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Ready for an unforgettable three days in Cairo? We’ve got the perfect plan!
Cairo is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, blending ancient history with the energy of modern life. From world-famous landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx to bustling markets and vibrant neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. The challenge, of course, is figuring out how to fit it all into just a few days.
That’s where this itinerary comes in! After visiting Cairo multiple times, we’ve mapped out the perfect three-day plan to help you experience the very best of this capital city without feeling overwhelmed, so you can focus on enjoying every moment. Get ready to explore Cairo like a pro!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Cairo was this guided tour to the Giza Pyramids! Going with an organized tour made visiting much easier, and we learned so much from our guide. It was an invaluable experience!
Check out the 5,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Itinerary Overview
Cairo is one of those cities that feels completely overwhelming at first—crowded, noisy, and chaotic, but that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating to explore! While there is a public transportation system, it’s often overcrowded and unreliable, so we recommend skipping the hassle and using Uber instead. It’s cheap, safe, and the easiest way to get around the city.
Cairo also has a mixed reputation for safety, which is why we suggest booking guided tours whenever possible. Not only do they make navigating the city stress-free, but they also ensure you don’t miss the history and stories that bring this incredible destination to life.
Here’s what your three days in Cairo could look like:
Day 1: Start the day discovering Old Cairo with a private guided tour, then wander historic Al Moez Street with its mosques and markets, and end the day with a guided Cairo food tour featuring local street eats like falafel, kebabs, and basbousa.
Day 2: Spend the day with a private guide exploring the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, including Tutankhamun’s golden mask. Then head to Zamalek for dinner at Luuma on the Nile and a peaceful evening stroll along the river.
Day 3: Visit the quieter ancient sites of Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur on a half-day private tour with lunch included. Then, relax at your hotel in the afternoon and finish your trip with a private luxury felucca cruise at sunset, complete with dinner on the Nile.
Day 1
Morning – Visit the Muhammed Ali Mosque, Coptic Cairo, and Khan el-Khalili with a private guide
Cairo can feel chaotic on your first day—the traffic, the endless history, and so many landmarks to choose from. That’s why we suggest easing in with this private tour of Old Cairo and the Citadel. Go for the 9 am to 1 pm option with hotel pick-up included, so you can enjoy breakfast at your hotel and head out stress-free, knowing your guide and driver will handle the rest.
We were lucky to have Eman as our guide, and she made this first day unforgettable! Her knowledge and storytelling brought the city’s history to life as we explored the Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, where it’s believed the Holy Family once took refuge.
We also stopped at the Amr ibn al-As Mosque, the oldest mosque in Africa, which felt like stepping back through centuries of Islamic tradition.
The tour continued to the Citadel of Saladin, where we admired the sweeping views of Cairo before visiting the Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. To finish, we wandered through the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, shopping for souvenirs and enjoying a casual lunch surrounded by the city’s energy.
Starting with this private tour was the best way to kick off our trip! It’s personalized, stress-free, and full of unforgettable stories. And clearly we aren’t the only ones who loved it—check out HUNDREDS of five-star reviews here to find out why this is a can’t miss in Cairo!
Book this private tour here and see the city’s most iconic landmarks!
Afternoon – Explore Al Moez Street
After finishing up at Khan el-Khalili, have your driver drop you off nearby at Al Moez Street, one of the oldest and most fascinating streets in Cairo. Stretching between the gates of the old walled city, this historic thoroughfare dates back to the 10th century and is often described as an open-air museum thanks to the sheer number of mosques, madrasas, and old Islamic buildings packed along it.
It is definitely a bit hectic here—expect crowds of locals shopping, kids running around, and vendors calling out to sell everything from spices and sweets to colorful clothing. That’s all part of the charm! We loved grabbing a quick falafel snack from one of the stalls and just soaking up the atmosphere.
If you’re up for sightseeing, make sure to check out the Bab al-Futuh gate, one of the original entrances into the city, or step inside the Mosque of Al-Muayyad, which towers dramatically at the southern end of the street. But honestly, the best part of Al Moez Street is simply wandering. The narrow alleyways twist and turn, each one filled with architectural details and hidden corners that make you feel like you’ve stepped back centuries.
