Cairo
Where the Pyramids of Giza meet the medieval minarets of Islamic Cairo, and 4,500 years of history collide on the banks of the Nile.
1 day in Cairo
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Cairo in a single action-packed day.
The Best of Cairo in 24 Hours
Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
Start at dawn at the Pyramids of Giza (E£540 for foreigners) — the last surviving Ancient Wonder of the World. Stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, built 4,500 years ago with over 2 million stone blocks. Walk between the three main pyramids, then descend to the Sphinx — the enigmatic limestone guardian with its human head and lion body. Enter the Great Pyramid interior (E£800 extra) for claustrophobic but unforgettable tunnels.
Grand Egyptian Museum
Walk or take a short taxi (E£50) to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — the world's largest archaeological museum, opened near the pyramids. The collection includes Tutankhamun's complete treasure — the golden mask, sarcophagi, and 5,000+ artifacts. The grand staircase with the Ramesses II colossus is breathtaking. Allow 3–4 hours minimum. The museum shop and restaurants overlook the pyramids.
Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili
Head to Islamic Cairo (Uber E£100–150 from Giza). Wander through Khan el-Khalili bazaar — a medieval market operating since the 14th century, packed with copper lanterns, spices, perfume bottles, and papyrus art. Bargain hard. Dinner at El Fishawi — Cairo's oldest café (est. 1773) in the heart of the bazaar — mint tea, shisha, and koshari (Egypt's national dish, E£30–50). The atmosphere is intoxicating.
3 days in Cairo
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure — designed for younger travelers.
Pyramids, Sphinx & the Grand Museum
Pyramids of Giza
Arrive at 7am at the Giza Plateau (E£540). The Great Pyramid of Khufu — 146m tall, built with 2.3 million stone blocks — has stood for 4,500 years. Walk between the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Approach the Sphinx — carved from a single limestone outcrop, it's older than many civilisations. The panoramic viewpoint behind gives the classic three-pyramid shot. Optional: enter the Great Pyramid (E£800 extra).
Grand Egyptian Museum
Walk to the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids — the world's largest archaeological museum. Tutankhamun's complete treasure includes the golden death mask, the innermost sarcophagus of solid gold, and 5,000+ artifacts from his tomb. The Ramesses II colossus dominates the grand entrance. Allow 3–4 hours. The museum's restaurants have pyramid views. Lunch inside at the museum café (E£200–400).
Pyramid Sound & Light Show
Stay at Giza for the Sound and Light Show at the pyramids (E£600, starts at sunset) — the pyramids and Sphinx are illuminated while a narrated history plays. Cheesy but atmospheric — seeing the pyramids lit up at night is genuinely special. Or skip the show and have dinner at a Giza rooftop restaurant with pyramid views — 9 Pyramids Lounge has direct views and decent food (E£300–600).
Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili & Coptic Cairo
Islamic Cairo Mosques
Explore Islamic Cairo — a UNESCO World Heritage district with the highest concentration of medieval Islamic architecture on earth. Start at the Citadel of Saladin (E£300) for panoramic city views and the stunning Muhammad Ali Mosque (Alabaster Mosque). Then walk down to Al-Azhar Mosque — one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 970 CE. The rooftop has excellent views.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Plunge into Khan el-Khalili — a medieval bazaar established in 1382, still operating in the same narrow lanes. Copper lanterns, spice mounds, alabaster, papyrus, gold jewellery, and perfume bottles overflow from every stall. Haggling is essential — start at 25–30% of the asking price. Lunch at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant in the bazaar — named after Egypt's Nobel laureate. Try koshari (E£30) or molokhia soup.
Coptic Cairo
Head to Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo) — the ancient Christian quarter along the Nile. Visit the Hanging Church (free) — built atop the Babylon Fortress with its stunning wooden ceiling and ancient icons. The Church of St. Sergius is built over the cave where the Holy Family reportedly sheltered. The Coptic Museum (E£200) has the world's largest collection of Coptic art. Dinner at Abou Tarek for koshari (E£30–50) — the most famous koshari restaurant in Egypt.
