Where to Stay in Cairo – 7 BEST Areas in 2024 (with Hotels!)

A jewel for historians and those passionate about the great mysteries and teachings of Ancient Egypt, Cairo is one of the most touristy cities of the Middle East. So no wonder you’re looking for tips on where to stay in Cairo.

I’ve read the best travel advice, researched the top (and safest) areas, and consulted a friend who recently stayed in Cairo, only to bring you the most up-to-date, practical information for your trip!

Downtown is the best area to stay in Cairo for tourists. It’s the most convenient place in terms of accommodation, attractions, and transport. But I also added 6 more neighborhoods that I sorted by interest and cherry-picked the top-rated hotels in each, so it’ll be easy peasy to book your stay!

Note that Cairo attracts over 15 million tourists yearly, and luxury and budget hotels sell out quickly. I highly recommend booking a hotel months in advance to secure your spot!

Quick picks for your stay

I made a shortlist of the best hotels to book right away. All of them are located in Downtown:

Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas I’ll talk about in this post:

7 useful tips for a better Cairo experience

Before we start, I must share some crucial tips to make sure you have the best experience possible. After all, Egypt can be frustrating, especially for independent travelers visiting for the first time.

• Have a tour guide (find them on social media, Samir is a reputable one that my friend recommended). They’ll show you the best of the city and help you avoid tourist scams (which there are plenty of in Egypt) targeting independent travelers. The same goes for day tours.
• Don’t talk to anyone who approaches you offering to take photos, give you a ride, offer a gift, or show you around. Reject with confidence and avoid eye contact.
• Don’t take public transport unless necessary. Use taxis or Uber to get around, they’re cheap. Many women report being harassed in public transport, including being touched by strangers.
• Don’t rent a car! Cairo traffic is one of the worst in the world, with constant honking, vehicles overtaking on the full white line, or pedestrians acting as road vehicles. As one Cairo local humorously (or not) phrased it, Egyptians think their fate is in God’s hands, not in theirs. That’s why they can afford to act so recklessly on the road!
• Don’t drink tap water or brush your teeth with it. Also, disregard the old proverb that says anyone who drinks water from the Nile will always return to it. The water is heavily polluted!
• Have cash on you, as many places won’t accept cards. 
• Be mindful of your valuables and don’t show them in public, including cash.
• Stay in central areas so it’s easier (and safer) to get around. Cairo is huge and very hectic – it’s the 6th largest city in the world, with 20 million residents in the Greater Cairo area. 

1. Downtown – where to stay in Cairo for the first time

Downtown is the best area to stay in Cairo for sightseeing and for tourists in general. If you’re coming for leisure and your main goal is to see the attractions, stay in Downtown around the Midan Tahrir Square (map)!

This way, you’ll be within walking distance of the greatest landmarks like The Egyptian Museum, Tutankhamun’s tomb artifacts, the Nile River, and the Omar Makram Mosque (map).

Downtown Cairo was designed by French architects over 100 years ago. You can tell by the large boulevards and European atmosphere that reigns over its streets.

Downtown Cairo is also the city’s commercial City Center, which means you’ll find everything you need, from shops to restaurants and bars, all at a relatively fair price. Central Cairo can get super busy and chaotic, but if you love that kind of atmosphere, I’m sure you won’t mind.

You’ll find fast-food restaurants open until 12 AM across Downtown, and the food is pretty affordable, too! I recommend koshari (rice, lentil, pasta, and crispy onion mix), ful (fava beans), and falafel, the 3 fast-food staples of Egypt!

Downtown is a great base for exploring other parts of town. You can take day tours to the Northern Suburbs, Coptic Cairo, or Islamic Cairo neighborhood (the oldest, medieval part of Cairo).

By the way, Islamic Cairo has the most atmospheric and largest souk in Egypt, Khan el-Khalili Market (map). It’s also home to one of the oldest mosques in the country, Mosque of Ibn Tulun (map), and many historic sights that line the Al-Muizz Al-Deen Street. This is the most popular area to visit on day tours, but very few tourists actually stay here, primarily due to a lack of hotels.

In 2022, a beautiful Nile Corniche promenade called Mamsha Ahl Masr or People of Egypt Walkway (map) was opened for the public, connecting Northern suburbs with Downtown Cairo. You can basically walk along the Nile’s eastern bank on a 2-level promenade, with the top level being filled with lush greenery, while the bottom level runs just by the river! 

HEALTH TIP: Remember to stay hydrated during your visit to Cairo! And if you ever forget, countless fresh juice stalls across the city will remind you. Hydrate like a local by having a sugarcane juice, but also always carry water with you.

