Cairo is huge and hectic, but it is also the gateway to 5,000 years of history. With a good plan, three days cover the essentials.
What to see in Cairo
Sightseeing splits between Giza, west of the Nile, and the historic center to the east.
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
The Giza plateau, on the edge of the city, holds the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, the valley temple and the Sphinx. The panoramic viewpoint takes in all nine pyramids of the complex.
You can enter the Great Pyramid with a separate ticket; the passage is narrow and steep.
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Next to the pyramids, with the colossal statue of Ramses II in the atrium and Tutankhamun’s complete treasure. Allow at least half a day.
Saqqara and the Step Pyramid
About 20 miles away, the Step Pyramid of Djoser is Egypt’s oldest, and the nobles’ tombs keep reliefs of daily life.
Coptic Cairo
The Hanging Church, built over a gate of the Roman fortress, and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, with the crypt where tradition says the Holy Family rested.
The Citadel and Khan el-Khalili
Saladin’s fortress, with the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and views over the city, then the great Khan el-Khalili bazaar for spices, lamps and Egyptian cotton.
The Civilization Museum and the Nile
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization displays the royal mummies in a dedicated hall. At sunset, a felucca sail on the Nile is the best break.
Cairo in 3 days
Grouping visits by area saves hours in traffic.
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Day 1
Giza
The pyramids and the Sphinx first thing, and the Grand Egyptian Museum in the afternoon.
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Day 2
Saqqara and the Nile
The Step Pyramid of Djoser in the morning and a felucca sail at sunset.
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Day 3
Historic Cairo
Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and an afternoon in Khan el-Khalili.
Best time to visit Cairo
From October to April temperatures are pleasant for outdoor sightseeing.
- Jan Ideal
- Feb Ideal
- Mar Good
- Apr Good
- May Very hot
- Jun Very hot
- Jul Very hot
- Aug Very hot
- Sep Very hot
- Oct Good
- Nov Ideal
- Dec Peak
In summer it often tops 95 °F and Giza is best visited at sunrise. During Ramadan, shop and museum hours change.
Where to stay in Cairo
Choose by what you want close by: the pyramids or downtown.
- Giza
- Hotels with pyramid views, near the Grand Egyptian Museum. Ideal for short stays.
- Zamalek
- A residential island in the Nile, quiet and with good restaurants.
- The Nile Corniche
- Large riverside hotels in Garden City and downtown, near the Citadel and the bazaar.
- Heliopolis
- Near the airport, handy for early flights.
Tips for visiting Cairo
Cairo’s tourist areas have a strong police presence. We review the State Department advisories before every departure.
- Get around with a guide or booked transport: traffic is heavy, and taxis without meters negotiate the fare.
- At Giza you will be offered camel rides and photos; agree on the price first, or decline politely.
- Small bills in Egyptian pounds for tips and restrooms.
- Always bottled water. And sunscreen even in winter.
Entry requirements for Cairo
Egypt’s entry requirements apply to Cairo.
US and Mexican citizens need a tourist visa: apply online (e-Visa) on the official portal, and US citizens can also pay for it on arrival.
See the full entry requirements in the Egypt guide
Official sources: Egypt e-Visa (official portal) · U.S. State Department travel advisories
Our trips with Cairo
Cairo opens our Exodus Journey, before crossing Sinai to Jordan and the Holy Land.
Bookings for the 2026 trip are closed. Ask us about the next departures.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in Cairo in 2 days?
Day 1: the Giza pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Day 2: Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Can you go inside the pyramids?
Yes, with a separate ticket you can enter the Great Pyramid and others on the plateau. The passages are narrow and not recommended for anyone claustrophobic.
Where should you stay in Cairo?
In Giza if you want pyramid views from the hotel and to be near the Grand Egyptian Museum; in Zamalek or by the Nile if you prefer the center.
Is Cairo safe for tourists?
Tourist areas are well policed. The most common nuisance is pushy vendors, which a guide avoids almost entirely.