Saqqara, Memphis & Local Cairo
Saqqara — The Step Pyramid
Taxi or Uber (E£200–300 from central Cairo) to Saqqara, 30km south — home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone building in the world (2,700 BCE). The recently opened pyramid interior is breathtaking — descend into chambers decorated with blue faience tiles. The surrounding necropolis has dozens of lesser-known but equally fascinating tombs with vivid wall paintings still intact.
Memphis & Dahshur
Continue to Memphis (E£200) — Egypt's ancient capital, now an open-air museum with the colossal fallen statue of Ramesses II and an alabaster sphinx. Then to Dahshur (E£200) — less visited but extraordinary. The Red Pyramid (free interior access!) lets you descend into the burial chamber — genuinely inside a pyramid without the Giza crowds. The Bent Pyramid nearby shows ancient engineering evolution.
Zamalek & Nile Dinner
Finish in Zamalek — Cairo's upscale island neighbourhood on the Nile with art galleries, bookshops, and restaurants. Walk along the Nile Corniche at sunset. Dinner at Sequoia (E£400–700) — a stunning open-air restaurant on the northern tip of Zamalek island with panoramic Nile views. Or take a traditional felucca sailboat (E£200–300/hour) on the Nile at sunset — pure magic.
7 days in Cairo
A full week to go deep — from famous landmarks to local neighbourhoods, day trips, hidden gems, and proper local immersion.
Pyramids, Sphinx & the Grand Museum
Pyramids of Giza
Arrive at 7am at the Giza Plateau (E£540). The Great Pyramid of Khufu has stood for 4,500 years — 2.3 million stone blocks, originally cased in polished white limestone. Walk between Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure pyramids. See the Sphinx — carved from a single limestone outcrop. The panoramic viewpoint behind gives the classic shot. Optional: enter the Great Pyramid (E£800).
Grand Egyptian Museum
Walk to the Grand Egyptian Museum — the world's largest archaeological museum. Tutankhamun's golden mask, the solid gold inner sarcophagus, and 5,000+ tomb artifacts are the centrepiece. The Ramesses II colossus towers over the grand entrance. Allow 3–4 hours minimum. Lunch at the museum café overlooking the pyramids (E£200–400).
Giza Sunset & Sound and Light
Stay at Giza for sunset — watch the pyramids turn golden then pink as the sun drops behind the Sahara. The Sound and Light Show (E£600) illuminates the pyramids and Sphinx with a narrated history. Dinner at 9 Pyramids Lounge — rooftop dining with direct pyramid views (E£300–600). Uber back to your hotel in downtown Cairo or Zamalek.
Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili
Citadel of Saladin
Start at the Citadel of Saladin (E£300) — the medieval fortress complex overlooking Cairo. Visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque (Alabaster Mosque) with its massive dome and twin Ottoman minarets. The panoramic terrace offers views from the pyramids to the desert beyond. Then descend through the Bab Zuweila gate area to the Street of the Tentmakers — where artisans still hand-sew the colourful appliqué fabric.
Al-Muizz Street & Khan el-Khalili
Walk Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street — the "open-air museum" of Islamic Cairo with mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais spanning 1,000 years. Stop at Sultan Qalawun Complex and Al-Azhar Mosque (970 CE). Continue into Khan el-Khalili bazaar — haggle for copper lanterns, spices, and essential oils. Lunch at El Fishawi café (open since 1773) — mint tea, shisha, and foul medames (E£30–50).
Sufi Whirling at Al-Ghouri
Attend the free Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe performance at the Al-Ghouri Complex (Wednesday and Saturday, 8:30pm) — Sufi-inspired whirling dervish dancing in a medieval caravanserai. The spinning performers in colourful skirts against the ancient stonework is mesmerising. Arrive 30 minutes early for a seat. Dinner in Islamic Cairo at a local koshari shop (E£30) or fiteer (Egyptian pizza, E£50–80).
