Egypt is the cradle of pharaohs and dynasties, where the skyline is crowned by the Giza Pyramids and the Nile carries stories as old as writing itself. In Cairo, layers of history stack high—Pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic—each with its own architecture, aromas, and rhythms.

Across three days, this Cairo and Giza itinerary hits the icons: the Great Pyramid, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo’s mosques and churches, and the storied bazaar of Khan el‑Khalili. Between monuments, you’ll fuel up on koshary, fava-stuffed ta‘ameya, and fragrant grills from local favorites.

Practical notes: Cairo traffic is real—plan buffers. Uber and metered white taxis are common; cash is handy for tips and small purchases. Dress modestly for religious sites, avoid filming guards, and note that drones are prohibited. For museum ticketing and opening updates (including the Grand Egyptian Museum’s phased openings), check locally on arrival.

Cairo

Cairo is a megacity with a village heart: tea shared on a stool, oud music from an alley, a sudden vista of the Nile. Base yourself in Zamalek for leafy streets and cafés, Downtown for Belle Époque facades and walkability, or Giza for pyramid views at sunrise.

Top sights include the Giza Plateau, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, the mosques of Islamic Cairo (Al‑Azhar, Al‑Hussein, Sultan Hassan), the Coptic Quarter (Hanging Church, Abu Serga), and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (home to the Royal Mummies). Cap a day with a Nile dinner cruise or the Pyramids Sound & Light Show.

• Where to stay (search and compare): Browse apartments and stays on VRBO Cairo or hotels on Hotels.com Cairo. Neighborhoods to target: Zamalek (central, café culture), Garden City (quiet, near the Nile), Downtown/Tahrir (walkable, classic architecture), and Giza (pyramid-facing rooms).
• How to get there: Fly into Cairo International (CAI). Compare global fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: 4–5h from Western Europe, 10–12h from the U.S. East Coast (often 1 connection). Expect $300–600 from Europe, $700–1,100 from North America depending on season.
• Airport to city: Uber/Taxi to Zamalek or Downtown: 45–60 minutes, roughly $8–15 depending on traffic. To Giza: 60–90 minutes, around $10–20. No metro line to the airport as of 2025.
• Tickets & tips (approximate; subject to change): Giza Plateau ~600 EGP (~$12); Great Pyramid interior ~900 EGP (~$18). Saqqara ~450 EGP (~$9). Egyptian Museum ~300 EGP (~$6). NMEC (Royal Mummies) ~240 EGP (~$5). Card often accepted, but carry small cash for tips.

Day 1: Arrival, Tahrir & Nile Sunset

Morning: Travel day. Arrive at CAI and pick up a local SIM (Vodafone/Orange) at arrivals for easy ride-hailing and maps. Request an Uber to your hotel; drop bags and refresh. If staying in Zamalek, stroll leafy 26th of July Street to get your bearings.

Afternoon: Start at the Egyptian Museum (Tahrir), a treasure house of statues, sarcophagi, and gold—don’t miss the Narmer Palette and masterpieces from Tanis. Plan 2 hours to avoid fatigue on day one. Coffee break nearby at Eish + Malh (Downtown; Italian‑Egyptian plates, great cold brew) or Kafein (cozy specialty coffee). For a quick local lunch, hit Koshary Abou Tarek—Egypt’s beloved carb symphony of pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, finished with tangy tomato and chili.

Evening: Catch golden hour on the Nile. Book a table at Crimson Bar & Grill (Zamalek rooftop; Nile views, grilled meats and seafood) or Pier 88 (Zamalek; stylish riverside dining). Prefer ultra-local? Try Felfela (Downtown; ta‘ameya, shawarma, and molokhia since 1959). Optional: a one‑to‑two‑hour Nile dinner cruise with live music and whirling tanoura—ask your hotel to reserve; expect ~$25–50 per person.

Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and Saqqara

Morning: Depart early (7:30–8:00 a.m.) for the Giza Plateau to beat tour buses and the midday sun. Walk the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu to feel the scale, then visit the Sphinx before crowds. If you’re comfortable with tight passages, consider the Great Pyramid interior (limited tickets; steeper climb). Ride or drive to the Panoramic Point for the classic three‑pyramid view—best photos are before 10:30 a.m.

Afternoon: Lunch near the site: El Dar Darak (casual grills and kofta, beloved by local drivers) or Abou Shakra (long‑running Egyptian fare; ask for a window table facing the Pyramids). Continue 40 minutes south to Saqqara, the vast necropolis of Memphis. Explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser (the world’s oldest large‑scale stone monument), the Tomb of Mereruka with vivid daily‑life reliefs, and the petite but informative Imhotep Museum. If time allows, add nearby Dahshur to see the Red Pyramid’s serene desert setting.

Evening: Return to Cairo. For dinner, book Abou El Sid (Zamalek; richly spiced stews, pigeons stuffed with freekeh, and classic décor) or head to Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant inside Khan el‑Khalili for atmospheric Egyptian dishes. Night options: the Pyramids Sound & Light Show (retro but memorable; ~$15–25; evening start times vary by season) or live music at Cairo Jazz Club (calendar changes nightly; expect standing-room energy). Cap with pistachio ice cream at Mandarine Koueider.

Day 3: Islamic & Coptic Cairo, Souks, and Departure

Morning: Dive into Islamic Cairo. Begin at Al‑Azhar Mosque (a seat of learning since 970; dress modestly), then walk to Al‑Hussein Square and the spice‑scented lanes of Khan el‑Khalili. Sip mint tea at legendary El Fishawy (family‑run since the 18th century). Continue to the mammoth Sultan Hassan and elegant Al‑Rifa’i mosques facing each other—majestic courtyards and echoing iwans perfect for photos.

Afternoon: Shift to Coptic Cairo in Old Fustat: the Hanging Church, Saints Sergius & Bacchus (Abu Serga) with its crypt, and the Coptic Museum’s icons and manuscripts. If mummies fascinate you, detour to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) to meet the Royal Mummies in a profoundly curated setting (allow 60–90 minutes). Lunch ideas: Zooba (modern Egyptian street food; try the ta‘ameya with beet tahini), or Tabali (fresh, lighter plates and salads). Coffee lovers, pop into 30 NORTH for single‑origin espresso.

Evening: Departure day—aim to reach CAI 3 hours before an international flight. If you have extra time, stroll Zamalek’s riverside and grab a last bite at Left Bank (Nile‑facing café, great pastries) or share mezzes at Sachi (Heliopolis; contemporary Mediterranean‑Japanese). Souvenir tip: brass lamps and hand‑blown glass travel well—haggle kindly and pay in small notes.

• Local transport notes: Uber/Careem are reliable; agree on taxi fares before starting if you hail on the street. For the Giza/Saqqara day, a private driver for 6–8 hours typically runs ~$35–60 per car; your hotel can arrange.
• Seasonality: Best months are Oct–April (mild). Summer (June–Sept) is hot; start early, hydrate, and plan indoor museums mid‑day.
• Future museum note: The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been opening in phases; some areas, outdoor spaces, and special tours may be available—check locally for the latest while the Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) and NMEC continue full operations.

Booking Shortlist:

• Stays: VRBO Cairo | Hotels.com Cairo
• Flights: Trip.com Flights | Kiwi.com

This 3‑day Egypt itinerary layers pharaonic wonders with Cairo’s living culture—market banter, mosque courtyards, and Nile breezes. You’ll depart with sand on your shoes, a phone full of pyramid silhouettes, and a wish to return for Luxor and Aswan next time.