Of all the places that I have planned on visiting, Egypt was the biggest surprise. Well, sure, I knew that I wanted to visit the Great Pyramids. Who doesn’t? But for some reason, it never went on my map of imminent places to visit until Shawn had to spend a couple of weeks in Cairo for work.
While Shawn has spent more time in the city than me, I found myself in Cairo for two whole months and wandered around the city and its surrounding areas a lot. With that in mind, I thought I would put my experiences to good use and draw up the perfect itinerary for 3 days in Cairo.
Be sure to read on because there are some interesting day trips that I will be including that not everyone heads out on.
Before we head out into the murky depths of all the places you want to visit in the city, let’s talk about Cairo in general. How safe is it? What should you wear? What’s the food like?
Cairo
Cairo is one of the most interesting places that you will visit because of a variety of reasons. It is the capital city of Egypt and is in close proximity to the famed city of Giza which houses the Great Pyramids. In fact, it is just the river Nile that sets the two cities apart.
In some ways, the overcrowded streets of the city reminded me of India. It had the noise, the traffic, the delicious street food and colourful markets. The architecture however is where you could see a vast divide.
Contrary to belief, Cairo is a well-developed city, it has almost everything that you could want in an urban city. This makes the adjustment phase in the city very small. There are a couple of things that you may want to consider however when it comes to how you dress, where you go and overall safety. We will get to that part in just a bit.
Getting To Cairo
One of the things that you will want to consider when planning your 3 days in Cairo is how to get to the city. Luckily, Cairo has a functioning international airport which connects it to many parts of the globe. It also houses a large train station which is definitely something should you want to consider that route when travelling through Egypt.
Transport In The City
While there are many ways that you can choose to move around the city, we preferred to use Uber. The taxi service was the easiest to use because we did not speak Arabic. One difficulty that we did face however was finding our cab as the number plates were all in Arabic. As I said, it was a difficulty, but it wasn’t one that we couldn’t overcome.
Using the public buses however was a bigger hurdle. We never did get around to using them because of this.
What To Wear In Cairo
While Cairo is a modern city, you have to understand that the vast majority of the population are Muslim. Clothes that you wear in Egypt should be modest. I suggest keeping your shoulders and your knees covered. One thing that I realized when I was walking about Cairo on my own, is that I need to work extra hard as a woman to be inconspicuous.
The only way that I found myself able to do his was to cover my head with a scarf. Now don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t expected and I did it only because it helped me blend in. I prefer to remain unnoticed when I travel. The scarf also helped me ward off the summer heat which can get quite intense.
A side note about entering the mosques in Egypt. You will be expected to cover your hair (for women) before entering. Footwear is also left outside the mosque. The code of conduct is similar to that followed at any religious site across the world. Be respectful, talk softly and be mindful of people who are praying.
Safety In Cairo
We found Cairo to be reasonably safe. I however found a peculiar vibe. I can’t really put my finger on it. Somehow whenever I was traveling alone or with a female companion, I would start to feel uneasy.
Normally I don’t really freak out but it made me uneasy enough that I started waiting for Shawn to get back from work before heading out. This however was a feeling that I encountered when visiting places like the local markets.
Malls, museums and other like places felt much more comfortable. I guess a lot of it had to do with the location and not the city in general.
3 Days In Cairo
Let’s start talking about the perfect way to spend 3 days in Cairo. For the purpose of this guide, I am going to assume that you have three whole days in the city. There are a number of day trips that you can enjoy from Cairo and I will be including a couple of prominent ones in the itinerary. So, sit back and let me take you on a virtual journey that will help you plan your trip with ease.
Day 1 In Cairo
The first day that you start out should really be spent exploring the city. Cairo has a lot to offer and there is always something new to explore. The first day of your 3 days in Cairo will be spent exploring the highlights of the city in the form of heritage sites, religious sites and of course the colorful markets.
Coptic Cairo
Visiting Coptic Cairo should definitely be part of your 3 days in Cairo itinerary.
I highly recommend starting off your day at Coptic Cairo. I find this time of the day perfect largely because you can visit the church without too many tourists around as most people who are in a rush head to Giza first. It also gives you a feeling of being involved in the whole religious atmosphere that the region has to offer as many of the Coptic Christians head out to pray around this time.
Now a lot of people find it hard to find Coptic Cairo. Just look for the Hanging church on the map. You can use that as a reference point as the church is within the walls of Coptic Cairo. We reached the area with a cab.