Coptic Cairo & Downtown
Coptic Cairo
Explore Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo) — the ancient Christian quarter. The Hanging Church (free) is built atop the Roman Babylon Fortress with a stunning inlaid ceiling and ancient icons. The Church of St. Sergius sheltered the Holy Family according to tradition. The Coptic Museum (E£200) has the world's largest collection of Coptic art spanning centuries. Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest in Egypt.
Downtown Cairo Art Deco
Walk through Downtown Cairo (Wust al-Balad) — once known as "Paris on the Nile." The area retains faded Belle Époque and Art Deco buildings from the 1920s–40s. Walk Talaat Harb Street past Café Riche (a literary landmark since 1908) to Tahrir Square. Lunch at Felfela — a Cairo institution since 1963 serving Egyptian classics (E£100–200). The Egyptian Museum on Tahrir (E£450) still has some important pieces.
Nile Felucca & Zamalek
Take a felucca (traditional Nile sailboat) at sunset from the Corniche near the Four Seasons — E£200–300/hour for the entire boat (fits 6–8 people). Drift past the Cairo skyline as the sun sets behind the pyramids. Then walk across to Zamalek island for dinner — try Abou El Sid for upscale Egyptian cuisine in a lavish interior (E£300–500) or Zooba for modern Egyptian street food (E£100–200).
Saqqara, Memphis & Dahshur
Saqqara Step Pyramid
Uber or private driver (E£200–300) to Saqqara. The Step Pyramid of Djoser (E£540 site entry) is the world's oldest stone building — 2,700 BCE. The recently opened interior (E£600 extra) reveals chambers with blue faience tiles. The surrounding necropolis has tombs with vivid wall paintings — the Tomb of Mereruka and the Serapeum (underground bull burials) are extraordinary.
Memphis & Dahshur
Continue to Memphis (E£200) — see the colossal Ramesses II statue and the alabaster sphinx. Then Dahshur (E£200) — the Red Pyramid offers free interior access to the burial chamber. Descend the steep passage (50m) into the pyramid — no crowds, no extra ticket. The Bent Pyramid nearby shows how the ancient engineers corrected their angle mid-build. Lunch at a roadside restaurant — chicken and rice for E£60–80.
Return & Nile Corniche
Return to Cairo and walk the Nile Corniche from Garden City to Zamalek at sunset. The river traffic — feluccas, river buses, and floating restaurants — against the fading light is quintessentially Cairo. Dinner at Tamarai on a Nile boat (E£300–500) or keep it local at Abou Tarek — Egypt's most famous koshari restaurant where the national dish costs E£30–50 for a heaping bowl.
Alexandria Day Trip
Train to Alexandria
Take the morning train from Cairo Ramses station to Alexandria (E£80–200 first class, 2.5 hours). Egypt's Mediterranean city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Start at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (E£100) — a modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria with a massive tilted-disc design. The manuscript room and the Impressions of the World gallery are highlights.
Corniche, Citadel & Seafood
Walk the Corniche along the Mediterranean — the crescent-shaped waterfront stretches for kilometres. Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay (E£200) — built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders). The fortress overlooks the harbour. Lunch at a fish restaurant — Alexandria is Egypt's seafood capital. Fish Market restaurant lets you choose your fish and have it grilled (E£200–400).
Catacombs & Return
Visit the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa (E£200) — a Roman-era underground burial complex blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary art. The spiral staircase descends three levels into carved chambers. Then catch the evening train back to Cairo (last trains around 9–10pm). Have a final Alexandria coffee at a Corniche café watching the Mediterranean sunset.
