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If you plan on traveling to Egypt, visiting the Pyramids of Giza will likely be at the top of your to-do list. And for good reason. These are some of the largest structures in the world, and the only Wonder of the Ancient World to have survived to the present day. From all of my time spent traveling, I have still never seen anything as impressive as the Pyramids.
When visiting Egypt, you could easily spend months exploring different historical sites, such as the Valley of the Kings or the Muhammad Ali Mosque. I highly recommend you also take a Nile dinner cruise in Cairo.
Table of Contents
Exploring Cairo
Daytime in Cairo
Most travelers who journey to Egypt to visit the Pyramids of Giza will likely spend at least a few days in Cairo. This is where I chose to stay during my short trip to Egypt. In the daytime, Cairo is a bustling city with numerous attractions and countless landmarks just a short drive away. It is also a great place to get some of the best Egyptian souvenirs to take home.
Cairo at Night
At night, the city became much more quiet, so I found myself walking to the Nile River every night and sitting on a bench, watching it flow.
The Nile River passes through the heart of Cairo, with much of the city built up along the banks of this ancient river. Numerous hotels, restaurants, and skyscrapers on the shore become lit up as the sun goes down. Cruise ships are a common sight as well, often decorated in colorful lights to attract attention at night.
Top 5 Reasons to Take a Nile Dinner Cruise in Cairo
In addition to the amazing food that you will have on board, here are the top 5 reasons to take a Nile dinner cruise in Cairo!
1. Stunning Views of Cairo
The Nile River provides a unique perspective of Cairo’s skyline and historic landmarks. As you cruise along, you can see the city’s most famous sights beautifully lit up at night.
You’ll also get to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the river, which contrasts with the bustling city. This is a great opportunity to relax and take in the views.
2. Live Music on the Nile
Enjoy live performances by talented musicians playing traditional Egyptian and Arab music, creating an authentic cultural experience. The live music sets a pleasant ambiance as you enjoy your meal, making the dinner cruise even more memorable.
On my cruise, there were musicians playing modern music inside where the passengers were dining, while other musicians played traditional music on the outside deck. So you have an option to listen to whatever music appeals to you!
3. Belly Dance Performances
It is very common to have a professional belly dancer perform for the guests. This usually happens toward the end of dinner.
I was enjoying the cool air outside and the traditional music, so I only saw the very end of her performance. But it was very impressive! Belly dancing is strongly rooted in Egyptian culture, and is definitely worth seeing!
4. Tanoura Dance Performances
One of the top reasons to take a Nile dinner cruise in Cairo is to witness a tanoura performance.
Tanoura is a traditional Egyptian dance which is adopted from the whirling dervishes of Turkey. The dancer wears a multicolored skirt and spins to the rhythm of a song. While the original dance evolved from Sufis, a subgroup of Islam, as a form of meditation for religious purposes, the Egyptian tanoura is more of a secular dance performed for entertainment purposes.
This was my favorite part of the cruise!
5. Options for Every Budget
While there are plenty of options for multi-day cruises in Egypt, a much more economical option is just to spend a couple of hours on a cruise ship while you eat dinner.
I booked a Nile dinner cruise in Cairo for about 500 EGP (about $25 USD), and it was one of the most memorable experiences that I had while in Egypt.
This is a popular dinner cruise in Cairo that includes pickup for less than $45 USD.
What to Wear for Your Nile Dinner Cruise
I boarded the ship and was surprised at how formal the atmosphere was. The employees were all wearing tuxedos and most of the passengers were wearing business casual attire.
I felt out of place in my jeans and button-down short sleeve shirt, but thankfully I did not stand out as much as some German tourists on the ship who were wearing shorts and sandals!
If you are planning to take a Nile dinner cruise in Cairo, make sure to dress appropriately!
Where to Stay in Cairo
Cairo is a huge city, and if you aren’t careful, you may end up booking your hotel in the middle of nowhere!
I recommend picking a hotel right by the Nile, in the heart of Cairo. This also makes it more convenient to go on your dinner cruise!
You can’t go wrong with popular hotels right on the water, such as Pyramisa Suites Hotel Cairo or Grand Nile Tower.
Travelers looking for a little more luxury should consider staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or the Nile Ritz-Carlton.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
