Cairo, Egypt-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Pyramids and Sphinx

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and construction of this ancient marvel.
  • 12:00 PM: Head to the nearby Great Sphinx, a giant limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, such as:
    • Koshari Abou Tarek: Try their famous koshari dish, a vegetarian favorite.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Solar Boat Museum, which houses an ancient solar boat discovered near the pyramids.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at:
    • Felfela Club: Savor traditional Egyptian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Accommodation:

  • Stay at: The Movenpick Hotel Cairo, located near the Pyramids and offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

Transportation:

  • Get around: Use taxis or ride-sharing services, such as Uber. Be prepared for traffic congestion.
  • Cost: Taxis typically cost 20-50 EGP ($1.25-$3.15 USD) per ride.

Tips and Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other cultural sites.
  • Be mindful of scams: Be cautious of overly friendly locals who may try to sell you something or take you on a tour.
  • Stay hydrated: Bring water with you, especially during hot summer months.

Day 2: Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili

  • 9:00 AM: Explore the ancient streets of Islamic Cairo, visiting sites such as:
    • Mosque of Muhammad Ali: A beautiful mosque with stunning architecture.
    • Al-Azhar Mosque: One of the oldest and most important mosques in Egypt.
  • 12:00 PM: Head to the bustling Khan el-Khalili Market, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Browse the stalls selling everything from spices to souvenirs.
  • 2:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at:
    • Abou El Sid: Try their delicious falafel and other Egyptian street food.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the nearby Mosque of Sultan Hassan, a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

Accommodation:

  • Stay at: The same hotel, Movenpick Hotel Cairo, for convenience.

Transportation:

  • Get around: Same as Day 1.

Day 3: Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Spend a few hours exploring the exhibits.
  • 12:00 PM: Head to Tahrir Square, the heart of Cairo’s protests in 2011. Take a stroll around the square and visit the nearby:
    • National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: Learn about Egypt’s history from prehistoric times to modern-day politics.
  • 2:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at:
    • Koshari Abou Tarek (again!): This koshari is a must-try.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the nearby Cairo Opera House, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture.

Accommodation:

  • Stay at: The same hotel, Movenpick Hotel Cairo, for convenience.

Transportation:

  • Get around: Same as Day 1.

Day 4: Coptic Cairo and Hanging Church

  • 9:00 AM: Explore the ancient streets of Coptic Cairo, visiting sites such as:
    • Hanging Church: A beautiful church built on top of a Roman fortress.
    • Babylon Fortress: A well-preserved example of a medieval fortress.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at:
    • Abou El Sid (again!): Try their delicious falafel and other Egyptian street food.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Monastery of Saint Sergius, a historic Coptic church.

Accommodation:

  • Stay at: The same hotel, Movenpick Hotel Cairo, for convenience.

Transportation:

  • Get around: Same as Day 1.

Tips and Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other cultural sites.
  • Be mindful of scams: Be cautious of overly friendly locals who may try to sell you something or take you on a tour.
  • Stay hydrated: Bring water with you, especially during hot summer months.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Cairo!