or equivalent in local currency)
✔ Payment: Can be made in cash or by card
✔ Process: You’ll also need to fill out an entry form with details of where you’re staying.
🚨 Tip: Have your hotel or Airbnb address ready, as you’ll need to write it on the form.
First Impressions: Cairo’s Traffic is Its Own Kind of Madness
The moment we arrived, the traffic hit me like a shockwave.
- There are no rules. Drivers make their own lanes wherever there’s space.
- The honking never stops. It’s not angry—more like a chaotic rhythm that somehow works.
- Most cars have dents and scratches. At first, I thought accidents must be constant, but somehow, Cairo has surprisingly few crashes.
Walking? Not really an option, at least not in Giza. There are barely any sidewalks, and cars drive so close together that stepping onto the road feels like a game of survival. If you’re staying near the pyramids, plan to get around by car.
Where to Stay in Cairo
Cairo is a massive city, and choosing the right location is key. If you’re visiting to see the pyramids, staying in Giza is more convenient. But if you want a more central experience with a Nile view, then Downtown Cairo is a better option.
We originally considered staying at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah, but for just one night, it wouldn’t have been worth it. We were supposed to arrive in the afternoon but didn’t get to our Airbnb until 8 PM—which, in February, meant it was already dark.
For a short stay, being close to the pyramids was the best decision. But if I were staying in Cairo longer, I would have loved to experience Sofitel’s luxury, infinity pool, and Nile views.
🚨 Tip: If you only have one day in Cairo, choose accommodation near the sights you want to visit. You won’t have time to enjoy hotel facilities, so it’s better to stay somewhere practical.
Here are my top recommendations:
Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
(Luxury with a Nile view)
✔ Closest 5-star hotel to Giza with views of the Nile.
✔ Infinity pool overlooking the river—great for relaxing.
✔ Perfect if you want luxury but still be within reach of the pyramids.
Rotana Pyramids View
(Where we stayed)
✔ The surroundings are simple, but once inside, it’s comfortable and well-designed.
✔ The view is insane—perfect for watching the sunrise over the pyramids.
✔ A great choice if you want a budget-friendly stay with a pyramid view.
Marriott Mena House, Cairo
(Best for a luxury stay near the pyramids)
✔ The closest luxury hotel to the pyramids—you wake up with a perfect view.
✔ Historic charm with a mix of modern comfort.
✔ If budget isn’t an issue, this is one of the best places to stay.
🚨 Tip: Traffic in Cairo is unpredictable, so stay close to what you want to visit. If your main goal is the pyramids, avoid staying far away in Downtown Cairo.
Make the Most of Cairo – Must-Try Activities!
Why a Guide is Non-Negotiable in Cairo
I have to be honest: If you don’t have a guide, you probably won’t enjoy Cairo.
Egyptians are amazing at selling. They will offer you camel rides, souvenirs, and taxi rides at every corner. Some are friendly, some are pushy, but it never stops.
🚨 With a guide:
✔ Vendors left us alone completely.
✔ We never had to haggle—our guide spoke for us and got fair prices.
✔ No stress, no overcharging, no scams.
🚨 Without a guide:
❌ Expect to be approached constantly.
❌ Prices will be double or triple what locals pay.
❌ Vendors will try to follow you until you buy something.
We even noticed that as two women travelling alone, we got higher prices when we were by ourselves. Having a trusted local with us made all the difference.
Seeing the Pyramids – A Dream Come True
I had been waiting so long to see the Pyramids of Giza, and finally standing in front of them felt unreal. No matter how many photos or videos I had seen before, nothing compares to seeing them up close. The scale, the history, and the mystery surrounding them make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Should You Go Inside the Pyramids?
We didn’t, and I don’t regret it. If you only have one day in Cairo, you can enjoy the pyramids just as much from the outside. If you have more time, then go inside, but I’d recommend spending at least two days in Cairo for that.
Best Time to Visit the Pyramids
- Go in the morning. The lighting is perfect, and it’s not too crowded.
- Opening Hours:
- Summer (April – September): 7 AM – 6 PM
- Winter (October – March): 8 AM – 4 PM
- Be ready for the 5 AM prayer call. It’s loud but strangely beautiful—and actually the perfect natural alarm clock for an early start.
Camel Rides? No, Thanks.
I don’t recommend camel rides.
- Many camels are overworked and mistreated.
- I once rode a camel in Dubai, and it almost fainted from exhaustion.
- Instead, we took photos with the camels, which was enough!
Where to Eat in Cairo – Best Dining Spots With a View
Breakfast at Khufu’s – A Must-Visit
✔ Stunning location with beautiful decor.
✔ Freshly made bread & delicious traditional dishes.
✔ Great service—our best breakfast in Cairo.
Dinner at Rooftop 7000 – Perfect for Night Views
✔ Freshly made juices—great after a long flight.
✔ We had soup, chicken pasta, and a Caesar salad while watching the pyramids’ light show.
✔ Evenings in February can get chilly (13°C), so we asked for a blanket.
🚨 Tip: There are many restaurants on this street—choose based on your food preference!
Museum Visits – What’s Worth Seeing?
We visited the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is newly opened but not fully completed yet. My friend had been to all three major museums and told us that the Egyptian Museum and the Mummy Museum had much more to see.
However, since we were short on time, we chose the Grand Egyptian Museum because it was the closest to the pyramids.
✔ Egyptian Museum – More artefacts, a richer experience.
✔ Mummy Museum – If you want to see mummies up close, this is the place.
✔ Always get a guide! Otherwise, you won’t fully understand the history.
🚨 Tip: If you have time, it’s worth visiting the other museums instead!
Next Stop: Luxor!
After Cairo, we took an evening flight to Luxor—a completely different vibe but just as fascinating. Stay tuned for my next post on where to stay and what to do in Luxor!
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