Plan to spend a couple of hours here—enough time to explore at your own pace without rushing. It’s a lively contrast to the more structured morning tour and gives you a real taste of Cairo’s street life.
Evening – Discover Cairo’s local food scene
After a busy day of sightseeing, there’s no better way to end your first night in Cairo than with this local food tour. Departing at 6 pm from a convenient meeting point near Tahrir Square and finishing around 9 pm, it’s the ideal evening activity after wandering Al Moez Street. Be sure to book the “local Cairo food tour” option—it’s designed for travelers who want to eat like the locals do.
We had such a fun time on this tour and loved every single dish we tried. From sizzling kebabs straight off the grill to crispy falafel and sweet treats like basbousa and knafeh, each stop offered something different and delicious. Walking between spots with our guide, Sarah, was half the experience—she showed us authentic places we never would have found on our own, taking us far away from the typical tourist trail.
For those who prefer a more refined dining experience, there’s also a specialty restaurant option available, which we’re keeping on our list for next time. But honestly, the street food tour was such a highlight for us because it felt like a true window into local life.
Cairo has earned its reputation as the Culinary Capital of the Middle East, and this food tour is the perfect introduction. There’s no wonder it has so many glowing five-star reviews—it’s fun, authentic, and absolutely delicious!
Check availability and book this Cairo food tour here before spots fill up!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 2
Full day – See the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the Great Sphinx with a private guide
No trip to Cairo is complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza, and we knew our second day had to start here. These are some of the most famous landmarks in the entire world, but visiting on your own can be tricky—it’s busy, hectic, and full of scams if you’re not careful. That’s why we chose this guided full-day tour (9 am to 5 pm), and it made the whole experience stress-free and so much more enjoyable.
Our guide handled everything from tickets to transport, so all we had to do was enjoy the day. Seeing the pyramids up close for the first time is something we’ll never forget. Standing at the base of the Great Pyramid and gazing up at its sheer size was surreal, and the Great Sphinx was just as impressive.
Plus, having a guide meant we got to learn all about the history and mysteries behind these monuments, instead of just snapping photos and moving on.
After exploring Giza, the tour continued to the Egyptian Museum, home to the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world. Wandering through the exhibits with our guide gave us so much more context, especially in the Tutankhamun galleries, where we saw the world-famous golden mask in person. It felt almost unreal to stand in front of it!
This tour made seeing Egypt’s most iconic sights easy, relaxed, and incredibly memorable. It’s truly a can’t-miss experience and the best way to see Cairo’s most legendary landmarks in just one day!
Check out THOUSANDS of five-star reviews and book this tour here!
Dinner – Luuma
After a long day exploring the pyramids and the Egyptian Museum, you might be tempted to stay close to your hotel for dinner. But since our tour wrapped up just after 5 pm, we decided to freshen up and head out to experience another side of Cairo. For the evening, make your way to Zamalek, the city’s trendiest neighborhood located on Gezira Island in the middle of the Nile.
Here you’ll find Luuma, a chic restaurant right on the river that’s known for its modern Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine. The relaxed atmosphere and riverside views make it the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your day.
After dinner, spend some time strolling along the Nile. The neighborhood feels worlds away from the chaos of central Cairo, with leafy streets, a lively dining scene, and a more laid-back pace. Watching the boats glide across the water and enjoying the evening air was such a refreshing way to end our second night in the city.
Related Read: Find yourself with extra time? Check out our list of the top things to do in Cairo and add a few more epic activities to this itinerary!
Day 3
Morning – See the pyramids of Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur
By our third day in Cairo, we were ready to step away from the busy crowds at Giza, and this private tour was the perfect way to explore some of Egypt’s quieter yet equally fascinating ancient sites. We recommend booking the 8 am option, which includes a private car, guide, entry fees, and lunch. It’s the perfect half-day trip that gets you back to Cairo around 2 pm, leaving the rest of the day free for more exploring.
We were picked up right on time by our guide, Hazem, and driver, Mohammed, who were both so friendly and professional. Our first stop was Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser—the oldest pyramid in Egypt!
