17 things to know before you visit Cairo

I spent the first 30 years of my life in a small town in the Nile Delta, three hours away from Cairo.

Later, I moved to the capital and married an Englishman. All of a sudden, I was weighed down with the responsibility of being a fountain of knowledge about my adopted city for my new spouse. It’s rare to find an Egyptian who admits their ignorance, so I had to educate myself, which I did by pounding the streets of Cairo.

One evening, I was walking in Old Cairo with a friend when he stopped abruptly by a nondescript wooden door. “This is where Napoleon lived,” he said, gesturing to a small metal star halfway up the door. “That’s his sign. Napoleon chose this spot so he could be in the middle of the bustle but remain incognito.” It sounds like every independent traveler’s dream.

Brushing the oppressive weight of colonial history aside for a second, if Napoleon could do it, so can you. 

Read more to get tips for making the most of your visit to Cairo.

1. Download these apps to ease your travels in Cairo

Uber, Careem and Didi are all ride-sharing apps and using these will help you avoid arguing over fares with taxi drivers (especially at the airport). Alternatively, the metro is quick and cheap (and clean – here's looking at you, Line 3). You can buy a multitrip card from any station. Public transportation like the metro is generally safe, but some common-sense advice applies here: avoid overcrowded buses and be cautious of your belongings during rush hours. 

2. Consider consulting a tour guide

Tour guides can be a great resource if you’re looking to explore tourist sites and avoid potential scams. To find a reliable tour guide in Cairo, check online reviews platforms where fellow travelers share their experiences. Reputable hotels also often recommend vetted guides, and booking through established tour agencies ensures you're connected with professionals who are experienced and trustworthy.

3. Consult travel advisories for safety

Given recent conflicts in the Middle East, it's natural to have questions about the safety of traveling to and in Cairo. Visitors can enjoy a memorable trip by staying vigilant, respecting local customs, and avoiding non-essential travel to areas with heightened security concerns.

The US Department of State currently classifies Egypt under a Level 3 Travel Advisory: Reconsider Travel. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against traveling to parts of Egypt, and they list Cairo as “See our travel advice before traveling,” which means you should bear their listed safety warnings in mind as you plan your trip.

While many parts of the city remain stable, especially well-known tourist areas like Giza and downtown, security issues in Egypt persist outside Cairo in regions like the Sinai Peninsula. Travelers should stay updated on official travel advisories, avoid large gatherings, and remain cautious around any demonstrations or political events to ensure a safe visit.

United States citizens visiting Cairo should consider registering with the nearest U.S. embassy in case of emergencies. The embassy can provide updates on safety or assist with consular services if needed.

4. Get used to time the Egyptian way  

Time is a famously flexible concept in Cairo. Be ready for things to be delayed or changed at the last minute, or for a surprise wedding to cause a sudden postponement. Keep in mind that your plans might need to be more fluid than you had thought. 

5. The true, unhurried Egyptian orders their fuul by the plate, not the sandwich

Join the locals on the table or bench at the fuul (fava bean paste) cart and order plates, not sandwiches, and you'll get more bang for your buck. Say “etwassa!” ("be generous") when you place your order and you’ll get an extra spoonful.

6. Just like the Pyramids, the best Turkish coffee is built on sand

You’ll find Paris-style kiosks serving coffee on every street corner. Ask if they have a rammala – a gadget that uses hot sand to brew Turkish coffee to perfection. Your cardamom-spiced coffee will arrive in a paper cup adorned with a wonky yet inspirational quote to set you up for the day.

7. Egyptians always have time for a swift drink

Dehydration is not likely to be an issue for you in Cairo because you can't move for the amount of fresh juice shops. Try any of the energizing cocktails on offer, or go full Egyptian and down an ice-cold pint of sugarcane juice, a common local pastime. Insist that your juice comes with no ice, as it is likely to have been made with tap water and “no (extra) sugar” depending on your preference for sweetness. Avoid tap water on its own and in your drinks to avoid getting sick, as it’s often not safe to consume.

8. You can kiss the Sphinx but not your partner

Romantic travelers can display affection towards their partners, but doing so in public is essentially prohibited in Egypt by the “Public Morality” law, and is not recommended. You could expect to receive anything from cheers to scorn and even intervention by a concerned citizen or officials, with the potential to end in jail (the response to LGBTIQ+ people is likely to be harsher).

Unlike real kisses, virtual ones are positively encouraged, so make sure you have a picture of yourself kissing the Sphinx.

9. Egypt is not a gay-friendly destination

Being an open member of the LGBTIQ+ community is effectively illegal in Egypt and not accepted by the vast majority of Egyptians. I wouldn’t suggest broaching the topic of gay rights with the locals at one of Cairo's ahwa (street coffee shop) as it will likely lead to a heated discussion.

10. Haggling over prices is part of the local experience

The top things to remember when shopping in Cairo:

• Never buy from the first shop.

