Cairo Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to Do & 3-Day Itinerary

10 Best Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt

1. Check Out All 3 Pyramids of Giza ☀️ Great Day Trip

The Pyramids of Giza needs no introduction from me. To many of us, seeing the great pyramids of Giza is among the top 3 items on our bucket list, and one of the first things you will likely do when you arrive in Cairo is to find a way to get to this piece of ancient architectural wonder.

You can visit the pyramids in Cairo in two ways. One way is to do it independently by getting a taxi from Cairo city center to the pyramids and back. This may seem like an easy option, but as it turned out for me, it gave me more headaches than just simply taking an organized tour.

The taxi took around 30 minutes, and even though I could get a taxi with a "functioning" meter for around 30 EGP, he dropped me off at the wrong gate. I had to rely on a local to get to the real entrance, which was a huge mistake.

That seemingly helpful local guy turned out to be a scammer, and he wouldn't leave me alone. He followed me even after I got inside and asked me for tips of 300 EGP. 300 EGP! That's 20 USD for taking me to the correct entrance.

When the guy left, I continued to encounter aggressive touters and scammers throughout my time there, and getting back to the city center was yet another opportunity for a taxi driver to scam me.

Basically, traveling to the pyramid independently will increase the chance of you getting scammed, which doesn't really make a great first impression of Egypt, to be honest.

For a better experience, I highly recommend going with an organized tour instead. Going on a tour will eliminate logistics problems, and you will no longer have to deal with terrible taxi drivers, as I did. Plus, they will take you further afield to places like Saqqara and Memphis, making it cheaper to do so than taking taxis to these places.

The "Full-Day Tour Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara" tour is highly recommended. The tour costs around 70 USD and includes a visit to Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, and Memphis, with all the entrance fees paid.

It is a great deal, and you get to see everything all in one day with ample time to explore each place. You will have around 3-4 hours at the Giza Pyramids, 2 hours at Saqqara, and 1 hour at Memphis, which is more than enough time for you to explore at your own leisure.

All in all, I highly recommend you go for a tour instead if you do not want to get major headaches from dealing with scammers and taxi drivers. However, if that is the kind of adventure you enjoy, you can go the route I took, but learn from my mistake and never trust anyone friendlier than usual.

As of 2026, the standard foreign-adult ticket for the Giza Plateau is 700 EGP. This covers access to the archaeological area but not entry inside the pyramids. Going inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu costs an additional 1,000 EGP, while the smaller pyramid interiors have separate tickets when open. The official opening hours for the Giza Plateau are currently 8 AM to 4 PM daily.

Where to Stay in Cairo, Egypt?

Budget

Freedom Hostel

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Mid-Range

Victory Of Downtown Hotel

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High-End

Kempinski Nile Hotel, Cairo

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2. Admire the Beauty of the Great Sphinx

And, of course, do not forget to visit the Great Sphinx of Giza when you are there. With three giant pyramids spread out in a desert for miles, you might forget to see this iconic stone monument that is more than 4,500 years old.

Just don't keep your hopes up when it comes to the real scale of the Sphinx. In Hollywood movies, the Sphinx is often depicted as massive, but in reality, it is only 20 meters tall, and almost half of its body is below the ground level you are standing on. Therefore, it will look much smaller than it should the moment you see it.

3. See How they Master the Craft of Pyramid-Making in Saqqara

With an organized tour I recommend, the tour will also take you to Saqqara, a small village just outside of Cairo that is known for its ancient pyramids that date back before the Pyramids of Giza.

Here, you will find the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest complete stone complex in the world, and a blueprint that paved the way for the pyramids of Giza. The Step Pyramid was constructed in the 27th Century BC, almost a hundred years before the Pyramids of Giza.

Basically, Saqqara is a place where the ancient Egyptians mastered their craft of pyramid-making, and what you see are the remnants of their experiments. With the tour, you should have around 2 hours to explore before heading to Memphis, the old capital of ancient Egypt.

