Nile River, Cairo: Hours, Address, Nile River Reviews: 4.5/5
Nile River
Nile River
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Stretching for 4,187 miles, the longest river in the world flows from its major source, Lake Victoria in east central Africa, through Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia and northwards into Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Top ways to experience Nile River
The area
How to get there
- Gezira (Opera • 8 min walk
- Sadat • 9 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,252 within 5 kms
Culina
751
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • International • Mediterranean • European
Lobby Lounge
303
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • International • Mediterranean
Vivo - The Nile Ritz-Carlton
1,145
0.3 km$$$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
Bab El-Sharq
535
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Mediterranean • Barbecue
Nox Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
213
0.3 km$$$$ • International
Bar'Oro
116
0.3 kmItalian • Bar • International • European
Night & Day
284
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • International • Middle Eastern • Egyptian
The Grill Restaurant & Lounge
426
0.4 km$$$$ • French • Steakhouse • European
Sushiramis
193
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Sabaya
657
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Mediterranean • Middle Eastern
Attractions
168 within 10 kms
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
12,557
0.5 kmSpeciality Museums
Sixth of October Bridge
57
0.3 kmBridges
Cairo Tower
1,140
0.4 kmObservation Decks & Towers
Liberation Square (Midan El-Tahreer)
269
0.5 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Cairo Opera House
148
0.7 kmTheatres
Zamalek (Gezira Island)
490
1.2 kmNeighbourhoods • Islands
Cairo Metro
4
0.7 kmPublic Transportation Systems
Gayer-Anderson Museum (Bayt al-Kiritliya)
208
2.9 kmHistoric Sites • Art Museums
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
397
2.8 kmHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Sharia Al Mu'izz Li-Din Allah
271
3.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
3,056 reviews
Excellent
2,149
Very good
544
Average
193
Poor
81
Terrible
89
Mickey G
Pinecrest, FL2 contributions
Apr. 2022
We just finished a Viking Nile River cruise aboard the MS Antares and it was a mixed bag.
The Good: Ship is very nice although a little tired. We had a deluxe French balcony on deck 3 which was very spacious and well appointed. Deck 3 is just below the Sun/Pool deck, so I would however get the room on Deck 2 because of the scraping noise on the ceiling every morning. The cabin attendant was, Mahmoud, was very personable, the cruise director, Harald, the maitre'd Christina and our guide, Hanan were top drawer.
The Bad: When we booked the hotel was the Ritz Carlton Cairo. they changed for the lower grade Sheraton, no explanation and no reduction in fare to reflect the much cheaper room.
The food on board and in the hotel is swil, bordering on inedible. Overcooked stew meat for dinner. The ala carte menu had minute steaks on as the "steak", it was all very disappointing. In 7-8 days on board there were only two decent dinners.
Other than officers and European staff, most of the staff spoke very little English.
The silver drink package is another bait and switch. We signed up after specifically discussing the brands available with Viking. But on board it was another bait and switch. I am a vodka drinker and the only vodka in the package was some rot gut Egyptian brand. All the normal brands, the brands in the photos for the drink package, the brands we were told were included, Titos, Grey Goose, Absolute, were all excluded from the package. when I brought this to the cruise director's attention I was told,"yes I am aware". "we have told to the company to fix this in its sales material" "you are not the first one to complain".... If that is the case, then I suggested he provide the advertised vodka, which he said he could not do, "the company won't allow me to do that". Not the answer you give a customer for a company created problem.
The cultural sites were second to none, and I don't know how you could cover that much ground any other way, but if you are looking for a 5 star experience, which is what they are selling, look somewhere else or be prepared.
The Good: Ship is very nice although a little tired. We had a deluxe French balcony on deck 3 which was very spacious and well appointed. Deck 3 is just below the Sun/Pool deck, so I would however get the room on Deck 2 because of the scraping noise on the ceiling every morning. The cabin attendant was, Mahmoud, was very personable, the cruise director, Harald, the maitre'd Christina and our guide, Hanan were top drawer.
The Bad: When we booked the hotel was the Ritz Carlton Cairo. they changed for the lower grade Sheraton, no explanation and no reduction in fare to reflect the much cheaper room.