From there, we continued to Memphis, Egypt’s ancient capital. Seeing the colossal statue of Ramses II up close was incredible, and the Alabaster Sphinx was another highlight. But my favorite part of the day was visiting Dahshur, where we explored both the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
The Bent Pyramid’s unusual angle really shows how the Egyptians perfected their engineering skills through trial and error, while the Red Pyramid is one of the first true smooth-sided pyramids. Both were far less crowded than Giza, which made the visit feel peaceful and authentic.
We ended the tour with a delicious included lunch before heading back to Cairo, feeling like we had uncovered a whole new side of Egypt’s history. This was such a refreshing change of pace, and one of the most fascinating parts of our trip!
Don’t miss out—book this pyramids tour here before it sells out!
Afternoon – Relax at your hotel
After getting back to Cairo around 2 pm, you’ll have a few hours to recharge before your evening plans. We recommend taking this time to relax at your hotel—whether that means enjoying a nap, freshening up, or simply unwinding after a busy morning of sightseeing.
If you’re staying in a central area and still have energy, you could also use this time to explore the neighborhood around your hotel, maybe grab a coffee, or do a little shopping. Just make sure you’re back in time to get ready for your evening Nile cruise, which is one of the best ways to end your time in Cairo.
Evening – Cruise down the Nile River on a private sailboat
There’s no better way to end your trip than by sailing down the Nile on this private felucca cruise. We recommend booking the 6 pm option, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. The whole experience lasts about four hours, with two of those spent on the boat, giving you plenty of time to relax and soak in the views.
The luxury felucca itself was beautifully decorated, with elegant furnishings and lots of space to stretch out. Having the boat all to ourselves made it feel like a true VIP experience. As we set sail, we watched the sun dip below the horizon and Cairo’s skyline light up for the evening. It was an unforgettable sight!
Dinner was served as we glided down the river, and it was absolutely delicious. We tried beef koftas and Egyptian bread pudding, but there were plenty of other tasty options like chicken shish kebabs and vegetable moussaka. The food paired perfectly with the peaceful rhythm of the river.
What made the evening even more special was the atmosphere. It felt incredibly romantic, and we loved that extras like cakes and flowers could be arranged for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating or simply want to treat yourself, this private felucca cruise is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Cairo!
Secure your spot on this Nile cruise here and enjoy FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Where to Stay in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo may be a bustling city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a tranquil stay! There are lots of great options, whether you want to be right downtown, have a Nile River view, or be a little outside the city but wake up looking at the pyramids – my personal preference! Here are three fantastic accommodation options for those with a luxury, mid-range, or budget taste.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for an upscale stay, the Fairmont Nile City is an easy choice. You can choose between city or Nile River views, enjoy the Art Deco decor, relax in the rooftop pool, or dine at one of the restaurants on-site. The rooms are exquisite, ranging from standard hotel rooms up to a Presidential Suite.
Prices can get as low as $170 USD but average around $250-$400 per night. You can check out all the options and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Hilton Cairo Grand Nile is an excellent hotel option at a moderate price point! Located along the Nile River, you can enjoy views from your room, whether you have a twin or king room. The rooms are comfortable and modern, and you can dine at one of the seven onsite restaurants or relax at the spa.
Rooms are well priced, starting around $150 USD. You can book this stay on Booking.com!
Budget – $
You don’t have to break the bank to get Pyramid views from your hotel! The Pyramids Height Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel, offering an outdoor pool, sauna, garden, terrace, and restaurant. The rooms are quaint and simple, but clean and provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Prices start at $50 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Cairo here!
Related Read: If you need help deciding on your accommodation, check out our Where to Stay in Cairo blog, where we break down the best neighborhoods and recommended hotels!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Between the Giza Pyramids, traditional markets, the stunning Nile, and the vast history of Cairo, this place is truly a bucket list destination! Although it was overwhelming, we had the best time exploring, all thanks to our organized tours. If you stick to this same itinerary we used, I know you’ll have a fantastic Cairo trip!
If you need help planning more of your travels, check out the rest of our Egypt blogs. We have even more guides to assist in planning an epic getaway. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!
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