From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the intricate Islamic architecture and bustling energy-filled streets, Cairo is truly a fascinating place. Cairo is one of the largest and oldest cities in the world, and it is a place that bursts at the seams with culture.
After spending 5 days in Cairo in 2024, we can safely say that visiting Cairo is a non-negotiable for any traveler. That said, it can definitely be an overwhelming place to plan a trip.
In this ultimate itinerary for Cairo, we will give you invaluable advice to make your visit easier and provide an itinerary packed with classic tourist sites as well as some hidden gems.
Is Cairo Worth Visiting?
Before we visited Cairo, many people warned us that the city was “too chaotic” and “full of scams.” Some travelers even claimed it was one of their least favorite cities. But after experiencing it for ourselves, we couldn’t disagree more.
Don’t head to Cairo expecting the serenity of the Maldives or the organization of Singapore. But with the Great Pyramids, Nile River, Ancient Temples, and sprawling street markets—Cairo is a bucket-list city, full stop.
Is it chaotic? Absolutely. What else would you expect from a city of more than 20 million people? But within that energy, we found a city bursting with history, culture, and life.
Are there scams? Sure. But like anywhere, a little awareness and common sense go a long way.
Venture away from the most touristy parts of the city, and you’ll find that Egyptians are some of the warmest and most welcoming people in the world.
Travel is personal. If we had listened to all of the negative recommendations, we would have missed out on one of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
So, is Cairo worth visiting? Our answer is a resounding YES!
Egypt Visa Requirements
Before we dive into our itinerary for Cairo, let’s discuss how to get there and, most importantly, how to get a visa.
Almost all nationalities must obtain a visa when traveling to Egypt. The good news is that most travelers qualify for a Visa on Arrival, meaning you won’t need to apply for a visa beforehand. Egypt’s Visa on Arrival is straightforward.
When you arrive at the Cairo Airport, you’ll simply head to a bank kiosk and pay $25 USD (EUR and GBP are also accepted). The bank teller will then hand you the Visa on Arrival sticker. Then, head to the immigration booth, where an officer will place the sticker on your passport.
In our experience, the entire process took less than 10 minutes, though we have heard some horror stories of the immigration lines at the Cairo airport taking hours.
Quick note: All sources online state that you can ONLY pay for the Visa on Arrival with cash in USD, EUR, or GBP and that credit cards and Egyptian pounds are not accepted. That said, we arrived in Egypt without any of these currencies and were allowed to pay for the Visa on Arrival by credit card. The bank teller was a bit reluctant to start up the card machine (and kept it hidden), though, so it took a bit of convincing.
Perfect 3-Day Cairo Itinerary
Cairo’s history and culture are mind-boggling. Where else in the world can you see a 4,500-year-old pyramid and a modern skyscraper in the same city?
Keep in mind that there are a lot of things to do and see in Cairo, so a 3-day itinerary would definitely be a bit of a squeeze. But sometimes, that’s all the time you’ve got. No worries, though. We’ve got you covered with our ultimate 3-day itinerary for Cairo.
Day 1: Pyramids and Ancient Egypt
Day 1 of your Cairo itinerary will be a big one, so wear comfortable walking shoes and pack lots of water and sunscreen. You’ll definitely be ticking off some bucket list items today!
Your first day in Cairo will be all about Ancient Egypt. Modern-day Cairo sits around 8 miles (13 km) from the Giza Plateau and around 18 miles (30 km) from Memphis, the capital of Ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom (2700 to 2200 BC). While there are ancient ruins scattered all around Egypt, Cairo is home to some of the oldest and most impressive.
There are many ancient Egyptian sites to see in Cairo, so we recommend hiring a driver or booking an organized day tour. We booked a private full-day tour on Get Your Guide that included a driver and a government-certified tour guide. Honestly, booking the private tour was one of the best decisions we made during our trip to Cairo!
Giza Plateau/Great Pyramid of Giza
The hallmark tourist destination of Cairo (if not the world), the Great Pyramid of Giza needs no introduction. The Great Pyramid was built over a period of around 20 years in 2575 BC and is the only surviving of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.
To avoid crowds, we highly recommend visiting the Giza Plateau as early as possible. The area opens at 8 a.m. in the winter months (October to March) and 7 a.m. in the summer (April to September).