Local Cairo — Food, Culture & Markets
Fayoum or Wadi Digla
For nature, take a half-day trip to Wadi Digla (E£30 entry) — a protected desert canyon 30 minutes from central Cairo with hiking trails and fossils. Or drive to Fayoum oasis (1.5 hours) for Wadi El-Rayan waterfalls and Lake Qarun. The desert landscape surrounding Cairo is surprisingly accessible and beautiful. Return to the city by lunchtime.
Egyptian Food Tour
Join a Cairo food tour or self-guide through the city's best local food. Start at Foul El Katf in Sayeda Zeinab for the best foul in Cairo (E£10–20). Try fiteer at El Malek El Seouri — Egyptian layered pastry (E£50–100). Grab a ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel made from fava beans, E£5–10) from any street vendor. End at Mandarine Koueider for ice cream and Egyptian pastries.
Cairo Tower & Nightlife
Visit Cairo Tower (E£300) — the 187m lotus-shaped tower on Gezira Island with panoramic views over the city, the Nile, and the pyramids on clear evenings. The revolving restaurant at the top is overpriced but the views are spectacular. For nightlife, Zamalek has Cairo's best bars — Cairo Jazz Club for live music, or Left Bank for cocktails on the Nile (E£100–200 per cocktail).
Final Explorations & Farewell
Al-Azhar Park & Local Life
Visit Al-Azhar Park (E£50) — a beautifully designed green space on a former rubbish dump, now one of the world's finest urban parks. Views over Islamic Cairo's minarets and the Citadel are magnificent. Wander through the Darb al-Ahmar neighbourhood below — a living medieval quarter where daily life continues among Mamluk architecture. Breakfast at a local foul cart and fresh juice from a street vendor.
Last Shopping & Souvenirs
Final souvenir shopping at Khan el-Khalili or the souks of Islamic Cairo. Best buys: hand-hammered copper lanterns (E£200–2,000), essential oils and perfumes (E£50–200), papyrus art from genuine papyrus workshops (beware banana leaf fakes), spices (cumin, saffron, hibiscus), and alabaster figurines from Luxor. Pack carefully — the copper lanterns are surprisingly sturdy.
Farewell Dinner on the Nile
Farewell dinner on a Nile cruise boat — Nile City Boat (E£500–800) or Le Pacha (a permanent floating restaurant, E£300–600). The city lights reflected on the Nile with the occasional felucca drifting past is the perfect final image. Or keep it simple — foul, ta'ameya, and fresh juice from a street corner, which captures Cairo's soul more than any fancy restaurant. Cairo Airport is 20km northeast.
Budget tips
Street food is extraordinary
Koshari (E£30), foul (E£10–20), ta'ameya (E£5), and feteer (E£50) are filling and delicious. A full day of street food costs under E£150 — and it's better than most restaurants.
Uber everywhere
Uber is far cheaper and more reliable than taxis in Cairo. A cross-city ride costs E£50–150. Always use Uber to avoid the constant negotiation with regular taxis.
Haggle everything
In Khan el-Khalili and tourist areas, start at 25–30% of asking price. Taxis, market prices, and even some restaurants are negotiable. Walk away for the best deals.
Dual pricing awareness
Egypt has separate tourist and local prices at most sites. Budget accordingly — the Pyramids are E£540 for foreigners. Museums and sites add up fast; prioritise the essentials.
Student discounts
An ISIC student card gets 50% off at almost all archaeological sites and museums — potentially saving E£2,000+ over a week. Buy one before you travel if eligible.
Felucca sharing
A felucca costs E£200–300/hour regardless of passengers (fits 6–8). Share with other travelers to split the cost. Arrange at the Corniche near hotels or through your hostel.
