In this post we are going to detail what to see in Cairo in 3 days in 2025
Cairo is a must-see city for every traveler, and is the entry point for the vast majority of tourists to the land of the pharaohs.
Usually 2-3 full days in Cairo are included in the packages offered by travel agencies. Two days is quite
Map of Cairo
Cairo is huge (and quite chaotic), and there is a lot to see spread across different parts of the city.
- In the eastern area: the Citadel of Saladin the various mosques, the Coptic quarter and the Khan el-Khalili Market stand out.
- In the central part of the city: don’t miss a visit to the Ancient Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square.
- In the western area (Giza): are the famous Pyramids of Giza and the new Grand Egyptian Museum
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Must-sees in Cairo and surrounding areas in 2025
Cairo is a city that we do not like as such, although the Greater Cairo area has many things to see and do, and if we have to make a list of essential things to see in Cairo in 3 days, these are:
- Egyptian Museum in Cairo
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (Royal Mummies Room)
- Khan el-Khalili Market
- Citadel of Saladin
- Mosque of Ibn Tulun
- Coptic Quarter
- Pyramids of Giza
- Excursion to Saqqara and Dashur
What to see in Cairo in 3 days 2025
Below we leave you an optimized itinerary of places to see in Cairo in 3 days . it is the one that makes the most sense, in our opinion, if you are going to visit Cairo on your own in 3 full days.
Day 1: Pyramids of Ancient Egypt
1- Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are one of the wonders of the ancient world and a dream destination for all travelers . The moment they appear before your eyes for the first time is VERY special. Without a doubt, the most important thing to see in Cairo in 3 days.
The pyramids were built during the IV dynasty of Ancient Egypt , approximately between the years 2580 and 2560 BC. They are more than 4,500 years old, that’s nothing . The pyramids of Giza include three main pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
The archaeological site also contains the Great Sphinx and a multitude of smaller temples and pyramids . The Great Sphinx is a lion statue with the head of a human, believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre and which stands in front of the pyramid to defend it. It is one of the largest and oldest statues in the world.
We recommend arriving early in the morning and visiting with a guide . We begin by walking around the base of the three pyramids. We can see that the pyramid of Khafre is the only one that still has part of its original polished covering. It is possible to enter all three pyramids, although there is not much to see inside and it is a bit claustrophobic.
2- Pyramids of Saqqara
The Saqqara Pyramid is one of the oldest pyramids in Egypt . It was built during the Third Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, around 2700 BC, under the reign of Pharaoh Djoser . This pyramid, also known as the Step Pyramid, is considered one of the most important structures in Egyptian architecture and marks the beginning of pyramid construction in the world.
It was designed by Imhotep , the first known architect in human history . The Saqqara Pyramid has a stepped shape, with six levels or mastabas superimposed on each other, which reduce in size as you ascend, creating a step effect. In addition, the funerary complex at Saqqara is one of the largest and most complete in Egypt, with numerous temples, tombs and structures related to the afterlife.
you will visit one of the tombs inside and it is incredible. you will first time as had seen thousands of years old hieroglyphics in colour .
3- Pyramids of Dashur
The pyramids of Dashur are located about 40 kilometers south of Cairo, Egypt. This complex is usually less famous than its neighbors in Giza, so the visit is quieter and unique . The most famous of the pyramids of Dashur is the Red Pyramid , also known as the pyramid of Pharaoh Sneferu. Built during the IV Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, its curious color is due to the stone blocks of its core.
But the most famous pyramid of Dashur is the Bent Pyramid , also built by Pharaoh Sneferu. The curious thing about this pyramid is that it began to be built with an inclination, let’s say, optimistic. So steep that if it continued to be built like this it would end up in the sky.
4- Memphis Museum
You will amazed by the giant statue of Ramses II lying down. It is enormous. Outside, the museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and archaeological remains belonging to the ancient city of Memphis and its surroundings. Statues, sarcophagi, sphinxes, ceramics and reliefs, dating from the predynastic period to the Roman period, are on display in this brief but interesting visit.
Day 2: Cairo and its mosques and markets
1- Citadel of Saladin
The Citadel of Saladin is a medieval fortress built by Sultan Saladin in the 12th century as part of a defensive system to protect the city from possible invasions.
The citadel is built on a hill that provides an excellent panoramic view of Cairo . If you look closely, you can see the pyramids of Giza from the viewing point. Inside there are several historical buildings, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali , which is one of the most important in the city and has a super interesting Turkish feel and a spectacular interior. It is one of the best places to see in Cairo in 3 days.
On your visit to the Citadel of Saladin, do not miss the mosques of Mohammed An Nasir and Suleyman Pasha , they are beautiful, especially inside. Remember that to visit the mosques it is essential to take off your shoes. In Egypt it is not usually necessary to cover your head, although we recommend that you dress discreetly.
2- Al-Rifai Mosque-Madrasa and Sultan Hassan
At the base of the Saladin Citadel lies one of the most important Islamic complexes in Egypt and the world . The Al-Rifai Madrasa is a renowned religious school. Its incredible and grandiose architecture is astonishing. Don’t miss the Sultan Hassan Mosque , located just opposite. There are usually not many tourists and it really is an impressive place to see in Cairo.
3- Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The Ibn Tulun Mosque was built in the 9th century by the Tulunid ruler Ahmed Ibn Tulun, who founded the Tulunid dynasty in Egypt. The mosque is considered one of the oldest and best preserved mosques in Cairo. Its architecture features both Egyptian and Syrian influences . The mosque features a large courtyard, a beautiful prayer hall, and a spiral-shaped minaret.
But the best part of the visit is climbing to the top to get beautiful panoramic views of the mosque and the city . One of our favorite places to see in Cairo in 3 days.
4- Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is one of the most important museums in the world when it comes to Egyptian art and antiquities. It was founded in 1902 and houses a vast collection of over 120,000 objects dating from prehistory to Roman times. Despite having a somewhat vintage and outdated feel, it is still a fascinating museum. However, we 100% recommend visiting it with a guide who can explain the most important works.
5- Khan-el-Jalili Bazaar (Khan-el-Khalili)
This is the most famous and well-known bazaar in Cairo. Spices, decorations, souvenirs, cafes and restaurants are packed into its narrow, labyrinthine streets.
Day 3: Cairo with the locals
1- Museum of Egyptian Civilizations
We start the day at the most modern and spectacular museum in Cairo. The Museum of Egyptian Civilizations has a beautiful courtyard , a lake and even a palm grove. Here we can find vestiges of all the Egyptian civilizations together with the most impressive collection of pharaoh mummies ever seen .
2- Coptic Quarter
You cannot miss the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus , the oldest in the Coptic quarter and built on the place where the Holy Family took refuge when fleeing from King Herod. It is in these places that a special spirituality is breathed. The Church of St. Mary the Virgin or Hanging Church is the best-known temple in the Coptic quarter. It was built between the 3rd and 4th centuries and receives its curious name because it is suspended over a door of the ancient fortress of Babylon. There are some glass windows in the floor that allow you to see how it hangs in the air.
3- Eating Koshary
But if, like us, you prefer to say goodbye to the city of Cairo with a 100% local experience, we recommend you stop by the Abu Tariq restaurant . This is the most legendary place to enjoy the Egyptian national dish: koshary . This mix of pasta, rice, chickpeas, crispy onions and a delicious spicy tomato sauce will not leave you indifferent. In addition, in this place they only serve Koshary, so they have created an “assembly line” worth seeing to speed up orders.
