Cairo in 3 Days: tips, what to see, and much more

This 3-day itinerary is all about enjoying the highlights of the city. It's worth noting that Cairo is notorious for having a number of distant areas of interest, so you may have to travel by taxi, car or public transport up to 3 times in one day. It will be a packed itinerary; however, you are free to mould it to suit your circumstances, your plans and the time you have.

The Giza plateau is home to the most iconic historical site in the world. For almost 4000 years, nine impeccably constructed pyramids have stood on this plateau, built as massive tombs by order of the pharaohs. On this first day you will enjoy a walk around the plateau, see the most remarkable pyramids of Giza and spend the night in a felucca in the city centre.

Stroll around Giza

Get ready to spend some time in Giza. Take a stroll through the wide streets, take pictures with the statues and small monuments that surround the area and sit in one of the cafes in this city of dreams. If Giza is of special interest to you, you can opt for a tour of Giza.

Although it may look like the Giza Pyramids are located in the middle of the desert, in reality the site is surrounded by houses, shops and restaurants (and lots of dusty roads). You can also easily find restaurants and cafes just outside the Sphinx exit, including the famous Abou Shakra.

Discover the Pyramids of the Plateau

There are two entrances to the plateau. One is directly in front of the Sphinx, and the other is on a hill near the Great Pyramid. I recommend entering through the second entrance and then going down towards the Sphinx.

The complex includes the Pyramid of Cheops, known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids. It is the only site of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that is still intact. There are two smaller pyramids called** Khafre and Menkaure**, and three even smaller pyramids representing the wives and sisters of Khufu.

The Sphinx is the other famous landmark of the Giza plateau: a huge limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human.

Explore the Citadel of Cairo

A short walk from the park is the Cairo Citadel. The medieval fortification was the seat of government in Egypt and the residence of its rulers for almost 700 years, from the 13th to the 19th century.

Its location on a promontory in the Mokattam Hills commands a strategic position overlooking the city. In 1976 it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission costs 180 EGP (10 euros) and includes entry to the mosques and museums inside.

Visit the impressive Muhammed Ali Mosque

The major attraction within the 12th-century Citadel walls is the Muhammed Ali Mosque. Situated at the top of the Citadel, this Ottoman mosque was the largest mosque built in the 19th century. With its lively silhouette and twin minarets, this is the most visible mosque in Cairo.

The best time to visit this mosque is just before sunset, as you can watch the city transform from the observation deck of this mosque. Entry to the mosque is free of charge.

On this second day you will get to know the famous Coptic culture of Cairo through the museums and the historic alleyways that give the mysterious Coptic Quarter its name. The Coptic culture represents one of the major religious groups in Egypt and the largest Christian community in the Middle East.

Visit the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

Make your first stop at the Egyptian Museum, where almost all of Egypt's most expensive treasures are stored. This is a must-see, preferably as a guided tour and accompanied by an Egyptologist.

Inside, the large ground floor features a variety of sackophagi, giant stone sculptures and coffins. The first floor houses two mummy rooms. The museum's most intriguing attraction is Tutankhamun's tomb, displayed alongside his intricate gold coffins, gold trinkets, artefacts and jewellery.

Go to the top of the Cairo Tower

From there, cross the Nile River and head to the highest floor (level 62) of the Cairo Tower. This is where you will get the best view of the city.

Enjoy lunch at the panoramic terrace cafeteria and enjoy your meal with spectacular views. The entrance fee is 200 EGP (11 euros). I suggest keeping your camera in your backpack and using your phone to take pictures instead.

Visit the Coptic Museum

Take a taxi to the Coptic Museum. Copts follow a denomination of Christianity and Cairo is home to the largest Coptic population in North Africa. The Copts are actually the closest descendants of the ancient Egyptians.

Definitely a great place to learn more about the Copts, the Coptic Museum houses Coptic art from the earliest days of Christianity in Egypt to early Islam. It's a beautiful place, both for the wooden designs and the treasures it holds.

Tip: There is a strong restriction on taking photos with professional cameras almost everywhere in Egypt (for security reasons). In fact, almost any place that allows it will charge a hefty fee. However, taking photos with a phone is permitted and free of charge everywhere.

