This Cairo Travel Guide has everything you need to know to plan the perfect first trip to Egypt! I’m sharing my first hand experience to help you make the most of your visit to Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museums and more hidden gems! You’ll find my real life 3 Day Cairo Itinerary including where to stay in Cairo, the best things to do, and my top safety tips!
I was on a magic carpet ride the first time I remember seeing the pyramids. My middle school history teacher, Mr. Harris, traveled around the world during his summer breaks. Then, when school resumed, he took our class on what he called “a magic carpet ride”, where he projected travel photos on the screen and told us stories of his adventures. There was always a good history lesson and lots of popcorn involved! I have dreamed of traveling to Egypt to visit the Great Pyramids of Giza ever since.
My dream came true finally when after attending a wedding in Greece, I hopped on a short flight from Athens to Cairo, Egypt.
Cairo is unlike anywhere I have ever visited. The driving, for one, stood out to me as the roads do not have lines, I never saw a working stoplight, there are no pedestrian crosswalks, but somehow it seems to work for the Egyptians.
Everything is the same dusty, desert, neutral color including the tall buildings which sometimes display unfinished roofs so they can easily add more floors when needed. There are cars speeding around honking to make their presence known, and tons of people moving about, some carrying baskets stacked high with bread atop their heads.
Cairo is one of the largest cities in the world, but amidst the chaos, it is a vibrant place full of treasures.
In this guide, I am sharing all about our experience in Cairo and how to plan to the perfect vacation to this bucket list destination!
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Our 3 Day Cairo Itinerary
Here is a brief overview of our Cairo itinerary and how we planned out our days. We spent 3 days in Cairo and it was the perfect amount of time to see the highlights in Egypt.
| Day | Activities | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | – Arrive in Cairo – Check-in at Four Seasons Cairo | – Dinner at Four Seasons Hotel restaurant, 8 |
| Day 2 | – Tour the Pyramids – Lunch at Mena House – Tour the Egyptian Museum – Afternoon at Hotel Pool – Dinner | – Lunch at Mena House – Room Service for Dinner |
| Day 3 | – Tour Islamic Cairo – Visit Citadel of Saladin – Visit Mosque of Muhammad Ali – Explore El Moez Street – Visit Khan el-Khalili – Evening Felucca ride on the Nile River – Dinner | – Dinner at Four Seasons Hotel, Zoutini |
How to Get to Cairo
Cairo may seem like a far-off destination, but it’s actually quite accessible from both the United States and Europe. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Cairo International Airport, making it easy to travel to this vibrant city. If you’re flying from the U.S., you can catch direct flights from airports like Washington Dulles (IAD) and New York’s JFK. The flight times are reasonable, typically around 10–12 hours, depending on your departure city.
Since we had already visited Greece, we had a quick connection from Athens, which made the journey even easier. If you’re coming from Europe, you’ll find plenty of convenient flight options with short layovers. Whether you’re flying a specific airline or prefer flexible options, there are numerous easy connections from major European cities like London, Paris, or Rome, ensuring a smooth transition to your Cairo adventure.
Where to Stay in Cairo
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Cairo, I highly recommend booking a hotel near the Nile River. Not only will you enjoy stunning views of this iconic landmark, but you’ll also be in a safe, central area with plenty of dining and sightseeing options nearby.
There are several excellent hotels along the river, ranging from luxurious to more budget-friendly, so you can easily find something that fits your preferences. Plus, staying close to the Nile means you’ll be just a short distance from some of the city’s top attractions, like the Egyptian Museum and the historic Cairo Citadel. It’s the perfect location for a memorable stay in the heart of Cairo.
Best Luxury and Mid-Range Hotels Along the Nile:
If you’re looking to stay by the Nile, Cairo has some amazing hotel options for both luxury and mid-range budgets. Here are a few I recommend:
- Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
This is where we stayed! It’s one of the most luxurious hotels in Cairo, offering gorgeous views of the Nile and impeccable service. The rooms are stunning, and the amenities are top-notch—think rooftop pool, world-class spa, and fine dining restaurants. Check rates for your stay here. - The Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
With its prime spot along the Nile, The Ritz-Carlton strikes the perfect balance between luxury and comfort. The rooms are beautiful, the spa is divine, and it’s just a short walk to Cairo’s best attractions. - Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
Set on its own private island on the Nile, this 5-star hotel offers breathtaking views and spacious rooms. It’s a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, with plenty of dining options and a spa you’ll want to unwind in. Check Sofitel rates here. - InterContinental Cairo Semiramis
Right along the Nile, the InterContinental hotel offers spacious rooms and great service at a more affordable price. Plus, the location is fantastic for sightseeing. - Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo
For a stylish and luxurious stay, Kempinski is hard to beat. The rooms and suites are elegant, the dining options are excellent, and it’s in a great spot near downtown Cairo—perfect for exploring the city while enjoying a relaxing retreat.
Our Hotel: Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza
We knew Egypt may be a risky place to travel so made sure to stay in a nice and familiar hotel. It was a number one requirement to stay along the Nile River so we looked at the Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons.