• Ask the first three sellers about the price of the item you have your eyes on. Each one will teach you something that will help you discern high from low quality. Plus, you’ll get an idea of the average price. 

• If an item/price grabs your attention, it's essential to keep your face completely neutral and don’t let out an excited shriek. Instead, ask the seller what town they are from. You will use this intelligence later on to seal the deal.

• When you are satisfied you have found the best price, ask whether it’s final. If the sellers isn't budging, tell them you found it cheaper elsewhere but that you “insist on buying it here because you, dear seller, are from *insert name of their city*!” 

• If that doesn’t lower the price, change tack and ask what gift they would consider popping in at no extra cost. Say: “Khalas (alright), I will take it at this price, but how about I also take this mummified cat’s paw/amulet too?” 

11. Show respect to those around you

Say “asslamu alayku” (peace upon you) before talking to someone. Don't cross your legs when sitting in front of people, especially if they are older. If you do cross your legs, make sure the soles of your feet are turned away. 

Wearing loose-fitting clothes that do not display much flesh will reduce unwanted attention and keep you cool. While wearing shorts is acceptable in some touristy areas, it's more respectful to wear longer pants or skirts, especially when visiting religious sites such as mosques or conservative parts of the city.

12. Avoid the scams 

Walking alone in Cairo is generally safe, especially during the day in tourist-friendly areas. However, you will most likely be approached by scammers. It’s time to forget your usual politeness and learn to say ‘no.’ 

Be cautious of unverified guides, especially those offering unsolicited services, pressuring you into quick decisions, or insisting you need to visit their Uncle’s friend’s carpet store. Avoid too-good-to-be-true prices, as these often come with hidden fees. Reliable guides will be transparent about costs, have a professional attitude, and may be recommended by reputable hotels or travel agencies.

No visit to Cairo is complete without a trip to the Pyramids of Giza. The horse/camel guides who offer tours there know this and they may well try to trick you into paying more, leaving you out of pocket. Ask around for an idea of the average price, agree with the rider who puts you most at ease, and don’t pay until the ride has finished. Alternatively, take a sun hat and plenty of water and explore the site on foot.

Like the Pyramids, other major tourist attractions such as Abu Simbel and the Egyptian Museum can have their fair share of scammers. Be cautious when booking tours to these landmarks, and ensure you’re dealing with reputable guides.

14. When in Cairo, drink in the Nile

Tap water isn’t recommended for drinking. Instead, buy a 9–19L water bottle for your accommodation and refill a smaller bottle to take with you while you're on the go. That said, don’t leave without taking a sip from the river because, as the proverb goes, whoever drinks from the Nile is fated to return. Mentioning this will endear you to any Egyptian, whether you go ahead to drink from the river or not. A walk on Qasr el Nil bridge at sunset and a brief talk with a fisherman led to my husband being offered a tipple of Nile water.

15. Your safety is only partially in your hands

You will rarely find seat belts in cars and motorists are not especially mindful of pedestrians. Bring a cross-body bag or fanny pack to ensure that the safety of your valuables is entirely (and literally) in your hands, especially in crowded spots like Khan Al Khalili.

While violent crime is not common, petty crime is much more so. Carry only what you need for the day. Keep money in a cross-body bag or fanny pack, and store valuables in your hotel safe. Be cautious when exchanging money or using ATMs. While many tourist hotspots accept cards, you may need cash in other places.

While Cairo is safe for most tourists, female travelers should be aware of the potential for sexual harassment. Dressing modestly, staying in busier areas, and avoiding walking alone at night can help reduce unwanted attention.

For accommodations, neighborhoods like Zamalek, Maadi, and Downtown are considered safe and are popular with tourists for their security, services, and proximity to key attractions. Tourists are advised to avoid less-developed areas like Imbaba or some parts of Shubra, which may have higher petty crime rates and fewer services for non-locals.

16. Pharmacists can help with many ailments

Egyptians trust their local pharmacists, which is a good thing to know if you’re feeling under the weather and unsure whether to see a doctor. Pharmacists generally speak English and can diagnose basic conditions as well as provide painkillers and other treatments.

Pharmacies are usually indicated by the word “Pharmacy” in English along with a cross symbol, a crescent moon symbol, a cup with a snake coiled around it, or a mix of all three.

In case of an emergency, call the local authorities. Egyptian authority numbers include the police at 122, ambulance at 123, or head to the nearest hospital. Keep your embassy contact info handy as well.

17. If you really want to get to know Cairo, you'll need to stay a while

One or two days are enough to “do” Cairo. But if you really want to know the place, you need to live there for at least a few weeks, establish routines and become adopted as a local. Some people liken Cairo to an open-air museum. For me, it's an open-air library full of stories waiting to be told. Apply these top tips and learn more of your own as you hunt for those stories.