2 days in Cairo: our itinerary
Planning to visit Cairo during your trip to Egypt and only have two days? We'll give you all the must-see sites so you don't miss the essentials.
Planning to visit Cairo during your trip to Egypt and only have two days? We'll give you all the must-see sites in Cairo so you don't miss the essentials. Discover our itinerary to explore Cairo in 2 days.
Day 1: Visiting the Giza Plateau, the Egyptian Museum of Cairo and sunset on the Nile
The Pyramids of Giza
To start your stay in Cairo, you can begin with the most anticipated site of all: the famous Pyramids of Giza.
Located on the left bank of the Nile, 13 km from downtown Cairo, this vast funerary complex features Égypte's largest pyramids: the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Khufu, the tallest of the 3 pyramids at 137 meters high, is the only one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world still standing today. During your visit, you can venture into the depths of the pyramids to discover the burial chambers of ancient pharaohs... A visit to do at least once in a lifetime!
Discover or rediscover our complete guide to visiting the Pyramids of Giza.
The Egyptian Museum of Cairo
After discovering the sublime Pyramids of Giza, you can head to downtown Cairo by bus, metro, or taxi. Head to Tahrir Square to enhance your knowledge of ancient Égypte's history by visiting the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. The program includes: discovery of 150,000 objects and artworks related to ancient Égypte, from the pharaonic dynasty to the Greco-Roman period. You'll see mummies, sarcophagi, funerary objects, sculptures, papyri, and much more...
Sunset on the Nile
To end the day on a high note, we can only recommend taking a felucca cruise on the Nile to admire the sunset. A felucca is a traditional boat with a triangular sail. For an hour or two, let yourself drift with the current, far from the city's hustle and bustle... Don't hesitate to contact us to book your excursion!
Day 2: Visiting the Old City and the Coptic Museum
Now that you've seen the Pyramids of Giza and learned more about ancient Égypte's history, we suggest continuing your journey through time, but this time in the heart of the city: in Old Cairo. As you wander through the winding streets of the old city, lose yourself in the traces of Cairo of old...
Here are the must-see sites in Old Cairo:
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As
It is the first mosque built on the African continent. It has undergone numerous restorations, which provides an opportunity to admire many elements from different eras.
The Church of St. George
Built on one of the towers of the Roman fortress of Babylon, this church, topped with a large dome, has the distinction of being the only circular church in all of Égypte.
The Hanging Church of Old Cairo
More commonly known as "El Moallaqa" (for "the Hanging Church"), the Church of Sitt Mariam or the Church of the Virgin Mary was built around the 7th century on the site of the south tower of the Roman fortress of Babylon. It is the most famous Coptic place of worship in Cairo
The Ben Ezra Synagogue
The Ben Ezra Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Égypte. While it may not look extraordinary from the outside, this synagogue holds many treasures to admire on the inside including its patterned ceilings, woodwork, and balconies...
The Coptic Museum of Cairo
Founded in 1910 by Marcus Simaïka, the Coptic Museum of Cairo is the world's richest museum of Coptic art. Through an impressive collection of objects (manuscripts, textile artifacts, stained glass, woodwork, mosaics, fountains...) spread across 25 rooms, you will discover the origins of the Christian faith in Égypte.
Still have some time left? If you want more, you can continue your visit to two other emblematic sites of Cairo:
The Citadel of Saladin whose ramparts protected the city from attacks by the Crusaders in the 12th century, is located on the heights of the city. This medieval fortress offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city and further on, the Nile and the Pyramids of Giza.
The Khan El Khalili Bazaar : it is the largest bazaar in the Middle East and the oldest souk in Cairo. You will find many handcrafted items (jewelry, fabrics, carpets, spices, pottery, leather goods...). It's the perfect place to buy souvenirs and discover the life of local communities!
Frequently asked questions
Allow between 2 to 4 hours to visit the Pyramids of Giza site depending on your pace. If you want to enter one of the pyramids and also visit the Solar Barque Museum, plan for a full half-day instead.
From the Pyramids of Giza to Tahrir Square (Egyptian Museum), you can take a taxi or an app like Careem or Uber. The trip takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. The metro does not directly serve the pyramids site.
Yes, most religious sites in Old Cairo are open to non-Muslim and non-Christian tourists. However, it is imperative to respect the dress code: shoulders and knees covered, and remove shoes before entering mosques. Covering garments are often available at the entrance.
Early morning, when the site opens, is ideal to avoid crowds and heat. In summer, temperatures can exceed 40°C in the middle of the day. Additionally, morning light is particularly beautiful for photographs of the pyramids.
Yes, felucca cruises (traditional sailing boats) depart regularly from several boarding points along the Nile in Cairo, particularly from the Zamalek or Garden City neighborhoods. A trip typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours. It's an excellent way to admire the sunset over Cairo.
In 2 well-organized days, it is entirely possible to see the must-see sites of Cairo: the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo and its religious monuments, as well as the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. For a more in-depth discovery including Islamic neighborhoods and the new Grand Égypte Museum (GEM), 3 to 4 days would be preferable.