One thing that you will quickly realize is that there is a lot of security when it comes to entering the lane. Cabs will stop close by, but you will have to walk a short distance before you can enter the actual part of Coptic Cairo. That is only after you and your bags have be screened at the entrance.
Breakfast In Coptic Cairo: One great thing to do before you head on to the agenda of the day, is to catch a bite to eat at one of the many small restaurants that line the road nearby. The quaint simple setup is actually quite welcoming. It is a nice way to try the local Egyptian food which is really lip smacking delicious. Its a highly recommended stop during your 3 days in Cairo.
While we did not eat breakfast here, we caught a bite to eat after we had explored Coptic Cairo. More importantly since we were out in the heat, we headed to these restaurants to catch a refreshing drink and hydrate. It is amazing how quickly the heat can get to you despite all the precautions that you take.
Why should Coptic Cairo be part of your 3 days in Cairo?
A lot of people don’t think about exploring much of Egypt beyond the pyramids and a couple of other iconic landmarks. It is surprising when you realize just how much there is to Cairo when it comes to the history of the city. A lot of people think of Egypt as a Muslim nation. Yes. It has a large Muslim population but entwined in this is a significant number of Christians who live in the city too. Coptic Cairo is where they head to worship.
This area houses a couple of interesting landmarks. There is the hanging church which was actually built on the gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, there is the crypt where it is believed that Jesus slept, there is a gorgeous nunnery that you can enter and there is even a synagogue! One of the things that you will quickly realize is that the area is very scenic and very different from the bustling streets that you see in Cairo.
You can easily breeze through the whole area in just under an hour. I also recommend visiting the Coptic museum which is located in the vicinity. It has a number of gorgeous artefacts that will captivate your attention. Plus, the building itself is really pretty from the inside.
There is a lot about the area that you should know but I am not going to go into all the details since I have a guide to Coptic Cairo up already.
Saladin Citadel Of Cairo
This is one of the most beautiful mosques in the city and I highly suggest adding it as a stop during your 3 days in Cairo.
The next stop is a gorgeous mosque that is visible from the highway itself. Its name is Mosque of Muhammad Ali. I still remember the first time that I saw the mosque in the distance. The setting sun cast an interesting light on its reflective dome.
I instinctively asked the cab driver about it and put it on my list of places in Cairo that I wanted to visit. It wasn’t until a week later that I actually managed to step into its beautiful prayer place.
The mosque however is just one part of a rather impressive citadel. The Saladin Citadel of Cairo is beautiful and often falls under the radar of the multitude of tourists that visit the city. It had a number of different parts which beg to be explored and each part tells you about the practice of Islam and the evolution of the religion in the country.
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali is just one of the mosques in the complex. It is however the most impressive.
Why visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo?
Egypt is a Muslim country and there are a number of mosques that are scattered across the city of Cairo. In fact, I saw one almost at every corner of every road. Well… That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the gist. I think that the Mosque of Muhammad Ali is rather iconic. It announces its presence to anyone who is travelling in the vicinity whether it is in the day or in the night. You can’t miss it.
The walled citadel should definitely feature as part of your 3 days in Cairo. There are a number of spots where you can get a gorgeous view of the city sprawling below you since the citadel itself is situated on a hill.
Despite the fact that there are throngs of people who head here every day, the inside of the mosques remains quiet and peaceful. I found that the afternoon hours were perfect to visit the citadel because the cool shade was a respite from the heat. While you will still have to walk through some parts of the ground, it isn’t too bad.
There is a lot to see and do in the citadel and I won’t get into all the details here. If you would like to delve into our tips for visiting this gorgeous location then take a look at our guide to visiting Saladin Citadel of Cairo.
Khan El Khalili
The colourful markets of Khan El Khalili are a must visit during your 3 days in Cairo.
One of the things that everyone talks about when they get back from Cairo is the colourful markets of the city. Khan El Khalili is one of the most popular local markets and by default a popular tourist attraction. It’s hard to describe the market in just a few words. Colourful… Overwhelming… Hectic… These are a few words that come to mind. Truth be told, Khan El Khalili is an experience in itself.
Why visit Khan El Khalili?
One thing that is certain is that every popular tourist spot in the world became famous for a reason. Khan El Khalili is a magical place especially if you find yourself brave enough to wander through the narrow lanes and explore.
It is bustling and reminded me of the Mumbai markets a bit but with tinier lanes and a different language. Yes… Arabic is the language in use and not everyone understands English.