We ultimately felt the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza was nicer and loved that they had large balconies to watch the sunset over Cairo. The rate was actually very affordable when we visited in September. Here is a brief mini review for you guys!
The Rooms
The rooms were well appointed with nice decor, comfortable beds, pictures of Ancient Egypt, and large balconies overlooking the Nile River. The sun sets across the river and there is no better view than from a high floor balcony with a cup of tea in hand…while wearing a FS robe!
Dining
There seem to be some incredible restaurants in Cairo, but we did not feel comfortable venturing out on our own at night. We dined at the hotel each night and had some great meals.
The first night our flight got in late so we ordered room service! We dined at Zitouni and 8 the following two nights.
Zitouni is known for their Egyptian food and we had lots of it. We shared several mezzes and loved the muhammara dip. I was hesitant to try the Egyptian wine, but we ordered a white and it was quite good!
The last night, we had dinner at the hotel’s Chinese restaurant called 8 which was amazing. You’ll want to make reservations in advance.
We also enjoyed lunch at the pool restaurant and drinks at the Upper Deck Lounge.
All of the many dining outlets at Four Seasons Cairo are lovely!
Service
The Four Seasons app makes it so easy to communicate with the hotel especially for being so many time zones away. We were able to arrange transportation from the airport and secure dinner reservations all through the app!
We arranged for airport transfers to the hotel, but we were surprised to find someone waiting for us upon exiting the plane! At CAI, they allow people to meet you and assist through customs and security. This was the NICEST amenity in a country where we knew zero of the language. Entering Egypt was a breeze especially because we purchased visas online ahead of time. Read my travel tips below for more on this.
Things to Do in Cairo for 3 Days
First, I want to share a crucial piece of advice which is to hire a tour guide in Cairo! We hired a Cairo travel guide through Egypt Tailor Made tours after I scoured the internet for reviews. We knew we wanted to have a local with us and it was pretty inexpensive for having two people, a guide and a driver, with us for two days.
In Egypt, tour guides are considered “Egyptologists” and must be native Egyptian and pass rigorous testing requirements. Our guide was Heba and she is a fabulous person with a real deep knowledge for her country. Definitely ask for her if you visit!
The security in Egypt is incredibly serious and made me feel safe. On entering our hotel and every attraction, they have dogs to sniff around the vehicle and you must go through a metal detector. It was much easier having locals to help navigate this.
Below, I am sharing all of the many amazing things to do in Cairo, Egypt. Of course, you are there to see the Giza pyramids, but you will not want to miss Khan El Khalili or the opportunity to explore Islamic Cairo.
Great Pyramids of Giza
This is most likely why you are coming to Egypt in the first place, but the pyramids are truly more remarkable than you can imagine. The Great Pyramids of Giza are one of the original seven wonders of the world and the only ancient one still standing.
I was blown away listening to our guide, Heba, tell us the history as I admired these massive structures. It is unbelievable to touch the pyramids and know they were built more than 5000 years ago.
We did not go inside the pyramids because from what I hear it is a very small space and no artifacts inside. I also can’t imagine how hot it must be in there. There is an additional fee if you choose to enter.
Photo op at the Giza Pyramids: You must go to the panorama spot to see all of the pyramids in a line. There are 9 pyramids including the queen’s pyramids and it is a remarkable site. I did not want to get on a camel, but Heba kind of insisted and it was worth it for the view.
Great Sphinx of Giza
The Sphinx is one of the oldest and largest statues in the world. The Ancient Egyptians built these to protect tombs and temples. The combination of the human head on a lion’s body is thought to be a symbol of strength and intelligence.
Photo ops at The Sphinx: before you enter, walk up the hill to see the Sphinx with the pyramids lined up behind it. Once you do enter, people crowd around the front to take photos, walk past all those people and take the same great photos.
Egyptian Museum
We were hoping the new Grand Egyptian Museum would open prior to our trip, but we were not so lucky. We got to visit the current museum located in Cairo not far from our hotel. It is incredible to see all of the old artifacts that are quite similar to things we use today. For example, the jewelry, makeup brushes, and shoes have not changed that much in 5000 years! This is definitely a must see spot following the pyramids.
Citadel of Saladin
You will definitely want to explore Islamic Cairo during your trip to Egypt. I didn’t know much about Cairo beyond the pyramids, but was blown away by this area.
The Citadel of Saladin is one of the most iconic monuments of Islamic Cairo. It was started by Sultan Salah al-Din and completed by subsequent rulers in 1176. For approximately 700 years it was home to Egypt’s rulers from the 9th to 13th century.
Mosque of Muhammed Ali
The Mosque of Muhammed Ali sits inside of the Citadel. It is also known as the Alabaster Mosque as the entire exterior is coated in beautiful alabaster. It’s absolutely breathtaking!
Khan el-Khalili
Khan el-Khalili was built in the 14th century and is a famous bazaar (or souk) located in the center of historic or old Cairo. It takes up a massive area with people selling spices, lanterns, textiles, and so many other goods. If you only have three days in Cairo, don’t miss this!