Head to the Hanging Church

The most famous church in this district known as Coptic Cairo (Masr al-Qadima) is the Hanging Church. Contrary to what its name implies, the Hanging Church, Al Moallaqa, is not actually suspended in any way. Its nickname comes from the fact that it is built over the gates of an ancient Roman fortress. I recommend a visit inside, its internal architecture is to be commended.

Tip: Admission to the Hanging Church is free. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. There is no strict dress code, but it is advisable to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.

Check out the Ben Ezra Synagogue

Behind the Hanging Church, you'll find the Ben Ezra Synagogue, an architectural gem and one of the last remaining testimonies of the once splendid Egyptian Jewish community. According to local folklore, this is where the baby Moses was found.

It is also free to visit, so if you are interested in the city's Jewish past and its cultural impact, you should consider a visit. Remember that Egypt is home to all three Abrahamic religions (Islam, Judaism and Christianity) and all three communities have a large share of the population, especially in the capital and the more populated cities.

For dinner, head to the nearest Zoobaque, this trendy Cairo-based chain is a great place to sample Egyptian street food in a colourful setting. It's so popular with locals that it's opened branches in the US and Saudi Arabia.

On this last day you'll learn about Cairo's relationship with Islam through Muizz Street, the Muhammed Ali Mosque, but I recommend you spend a large part of the day exploring the Saladin Citadel.

Lose yourself in Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar

Start the day at Cairo's largest and most vibrant souk, Khan Al-Khalili. You'll find everything from incense to lamps and jewellery shops. Originally built as a mausoleum for the Fatimid caliphs, the complex features Ottoman-style architecture. One place not to miss is the centuries-old Fishawi café, best known for its Egyptian-style coffee and ambience. The shop has served international celebrities such as Egyptian Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz and Will Smith.

Wander along Muizz Street

A short walk north of Khan Al Khalili is the bustling Muizz Street, known as the 'world's largest open-air museum of Islamic monuments'. The street is flanked by some of Egypt's largest and oldest structures, as well as a number of antique shops.

A stroll reveals the architecture of the dynasties that have ruled the city at different times, from the Fatimid dynasty in 970 AD to the more recent Pasha rule. It is also home to the Qalawun Complex, which contains a spectacular mausoleum with impressive Mamluk architecture and a minaret inside a dome.

Enjoy a stroll through Al Azhar Park

Take a short taxi ride to Al-Azhar Park, Cairo's most impressive green space. The park has been transformed from a rubbish dump to an urban attraction, and is a veritable oasis amidst Cairo' s hustle and bustle.

After a walk, you can have lunch at the Citadel View restaurant and watch children splashing in the fountains and locals enjoying a picnic on the green lawn. The traditional Egyptian food here is fantastic and the outdoor terrace is glorious.

Stroll through the streets of Khan el Khalili

Start your walk from the Al Azhar Mosque. The Al Azhar Mosque is a beautiful, recently renovated masterpiece. Founded in 970, it is now considered the highest authority in the Islamic world for the study of Sunni theology. It features an open-air courtyard paved in white marble and surrounded by Mamluk-era minarets.

Cross Azhar Street and have a mint tea at the El-Fishawi café, one of the oldest cafés in the city and the famous hangout of Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz. It's an old café in a narrow alleyway that's always buzzing with musicians and groups of friends smoking shisha.

Don't miss Bab al-Ghuri, a gateway lined with shops selling coloured lamps. At night, lights illuminate the historic walls and perfect arches.

Take a falucca ride and overnight in Cairo

Relax in the evening and rest your feet on a night out in Cairo. Head to downtown Cairo and charter a traditional falucca sailing boaton the Nile River (A falucca is a type of sailing boat that is light, airy, narrow and long and can carry up to a dozen passengers).

) If you walk across the Qasr el Nil Bridge to the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, you can find a line of boats and negotiate a price. It's certainly a very cheap option compared to a Nile cruise.

To end the night you can head to the suburb of Maadi, one of the most famous of all the phaluk stops, the area has traditional eateries and restaurants serving a variety of food.