How to Plan Your Layover 8 Hours Visit to Great Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Bazaar in Cairo

If you have a layover of 8 hours or more in Cairo, Egypt, don’t waste time hanging out at the airport! Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. In this guide, we will show you how to plan an enjoyable tour to explore the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the Bazaar in Cairo.

Experience

This 8-hour tour will take you on a fascinating journey through ancient history, showcasing some of the world’s most impressive landmarks. You will visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the iconic Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and explore the mysteries of the Sphinx. You’ll also be able to discover ancient treasures at the world-renowned Egyptian Museum and shop for authentic Egyptian souvenirs at the bustling Bazaar.

Highlights

• Visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
• Explore the mysterious Sphinx and learn about its fascinating history
• Discover the treasures of ancient Egypt at the world-renowned Egyptian Museum
• Shop for authentic Egyptian souvenirs such as spices, textiles, and jewelry at the Bazaar

Full Description

Your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel or Cairo airport at your requested time, and you’ll begin your full-day tour. You will visit the Great Pyramids of Giza, the oldest and largest of the pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex. These architectural marvels are truly a sight to behold, and they are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You’ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, and learn about the fascinating history behind these ancient structures. Next, you’ll visit the Great Sphinx of Giza, a limestone statue of the mythical creature. This statue is one of the most significant landmarks in Egypt, and it sits on the Giza Plateau, facing directly from West to East. Your knowledgeable tour guide will provide you with an interesting history of the Sphinx and the surrounding area. After your visit to the Sphinx, you will stop for lunch at one of Cairo’s many fabulous Egyptian cuisine restaurants. Once you are refreshed and satisfied, you’ll continue the tour by visiting the Egyptian Museum. This museum is home to thousands of ancient artifacts and treasures, including the famous collection of King Tutankhamun. You’ll be fascinated and awed by the impressive displays, including mummies, sculptures, and pottery. Finally, you’ll visit the Bazaar, a bustling shopping area where you can purchase authentic Egyptian souvenirs. This open-air market is the perfect place to pick up unique spices, textiles, and jewelry that you won’t find anywhere else.

Booking the Tour

To book this tour or any other tours in Cairo, visit GetYourGuide.com. This reputable online travel agency offers a variety of tours and activities in Cairo and other popular destinations worldwide.

Book Your Tour Now

There’s nothing quite like exploring the ancient wonders of Egypt, and if you happen to have a layover in Cairo, you can see some of the most significant landmarks in the world in just eight hours. This tour is a perfect way to experience the Great Pyramids of Giza, explore the mysteries of the Sphinx, marvel at the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, and shop for authentic souvenirs at the Bazaar. With a knowledgeable tour guide to lead the way, your visit to Cairo is sure to be unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cairo

1. Where is Cairo located?

Cairo is the capital city of Egypt, and it is located in the northeastern region of the country. It sits along the banks of the River Nile and covers an area of about 528 square kilometers.

2. What is the weather like in Cairo?

Cairo has a hot desert climate, and it experiences very little precipitation throughout the year. Summers in Cairo can be incredibly hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. Winters, on the other hand, are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 13 to 20 degrees Celsius.

3. What are some of the top tourist attractions in Cairo?

• The Pyramids of Giza
• The Great Sphinx
• The Egyptian Museum
• The Citadel of Salah El-Din
• The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
• The Coptic Museum
• The Al-Azhar Mosque

4. What is the best way to get around Cairo?

The best way to get around Cairo is by taking a taxi or using the metro system. Taxis are readily available throughout the city, and the metro system is cheap and efficient. It’s important to note, however, that Cairo’s streets can be very congested, so be prepared for some traffic if you’re traveling by car.

5. What are some traditional Egyptian dishes to try in Cairo?

• Koshari
• Mulukhiyah
• Ful Medames
• Molokhia
• Shakshuka
• Baba Ghanoush
• Tabbouleh
• Kebabs

6. What are some cultural customs to be aware of in Cairo?

• It’s important to dress conservatively, especially if you’re visiting a mosque or other religious site.
• Avoid eating in public during the month of Ramadan, as Muslims fast throughout the day during this time.
• When greeting someone, it’s polite to offer a handshake.
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions, and always ask permission before taking photographs of people.

7. What is the currency used in Cairo?

The currency used in Cairo (and throughout Egypt) is the Egyptian pound (EGP). It’s a good idea to exchange some money before your trip to ensure that you have cash on hand, as credit cards are not widely accepted in many places.

