Cairo, Egypt-5-day-itinerary
Day 1: Ancient Wonders
- Morning: Start at the iconic Pyramids of Giza (open from 8am to 5pm). Take a guided tour or explore on your own. Don’t forget to take a photo with the pyramid police!
- Lunch: Head to Koshari Abou Tarek, a popular spot for delicious and affordable Egyptian cuisine.
- Afternoon: Visit the Solar Boat Museum (open from 9am to 4pm) to learn about ancient boat-building techniques. Then, explore the Egyptian Museum (open from 9am to 5pm), home to the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
- Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner at Felfela Restaurant, known for its flavorful kebabs and falafel.
- Accommodation: Stay at the luxurious Marriott Mena House Hotel or the budget-friendly Osiris Hotel, both with stunning pyramid views.
Day 2: Islamic Cairo
- Morning: Visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha (open from 9am to 4pm), a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
- Lunch: Try some delicious street food at Al-Azhar Park or grab a sandwich at Cilantro Cafe.
- Afternoon: Explore Khan el-Khalili, one of the oldest and most vibrant bazaars in the Middle East. Be prepared to haggle!
- Dinner: Savor modern Egyptian cuisine at Zamalek’s trendy restaurant, The Cairo Kitchen.
- Accommodation: Same as Day 1.
Day 3: Coptic Cairo
- Morning: Visit the Hanging Church (open from 9am to 4pm), one of the oldest churches in Egypt. Explore the nearby Coptic Museum (open from 9am to 5pm).
- Lunch: Enjoy a hearty meal at Abou El Sid, serving traditional Egyptian dishes.
- Afternoon: Walk through the charming streets of Islamic Cairo and visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue (open from 9am to 4pm), one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt.
- Dinner: Treat yourself to a lavish dinner at the luxurious Nile Ritz-Carlton’s Culina restaurant.
- Accommodation: Same as Day 1.
Day 4: Nile River Cruise
- Morning: Take a leisurely Nile River cruise (around 2 hours) and enjoy the stunning city views. You can book through a reputable tour operator or at your hotel.
- Lunch: Savor international cuisine on board or grab a snack from a local vendor.
- Afternoon: Visit the Citadel of Cairo (open from 9am to 5pm), a medieval Islamic fortification with breathtaking views.
- Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner at the popular restaurant, Kandahar.
- Accommodation: Same as Day 1.
Day 5: Modern Cairo
- Morning: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Zamalek, known for its upscale boutiques and art galleries. Visit the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art (open from 10am to 2pm).
- Lunch: Grab a coffee or snack at one of the many cafes in Zamalek.
- Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Nile Corniche, offering stunning river views. Visit the iconic Cairo Tower (open from 9am to 1am) for panoramic views of the city.
- Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the renowned restaurant, Abou El Fadl.
- Accommodation: Same as Day 1.
Things to Know
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques and churches.
- Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
- Haggling is expected in bazaars and markets.
- Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (4-7 pm) due to heavy traffic.
- Stay hydrated and bring sunscreen.
Transportation
- Taxis: Available everywhere, but agree on the fare beforehand.
- Uber: Widely available and convenient.
- Metro: An affordable and efficient way to get around Cairo.
- Walking: A great way to explore the city, but be mindful of crowds and traffic.
Tips
- Learn some basic Arabic phrases to show respect for the culture.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Try to avoid traveling alone at night.
- Keep your valuables secure and be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
- Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
Other Things of Interest
- Take a day trip to Saqqara, a vast ancient burial ground.
- Explore the charming town of Maadi, known for its gardens and Nile views.
- Attend a Sufi dance performance at the Al-Ghouri Wakala.
- Visit the vibrant street art scene in Downtown Cairo.
Remember to stay safe, be respectful, and enjoy your incredible journey through Cairo!