Egypt

Cost of living

What a month costs

Cairo is very cheap in dollar terms after the pound's slide, but expat districts like Zamalek and international schools push family budgets up fast. Imported goods and Western brands cost far more than local staples.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Cairo

1. Giza Pyramids and the SphinxThe last standing wonder of the ancient world, on the city's western edge.
2. Grand Egyptian MuseumThe vast new museum near the pyramids, home to the full Tutankhamun collection.
3. Egyptian Museum on Tahrir SquareThe historic red museum still packed with mummies and antiquities downtown.
4. Khan el-KhaliliThe centuries-old bazaar of copper, spice and coffee in Islamic Cairo.
5. Citadel of SaladinThe medieval fortress on the hill with sweeping views over the city.
6. Mosque of Muhammad AliThe domed alabaster mosque crowning the Citadel.
7. Al-Muizz StreetA living museum of Fatimid and Mamluk architecture in the old city.
8. Ibn Tulun MosqueOne of the oldest and largest mosques in the country, with its spiral minaret.
9. Coptic Cairo and the Hanging ChurchThe old Christian quarter with ancient churches and the Coptic Museum.
10. Cairo TowerThe lattice tower on Gezira island with the best panorama over the Nile.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. AlexandriaThe Mediterranean second city, about three hours by train or car, with corniche walks and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
2. Saqqara and DahshurThe Step Pyramid and the Bent and Red Pyramids, quieter than Giza and only an hour southwest.
3. Fayoum and Lake QarunDesert lakes, waterwheels and Wadi el-Rayan, an easy day or overnight from the city.
4. Ain SokhnaThe nearest Red Sea beaches, roughly two hours east, a popular weekend escape for Cairenes.
5. Bahariya Oasis and the White DesertChalk rock formations and desert camping, a longer weekend trip into the Western Desert.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. El FishawyThe legendary mint-tea café in Khan el-Khalili, open for well over two centuries.
2. GroppiThe grand old downtown patisserie and café on Talaat Harb Square.
3. Café RicheA historic literary haunt near Tahrir once frequented by writers and politicians.
4. CilantroA reliable Egyptian café chain for coffee and light meals across the city.
5. Beano'sA homegrown coffee-shop chain popular for work and casual meetups.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Abou El SidClassic Egyptian home cooking in a lush lamp-lit setting in Zamalek.
2. SequoiaA large Nile-side spot on the tip of Zamalek, good for mezze and shisha.
3. FelfelaA downtown institution serving ful, falafel and Egyptian staples since the sixties.
4. ZoobaModern takes on Egyptian street food, with branches around town.
5. Kebdet El PrinceA famous no-frills Imbaba grill for offal and traditional dishes late into the night.
6. Andrea MariouteyaWell-known garden restaurant near Giza famed for grilled chicken and baladi bread.
7. Naguib Mahfouz CaféA polished restaurant inside Khan el-Khalili named for the Nobel novelist.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. FelfelaThe go-to for a proper Egyptian ful and taameya breakfast downtown.
2. ZoobaFresh baladi breakfast plates and feteer in a bright modern room.
3. SimondsA century-old Zamalek bakery and café for coffee and croissants.
4. Lucille'sA long-running Maadi diner popular with expats for big American breakfasts.
5. TBS The Bakery ShopAn Egyptian bakery chain good for pastries and quick morning bites.
6. CilantroDependable café breakfasts and coffee with branches citywide.
7. Eish + MalhA downtown bistro known for its weekend brunch and baked goods.