The food on board and in the hotel is swil, bordering on inedible. Overcooked stew meat for dinner. The ala carte menu had minute steaks on as the "steak", it was all very disappointing. In 7-8 days on board there were only two decent dinners.
Other than officers and European staff, most of the staff spoke very little English.
The silver drink package is another bait and switch. We signed up after specifically discussing the brands available with Viking. But on board it was another bait and switch. I am a vodka drinker and the only vodka in the package was some rot gut Egyptian brand. All the normal brands, the brands in the photos for the drink package, the brands we were told were included, Titos, Grey Goose, Absolute, were all excluded from the package. when I brought this to the cruise director's attention I was told,"yes I am aware". "we have told to the company to fix this in its sales material" "you are not the first one to complain".... If that is the case, then I suggested he provide the advertised vodka, which he said he could not do, "the company won't allow me to do that". Not the answer you give a customer for a company created problem.
The cultural sites were second to none, and I don't know how you could cover that much ground any other way, but if you are looking for a 5 star experience, which is what they are selling, look somewhere else or be prepared.
Written 24 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Louises1964
Cape Town, South Africa48 contributions
May 2022
Relaxing wonderful cultural and culinary experience.
We did a boat trip on the Nile and everything was wonderful. From the service to the food.
We did a boat trip on the Nile and everything was wonderful. From the service to the food.
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
J A
1 contribution
May 2022 • Friends
Zein Nile Chateau cruise ship is indeed a unique extraordinary cruise ship .
The staff truly went above and beyond. They made the experience so special for us. All the staff was so nice and really great.
I would like to especially thank Mr. Khaled Youssef for his continuous efforts to make our trip a lovely stay . Ahmad , Moustafa and Salah were very very helpful ,quick and polite.They were all very professional helpful and they made our stay a wonderful one . The best way to experience Luxor & Aswan was on this wonderful cruise ship .
Everything was very clean, well organized and tailored to our needs.
Thank you again for such wonderful staff.
The staff truly went above and beyond. They made the experience so special for us. All the staff was so nice and really great.
I would like to especially thank Mr. Khaled Youssef for his continuous efforts to make our trip a lovely stay . Ahmad , Moustafa and Salah were very very helpful ,quick and polite.They were all very professional helpful and they made our stay a wonderful one . The best way to experience Luxor & Aswan was on this wonderful cruise ship .
Everything was very clean, well organized and tailored to our needs.
Thank you again for such wonderful staff.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chrisbG5203NL
15 contributions
Apr. 2022
Saga ‘Magic of the Nile’ in April 2022 was enjoyable but exhausting holiday, with very early starts sometimes 6am, after even earlier breakfast!
Hotel Sonesta, was great, our balcony, on the shady side, gave a view of the Nile with the West Bank in the distance. Food buffet style, was excellent & the staff really helpful.
The cruise ship Livingstone, was lovely. The giant picture window in our room , meant we could escape the heat but enjoy a view with the benefit of air conditioning. Again the staff were really helpful
Our local guide was extremely knowledgeable & enthusiastic. We had booked the optional extra excursions, which upon reflection was a mistake, as by the end of holiday we had become overloaded with information.
For info the Valley of the Kings does allow phone cameras, but a permit is needed for larger cameras with adjustable lenses etc.
The direct Egypt Air UK flight to Luxor was good, but the return Egypt Air flight via Cairo was the opposite. We had to leave the ship at 3.30am for Luxor airport, (but did have a breakfast bag). There seemed to be continuous security checks, especially at Cairo – each time our water being taken off us. So was really dehydrated by the time we boarded the London flight & then had a 1 hour delay before take off.
This was a holiday completely out of our comfort zone, but pleased we did do it. We learnt a lot, was amazed at the size of the temple structures & area covered. Something to reflect on in the years to come.
Hotel Sonesta, was great, our balcony, on the shady side, gave a view of the Nile with the West Bank in the distance. Food buffet style, was excellent & the staff really helpful.
The cruise ship Livingstone, was lovely. The giant picture window in our room , meant we could escape the heat but enjoy a view with the benefit of air conditioning. Again the staff were really helpful
Our local guide was extremely knowledgeable & enthusiastic. We had booked the optional extra excursions, which upon reflection was a mistake, as by the end of holiday we had become overloaded with information.
