There’s nothing like a luxe trip to the deserts of Egypt to disrupt your routine and broaden your horizons. This year, the country’s capital, Cairo, expanded its educational tour of the soon-to-open Egyptian Museum, becoming a must-visit city for art and history aficionados, including yours truly. Ahead, an editor’s guide to a weekend in Cairo—what to see, where to eat, and where to stay.
What to see
The Egyptian Museum: The museum (which is not fully opened as of August 2023) is home to a collection of over 120,000 ancient artifacts—the biggest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. For now, it is offering tours of the gigantic open-air lobby. While the collection outside is not as broad as the indoor exhibits, the vast area is filled with large sculptures and historic artifacts.
Old Cairo: This historic area is the oldest part of the capital and full of Egyptian culture. Among other things, it houses ancient religious buildings from the country’s three major faiths—Islam, Christianity, and Judaism—the remains of Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo, and structures that have been preserved since ancient Roman times.
Al-Qarafa, the City of the Dead: You cannot miss Egypt’s necropolises. They really are burial grounds housing thousands of tombs, and they are incredible to see. The sights include grand, colorful, elaborate mausoleums honoring prominent members of society, next to more humble graves in a variety of architectural styles, built to look like small houses.
Khan el-Khalili bazaar: Another must-see, this vibrant marketplace is where you go to feel the vibration of the city, get to know the culture, and shop. I purchased a handcrafted brass tea kettle that now decorates my New York City kitchen. (Pro tip: Practice your haggling beforehand.)
Lotus Garden: To shop for the most pure essential oils and perfume oil blends, go here.
Pyramids of Giza: Of course, don’t skip the pyramids. I highly recommend hiring a private guide for the educational part of the tour—and later, why not enjoy the view while on a camel ride in the desert?
Where to eat
Tianma: This elegant hotspot flaunts a quality Asian-fusion menu and specialty cocktails. Every evening at sunset, guests can also enjoy a Champagne sabering ritual.
139 Pavilion: Ideal for a lunch or dinner next to the Pyramids of Giza. (Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card members can earn 6X on eligible purchases and a $300 annual dining statement credit.)
Naguib Mahfouz Cafe: Located inside the bazaar, this dinner spot offers traditional Egyptian food—including the absolute best lentil soup.
Where to stay
The St. Regis Cairo: For a five-star luxury experience—either short- or long-term—choose the St. Regis. Not only do the suites, dining rooms, and lounge areas have full views of the city, but the resort also boasts award-winning restaurants, the chain’s iconic tea service and Bloody Mary ritual, and a dreamy spa where you can relax after a long day of touring the pyramids. (Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express card members can get free room upgrades and other perks via the complimentary Platinum Status, plus a $100 luxury property credit, and earn 6X on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy properties.)
JW Marriott Hotel Cairo: This hotel provides a level of luxury and sophistication similar to the St. Regis, and thanks to its expansive pool, water park, and fun daytime activities, it is a great fit if you’re traveling with kids.
More affordable yet chic options include: the Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa, Katameya Dunes, the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, Le Méridien Cairo Airport, and the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel.
Rosa Sanchez is the senior news editor at Harper's Bazaar, working on news as it relates to entertainment, fashion, and culture. Previously, she was a news editor at ABC News and, prior to that, a managing editor of celebrity news at American Media. She has also written features for Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, Forbes, and The Hollywood Reporter, among other outlets.