While Khan El Khalili is certainly a market that you will find everything sold in, I found that it was largely popular for yards of fabric, gorgeous lanterns and a variety of different Egyptian souvenirs. The more we explored the market, the more we realized that there are a number of mosques that you can explore in the market itself. Each mosque has its own special presence and the architecture while similar is unique in each one.
Another thing that you will observe in the evenings in Khan El Khalili is the street vendors that come out selling a variety of Egyptian street food. We loved trying new items every time we ventured into the market.
I won’t go into further detail as to why it should be part of your 3 days in Cairo. If you do want more information on the market in particular, I would suggest reading our guide to Khan El Khalili.
Al Azhar Garden
Once you are done with Khan El Khalili market head to the Al Azhar gardens. This large space of green land is one of the lungs of the city and well worth the visit. Hopefully, you’ve remembered to put on your walking shoes as there is quite a bit of the garden to explore.
The well-manicured lawns and the gorgeous lake attracts the locals in the area for some peace and fresh air. If you are in Cairo during Ramadan, you will find that families bring their food and have a picnic as they break their fast.
Why Visit Al Azhar Garden?
Now you must be wondering why would I send you to a garden if you just have 3 days in Cairo? Well, for one thing, the garden is gorgeous and in a way rather remarkable since Cairo is in the heart of a desert.
The second reason is because Al Azhar Garden has a number of places from where you can catch different views of the city.
You can see the houses clustered together, you can spot the Nile in the distance (if the sky is clear) and you can even spot the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. In fact, as dusk sets in, you will notice that the mosque is lit up beautifully.
The Al Ahar garden also has a lesser known citadel within it. This is none other than Salah El Din Al Ayouby Citadel. Located in the heart of the Al Azhar Garden, this citadel was built way back in the 12th century and was constructed as protection from the crusaders. The Salah El Din Al Ayouby Citadel is one of the spots in the garden that gives a spectacular view of the city.
Another interesting part of the garden is the lake. It is a peaceful spot to stop and look around. I was amazed at how well the entire complex was maintained. It should definitely be part of your 3 days in Cairo. The Al Azhar garden is a detox of sorts since Cairo can be quite overwhelming for a newcomer.
Dinner
The first day of your 3 days in Cairo has involved a lot of walking. I know that by the time I was done with it, I wanted to find a nice spot to eat and relax. Luckily, there is the perfect place just around the corner and I kid you not.
In fact, the Al Azhar garden has a number of restaurants that you can try out. If a you would like a view of the lake, then the Lake Restaurant is perfect. We however chose to head to the other side of the park and dine at Alain Le Notre.
If you are in the area during Ramadan, then this is the perfect spot to catch the Iftaar.
Day 2 In Cairo
We highly recommend spending the next day diving into the history of Egypt. This time we aren’t talking about churches and mosques. No, this time we mean visiting the pyramids and learning about the ancient Egyptians from the artefacts in the museum.
This means that you will cross over to the other side of the Nile and visit the city of Giza. Why stay in Cairo when you want to visit Giza? Well, largely because both cities while named differently are like two parts of a whole. It is easy to access the most important locations from either side.
Pyramids Of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza will definitely make its way on the list of places you visit during your 3 days in Cairo.
The highlight of almost every trip to Egypt is a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. The only remaining ancient wonder of the world that is still standing is as impressive today as it was all those years ago. I highly recommend getting an early start when it comes to the pyramids for a variety of reason. The first one is rather obvious. Tourists!
Yes… The longer you wait the more you will find tourists pouring in. The second reason however wasn’t something I had realized till I actually visited the pyramids. Being in the middle of a dessert, Cairo and Giza tend to get unbearably hot.
Walking about the complex will afford you with little to no shade. By visiting in the morning, you will find that you escape a lot of the heat.
Now you can take a tour guide, or you could explore the pyramids on your own. There are loads of scams that go on here. Plus, you really should know which ticket to buy in the beginning because you could land up wasting a lot of money.
Don’t worry though, we have you covered. For more detailed information about visiting this ancient wonder, take a look at our detailed guide on how to visit the Ancient Pyramids of Giza.
How long will you spend here?
Well, I know that a lot of tour companies will breeze in and breeze out of the complex but trust me, the place is rather magical and there is a surprising number of things to see. We spent four or five hours just roaming around and we only left because we were tired.
So why visit the Pyramids of Giza?
I think that visiting the last standing ancient wonder is still high on many people’s lists. It is hard to really explain the thoughts that went through my mind when I saw the pyramids for the first time. Awe is probably a good word to use here. In the light of the current achievements of man, the height of these pyramids isn’t that phenomenal.
