7-Day Cairo, Egypt Couples Itinerary
Arrive at Cairo International Airport · Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan · Al-Azhar Park · Great Pyramid of Giza · Desert Fox Safari · Felucca Ride on the Nile
Part one
Is this trip for you?
Cairo holds a density of ancient stone and medieval alleyways that Amman or Dubai cannot match. You choose this for the physical weight of history, from the Giza plateau to the minarets of Islamic Cairo, not for polished modernity. It suits a traveler who wants the grit of real streets and the raw, unvarnished scale of antiquity over manicured resorts.
Your itinerary covers 6 must-have experiences
Historic Islamic Monuments
✓ Day 1: Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
A Felucca Sunset Sailing Cruise
✓ Day 2: Felucca Ride on the Nile
Traditional Bazaars
✓ Day 3: Khan el-Khalili
A Traditional Sufi Dervish Performance
✓ Day 5: Wekalet El Ghouri
Ancient Necropolis Complexes
✓ Day 6: Pyramid of Djoser
World Class Museums
✓ Day 6: The Grand Egyptian Museum
📅 Best Time to Visit
Visit between October and April to avoid the extreme desert heat. Temperatures reach 40C in summer, making temple touring brutal. December and January are peak season with cool mornings and crowded sites.
Part two
The plan, day by day
The week starts with the intensity of Islamic and Old Cairo to settle into the pace before shifting to the wide, exposed horizons of Giza. We alternate between high-density urban exploration and the desert ruins of Saqqara to prevent sensory overload. The final days anchor you back in Old Cairo, ensuring you finish among the craft markets rather than out in the desert heat.
This itinerary prioritizes the core sites of Giza and the spiritual heart of Old Cairo. You miss the coastal breeze of Alexandria and its Mediterranean seafood, along with the deep-desert solitude of the Fayoum Oasis. This structure is for the traveler who demands deep immersion in classical history and urban chaos; look elsewhere if you prefer quiet nature or a slower Mediterranean pace.
To deepen this, add two days for a trip to Aswan. You can take a sunset felucca ride past the granite rocks of the Nile, which offers a stillness impossible to find within the capital.
- Morning
08:00 AM - Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI)· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 (~EGP 465)Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI). Take an official white taxi or a ride-hailing app directly to the hotel area in Downtown Cairo (approx. 45-60 min, $10-15).
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Shawerma in Downtown Cairo· 1 hr
USD 5 (~EGP 155)ShawermaSavor authentic chicken shawerma served in warm flatbread with signature garlic sauce at a local eatery near the city center.
Typical $2–5 - Closes 5 PM · 3h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan· 2 hrs
USD 5 (~EGP 155) - 🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:30 PM - Al-Azhar Park· 1 hr 30 min
USD 3 (~EGP 93) - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Mahshi in Islamic Cairo· 1 hr
USD 8 (~EGP 248)MahshiEnjoy a traditional dinner of vegetable-stuffed mahshi in the historic quarter, surrounded by the vibrant evening atmosphere of the old city.
Typical $3–8
Downtown Cairo
Centrally located with easy access to the Metro and major historic sights, offering a balance of walkability and local street life.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
08:30 AM - Great Pyramid of Giza· 4 hrs
USD 20 (~EGP 620) - Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Mombar in Giza· 1 hr
USD 6 (~EGP 186)MombarEnjoy traditional rice-stuffed intestine casings at a local eatery near the plateau entrance.
Typical $2–6 - 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
02:30 PM - Desert Fox Safari· 2 hrs
USD 45 (~EGP 1,395) - Evening🕐 Monday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AMConfirm hours on Maps
05:00 PM - Felucca Ride on the Nile· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 (~EGP 465) 07:30 PM - Dinner: Molokhia in Zamalek· 1 hr
USD 12 (~EGP 372)MolokhiaSavor a bowl of rich jute leaf soup with chicken in an elegant restaurant overlooking the river.
Typical $4–9
Downtown Cairo
Centrally located with easy access to transit routes leading toward Giza and the historic Islamic districts, offering the best base for a first-time visitor.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Egyptian Museum in Cairo· 4 hrs
USD 10 (~EGP 310) - Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Ta'ameya in Downtown Cairo· 1 hr
USD 5 (~EGP 155)Ta'ameyaEnjoy freshly fried fava bean fritters with herbs at a busy local canteen.
Typical $0–2 - Closes 5 PM · 2.5h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:30 PM - Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo· 2 hrs
USD 8 (~EGP 248) - Evening🕐 Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
05:00 PM - Khan el-Khalili· 2 hrs
FREE 07:30 PM - Dinner: Roz bi Laban in Al-Azhar· 1 hr
USD 3 (~EGP 93)Roz bi LabanEnd the day with a warm, comforting bowl of Egyptian rice pudding while watching the evening bustle.
Typical $1–3
Downtown Cairo
Central location offers easy access to the Metro and most major cultural landmarks, making it the perfect base for your trip.
- Morning
- 🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
11:30 AM - Gayer-Anderson Museum· 1 hr 30 min
USD 4 (~EGP 124) - Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Sayadeya in Sayyeda Zeinab· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EGP 465)SayadeyaEnjoy this spiced rice and fish dish in a historic neighborhood known for its authentic flavors.
- Closes 4 PM · 1.5h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:30 PM - Mosque of Ibn Tulun· 1 hr 30 min
USD 3 (~EGP 93) - 🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:30 PM - Cairo Tower· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EGP 465) - Evening
07:30 PM - Dinner: Samak Mashwi in Zamalek· 1 hr
USD 18 (~EGP 558)Samak MashwiDine on freshly grilled fish at a riverside spot, reflecting on the day's historical exploration.