As of 2025, entry tickets to the Pyramids complex cost 700 EGP (11 USD). If you want to go inside the Great Pyramid, you’ll have to pay an additional 900 EGP, though our tour guide and other travelers told us that it really isn’t worth going inside as there isn’t much to see.
Fun fact: The Great Pyramid is roughly 2,500 years older than the Colosseum in Rome, meaning at the time of the Roman Empire, it was still older than the Colosseum is today!
Do you need a guide?
We aren’t generally the type of travelers to book organized tours as we enjoy exploring destinations on our own at our own pace. However, we HIGHLY recommend hiring a tour guide for the Great Pyramids (and most Ancient Egyptian sites) for two main reasons:
- You’ll get way more information and historical background.
- You won’t have to deal with scammers or persistent vendors.
With more than 4,500 years of history, it would be impossible to even scratch the surface of the Giza Plateau without a guide. We are so happy that we decided to hire a tour guide as they showed us the best photo spots and provided us with so much interesting information.
Also, as you would expect, most of the scams in Cairo occur near the Pyramids. And a huge majority of the affected tourists visit without a guide. We were not hassled at all in the complex, and our guide quickly shooed away any vendors that approached us.
Best viewpoint of the pyramids
It’s difficult to get a “bad” photo of the pyramids, but this is the most popular spot for the iconic panoramic view.
Important note: One of the most popular things to do in Cairo is ride a camel around the pyramids. However, after seeing how the animals were treated, we opted out. Many of the camels at the pyramids are overworked and exhausted, and it is obvious just by looking at them that they are not being treated well. While riding a camel is a definite bucket list item, it’s important to make sure the animals are cared for and not over-exploited. Instead, we rode camels in the Sahara desert in Tunisia, and the animals were very healthy and well-taken care of.
Sphynx
After spending a couple of hours marveling at the Pyramids, head over to the Sphynx, which is located just in front of the Pyramid of Khafre, the 2nd largest and 2nd oldest pyramid in the complex. You won’t need to pay for an extra ticket to see the Sphynx as it is inside the same archeological complex as the pyramids.
The Sphynx is another iconic landmark in Cairo. A statue depicting Pharoah Khafre’s head on a lion’s body, the Sphynx is one of the largest sculptures in the world, at 66 feet (20 meters) tall and 240 feet (73 meters) long.
There are many conspiracy theories about the Sphynx, with some archeologists believing that the sculpture was originally a lion statue and Khafre’s head was added later. You won’t need much time at the Sphynx, but this is your opportunity to snap a cheesy (but iconic) photo with the Sphynx.
Saqqara Archeological Complex
After finishing up at the Sphynx, it’s time to leave the Giza Plateau and drive 45 minutes south to Saqqara, which is home to the world’s oldest Pyramid. Built by King Djoser in 2630 BC, the Step Pyramid looms over the entire Saqqara complex. Saqqara is much quieter than the Giza Archeological complex, with far fewer tour groups. In fact, we enjoyed Saqqara more as we were able to walk around more freely and snap photos without fighting hundreds of other tourists.
In Saqqara, you’ll also find impressive hieroglyphs and tombs with intricate designs, many of which still retain their original coloring! The entry ticket to Saqqara costs 600 EGP (12 USD) and includes entrance to the Pyramid of King Teti. Although it may not look like much on the outside, the inside is decorated with elaborate hieroglyphs and the original sarcophagus.
Memphis
Next up on the itinerary is Memphis. And no, we aren’t referring to the city in Tennessee. A small museum with several ancient artifacts, Memphis was once the capital city of Ancient Egyptian civilization. While most of the city has been destroyed, the museum contains some impressive relics, including the colossal and remarkably well-preserved statue of Ramesses II. The 3,200-year-old statue is more than 10 meters (33 feet) tall and was found in a field partially submerged in mud in the late 1800s.
If you are short on time, you can definitely skip the Memphis Museum, as it isn’t as impressive as some of the other ancient sites. But since it is relatively close to the Saqqara, it is still definitely worth visiting.
Eat at Koshari Abu Tarek
After a long morning of exploring Pyramids and ancient ruins, you have probably worked up an appetite. So, why not try Egypt’s national dish, koshary?
The dish is essentially a big mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, and a spicy tomato sauce. Our favorite koshery restaurant in Cairo was Koshary Abu Tarek. This famous spot is super affordable and serves massive portions. The staff will even demonstrate how to properly prepare and eat the kosher food, which is a big help if this is your first time trying it!