4. Stroll Around the Open Air Museum in Memphis

Memphis is an old capital city of Ancient Egypt, located not too far from Saqqara. This is where the ancient Egyptians thrived, and you can still see some remnants of their creations in the open-air museum there.

There are stone sculptures of pharaohs, the Sphinx of Memphis, and all sorts of artifacts discovered in Saqqara displayed at the open-air museum. The tour should give you around 1 hour here before taking you back to Cairo.

5. Visit the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo

After spending a day on an organized tour, it is time to go off on our own and explore Cairo and its diverse quarters. One of those quarters is the Coptic Cairo district, home to the famous Hanging Church of Coptic Cairo.

Coptic Cairo is an ancient part of the city that dates all the way back to the 6th Century BC, and it is a place that preserves the Christian past of Egypt. It is home to the Coptic Orthodox Christians who reside in Egypt.

The famous Hanging Church is a must-visit when you are in Coptic Cairo. It is one of the oldest churches in Egypt, and it got its name, "Hanging", from the fact that it was built over the main gate of the Babylon Citadel, giving it the hanging feature.

There are several other churches in the area that are worth visiting, so be sure to spend some time and stroll around Coptic Cairo before leaving for the Islamic Quarter. I felt almost like Indiana Jones when I stumbled upon this narrow passageway full of books for sale. You never know what you might discover here.

6. Admire the Beauty of the Citadel of Saladin in Islamic Cairo ♥️ Must Visit

The Citadel of Saladin is one of the most impressive structures in Cairo, and it is my second favorite architecture in the city, second only to the Pyramids of Giza, of course.

Located strategically on top of a hill dominating the city's skyline, the citadel was constructed as a fortress to be used as the seat of government in Egypt and the residence of its rulers for nearly 700 years.

The citadel is a great example of a medieval Islamic-era fortress that you don't get to see very often. Its exterior is formidable, as a fortress should be, and once inside, you will find the Mosque of Muhammad Ali that was modeled after the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.

Within the mosque, you will find yourself in a vast hallway adorned with red carpets on the floor and elegant lights and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Additionally, from the fortress wall, you should be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of Cairo.

As of 2026, the Cairo Citadel is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, and the foreign-adult entrance fee is 550 EGP. The ticket covers the Citadel area, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. As this is an active religious site, dress respectfully when entering the mosque; women may also want to carry a scarf in case one is requested.

7. Go Up the Minarets of Bab Zuweila

If you are looking for a high viewpoint to get a nice view of Cairo and its diverse architectural style, I highly recommend climbing up to the top of the Minarets of Bab Zuweila for a stunning panoramic view of Cairo's Old City.

To get to the top, you will have to climb the dark and narrow staircase that spirals up through Bab Zuwayla and its minarets, but the view over Cairo's historic old town is well worth the effort. As of 2026, the official foreign-adult ticket is 100 EGP, and the monument is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

8. Shop for Souvenirs at Khal el-Khalili

One of the most famous grand bazaars in Cairo, Khan el-Khalili, is an ancient trade center that dates all the way back to the 16th Century. You can walk its historical passageways and shop for souvenirs or find a nice cafe to sit in and enjoy Egyptian coffee.

The souvenirs aren't cheap here, and you will likely get a lot of touts, but all the small passageways you can explore, combined with all the old shops selling antique items, make for an interesting experience in Cairo.

The bazaar is open from 9 AM all the way to sundown and beyond, but the most hectic time, and probably the most interesting time to visit, is during the prime time around 6 PM and beyond. There will be a lot more people at the market, and it will feel much more alive than in the morning.

9. Walk the Al-Muizz Street

Not too far from Khan en-Khalili, you will find Al-Muizz Street, one of the oldest streets that dates all the way back to the time the city was founded by the Fatimids in the 10th Century.

Here, you will find several antique shops and carpet stores, among other things, on both sides of the 1 km-long street. In the evening, the street is filled with people and activities that will engage all your senses at once. This is the type of atmosphere you probably have in your mind when you think of a bazaar in Egypt.