Budget breakdown
Daily costs per person in Egyptian Pound (E£). Cairo is very affordable — street food and transport are cheap, but tourist site entry fees add up.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Hostels → 3-4 star hotels → 5-star Nile view | E£300–700 | E£1,000–2,500 | E£5,000+ |
| Food Street food → restaurants → Nile dining | E£100–250 | E£400–800 | E£1,500+ |
| Transport Metro & Uber → taxi → private driver | E£50–150 | E£200–400 | E£800+ |
| Activities Pyramids & museums → guided tours → private Egyptologist | E£500–800 | E£1,000–2,000 | E£4,000+ |
| Drinks Tea & juice → coffee shops → hotel bars | E£30–60 | E£100–200 | E£400+ |
| Daily Total $20–39 → $54–118 → $234+ | E£980–1,960 | E£2,700–5,900 | E£11,700+ |
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities get visa on arrival ($25 USD, paid in cash at the airport). E-visa also available at visa2egypt.gov.eg
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months. Keep your visa sticker — you may need to show it at hotels
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) is 20km northeast. Uber to downtown E£150–250. Airport bus 356 to Tahrir Square E£10
Health & Safety
- Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines recommended. Don't drink tap water — bottled water E£5–10 everywhere. Avoid salads washed in tap water
- Cairo is generally safe but scams targeting tourists are common at tourist sites. Stay firm and confident. Petty theft in crowds — watch your pockets
- Summer heat (Jun–Sep) exceeds 40°C. Carry water constantly. Air pollution can irritate lungs — consider a mask on heavy traffic days
Getting Around
- Cairo Metro: 3 lines, E£8–12 per ride. Clean, fast, and covers key areas. Women-only carriages available (front two cars)
- Uber is essential — far cheaper and more reliable than taxis. Cross-city rides E£50–150. Download the app before arriving
- Traffic is legendary — allow 2–3x the estimated journey time. Avoid rush hours (8–10am, 4–7pm). The metro avoids traffic entirely
Connectivity
- Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat sell tourist SIMs at the airport — E£200–400 for 10–30GB data. Vodafone has the best coverage
- WiFi in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Speed varies — downtown is faster than older neighbourhoods
- WhatsApp and social media work fine. VPN not usually needed but handy for occasional blocks
Money
- Egyptian Pound (EGP/E£). ATMs everywhere in central Cairo. Bring fresh USD bills — useful for visa on arrival and some tourist payments
- Cash is essential — many smaller restaurants, taxis, and markets don't accept cards. Carry E£500–1,000 daily in small notes
- Tipping (baksheesh) is deeply embedded — E£10–20 for small services, 10% at restaurants. Carry lots of small notes
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing covering shoulders and knees. Conservative dress for mosques — women should carry a headscarf
- Comfortable walking shoes — the streets are uneven and dusty. A hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and sunglasses are essential
- Carry tissues/toilet paper (not always provided in public facilities), hand sanitiser, and a refillable water bottle
Cultural tips
Cairo is chaotic, intense, and incredibly rewarding. The haggling, the traffic, the baksheesh — it's all part of the experience. Embrace the chaos and you'll fall in love.
Haggling Culture
Bargaining is expected everywhere except supermarkets and restaurants with menus. Start at 25–30% of asking price. Stay friendly and patient. Walking away often brings the best price.
Mosque Etiquette
Remove shoes, cover shoulders and knees. Women should cover their hair — carry a scarf. Don't enter during prayer times. Most historical mosques welcome respectful visitors of all faiths.
Baksheesh (Tipping)
Tipping is a way of life in Egypt. E£10–20 for bathroom attendants, museum guards who open areas, and helpful locals. 10–15% at restaurants. Carry lots of E£5 and E£10 notes always.
Photography
Ask before photographing people. Some sites charge extra for cameras. At the pyramids, unofficial "helpers" who pose for photos will demand money — decline firmly if you didn't agree to pay.
Tourist Scams
Common: "the museum is closed" (it isn't), fake guides at pyramids, taxi meters "broken." Stay firm, use Uber, and never follow strangers. Politely decline unsolicited help at tourist sites.
Dress Code
Egypt is conservative. Cover shoulders and knees in public — especially in Islamic Cairo and mosques. Beachwear is only for resorts. Women: a headscarf for mosques. Loose, breathable fabrics are most comfortable.
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