Day 2: Islamic and Coptic Cairo
While day 1 of this itinerary is all about exploring Cairo’s ancient roots, your second day in the city will explore the city’s medieval history. While the Pyramids are the crown jewels of Egypt, Islamic and Coptic Cairo are the city’s beating heart.
After Luxur became the Capital of Ancient Egypt in 1550 BC, Cairo remained an important city for both Christianity and Islam. Cairo is one of the world’s oldest and most important Islamic cities and has one of the highest concentrations of historic Islamic architecture.
Islamic Cairo
In 640 AD, Muslim Arabs conquered Egypt, but it wasn’t until the 10th century that Cairo became the capital of the Fatmid Caliphate and, therefore, one of the most important cities in Isalm. Old Cairo is home to thin weaving streets and some of the most beautiful architecture we have ever seen. This area of the city is alive with energy and full of loud noises and delicious smells. Massive city walls once surrounded Islamic Cairo, some of which still remain today.
We spent around half a day walking around Islamic Cairo, and the area definitely cannot be missed on any Cairo itinerary.
Here are some of the best things to see in Old Islamic Cairo:
- Bab Al-Futuh: Massive 11th-century gate of the original city walls of old Cairo. It is one of only three remaining gates,
- Al-Hakim Mosque: Just past Bab Al-Futuh inside the city walls of Old Cairo, this Mosque was built in 1021 by the Fatmid Caliphate. The mosque is in amazing condition, as it was beautifully restored in the 1980s.
- Al-Muizz Street: This is the main street that acts as an artery of Old Cairo, cutting through the center of the walled city. Al-Muizz Street is a UNESCO Heritage Site dating back to the 10th century.
- Qalawun Complex: One of the most impressive sites in Islamic Cairo, this massive complex was built by Sultan Qalawun in the 13th century. It includes a hospital, a madrasa, and a mausoleum. You can purchase a ticket for all of the sites in the complex for 200 EGP (4 USD).
Khan El-Khalili Market
After exploring some of Islamic Cairo’s beautiful and intricate architecture, visit Khan El-Khalili, the city’s most famous bazaar. While it’s an important historic site and a definite must-visit, Khan El-Khalili is not the most authentic marketplace. Once a bustling marketplace for local residents, it is now primarily “built for tourists”.
Here, you’ll mostly find souvenir shops, though there are some cool local cafes and eateries hidden inside the massive marketplace. Khan El-Khalili is like a maze, and getting lost inside is pretty easy, but that’s part of the fun!
If you do plan to do some souvenir shopping here, be prepared to barter! We recommend choosing a price you are happy to pay before you enquire. And if the vendor is unwilling to give you that price, simply walk away.
Saladin Citadel
Located a 15-minute drive away from Old Cairo, the Cairo (or Saladin) Citadel is a massive fortress that has been an important landmark in the city for centuries. Today, the citadel contains the presidential palace, other important government buildings, and many important mosques and ancient sites. The largest mosque in the Citadel is the Ottoman-style Mohammad Ali Pasha Mosque, built in 1848. Entrance into the citadel will set you back 550 EGP (11 USD).
Coptic Cairo
Did you know that Egypt is home to the largest Christian community in the Muslim world? Coptic Egyptians make up around 10% of Egypt’s population, and around 3 million Copts live in Cairo alone. Copts are widely believed to be the descendants of Ancient Egyptians and even speak a language that is related to what Ancient Egyptians spoke.
Coptic Cairo is another destination you simply cannot miss on your trip to Cairo. This area predates the Islamic conquest and even has some buildings from the Roman period. It is a super compact walled area with small, winding walking streets and a high concentration of churches, monasteries, and even a synagogue. It is a pretty small area, so you won’t need more than an hour or two to see everything.
Here are the best things to see in Coptic Cairo:
- Hanging Church: This is one of Cairo’s most famous and oldest Coptic churches. In fact, some parts of the Hanging Church date back to the 4th century. However, the main building dates back to the 9th century. The Hanging Church is built over the gates of the ancient Roman fort, giving it a unique suspended appearance.
- Babylon Fortress: During the Roman Period, the Coptic area of Cairo was called Babylon. Today, you can still see some of this ancient Roman architecture in the well-restored fortress.
