Cairo fosters a fascinating continuum of historic districts spanning thousands of years, and tourists are in for incredible views and lots of atmosphere regardless of where they stay. Accommodation is polarised, with plenty of upscale and budget hotels, but few options in the mid-range department.

The downtown district of Cairo has the greatest selection of hotels, with a few scattered pockets of accommodation in places like Garden City and Mohandiseen. Apart from Cairo, Giza has many offerings as well.

The Ramses Hilton is in the city centre with views over the Nile River and is situated next-door to a massive shopping centre. The Sheraton is also on the Nile and operates a disco and casino. The Four Seasons is in Giza, also hovering over the Nile but with the added benefit of views of the pyramids. All of these hotels feature five-star service.

The Cairo city centre is concentrated on Midan Tahrir and is one of the city's youngest districts, much of it having been built in the 19th century. The finest hotels here are relatively modern, but with a hint of old-world regalia, making them especially attractive.

Guests in central Cairo have access to plenty of restaurants and shops and are also conveniently close to the world-renowned Egyptian Museum. South of central Cairo is Garden City, a modern and upscale district with its own share of hotels and shopping districts.

Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo are both fascinating places to stroll, with a collection of ancient architecture spanning 2,000 years. Both of these districts have limited accommodation options, most of which is modest and privately-owned.

When first-time tourists envision Cairo, they're often imagining Giza. While Giza is actually an independent municipality, it remains the only reason Cairo draws tourists in such numbers. The finest hotels in Giza have views of the pyramids and Great Sphinx, while the adjoining boutiques deal in fragrant oils and papyrus.

Mohandiseen is another young district with a large share of upscale boutiques and restaurants. A few prominent hotels are situated on the main avenue, while backstreet inns are interspersed with quieter restaurants and pubs. This is one of the few enclaves of mid-range accommodation.

East of the city centre is Heliopolis, an upscale area with Western-style department stores and mid-range to upscale restaurants. A nice selection of hotels is found here within easy reach of Old Heliopolis, where the ruins date back thousands of years.