Cairo 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Cairo: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Khan el-Khalili

A sprawling medieval bazaar with alleys of spice, gold, lanterns, and textiles. More touristy than local but the atmosphere is genuine if you dive into the side streets.

🕐 9am-late, most shops open until 10pm

Free entry

💡 Free to wander. Haggle hard—start at half the asking price. Go in the evening when it's cooler and lit by lanterns. Fishawy Cafe is overpriced but iconic for a tea.

Hotels near Khan el-Khalili →
Afternoon
Sultan Hassan Mosque-Madrasa

A massive 14th-century mosque and school with a soaring dome and intricate marble work inside. One of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture in Cairo.

🕐 8am-4pm daily, closed during prayer times

Free entry

💡 Free to enter. Dress modestly and remove shoes. The guard may ask for a small tip for showing you the hidden upper balcony—it's worth it.

Hotels near Sultan Hassan Mosque-Madrasa →
Evening
Where to eat

الحرية · ££

سيلانترو · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Cairo

Morning
Museum of Islamic Art

A stunning collection of ceramics, textiles, and metalwork spanning centuries. The building itself was recently renovated and shows off intricate Islamic geometric patterns.

🕐 9am-5pm daily, last entry 4pm

💡 Entry costs around 100 EGP for foreigners. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. The mausoleum-style courtyard is quiet and free to sit in.

Midday
Al-Azhar Park

A large landscaped garden on a hill with clear views of Cairo's minarets and the Citadel. Well-maintained paths, fountains, and a lake.

🕐 9am-10pm daily

💡 Costs 20 EGP entry. Bring a picnic—there's a cheap snack kiosk inside but the restaurant is overpriced. Best at sunset.

Evening
Dining tonight

ديدوس أل دينتيه

Maison Thomas

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Coptic Museum

Houses a rich collection of Coptic Christian artifacts, including woodwork, icons, and textiles dating back to the 4th century. Set in a quiet, palm-filled gard

💡 Entry about 100 EGP. Combines cheaply with a visit to the Hanging Church next door. No photography allowed in the main hall.

Final meal

سيموندس

بلو نيل بوت

Getting Around Cairo

Zamalek Tram Line 5 / Local Transit From 2-3 EGP 20 min

Charming heritage transport option for exploring Zamalek. Combine with metro or taxi to reach Downtown first. Scenic ride along Nile. Vintage experience but slow and crowded.

Cairo Metro Line 2 From 2-5 EGP 60 min

Most economical option. Take airport shuttle (25-50 EGP) to metro station. Women-only cars available. Avoid rush hours. Change to Line 1 at Sadat for Zamalek access.

White Taxi / Uber / Careem From 200-400 EGP (Uber/Careem), 300-500 EGP (white taxi) 45 min

Use Uber or Careem for fixed pricing and safety. White taxis are cheaper but negotiate fare beforehand. Avoid peak hours (7-10am, 5-8pm).

Cairo Airport Shuttle Bus / Public Bus From 25-50 EGP (shuttle), 3-5 EGP (public bus) 90 min

Airport shuttle is reliable and safe. Public buses are very cheap but crowded and unpredictable. Best for budget travelers comfortable with local transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Cairo?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Khan el-Khalili and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Cairo?

See our full best time to visit Cairo guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.