3 Days in Cairo: A Day-by-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day one is at Giza, with the pyramids and the Sphinx in the morning and Tutankhamun's treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum next door. Day two covers the old Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, the churches of Coptic Cairo and the royal mummies at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, ending at Cairo Tower. Day three climbs to Saladin's Citadel, then walks through Islamic Cairo to Al-Azhar, Al-Muizz Street and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Good to Know
Estimated total per person: ₹9,600 to ₹13,500, excluding flights and hotel
Weather: Hot, dry summers, mild sunny winters, and almost no rain at any time of year.
Pack:
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
Comfortable shoes for sand and uneven ground
Clothes covering shoulders and knees for mosques
A scarf for women entering mosques
Local tips:
Ticket counters at archaeological sites are cashless; carry a credit or debit card.
Use ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Careem instead of street taxis to avoid haggling.
Guides, camel owners and photographers at Giza can be pushy; agree any price before you accept a ride or a photo.
Booking tips:
Foreign visitors must buy Grand Egyptian Museum tickets online in advance.
Tickets to go inside the Great Pyramid are limited each day; buy them early in the morning.
Getting there (from India):
flight: Nonstop with EgyptAir from Delhi and Mumbai, or one-stop via the Gulf - About 6.5 hours nonstop from Delhi
Cairo International Airport is about 45 minutes to an hour from downtown, depending on traffic; Sphinx International Airport is closer to Giza.
Fares change daily with demand, so compare dates before booking.
Day 1: The Giza pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum
The pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx in the cool of the morning, then Tutankhamun's treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Pyramids of Giza (morning): Arrive at the Giza plateau when it opens to see the three great pyramids before the heat and the crowds. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built around 2560 BC, was the tallest structure on Earth for nearly 4,000 years. Walk around its base, then drive to the panoramic viewpoint for the classic view of all the pyramids together. EGP 700 (about ₹1,300), foreign adult, plateau ticket; going inside the Great Pyramid is EGP 1,500 extra Why visit: The last surviving wonder of the ancient world; The panoramic viewpoint over all the pyramids Know before you go: Go at opening time; Card payment only at the ticket office
Great Sphinx of Giza (late morning): Walk down to the Great Sphinx, carved from the bedrock with a lion's body and a pharaoh's head, guarding the causeway to the pyramid of Khafre. The valley temple beside it is built of huge granite blocks. Free, included in the plateau ticket Why visit: The Sphinx with the pyramids behind it; The granite valley temple Know before you go: The best photos are from the terrace next to the valley temple
The Grand Egyptian Museum (afternoon): Drive to the Grand Egyptian Museum, about 10 minutes, a vast new museum beside the plateau. A colossal statue of Ramses II greets you in the atrium, the grand staircase is lined with pharaohs' statues, and the Tutankhamun galleries show the boy king's treasures together for the first time, including his golden mask. EGP 1,450 (about ₹2,600), foreign adult; book online in advance Why visit: Tutankhamun's complete treasures and golden mask; The giant statue of Ramses II Know before you go: Foreign visitors must buy tickets online; Allow at least three hours
Eat: 9 Pyramids Lounge - A restaurant on the Giza plateau itself, serving Egyptian dishes with the pyramids in view.
Evening: Watch the sound and light show at the foot of the Sphinx, or have dinner with a view of the pyramids.
Budget for the day: ₹5,600 to ₹7,600 per person, excluding hotel
Day 2: The Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo and the royal mummies
The original Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, the churches of Coptic Cairo, the royal mummies at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and sunset from Cairo Tower.
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) (morning): Start at the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, opened in 1902 in a pink neoclassical building and still packed with statues, coffins and jewellery. Look for the Narmer Palette, the statues of Khafre and the treasures of Yuya and Tjuyu. EGP 450 (about ₹810), foreign adult Why visit: A huge collection in a historic building; Pieces not moved to the new museum Know before you go: Labels are sparse; a guide or audio guide helps
Hanging Church (afternoon): Take the metro or a car to Coptic Cairo, about 20 minutes. The Hanging Church is built over the gate of a Roman fortress, its nave suspended above the old passage, with carved wooden screens and icons inside. Wander the lanes nearby to the other old churches and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. Free Why visit: One of Egypt's oldest churches, built over a Roman gate; The quiet lanes of Coptic Cairo Know before you go: Dress modestly; Services take priority
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (late afternoon): Continue a few minutes to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization at Fustat. Its underground hall holds the royal mummies of pharaohs including Ramses II and Hatshepsut, moved here in a grand parade in 2021. EGP 200 (about ₹360), foreign adult Why visit: The royal mummies of Ramses II and other pharaohs; Egypt's story from prehistory to today Know before you go: No photos in the mummies hall
Cairo Tower (sunset): Drive to Zamalek island, about 20 minutes, and ride up Cairo Tower, built in 1961 with a lattice shell like a lotus plant. From the top, the Nile, the city and, on a clear day, the pyramids spread out below. EGP 200 (about ₹360), foreign adult Why visit: The best view over Cairo and the Nile; Sunset over the city Know before you go: Expect a queue for the lift at sunset
Eat: Koshary Abou Tarek - Downtown's most famous koshary shop, near Tahrir, serving Egypt's national dish of rice, lentils, pasta and spicy tomato sauce. Fully vegetarian.
Evening: Walk along the Nile Corniche after Cairo Tower, or take a felucca ride at dusk.
