How to Spend Three Days Navigating Cairo: A Traveler’s Tale

Cairo is known as the land of pharaohs and pyramids and is a dream for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. I was especially excited to tour the city because of the historical relevance of the country. Navigating the landscape of Cairo requires research and most importantly support. There are so many mysteries to unravel in Egypt that most will never understand. My best advice for anyone traveling here is consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience. They can provide a bit of insight into the history and culture. It was a sensory overload for me.

Cairo is Egypt’s bustling capital, where ancient wonders and modern-day life coexist. The traffic is like nothing I’ve seen anywhere before. And I have been to a lot of places. As I developed my plan to tour Cairo, I was excited to see the great pyramids, sail the Nile river and kiss the Sphinx. Little did I know Cairo had so much more to offer. With a rich tapestry of history stretching back thousands of years, Cairo offers a captivating blend of archaeological treasures, bustling markets, and vibrant culture. With three full days to explore this city, here is the best itinerary to help you effectively navigate Cairo.

Day 1 – Pyramids and Tombs

Put on your most comfortable sturdy shoes and start your day with a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visiting Great Pyramids of Giza takes careful planning. The pyramids are about 11 miles outside of downtown and are open from 8am – 4pm most days. You should note, tourist buses arrive around 9am. Consequently, if you are fortunate enough to have a private guide, do your best to get there by 8am. In the summer it’s hot. Therefore, you should hydrate and make sure you have on cool comfortable clothes and probably a hat. Marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of these massive stone structures, built over 4,500 years ago as tombs for the pharaohs.

While photos generally showcase three pyramids, the area is actually made up of nine pyramids and the Great Sphinx along with a few smaller tombs. For clarity, when one references the Pyramids of Giza this includes the Great Pyramid and its two neighbors, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. You could easily make a day of staring at the sites this area but will likely get tired of prancing around in the dirt after a while.

Full Tourist Mode

Pick a pyramid to go inside or not. The most popular will be The Great Pyramid which means lines of people looking for for a peek inside. Instead, try Khafre or Menkaure. They are a bit smaller but inside they are about the same as the Great Pyramid but with less crowds. Honestly, if you go in one you are probably good. Keep in mind you will need to purchase a ticket for each one you choose to explore.

Outside of the pyramids will be a slew of camel handlers offering you a ride. There aren’t many places in the world where you will have this opportunity so most tourist go for it. The good news is, the rides are fairly short. That said, it’s more of a photo op than anything else. The bad news, it is really difficult to enjoy the bumpiness of a camel ride. Make the most of it and get back to your adventures in Giza. After a few hours of exploring the Giza pyramid complex, you will have worked up an appetite. Grab lunch with one of the many food vendors in the market or pop into a local restaurant for something more filling.  9 Pyramids Lounge is a fan favorite and provides one of the best vantage points of this iconic site.

If you are still up for pyrmaids and tombs after lunch, head to the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in Egypt. Explore the complex of tombs and mastabas, including the Pyramid of Teti and the Serapeum. Continue to the nearby open-air museum of Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where you can see colossal statues and remnants of other ancient temples.

You are likely to be exhausted after this full day of exploring temples and pyramids. Make your way back to your hotel and enjoy dinner nearby. If you still have something left in the tank, go back to Giza to experience the mesmerizing Sound and Light Show at night. The Pyramids all illuminated with colorful lights, while a narrator recounts the history and legends of ancient Egypt, bringing the past to life in a spectacular display.

Day 2 – Cultural Exploration

Get up early and prepare for a deep dive into the history of Cairo with a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. This museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts spanning over 5,000 years of Egyptian history. Look out for the golden mask of Tutankhamun, intricate mummies, and ancient hieroglyphics that fill the halls. This is sure to take several hours of your day but don’t spend too much time here. There is still Cairo to explore.

You won’t want to miss the historic district of Islamic Cairo, where ancient mosques, bustling souks, and ornate palaces await. Then, visit the Citadel of Saladin to admire the stunning architecture of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Al-Nasr Mosque. If you want to go inside, be prepared to cover up. It is a sign of respect. If you didn’t bring your own cover up, there are some around for visitors to use. Wander through the winding streets of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs, spices, and traditional crafts. For my foodies, arrange a street food tour to sample some of the many local eateries around and get a real taste of Egypt.

Finally, end your day with a Nile River cruise aboard a traditional felucca. Relax as you sail along the tranquil waters of the Nile, enjoying views of Cairo’s illuminated skyline and iconic landmarks while savoring delicious Egyptian cuisine and live entertainment.

Day 3 – Ancient Cairo

Today visit the oldest part of the city and home to Egypt’s Christian community, Coptic Cairo. In a city with population that is 89% Muslim and only 10% Christian, it’s enlightening to learn about the history in this part of Cairo. Explore ancient churches such as the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, built atop the site where the Holy Family is believed to have sought refuge during their flight into Egypt. Explore Al-Azhar Park for some spectacular panoramic views of the city. Visit Ben Ezra Synagogue – known as the site where the pharaoh’s daughter allegedly found baby Moses floating in his basket. Discover the historic district of Islamic Cairo. Stroll along Al-Muizz Street, one of the oldest streets in Cairo, lined with medieval mosques, madrasas, and historic buildings that showcase the city’s architectural heritage.

Exploration Tips

Navigating Cairo is not for the faint of heart. Traffic in Cairo is brutal. There aren’t many traffic lights and streets are often blocked by policeman and sometimes wandering cows. Something as simple as crossing the street could be very dangerous. I saw two people have a brush with a cars during my time there. The nicer hotels have security posted outside and advise against going out without an escort. It’s really important to understand the current climate in any environment before you visit and leverage the knowledge of locals to help you effectively navigate.

My Perspective

Surely if you have a bucket list, the Pyramids of Egypt is on it. There are so many interesting things to explore in this country. Cairo offers a tantalizing glimpse into the timeless treasures of ancient Egypt, from the iconic pyramids of Giza to the historic landmarks of Islamic and Coptic Cairo. The enduring legacy of one of the world’s greatest civilizations is certain to leave you awe struck.