Cairo Egypt 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Cairo

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Start your day at the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Take a guided tour and learn about the history and significance of these incredible structures.
  • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Visit the Solar Boat Museum located near the pyramids, which houses a remarkably well-preserved ancient boat.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Head to Khan el-Khalili, one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in the Middle East. Get lost in the narrow alleys and shop for souvenirs, spices, and perfumes.
  • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Take a short walk to Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest and most important mosques in Islamic Cairo.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner at Abu Tarek, a local institution serving delicious koshari, falafel, and shawarma.
  • 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Take a leisurely stroll along the Nile River Corniche and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Accommodation

  • Stay at the Windsor Hotel, a comfortable and conveniently located hotel with stunning views of the Nile.

Transportation

  • Use Uber or Careem to get around Cairo, as they are widely available and affordable.
  • Alternatively, hire a private car and driver for the day to make transportation easier.

Tips and Things to Know

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques and churches.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
  • Haggling is expected at bazaars, so be ready to negotiate prices.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM) to minimize traffic.

Day 2: Discovering Islamic Cairo

Morning

  • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies and sarcophagi.
  • 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Explore the Islamic Cairo neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic mosques, madrasas, and bazaars.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Stop for lunch at Felfela, a local favorite serving traditional Egyptian dishes like mahshi and shish taouk.
  • 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque in the Citadel of Cairo, a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

Evening

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Zamalek’s La Bodega, a trendy restaurant serving international cuisine.
  • 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Take a scenic walk around the ** Zamalek** neighborhood, known for its upscale atmosphere and stunning Nile views.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

  • Try to avoid traveling during Ramadan, as many attractions and restaurants may be closed or have limited hours.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques and churches.
  • Don’t drink tap water; instead, opt for bottled or filtered water.
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “hello” (مرحبا - Marhaba) and “thank you” (شكرا - Shukraan), to show respect for the local culture.

Other Recommendations

  • Take a Nile River dinner cruise to see Cairo’s skyline at night.
  • Visit the Cairo Tower for panoramic views of the city.
  • Explore the Coptic Cairo neighborhood, home to many historic churches and monasteries.

Remember to stay safe, respect local customs, and enjoy your time in this incredible city!