where is the best place to stay in cairo?

What is the best area to stay in Cairo?

By Rana Hesham. November 20, 2023

While Cairo does have plenty of beautiful areas to stay at, the best area to stay in Cairo would be Downtown, especially if you’re looking for a taste of the local life. Downtown Cairo is located at walking distance from must-see spots like the Egyptian Museum, the Nile River, and bazaars like Khan el-Khalili. As you stroll the city, you can also see remnants of French architecture in every corner. It is also full of charming hotels that are both luxurious and budget-friendly. What’s also great about Downtown Cairo is its convenience as it is walk-friendly, and surrounded by lots of cafes, restaurants, and metros.

As the largest African city and capital of Egypt, Cairo is known for being a worldwide tourist destination. The vibrant city captivates travelers from around the world for its iconic landmarks like the magnificent Great Pyramids of Giza and the Nile River. But Cairo is not just a historical city, it pulsates with so much life and energy, full of bustling night markets, rich ancient history with a variety of diverse cultures, delicious Egyptian cuisine, and stunning architecture. Whether you’re here for the history or simply seeking the adventure of a lifetime, Cairo is an enchanting destination.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Cairo, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

If you are interested in where to stay in Cairo, you may also be interested in where to stay in Hurghada or where to stay in Amman.

Downtown, the best area to stay in Cairo

For Tourists

Built by French architects, Downtown embodies a unique blend of old and new with its historical European buildings, renowned landmarks like Tahrir Square, and modern cafes. Strategically located at the heart of Cairo, Downtown enjoys convenient accessibility to major locations (like Giza and Zamalek) and roads connecting to different parts of Cairo.

From there, you can easily explore the Egyptian museum which is home to incredible artifacts and tombs. You can also go on a 10-minute drive to the vibrant souq of Khan el-Khalili where you can find centuries-old Islamic mosques, tiny alleys full of shops with illuminating lanterns, and all kinds of antiques to buy.

Although it’s known as a crowded and lively area, Downtown is home to lots of historical night bars like Cafe Riche. There is also a wide variety of restaurants serving traditional Egyptian cuisines like Koshary Abou Tarek and other cuisines like Yemeni, Lebanese, and CaiRoma for Italian.

Hotels in Downtown Cairo

Other areas to stay in Cairo

Giza

For Pyramid Views And Historical Sites

If you’re looking for incredible Pyramid views, Giza is the place to stay. Located in the center of the city and on the west of the Nile River, Giza Governorate is home to the magnificent Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx which makes it a popular tourist spot.

Although it is densely packed, It provides easy access to other historical attractions that are near the Pyramids like Saqqara, Dahshur, Memphis sites, the Citadel of Saladin, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. The area also offers a variety of luxurious and budget-friendly hotels where you get to wake up to the beautiful Pyramid views. You can also watch the pyramid’s evening sound and light show by booking a spot online or just from the balcony of your hotel.

Apart from that, the area has plenty of food options from restaurants to cafes and street food stalls.

Hotels in Giza

Garden City

For First Timers And Quiet Atmosphere

If you’re traveling for the first time to Cairo and you’re looking for a quiet and secure place to stay, Garden City is the place for you. Located right by the Nile and alongside Downtown Cairo, Garden City is known to have a tranquil atmosphere with prestigious neighborhoods, historical villas, and palaces with unique architectural designs.

The area is considered to be very safe with high security for being surrounded by lots of foreign embassies. Garden City is also known to be a leafy district covered in lots of trees with cozy cafes available on every corner.In Garden City, you can find most of the international luxurious hotels with some budget-friendly options. You can also explore its popular attractions like the Cairo Opera House, Beit El-Sennari, Egyptian Parliament and Museum, or the Ethnological Museum.

You can also go on a stroll by the Corniche overlooking the Nile River or hop on a cruise ship where you will also find lots of restaurants inside boats with views of the Nile River.

Hotels in Garden City

New Cairo City

For Dining, Shopping Malls and Security

Also known as the Fifth Settlement, New Cairo is perfect if you want to do a lot of shopping or looking for places to eat and drink. New Cairo is known for having large shopping malls like Cairo Festival and Downtown Katameya, where you can find a wide range of restaurants and shops. These places also host seasonal bazaars during summer and winter with plenty of food trucks parked inside.

As you drive around the city of New Cairo, you will also find lots of pedestrian-friendly casual spots and dining hubs like O1 and Trivium Square, where you can enjoy a variety of different cuisine restaurants, cafes, and Ice cream shops. Other must-try spots with great ambience are The Drive and 5A By The Waterway where you can have a chill outing with friends, family or even by yourself.

By staying in New Cairo, you will be able to find lots of spas, sports clubs, nearby gyms, and swimming pools. You can also do outdoor activities like go-karting at AutoVroom and Kayaking by the lake at The Lake District in Mivida.

Hotels in New Cairo City

Nasr City

For Mid-range And Accessibility

If you’re seeking a mid-range place to stay with easy access to local shops and restaurants, Nasr City is a great place for that. The area has a vibrant and busy atmosphere as it has an abundance of restaurants, convenience stores and even electronics.

A popular place at Nasr City is Abbas El Akkad which is a main shopping street with affordable clothing stores and boutiques covering the entire street for miles. You can find just about anything there from clothes and shoes, to sportswear and fabrics.

Nasr City is also super diverse as it is home to many residents from different parts of the world. Thanks to its diversity, you can find restaurants from different cuisines, like Malaysian, Chinese and Indian food. The city also has a popular shopping mall called City Stars where you can find large food courts and international brands.

Hotels in Nasr City

Heliopolis

For Budget And Convenience

Also known as Masr El Gedida, Heliopolis is the perfect place if you’re looking for budget-friendly hotels, affordable shops, and restaurants. It is also the most convenient location that connects to other cities and is close to the Airport.

Heliopolis is a very charming location with plenty of places to explore such as the historic Baron Empain Palace that is inspired by Hindu temples. It is also home to historical churches like the St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church and Our Lady of Heliopolis Co-Cathedral. Heliopolis is also considered to be one of Cairo’s beautiful suburbs for its unique architectural gems such as Korba where you will find historical buildings and restaurants.

The area also has excellent malls and entertainment spots like City Stars Mall, City Center Almaza, and popular restaurants like Tree Trunk. Another popular outing in Heliopolis is Tivoli Plaza where you can find restaurants and cafes.

Hotels in Heliopolis