The Egyptian capital is colorful and chaotic, chock-full of charming hotels and intriguing tours. It’s magnificent with minarets, ancient churches, mosques, and fascinating museums. Wander the back streets on our ancient Cairo tour, visiting Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Enjoy a camel ride through the desert, marveling at the majesty of the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. Visit the Egyptian Museum, packed with priceless treasures dating back centuries. Whichever attractions are on your bucket list, you need to know the best neighborhoods to stay in for easy access. Here are some ideas to help you plan your itinerary in the city. Or take a 4 day tour of Alexandria and Cairo to dive into Egypt’s history.
Where to Stay in Downtown Cairo
Downtown is the city’s urban center, rich in history and busy with traffic. The district was designed by French architects in a bid to rival Paris. While strolling through streets you begin to notice the contemporary European architecture. There are several landmarks to visit Downtown, including The Egyptian Museum. After dusk, the neighborhood comes to life. Because of its lively vibe, it’s the perfect place to end your day in Cairo.
Le Riad Hotel de Charme
This stunning 5-star boutique hotel in old Cairo is a short walk from Khan el-Khalili bazaar. The building’s interior was inspired by the Ottoman houses of architect Beit El Sehemy. Especially enchanting, each of the hotel’s 17 themed suites symbolize the architecture of Cairo, draped with colorful Fatimid textiles and mesmerizing artwork by local creatives. This charming property boasts a rooftop restaurant serving home-cooked Middle Eastern dishes. Le Riad‘s delightful tea lounge offers a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.
114 El Moez Street, El Gamaleya, Cairo, Egypt
Villa Belle Epoque
This oasis in the city is located in the Maadi neighborhood of Cairo near the banks of the River Nile is Villa Belle Epoque. While it’s a short Metro ride from Downtown, it offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hotel is a tranquil retreat featuring a swimming pool with patios surrounded by citrus, olive, and palm trees. Guest accommodations are elegant and fully-equipped with everything you’ll need for an enjoyable stay in Egypt. This hotel is a great choice for those wishing to visit shops, markets, and riverside locations.
D.B Villa, Road 13, 63, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Where to Stay in Giza
On the left bank of the River Nile near the Pharaonic Village, Cairo University, and Orman Botanical Garden is the neighborhood of Giza. It’s a great place for shopping and dining. In addition, there’s a nearby zoological garden, museums, and it’s only a 20 minute drive from here to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. Spend leisurely days strolling along the river side, explore verdant gardens, or enjoy a scenic felucca ride along the Nile.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence
The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence lies on the River Nile’s western shores near the zoological gardens in Giza. Also, with elegant, palatial style hotel rooms, extra-large windows, and impressive views over the river and city, it’s the perfect place for a family, couples, or group stay. The hotel swimming pool invites guests to take a dip. The surrounding cabanas offer a place for relaxation in the shade. The hotel restaurants overlook the river serving mouth-watering Pan-Asian food. Additionally, there’s a Brazilian grill and an upcoming Greek taverna-style restaurant. This luxury hotel offers excursions too, where you can visit the Egyptian Museum after-hours and see ancient treasures with the place all to yourselves.
35 Giza Street, P.O Box 663, 12311 Cairo
Kempinski Nile Hotel
The Kempinski Nile Hotel is a luxury property in the heart of the city. On the banks of the Nile, enjoy upscale gastronomy or the extensive spa. You can soak in panoramic views from the rooftop as well. Break a sweat in the fitness center before returning to your luxe room. Each boasts marble bathrooms and sweeping views of the city below. Especially wonderful are the touches of artwork and airy windows that elevate the stay to something else entirely.
Kempinski Nile Hotel, Garden City Cairo, Ahmed Ragheb Street 12, 11519
Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
This 5-star luxury hotel on the banks of the River Nile offers modern accommodations close to the heart of this thriving metropolis. The hotel offers spacious well-appointed rooms. It also has an Italian style restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. There are also spa facilities and a fun 24 hour casino. Enjoy a massage or a flutter on the roulette or blackjack table. Or leave the hotel behind to explore some of the nearby best bars in Cairo.
