Cairo

How many days: 4

Four days covers the pyramids, the museums, Islamic Cairo and a day for Coptic Cairo or Saqqara. Three is enough for the essentials.

Start early to beat the heat and the crowds.

What to do in Cairo

See the Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramid and its neighbours stand at the edge of the desert. Go early, and agree any camel or horse ride price before you start.

Visit the Sphinx

The enigmatic statue sits close to the pyramids, and the sights can be done together.

Visit the great museum

Egypt's national collections of ancient objects are among the most important in the world. Check the official site for what is open.

Explore Islamic Cairo

Narrow lanes, mosques and old gates make up the medieval city. Dress modestly.

Browse Khan el-Khalili

A huge bazaar selling spices, lanterns and crafts. Bargaining is expected.

Walk through Coptic Cairo

Old churches and a synagogue sit close together. A quiet part of the city.

Take a felucca ride on the Nile

A sailing boat on the river, best at sunset.

Visit Saqqara and Memphis

Older step pyramids and ruins south of the city. A good half-day trip.

Visit the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque

A hilltop fortress with a large mosque, and wide views over the city.

Take a sound and light show

An evening show at the pyramids tells the story with lights and narration.

See the Hanging Church

One of the oldest churches in Egypt, in Coptic Cairo. Peaceful and beautifully decorated.

Walk through the Zamalek island

A leafy area with galleries, cafes and Nile views. A calmer part of the city.

Take a coffeehouse break

Old coffeehouses serve tea, coffee and shisha. A good place to rest and watch city life.

What to eat and drink

Koshari

A national dish of rice, lentils, pasta and fried onions with spicy tomato sauce. Cheap, filling and tasty.

Ful medames

Slow-cooked fava beans, a typical breakfast.

Ta'ameya

Egyptian falafel made with fava beans, crisp and green inside.

Grilled meat

Kebabs and kofta are grilled over charcoal.

Fresh juices

Sugarcane and pomegranate juice are sold from street stalls.

Sweets

Look for baklava, basbousa and kunafa in local bakeries.

Fatteh

Layers of bread, rice and meat, topped with garlic and vinegar. A celebration dish.

Mint tea

Served everywhere, a friendly sign of welcome.

Om Ali

A warm pudding of pastry, milk, nuts and raisins. A classic dessert.

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around, and they avoid haggling over taxi fares. The metro is cheap and fast but can be crowded.

Traffic is heavy, so allow plenty of time.

Guides and drivers are common for the pyramid sites.

Good to know

• The heat is intense in summer, so plan sightseeing for the morning and carry water.
• Dress modestly, particularly in mosques and the old city. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Expect persistent sellers. A polite but firm no works best.
• Tipping, known as baksheesh, is common. Carry small notes.
• Check your government's travel advice and entry rules before booking.
• Hire a licensed guide for the big sites. A good one adds a lot, and also helps with hassle.
• Carry tissues and hand sanitiser, as public toilets may not provide them.
• Friday is the weekly day of rest, so some sights and shops keep shorter hours. Plan around it.
• A relaxed pace works best. Build rest into the day, and treat the city as a series of short outings.