- Coptic Museum: The Coptic Museum is the best place to learn more about Coptic Culture and see historical architecture and artwork.
- Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus: Dating back to the 4th century, this church is the oldest in Cairo and is thought to have been built on the spot where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph took refuge during their journey to Egypt.
- Ben Ezra Synagogue: Originally a Coptic church, this building was sold to the Jewish community in the 9th century and is one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt. It is no longer an active place of worship, but it is certainly an interesting place to visit.
Dinner Boat on the Nile River
After a long day of exploring Coptic and Islamic Cairo, it’s time to relax with a nighttime cruise down the Nile River. This is one of the most popular things to do in Cairo and is a great way to see some of the more modern parts of the city. You’ll have two main options when it comes to Nile boats in Cairo:
Felucca Boat Ride
Feluccas are traditional wooden sailboats that have been used on the Nile for thousands of years. One of the most popular things to do in Cairo is to take a felucca ride at sunset. This is a great option if you are looking for a more peaceful and exclusive experience. These boat rides generally last just a few hours and are either private or with a small group.
Large Dinner Cruise
Another option is to take a large dinner cruise down the Nile at night. While these cruises are not as aesthetic, they are generally more affordable and include a buffet dinner with drinks and a belly-dancing performance.
Day 3: Museums and Food Tour
For your final day in Cairo, you’ll explore some of the city’s world-class museums and then finish off the trip with a local food tour.
Grand Egyptian Museum
As you might expect from a city with such a rich history, Cairo is home to some of the best museums in the world. And the newly opened and highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the best of the bunch. Unfortunately, the GEM was not open yet during our trip to Cairo, but we have heard nothing but glowing reviews.
The GEM is the world’s largest archeological museum at 5.2 million square feet (480,000 square meters). Something that sets this museum apart from the other museums in Cairo is that it is very near to the Pyramids. In fact, you can see the Giza Archeological Complex from the museum!
Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Another must-visit museum in Cairo is the Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Unlike the GEM, this museum covers all of Egyptian history and not just ancient Egypt. This relatively new museum officially opened in 2021. The crown jewels of this museum are the 22 royal mummies of famous Egyptian Pharaohs, including Ramses II, whose massive statue you’ll see at Memphis on day one.
Experience “Real” Cairo with a Local Food Tour
We always recommend stepping away from the more touristy areas of a city and experiencing a bit of the local life. The best way to do this in Cairo is to join a street food tour that explores a local area. We booked a street food tour on Airbnb and cannot recommend it enough. We tried dishes at more than 5 different street food vendors and restaurants and sampled too many dishes to count.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Egyptian falafel
- Foul (Egyptian bean stew)
- Molokhia (saucy dish made from jute leaves)
- Hamam mahshi (stuffed pigeon)
- Beef liver sandwiches
- Hawawshi (bread stuffed with meat)
- Waraket lahma (thinly sliced stewed meat)
- Koshari
- Baklava
- Sugar cane juice
Have More Time? What Else to Do in Cairo
If you are spending more time in Cairo or simply want to switch out some of the above activities, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with plenty of other amazing places you’ve got to see in this city.
Dashur (Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid)
By now, you know that Egypt has many pyramids beyond the Pyramids of Giza. However, two of the most underrated ones are the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both of which were built by Pharaoh Sneferu. These two pyramids are among the largest and oldest in Egypt.
As you might be able to guess from its name, the Bent Pyramid has an unusual shape. It’s steep at the base and has a shallower incline near the top. It amazingly still retains a lot of its original limestone casing, which can give you an idea of what the pyramid looked like when it was constructed around 2600 BC.
The Red Pyramid, on the other hand, is the first successfully built smooth-sided pyramid. And yep – that means this pyramid is the predecessor of the Great Pyramid of Giza! As a part of your ticket, you can enter the Red Pyramid to explore the interior as well.
The best part? Since these pyramids are lesser known, you’ll experience way fewer crowds here, so you can walk around in peace while admiring the ancient architecture.
Garbage City
Garbage City is a district home to the Zabaleen, a group of informal garbage collectors who recycle almost 90% of the waste they collect. Here, you’ll find towering piles of sorted garbage that is separated by hand.
However, one of the main reasons travelers visit is to see the Cave Church of St. Simon the Tanner, an enormous church carved into the cliffs, where you can see rock-carved murals and a stunning view of Cairo. This Coptic church is the largest church in the Middle East, holding up to 20,000 people!
