Cairo 3-day itinerary

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.