While I personally stay with friends when visiting Cairo, a few spots on my radar include Villa Belle Epoque, the adults-only Mazeej Balad, and Immobilia Cairo.

Cairo is a big city (like 10 million people big), and like any big city, it has many different subsections. I always like to have a general idea of where to look for accommodation when I’m planning a stay, so sharing a bit more on that below:

Cairo has practically any cuisine you can imagine. From Egyptian to Japanese or Italian to Lebanese–you can find it all. One of my favorite spots, though touristy, is absolutely worth visiting: the Naguib Mahfouz Cafe, tucked into the heart of Khan El Khalili. Steeped in antique Egyptian charm, it’s named after the Nobel Prize-winning author who spent countless hours writing in this very space. Another favorite for Lebanese is Em Sherif, located in New Cairo’s buzzing Garden 8 complex. For Japanese I’d highly recommend dining at Kazoku. Another of my Cairo staples and a definite must-try is Sousi’s Bagels, a small start up that features all sorts of unique Egyptian inspired bagel flavors. There’s no storefront, but you can order online through their Instagram.

Cairo is, of course, known for its historical landmarks–but what’s truly remarkable is how they span millenia, each reflecting a different chapter in Egypt’s rich past. Giza is home to the most ancient wonders, including the iconic Pyramids and the Sphinx, standing for over 4,500 years. Within Cairo itself, you’ll find areas that reflect more recent–yet still centuries-old–layers of the city’s past.

Marriott Mena House is the design hotel in Giza, offering sweeping views of the Great Pyramid from many of its rooms. Originally built in 1869 as a hunting lodge for Khedive Isma’il Pasha, it opened to the public as a hotel in 1886 making it the first in Egypt to do so near the pyramids. Over the years, it’s welcomed notable guests like Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. The hotel even hosted the 1943 Cairo Conference, a major WWII diplomatic meeting. Its interiors reflect rich Islamic and Moorish design, with antique furnishings and lush gardens. 

Khufu’s is one of the most popular restaurant views near the pyramids–and the food makes it that much better. Most of the menu is comprised of inventive, modernized takes on traditional Egyptian staples. I tried the tasting menu when I visited, and I’m by no means exaggerating when I say that every item was spectacular. As a fan of Egyptian delicacies, I loved seeing how the chefs reimagined traditional dishes in their own unique way. And of course, the incredible food was made even better by the stunning views of the Pyramids.

Esca Cueva is a fairly known gem in Giza, featuring unique cave-like blush interiors and excellent food and cocktails. With regular events and live DJs, it’s also a great spot for a lively night out.

Of course, you can’t visit Giza without making your way to the Great Pyramids or the Sphinx. I highly recommend a guide when visiting here (or any historical site in Egypt, for that matter). They’ll know where to take you and be able to teach you a lot about the history that you probably wouldn’t have found online. It will also be helpful when it comes to navigation since the area can become chaotic and overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling solo. Visiting the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is also a must. The space is massive, beautifully designed, and filled with fascinating artifacts and with so much to take in, having a guide makes all the difference in understanding the various displays. I’ll always recommend visiting with a guide, but the best experience I’ve had by far was when I booked through the Sphinx Golden Gate Hotel.

Fayoum is a group of three major lakes in the desert, so the central area is essentially an oasis, lush with palms and agriculture. One of the main villages to visit here is Tunis Village, and it happens to be one of my favorite places to wander when in Egypt. If you want to stay in the village, I love Tzila Ecolodge. However, if you want the true Fayoum experience you need to spend at least a few nights in the desert. Tache Camp remains my top spot for a true cultural experience–complete with stunning views of the lake and a beyond attentive and caring staff. They’re also in the process of building up their on-site farm, which adds a lovely farm-to-table dining experience amidst the picturesque retreat.

The food in Fayoum has consistently been some of the best I’ve had in Egypt. I’ve always eaten at my accommodations while visiting, where the meals are mostly Bedouin-style cuisine. Though simple, everything is incredibly well-prepared and flavorful. Breakfast usually includes feteer (a layered pastry), falafel, foul (slow-cooked fava beans), and eggs. Lunch and dinner often feature chicken, lamb, or duck, served with rice, vegetables, tahini, and a few other seasonal sides. I truly love the food here–Fayoumians have a special talent for turning simple ingredients into something exceptional.


Don’t let Fayoum’s quaint demeanor fool you. There really is so much to do here. It’s only around an hour and a half to two hours outside of Cairo, making it a relatively easy destination to add to any Egypt itinerary.

Within the Tunis Village you can shop around the many pottery stores dotting the streets–or even try making your own. Fayoumian pottery is some of my favorite, and I always find it hard not to take everything home with me.

Of course, my recommendation for Luxor is the truly exceptional Al Moudira. The hotel’s design is unlike anywhere I’ve stayed, the service is impeccable, and the food is some of the best I’ve had in Egypt. I dream of the day I’ll be able to return and explore even more of this sprawling property. 

Each time I’ve visited Luxor I’ve either eaten at a friend’s home or at Al Moudira, which serves some of the best mix of Eastern, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors. I especially love the oriental restaurant, Khan al Moudira–Chef Ali is spectacular and I still think about the meals I’ve indulged in there. 

Luxor is one of Egypt’s most important historical destinations. Formerly known as Thebes, it served as the capital during the New Kingdom and is home to many of the country’s most iconic archeological sites. A visit to the Valley of the Kings is essential—nearly 15 generations of pharaohs and nobles were buried here, and the intricate carvings and vivid paintings inside the tombs are nothing short of breathtaking. What’s even more astonishing is how well-preserved many of them remain today with much of the original pigment still visible after thousands of years.