8. Is Cairo a safe city for tourists?

Like any major city, Cairo has its share of crime and safety concerns. However, many tourists visit Cairo each year without incident. It’s important to exercise caution when traveling in Cairo, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

9. What is the best time of year to visit Cairo?

The best time of year to visit Cairo is during the winter months (December-February), as temperatures are mild and more comfortable for sightseeing. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you don’t mind the heat, visiting in the summer months can be a good way to avoid crowds and save money on accommodation.

10. What are some common phrases in Arabic that might be helpful for travelers?

• Marhaba (hello)
• Shukran (thank you)
• Ma-as-salaama (goodbye)
• La (no)
• Naam (yes)
• Min fadlak (please)

How to spend your time as a tourist in Cairo

Cairo is a vast and vibrant city with a rich history and culture. There are endless things to see and do for tourists visiting the city. From marveling at ancient pyramids to exploring bustling markets, Cairo offers a unique and unforgettable experience. If you are planning a trip to Cairo, this guide will provide you with insights on how to make the most out of your visit.

1. Visit the Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, and they are a must-see for any tourist visiting Cairo. These ancient wonders were built over 4,500 years ago and are a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest and was built for the Pharaoh Khufu. The other two pyramids were built for Pharaoh Khafre and Pharaoh Menkaure.

What to Do:

• Explore the Pyramids of Giza and marvel at their magnificent architecture.
• Take a camel ride around the pyramids and capture some memorable photographs.
• Visit the Solar Boat Museum to see an ancient boat that was discovered near the Great Pyramid of Giza.

2. Discover Ancient Cairo

Ancient Cairo is a fascinating place to visit. It is home to many historical and religious sites that tell the story of Egypt’s rich and diverse past. It is also known as Coptic Cairo, and one of the main highlights of the area is the Hanging Church, also known as Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church.

What to Do:

• Visit the Hanging Church: This church is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. It was built in the 3rd or 4th century and was named the Hanging Church because of its location above a medieval gatehouse of the Roman fortress in Babylon.
• Explore the Coptic Museum: The Coptic Museum is home to a vast collection of Coptic art and artefacts, including manuscripts, textiles, and sculptures.
• Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue: This is one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in Cairo and is believed to be the site where baby Moses was found.
• Discover the Roman Remains at the Roman Fortress: The Roman fortress is another historical site in Ancient Cairo. The fortress was built to protect the city from invasions and is the site of numerous Roman ruins.

3. Shop at Khan Al-Khalili Market

The Khan Al-Khalili Market is a famous bazaar in the heart of Cairo. It is a vibrant and bustling market that has been operating since the 14th century. The market is home to shops that sell everything from spices to jewellery and souvenirs.

What to Do:

• Shop for souvenirs: You can buy souvenirs such as traditional Egyptian clothing, carpets, and jewellery at the market.
• Taste local food: Try some traditional Egyptian food at the market’s food stalls, such as Ful Medames, a popular Egyptian dish made from fava beans.
• Bargain: The market is known for its bargaining culture, so don’t hesitate to bargain for a better price.

4. Visit the Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is the largest museum in Egypt and is home to a vast collection of ancient artefacts. The museum has over 120,000 items on display, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun.

What to Do:

• See the Treasures of King Tutankhamun: These treasures include his golden throne, the golden mask that was found on his mummy, and his elaborate sarcophagus.
• Marvel at the colossal statues: The museum is home to colossal statues such as a statue of Pharaoh Ramses II.
• Explore the different galleries: The museum is divided into different galleries, such as the Tutankhamun Gallery and the Royal Mummies Gallery.

5. Take a Nile River Cruise

A Nile River Cruise is an excellent way to explore Cairo and see the city from a different perspective. A cruise will take you past important landmarks and historical sites, such as the city’s bridges, palaces, and mosques.

What to Do:

• Enjoy the views: Take in the beautiful views of Cairo from the Nile River and capture some memorable photos.
• Take part in some onboard entertainment: Some Nile River cruises offer onboard entertainment, such as music and dance shows.
• Try some Egyptian cuisine: Many Nile River cruises offer traditional Egyptian food, so take the opportunity to try some local dishes.

Book Your Tour Now

Cairo is a city full of history, culture, and vibrant life. It is an excellent destination for tourists looking to experience something unique and exciting. By following this guide, you will be able to make the most out of your visit to Cairo and experience everything the city has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history or culture or just want to enjoy some excellent food, Cairo has something for everyone. So why not book your trip today and explore this incredible city for yourself!