You will find many cafes serving traditional Egyptian food and coffee in this area. It is frequented by tourists and locals alike.
To commemorate our bucket list trip to Cairo, we bought a small traditional Arabian candle holder and small statues of Hatshepsut and King Tut that make great bookends! Adjacent to Khan el-Khalili is…..
El Moez Street
El Moez Street is a long pedestrian street home to tons of examples of beautiful medieval architecture in old Cairo. You will see stunning mosques alongside vendors selling everything from olives to handcrafted goods. It’s free to roam the street, but there is an entry fee if you choose to check out the mosques.
Felucca Ride on the Nile River
When in Egypt, you MUST get out on the Nile River. Take a ride in the charming, wooden felucca’s to enjoy the sunset. The Four Seasons Cairo set it up for us and the felucca’s are waiting right across the street.
I recommend a felucca ride at sunset for incredible views as the sky turns pink!
Taste Local Flavors at Mena House Cairo
After a long morning exploring the pyramids, head around the corner to the Mena House restaurant. You’ll enjoy a laid back lunch or tea while taking in the pyramid filled skyline.
What to Pack for Egypt
Since Cairo is very much the desert the climate tends to be HOT. It was at least 95F during the days we were there in September. It is a subtropical desert climate with mild winters (November- February) and hot, sunny summers. Read my full packing guide for Cairo here.
I find it very important to be respectful of the culture when you are visiting someone else’s home. The people in Egypt are typically seen in clothing that fully covers their bodies. The women wear long pants or dresses covering their ankles and tops that cover at least their shoulders.
Almost every woman I saw was wearing some form of head covering. That being said, here are the simple rules I suggest you try to follow as a female tourist in Egypt:
For women: cover your knees (at the very least), shoulders and chest. You do not have to wear a headscarf, but I did bring one in case I felt uncomfortable being that I have blonde hair and blue eyes. I tend to stand out in places like Cairo! I never did wear it, but you may need it inside a mosque.
For men: wear long pants and short sleeve shirts and you will be fine.
Egypt Packing list
- Flowy clothing since it is hot
- Maxi/midi skirts and dresses
- Tops that cover shoulders
- Tennis shoes – lots of walking and sand at pyramids. I wore these white sneakers and LOVE them!
- Sandals
- Headscarf just in case! this neutral one will match all your outfits.
- SPF – I like this one for my face!
- Sunglasses because it is bright in the desert
- Sun hat
Egypt Entry Requirements – You need a visa!
You will need two things to enter Egypt: a passport and a visa.
As an American citizen, you can travel to Egypt right now! You simply need a visa to enter the country and can apply for it in advance to make going through customs a breeze. Here is the only approved portal to purchase your tourist visa for $25USD. DO NOT wait to get your visa!
Your passport will need to have 6 months validity to enter Egypt. Ensure your passport is not close to expiring so that you are not denied entry.
Egypt Travel Tips and FAQ
Finishing this Cairo travel guide with all of my top tips and answers to some frequently asked questions.
I felt very secure in Cairo. There are guards everywhere, especially at major attractions and hotels. You’ll notice dogs checking cars at every entrance before you’re allowed in. It’s reassuring to see such a strong focus on safety throughout the city.
Yes, you will need visas to enter Egypt which you may purchase online prior to your trip. It costs $25USD and is so easy to complete. This is the only approved portal that will not charge additional fees – https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg/
Drones are not allowed in Egypt so do not risk bringing one. There is a lot of security to exit the airport so don’t try it.
We connected in Greece so left ours at the airport with Care 4 Bags and picked it up on our return flight.
While EgyptAir is the main carrier, it’s worth considering that service can be hit or miss. On my flights, there were significant delays, and communication was lacking. If you do fly EgyptAir, upgrading to business class is a good idea. The economy seats are cramped with very little legroom. For smoother travel, you might want to explore other regional airlines for better comfort and reliability.
Yes, I highly recommend hiring a guide in Egypt. A knowledgeable guide can make your visit much smoother, especially at major attractions. Be sure to choose one that includes your tickets, so you don’t have to worry about standing in long lines for entry. It really enhances the experience!
Customs in Cairo is pretty easy, especially if you have a guide. They can meet you at your gate and walk you through the process, handling everything for you. We stayed at the Four Seasons and arranged an airport transfer through the hotel, which included this helpful service. It made the whole experience smooth and stress-free!
Read this book before you go: When Women Ruled by Kara Cooney is a fabulous exploration of the remarkable six female pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.
The Wrap Up: Egypt Travel Guide
I’m so excited to finally cross Egypt off my bucket list. We were initially cautious about safety, so we stuck close to Cairo, but I quickly realized there’s so much more to explore. If you have more time, definitely consider visiting the Valley of the Kings or spending time in Alexandria. A group tour in Egypt is definitely the way to go if you are worried about safety. There’s so much history and beauty to discover around the country.
For more tips on what to pack, outfit ideas, and travel essentials, be sure to check out my Egypt packing guide for all the details you’ll need to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Feel free to ask me anything by using the comment form below!
Three Day Cairo Itinerary
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