FIRST-TIMER’S GUIDE TO WHERE TO STAY IN CAIRO, EGYPT (BEST HOTELS & NEIGHBORHOODS)
Discover where to stay in Cairo in this comprehensive accommodation guide featuring the best neighborhoods & hotels for every budget.
Cairo is Egypt’s capital city and one of the world’s most vibrant hubs of culture & history. From its breathtaking architecture, must-see ancient landmarks, and bustling markets, it’s safe to say that Cairo should be on the top of the list for anyone’s Egypt itinerary.
But, with a metropolitan area that is the largest in the Arab world, planning where to stay in Cairo can be a little daunting. That’s why, after my trip, I’ve compiled this comprehensive accommodation guide summing up the best neighborhoods, and the top hotel deals for every budget, based on my experience and the latest hotel deals.
So, whether you’re looking for a luxury, 5-star hotel in Giza with views of the pyramids and legendary Sphinx, or a vibrant hostel on the banks of the Nile River to meet like-minded travelers– I’ve got you covered!
The Quick Answer For Where To Stay In Cairo, Egypt
In a rush? Here are the top 3 accommodation options in Cairo for each budget. Read on for a more comprehensive breakdown with recommendations from each neighborhood.
- Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza – Known as the best 5-star luxury resort on the River Nile. Get celebrity treatment and 5-star luxury at this amazing hotel with 2 pools, spas, a gym, a hot tub, a massage parlor, and even its own salon.
- Steigenberger Hotel – Located in the heart of Cairo, this hotel offers its guests air-conditioned luxury rooms with access to spa facilities, a pool, and a gym. The hotel is situated just a 10-minute walk from the Nile River.
- Holy Sheet Hostel – A great choice for those backpackers who are looking for an affordable stay within walking distance of The Egyptian Museum and The Clock Tower. A la carte breakfast is included each morning which is perfect for those wanting to fill their stomachs before a big day of exploring Cairo.
Breaking Down The 4 Best Places To Stay In Cairo (Neighborhood Guide)
Below are my four top recommended areas to base your stay in Cairo for first-time visitors.
- Downtown Cairo – great neighborhood for a taste of local life. Here, you’ll find many accommodation options from budget-friendly hostels to upscale hotels. It’s also very close to the main attractions like the Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and the Nile River.
- Giza – famous district housing the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Tourists will find many luxury hotels and resorts in Giza with excellent pyramid views.
- Garden City – a luxury neighborhood on the east bank of the Nile and within walking distance of Downtown Cairo. Garden City has many great Middle Eastern restaurants and a modern art scene.
- Zamalek – situated on the island of Gezira, Zamalek is an affluent neighborhood with plenty of upbeat restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Many luxury hotels in this area offer views of the Nile.
Downtown Cairo: Best Place To Stay Close To The Main Attractions
If you want to visit all of the main attractions in the city, then the best place to stay is Downtown Cairo. Some of the popular attractions in this area include the Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, and Khan El-Khalili, Cairo’s oldest bazaar market.
1. The Nile Ritz-Carlton
If you love staying in fancy accommodations, The Nile Ritz-Carlton is one of the best luxury hotels in Cairo worth staying at.
Situated in the heart of Cairo, this iconic hotel is located next to the Nile River, Tahrir Square, and the Egyptian Museum.
This 5-star hotel features spacious and stylish rooms. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine a private bathroom with a lavish bathtub, and a walk-in shower.
The Nile Ritz-Carlton is one of the best 5-star hotels in Cairo for a reason. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a fantastic spa, and a casino and nightlife experience, there is so much to do at this stunning property.
With over nine different bars and restaurants to choose from, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to culinary experiences. Bab El-Sharq is the signature Arabian restaurant and Vivo, the Italian restaurant overlooks the Nile and Cairo Tower.
The nearest airport to the property is Cairo International Airport, which is 25km away.
2. Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo
Located in El Tahrir Square, Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo is the best place to stay in Cairo.
Overlooking the Egyptian Museum, a short walk to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, and within close proximity to Egypt’s major attractions, this hotel is the perfect place to base yourself in the downtown area.
This stunning 4-star hotel boasts 295 guest rooms and suites with luxury amenities and in-room items.
Guests can spend their days lazing by the outdoor pool or exploring the best of what Cairo has to offer or book a long day trip to climb Mt Sinai.
3. Holy Sheet Hostel
If you’re on a budget but still want to stay in the downtown area, the Holy sheet Hostel is the best place for you.
Located only 600m from Tahrir Square, Holy sheet Hostel boasts free wifi, concierge services, a shared lounge, and a range of clean rooms. The accommodation has a 24-hour front desk and currency change. Guests can enjoy a continental or à la carte breakfast.
Some of the major attractions near the hostel include Khan Al Khalili (2.6km), The Egyptian Museum (800m), Cairo Tower (2.1km), and Al-Azhar Mosque (2.5km).
Giza – Best Hotels With Pyramid Views
If you’re looking for the best area to stay in Cairo with pyramid views, then Giza is the best place. Boasting luxurious hotels and budget-friendly options, there is accommodation available to suit every budget.
4. Marriott Mena House
Experience world-class service while overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza at Marriott Mena House.
Situated in the best location to stay in Cairo for seeing the Giza Pyramids, this 5-star hotel is surrounded by 40 acres of lush green gardens. The property also features a pool, fitness center, and spa.
All of the spacious rooms have air conditioning and luxurious fabrics. Each hotel room comes with a private bathroom with a bathrobe and slippers.