Other accommodation options in Downtown Cairo

Things to do in Downtown Cairo

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2. Zamalek – the most affluent neighborhood in Cairo

Zamalek may be the most special area in Cairo! It’s a district on Gezira Island in the middle of the Nile River. It’s connected to Downtown Cairo by bridges, just an 8-minute taxi ride from Tahrir Square.

Zamalek’s location makes the area the second-best place to stay in Cairo after Downtown. Especially if you’re a big fan of panoramic views. Here, you can admire the most beautiful sunsets and city vistas!

Home to most of the city’s embassies, Zamalek is a pretty safe and affluent neighborhood, making it a great place for solo travelers visiting Cairo! Here, you’ll find lively bars, upscale restaurants, and shisha joints on every corner.

The fun in Zamalek doesn’t end here, though! As you’ll see, there are many art galleries, cultural centers, golf courses, beautiful palaces, and museums on this tiny island! Plus, Zamalek is home to the iconic Cairo Tower (map), which is a must-see during your stay. 

Cairo Tower is an iron structure in the shape of a lotus, symbolizing immortality in the Ancient Pharaonic civilization. At the time of construction (1961), it was the 2nd tallest building in the world after the Eiffel Tower, measuring 187 m (613 f).

PRO TIP: The lines for the Cairo Tower are enormous, so make sure you arrive early in the morning or consider a fast-track ticket for an extra fee (bought on-site).

FUN FACT: The 6th of October Bridge (map) connects Zamalek with Dokki, a lively area on the West Bank of the Nile. The name of the bridge commemorates the date when the Egyptian army crossed the Suez Canal, marking the start of the Arab-Israeli War of 1973. The date is so special there’s even a whole new area called 6th of October City in Greater Cairo.

Note that there are multiple 5-star and 4-star hotels in Zamalek like Marriott, Sofitel, and Hilton. However, I don’t recommend staying there as past guests had a lot to complain about, and both hotels have a much lower rating than I like. That’s why I’m recommending a private Airbnb for luxury stays, but feel free to choose whichever option you prefer.

Other accommodation options in Zamalek

Things to do in Zamalek

3. New Cairo – where to stay with family + for a contemporary vibe

Also known as the 5th Settlement, this Eastern suburb of the Egyptian Capital is a bit further away from all the central attractions, a 45-minute ride from Tahrir Square. 

However, New Cairo is ideal for travelers who want a modern experience without the chaotic traffic of Downtown Cairo. 

This is also one of the safest places to stay in Cairo! It’s filled with restaurants, shopping malls, and giant parks (check out the Family Park, map), plus it’s relatively close to the airport. 

I can recommend this area for families looking to keep their little ones entertained with modern attractions like Adventure Park (map) and Jewel Aqua Park (map). Or, for something more off the beaten track, you can go hiking in Maadi Petrified Forest (map).

Another famous sight here is Cairo Festival City (map), a huge shopping mall filled with stores, cinemas, shisha cafes, and restaurants. 

NOTE: Consider New Cairo as another city, separate from Cairo. If you’re coming to Cairo for the first time and you want to do sightseeing more than anything else, I recommend staying in Downtown Cairo. 

You’ll have to rely too much on taxis to get around from New Cairo City to the main attractions Downtown, and the ride can be quite long (like an hour) during the rush hour. But if you’re a return visitor and want to explore other parts of the city, then New Cairo is ideal.

Let’s check out some of the best and safest hotels in New Cairo:

Other accommodation options in New Cairo

Things to do in New Cairo

• Spend a fun day at the Adventure Park 
• Admire the beautiful Dancing Fountain (map)
• Go hiking in the Maadi Petrified Forest
• Swim and go on all the slides at Jewel Aquapark
• Visit the Picasso East Art Gallery
• Shop until your drop at City Stars Mall (map)

4. Garden City – best place to stay in Cairo off the beaten path

Ready to go off the beaten path in Cairo? The Garden City is a great option. 

Garden City is a small neighborhood located on the right bank of the River Nile, within walking distance to Downtown Cairo, just a 15-minute walk from Tahrir Square. 

This area hosts some of the nicest hotels and buildings in the city, so you’re in for a treat! It was built by the British in an effort to “Europeanize” Cairo, so you’ll find beautiful colonial buildings here as well as the embassies of the U.S. and U.K.

Garden City used to be the home of Egypt’s elite, and you can still see some traces of that period. The broad palm-tree-lined streets resemble the big boulevards of the City Center, although here, they have more of a residential feel.

If you’re a big fan of nice views and want to admire the Nile River for as long as you’re in the city, I recommend staying in this area.

