3 Days in Cairo and Giza: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Get ready for one of the great city breaks on the planet. In three days you will stand at the foot of the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, see Tutankhamun’s treasures in a brand-new museum, wander old lanes full of minarets and spice stalls, and drift past it all on the Nile at sunset. Cairo is loud, warm, chaotic and very welcoming, and Giza sits right on its edge.

This plan suits first-time visitors who want the big highlights without rushing. Each day focuses on one part of the city, so you spend more time looking and less time in traffic. Day 1 starts early because the pyramids are best at opening time, and the evenings are relaxed. If you have a fourth day, see the FAQ for how to add Saqqara.

At a glance

Day	Area	Highlights
1	Giza	Pyramids and Sphinx at opening time, Grand Egyptian Museum
2	Islamic (Historic) Cairo	Citadel, mosques below the Citadel, Al-Azhar Park, Al-Muizz Street, Khan el-Khalili
3	Old Cairo and the Nile	Coptic Cairo, National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Nile felucca, Zamalek

Day 1: Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum

Morning

This is the day you have been dreaming of, so start early and head to the Giza Plateau. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the site is open daily from 08:00 to 16:00. If you arrive at opening time you get softer light, cooler air and smaller crowds.

The area entry ticket for foreign adults is EGP 700 (EGP 350 for students). It lets you walk around the plateau, the three great pyramids, the Sphinx and the surrounding tombs. It does not include going inside the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Tomb of Meresankh III or the Workers’ Cemetery. Those need separate tickets. The Ministry lists the Menkaure interior at EGP 280 for foreign adults. Published prices for the Great Pyramid interior don’t match, so check the current price at the ticket office or on the official site. If you arrive by taxi and drive onto the plateau, there is also a vehicle ticket (EGP 25 for a car or taxi).

We’d start with the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest and largest of the three. Then work your way past Khafre and Menkaure to the panoramic viewpoints, and finish down at the Sphinx and Khafre’s Valley Temple. The plateau is big and sandy, so wear proper shoes, carry water and sun protection, and plan for two to three hours.

Afternoon

After lunch, get ready for treasure: move on to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). It officially opened in November 2025 and sits next to the plateau, a short taxi ride away. Your ticket covers the Tutankhamun Galleries, the Main Galleries, the Grand Hall, the Grand Stairs and Khufu’s Boats Museum, plus the gardens and commercial area.

Opening hours from the official ticketing site:

• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: complex 08:30 to 19:00, galleries 09:00 to 18:00
• Wednesday and Saturday: complex 08:30 to 22:00, galleries 09:00 to 21:00
• Last entry is one hour before the galleries close.

Pre-book: buy a dated, timed ticket on the official ticketing site (tickets.gem.eg). The museum says this is the only official site for GEM tickets and it is not responsible for tickets bought on other platforms.

Ticket prices rise on 1 November 2026, according to Ahram Online and Egypt Independent:

• Arab and foreign adults: from EGP 1,570 to EGP 1,830
• Students and children: from EGP 790 to EGP 920

Always confirm the final price at checkout. Give yourself at least three hours here. The Tutankhamun galleries alone are worth a long, slow visit.

Evening

If your Day 1 is a Wednesday or Saturday, the late opening lets you split the day differently: pyramids in the morning, a long lunch and rest, then the GEM galleries until 21:00. On other days, go back to your hotel for a break and then have dinner with a view in Giza, or return to central Cairo for an easy evening.

Day 2: Historic Cairo, from the Citadel to Khan el-Khalili

Morning

Today is all about Islamic Cairo, a wonderful historic district full of domes, minarets and centuries-old markets. Take a taxi or ride-hailing car to the Citadel of Saladin on its hill. It is home to the Ottoman-style Mosque of Muhammad Ali and has big views across the city. Check the current ticket price and hours on the Ministry’s site (egymonuments.gov.eg) before you go.

Below the Citadel stand two of Cairo’s most impressive mosques, Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai, facing each other across a square. You can walk to them from the Citadel, but traffic around the square is heavy, so cross with care.

Dress modestly today. The UK government advises modest dress, especially in mosques and souqs. Cover your shoulders and knees, and carry a light scarf.

