Egypt Itinerary
The Perfect 5-Day Cairo Itinerary
Cairo 🇪🇬 · Built from 9 real traveler plans · 38 spots
Cairo is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply. We took 9 real traveler itineraries and distilled them into this 5-day plan — built around the 38+ places people actually saved, ranked by how often they show up. No filler, no tourist traps nobody bookmarks: just the spots real travelers keep choosing for Cairo.
Have 4 or 6 or 7 days instead of 5? 4-day Cairo itinerary · 6-day Cairo itinerary · 7-day Cairo itinerary — same ranked list, cut to fit, further down this page.
5-Day Cairo Itinerary
Day 1
Located within the Citadel, this Ottoman-style mosque with its towering minarets is a prominent landmark of Cairo's skyline, featuring intricate alabaster work.
A historic mosque and university, it's one of the oldest continually operating universities in the world and a significant center of Islamic learning.
The monumental limestone statue of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, guarding the Giza plateau.
Enjoy a tranquil escape at Al-Azhar Park, offering lush greenery, beautiful fountains, and stunning panoramic views of Islamic Cairo.
An iconic ancient wonder, featuring the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure, standing as a testament to ancient Egyptian engineering.
Day 2
Houses an extensive collection of Islamic artifacts from various periods, showcasing the rich heritage of Islamic civilization.
A medieval Islamic fortification offering panoramic views of Cairo, home to several mosques and museums, including the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
Immerse yourself in one of the Middle East's oldest and most famous bazaars, a bustling labyrinth of shops selling spices, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.
Experience traditional Egyptian arts and culture in a beautifully restored 15th-century caravanserai, often hosting mesmerizing Tanoura dance performances.
Day 3
The oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis, and the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
Explore this historic Coptic church, believed to be built on the spot where the Holy Family rested during their flight to Egypt.
One of the last remaining gates of the Fatimid city of Cairo, offering a glimpse into medieval city defenses and panoramic views from its towers.
Day 4
Step back in time at this living museum, where actors portray daily life in ancient Egypt, offering boat rides and interactive exhibits.
Experience a traditional Egyptian sailboat (felucca) ride on the Nile River, offering serene views of Cairo's skyline, especially at sunset.
Relax at Cairo's oldest coffeehouse in Khan el-Khalili, a historic spot popular for its traditional ambiance and mint tea.
Savor authentic Egyptian grilled specialties and traditional dishes in a restaurant known for its quality and local flavor, often with Nile views.
Day 5
Discover an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, in this state-of-the-art museum near the pyramids.
Explore the world's largest archaeological museum, housing an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
The oldest mosque in Cairo in its original form, known for its unique spiral minaret and vast courtyard, offering a serene atmosphere.
4-Day Cairo Itinerary
Short on time? These are the 20 places travelers save most, in 4 days: skip the rest without regret.
- Day 1: Mosque of Muhammad Ali → Al-Azhar Mosque → Great Sphinx of Giza → Al-Azhar Park → Pyramids of Giza
- Day 2: Museum of Islamic Art → Citadel of Salah al-Din → Khan el-Khalili Bazaar → Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center → Hanging Church
- Day 3: Great Pyramid of Giza → Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus → Bab Zuweila → Citadel of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi → Khan el-Khalili
- Day 4: The Pharaonic Village → Nile River Felucca Ride → El Fishawy Cafe → Abou Shakra → Felfela
6-Day Cairo Itinerary
With 6 days you get past the headline sights into the places people only reach on a longer Cairo trip. Days 6–6 are the extra stops.
- Day 1: Mosque of Muhammad Ali → Al-Azhar Mosque → Great Sphinx of Giza → Al-Azhar Park → Pyramids of Giza
- Day 2: Museum of Islamic Art → Citadel of Salah al-Din → Khan el-Khalili Bazaar → Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center → Hanging Church
- Day 3: Great Pyramid of Giza → Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus → Bab Zuweila → Citadel of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi → Khan el-Khalili
- Day 4: The Pharaonic Village → Nile River Felucca Ride → El Fishawy Cafe → Abou Shakra → Felfela
- Day 5: Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids → Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) → The Grand Egyptian Museum → Mosque of Ibn Tulun → Coptic Cairo
- Day 6: Gezira Island → Ben Ezra Synagogue → Andrea Mariouteya → Cairo Tower → Tahrir Square
7-Day Cairo Itinerary
With 7 days you get past the headline sights into the places people only reach on a longer Cairo trip. Days 6–7 are the extra stops.
