3 days in Cairo: our must-see attractions
Once ruled by the pharaohs, it also witnessed Roman conquest, the Arab conquest, Napoleon's campaign and British rule—I'm speaking of Cairo.
Once ruled by the pharaohs, it also witnessed Roman conquest, the Arab conquest, Napoleon's campaign and British rule—I'm speaking of Cairo. An open book on the country's history, Cairo is an essential stop on any trip to Egypt. To ensure you don't miss the highlights, we've put together the must-see sites for visiting Cairo in three days.
The Giza Plateau and its pyramids
A stay in Cairo is unimaginable without visiting the Giza Plateau! A testament to the ancient power of Egypt's great pharaohs, it is one of the planet's most famous historical sites and one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Located to the south, 13 km from Cairo's city center, it is a vast funerary complex that houses the largest pyramids of Egypt: the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Inside these structures, great pharaohs established their eternal resting places. The entire complex is guarded by the impassive Great Sphinx, protector of the site and an unchanging legacy of Egypt's glorious past.
The Citadel of Saladin
Built by the great Saladin (founder of the Ayyubid dynasty) in the 12th century, the Citadel of Cairo is among the must-see sites not to be missed during a trip to Egypt. Perched on the heights of Cairo, this medieval fortress offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. From its terrace, you can glimpse the banks of the Nile and, in the distance, the famous pyramids of Giza. On-site, you'll also discover several mosques, including the Mosque of Mohamed el-Nassir, the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, and the Mosque of Souleiman Pacha. The citadel also houses a grand palace as well as the National Military Museum, the Police Museum, and other museums housed in the Palace of Mohammed Ali.
The Egyptian Museum of Cairo
For all history enthusiasts and ancient Egypt aficionados, don't miss the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, which provides the perfect introduction to discovering the country. Founded in 1857 by Auguste Mariette Pacha, a French expert in ancient Egyptian studies, the museum is a treasure trove of archaeological gems. To give you an idea, it houses no fewer than 150,000 objects and artworks related to ancient Egyptian civilization, spanning from the dynasty of the pharaohs to the Greco-Roman period. Among the treasures to discover are mummies, sarcophagi, statues, coins, papyri, and many other artifacts that take you on a journey through more than 7,000 years of history...
The Old Cairo district
Visiting Old Cairo is like taking a journey through time. Indeed, as you enter this district, the sprawling modern metropolis seems to give way to a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Most importantly, you'll discover impressive remnants of the past, such as the ruins of the great Roman fortress of Babylon, Africa's first mosque (the Mosque of Amr), two ancient churches (the Church of St. George and the Hanging Church of Old Cairo), the world's richest museum of Coptic art (the Coptic Museum, which tells the origins of Christian faith in Egypt), and Egypt's first synagogue (the Ben Ezra Synagogue). Suffice it to say, you won't be bored!
Khan El Khalili Souk
Located in the heart of historic Cairo, the Khan El Khalili is a sprawling open-air market. A symbol of the old city, it is the oldest souk in the city. This is therefore the perfect place to experience local community life and to pick up holiday souvenirs. You'll find all Egyptian craftsmanship here: small clay statuettes bearing the likeness of Egyptian gods, pottery, blown glass, carpets, magnificent lamps, and intriguing objects used mainly for religious purposes, as well as leather goods, jewelry in gold or silver, clothing and home linens, and much more besides... One thing is certain: a visit to Khan El Khalili is a wonderful way to conclude your stay in Cairo.
Frequently asked questions
3 days are generally sufficient to discover the main must-see sites in Cairo: the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Saladin, Old Cairo, and Khan El Khalili souk. For a more in-depth exploration, plan for 4 to 5 days.
It is recommended to visit the Giza Pyramids early in the morning, at opening time (usually at 8am), to avoid the heat and crowds. The site is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Winter (October to April) is the best season climatically for this visit.
The Giza Plateau is located about 13 km south of downtown Cairo. You can get there by taxi, Uber (available in Cairo), or by metro to Giza station and then by taxi. Plan for approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
The entrance fee to the Egyptian Museum of Cairo is approximately 200 EGP for foreign visitors (subject to change). Reduced rates apply for students. It is advisable to check updated rates on the official website before your visit.
Khan El Khalili souk is open virtually every day, usually from 9am to 9pm or 10pm. Some shops close on Friday mornings for Friday prayers. It is more lively in the late afternoon and evening, making it an excellent activity to wrap up a day of sightseeing in Cairo.
The Old Cairo district is home to numerous historical remains: the ruins of the Roman fortress of Babylon, the Mosque of Amr (the first mosque in Africa), the Church of St. George, the Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. It is an ideal district to discover the coexistence of the three major monotheistic religions.
