Cairo in 4 Days: everything you need to know

When you're studying what to do and see in Cairo, you'll discover that there's much more to the Egyptian capital than the pyramids and its extraordinary museum. In fact, you can spend many hours in the latter alone and not finish seeing it all.

If we add the Coptic Quarter, the many mosques and other attractions, the conclusion is that you need at least four days to see the city. There are also other aspects to take into account, such as the chaotic traffic, which makes every journey very slow. Finally, these days will allow you to get a glimpse of what life is like in Cairo and to stroll leisurely through its always crowded streets.

For the first day I suggest you visit the most essential places in the city, from the pyramids to the Khan el Khalili Bazaar, via the museum and the Sphinx.

Since you are not yet used to the city and the way of getting around, it might be a good idea to hire a guided tour that includes all these places. Of course, you can also do it on your own, but then you should be prepared to negotiate with the taxi drivers for the price of each trip.

On the other hand, as I always say, a trip requires some flexibility. If you want to stay longer in one place, for example, you should be prepared to make changes to the route. In the museum, because of its large size, it is quite possible that you might want to come back another day to finish the visit, but it depends on your interests.

Be amazed by the sight of the pyramids of Giza

Few monuments in the world are better known than the pyramids of Giza. As you no doubt already know, they are three great constructions destined to serve as tombs for the pharaohs after whom they are named: Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos. The first visit of the day will be to the esplanade where these pyramids are located. You are sure to be impressed by the sight of structures more than 4,500 years old.

As well as being able to see the three pyramids from the outside in peace and quiet, you will also be able to enter some of them. My advice is to enter at least one of them, because even though there is nothing inside, the sensation is worth it.

Entrance to the site, between 07:00 and 19:30 hours, is paid and costs approximately €10. If you want to enter the Great Pyramid, you have to prepare a little more, as it costs almost €20. It's best to book a tour where they explain everything so you don't miss a single detail.

Joaquín's Traveller Tip

Look for the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the three pyramids. Although it's a 15-minute walk, it's well worth it.

Get up close to the Temple of Chephren Valley

Although less well known than the neighbouring monuments, it is well worth a few minutes walk to see the Khafre Valley Temple. With its 45-metre square plan, thick walls and sloping exterior, it's a visit you'll love.

The custom among many pharaohs was to build a temple next to the pyramid that was to bury him. In this case, the building is about 500 metres from the Great Pyramid and remained buried in the sand until the 19th century, which explains its good state of preservation.

It is assumed that there was a tunnel connecting the temple to the pyramid, although no remains remain. The function of the tunnel is also unclear, but some experts claim that the process of mummification of the pharaoh was carried out in these temples.

The mystery of the Sphinx

Right next to the pyramids is one of the most famous figures in the world: the Sphinx. Standing some 20 metres high and just over 70 metres long, it represents a human head with the body of a lion.

Although there are different theories, it is believed to have been built around 2500 BC, as part of the funerary complex of the pharaoh Chephren. Its function is supposed to have been to become the guardian of the Egyptian ruler' s tomb.

Joaquin's Traveller Tip

The esplanade at Giza can be quite uncomfortable during the summer, when the intense heat combines with the dust to create an atmosphere that is hard to breathe. If you can afford it, it is best to go very early in the morning or leave the visit until just before closing time.

Lunch in the area

If it's time for lunch you can take a break and look for a place to eat nearby. Unfortunately, this is not the best area of the city to find a good restaurant, so many people prefer to bring a snack to recharge their batteries.

For those who prefer something more formal (and don't want to settle for pizza at a Western chain), you'll have to walk a few minutes. The most popular place is Dar Darak, mainly because of the quality of the food. Another option is Hadaba, although like Hadaba, the prices are higher than what you'll find elsewhere in the city.

Learn about the history of Egypt at the Cairo Museum

After an intense morning spent seeing the pyramids and the rest of the monuments in the area, it's time to head back to the city centre. If you haven't booked a tour, the best thing to do is to negotiate with a taxi driver for the price of the journey, always asking your hotel first what the right amount is.