For info the Valley of the Kings does allow phone cameras, but a permit is needed for larger cameras with adjustable lenses etc.
The direct Egypt Air UK flight to Luxor was good, but the return Egypt Air flight via Cairo was the opposite. We had to leave the ship at 3.30am for Luxor airport, (but did have a breakfast bag). There seemed to be continuous security checks, especially at Cairo – each time our water being taken off us. So was really dehydrated by the time we boarded the London flight & then had a 1 hour delay before take off.
This was a holiday completely out of our comfort zone, but pleased we did do it. We learnt a lot, was amazed at the size of the temple structures & area covered. Something to reflect on in the years to come.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tony
United States1 contribution
May 2022 • Couples
All restaurants at ritz Carlton in Cairo
Was great the food the atmosphere the staff was really friendly..and ther was a wonderful houst her name Basant she ma us feel like home .. she is a very intelligent smart extant customer serves .
We love you Ritz Carlton and we will be back soon and we will tell all our friends to come to you guys..
thank you and keep the good work ,
Will be back soon .
Was great the food the atmosphere the staff was really friendly..and ther was a wonderful houst her name Basant she ma us feel like home .. she is a very intelligent smart extant customer serves .
We love you Ritz Carlton and we will be back soon and we will tell all our friends to come to you guys..
thank you and keep the good work ,
Will be back soon .
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David C
6 contributions
Mar. 2022
“Brilliant holiday. 100% recommend. We had a great time. Discover Egypt went out of their way to help us tailor our break (with hotels in Cairo and Luxor before boarding Ms Tulip). The crew were helpful, friendly, polite, always with a smile. The food was usually excellent (avoid the salmon which was a bit dry) with lots of choice of mains, fruit, salads, breads, and great soups made fresh daily.
My only minor niggle is the Drinks Package. We probably got our money’s-worth but might be better if they made it slightly cheaper but “excludes Spirits and Cocktails”. Egyptian beer is brilliant, the wine’s OK, but I’m afraid the sprits are dreadful… the type of whisky, vodka etc that’s produced in three weeks by a chemical process. I love whisky but couldn’t even manage one measure of it… tasted like caramel with an attitude. Avoid. And a single glass of genuine Bells was £17 so that was out of the question. Otherwise, the holiday was superb and we’ll be back, maybe in a November when they hold their Luxor Festival.
Luxor and Aswan are wonderful but Cairo won’t take long once you’ve seen the Pyramids, and the Museum downtown. Mad lanes of traffic (we counted twelve lanes of busy traffic at one point) but it was all an experience never to forget.
My only minor niggle is the Drinks Package. We probably got our money’s-worth but might be better if they made it slightly cheaper but “excludes Spirits and Cocktails”. Egyptian beer is brilliant, the wine’s OK, but I’m afraid the sprits are dreadful… the type of whisky, vodka etc that’s produced in three weeks by a chemical process. I love whisky but couldn’t even manage one measure of it… tasted like caramel with an attitude. Avoid. And a single glass of genuine Bells was £17 so that was out of the question. Otherwise, the holiday was superb and we’ll be back, maybe in a November when they hold their Luxor Festival.
Luxor and Aswan are wonderful but Cairo won’t take long once you’ve seen the Pyramids, and the Museum downtown. Mad lanes of traffic (we counted twelve lanes of busy traffic at one point) but it was all an experience never to forget.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anne-Marie M
Ilkeston, UK5 contributions
Mar. 2022
Weeks Nile cruise on the Esadora.
Booked with Classic holidays/ Orbital Travel.
Absolutely fabulous experience from start to finish.
Staff were brilliant and couldn’t do enough for you. All with a lovely, cheerful and friendly manner.
Everywhere was clean and tidy and always safe for us.
The tour guide, Sam was amazing. His depth of knowledge was astounding and he had real passion for his countries history.
He led the tours with military precision!
Always felt safe when out on the tours.
Topped my amazing adventure off with the hot air balloon ride 🥰
Would recommend this holiday to everyone. I have been doing so since I got home!!
Booked with Classic holidays/ Orbital Travel.