As travelers, we’ve seen so many tall buildings across the world. But did you know that the Great Pyramid held the title for the tallest building in the world from 2560 BC to 1311 AD? It is amazing when you put it on a timeline and realize that this was building that was not built with today’s modernized machinery.
There’s more. Thing about how many years that this structure has survived! It is incredible. Till today, people haven’t been able to figure out how the ancient Egyptians managed to move the huge stones required to build the pyramid.
When you stand next to a pyramid (any pyramid), you invariably will feel dwarfed. So, if marvels of the world are part of the reason you travel, then the pyramids of Giza certainly need to be on your 3 days in Cairo itinerary.
Lunch
Now there are two options that you can choose from when it comes to lunch. The budget option is to pick from one of the many local restaurants outside the Pyramid complex. You won’t be disappointed since Egyptian food really is delicious!
Another really cool place to spend the afternoon which comes highly recommended is the Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel and Spa. We really wanted to stay at this hotel but spending the afternoon there eating lunch is a great option. Why? The hotel has a close proximity to the pyramids, and it has some gorgeous views of the complex.
Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian museum is the next place that should be on your 3 days in Cairo itinerary. Quite frankly, this was one of my favorite places in Cairo. It was where I spent not one but two whole days wandering the numerous artefacts and treasures that were on display. The museum also was the place where I did my research on the book that I wrote titled ‘The Elfin Pyramid’.
The Egyptian museum is currently located in Cairo, but the new building is under construction in Giza. There is a lot of hype surrounding the building and it is supposed to be a sight to behold. Nevertheless, it does not matter where the antiques are housed, what matters is actually getting a chance to see them.
Why visit the Egyptian museum?
I noticed that while the Egyptian museum is on almost every tour guides itinerary, most tours just breeze through. If you love history like I do (and Egyptian history is super duper interesting!) then you really should slot in a lot of time to wander these halls.
There is so much to see and learn. From the tomb and the jewelry of King Tutankhamun (even his name has loads of history in its making!) to the hieroglyphs, there are so many eras of the Egyptian history that has been unearthed over time. I think, if I had a chance to visit Cairo one more time, I would still head back to this amazing museum.
I’m could go on and on talking about how much I enjoyed my time here. Let the record however reflect that it wasn’t the old building that fascinated me. I did think that it could have used more maintenance though I guess a lot was overlooked because of the move to the shiny new place.
Anyway, if you do need more information, then take a look at our guide to the Egyptian museum in Cairo.
Nile Cruise
After a whole day of wandering through ancient Egypt, your legs and body will probably tell you that you need some rest. If you are anything like me, while your body may be weary, your mind will still tell you to get up and go and do stuff.
Luckily for you, we have the perfect way to end the day. Head out for a cruise down the Nile. Now there are loads of different cruises that are available and the prices of each differ. Each cruise has its own particular theme. The gist of them is usually simple. You head on board and are served a meal while you enjoy some traditional Egyptian entertainment.
Shawn and I found ourselves celebrating his birthday this way and in a way it was perfect. The cruise that we took spent around two to three hours on the Nile. We paired our rather enormous meal with a bottle of great red wine and when the festivities of the night got too loud, we stood on the balcony of the ship and watched the city pass by. It was peaceful and fun.
Day 3 in Cairo
I like to think that the way to explore Egypt is backwards which is exactly why we planned our itinerary this way. We started out in modern day Cairo and explored the current religious sites before moving on to the Pyramids of Giza which talks about an older Egyptian religion and history. Let’s step back in time further and visit some of the lesser visited pyramids in the country which are a day trip away from the city.
Getting to these rather out of reach destinations however will require either a driver or a guide. Not many tours take you here, so the hunt is rather real. The ones that do quote phenomenal costs. So do your research and try and find guides outside your hotel if possible. This excursion outside the city limits of Cairo is perfect for the last day of your 3 days in Cairo.
Memphis
If you are looking for great day trips from Cairo then Memphis should be on your list.
One of the first stops that you should make on your road trip is a place called Memphis. While most people will automatically think of a city in USA, Memphis is also a town in Egypt and is one of the ancient cities of the country which is still in use. This town houses a number of artefacts that are worth seeing. Despite all this, you probably won’t spend a lot of time here as it is just a small cordoned off area.
Dahshur
Looking for non touristy pyramids to visit during your 3 days in Cairo? Consider visiting Dahshur.