It is difficult to say how much time you are going to spend in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. When it opened at the beginning of the 20th century, it had about 12,000 pieces, but nowadays it has up to 150,000 objects. But also bear in mind that:

• Not everything is on display: due to lack of space, which is why a new building is being built and is expected to be open very soon.
• Take a guided tour: if you are a fan of Egyptian art, it will be impossible to get out of the museum. With its statues, reliefs, funerary items and paintings, you can spend hours inside. To get the most out of it, it might be a good idea to book a guided tour of the museum to get an expert's explanations.
• The Tutankhamun room: this is one of the most important rooms (with a separate fee) where you will find the treasures that were found in his tomb, together with the "mummy room", with the remains of several of the most important pharaohs.

There may come a time when you are a bit overwhelmed by the number of objects in the museum. When I was there, I decided to stop at that point and come back another afternoon to complete the visit. This is something you can do if you feel it is the best way to enjoy the exhibition.

Have a drink in the Zamalek Quarter

Given the size of the museum and, above all, the amount of things to see inside, I can assure you that when you leave you will just want to relax. My suggestion is that you go to the last point of the tour: the Zamalek neighbourhood. Located on Gezira Island in the Nile, this area is considered one of the most affluent in the city.

To get there you just have to cross one of the 3 bridges that connect it to the rest of the city, although the closest and most interesting is the one called Qasr Al Nil.

• Where to dine: In Zamalek you will find numerous places to dine, both traditional and more western-style restaurants. Among the former, try Abou Elsid (Amman Square) or Egyptian Nights (Saray El Gezira Street), while the latter include O'S Pasta (26 July Street) and JW Steakhouse Restaurant (Saray El Gezira Street).
• Where to have a drink: When you've finished dinner I recommend choosing one of the bars in the area, either a traditional open -air bar or a more European-style bar. Beforehand, you should make time to see the Opera House, one of the cultural centres of the Egyptian capital. If you fancy a drink, you'll find a number of places to do so in this neighbourhood, albeit inside the big hotels. The most famous are Harry's Bar, in the Marriott Hotel, and The Place, near the Al Gezira Sheraton Hotel. The former has karaoke and live jazz, while the latter owes its fame to its great terrace overlooking the Nile.

For the second day, the itinerary begins with a half-day excursion to the outskirts of Cairo, specifically Memphis and Saqqara. Afterwards, I suggest you take in some of the city's more contemporary atmosphere and end the day with a fantastic cruise on the Nile, including dinner and a show.

Memphis: the ancient capital of the Pharaohs

First of all, it is very difficult to do this visit on your own. If you don't want to have to negotiate with a taxi driver for a half-day excursion, it's best to hire a guided tour that will take you to both Memphis and Saqqara. This way, you will also have a guide at your disposal who will explain everything you are seeing.

Memphis, 19 kilometres from Cairo, was one of the most important cities in the world until 2250 BC. Pharaohs were crowned in its temples and, during the Middle Kingdom, it was considered the point of union between Upper and Lower Egypt.

The capital was first moved to Thebes and, little by little, Memphis was depopulated to the point that part of its buildings were dismantled to use the material in Cairo's constructions. The most striking thing you can see is the great 13-metre statue of Ramses II, a real gem. Also of interest is the so-called Alabaster Sphinx, sculpted from a single piece of alabaster and measuring 4 metres high and 7 metres long.

The wonders of Saqqara

The highlight of this half-day tour is undoubtedly Saqqara. Many claim that this city was the beginning of the splendour of Egyptian civilisation. One name stands out among its builders: Imhotep, perhaps the first architect and engineer in history.

When you arrive with a tour you can enter the site with your car, something that is very welcome when the heat is on. Otherwise, you have to walk from the car park to the monuments.

In its archaeological zone, which covers 9 square kilometres, the following remains stand out:

• Step Pyramid of Zoser: built by Imhotep, around 2630 BC, it is the most important place in the complex. It was destined to bury the pharaoh Zoser. It is 60 metres high and it is thought to have been the seed for the construction of the rest of the pyramids in Egypt.
• Tomb of Mereruka: although less famous, this tomb is the one in the best condition of the entire Saqqara complex. It is worth going inside and listening to the guide's stories hidden in its 17 rooms and 4 storerooms.
• Pyramid of Teti: This pyramid is also worth visiting. On its walls you will be able to see several hieroglyphs, although you will need the guide's help to understand their meaning.