As a quick note here: We don’t like to promote poverty tourism, but if you come to Garbage City, visit with an open mind and a respectful attitude. This is a working community, not a tourist attraction, so be mindful of your presence and interactions.
City of the Dead
City of the Dead is not your standard cemetery. This necropolis stretches for miles and miles on the outskirts of Cairo. This “city” is home to the tombs of ancient Mamluk sultans and historical figures. But more interestingly, the City of the Dead is also home to thousands of living people. Generations of families have turned these mausoleums, tombs, and even pantheons into homes. The City of the Dead is definitely worth a visit to see a very different side of Cairo as well as its stunning Islamic art and stone carvings.
Day Trip to Alexandria
Want to get away from Cairo for a day? No problem. There are a few different day trip options to choose from, but we highly recommend Alexandria. Just a 2.5-hour drive away from Cairo, this is a city filled with ruins, history, and a gorgeous sea view.
Here are just some things you can’t miss during your day trip here:
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – This is an underground 2nd-century burial site that blends Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences due to the time period. Interestingly, this site is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina – The ancient Library of Alexandria may be no more, but this library and cultural center is a tribute to the famous ancient site, housing millions of books and rare manuscripts.
- Montaza Palace – This 1930s palace complex that features Ottoman and Florentine architectural styles was once a summer retreat for Egypt’s own royal family. Here, you can admire the palace itself and walk around its gardens.
- The Royal Jewelry Museum – Fancy seeing some jewels? This former palace houses jewels, ornaments, and artifacts that the Egyptian royal family once owned. The building itself is a masterpiece in and of itself.
- Serapeum of Alexandria – If you’re a big fan of ruins, you’ll love seeing this Greco-Roman temple dedicated to the god Serapis. This was once one of Alexandria’s most important religious centers.
- Alexandria Ancient Roman Theater – Another Roman ruin you can find in Alexandria is this amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century.
- Alexandria Naval Unknown Soldier Memorial – This is a memorial that honors fallen Egyptian naval officers who lost their lives in sea battles.
- Citadel of Qaitbay – This is a 15th-century fortress built on the remains of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Corniche – Walk along Alexandria’s Corniche for some stunning views of the Mediterranean. Here, you can also find restaurants serving fresh fish. Yum!
Where to Stay in Cairo?
Cairo is a massive city with a variety of neighborhoods you could potentially stay in. In our opinion, there’s always a “right” place and a “wrong” place to stay. So, where should you stay in Cairo? Well, this depends on what you prioritize.
Giza
Giza is where you want to stay if you want that viral view of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. At many of the hotels here, you’ll get amazing rooftop views. And if you’re lucky, your room may also have this unforgettable view. However, keep in mind that Giza is pretty far from Cairo, so it won’t be as convenient to explore other parts of the city (days 2 and 3 on this itinerary). Also, as you might expect, this area is much more full of scams and tourist traps.
- Pyramids Planet Hotel – Best budget option
- Gaia Pyramids Hotel – Best mid-range option
- Marriott Mena House – Best high-end option
Zamalek
For a more upscale stay in Cairo, consider Zamalek. This island in the middle of the Nile features cute cafés and bars, as well as boutique hotels. It’s a more modern and walkable part of the city while still being close to the major attractions.
As this is a more upscale location, there are no decent budget-friendly options in Zamalek. However, you might have more luck with Airbnb rather than a hotel.
- Riverside Hotel – Best mid-range option
- Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino – Best high-end option
Downtown Cairo
Want to be in the heart of the action? Stay in downtown Cairo. And don’t worry about being far from Giza, as the tour company you choose will offer free pick-up and drop-off from Cairo to Giza. You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of hotels here, from budget-friendly stays to gorgeous heritage hotels.
- Dahab Hostel – Best budget option
- Museum And Nile View Hotel – Best mid-range option
- The Nile Ritz-Carlton – Best high-end option
Best Time to Visit Cairo
Our top tip for visiting Cairo? Avoid the intensely hot summers if you can! May to September can be extremely hot, with temperatures rising above 35°C (95°F), which can be a challenge since many of the tourist attractions are outdoors. If you can’t fathom walking around in the desert heat with the blazing sun, visit in the winter or shoulder seasons, from October to April.