Absolutely fabulous experience from start to finish.
Staff were brilliant and couldn’t do enough for you. All with a lovely, cheerful and friendly manner.
Everywhere was clean and tidy and always safe for us.
The tour guide, Sam was amazing. His depth of knowledge was astounding and he had real passion for his countries history.
He led the tours with military precision!
Always felt safe when out on the tours.
Topped my amazing adventure off with the hot air balloon ride 🥰
Would recommend this holiday to everyone. I have been doing so since I got home!!
Written 28 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Shamaal
Hanover, MD211 contributions
Dec. 2021
We took a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor for Christmas 21 on the MS Salacia. This was a last minute decision and our first choices were sold out. It proved to be insurmountable to reserve a cabin n and vessel without going through a tour company and booking tours. The actual trip itself is two days, the rest of the cruise is spent docked in Luxor or Aswan. The tour company arranges for or provides the shore tours.
The Salacia is an older vessel with lots of wood,and a great crew. We traveled with our two grand daughters and did not really interact with other passengers. Most of our time was spent on deck watching the world go by. The key discriminator for our choosing the Salacia was cabin location. We ended up choosing the Salacia because we were able to get two non-waterline cabins for an additional $65. The cabin was spacious with a couch, chairs and a bed with plenty of glass. Lunch and dinner were sit down with a buffet breakfast, all first class.
Generally speaking, the cruises are a commodity product with the majority of the vessels being interchangeable.
The Salacia is an older vessel with lots of wood,and a great crew. We traveled with our two grand daughters and did not really interact with other passengers. Most of our time was spent on deck watching the world go by. The key discriminator for our choosing the Salacia was cabin location. We ended up choosing the Salacia because we were able to get two non-waterline cabins for an additional $65. The cabin was spacious with a couch, chairs and a bed with plenty of glass. Lunch and dinner were sit down with a buffet breakfast, all first class.
Generally speaking, the cruises are a commodity product with the majority of the vessels being interchangeable.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JOHNROBERTS57
Kendal, UK244 contributions
Feb. 2022
One of the most famous rivers in the world so worth having a trip down it and having lunch on a boat , a bit of a must do thing.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tony M
Valrico, FL73 contributions
Apr. 2022
We signed up for a 4 night cruise via our touring company Luxury Escapes for 5 star Cruiser. What we got was the Tulip, which we rate it as a 2 star ship. There was nothing about the ship that would met the definition of a 5 star craft. The food was just as bad. One would expect more if you expected to embark on a 5-Star Cruiser. There are hundreds of Cruisers that sail the Nile. Be sure to do your homework, as there are a-lot of last minute changes that occur which can effect your you.
Written 21 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
foanie
Frimley55 contributions
Can someone tell me what the dress code for dinner is on the Blue Shadow? Thanks
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,331 contributions
---agree with smart casual. It is classy, comfortable and respectful as the locals may not approve of skimpy or super casual attires .
vall0u47
Pujols, France27 contributions
Bonjour je voulais savoir si sur le bateau l'eau est potable ? si non a t on des bouteilles d'eau à disposition ?
Verodu83
Le Val, France7 contributions
Bonjour à tous,
nous partons en croisière sur le NIL, fin janvier 2022, avec Leclerc voyage TRAVELEVASION croisière SOLEIL DU NIL 5*, il y en à t'il parmi vous qui on fait cette croisière? pour avoir un retour de votre expérience, merci beaucoup, nous n'avons aucune info concernant le départ ORLY ou ROISSY?, ni le bateau bien sûr :)
Merci d'avance pour vos infos
Hello. My name is Amr, a local guide, and I have a car. I can go anywhere in Egypt and organize the days and places of the visit for you, Alexandria, Cairo, Giza, the desert, the pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, Dahshur, the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Ancient Civilization. . The old church, Memphis Museum, Salah El-Din Citadel or Muhammad Ali Mosque, Old Cairo, Ibn Tulun Mosque, Amr Ibn Al-Aas, There is also a pick-up service at the airport. boarding a large boat wandering the Nile River with a meal and watching the artistic performances in the boat, and visiting any place in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria and anywhere In Egypt, there is also camping in the desert, entering the desert in a 4x4 vehicle, as well as climbing sandy mountains by car, skiing on sand and swimming in a lake within the desert and waterfalls. And visit nature reserves inside the desert so that you can see my Facebook page, and I will send you photos of places and any other details you want as well. I will make you try Egyptian food, grills and Egyptian sweets and try everything and I will also protect you from exploiting the sellers when buying anything to get the cheapest prices. I will accompany you in all places and make you live an unforgettable travel experience with me. This is the name of the Facebook page / Step by step for tourism
terry r
Santa Fe, NM4 contributions
This is not a question. Its an advertisement for services.
