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So you’ve booked your plane tickets to Egypt and are now researching where to stay in Cairo. How exciting!
I love Cairo, but it’s a huge city. It’s great because there’s a lot to do but not-so-great because a lot of the cool things to do are spread out across the city. That makes choosing the best hotel in Cairo a tad confusing.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the top hotels in Cairo for every budget. Whether you’d like to stay in the hustle and bustle or prefer a quieter escape, these are the best Cairo accommodation options in every category. Note: The value of the dollar stretches far in Egypt. If you’ve always wanted to splurge on a luxury hotel, this is the country to do it!
Table of Contents
Should I Stay in Cairo or Giza?
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There are hundreds of hotels in the Cairo and Giza area and most people wonder whether they should stay in Cairo or Giza. My answer? It depends on how many days you plan to visit (and where you want to go).
If you’re spending more than two nights in Cairo, then I recommend staying in Cairo for all or the majority of your stay – specifically in Downtown Cairo, Garden City, or Zamalek. These are pretty central neighborhoods and easily accessible to the rest of the city.
Giza is a bit far from Central Cairo but it is home to the famous Pyramids of Giza, as well as some other amazing sites. If you’re only spending two days in Cairo, I recommend booking a hotel in Giza instead, assuming you’ll spend one day at The Pyramids. Downtown Cairo is easily accessible by car. If you’re spending multiple nights in Cairo, I still highly recommend staying at a hotel in Giza for the night before your visit to the Pyramids. It’s a pretty magical experience and makes a trip to The Pyramids all the more memorable. I’ve included my top picks for Giza below as well.
Best Area to Stay in Cairo
If you’re planning on visiting Cairo for just a few days, you’ll want to stay as central as possible so you can easily access Old Cairo, Downtown Cairo, and Giza, since these are where the popular tourist sites are. The distances don’t look too far on the map but trust me – you won’t want to stay in the outskirts thanks to Cairo’s insane traffic.
Where to Stay in Cairo – Tourists and First-Time Visitors
Downtown, Garden City, and Zamalek are all neighboring parts of town that have one thing in common: they’re centrally located. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and corresponding hotels, so choose according to your preference. No one neighborhood is better than the other.
Where to Stay in Downtown Cairo
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Downtown is the heart of the hustle and bustle of Cairo. It’s where Tahrir Square is located and is home to the largest roundabout in Cairo. Downtown never sleeps, but if you want food, shops, and culture at your fingertips, this is where to stay. If you absolutely cannot stand noise and / or chaos, avoid Downtown.
- Backpack: If you’re all about that backpacker life, Meramees Hostel is the best budget hostel in Downtown Cairo. It’s centrally located, less than ten minutes walking from Tahrir Square, and offers both dorms and private rooms. The staff is friendly, the ambiance is chill and the beds are clean. Did I mention it’s really affordable too? Check it out here!
- Budget: If you’re definitely way over backpacker life (or maybe you just never warmed up to the idea of sharing your room), Tahrir Plaza Suites is your spot for affordable accommodation without the frills. It’s a short walk from Tahrir Square and it’s more like a cozy bed and breakfast (breakfast is only $3 and very hearty). It’s spotlessly clean with excellent service and a small number of rooms. I stayed there on my last visit and would stay there again. It’s a tad noisy since it’s in the heart of downtown, but otherwise, no complaints. Check it out here!
- Mid-range: For chic and clean rooms in the heart of Downtown Cairo, book the Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo. This hotel offers clean and stylish accommodation with a great breakfast, a swimming pool, and superior service. The Steigenberger has everything you need for an excellent stay in Cairo at an affordable price.
- Luxury: With spectacular views of The Nile or Downtown, luxurious rooms, multiple restaurants and a spa and fitness center, The Nile Ritz-Carlton truly outdoes itself in terms of luxury. It’s easily the best hotel in Cairo if you’re looking for a luxury option.
Where to Stay in Garden City, Cairo
Garden City is less than a mile from the heart of Downtown, but it’s a world away. It’s a fairly small and somewhat posh neighborhood, and streets are much quieter. You can still easily walk to Downtown Cairo from Garden City, but it’s on the more residential side – the perfect location for someone who wants to be near a lot of restaurants and shops without being directly above them.
- Budget: The Nile Meridien Hotel is on the newer side, located in the middle of Garden City. With a 24-hour front desk and clean, basic rooms with comfy beds, what more could you ask for? Plus, it’s conveniently located just a short walk away from Tahrir Square.
- Mid-Range: The Kempinski Nile Hotel often has rooms starting at just $100 per night. SUCH a steal for a luxury hotel. Honestly, if this isn’t the best place to stay in Cairo, it’s definitely one of the top five. Nile views, a spectacular swimming pool, luxury rooms, and plenty of restaurant options are just a few of the fabulous amenities here. It’s a 15-minute walk from Tahrir, but feels like a world away from the chaos of Cairo. Check it out here!
- Luxury: Located along the banks of The Nile. The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza has some of the best panoramic views of Cairo. Marble bathrooms, large and comfortable beds, and a delicious breakfast buffet are just a few of the great amenities here. Let’s not forget the spa, salon, and pool either. With one of the best locations in Cairo, this is a great option for those looking for convenient luxury.
Where to Stay in Zamalek, Cairo
Just over the bridge from Downtown Cairo is Zamalek, home to the embassies and expats. It’s a more upscale and residential area and where you’ll find a wide variety of international restaurants and shops. Zamalek is busier than Garden City but not quite as busy as Downtown Cairo. The real perks of staying in this neighborhood are internationally recognized chain hotels, plenty of international restaurants, and the location – Zamalek is just a tad closer to Giza.