- Day 1: Mosque of Muhammad Ali → Al-Azhar Mosque → Great Sphinx of Giza → Al-Azhar Park → Pyramids of Giza
- Day 2: Museum of Islamic Art → Citadel of Salah al-Din → Khan el-Khalili Bazaar → Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center → Hanging Church
- Day 3: Great Pyramid of Giza → Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus → Bab Zuweila → Citadel of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi → Khan el-Khalili
- Day 4: The Pharaonic Village → Nile River Felucca Ride → El Fishawy Cafe → Abou Shakra → Felfela
- Day 5: Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids → Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) → The Grand Egyptian Museum → Mosque of Ibn Tulun → Coptic Cairo
- Day 6: Gezira Island → Ben Ezra Synagogue → Andrea Mariouteya → Cairo Tower → Tahrir Square
- Day 7: Naguib Mahfouz Cafe → Sultan Hassan Mosque and El-Rifa'i Mosque → Memphis and Saqqara → Dahshur Pyramids → Solar Boat Museum
Top Things to Do in Cairo
- Mosque of Muhammad Ali — ★ 4.7 (saved by 7 travelers)Located within the Citadel, this Ottoman-style mosque with its towering minarets is a prominent landmark of Cairo's skyline, featuring intricate alabaster work.
- Al-Azhar Mosque — ★ 4.8 (saved by 6 travelers)A historic mosque and university, it's one of the oldest continually operating universities in the world and a significant center of Islamic learning.
- Great Sphinx of Giza — ★ 4.7 (saved by 5 travelers)The monumental limestone statue of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human, guarding the Giza plateau.
- Al-Azhar Park — ★ 4.5 (saved by 5 travelers)Enjoy a tranquil escape at Al-Azhar Park, offering lush greenery, beautiful fountains, and stunning panoramic views of Islamic Cairo.
- Pyramids of Giza — ★ 4.6 (saved by 4 travelers)An iconic ancient wonder, featuring the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure, standing as a testament to ancient Egyptian engineering.
- Museum of Islamic Art — ★ 4.6 (saved by 4 travelers)Houses an extensive collection of Islamic artifacts from various periods, showcasing the rich heritage of Islamic civilization.
- Citadel of Salah al-Din — ★ 4.6 (saved by 4 travelers)A medieval Islamic fortification offering panoramic views of Cairo, home to several mosques and museums, including the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
- Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — ★ 4.4 (saved by 4 travelers)Immerse yourself in one of the Middle East's oldest and most famous bazaars, a bustling labyrinth of shops selling spices, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.
Where to Eat in Cairo
- Abou Shakra — ★ 3.8
- Felfela — ★ 3.6
- Andrea Mariouteya — ★ 4.3
- Naguib Mahfouz Cafe — ★ 4.2
Cairo Travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Cairo?
Most travelers planning Cairo on Triply spend about 5 days there. That's enough to cover the top sights — Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Al-Azhar Mosque, Great Sphinx of Giza — without rushing. This page also has 4-day and 6-day and 7-day versions of the same plan.
What are the top things to do in Cairo?
Based on 9 real Cairo itineraries, the most-saved spots are Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Al-Azhar Mosque, Great Sphinx of Giza, Al-Azhar Park, Pyramids of Giza, Museum of Islamic Art.
Where should I eat in Cairo?
The most-saved places to eat in Cairo are Abou Shakra, Felfela, Andrea Mariouteya, Naguib Mahfouz Cafe.
Is Cairo worth visiting?
Cairo is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply, with 9 traveler itineraries covering 38+ spots — so yes, there's plenty to fill a 5-day trip.
Build your own Cairo trip
Get this itinerary route-optimized with your own saved spots, free in the Triply app.
On a computer? Plan in your browser — free, no download →