Budget for the day: ₹1,900 to ₹2,500 per person, excluding hotel
Day 3: The Citadel, Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili
Saladin's Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, Al-Azhar, Al-Muizz Street and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Saladin Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali (morning): Start at the Citadel, the hilltop fortress built by Saladin in the 12th century, which was the seat of Egypt's rulers for about 700 years. Inside, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its domes and slender minarets, dominates the skyline; its terrace looks out over the whole city. EGP 550 (about ₹990), foreign adult, includes the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Why visit: The Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali; Views over the minarets of old Cairo Know before you go: Remove shoes inside the mosque; Women should carry a scarf
Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan (late morning): Walk down the hill to the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, about 10 minutes, a massive 14th-century Mamluk building with a soaring entrance portal and a huge open courtyard ringed by four vaulted halls. Small entry fee for foreign visitors Why visit: One of the greatest buildings of medieval Cairo; The vast courtyard and vaulted halls Know before you go: Closed to visitors during prayers
Al-Azhar Mosque (afternoon): Take a short car ride to Al-Azhar Mosque, founded in 970, one of the oldest universities in the world still teaching today. Its white marble courtyard is framed by minarets from different centuries. Free Why visit: A thousand-year-old mosque and university; Minarets from many eras Know before you go: Remove shoes; women should cover their hair; Visits pause during prayers
Al-Muizz Street (late afternoon): Cross the road and walk up Al-Muizz Street, the main street of Fatimid Cairo, lined with mosques, madrasas, fountains and old houses from the 10th to the 19th century. It is pedestrian for much of its length. Free, to walk; some monuments charge Why visit: A whole street of medieval mosques and houses; Lovely in the late afternoon light Know before you go: Some buildings charge a small fee to go inside
Khan el-Khalili (evening): End in Khan el-Khalili, the bazaar founded in the 14th century, a maze of lanes selling lamps, spices, perfume, brass and textiles. Stop at one of its old cafés for tea. Free Why visit: Cairo's great historic bazaar; Old cafés for mint tea Know before you go: Bargain for everything; Watch your bag in the crowds
Eat: Naguib Mahfouz Café - A café and restaurant inside the bazaar named after the Nobel-winning Cairo novelist, with Egyptian dishes in a calm, decorated room.
Evening: Sit at a café in Khan el-Khalili with mint tea as the lanterns come on.
Budget for the day: ₹2,000 to ₹3,100 per person, excluding hotel
Want a Different Pace?
Saqqara and Memphis: The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara and the ruins of Memphis, south of Giza: Egypt's oldest pyramid and quieter tombs. (Trade-off: A half day by car with a driver. - Costs more)
Nile felucca at sunset: A sailing boat ride on the Nile from the Corniche: A calm hour on the river as the city lights come on. (Trade-off: Agree the price per boat before boarding. - Costs a little more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Cairo?
A 3-day Cairo itinerary like this one works well for First-time visitors, History lovers, Families with older children. It's not the best fit if You are visiting in June to August, when afternoons are very hot or You dislike crowds, traffic and bargaining.
How much does a 3-day Cairo trip cost per person?
Budget about ₹9,600 to ₹13,500 per person for entry tickets, food and local transport on this 3-day Cairo itinerary. Flights and hotel are extra.
What's the best time to visit Cairo?
The best time to visit Cairo is October to April.
How do I get to Cairo from India?
Common options are flight (About 6.5 hours nonstop from Delhi). Cairo International Airport is about 45 minutes to an hour from downtown, depending on traffic; Sphinx International Airport is closer to Giza.
What are the must-see places in Cairo in 3 days?
Day 1: Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx of Giza and The Grand Egyptian Museum. Day 2: Egyptian Museum (Tahrir), Hanging Church, National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and Cairo Tower. Day 3: Saladin Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, Al-Azhar Mosque, Al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili.
Which Cairo attractions are free?
On this itinerary, Great Sphinx of Giza, Hanging Church, Al-Azhar Mosque, Al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili are free to visit (some charge for special exhibitions or inside visits).
How much are entry tickets in Cairo in rupees?
Pyramids of Giza: EGP 700 (about ₹1,300); The Grand Egyptian Museum: EGP 1,450 (about ₹2,600); Egyptian Museum (Tahrir): EGP 450 (about ₹810); National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: EGP 200 (about ₹360); Cairo Tower: EGP 200 (about ₹360); Saladin Citadel and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali: EGP 550 (about ₹990). Prices are adult tickets, converted to rupees and rounded; check the official site before booking.
Is it worth going inside the Great Pyramid?
Only if you are curious and comfortable in tight spaces. It costs EGP 1,500 extra, the passage is steep, narrow and hot, and the burial chamber at the top is bare. Most visitors are happy with the plateau ticket.
Can you pay cash at Egyptian monuments?
No. Ticket counters at archaeological sites and museums are cashless, so carry a credit or debit card. Foreign visitors must book Grand Egyptian Museum tickets online.
Where to Eat in Cairo
Sobhy Kaber - ★4.3-151 Ebeid, As Sahel, Rod El Farag, Cairo Governorate 4350021, Egypt
El Abd Patisserie - ★4.5-25 Talaat Harb, Bab Al Louq, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 4280150, Egypt
Semsema - ★4.2 - ٦ Al Dokki St, Ad Doqi, Dokki, Giza Governorate 3750230, Egypt
Neama - ★4.2 - Aถ 172 Nile Corniche, Al Agouzah, Agouza, Giza Governorate 3753551, Egypt
Hawawshi Al-Rabi' - ★4.5-36P8+GXC, Mohammed Al Embabi, El-Tahrir City, Imbaba, Giza Governorate 3854621, Egypt
El Karnak - ★4.3 - Gad, قسم السيده، Abdeen, Cairo Governorate 11613, Egypt
il Nilo - ★4.9-1085 Nile Corniche, El-Nile، Cairo Governorate 4272010, Egypt