Cairo-5-day-itinerary
Day 1: Monday
Morning
- 8:00 am: Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Cairo’s Kitchen, a cozy café serving Egyptian and international cuisine ( Address: 26, Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 9:00 am: Visit Papyrus Institute (Address: 1, Sharia Sabah, Cairo), a museum showcasing ancient papyrus artifacts.
Afternoon
- 12:00 pm: Head to Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha (Address: Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo), also known as the Citadel Mosque.
- 2:00 pm: Explore the Citadel of Cairo, a medieval Islamic fortification that served as Egypt’s capital during the Mamluk dynasty.
Evening
- 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Abou El Sid, a popular restaurant serving Egyptian street food (Address: 3, Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 9:00 pm: End the day with a stroll along the Nile River promenade, taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2: Tuesday
Morning
- 8:00 am: Start the day with a visit to Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (Address: Sharia Ataba, Cairo), home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
- 11:00 am: Explore the museum’s vast exhibits, including mummies, sarcophagi, and other treasures.
Afternoon
- 1:00 pm: Take a break for lunch at Koshari Abou Tarek, a famous koshari restaurant (Address: 16, Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 2:30 pm: Visit the Al-Azhar Mosque (Address: Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo), one of the oldest and most revered mosques in Islam.
Evening
- 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Felfela, a modern Egyptian restaurant with a focus on local ingredients and flavors (Address: 1, Sharia Sabah, Cairo).
- 9:30 pm: Take a sunset stroll along the Nile River promenade to enjoy the city’s scenic views.
Day 3: Wednesday
Morning
- 8:00 am: Visit Khan el-Khalili, one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in the Middle East (Address: Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 11:00 am: Explore the narrow alleys and stalls selling everything from spices to perfumes.
Afternoon
- 1:00 pm: Take a break for lunch at Koshari Abou Tarek again, or try something new like Ta’ameya, an Egyptian restaurant serving vegetarian cuisine (Address: 14, Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 3:00 pm: Visit the Museum of Islamic Art (Address: Sharia Ataba, Cairo), showcasing a vast collection of Islamic art and artifacts.
Evening
- 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Zooba, a modern Egyptian restaurant with a focus on local ingredients and flavors (Address: 10, Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 9:30 pm: End the day with a relaxing walk along the Nile River promenade.
Day 4: Thursday
Morning
- 8:00 am: Start the day with a visit to Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (Address: Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 10:00 am: Explore the pyramid and its surrounding complex.
Afternoon
- 12:30 pm: Take a break for lunch at Abou El Sid again, or try something new like Nile Maxim, an Egyptian restaurant serving local cuisine (Address: 3, Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 2:00 pm: Visit the Solar Boat Museum (Address: Sharia Ataba, Cairo), showcasing a remarkably preserved ancient solar boat.
Evening
- 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Koshari Abou Tarek for the third time, or try something new like Tutti Frutti, an Egyptian restaurant serving international cuisine (Address: 16, Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 9:30 pm: End the day with a relaxing walk along the Nile River promenade.
Day 5: Friday
Morning
- 8:00 am: Start the day with a visit to Mosque of Sultan Hassan (Address: Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo), one of the oldest and most revered mosques in Egypt.
- 10:00 am: Explore the mosque’s stunning architecture.
Afternoon
- 12:30 pm: Take a break for lunch at Abou El Sid again, or try something new like Koshari Abou Tarek once more (Address: 16, Sharia Al Azhar, Cairo).
- 2:00 pm: Visit the Museum of Islamic Art, showcasing a vast collection of Islamic art and artifacts.
Evening
- 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Felfela, a modern Egyptian restaurant with a focus on local ingredients and flavors (Address: 1, Sharia Sabah, Cairo).
- 9:30 pm: End the day with a relaxing walk along the Nile River promenade to enjoy the city’s scenic views.
Where to Stay
There are many great hotels in Cairo to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Some popular options include:
- Mena House Hotel, a 5-star hotel located near the Pyramids of Giza.
- Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah, a 5-star hotel with stunning views of the Nile River.
- Le Riad Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of the city.
Getting Around
The best way to get around Cairo is by taxi, which can be easily hailed on the street. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem. Some popular transportation options include:
- Taxi: available at most hotels and major intersections.
- Uber: available in Cairo.
- Careem: a local ride-hailing app.
- Metro: Cairo’s metro system is expanding, but it’s not yet comprehensive.
Things to Know
Before traveling to Cairo, be sure to:
- Pack comfortable clothing: lightweight pants and tops for the heat.
- Bring sunscreen: protection from the sun is essential.
- Respect local customs: dress modestly when visiting mosques or other sacred sites.
- Learn some Arabic phrases: locals will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language.
Tips and Tricks
To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind:
- Be prepared for crowds: Cairo is a bustling city with many people on the streets.
- Bargain at markets: haggling is a part of shopping culture in Egypt.
- Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Respect local laws and customs: don’t take pictures or videos without permission, for example.
Other Tips
Some other tips to keep in mind include:
- Try local cuisine: Egyptian food is delicious and diverse.
- Visit the Khan el-Khalili bazaar: one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in the Middle East.
- Explore the Museum of Islamic Art: a vast collection of Islamic art and artifacts.
- Take a Nile River cruise: enjoy stunning views of the city while cruising along the river.