- Budget: If you’re looking for a centrally located and quiet place to stay, consider President Hotel, the no-frills hotel in Zamalek. Rooms are clean and decently spacious thanks to recent renovations, and the staff is friendly. This is definitely one of the best budget hotels in Zamalek.
- Mid-Range: Not only is the Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences eco-certified, but it also offers world-class service at a fraction of the prices. The rooms are bright, airy, and comfortable, and all have spectacular views of Cairo. The hotel is equipped with a pool, terrace, restaurant and gym. The best part? It’s located near some of the best restaurants in the city, making it an ideal spot for foodies looking to experience Cairo’s fusion foodie scene.
- Luxury: For 5 star luxury with spectacular amenities, head to Sofitel Cairo Nile el Gezirah. With a private promenade on The Nile, on outdoor infinity pool, and a whopping seven restaurants, it’s no wonder that this is one of the top luxury picks in Cairo. The rooms are incredibly spacious and the overall service is excellent. This is hands down the best luxury hotel in Zamalek.
Where to Stay in Giza Near the Pyramids
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I highly recommend staying at a hotel near the Pyramids for one night so you can get the true Pyramids experience. It’s magical to be able to see the sun rise and set over the Pyramids and it means you won’t have to wake up quite as early as you would if you were staying in Cairo. If you choose to stay in Giza for a night, I recommend visiting the Pyramids either at the beginning or end of your stay in Cairo so you don’t have to check in and out of hotels multiple times. There are tons of hotels in the area, so I’ve helped you narrow down your options with my recommendations below.
- Mid-range: Great Pyramid Inn is only a 5-minute walk from the main entrance to The Pyramids and has seriously spectacular views. You can watch the evening Sound and Light Show from the comfort of the hotel (for free, heyyy). Plus they have a restaurant on-site, complimentary breakfast, and excellent customer service. Check it out here! Note: if the Great Pyramid Inn is fully booked and you’re looking for options at a similar price point with good views and service, check out Pyramids View Inn, Royal Pyramids Inn, or Hayat Pyramids View Hotel.
- Luxury: Alternatively, Marriot Mena House is the only 5-star hotel with views of the Pyramids. It’s about half a mile away from the Giza complex itself, but a nice luxury option that’s definitely worth the splurge.
Where to Stay in Cairo: Top 4 Picks Overall
Best Backpacker Hostel in Cairo
Meramees Hostel in Downtown Cairo
- Ten-minute walk from Tahrir Square
- Dorms and private rooms
- Awesome breakfast
Best Budget Hotel in Cairo
Nile Meridien Hotel in Garden City
- Walking distance from Downtown but in a quieter neighborhood
- Recently renovated
- Rooms come with balcony or terrace
- Includes great continental breakfast
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Cairo
Kempinski Hotel Cairo in Garden City
- Walking distance from Downtown but in a quieter neighborhood
- Affordable luxury
- Spectacular views of The Nile
- Excellent breakfast buffet
Best Luxury Hotel in Cairo
The Nile Ritz Carlton in Downtown Cairo
- Located in the heart of Downtown Cairo
- Spectacular views of The Nile
- World-class dining options
- Luxurious amenities and service
How long should I stay in Cairo?
How much time you should spend in Cairo entirely depends on your interests (and your vacation time). Most first-time visitors spend 2-3 days in Cairo, visiting the Pyramids of Giza, The Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Khan-el-Khalili Market and The Citadel before moving on to other places (like the White Desert, Aswan, and Luxor, for example). However, if you have extra time, there are plenty of amazing places to see in Cairo. Click to see my full list of the best things to do in Cairo.
How to Get to Your Hotel from Cairo Airport
If you don’t have data on your phone to call an Uber (easily remedied with an eSIM by the way), I recommend booking an airport transfer ahead of time if you aren’t staying in a hotel that provides a shuttle. Taxis are a bit of a free-for-all all (especially at the airport) and the last thing you want to do is to start your trip feeling like you got ripped off.
Other Things to Know
- Check out my Egypt travel tips for first-time visitors for common misconceptions and other things you’ll want to know!
- Consider doing a food tour in Cairo – it’s a yummy way to explore the city! Alternatively, eat your way through the city independently.
- Check out my comprehensive Egypt packing list before you leave!
- If you’re feeling nervous about traveling independently, consider booking a tour through Egypt. This is the one I did a few years ago.
More Egypt Resources
Planning a trip to Egypt soon? Check out ALL my posts on Egypt below:- 30+ Awesome Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt: The Ultimate Cairo Travel Guide
- What to Pack for Egypt: The Ultimate Egypt Packing List
- 2 Days in Luxor Itinerary: The Best Things to Do, See, and Eat in Luxor
- 2 Days in Aswan Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt
- Egypt Travel Guide
- Pharaohs and Feluccas: Exploring Egypt with Intrepid Travel
- Camping in the White Desert, Egypt: A First Timer’s Guide
- Traditional Egyptian Food Guide: 20 Must Eat Foods in Cairo, Egypt
- Egypt Travel Tips for the First Time Visitor: Expectations vs Reality
- Bellies En-Route Downtown Cairo Food Tour: The Best Thing to Do in Cairo for Foodies
- Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: Everything to Know Before You Go
- Where to Stay in Cairo, Egypt: The Best Hotels in Cairo for Every Budget
Tell me: Which hotel would you most like to stay at?
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Once I proceeded to Cairo for an urgent meeting and after I reached there it got cancelled. I had no one in Cairo, then I called my friend to ask him what should I do now and then he suggested me about a good tour company. They took a very good care of me and it was also a nice stay.
I’m glad to hear you had a great trip despite the cancelled meeting!