There are plenty of dining choices for guests at Marriott Mena House, including Italian specialties at Alfredo Restaurant and the daily buffet breakfast at 139 Pavilion.
The Giza Pyramids are less than 500m and are just one of the top landmarks to visit in Egypt. Tours can be arranged from this five-star hotel, and the concierge can arrange horse and camel rides to the pyramids.
5. Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo
Located 2.3km from the Giza Pyramids, Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo is one of the best 5-star hotels in Cairo for pyramid views.
This luxurious hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a restaurant and bar, and free private parking. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast every morning.
Boasting a range of stylish rooms, each of the guest rooms has free Wi-Fi, room service, and private bathrooms. Selected rooms have pyramid views, city views, or pool views.
Some of the major attractions near the hotel include the Great Sphinx (3.6km) and the Mosque of Ibn Tulun (16km). The nearest airport is Sphinx International Airport, which is 29km from the accommodation.
6. Comfort Sphinx Inn
The Comfort Sphinx Inn is the best hotel in Cairo, Egypt for a traditional Egyptian experience.
Located within walking distance of the Great Sphinx, this hotel features free bikes free private parking, and a bar. It also has a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, free WiFi, and a concierge service.
Each beautifully designed room features air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a safety deposit box, and certain rooms have balconies with spectacular pyramid views.
This 3-star hotel is located in one of the best areas to see the pyramids because it’s only a short distance away. The Great Sphinx is 500m away, the Giza Pyramids are 4.3km away and the Cairo Tower is 14km away.
Garden City – Upbeat Neighborhood With Luxury Hotels
Located on the banks of the Nile River, Garden City is the best area to stay in Cairo for luxury hotels as it used to be home to Egypt’s elite. Since it’s situated in Central Cairo, there are many major attractions close by.
7. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo At Nile Plaza
If you want to experience world-class service in the heart of the city, then the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is the best place to stay in Cairo.
As one of the top luxury hotels in Cairo, it’s easy to see why so many people enjoy staying at this accommodation. There is so much to love about this 5-star hotel, from its panoramic views of the Nile River to its luxurious decor and elegant rooms.
Each of the rooms at this hotel features air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a marble bathroom. Some rooms have a luxury seating area while others have a private terrace.
The amenities at this hotel include a gym, salon, and an indoor and outdoor pool. Guests can spend their days in the pool, the hot tub, or enjoying a rejuvenating massage.
A fresh and delicious buffet breakfast is served each morning.
8. Kempinski Nile Hotel
If you love elegance, then you will experience plenty of it at Kempinski Nile Hotel, one of the best luxury hotels in the affluent Garden City district of Cairo.
Similar to the top attractions in Aswan, this Cairo hotel is situated on the banks of the Nile River. This hotel boasts luxurious rooms with free WiFi and HD TVs. Guests also have the choice of a butler service, concierge, and pillow menu.
Some of the modern amenities at this property include a wellness center with hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas as well as a rooftop pool.
Guests have the choice of dining at a range of restaurants and bars, including the Osmanly restaurant serving Turkish cuisine, and The Blue restaurant serving Italian dishes.
Some popular points of interest near the hotel include the Egyptian Museum, Cairo Citadel, and the Pyramids of Giza. Cairo International Airport is 25 km away.
9. Garden Season Hotel
If you’re on a budget but still want to stay in Garden City, then the Garden Season Hotel is one of the best places to stay.
This 2-star accommodation features air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, a safety deposit box, and room service. If you wish to change some money into Egyptian pounds, the accommodation offers currency exchange.
Guests can enjoy a continental or halal breakfast.
Some popular attractions near the hotel include Tahrir Square, The Egyptian Museum, and the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
Zamalek- Best Place To Stay In Cairo For Nightlife
If you’re looking for the best location to stay in Cairo for nightlife, then Zamalek is it! Zamalek is located on Gezirah Island, home to ex-pats and the wealthy, hence the many restaurants and bars. There is a range of accommodations to choose from in Zamalek, from luxury 5-star hotels to budget-friendly accommodations.
10. Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
If you love luxury, elegance, and world-class treatment, then Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah is the best hotel in Cairo Egypt for you to stay.
This 5-star hotel boasts a private promenade along the Nile, four restaurants, and two bars. The property also features a spa complete with an outdoor swimming pool, a hammam, and a fitness center. A hot tub is also available with a range of massage packages.
Each of the spacious rooms in this hotel comes equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar. Many rooms provide spectacular views of the River Nile and the city of Cairo.
Located in the city center, this hotel is within walking distance of the Opera House, Cairo Tower, Egyptian Museum, and Khan El Khalili.
11. Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences
Located on Gizerah Island, Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences is in an ideal location overlooking the Nile River and Cairo.
The bright and spacious rooms at this hotel have a private balcony, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV.
This hotel features an outdoor heating swimming pool next to a children’s pool that overlooks the Nile River. There is also a wellness center and gym facilities on the property.
Guests can enjoy international cuisine at the hotel restaurant that overlooks the city and river.
Whether you plan to spend your days laying by the pool or exploring the area, there is plenty of things to do in the Zamalek district.
12. New President Hotel Zamalek
Finally, one of the best places to stay in Zamalek is the New President Hotel Zamalek.
This boutique hotel offers modern air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free wifi, and satellite TV. There is also a fully equipped gym on-site.
Guests can indulge in delicious food at the restaurant which has an à la carte menu and bar.
This hotel features a 24-hour front desk with helpful staff who can provide you with information on some of the best things to see and do in the area. Cairo International Airport is 19km from the accommodation.