Now the next stop is really more interesting in many ways. I’m talking about visiting the pyramids of Dahshur. Unlike the pyramids of Giza, the pyramids here aren’t really popular. I think that it is largely because they are more spread out and aren’t quite as tall. What many people don’t know is that the pyramids of Saqqara and the pyramids of Dahshur were the learning curve that the Egyptians used to build the pyramids of Giza.
There are three pyramids that are noteworthy here: The black pyramid, the bent pyramid and the red pyramid. Each pyramid has its own special place in history. Out of the three pyramids, you are allowed to enter only one. The climb in can get a bit claustrophobic so be forewarned.
If you want to know more about visiting these pyramids, check out our guide to the pyramids of Dahshur.
Saqqara
One of the Mastabas in Saqqara.
Now while Dahshur may not be popular, the Pyramids of Saqqara have received some attention. Not a lot though. You will still probably find yourself with the pyramids all to yourself with the exception of an odd tourist here and there. This area is famous for the Step Pyramid. Unlike the other pyramids which have even sides. This pyramid is formed by what can only be described as steps.
The pyramid however is not the only thing that you can see here. You catch a glimpse of the ancient temple of the time, the mastabas (or tombs) of prominent Egyptians and the archeological site that surrounds the remains. To me, it felt a lot like walking into a movie. It was fascinating and beautiful with so much to explore and see.
I have a more detailed account of the area and our experience there in our guide to Saqqara.
Why should you include Memphis, Dahshur and Saqqara in your 3 days in Cairo itinerary?
When I tell people to head out on this road trip, I am frequently told asked why they should include these locations in their 3 days in Cairo. Aside from the fact that these are interesting in terms of the part they play in history; these iconic structures are also impressive. Unlike many parts of the world, these pyramids don’t attract large hordes of tourists. So, if you are really curious and want the place to yourself, this is where you want to be.
Lastly, remember how we talked about overtourism and its impact on the world around us? Well, one of the things that we highlighted was moving away from the crowds and exploring lesser visited areas. Saqqara and Dahshur are examples of just that.
So, with that we have all but covered our itinerary for 3 days in Cairo which includes (hopefully) plenty of time to rest too. I do like it when the itinerary isn’t too rushed, and I can take my time to really take in the sights. Before we wind off, there are a couple of things that I want to touch upon. These include warnings/precautions that you should take when travelling in Cairo.
Precautions That You Should Take During Your 3 Days In Cairo
One thing that you really need to realize (which is something that I did not consider in detail!) is that the city is effectively in a dessert. That means that you will face extremes when it comes to weather.
I’ve found the temperature to drop a lot more than anticipated in the nights and early morning, but this was in the first part of the year. The hot season on the other hand swings to the other extreme. When it gets hot, it really gets hot. So, check which month you will be travelling and check the weather.
So what should you carry?
That’s the question that has been asked rather frequently. Here are our suggestions.
- A reasonably warm jacket if you are travelling in winter is a must. It gets chilly and you will find yourself grateful for its warmth.
- Summer however is something that most of us are ill prepared for. The heat is scorching a it is a dry heat that pulls every ounce of fluid out of you. In order to combat it make sure that you stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle wherever you go and fill it up or replace it whenever you can. Do not take the sun for granted.
- Another thing that you should carry is sunscreen. Despite the dark colour of my skin and the fact that I was used to the high temperatures in India did not help me one bit. Luckily after our many escapades, we always pack our sunscreen by default.
- A scarf or a sarong is another accessory that I suggest adding to your packing list if you are a woman. It helps be discreet since I despised the extra attention being a woman and a follower afforded me in the city. It also helped keep the sun at bay. Another interesting use for it is to wrap it around your shoulders/waist to ensure that you are properly dressed before entering any of the religious sites in the city.
LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ?
I found myself very inspired during my time in Cairo. In fact, the inspiration led me to write and publish a book called ‘The Elfin Pyramid’. It is a mix of Egyptian mythology and fantasy. Wondering what the story is about? Well here is the synopsis.
Do you think that the pyramids of Egypt were built by man?
Baah! It was the magic of elves that brought about these wonders. You probably don’t know we exist – that’s exactly the way we want it. Times have changed and our magic has begun to ebb away. The only hope for Elfin survival lies in a forgotten region of modern Egypt. Sobek, Horus and I have no choice but to hurl through the desert, find a stolen pearl and bring its magic back home. The sands of time aren’t in our favour and, in a world full of deception, we are forced to face our worst fears.
This is our story…
Is Cairo on your bucket list or have you already visited the city? Is there anything that you would add to our 3 days in Cairo itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.
*This post contains Affiliate links