2 Days In Cairo Itinerary

Cairo is the capital and the largest city of Egypt, and it is the most populated city in the Middle East. It is a fascinating city, filled with ancient history, stunning monuments, vibrant culture, and bustling markets. It is a great destination for a 2-day visit and there is so much that you can do and see in this bustling city. Here is a handy 2-day itinerary of the best things to do and see in Cairo.

Day 1

Start your first day in Cairo by seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza, the most iconic and recognizable landmark in the entire country. The Great Pyramids are the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and are composed of the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. There are many guided tours available, which will take you to the entrance and provide you with valuable information about the history and significance of the pyramids. Afterwards, you can go to the nearby Great Sphinx, which is a giant limestone sculpture of a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human.

The Egyptian Museum

After exploring the Giza Plateau, head to the Egyptian Museum, located in downtown Cairo. The museum is home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, including mummies and statues of the gods, and it is the largest museum of its kind in the world. The museum also contains a wide range of Tutankhamun artifacts, including his famous gold mask. You can also visit the Royal Mummy Room, where many of the famous mummies of Egypt are on display.

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

After the museum, visit the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, which is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Cairo. The bustling bazaar is filled with street vendors, souvenir shops, and small eateries, and it is a great place to get a taste of the city’s vibrant culture. You can find everything from traditional Egyptian clothing to spices, jewelry, and antiques. You can also find street food vendors selling delicious snacks like falafel and shawarma.

Dinner at a rooftop restaurant

For dinner, you can head to a rooftop restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the city. There are many great rooftop restaurants in Cairo, such as the Heliopolis-based Rooftop Dinner at Heliopolis, which offers an amazing view of the city. You can enjoy a delicious selection of traditional Egyptian dishes, as well as a variety of international cuisines.

Day 2

Start your second day in Cairo by visiting the Coptic Museum, which is located in the Coptic Cairo area of the city. The museum is home to a large collection of Coptic artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, religious icons, and sculptures. You can also visit the nearby Hanging Church and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Both churches are located in the Coptic Cairo area and are beautiful examples of Coptic architecture.

Visit Islamic Cairo

After your visit to Coptic Cairo, head to Islamic Cairo. This area of the city is filled with medieval Islamic architecture, including many mosques, palaces, and monuments. You can visit the famous Al-Azhar Mosque and the Sultan Hassan Mosque, which are both stunning examples of Islamic architecture. You can also visit the nearby Citadel, which is an old fortress located on a hill overlooking the city.

Shopping at the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

In the afternoon, head back to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar for some shopping. You can find everything from jewelry, carpets, and spices to traditional Egyptian clothing. The bazaar is also a great place to find souvenirs, as there are many vendors selling a wide range of items.

Dinner at a Nile-view restaurant

For dinner, you can head to a Nile-view restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the river. There are many great Nile-view restaurants in Cairo, such as the Rooftop Restaurant at the Nile Dinner Cruise, which offers an amazing view of the river. You can enjoy a delicious selection of traditional Egyptian dishes, as well as a variety of international cuisines.

Additional Tips for First-Time Travellers

Cairo is a great destination for a 2-day visit, and there is so much that you can do and see in this bustling city. Before visiting, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary documents, such as a passport and a visa. Additionally, you should make sure to bring enough money in local currency, as well as some US dollars or Euros. Additionally, it is also important to dress appropriately, as many places have strict dress codes, and you should also bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as the heat and mosquitoes can be quite bothersome. Finally, it is also important to remember to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings, as pickpocketing is quite common in crowded areas.

Conclusion

Cairo is a fascinating city, filled with ancient monuments, vibrant culture, and bustling markets. With this 2-day itinerary, you can get a taste of the city’s best sights and activities. From exploring the Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum to visiting the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and dining at a rooftop restaurant, there is so much that you can do and see in Cairo. So, make sure to follow this itinerary and make the most of your time in the city.