🇪🇬 Cairo Travel Guide
The complete guide to 10 things to do in Cairo, Egypt - with prices, tips, and a 3-day itinerary.
📍 Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit October to April (cooler months)
Daily Budget $50-120/day
Currency EGP (Egyptian Pound)
Total Attractions 10
Insider Tip Hire a licensed guide at the Pyramids - they keep touts away and share fascinating history that makes the visit 10x better.
📅 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Highlights & Landmarks
Pyramids of Giza Tour ⏱ 3 hours • $45 Stand before the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. See all three pyramids, enter the Great Pyramid, and take the classic panoramic photo.
Great Sphinx Visit ⏱ 30 min • Free The mysterious limestone guardian of the Giza plateau. Included with Pyramids ticket, the Sphinx is smaller in person but endlessly fascinating.
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square) ⏱ 2-3 hours • $20 Over 120,000 artifacts including Tutankhamun's golden mask, royal mummies, and treasures spanning 5,000 years of civilization.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Tour ⏱ 2 hours • $20 Cairo's medieval bazaar dating to 1382 - labyrinthine alleys of spices, perfumes, jewelry, lanterns, and the best street food in the city.
Day 2 - Culture & Experiences
Nile Dinner Cruise ⏱ 3 hours • $39 Float along the Nile with a buffet dinner, belly dancing, and live music while the illuminated Cairo skyline glides past.
Coptic Cairo Walking Tour ⏱ 2 hours • $15 Explore the ancient Christian quarter - the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and churches where the Holy Family reportedly sheltered.
Cairo Citadel & Mohammed Ali Mosque ⏱ 2 hours • $12 The medieval fortress overlooking Cairo with stunning alabaster mosque and the best panoramic views of the city and pyramids.
Saqqara Step Pyramid Day Trip ⏱ Half day • $49 Visit the world's oldest stone structure - the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Recently reopened interiors and the stunning painted tombs.
Day 3 - Exploration & Day Trips
Memphis Open-Air Museum ⏱ Half day • $35 The ancient capital of Egypt with the massive fallen colossus of Ramesses II and an alabaster sphinx. Often combined with Saqqara.
Pyramids Sound & Light Show ⏱ 1 hour • $25 Watch the Pyramids and Sphinx come alive with dramatic laser lights and narration telling the story of ancient Egypt after dark.
🎯 All Attractions by Category
Landmarks & Monuments (3)
Pyramids of Giza Tour
Must-See
⏱ 3 hours • $45
Stand before the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. See all three pyramids, enter the Great Pyramid, and take the classic panoramic photo.
Great Sphinx Visit
Iconic
⏱ 30 min • Free
The mysterious limestone guardian of the Giza plateau. Included with Pyramids ticket, the Sphinx is smaller in person but endlessly fascinating.
Cairo Citadel & Mohammed Ali Mosque
Panoramic
⏱ 2 hours • $12
The medieval fortress overlooking Cairo with stunning alabaster mosque and the best panoramic views of the city and pyramids.
Museums & Art (1)
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square)
World-Class
⏱ 2-3 hours • $20
Over 120,000 artifacts including Tutankhamun's golden mask, royal mummies, and treasures spanning 5,000 years of civilization.
Tours & Sightseeing (2)
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Tour
Cultural
⏱ 2 hours • $20
Cairo's medieval bazaar dating to 1382 - labyrinthine alleys of spices, perfumes, jewelry, lanterns, and the best street food in the city.
Coptic Cairo Walking Tour
Historic
⏱ 2 hours • $15
Explore the ancient Christian quarter - the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and churches where the Holy Family reportedly sheltered.
Shows & Entertainment (2)
Nile Dinner Cruise
Romantic
⏱ 3 hours • $39
Float along the Nile with a buffet dinner, belly dancing, and live music while the illuminated Cairo skyline glides past.
Pyramids Sound & Light Show
Atmospheric
⏱ 1 hour • $25
Watch the Pyramids and Sphinx come alive with dramatic laser lights and narration telling the story of ancient Egypt after dark.
Day Trips (2)
Saqqara Step Pyramid Day Trip
Ancient
⏱ Half day • $49
Visit the world's oldest stone structure - the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Recently reopened interiors and the stunning painted tombs.
Memphis Open-Air Museum
Historic
⏱ Half day • $35
The ancient capital of Egypt with the massive fallen colossus of Ramesses II and an alabaster sphinx. Often combined with Saqqara.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Cairo?
3-4 days covers the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili, and Saqqara. Add days for Luxor or Alexandria.
Is Cairo safe for tourists?
Tourist areas are well-guarded and generally safe. Main concerns are aggressive touts, taxi scams, and petty theft. Use Uber/Careem.
How much does it cost to visit the Pyramids?
Entry to the Giza plateau is about $10. Entering the Great Pyramid costs extra $18. Hiring a guide costs $25-50.
When is the best time to visit Cairo?
October to April when temperatures are pleasant (15-25°C). Summer can reach 40°C+ and is very uncomfortable for sightseeing.
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