Afternoon

From the mosques, take a short taxi ride to Al-Azhar Park, a calm green hilltop garden that is perfect for a late lunch and a rest from the bustle. Check entry details at the gate.

Later in the afternoon, continue to the area around Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the city and still a major centre of learning. Visitors are generally welcome outside prayer times. Follow the staff’s instructions at the entrance.

Evening

Cross over to Al-Muizz Street, a long, walkable street lined with medieval mosques, madrasas and grand houses. It is especially lovely as the lights come on. It leads straight into Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s famous bazaar, for lanterns, brass, spices and a glass of mint tea at a café. Bargaining is normal here. Agree on a price before you buy and keep it friendly.

Day 3: Coptic Cairo, the mummies and the Nile

Morning

Your last day mixes peaceful old churches, royal mummies and a sunset sail. Head south to Coptic Cairo in Old Cairo. This small walled quarter holds the Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum, historic churches and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, all a few minutes’ walk from each other. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get there. The metro also serves the area, so check the route on the operator’s map. Check Coptic Museum prices and hours on the Ministry’s site. Modest dress applies in all places of worship.

Afternoon

From Coptic Cairo, take a short taxi ride to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat, home of the Royal Mummies Hall. According to the Ministry, foreign adults pay EGP 550 (students EGP 300), and children under 6 get in free.

NMEC hours, from the Ministry’s page:

• Daily: 09:00 to 17:00 (ticket window closes at 16:00)
• Evening session: 18:00 to 21:00 (ticket window closes at 20:00)

Food and drinks are not allowed inside, and large bags must be left in the bag storage. Flash photography is not permitted, and visitors are expected to dress appropriately. The evening session is handy if you want more time in Coptic Cairo.

Evening

Save the best mood for last and end with the river. Head to the Nile Corniche for a felucca (traditional sailboat) ride at sunset. Agree on the price and length of the ride with the boat operator before you step on board. Then cross to Zamalek, the leafy island neighbourhood, for dinner and a relaxed last night among cafés and galleries.

Prefer pharaohs to churches? Swap the Day 3 morning for the historic Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, Cairo’s classic treasure house. Check the current hours and prices on the Ministry’s site.

Getting there and getting around

Entry and visas. Entry rules depend on your nationality, so check them before you book. Egypt’s official e-visa portal is visa2egypt.gov.eg, and the government also runs a Visa on Arrival portal. UK government advice says your passport must be valid for at least six months after you arrive.

From the airport. Cairo International Airport is the main gateway. You can use a pre-arranged hotel transfer, a ride-hailing app or an airport taxi. We could not find current transfer fares or journey times on an official source. Check with your hotel or the airport’s official channels, and allow plenty of time for Cairo traffic, especially at rush hour.

Getting around. For this itinerary, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the most practical choice because the sights are spread out across a huge city. The Cairo Metro is cheap and avoids traffic jams. Fares depend on the number of stations you travel and were last raised in March 2026. Buy tickets at the station window and check the current fare there.

Where to stay

• Downtown and around Tahrir Square: central, lively and good value, with easy access to the Egyptian Museum and the metro. Best if you’re on a budget and like being in the middle of the action.
• Zamalek: a leafy island in the Nile with cafés, restaurants and a calmer feel. Ideal for couples and first-timers who want a gentler start.
• Garden City and the Nile Corniche: quiet streets and river views close to Downtown. Good for families and anyone who wants Nile sunsets nearby.
• Giza, near the pyramids: wake up to pyramid views and be first in line at 08:00. Great for photographers and short stays, but you will spend more time in traffic getting to Islamic and Coptic Cairo.

Budget

These are entry fees for foreign adults that we could check on official or primary sources. Accommodation, meals, taxis, tips, guides and flights are not included because costs vary widely.

