Cairo Events

Wafaa Al-Nil Festival

Egyptians have cherished and celebrated the Nile since ancient times. In the past, beautiful girls were sacrificed and thrown into the river in the hope of a good harvest. Today the festival is celebrated with concerts, poetry readings, and family-friendly competitions.

Date: 15 August 2023 - 29 August 2023

Prophet Mohamed’s birthday

On the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' Al-Awal, Egyptians celebrate the Prophet's birthday with readings from the Quran as well as attending religious lectures.

Date: 27 September 2023 - 27 September 2023
Venue: Throughout the city.
Cost:

Free.

Cairo International Film Festival

This festival brings together artists, filmmakers, producers, writers and critics together and celebrates Egyptian, Arab and African films.

Date: 01 November 2023 - 30 November 2023
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various locations.
Website: https://www.ciff.org.eg/
Cost:

Various.

Pharaonic Race

Inspired from a piece of ancient rock telling the story of Pharaonic soldiers running 100km, this epic race sees competitors run from the Hawara Pyramid to the Sakkara Pyramid.

Date: 17 November 2023 - 17 November 2023
Venue: Hawara Pyramid to Sakkara Pyramid
Website: https://www.egyptianmarathon.com/

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

City Highlight: Cairo

Amid ancient monuments, 19th century splendour and the buzz of modern technology, Cairo, Egypt’s capital, roars with life

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Featured Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

This Cairo hotel offers 366 luxury rooms, including 101 suites, all with wonderful views of the Nile, the city and citadel, and many with private terrace. Facilities include a rooftop pool deck with adult and children's pools, and an excellent beauty and wellness spa. The hotel has six restaurants, headed by the seafood restaurant Aqua.

Le Riad Hotel De Charme

Located on a charming street in Islamic Cairo, this brand new boutique hotel has been converted from an Ottoman house, complete with architectural features like domes, arches and mashrabiye (latticed wooden shutters). Elegant suites are filled with antiques, plus modern touches like free laptops and Wi-Fi.

Mena House

Originally the palace of the Khedives Ismail, with fabulous views of the pyramids, this is one of the most glamorous and romantic hotels in Cairo. Since opening in 1887, it has hosted kings, emperors and movie stars, with four luxury suites enhanced by antiques, murals and tapestries. Try and book a pyramid-view room.

Hotel Longchamps

Very popular small family-run hotel in a relatively peaceful area, this Cairo hotel has been going strong since 1953. Comfortable rooms are bright and clean, with a hint of a colonial flavour, and the real gem are the two leafy terraces. Always busy, so advance booking is essential.

Cairo Marriott Hotel

The hotel's twin towers are a distinctive landmark rising 20 stories high and providing magnificent views of the Nile and six acres of gardens. This former palace offers 977 updated rooms, 111 elegant suites, 15 restaurants and a world-class casino - it's got all the bases covered.

Hotel El-Hussein

If you want to be in the thick of Khan el Khalili, this is the place. Overlooking the mosque Al Hussein, rooms are basic, but large. Water is usually hot, and there is a ceiling fan but the air-conditioning – when working – is noisy, and bathroom might be a little grubby. However the real draw is the huge balconies overlooking the square, a fantastic spot for watching the world go by. Service can be surly, especially for the (very basic) breakfast, but overall it’s great value.

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