Cairo
Cairo is the city of the Giza pyramids and the greatest Arab cultural heart in the world. KLM flies direct from Amsterdam to Cairo International Airport in 4 hours 30 minutes. The exchange rate of 1 euro to approximately 58-59 Egyptian pounds makes Cairo one of the most affordable destinations per travel experience. Best time: October and November. Updated 18 September 2026.
✈️ Plan your trip to Cairo →Cairo is a megacity of 20 million people and the gateway to the world's oldest civilisation. The Giza pyramids stand on the edge of the desert, visible from the city itself. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), opened in 2024, is the world's largest archaeological museum and houses the complete Tutankhamun collection.
The exchange rate is highly favourable: all local costs (metro, food, museums) are paid in Egyptian pounds, amounting to a fraction of what you would pay at home. Flights and hotel costs are increasingly priced in euros for foreign visitors, but everyday life is very budget-friendly. See also our Hurghada guide for a beach destination combination.
Top 5 attractions in Cairo
- Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) The world's largest archaeological museum opened in 2024 at the foot of the Giza pyramids. The complete Tutankhamun collection is displayed here together for the first time. Entrance 1,490 EGP (approx. 25 euros). Always combine with a visit to the adjacent pyramids. Opening hours: daily 09:00-18:00, Wednesday and Saturday until 21:00.
- Pyramids of Giza The only surviving classical wonder of the ancient world. Plateau entrance: 700 EGP (approx. 12 euros). The interior of the Great Pyramid (Cheops) costs extra: 1,000 EGP (approx. 17 euros). Go early (before 08:30) to avoid the worst heat and crowds. A camel ride is optional - always agree a fixed price in advance.
- Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo) The oldest part of the city contains the Hanging Church (free), the Ben Ezra Synagogue (free), the Coptic Museum (280 EGP, approx. 5 euros) and the Babylon Fortress. A walk through the narrow alleyways gives a very different impression of Cairo from the busy modern city. Easily reached by metro (Mar Girgis station).
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar and Al-Azhar Mosque Khan el-Khalili is the largest traditional market in the Middle East, with over 900 years of history. Free to visit; always haggle over prices. The adjacent Al-Azhar Mosque (free) is one of the world's oldest universities (founded 970 AD). The imposing domes and minarets of Islamic Cairo are close by.
- Egyptian Museum Tahrir The classic museum on Tahrir Square still holds valuable collections not transferred to the GEM. Entrance 550 EGP (approx. 9 euros). Combine with a visit to the central Tahrir Square and a view of the Nile at nearby Gezira Island. Cairo's sunset over the Nile is spectacular.
Getting around Cairo
The Cairo Metro is the fastest and cheapest way to get around: a ride costs less than 50 cents. Line 2 connects the centre (Tahrir) with Giza, where you exit for the pyramids (Giza station). For shorter distances, Uber and inDrive are available and cheaper than street taxis. Always agree a price before getting in, even in officially marked taxis.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is about 20 km from the city centre. An Uber costs approximately 10-15 euros. There is also a regular metro connection (metro line 3 to Adly Mansour, then transfer), which is cheaper but takes more time.
See also other African destinations
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Frequently asked questions about a trip to Cairo
How do I fly from the Netherlands to Cairo?
KLM flies direct from Amsterdam Schiphol to Cairo International Airport (CAI) in approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, return from 385 euros. EgyptAir also flies direct and is sometimes slightly cheaper. From Eindhoven there is no direct connection; take the train to Schiphol and fly from there. Book at least 8 weeks in advance for the best fares.
What is the best time to visit Cairo?
October, November and March are ideal: pleasant weather (20-28 degrees), no extreme heat and relatively few tourists. Avoid May to September if you want to visit the pyramids: temperatures exceed 35-40 degrees, making outdoor sightseeing exhausting. Ramadan (dates vary each year) is a unique cultural experience but requires some adjustment as many restaurants are closed during the day.
How expensive is Cairo as a destination?
Cairo is one of the most affordable major cities in the world. The exchange rate of 1 euro to 58-59 Egyptian pounds works strongly in your favour. Koshari (national pasta dish) costs less than 1 euro. Grand Egyptian Museum entrance approx. 25 euros, Giza plateau approx. 12 euros. Budget hotel from 10-20 euros per night; mid-range hotel 40-80 euros. Metro ride less than 50 cents.
What are the must-see attractions in Cairo?
The Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids (entrance approx. 25 euros) with the complete Tutankhamun collection, the Giza pyramids themselves (entrance approx. 12 euros for the plateau), Old Cairo with the Hanging Church and Coptic Museum, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square. Plan at least 5 days to combine all of these.
How do I get around Cairo?
The Cairo Metro is cheap (less than 50 cents per ride), safe and connects the centre with the Giza pyramids (Giza station on line 2). Uber and inDrive are available and cheaper than street taxis. Always agree the price before getting in when using regular taxis; use app-based taxis for transparent pricing.