Explore the Paris of the East
Compared with the ancient pyramids and monuments of nearby Giza, Downtown Cairo feels positively modern, however it’s still overflowing with Old World charm. Dating back to the 1860s, the architecture in this part of the city was inspired by the decadent Belle Epoque movement in France, with the hope that Cairo would soon become the ‘Paris of the East’.
Today the beautiful European architecture endures, as does a vibrant cultural scene and lots of lively nightlife. By day, you can explore a host of attractions including ancient artefacts at the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art, as well as modern installations and interactive art at the Townhouse Gallery.
Nearby Tahrir Square has long been a place of protest, such as in 2011 when it was the epicentre of the Egyptian Revolution. In the surrounding streets and across Downtown Cairo, bars and restaurants spring to life through the night, serving everything from tea and shisha to local beers and koshary – a spicy concoction of pasta, rice, tomatoes and more.
Today the beautiful European architecture endures, as does a vibrant cultural scene and lots of lively nightlife. By day, you can explore a host of attractions including ancient artefacts at the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art, as well as modern installations and interactive art at the Townhouse Gallery.
Nearby Tahrir Square has long been a place of protest, such as in 2011 when it was the epicentre of the Egyptian Revolution. In the surrounding streets and across Downtown Cairo, bars and restaurants spring to life through the night, serving everything from tea and shisha to local beers and koshary – a spicy concoction of pasta, rice, tomatoes and more.
Explore our map of Downtown Cairo
Why book with us?
Your Downtown Cairo questions, answered
The weather in Cairo is warm and sunny all year round. The hottest months are July and August, when temperatures can reach the high 30s.
If you’re looking for comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates, the best times to visit Cairo are March, April, October, and November.
The currency used in Cairo is the Egyptian pound. Every pound is divided into 100 piastres, and 100 piastres equals 1000 milliemes.