Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Cairo
Uncover the mysteries of antiquity in Cairo, a sprawling Egyptian metropolis set on the Nile, home to the iconic Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
Cairo is served by its international airport and is the usual base for the pyramids and museums. October–April is the most comfortable; summer is very hot. Hire a guide or driver for the pyramids and bazaars—it eases logistics and haggling. Book the new Grand Egyptian Museum (when open) and Nile cruises ahead. Allow time for Giza, the Egyptian Museum (or GEM), Islamic Cairo, and Khan el-Khalili. Dress modestly and be prepared for crowds and persistent vendors. Many visitors combine Cairo with Luxor, Aswan, or a Red Sea stay.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Cairo.
Best Time to Visit Cairo
Spring
29°C / 15°C
Warm and dry, occasional spring dust storms (Khamaseen)
Summer
35°C / 22°C
Scorching hot and very dry
Fall
30°C / 17°C
Cooling to comfortable warmth
Winter
20°C / 10°C
Mild and pleasant days, cool nights
Day 1
Giza Pyramids
Famed archaeological site featuring the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx & other well-known ruins.
Morning activity: Giza Pyramids.
9 Pyramids Lounge
Meze, kebabs, breakfast & stone-baked bread in a remote, open-sided restaurant next to the pyramids.
Lunch nearby: 9 Pyramids Lounge.
Great Sphinx
Iconic stone monument that is more than 4,500 years old & has a human face on a lion's body.
Afternoon sightseeing: Great Sphinx.
Abou El Sid
Dinner in the area: Abou El Sid.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Grand, 19th-century mosque in Cairo's iconic Citadel, lavishly decorated with Islamic motifs.
Evening experience: Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Day 2
Egyptian Museum
Extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts covering 5,000 years, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
Morning activity: Egyptian Museum.
Felfela
Lunch nearby: Felfela.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Large souk in the bazaar district selling souvenirs & crafts plus jewelry, clothing & spices.
Afternoon sightseeing: Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
Naguib Mahfouz Cafe
Dinner in the area: Naguib Mahfouz Cafe.
Nile River Dinner Cruise
Dinner cruises on the Nile River featuring live entertainment, cocktails & an à la carte menu.
Evening experience: Nile River Dinner Cruise.
Day 3
Citadel of Saladin
Imposing fortress & wall built by Saladin in the 12th century as protection against the Crusaders.
Morning activity: Citadel of Saladin.
Andrea El Mariouteya
Lunch nearby: Andrea El Mariouteya.
Coptic Cairo
Coptic Orthodox church with a wooden roof in the shape of Noah's ark, a 5th-century pulpit & icons.
Afternoon sightseeing: Coptic Cairo.
Sequoia
Dinner in the area: Sequoia.
Cairo Tower
Tower inspired by lotus flowers, made up of 8 million mosaic lozenges, with a revolving restaurant.
Evening experience: Cairo Tower.