Galae Square, Ad Doqi A, Dokki, Giza, Cairo
Where to Stay in New Cairo
The eastern suburb covers around 30,000 hectares and is close to the international airport. Although New Cairo is not as frantic as Downtown, it’s still lively and home to a number of important sites. Moreover, it is home to a multitude of state of the art shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, and shisha cafes. As the name suggests, it’s a modern area of the city, and popular with those who seek a contemporary vibe.
The Gabriel Hotel
The Gabriel Hotel is situated in one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods, Heliopolis, a short drive from Cairo International Airport. It’s the perfect place to stay if you are only in the city for a few days and flying to another destination. It’s close to Baron Empain Palace, bustling Al Matareyah Square, and Cairo Festival City. This luxurious hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, an outdoor swimming pool, a beautifully decorated gourmet French restaurant and 24-hour room service.
Suncity Mall, Autostrad Road, Heliopolis, 99999, Cairo
The 1920’s Boutique Hotel
This 100 year old villa sits in the center of Heliopolis. Recently converted into an intimate boutique hotel, it gives visitors the chance to step into the past in one of their 9 rooms. Originally built by Jacob Yacoubian, the head of the Armenian community, it was an escape from the rest of the city. Equally, today it serves guest as an escape from their humdrum lives. With a number of onsite restaurants and their own bar, a fitness center and dry sauna, and the Art Deco accents in every room, the 1920s Boutique Hotel is the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing in this beautiful city.
58 Beirut Street, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa
The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa sits in the heart of New Cairo overlooking the emerald fairways of a 27-hole golf course. Spend leisure days playing a round of golf, relaxing in the Heavenly Spa by Westin, swimming in the crystalline pool or working out in the well-equipped fitness room. Additionally, the hotel offers stylish rooms and fine dining with a focus on dishes made with fresh, seasonally grown ingredients. For an after dinner nightcap, there’s a chic bar where you can sip wine until late into the evening.
Road 90, New Cairo City, Katameya Dunes, Cairo, 11835
Where to Stay in Zamalek
Standing proudly in the center of the Nile River is the island of Zamalek. It’s a central point for many. Moreover, it’s easy to reach the bazaars of Downtown in one direction and the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx in the other. The island is home to the staggering Cairo Tower, and the Aquarium Grotto Garden. Furthermore, it is the hub of Cairo’s nightlife with stylish bars, and upscale restaurants. You can find some of the best restaurants in Cairo nearby.
Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
Five-star Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah Hotel is located in the Zamalek neighborhood of Cairo. Above all, it’s an ideal place for those seeking easy access to Cairo Tower, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the Egyptian Museum. It’s equally convenient if you wish to reach the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The sophisticated hotel overlooks the River Nile offering comfortable, equipped rooms with all amenities you need for an enjoyable holiday. Additionally, there are several bars and restaurants on-site. These range from gourmet to Moroccan and barbecue and amenities include a spectacular infinity pool, fitness center, and spa.
3 El Thawra Council St, Zamalek Downtown, Cairo
Novotel Cairo El Borg
This contemporary 4-star hotel overlooks the River Nile. Also, it is within walking distance of the Egyptian Museum and the Opera House. It’s the perfect hotel for business and pleasure. They offer comfortable, bright and airy accommodations, a range of bars, restaurants, and meeting rooms. In contrast with it’s unbeatable location, this hotel also features a swimming pool and wellness area where you can unwind with a relaxing massage after a day of sightseeing.
3 Saraya, Gezira St, El Cairo Governorate 11211, Egypt
Charming Cairo
One of our favorite cities, this gem of the Middle East is full of surprises. Moreover, no matter which neighborhood you’re staying in, you’re sure to discover treasures. See our itinerary for 2 days in Cairo or take our 2 day tour of Cairo to dive into this city.