I found the atmosphere here friendlier than around Khan el-Khalili, and the street becomes especially lively later in the day. You can walk along Al-Muizz Street itself at any time, but the ticketed historic monuments currently operate from 9 AM to 5 PM. A combined foreign-adult ticket for the monuments covered by the Al-Muizz Street archaeological-site ticket costs 220 EGP. Individual shops and cafés keep their own hours and often stay open well into the evening.

10. Learn More About the History at the Egyptian Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

Last but not least, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir is still worth visiting for its enormous collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including statues, sarcophagi, papyri, jewelry, and objects spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history. Just be aware that Cairo's museum landscape has changed significantly since my visit: the famous royal mummies were moved to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in 2021, while the Tutankhamun collection is now displayed at the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza.

The Tahrir museum remains packed with artifacts and can easily take a couple of hours to explore, so I would still give it at least half a day if you are interested in Egyptian history. If your priority is Tutankhamun, however, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum instead; if you specifically want to see the royal mummies, go to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

As of 2026, the foreign-adult entrance fee for the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir is 550 EGP. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, with the ticket window closing at 4 PM.

When to Visit Cairo, Egypt?

October to April is usually the best time to visit Egypt due to the mild weather, but in my opinion, the crowds and the increase in price might ruin it for you.

I would recommend aiming for the edges of the cooler season, such as late October to November or March to April. You can still avoid some of the peak winter crowds without dealing with Cairo's intense summer heat. I would not consider June a cool shoulder-season month in Cairo; daytime temperatures can be extremely hot.

How to Get to Cairo, Egypt?

Cairo is one of the largest hubs in the region, and you should have no trouble finding a flight to get from your home country to Cairo International Airport.

From the US, there are 2 direct flights from Washington DC and New York operated by EgyptAir that will take you to Cairo in about 10 hours. If you don't mind transiting, Middle Eastern airlines like Qatar and Turkish Airlines also fly from other major cities in the US, like LA, Chicago, etc., to Cairo.

From Europe, you can fly from different popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via national airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, or Air France, or directly to Cairo with EgyptAir. You can also travel with Etihad and Emirates if you don't mind transiting. They are often cheaper and provide a very comfortable flying experience.

From Asia, there are no direct flights to Egypt, but you can fly with Middle Eastern Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Etihad from many major hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Bangkok.

To find a cheap flight to Egypt, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.

Getting From Cairo Airport to City Center

By Bus: Public buses still depart from the bus station in the parking area in front of Terminal 1 and serve destinations around Cairo. The airport itself no longer publishes the old 7:50 AM–6:15 PM timetable or the 5 EGP fare I previously listed here, so I would confirm the route and fare at the Terminal 1 bus station when you arrive. If your bus takes you toward Ramses, you can connect to the metro from there. Cairo traffic is unpredictable, so allow plenty of extra time.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Regular taxis are available at Cairo Airport, but if you do not want to negotiate a fare, a ride-hailing app such as Uber is a much easier option and is available at the airport. Follow the pickup instructions shown in the app for your terminal. If you use a street taxi instead, agree on the fare or make sure the meter is being used before setting off, but when I was there, I paid around 150 EGP for the taxi.

By Private Transfer: You can also book a private transfer here, which is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Cairo Airport to the city center. It should cost about 20 USD, and you can book the private transfer here.

How to Get Around Cairo, Egypt?

By Metro: The Cairo Metro is still one of the cheapest and quickest ways to get around the city. As of 2026, single-journey fares are distance-based: 10 EGP for up to 9 stations, 12 EGP for 10–16 stations, 15 EGP for 17–23 stations, and 20 EGP for longer journeys. The network does not reach every attraction, so you will still need a taxi or ride-hailing service for places such as the Giza Plateau.

By Taxis: Taxis in Cairo are known for the many tricky ways they use to try to squeeze out every dime from tourists. If you want to use them, you will have to be aware of their techniques and negotiate hard.

