Cairo International Book Fair

معرض القاهرة الدولي للكتاب

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Arts & CultureCairo
DatesDates TBA · Usually JanuaryCheck locally before booking
Duration14 daysListed event span
CrowdMassiveAbout 1.5M people
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe fair's defining feature is sheer scale
Language["ar"]Currency: EGP
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Cairo International Book Fair in Cairo

Cairo International Book Fair, running since 1969 under the General Egyptian Book Organization, is one of the largest book fairs in the world by attendance, drawing crowds reported in the millions over its two-week January to February run. Publisher halls, author talks, panels and children's programming make it as much a civic cultural event as a book market.

Cairo International Book Fair began in 1969 under the General Egyptian Book Organization and has grown into one of the largest book fairs in the world by attendance, with figures for some editions reported in the millions of visitors over its roughly two-week run.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The fair's defining feature is sheer scale: attendance figures for some editions run into the millions, a size that puts it closer to a national public event than a typical trade-focused book fair, and it has repeatedly been described as one of the largest and oldest book fairs in the Arab world since its 1969 founding

02

The mystery stays covered

Programming extends well beyond bookselling into author talks, panel discussions and dedicated children's activities, and publisher halls are organised by country and house, giving visitors with a specific author or publisher in mind a clear way to navigate what would otherwise be an overwhelming exhibition footprint

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The fair's publisher halls are organised by country and publishing house each edition

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a structure that has carried through its history as the event expanded to its current scale

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually January

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Cairo you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes matter most, given the distance between exhibition halls; a light jacket suits Cairo's mild January and February weather, especially for time spent on outdoor...

Safety

Cairo International Book Fair is easier when valuables are secure and the group knows where to meet if separated.

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Cairo International Book Fair does not become the hardest part.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["ar"] · EGP

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map30.04 N, 31.24 EOpen in Google Maps

Cairo, Cairo, Egypt

Nearest airportCAI — Cairo
TransportStay close enough to the part of Cairo you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Cairo International Book Fair does not become the hardest part.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Cairo via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Cairo, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare faresFestival gearComfortable walking shoes matter most, given the distance between exhibition halls; a light jacket suits Cairo's mild January and February weather, especially for time spent on outdoor walkways between buildings.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Egypt and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Cairo International Book Fair?

Cairo International Book Fair is listed for Past edition: 21 January–3 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Cairo International Book Fair take place?

The festival is listed in Cairo, Egypt. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

14 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Cairo, Cairo, Egypt

How big is it?

Massive: 1500000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLegbookfair.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually January
Source statusOfficial source linked
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