Where to stay

A leafy island in the Nile with embassies, cafés, galleries and river views. Central, calm and the easiest base for a first visit.

Big Nile-front hotels between Downtown and Old Cairo, with river views and quick access to Tahrir.

Belle Époque streets, old cafés and the Egyptian Museum. Lively and good value, but noisy; pick a restored building.

Wake to pyramid views and walk to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Ideal for one or two nights; far from the old city.

A planned early 20th-century suburb of arcades and villas, close to the airport. Good for short stays and family visits.

Malls, compounds and modern hotels on the eastern edge. Comfortable for families with a car; an hour from the sights.

A green, residential district south of the centre, with quiet streets, cafés and a metro line into town.