Item	Typical cost
Giza Plateau area entry	EGP 700 (students EGP 350)
Car or taxi onto the plateau	EGP 25
Pyramid of Menkaure interior	EGP 280
Great Pyramid interior	Check the official site
Grand Egyptian Museum (until 31 Oct 2026)	EGP 1,570
Grand Egyptian Museum (from 1 Nov 2026)	EGP 1,830 (students and children EGP 920)
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization	EGP 550 (students EGP 300)
Citadel, Coptic Museum, Egyptian Museum (Tahrir)	Check egymonuments.gov.eg
Cairo Metro ride	Depends on number of stations, check at the window

From 1 November 2026, Day 1’s two main tickets (plateau plus GEM) add up to EGP 2,530 before any pyramid interiors. Day 3’s NMEC ticket is EGP 550.

Practical tips

• Dress code: dress modestly, especially in mosques, churches and markets. A light scarf is useful for everyone.
• Opening days: the Giza Plateau, the GEM and NMEC all list opening hours for every day of the week. Check other sites on the Ministry’s website before you go.
• Book ahead: book the GEM online with a timed entry slot, especially at weekends and in peak season.
• Carry your passport: UK government advice says police check ID regularly and may ask to see your passport. Carry it along with your visa, or a digital or paper copy of the visa.
• Money: you can bring up to EGP 5,000 in cash into or out of Egypt. Foreign currency worth more than USD 10,000 must be declared on arrival. Carry small notes for tips and tea stops, plus a card for bigger purchases.
• SIM and eSIM: Egypt’s mobile operators sell local SIM cards and eSIMs. Check each operator’s official site for current plans and ID requirements, and keep your passport handy when you buy.
• Ramadan: shop and restaurant hours can change. Eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours is considered insensitive.
• Heat: Cairo is very hot in summer. Plan outdoor sights for early morning and save museums for the hottest hours.
• Pharmacies: UK government advice says some hotel doctors have overcharged, and pharmacies outside hotels often sell medication more cheaply.

Heads-up

Most visits to Egypt are trouble-free, and knowing a few things in advance makes your trip easier. These points come from official sources.

• Touts and scammers at tourist sites: the UK government warns that scammers and touts sometimes target foreign visitors in tourist areas. Politely turn down “guides” and helpers you didn’t ask for, and agree any price (camel, horse, carriage or felucca ride) clearly before you start.
• Fake ticket websites: the GEM says its official ticketing site is the only place to buy tickets and that it is not responsible for tickets bought elsewhere.
• Visa agents at the airport: you do not need an agent to buy a visa, and agents often overcharge. If one harasses you, report it to the tourist police in the terminal.
• Taxis at night: UK advice says women should take extra care in taxis, especially alone at night, and share the driver’s details, trip and live location with a friend.
• Photography: Ministry rules say you need an Egyptian citizen’s written permission before you photograph them. Taking pictures of children is prohibited, and photographing military sites is illegal. Drones need permission from the Ministry of Defence in advance.
• Protests: avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and protests.
• Road safety: the UK government says road accidents are common. Wear a seatbelt, and think twice about driving yourself in Cairo.
• Security: the UK government says terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt, and there is a large security presence at tourist sites. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.
• Areas to avoid: the UK government advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to some regions of Egypt. Check the current map before adding any side trips.
• Emergencies: the tourist police number is 126.

FAQ

Is three days enough for Cairo and Giza?

Yes, for the highlights. Three days covers the pyramids, the GEM, Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo and NMEC at a comfortable pace. A fourth day lets you add Saqqara or the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square.

Do I need to book the Grand Egyptian Museum in advance?

We strongly recommend it. The official ticketing site sells tickets for a set date and entry time, and the museum says it is the only official place to buy them.

Can I go inside the pyramids?

Yes, but not with the standard area ticket. The Great Pyramid and the Pyramid of Menkaure each need their own ticket. Menkaure is EGP 280 for foreign adults. Check the current Great Pyramid price at the ticket office.

Where did Tutankhamun’s treasures go?

The Tutankhamun Galleries are now at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. That’s why we pair it with the pyramids on Day 1.

How do I add Saqqara?

Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, lies south of Giza. It works best as a half-day or full-day trip by car. Check tickets and opening hours on the Ministry’s site (egymonuments.gov.eg).

What is the best time of year to visit?

October to April is the most comfortable time for sightseeing, with milder days. Summer is very hot, so if you travel then, start early and save museums for the afternoon.