This plan balances Cairo’s ancient icons with its lively historic neighborhoods, keeping each day geographically focused. Costs are rough per-person estimates in Egyptian pounds (EGP), excluding accommodation and most meals.
Budget
About EGP 4,000–7,000 per person for listed entries and activities, excluding transport, accommodation, and most meals.
Best time to visit
October to April, when daytime temperatures are generally more comfortable for sightseeing.
Giza Plateau
Spend the day among the pyramids and Sphinx, with a relaxed evening nearby to avoid a long cross-city journey.
Morning
Explore the
Arrive early to see the Great Pyramid, Pyramid of Khafre, and surrounding plateau before the strongest heat and busiest hours. Allow around 3–4 hours; the Giza Plateau is a large site, so walking between monuments takes about 10–20 minutes.
About EGP 700Afternoon
See the Great Sphinx
The Sphinx is within the same archaeological complex, about a 15-minute walk from the main pyramid area. Take time for the viewing platforms and nearby Valley Temple.
About Included with Giza Plateau entryEvening
Watch the sunset from the plateau
Stay in the Giza area for a sunset view of the pyramids, then choose a nearby restaurant for dinner. The Sphinx viewing area is roughly a 10-minute walk from many plateau-side dining spots.
About EGP 300–800
Old Cairo and Islamic Cairo
Pair Coptic landmarks in Old Cairo with the mosques, lanes, and market of the historic center.
Morning
Visit the
Explore Egypt’s rich Christian heritage in Old Cairo. Allow about 1–2 hours; the museum is a short, roughly 5-minute walk from the next stop.
About EGP 250Morning
See the Hanging Church
Visit this landmark church in the heart of the Coptic Cairo complex, around a 5-minute walk from the . Check opening hours and be respectful if a service is underway.
FreeAfternoon
Admire the
Take a taxi or ride-hailing car from Old Cairo to the Citadel area; the trip usually takes about 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic. The monumental complex is worth at least an hour.
About EGP 220Afternoon
Walk through
From Sultan Hassan, allow around 10–20 minutes by car to reach the market, depending on traffic. Browse the historic lanes and pause for tea or a snack.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Stay in for dinner at this atmospheric restaurant; it is within the market area, about a 5-minute walk from the main lanes. Reserve ahead if possible.
About EGP 500–1,200
Downtown Cairo and the Nile
Discover central Cairo’s museum and streets, then end with a scenic Nile-side evening.
Morning
Explore the Egyptian Museum
See a remarkable collection of ancient Egyptian objects in central Cairo; allow 2–3 hours. The museum is a short walk from Tahrir Square.
About EGP 550Afternoon
Stroll around Downtown Cairo
Walk the elegant historic streets around and enjoy a relaxed lunch. From the Egyptian Museum, the central streets are about 10–15 minutes on foot.
FreeEvening
Take a Nile dinner cruise
Head to the river for a dinner cruise and Cairo’s night skyline; allow about 10–20 minutes by taxi from central Downtown, depending on the departure pier and traffic. Confirm the pier and sailing time when booking.
About EGP 1,500–3,500
Good to know
Getting around
Traffic can be heavy, so allow extra time for cross-city transfers. Use a reputable ride-hailing app or agree on the fare before starting a taxi ride.
Visiting sites
Check current opening times and ticket prices before you go, as prices and access rules can change. Carry water and sun protection, especially at Giza.
Markets and mosques
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and politely confirm prices before buying goods or accepting services in busy tourist areas.