Garden City doesn’t have any notable attractions, but its location near Downtown and Zamalek and the fact that it offers some of the best hotels in Cairo make it a great place to stay!

You’ll find a few museums, though, and plenty of restaurants where you can indulge in the Middle Eastern cuisine that we all love.

What I love most about Garden City is how it has a whole different vibe from the hectic, touristy, and loud Downtown. It’s where I’d stay if I were visiting Cairo now!

Other accommodation options in Garden City

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BONUS: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo – There are so many incredible hotels in Garden City that I couldn’t end the list with just 4! Enjoy the best service during your holiday at this 5-star hotel that offers panoramic views of the River Nile. Make sure you go for a dip in the outdoor pool and relax at the spa all day!

Things to do in Garden City

• Eat out in the best Lebanese restaurant around (map)
• See the different embassy buildings in the area
• Take a Nile boat tour from one of the local agencies (map)
• Head to Old Cairo and Coptic Cairo to see more attractions
• Visit the nearby Rhoda Island (map)

5. Maadi – best for an extended stay in Cairo

Are you coming to Cairo for work or a longer stay? Maadi could be the perfect area for you! It’s a modern neighborhood South of Downtown Cairo, about 30 minutes by car (or 20 without traffic).

Maadi is attractive to families, expats, and everyone looking to stay in a modern area away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown. It’s adorned with leafy streets, has a laid-back vibe, and an overall residential feel. 

Egyptian people are very affectionate. Don’t be surprised if everyone calls you “habibi” (meaning “my beloved” in Arabic) in shops, restaurants, or on the street.

Much like Garden City and Zamalek, Maadi has a bunch of embassies and is home to wealthier Egyptians. With its co-working spaces, it’s really inviting for tourists who are also remote workers! 

I found a nice description of Maadi as being a younger sibling of Zamalek in the way that it’s also modern and fashionable, but slightly trendier!

You’ll find plenty of malls, supermarkets, and international restaurants, especially along Road 9 (map). Since this is mainly a residential area, you won’t find any attractions here, so you’d be making daily trips to Downtown Cairo or Giza. Again, the taxi is your best option.

Other accommodation options in Maadi

Things to do in Maadi

• Walk along the Nile Corniche promenade and explore its food court (map)
• Check out all the modern cafés and co-working spaces
• Take a taxi and visit Downtown Cairo and Islamic Cairo
• Stroll along Maadi’s green spaces
• Shop like a local in the Maadi Grand Mall (map)

6. Giza – best area to stay in Cairo near the pyramids

Who’s coming to Egypt for the pyramids? I’d say 99% of the visitors! But if you’re truly passionate about the last remaining of the 7 Ancient World Wonders, you can actually stay adjacent to them!

For this kind of pleasure, find a hotel in Giza. Giza is located on the West Bank of the Nile River, some 15 minutes by taxi from Tahrir Square. 

The Giza Pyramid Complex was a burial ground for the royals of Ancient Egypt some 5000 years ago. Its 3 major pyramids include the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.

This area is very tourist-centered (no wonder), and there’s nothing much to do here other than sightseeing the Pyramids. Because of this, you’ll find a crazy number of scammers.

NOTE: You can visit the Pyramids independently or pre-book a tour. If you end up going by yourself, be extra weary of the scammers. Don’t respond if someone whistles at you, asks to take a picture of you, or presses you for a camel ride. 

The entrance fee for seeing the Pyramids and the Sphinx from the plateau (without entering the Pyramids) is 120 EGP (US$2.50), while a visit inside the Great Pyramid is 440 EGP (US$9.20). Students pay half the price.

PRO TIP: If you decide to enter the pyramids, wear sturdy (non-slippery) shoes. Avoid going inside in summer, as it’s too hot, especially if you’re claustrophobic. Also, most of the artifacts from the pyramids are taken to the Egyptian Museum, so there’s not much to see inside anyway.

A brand new museum, Grand Egyptian Museum, is set to open this year, just by the Giza Complex. Inside you can expect to find exhibitions about celebrated Egyptian rulers, artifacts, and great insights into the Ancient Egypt civilization. Think of it as an extension of the Egypt Museum for history buffs! 

Now, since Giza is all about the pyramids, I recommend staying here only for 1 night. Then make your way to Downtown Cairo and have an easier time exploring the rest of the city!

IMPORTANT: It’s prohibited to show public affection in Egypt. Remember this if you want to take a picture kissing your partner in Giza or anywhere else in Cairo! 

Other accommodation options in Giza

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BONUS: Marriott Mena House is another 5-star hotel in Giza with dreamy pyramid views, and some of their deals actually include free breakfast!

