This itinerary is the perfect introduction to Cairo, taking visitors to the most fascinating sights in the city and offering insights into its history and culture.

The guide gives you tips on how to get in and around the city, provides restaurant recommendations, site opening and closing times and entrance fees.

Each of the three days is devoted to visiting a specific area in Cairo (i.e. Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo, Pyramids of Giza), making travel between sites easy and convenient. 

Some of the sights included:

• Famous monuments: The Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Historical landmarks and buildings: Tahrir Square (Liberation Square), Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Citadel, The Coptic Museum, Al-Azhar University
• Bazaars: Khan el-Khalili Market, Souq al-Khiamiyya (Street of the Tentmakers)
• Places of worship: Sayyidna al-Hussein Mosque, The Hanging Church, Abu Serga, Virgin Mary’s Tree, Ben Ezra Synagogue
• Special sites: Al-Azhar Park, Al-Muizz St.
• Recommended dining options including information on Egyptian food

What does the itinerary include?

• 38-page PDF document
• Maps of key landmarks including directions
• Key information of each site: opening and closing times, entrance fee, background facts
• Over a dozen photos
• Tips on transportation, food, shopping, money, dress code
• Contact numbers and locations of tourism office and police
• Link to a list of embassies
• Useful Arabic phrases
• List of websites with supplementary information on Cairo and the rest of Egypt
• Other places to see, providing you with a list of options
• My contact information for any additional information you may need

Table of Contents:

• Introduction: How to use this guide, About the author
• The 3-day guide – detailed itinerary of activities, times, locations, transportation, prices, tips
• Extra information: 
• Travel advisory 
• Transportation 
• Food
• Hotels
• Money 
• Getting into the city from the airport 
• Useful local phrases 
• Additional websites for information 
• Other things to see or do 
• Random tips 

Who is this guide for?

While any traveler can benefit from the information found in this itinerary, it is especially useful for:

• First time, budget-conscious visitors to Cairo
• Visitors who only have a few days in the city but want to see more than just a couple of the major sights. This means seeing a lot in a relatively short time.
• Visitors who want to learn about the history and culture of the places they visit
• Travelers who are physically able to do a fair amount of walking

Sample from the guide

This is only an excerpt from day two of the itinerary. The actual itinerary includes additional pictures and maps. The prices below are in Egyptian pounds.

Citadel – 3:10pm – 4:10pm
Price: regular £50, student £25 (admission fee includes all mosques and museums on the site)
Duration: 1 hour

Hours: 8am-5pm, mosque closed during Friday prayers
Location: al-Qala'a, Shar'a Salih Salem

• Mosque of Mohamed Ali (also site of his tomb)
• Home to two other mosques
• 12th century fortifications
• Well of Joseph
• Great views over Cairo on a clear day
• Three museums: National Military Museum, National Police Museum and the Al-Gawhara Palace Museum

The Citadel is one of the most popular sites in Cairo so be prepared for crowds and extra security. Don’t miss the Mosque of Mohamed Ali (make this your first stop) and the view of Cairo from one of the terraces. The museums are uninspiring but the sheer size of the compound and the atmosphere<12T22:30"> and history it provides makes it worth the visit.

Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan – 4:10pm – 5:00pm
Price: £25
Duration: 1 hour

Hour: Daily 8am-5pm; Fri 8am-1pm, 2:30pm-5pm
Location: Maydan Salah al-Din, facing the Citadel

Built in the 14th century, archaeologists believe that stone from the pyramids of Giza may have been used to build the Mosque of Sultan Hassan. It is one of the largest mosques in the world covering an area of almost 8,000 square meters. The entrance itself is a must-see and the open courtyard features an ablutions fountain, used for ceremonial acts of washing the body. There are four vaulted sitting rooms as well as madrasas each connected to its own courtyard. The mausoleum of Sultan Hassan features a dome that filters in the sun’s rays and faces Mecca.

Dinner – 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Duration: 1.5 hours

Dining options

Egyptian Pancake House – Serves fateer (sweet Egyptian pancakes) and pizzas
Price: £10-£15
Location: Hussein Square

Al-Halwagy – Serves ta’amiyya and ful*, Egyptian staples
Price: £5-£30
Location: Hussein Square, adjacent to the Egyptian Pancake House

Ta’amiyya (known as falafel outside of Egypt) is a fried ball made of a mixture of seasonings and ground fava beans or chickpeas usually served with vegetables and tahini sauce in a pita.

Ful (pronounced “fool”) is a popular Egyptian street food consisting of mashed fava beans, onions, garlic and olive oil. It is eaten with flatbread and referred to as a “stone in the stomach” by the locals.

Al-Gahsh – Has the reputation of serving the best ful in Cairo
Price: under £20
Location: Across from Sayeda Zeinab mosque

Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant – Caters to tourists
Price: £30-£60
Location: 5 El Badistan Lane St., Khan el-Khalili

Khan el-Khalili Restaurant & Mabfouz Coffee Shop – Caters to tourists
Price: £15-£50
Location: 5 Sikket al-Badistan