5-Day Cairo Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Cairo packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — pyramids on the skyline and five thousand years of civilization at your feet. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Giza — pyramids and Sphinx on the western plateau. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx for your first taste of what makes Cairo special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Giza — pyramids and Sphinx on the western plateau area. Try Koshari — layers of lentils, rice, pasta, and crispy onions with tomato sauce — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Al-Azhar Mosque. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Islamic Cairo — medieval mosques, madrasas, and Khan el-Khalili bazaar neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Ta'meya — Egyptian falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Egyptian Museum (and Grand Egyptian Museum) — one of Cairo's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $5 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Zamalek — leafy Nile island with galleries, cafes, and boutique hotels district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Molokhia — green jute leaf stew served over rice with garlic and coriander. Expect to spend around $11 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Al-Azhar Park — landscaped oasis with Islamic Cairo views built on rubble — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Manial Palace — ornate early-20th-century palace museum on Roda Island. The Coptic Cairo — ancient churches and the Hanging Church area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Cairo's nightlife scene — Zamalek — jazz bars and upscale lounges on Gezira Island.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit City of the Dead — inhabited medieval cemetery with Mamluk architecture or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Khan el-Khalili — spices, perfume oils, brass, and papyrus in medieval souks — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Cairo Metro is cheap and covers key areas including downtown and Giza
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $45 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack loose lightweight clothing for desert heat You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly especially at mosques — women should cover hair and shoulders
• Safety: Stay with reputable guides at tourist sites to avoid scams

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$15	$45	$180
5-Day Total	$75	$225	$900

Final Thoughts

Five days in Cairo is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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