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The lively capital of Egypt, Cairo is the vibrant heart of the country. It is a city where ancient history and the bustle of modern life collide. Travel back in time and explore the pyramids, fascinating museums and rich culture along the banks of the Nile. With Transavia Holidays you can conveniently book your flight, hotel, rental car or transfer in one place. All that is left to do is enjoy a carefree holiday in this impressive metropolis.
A flight from Amsterdam to Cairo takes about 04:35 hours.
Cairo International Airport
The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
You need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date. For stays up to 30 days, you purchase a visa upon arrival.
UTC +2. In winter, it is 1 hour ahead of The Netherlands. In summer, there is no time difference.
When you think of Egypt, the first things that come to mind are the pyramids and Tutankhamun. That is why visiting the world-famous Egyptian Museum, home to one of the largest collections of artefacts from ancient Egypt, is a must. One of the museum’s most prized exhibits includes the treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb, such as his mask. History buffs will also want to visit the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum, partially inaugurated in 2024. Once completed, this striking modern museum only a stone’s throw from the pyramids will display the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world.
Ready to discover more of ancient Egypt’s history? Visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient world: The Great Pyramid of Giza, only 20 kilometres from Cairo. Nearby you will also find the mysterious sphinx, a massive sculpture with a human head atop the body of a lion. Another highlight is the Citadel of Saladin, a medieval fortress with beautiful mosques and breathtaking views of Cairo. One of the main attractions of the citadel is the Muhammad Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, with its impressive domes and minarets.
In addition to the large archaeological museums, Cairo offers many other cultural treasures. Visit the Coptic Museum to learn more about Christianity in Egypt. The collection includes magnificent icons, manuscripts and wood carvings from early Christianity until the Islamic period. The museum is located in the historic Coptic quarter, where you can also visit the famous Hanging Church.
Another highlight is the Museum of Islamic Art. The impressive collection of over 100,000 artefacts takes you on a journey through the rich Islamic culture that stretches from Spain to India.
Housed in the former royal palace, the Abdeen Palace Museum offers a glimpse into the luxury lifestyle of the Egyptian kings. Its unique displays include a Silver Museum, an Arms Museum and a Presidential Gifts Museum.
Cairo has even more to offer beyond the world-famous historic sights. Stroll through Cairo to discover its beautiful mosques, ancient streets and traditional markets. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar is one of the most famous markets in the Middle East. Don’t forget to haggle when shopping for exquisite souvenirs, fragrant spices or tasty snacks.
A boat tour on the Nile is a relaxing way to admire the city from the water. The view is even more magical at sunset when the city lights start to twinkle. Not yet ready to break the spell? Book a dinner cruise and spend the evening on the water.
If you are looking for a relaxing outing, visit Al-Azhar Park. Stroll down scenic walking trails through beautiful gardens and take in a gorgeous view of the Cairo skyline. This is the perfect oasis to relax and reflect on all your impressions over a cup of Egyptian tea.
Egyptian cuisine combines Mediterranean, African and Middle Eastern flavours. Sample the country’s authentic cuisine in Cairo. One of the best known Egyptian dishes is koshari which combines rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas and fried onions in a spicy tomato sauce.
Other delicious must-try Egyptian dishes include ful medames (fava bean stew) and ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel). If you have a sweet tooth, sample rich desserts like baklava, konafa and umm ali, a kind of bread pudding with nuts and raisins.
Cairo has a desert climate with hot dry summers and temperatures soaring above 35°C. The winters are mild with temperatures ranging between 15 and 20°C. The best time to travel is in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild and pleasant. These are the perfect seasons to explore the region’s many attractions without extreme heat. Rainfall is rare, but spring sometimes brings sandstorms that can last a few days.