Winter, from December to February, is peak tourist season due to the milder weather, so if you want to avoid the crowds, visit from March to April or October to November. We visited in October and didn’t think it was unbearably hot.
How Many Days to Spend in Cairo?
Cairo is an amazing city with a lot to see. We recommend spending an absolute minimum of 2 full days in Cairo, but realistically, it’d be best to spend at least 3 days if you can. This way, you can better divide your time between the Pyramids, museums, and the city center.
If you have more time, you can easily spend even 4 to 5 days in Cairo, visiting hidden gems and perhaps even taking day trips to areas like Fayoum. Or you can simply follow a similar itinerary to the one above, but take it slowly, which is perfect if you work while you travel like us!
How to Get Around Cairo
Cairo is a HUGE city, so you should expect to do quite a bit of moving around to see all the main sights in in 3 days.
Organized Airport Transfer
Before we properly dive into how to get around Cairo once you’re already in the city, it’s worth noting here that we HIGHLY recommend booking an airport transfer to your hotel before you board your flight. The Cairo airport can be chaotic and overwhelming, so organizing an airport transfer beforehand can ensure a stress-free start to your trip. You can either organize airport transfer directly with your hotel or book a service online.
Uber
Now, to get around Cairo, the transport method we recommend above all else is Uber. It’s much safer than getting in a random taxi and is still extremely affordable. Plus, this way, you don’t have to bother with negotiating taxi fares, which can be a pain. In Cairo, you can pay for an Uber with a credit card or cash—up to you!
Keep in mind that some Ubers may show up and ask you to pay in cash. If this happens, ask them to cancel the ride or do so yourself. If you’re forced to pay a cancellation fee, ask for a refund. Uber is generally good about providing refunds quickly for situations like this.
Our other tip is to brush up on your Arabic numbers. Many license plates are only written in Arabic numbers, not the standard numbers you are used to, so to find your Uber via the license plate, you’ll want to become familiar enough with this new number system.
Metro
Did you know Cairo has a metro? Cairo’s metro is cheap, fast, safe, and avoids traffic. Keep in mind this transport option is only really good for certain routes, so it may not be the most convenient. But if this is an option for you, trains run relatively frequently and have a women-only carriage, which is perfect for female travelers.
Walking
We love to walk wherever we go. It’s not only good for us but also a great way to see a city.
Unfortunately, Cairo is not the most pedestrian-friendly city. In many areas of the city, walking can be difficult due to traffic, lack of pedestrian infrastructure, and air pollution. However, in certain areas like Zamalek, Downtown Cairo, and parts of Islamic Cairo, walking is easier. Always be cautious when crossing streets, as traffic rules are loosely followed at best.
Is Cairo Safe?
As with any travel destination, you should always exercise a bit of caution in Cairo. Here are some of our safety tips to keep in mind, especially for female and LGBTQ+ travelers.
Travel Insurance Is a Must
First things first, make sure you are covered by travel medical insurance. The reality is that you never know what may happen, no matter how careful you are, so it’s important to have insurance as a backup. We have used SafetyWing for the past couple of years without any issues and can safely say it is a great choice for full-time travelers like us. SafetyWing is the perfect budget-friendly option for both long-term travelers and short trips alike. Cairo is not an inherently unsafe place, but it’s always worth having insurance for the peace of mind.
Safety for Female Travelers
Cairo is generally safe for female travelers, but you should always practice extra precautions, just as you would with any destination. In particular, street harassment may be an issue, particularly in crowded areas and markets. At the very least, expect some staring! It may help in terms of your comfort to dress a bit more modestly, such as covering your legs and shoulders in order to deter stares. It’s best to avoid wandering alone at night in less busy areas. If you ever feel uncomfortable, move to a more populated area or step into a shop.
LGBTQ+ Safety
We’ll be blunt: Egypt is not an LGBTQ+-friendly destination. Public displays of same-sex affection can attract negative attention. While Egypt does not explicitly criminalize homosexuality, it’s best to avoid discussing your sexuality in public spaces, as you never know! That said, many LGBTQ+ travelers visit Cairo without issues by keeping a low profile and being mindful of local norms.