Isisrj
Rio de Janeiro, RJ302 contributions
Como se vestem os turistas para jantar no barco no Nilo?
tes2014
Petra - Wadi Musa, Jordan3 contributions
Has anybody cruised on the Aggressor Nile Queen? I can't find any reviews. Thanks.
Takarasina
922 contributions
Nope, bro. Mine was Princess Sarah. Loved it.
what are the restrictions on the cruise due to covid-19? are the pools still open? is the food still served in buffet? are the kid areas open?
Takarasina
922 contributions
Hi
Me and my wife were on the Nile cruise in early November. It was Princess Sarah (see my corresponding review). It was absolutely smashing! No-one's around, all the UNESCO sites virtually for you only!!! The pool was open but it was rather small plus the weather was not that welcoming for a dip (but otherwise fabulous for a European). We saw no children on board so can't say anything 'bout a kids area. Formal covid restrictions were usual but in reality they just checked your temperature whenever you stepped on the ship and that was it. Nobody terrorized you with social distancing, masks, etc. Life as usual. Cutlery was plastic, though, plus drinks were served in paper cups. And, yes, they did not make up your cabin automatically - you had to call their reception to get it done.
I'd be glad if I helped you though it might be a tad too late.
Sue C
Nottingham, UK16 contributions
On th MS presidential commodore cruise are pool towels provided or do we need to take our own
Margo W
Port Huron, MI797 contributions
I’m sure ALL the Nile cruise boats supply towels if they have a pool. I’m sure you will be safe not packing towels. You can also use the towels from your stateroom. Lots of towels. Happy and safe travels
cristinalynch
Raleigh, NC49 contributions
Please advise if this is a good cruise: Mayfair Nile Cruise
Laura P
18 contributions
I cruised on the Mayfair and loved it. As someone else said, the boats are pretty similar. The size is limited by the locks on the river. There are only a few places to tie up, so you get to see all the boats as you walk through from one to another to get to shore. Not a huge difference. I booked through Egypt Unlimited Tours and had a wonderful tour guide, Ahmed. We sprung for the fancier cabin and liked the extra room in the cabin. We sat out on our balcony a few times, but mostly sat on the roof if we wanted to be outside. I wish I were in Egypt now - it is cold in New York!!
Frequently Asked Questions about Nile River
- Nile River is open:
- Sat - Thu 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
- We recommend booking Nile River tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 409 Nile River tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Nile River:
- 1-Hour Private Felucca Cruise on the Nile River with traditional food (From AU$63.86)
- Amazing Sailing Nile cruise from Luxor for 2 nights (From AU$401.40)
- Felucca Sailing trip on the Nile in Cairo (From AU$35.48)
- Short Felucca Trip On The Nile In Cairo (From AU$42.57)
- Nile Cruise Holiday from Luxor to Aswan 4 Nights 5 Days (From AU$1,277.18)
- Hotels near Nile River:
- (0.28 km) Novotel Cairo El Borg
- (0.33 km) The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
- (0.43 km) InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, an IHG Hotel
- (0.62 km) Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir
- (0.85 km) Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo
- Restaurants near Nile River:
- (0.05 km) Blue Nile Boat
- (0.29 km) Culina
- (0.30 km) Vivo - The Nile Ritz-Carlton
- (0.08 km) Asia Bar
- (0.32 km) Lobby Lounge
- Attractions near Nile River:
- (0.46 km) The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
- (0.43 km) Egypt Sights Day tours
- (0.68 km) Emo Tours Egypt
- (0.67 km) Bellies En-Route
- (0.68 km) Private Tour Guides