Cairo, Egypt, stands as one of the most incredible cities, offering a blend of ancient wonders and modern life. This 4-day Cairo itinerary will guide you to discover the city's highlights, including the Great Pyramids of Giza and other hidden gems.
Before You Go
- Best Time to Visit: October to April is the ideal time. October is recommended before the peak tourist season from November to December.
- Visa: A visa is required for entry into Egypt, valid for a maximum of 30 days. It can be purchased on arrival for $25.00 or online in advance.
- Where to Stay: Downtown Cairo is convenient for accessing tourist attractions. Giza offers hotels and Airbnb's with views of the Pyramids.
Downtown Cairo is one of the most convenient areas to stay in Cairo, but waking up to the pyramids is seriously the most amazing thing. Giza is a bit out of the way from the other tourist attractions outside of the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum. However, I absolutely dream of these locations. That’s because there are many hotels and Airbnb’s with views of the Pyramids. So, I’d spend at least a night or two in this area. This leafy residential area is home to trendy cafes and art galleries.
Day 1: Arrival and Giza Exploration
The number one thing to do in Cairo is see the pyramids of Giza. It is an Ancient Wonder of the World. And seeing it in person is one of the most incredible moments you might ever have. Visit the Giza plateau (Great pyramids Khufu, Khafre's Pyramid, and Menkaure). Visit the Sphinx Statue.
I’d recommend hiring a tour guide here as they will be helpful in stopping sellers from bombarding you and show you the best spots to visit. Lunch by the pyramids.
Evening
Akemi Restaurant is a top choice for dinner and a pyramid view. Akemi offers a fusion of Japanese, Asian, and international dishes. Given its popularity, especially during peak hours, it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance.
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Day 2: Ancient Wonders and Cultural Delights
Breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to visit the Egyptian Museum, which contains the room of the young king Tutankhamun, along with many other fascinating artifacts. Additional visit to the Mummy Room in the museum.
Yes, another museum to add to your list - but the Egyptian Museum in Downtown Cairo is a classic for a reason. It’s home to tons of ancient treasures, including the famous golden mask of Tutankhamun.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is one of the most impressive museums I have ever been to. It’s actually the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization-ancient Egypt! The entrance alone-with a towering statue of Ramses II-already had me in awe. I couldn’t believe how detailed and well-preserved so many of the artifacts were (and that’s coming from someone who usually rushes through museums 😅). There is a tour that takes you to the Pyramids of Giza and the GEM.
In the afternoon, experience the tranquility of a felucca ride on the Nile River. The sunsets in Egypt are out of this world. So, I’d highly recommend going at this time. A felucca boat ride is motorless and you will just float down the Nile River. This is the best way to relax away from the bustling chaos of Cairo. For a more peaceful experience, try to book one without mounds of tourists joining.
The Complete Viking Nile River Cruise Review
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Day 3: Saqqara and Memphis
This day is my absolute favorite day in my 4 day Cairo itinerary. That’s because I was able to discover some real hidden gems like St. Saqqara Pyramids and Visit Ounas Pyramids.
Saqqara is the site of the Step Pyramid of Djoser. In fact, it was the most impressive site I saw in Cairo. A lot of people don’t know about this place or skip it entirely. Plus, the Step Pyramid of Djoser is the best part of it all. It’s the oldest pyramid in Egypt! You can even go inside. If you do go inside the pyramids, I’d recommend this one instead of the ones at Giza, as you will find fewer crowds to enjoy it. The spaces are tight, so better to explore it this way. You can visit this site and the two below this (Dashur & Memphis) in a single tour. I booked this exact tour and had a wonderful Egyptologist guide. Not only did she explain everything to me, but she also took these amazing photos of me above.
Not too far from Saqqara is the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid in Dahshur, which are equally impressive and less touristy than the Pyramids of Giza.
Memphis is Egypt’s ancient capital and one of the oldest cities in the world. It dates all the way back to 3100 BC. While not much of the city remains today, the real highlight here is the fallen statue of Ramses II. The sheer size of it is hard to capture in photos (he was over 30 feet tall!) and seeing it up close gives you this feeling of just how grand ancient Egypt really was.
Day 4: Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo
You continued to visit the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue in Coptic Cairo.
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Coptic Cairo is such an underrated part of the city and one I think more people should check out. It’s home to some of the oldest Christian churches in Egypt, and walking around here feels like stepping back in time. I visited the Hanging Church, which is literally suspended over an old Roman gate. Plus don’t miss Saint Sergius and Bacchus Church. It is said to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. You’ll also find the Coptic Museum, full of ancient artifacts that show just how deep Egypt’s Christian roots go.
You will continue to Islamic Cairo, where you will be able to explore Khan el Khalili, Cairo’s old bazaar.
Khan el-Khalili is one of the top things to do in Cairo. It’s Cairo’s most famous market afterall. Even if you’re not big on shopping, it’s still worth a visit just for the experience. The tiny alleyways are packed with everything from handmade jewelry and colorful lanterns to spices and antiques. I loved getting lost in it all - every corner felt like a scene out of a movie. Be ready to haggle (it’s part of the fun!) and definitely stop for a tea or mint lemonade at El Fishawy, one of the oldest cafés in Cairo.
For views of the city of Cairo, head over to the Citadel of Salah Eldin. Then head to Mohammad Ali Mosque.
You can’t leave Cairo without trying koshary, and there’s no better place for it than Abu Tarek. It’s this super local, no-frills spot that’s famous for serving up Egypt’s ultimate comfort food. Koshary is basically a mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and crispy onions, all topped with a spicy tomato sauce and optional garlic vinegar. Abu Tarek is fast-paced and always packed, but the food comes out in seconds and costs next to nothing.
Downtown Cairo has such an old-school charm to it - I honestly loved just wandering around and taking photos of all the unique buildings. The architecture is super European-inspired with faded balconies and grand facades that make you feel like you’re in a different era. You’ll find everything from vintage cinemas to hole-in-the-wall cafés, and it’s a great place to people-watch or snap some street photos.
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