Stroll in and around Tahrir

Returning from Saqqara, possibly tired, the itinerary will continue in a completely different area: Tahrir Square. You can't claim that this is the most modern area of Cairo, but the atmosphere is totally different from what you might have seen in Khan el Khalili.

This area tends to be very busy, especially with young people. To relax, the best thing to do is to find a café for a cup of tea or a soft drink.

Afterwards, just stroll around the area. You'll find that the streets leading off the square are lined with shops and eateries, but if you prefer, you can also head to the banks of the Nile to walk along the shore.

Cross the Qasr al-Nil Bridge

A nearby spot where Cairenes gather to watch the sunset is the Qasr al Nil Bridge. Although you won't have time to wait until then, it's worth crossing it to get to the Cairo Tower, an old telecommunications tower covered by a kind of latticework.

At the top of the tower is a lookout point that offers great views of the city. If you feel like it, you can go up and spend some time there before continuing your tour.

Don't miss a Nile Cruise

Without the Nile River, Egyptian civilisation would never have flourished. The importance of this great water source is fundamental to the country and it is still a major element linking it from north to south. To pay tribute to it, I suggest you finish this second day with a short cruise on the Nile, including dinner and a show.

You will embark at sunset for a short trip around the city as the sun sets. From the waters you will have a different view of some of Cairo's monuments, beautifully illuminated at night.

If you have chosen, as I said, the option with dinner, you will be able to try some of the specialities of the tasty Egyptian food. In addition, it is quite common for these tours to be enlivened by a show, especially belly dancing or live traditional music.

Don't think that with these first two days you've seen the most of Cairo. In fact, the tour for this third day is quite intense.

Although it focuses on two specific areas (the Coptic Quarter and the Saladin Citadel), the visit to each of them will take you several hours. I advise you to start fairly early in the morning so that you have time to see everything.

Tour the impressive churches of the Coptic Quarter

Although the Egyptian population is overwhelmingly Muslim, there is a significant Christian minority in the country : the Copts. In Cairo, the community is grouped in the same neighbourhood, known for its large number of churches and monasteries.

In addition, in the Coptic neighbourhood you will be able to see the oldest church, mosque and synagogue in the city.

You can visit on your own at one of the two entrances to the neighbourhood, although you can also hire a tour guide to explain the interesting history of the area.

In summary, as you can read more in this article on what to see in the Coptic Quarter, here are the most interesting places to visit:

• Coptic Museum: houses works of art dating back to the beginnings of Christianity in Egypt and up to the arrival of Islam.
• Hanging Church: officially called the Church of St. Mary, its nickname comes from the fact that it was built over the southern gate of the ancient Roman fortress. Inside you will be able to see 13 pillars representing Christ and the apostles.
• Greek Orthodox Monastery and Church of St. George: the martyr St. George, executed by the Roman Empire, is one of the most venerated among the Copts.
• Church of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus: this is the oldest church in the neighbourhood. Although it was built in the 4th century, it contains pillars dating back to the 4th century. It is one of the most visited churches by believers as it is the place where, according to the Copts, the Holy Family hid during their flight to Egypt.
• Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As: the oldest mosque in Egypt. It was built in 642 AD by the conqueror of the country for Islam.
• Ben Ezra Synagogue: erected in the 9th century on the site of a former church, this synagogue, according to tradition, was where Jeremiah gathered the Jews in the 6th century after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Note that entry to religious temples, regardless of denomination, is free, but that a small donation is usually left for their upkeep.

The beauty of Saladin's Citadel

After a bite to eat, the next stop on the tour is the Citadel of Saladin, a spectacular fortification where you can visit several mosques, museums and other attractions.

This citadel, as its name suggests, was built in 1176 by Saladin. The reason was to provide a good defence against the Crusaders. Later, the complex served as the residence of the country's leaders for more than seven centuries.

As you can see in this article on what to see in the Citadel, there are many places to stop, although you should bear in mind that it closes at around 17:00. Here are the main ones.

• Gawhara Palace: this building is right at the entrance and today houses an interesting museum.
• Alabaster Mosque: this mosque is also known by the name of the Egyptian ruler whose tomb is inside, Mohammed Ali. The temple was completed in 1848 and its Ottoman-style domes are truly marvellous.
• Viewpoint: on the terrace of the Police Museum there is an impressive viewpoint from which you can even see the pyramids of Giza. A must-see.
• Sultan Hassan Mosque: with its 8,000 square metres and a minaret that reaches a height of 68 metres, this 14th century mosque is one of the most important Islamic constructions in the world.