There are several rules to know to not get scammed in Egypt, but the number one rule is: don't ever get in a metered taxi that claims its meter is broken. That is a sure sign that they will charge you a hefty fee for the ride.

By Tours: A better and more reliable way to get to further places in Cairo is to go on an organized tour. They are cheap and reliable, and you will not have to deal with all the touters and scammers.

There are several tours you can take to places like the Pyramids of Giza, but the most recommended tour is the "Full-Day Tour Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara" tour, which includes tourist attractions that are further away, like Saqqara and Memphis as well.

For more day trips and organized tours you can join in Cairo, you can browse through the list here: Day trips in Cairo.

By Car: I wouldn't recommend renting a car and driving in Cairo. The traffic is extremely hectic and downright horrible at times, and it will be more of a headache to drive than to just take a taxi.

If you insist on driving your own car in Egypt, you can do so for around $60 USD per day, and you can rent one from the airport with the link below:

Rent a car in Cairo

How Many Days To Spend in Cairo, Egypt?

3 full days should be enough to see most of what Cairo has to offer. Below is a rough itinerary for Cairo:

Day 1: Visit the Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara with an organized tour.

Day 2: Visit all the attractions in Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo on your second day.

Day 3: Pick the museum that best matches what you want to see: the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir for its historic collection, the Grand Egyptian Museum for Tutankhamun and its vast new galleries, or the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization for the royal mummies. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the Nile River.

How Much Money Do I Need For Cairo, Egypt?

With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending here as follows:

Accommodation: For a budget traveler, I would expect to pay around 2,000–3,200 EGP for four nights in a hostel or simple budget accommodation in Cairo.

Food: If you mostly eat at local restaurants and street-food places, budget around 1,200–1,800 EGP for three days. You can definitely spend less eating very locally, but this gives you enough room for drinks, snacks, and a few nicer meals.

Transportation: Metro rides currently cost only 10–20 EGP depending on distance, while Uber and other ride-hailing services are useful for places the metro doesn't reach. I would budget around 600–1,000 EGP for transportation over three days.

Activities: At current foreign-adult prices, the Giza Plateau is 700 EGP, Saqqara 600 EGP, Memphis 200 EGP, the Cairo Citadel 550 EGP, Bab Zuwayla 100 EGP, and the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir 550 EGP. That comes to around 2,700 EGP in admission fees. Entering the Great Pyramid costs another 1,000 EGP.

Total Budget for 3 days in Cairo, Egypt: 9,000–12,000 EGP (172 - 236 USD)

Is it Safe in Egypt?

One thing to be aware of in Egypt is scams. Scamming is very common here, and it is important for you to know how they operate and how you can avoid getting scammed, as I did.

I have written an entire article about it, so you can read more on ways to avoid getting scammed in Egypt there. That said, not all locals are out to scam you. It's just that the scammers are the loudest, and most aggressive, and they always make themselves known to you the moment you arrive at a tourist attraction.

Here are a few things to keep in mind. Everyone gets scammed at the pyramid, whether it be the taxi driver who pretends the meter was broken, a person impersonating a security guard taking you to where you want to go before asking for money, or people pretending to give you free stuff but then aggressively asking you to pay.

There is simply no shortage of them, and there is no way to avoid them either. So, whenever a person approaches you for a friendly conversation, be extremely skeptical about it. More often than not, they will try to scam you along the way.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Egypt?

There are four major mobile networks in Egypt: Vodafone, Orange, e& Egypt (formerly Etisalat), and WE. All offer prepaid options, and tourist SIMs are readily available at Cairo Airport and mobile-network shops.

I personally used Vodafone, and Vodafone still offers a dedicated Tourist Line that you can buy at its airport store or other Vodafone retail stores in Egypt. The specific 200 EGP and 500 EGP packages I originally listed are no longer shown on Vodafone's current tourist-line page, so I would choose from the packages available when you arrive rather than planning around those old allowances and prices.

Alternatively, if your phone supports eSIMs, you can set one up before arriving and have mobile data as soon as you land. You can browse through available eSIMs here.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.