Cairo Travel Guide: Best Itinerary, Budget & Tips for an Authentic Trip
"Explore Cairo's wonders with this local-friendly itinerary! Pyramids, history, culture, and budget tips for an unforgettable journey."
FULL WEEKURBANAFRICA- URBANCHEAP- URBAN
About
Explore the heart of Egypt in this immersive trip to Cairo, a city where ancient wonders meet vibrant local life. Wander through bustling souks, marvel at the Great Pyramids, sail the Nile at sunset, and indulge in traditional Egyptian cuisine. From the awe-inspiring Sphinx to the historic mosques of Islamic Cairo, this journey offers an unforgettable mix of history, culture, and daily Egyptian life.
Trip Summary
PICKY
DAY 1 - Flight & Arrival
Land in Cairo, explore downtown, and visit Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum.
DAY 2 - Pyramid & Sphinx
Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and Saqqara’s Step Pyramid.
DAY 3 - Islamic & Coptic Cairo
Explore the Citadel, Muhammad Ali Mosque, Coptic Cairo, and Khan el-Khalili market.
DAY 4 - Day Trip to Dahshur & Memphis
Discover the Red and Bent Pyramids, plus the ancient capital of Memphis.
DAY 5 - Modern Cairo & Nile Experience
Stroll Zamalek Island, visit the Cairo Tower, and enjoy a felucca ride on the Nile.
DAY 6 - Final Stroll
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final walk or café experience in Cairo.
DAY 7 - Flight
Based on your schedule, Enjoy (...) your flight back home
$290
$630
More Fancy
Budget Buddies
Price Summary
Per person, based on a 2 persons' trip - flights excluded
Accomodation
Around $20-50 per night
Food
Depending on your stomach
Transfers
Metro and public transports
Experiences
Museums, and other attractions
$120-300
$80-150
$30-70
$60-110
How are prices calculated?
GALLERY
When To Go
October to April
Cairo experiences pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, creating ideal conditions for sightseeing. The cooler months of December to February may bring brisk evenings, so packing a light jacket is advisable. This period offers clear skies, making visits to iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, Khan El Khalili, and the Egyptian Museum more enjoyable. Tourist crowds peak from December to early January, so booking accommodations in advance is recommended.
May to September
Summers in Cairo are intensely hot, with daytime highs frequently surpassing 35°C, and sometimes reaching 40°C or more. The dry desert heat can make outdoor activities exhausting, especially in open-air historical sites like Saqqara and Memphis. While attractions remain open, midday exploration is best avoided. However, this off-peak season means fewer crowds and potential discounts on hotels and tours.
Summary Recommendations:
For the most comfortable experience, visit between October and April, when the weather is mild, and sightseeing is pleasant. If traveling in summer, plan early morning or evening excursions and stay hydrated.
Our Proposal
DAY 1
Arrive at Cairo International Airport. Take an Uber or airport shuttle to your accommodation in Downtown or Zamalek (recommended for a central but relaxed stay).
In the afternoon, visit Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum, home to treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb and thousands of artifacts from ancient Egypt. For dinner, try koshari, a famous Egyptian street dish, at Abu Tarek.
FLIGHT & ARRIVAL
DAY 2
Start your day early with a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx—arrive by 8 AM to avoid crowds.
After lunch, head to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid. If time allows, visit Dahshur to see the Red and Bent Pyramids, less crowded but historically significant.
Return to Cairo in the evening and relax with a tea at a traditional ahwa (coffeehouse) in downtown.
PYRAMIDS & SPHINX
DAY 3
Explore Cairo’s spiritual heart, starting with the Citadel of Saladin, which offers panoramic views of the city. Visit the stunning Muhammad Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque.
Next, head to Coptic Cairo to see the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue.
In the evening, get lost in the colorful Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you can buy spices, perfumes, and local crafts.
ISLAMIC & COPTIC CAIRO
DAY 4
Take a short day trip to Dahshur (30-40 minutes from Cairo) to see the Red and Bent Pyramids. Then, visit Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where you’ll find a massive statue of Ramses II.
Return to Cairo in the evening and enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner cruise on the Nile or a simple street food meal like falafel and fuul (fava beans).
DAY TRIP TO DAHSHUR AND MEMPHIS
DAY 5
Spend the morning exploring Zamalek Island, known for its green spaces, art galleries, and relaxed cafés.
Head to the Cairo Tower, offering 360° views of the city.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing felucca ride on the Nile during sunset, a peaceful contrast to Cairo’s bustling streets.
For your final dinner, try grilled meats at Felfela or a seafood feast at Abou El Sid.
MODERN CAIRO & NILE
DAY 6
If your flight is later in the day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Zamalek or take a final stroll along the Nile Corniche before heading to the airport.
FINAL STROLL
DAY 7
Based on your schedule, enjoy (...) your flight back