Joaquín's Traveller Tip

If you've travelled to Cairo in summer you shouldn't miss the concerts organised inside the Citadel.

A great way to end the day: sound and light show at the pyramids

Unless you book a tour that includes transport to the pyramids area in the evening, you'll have to find a taxi and negotiate the fare. However, the experience is well worth it.

With three different sessions starting at 19:30, you can book a tour to see the sound and light show of the pyramids is one of those experiences that everyone should experience sometime. Laser beams are projected onto the monuments and the sand creating a truly impressive effect.

At the same time, the voice of the Sphinx tells various facts about the history of Egypt and the construction of the pyramids themselves.

The last day of the trip, with enough tiredness in the body, will not be too relaxed either. So, it will start with a visit that, I warn you, is not for everyone, as the poverty that can be seen in the City of the Dead can shock more than one person.

Afterwards, there is nothing better than a long walk through the Islamic quarter to end up getting to know another side of the city: its nightlife in one of its most affluent areas.

The impressive visit to the City of the Dead

Unlike other areas of Cairo, for this visit it is almost essential to hire a guided tour of the characteristics of the neighbourhood. Although tourists have long since started visiting the City of the Dead, it is still best to enter with a guide to help ensure that everything goes smoothly.

The City of the Dead is located in a cemetery, but a cemetery in which the only inhabitants are not the dead. Today, the living and the dead share the 7 square kilometres of this huge slum. The houses are small and often have sandy courtyards with ancient graves. Electricity and running water are conspicuous by their absence, and the largest houses are those that take advantage of the large pantheons.

The arrival of tourism has, however, led to the opening of numerous cafés and shops where you can buy all kinds of goods.

The best place to meet Cairo's inhabitants: the Islamic Quarter

When you return from the City of the Dead, still with the shock in your body, there is no better place to recover than the Islamic quarter of Cairo. In addition to the monuments you will be able to see, this area is characterised by the life that bustles in its streets. Without a doubt, it is the real heart of the city.

The best thing to do is to wander around its streets, but to give you a brief idea of what you can see, here are a few recommendations:

• Midan Al Hussein Square: located between the Al Azhar Mosque and the Sayyidna Al Hussein Mosque, the two most important mosques in the neighbourhood. It is full of terraces where tourists and locals share space.
• Al Azhar Park: a real oasis in the middle of one of the most populated areas of the capital. If you have time, take a stroll to see its fountains and fabulous vegetation.
• Tentmakers Bazaar: the perfect place if you want to buy carpets, covers or tapestries.
• Al Muizz Street: one kilometre long, this pedestrian street is one of the most atmospheric in the city. It is also home to a large number of mosques and historic buildings.
• Qalawun Madrasa and Mausoleum: one of the main monuments in the area.

Of course, these are just a small part of the area's attractions, but it would be impossible to list them all. I encourage you to discover them on your walk and to stop for a drink on a terrace from time to time.

See one of Islam's holiest sites: the Al Azhar Mosque

Founded in 970 AD, this mosque (which also has a university) is the religious centre of Sunni Islam.

You will notice the presence of several different architectural styles in the building, which gives the whole a strange beauty.

Start discovering the soul of the city at Khan el Khalili.

Almost next to the Al Azhar Mosque is Khan el Khalili, which is more than just a large bazaar where tourists come to buy souvenirs. Its labyrinthine alleyways are the ideal place to get a glimpse of the soul of the city, especially after dark.

Don't worry too much about the time, as Khan el Khalili is at its best when the sun sets.

• When you arrive, it's best to start wandering around looking at the shops. At a certain hour, traditional metal lanterns are lit, giving the area an even more spectacular atmosphere.
• During your walk don't miss some of the mosques built in the area, as well as the workshops where craftsmen work.
• When you've had enough, find a seat at the Fishawi or Mirror Café, located on one side of the market.
• This is one of the most popular cafés in the city and a great place to relax for a while.
• Afterwards, it's best to head back to Al-Muizz Street to find somewhere to dine before retiring.