Cairo itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: The Pyramids & the Sphinx
The Pyramids of Giza at opening time and the Great Sphinx below them, with the afternoon free to rest from the heat.
- 1
Early morning
The Pyramids of Giza
The last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing: the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure on the desert plateau above the city.
- Great Pyramid
- Pyramid of Khafre
- Panoramic viewpoint
Arrive at opening time, before the heat and the tour buses, and bring water and sun protection.
Pyramids of Giza Walking Tour
Video by Prowalk Tours on YouTube
Walk down the plateau road to the Sphinx, about 20 min, or take a taxi.
- 2
Late morning
The Great Sphinx
The great stone lion with a human head, carved from the bedrock below the pyramids, with the Valley Temple beside it.
- Great Sphinx
- Valley Temple
- View of the pyramids
Giza Plateau: Pyramids and Sphinx Walking Tour
Video by Prowalk Tours on YouTube
Day 2: Islamic Cairo
Khan el-Khalili, the monuments of Al-Mu'izz Street and Al-Azhar Mosque by day, and the old city lit up at night.
- 1
Morning
Khan el-Khalili
The great bazaar of medieval Cairo, a maze of covered lanes selling lamps, spices, brass and textiles, with old coffee houses tucked in between.
- Bazaar lanes
- Old coffee houses
- Spice stalls
Bargaining is expected; take your time and keep it friendly.
Cairo: Khan el-Khalili Market Walking Tour
Video by World Wanderings: 4K Walking Tours on YouTube
Jump toWalk north along Al-Mu'izz Street, about 10 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Al-Mu'izz Street
The main street of Fatimid Cairo, lined with mosques, madrasas and fountains from a thousand years of history, from the Al-Hakim Mosque down to the bazaar.
- Al-Hakim Mosque
- Al-Mu'izz Street
- Sabil-kuttab fountains
Cairo: Khan el-Khalili Market Walking Tour
Video by World Wanderings: 4K Walking Tours on YouTube
Jump toWalk back south and cross under Al-Azhar Street, about 15 min.
- 3
Late afternoon
Al-Azhar Mosque
One of the oldest mosques in Cairo and the seat of a university for over a thousand years, its marble courtyard surrounded by minarets.
- Marble courtyard
- Minarets
- Al-Azhar Street
Dress modestly; women are asked to cover their hair, and everyone removes their shoes.
Cairo: Khan el-Khalili Market Walking Tour
Video by World Wanderings: 4K Walking Tours on YouTube
Jump toWalk back into the bazaar, about 5 min.
- 4
Night
The old city by night
After dark the bazaar fills with families, the Qalawun complex is floodlit, and Tanoura dancers spin in their colourful skirts.
- Bazaar at night
- Qalawun complex
- Tanoura dancers
Cairo: Khan el-Khalili Market Walking Tour
Video by World Wanderings: 4K Walking Tours on YouTube
Jump to
Day 3: Downtown & Ataba
The grand old streets of downtown in the morning, then the crowded markets around Ataba Square.
- 1
Morning
Downtown Cairo
The belle-époque centre built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with arcades, faded grand buildings and busy café streets around Qasr al-Nil Street.
- Qasr al-Nil Street
- Old arcades
- Opera Square
Walk from Opera Square into Ataba, about 5 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Ataba markets
Some of the busiest street markets in the city, selling everything from electronics to furniture, packed with shoppers and porters around Ataba Square.
- Ataba Square
- Electronics market
- Street stalls
Keep your valuables close in the crowds.
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Cairo plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Cairo
How many days?
Three days covers the Pyramids and the Sphinx, Islamic Cairo by day and by night, and downtown with its markets. With one day, do Giza in the morning and Khan el-Khalili in the evening.
Where to stay
Downtown and Zamalek are central for the sights and the metro; hotels near Giza are good if the Pyramids are your priority, but far from the old city.
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to cross the city. The metro is cheap and fast for downtown, and the old city is best explored on foot. Traffic is heavy, so allow extra time.
Cairo is huge, loud and endlessly alive, and a first visit falls into three parts. On the desert edge at Giza stand the Pyramids and the Sphinx; in medieval Islamic Cairo, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the mosques of Al-Mu'izz Street feel centuries old; and downtown, grand early-20th-century buildings sit beside some of the city's busiest markets.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can see the bazaar, the crowds and the monuments before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Cairo itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Cairo?
Three days is a good first visit: one for the Pyramids and the Sphinx, one for Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili, and one for downtown and its markets. In one day you can see Giza in the morning and the bazaar in the evening.
How far are the Pyramids from central Cairo?
Giza is about 20 km from downtown. By car it usually takes 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic, so plan to go early.
When is the best time to visit Cairo?
October to April is the most comfortable time, with warm days and cool evenings. Summer is very hot; if you visit then, see the outdoor sights early in the morning.
Is it easy to walk around Cairo?
Within each area, yes: the old city and downtown are best seen on foot. Between areas the distances and traffic are big, so use ride-hailing apps or the metro, and take care crossing busy roads.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Keep exploring Cairo
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Cairo city guide →