Cairo's central square near the Egyptian Museum, Nile corniche, and historic downtown area.

About Downtown Cairo (Tahrir Square)

Downtown Cairo, centered on Tahrir Square (Liberation Square), is the administrative and cultural heart of the city. The Egyptian Museum on the square\'s north side has housed the world\'s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities since 1902, including Tutankhamun\'s golden mask. The surrounding streets feature ornate 19th-century buildings from the Khedival era, many with elaborate Art Nouveau and Beaux-Arts facades.

The neighborhood pulses with energy at all hours—coffee shops, bookstores, and street food vendors line Talaat Harb Street and its tributaries. Tahrir Square itself gained global recognition during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. Nearby, the Nile Corniche offers river views and felucca boat rides, while the modern Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza is drawing visitors to a spectacular new facility.

Nearby Landmarks

Egyptian Museum Nile Corniche Qasr El Nil Bridge Mogamma Building Talaat Harb Square

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost EGP 200-400 (~\$4-\$8)
Time 30-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost EGP 150-300 (~\$3-\$6)
Time 30-60 minutes

Outside arrivals, follow Uber/Careem signs

Step-by-Step Directions

Bus from airport to Heliopolis Square, then Metro Line 3 to Ataba or Nasser station, walk to Tahrir Square. Or take bus CTA to downtown.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi EGP 200-400 (~\$4-\$8) 30-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare EGP 150-300 (~\$3-\$6) 30-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Cairo is a city that barely sleeps. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Careem) operate 24/7 and are plentiful even after midnight. The Cairo Metro runs until midnight. After that, white taxis and app-based rides are the best option. Negotiate taxi fares before boarding or insist on the meter.

Luggage Tips

Keep luggage close in crowded areas around Tahrir. Taxis often have limited trunk space—Cairo's white taxis are compact sedans. For large suitcases, book an Uber XL or airport limousine service. Avoid placing bags on the metro floor during rush hour due to crowding.

Accessibility

The Cairo Metro has limited accessibility—most stations lack elevators, and platforms can be crowded. Tahrir Square itself is a busy traffic roundabout that requires navigating uneven sidewalks and crossing multiple lanes. Wheelchair users should arrange private transport directly to their hotel. Uber offers accessible vehicle options in Cairo.