Things to do in Giza

• Have a day tour of the Giza Necropolis (map)
• Take iconic photos at the Great Sphinx of Giza (map)
• Visit the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum
• Enjoy the panoramic view of the pyramids (map)

7. Heliopolis – where to stay in Cairo near the airport

Heliopolis is a large area Northeast of Cairo where the main international airport is located. If you’re only staying in Cairo for a layover or are really short on time, it’s best to choose a hotel in this area!

You’ll be just a short drive from the airport (no more than 10-15 minutes), so you can catch those early flights without worrying about Cairo’s hectic traffic.

Heliopolis is among Cairo’s most popular districts that shines with beautiful architecture dating from around 100 years ago.

For short stays, you can hire a private guide or have your hotel pair you with one, then do a speedy tour of the Downtown’s main landmarks and return to your hotel by the evening. 

Heliopolis is also home to a few attractions, so you don’t even have to spend all your time Downtown! You’ll find the magnificent Baron Empain Palace, with its Khmer (Hindu) architecture, The Child Museum (map) with a nice garden to walk around, and plenty of restaurants like the Italian Bistro Heliopolis (map).

And, when you want to experience a typical Cairo atmosphere in the area, just head to the Salah Eldin Square (map) or El Korba Square (map) nearby. They have tons of shops, street food places, and they are great places to experience authentic Egyptian life and culture. 

Other accommodation options in Heliopolis

Things to do in Heliopolis

• Check out the stunning Baron Empain Palace (map)
• Visit local churches and monuments
• Walk around Salah Eldin and El Korba Squares
• Take a tour to see Islamic Cairo’s attractions

FAQs about where to stay in Cairo, Egypt

🤔 Where should I stay in Cairo for the first time?

If your main focus is visiting the pyramids, then you can stay at a hotel nearby like Marriott Mena House, but if you want to explore the whole city, stay Downtown at Tahrir Plaza Suites boutique hotel. 

🇪🇬 What is the best area to stay in Cairo for tourists?

The best place to stay for tourists is Downtown Cairo. It’s ideal if you want to be centrally located and have easy access to the attractions.

🔮 Where is the best place to stay in Egypt to see the pyramids?

📅 How many days in Cairo is enough?

I recommend spending at least 4 days here. Cairo is pretty big. It’s the 6th largest city in the world! So, if this is your first visit, you definitely don’t want to rush it. 

🤔 Is it better to stay in Cairo or Giza?

Cairo! Cairo is where all of the attractions (except for the pyramids) are, including the best shops and restaurants. It’s better to be based in Cairo and make a day trip to Giza than commute daily through the hectic traffic from Giza to Cairo.

🗺️ Should you stay near the pyramids in Cairo?

Only for 1 night! Since the pyramids are in Giza (across the Nile from Cairo), there’s nothing else to see or do here than the pyramids. If you’re passionate about waking up and looking at the pyramids, then 1 night at a nearby hotel makes sense.

🚌 How to travel around Cairo?

Get a taxi or Uber! Public transport is available, it includes bus and metro, but it’s really hectic and unpleasant, especially for female travelers. Taxis are fast, affordable, and much more comfortable. 

🍁 What is the best time of year to visit Cairo?

December to March is the best time to visit Cairo. Avoid visiting during the summer months because of the intense heat. 

👒 What kind of clothes should I pack for Cairo?

Go for loose clothing made of natural materials, especially during the hotter months. Try to pack modest clothing, and if you’re a woman have your knees and upper arms covered. It is also advisable for men to cover the knees. 

🇬🇧 Is English widely spoken in Cairo?

Yes and no. English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants in touristy areas. Average population, including sellers in most markets or shops, mostly have a very broken English or don’t speak it at all. 

Final thoughts on where to stay in Cairo

We’re finishing our virtual trip here, so let’s recap what we’ve gone through in the post. This super-detailed guide gave you the best areas where to stay in Cairo, plus a list of hotels in each neighborhood.

I like to keep my readers well-informed, so I have given you lots of hotel options, but here are my top 2 favorite ones, both located in Central Cairo:

• Steigenberger Hotel – The best hotel with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and spa services
• Almadiafa – The perfect mid-range option near the Egyptian Museum with a sun terrace and family guest rooms

As I mentioned, Cairo is a super popular city, it attracts so many tourists! So, if you don’t want to miss out on all the fantastic deals and hotels on this list, I recommend booking in advance!

If you have any other questions, leave me a comment below, and I’ll answer as quickly as possible!

Have a wonderful trip,

Victoria

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