What to Pack for Cairo
So, you’ve booked your trip to Cairo, and now the travel is date is getting closer… You’ve got to figure out what to pack for Cairo. Cairo is hot most of the year, but evenings can be cooler in “winter”. That said, despite the heat, it’s important to dress modestly. Egypt is a pretty conservative country, so we recommend covering your shoulders and knees in Cairo to enter cultural sights, which means a packing list for Cairo is going to look a lot different than what you are used to.
While the above is a 3-day itinerary for Cairo, you’re likely coming to Cairo as a part of a larger Egypt trip to visit places like Luxor, Aswan, or Dahab. So, here is a Cairo packing list, keeping all of that in mind. However, if you are only visiting for 3 days, feel free to adjust the number of items you need below.
- 4-5 lightweight, long-sleeve shirts
- 2-3 breathable t-shirts
- 1 dressy blouse or shirt
- 2 pairs of linen pants/skirts
- 1 pair of leggings
- 1 lightweight jacket or cardigan (for cooler evenings)
- 1 pair of walking shoes
- 1 pair of sandals
- 1 scarf or shawl
- 1 hat
- Sunglasses
- 7-8 pairs of underwear
- 7-8 pairs of socks
- Swimsuit (just in case)
What Else to Pack for Cairo
Beyond clothes, you’ll need other items to round up packing your suitcase or backpack. Here are some of our other must-have travel essentials.
- Passport
- Phone + phone charger
- Travel adapter
- Travel health insurance (we recommend SafetyWing)
- eSIM (we recommend Airalo)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Makeup (if needed)
- Period products (if needed)
- Razor/beard trimmer (if needed)
For a more in-depth guide, head to our posts on travel essentials for women and travel essentials for men.
Final Tips for Visiting Cairo
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when visiting Cairo to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Cash Is King
Some hotels and more upscale restaurants accept credit and debit cards, but most places in Cairo only take cash. You’ll find ATMs all around the city, so definitely utilize those to take some cash out. Remember: NEVER accept the ATM’s currency exchange rate. You’ll likely get a much better rate with your bank. The local currency here is the Egyptian pound (EGP)
We highly recommend saving the smaller bills for tips, as you’ll need them more often than you think!
Tipping (or Baksheesh) is a Way of Life
Tipping, called baksheesh in Egypt, is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture. The rule is: if someone is helping you in some way, you’ll likely need to tip them. This includes the bathroom attendants, restaurant servers, hotel staff, and even someone simply giving you directions! This is why keeping small bills (10 to 20-pound notes) is especially handy.
Be Prepared to Haggle
Thinking about shopping while in Cairo? You’ve got to get your haggling hat on. Vendors will start with extremely inflated prices, which you’ll need to bargain to a more reasonable price that both you and the vendor are happy with. In fact, we’ve experienced sellers attempting to charge 10 to 20 times the normal cost! Be friendly but firm, and don’t be afraid to walk away! Sometimes, when you do, they’ll call you back and match your price.
Know Common Scams
Like other major cities and tourist destinations, you’ll encounter scams in Cairo. The best way to avoid these common scams is to educate yourself beforehand so that you can stay vigilant and aware.
Some of the most common scams in Cairo include:
- Taxi drivers not using meters
- People offering help and then demanding baksheesh
- Unofficial guides showing you “secret attractions” at major tourist destinations and then demanding baksheesh
- Overpriced restaurants with no price on the menu
- “Friendly” locals taking you to their “friend’s” restaurant
Feeling Sick? Go to the Pharmacy!
One thing we absolutely love about Egypt is its pharmacies. Egyptian pharmacies are well-stocked and super affordable. So, if you need to stock up on some meds orare in need of something because you are sick, you can be they’ll have something for you! We were even able to get some medications that are considered prescription elsewhere. Simply rock up to the pharmacy, tell them what you need, or explain your symptoms, and the pharmacists will be able to help you!
Be Flexible
Cairo is a chaotic city, and that means that things may not always go to plan. Traffic can be crazy, and your schedule might shift, so learn to go with the flow and be patient. An open mind will help you enjoy this city that much more!
Enjoy Your 3 Days in Cairo!
Cairo gets a bad rap. But if you know where to go and are prepared with what to expect, this city has a lot of hidden treasures that are definitely worth exploring. Of course, the Pyramids are an absolute must, but Cairo is an old city with a lot of history and things to see beyond that. We think 3 days is the perfect amount of time in Cairo, and with this itinerary, you’ll be able to take advantage of what the city has to offer.
About the Author