Downtown Cairo
Centrally located with easy access to transit lines and local eateries, making it an efficient base for exploring various city districts.
- Morning
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Fiteer in Al-Azhar· 1 hr
USD 10 (~EGP 310)FiteerEnjoy a traditional flaky Egyptian pastry layered with savory ingredients at a local neighborhood eatery.
- ⚠️ Closed on Thursday, Friday🕐 Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:00 PM - Wekalet El Ghouri· 2 hrs
USD 20 (~EGP 620) - Closes 6 PM · 2.5h here🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
03:30 PM - Wadi Degla Reserve· 2 hrs 30 min
USD 5 (~EGP 155) - Evening
08:00 PM - Dinner: Hawawshi in Maadi· 1 hr
USD 25 (~EGP 775)HawawshiRelax with a romantic candlelit dinner featuring seasoned minced meat stuffed inside crispy pita bread.
Downtown Cairo
Centrally located with easy access to the Metro and major historic sites, making it a convenient base for exploring various neighborhoods.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Pyramid of Djoser· 3 hrs
USD 25 (~EGP 775) - Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Fattah in Giza· 1 hr
USD 15 (~EGP 465)Enjoy a hearty serving of Egyptian Fattah, a traditional dish of rice, bread, and meat broth.
- Closes 4 PM · 3h here🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:00 PM - Great Sphinx of Giza· 2 hrs
USD 20 (~EGP 620) - 🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
03:00 PM - The Grand Egyptian Museum· 3 hrs
USD 30 (~EGP 930) - Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner: Kofta in Giza· 1 hr
USD 20 (~EGP 620)Share a plate of spiced minced meat skewers, grilled over charcoal for a classic smoky flavor.
Downtown Cairo
Central location offering easy access to transport, diverse dining, and historic charm throughout your stay.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Coptic Museum· 2 hrs
USD 5 (~EGP 155) - Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Fesikh in Old Cairo· 1 hr
USD 5 (~EGP 155)FesikhEnjoy traditional salted fish served with fresh bread in a historic neighborhood setting.
02:30 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREEReturn to the hotel to finish checkout and collect all belongings before the departure.
04:00 PM - Depart from Cairo International Airport (CAI)· 2 hrs
FREEPrivate transfer to the airport for international flight departure.
Downtown Cairo
Centrally located with easy access to the Metro for efficient travel across the city.
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Customize this tripFreePart three
Food, shopping & festivals
Top 6 dishes to try
Ta'ameya
Shawerma
Mahshi
Molokhia
Roz bi Laban
Mombar
Markets & neighborhoods
Clusters of seafood and fish cafeterias near the riverfront.
Traditional street food stalls, especially around the Khan el-Khalili area.
Diverse restaurants and modern dining options catering to local upper-middle-class tastes.
Good to Know
Top 6 souvenirs
Aromatic hibiscus tea
Cairo
This deep red tea is the quintessential Egyptian refreshment, best enjoyed chilled with ice.
📍 Attarine spice merchants in the heart of Khan el-Khalili.
Hand-woven cotton galabeya
Cairo
📍 Wekalet el-Balaq, which is the hub for textile wholesale and traditional clothing.
Hand-hammered brass or copper lanterns
Cairo
📍 Khan el-Khalili, specifically the copper and brass alleyways.
Khayamiya textile patchwork
Cairo
📍 Sharia el-Khayamiya, the historic tentmakers' market near Bab Zuweila.
Papyrus scroll painting
Cairo
📍 Specialized papyrus institutes in Giza to avoid cheap banana-leaf fakes.
Hand-blown Egyptian glass
Cairo
Skilled artisans create these vibrant, iridescent pieces using centuries-old glassblowing techniques.
📍 The artisan workshops surrounding the Al-Ghouri area.
Markets & districts
Copperware, lanterns, spices, and traditional textiles.
A frantic, historic maze where you must remain alert to pickpockets and aggressive touts.
Modern fashion, brand-name stores, and upscale homeware.
An affluent west-bank district offering a much calmer, fixed-price shopping experience.
Good to Know
Ramadan Fanous Lanterns in Egypt
رمضان في القاهرة
Sham el-Nessim
شم النسيم
Apr 13
Egypt's ancient spring festival (since ~2700 BCE), the day after Coptic Easter Monday. Families picnic in parks eating fesikh (salted fermented fish), eggs, and spring onions. A rare fully secular national holiday.
Ramadan in Cairo
Ramadan
Feb 17
Experience Ramadan's spiritual atmosphere in historic Cairo.
Egypt Revolution Day
ثورة 23 يوليو
Jul 23
July 23 commemorates the 1952 revolution that ended the monarchy. Main parades on the October 6 Bridge, speeches at Tahrir Square, and evening fireworks over the Cairo Citadel.
Moulid en-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday)
Aug 25
National Islamic holiday celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Markets sell colorful arouset el moulid sugar dolls and halawet el moulid sweets. Sufi brotherhoods hold zikr processions.
Part four
Costs & booking
- Total for a couple — 7 days mid-range trip, excludes international flights
- Accommodation assumes 1 shared room
- Rough estimates — actual prices vary by season and availability
Local Transport
Accommodation
AI estimated based on typical hotel costs
Food
Activities
Curious how this stacks up? See how trip costs compare across countries in our Trip Cost Index.
Cheap overall -- expect $50-90/night for mid-range hotels and $3-10 for full meals. Drink only bottled water and stick to popular food stalls with high turnover.
Use Uber for all city transit to avoid haggling over taxi fares; a cross-town trip rarely exceeds 150 EGP.
Buy a local Vodafone SIM at the airport for about $10; it provides reliable data for navigation and ride-hailing apps throughout your trip.
Pay the 600 EGP fee to enter the interior of the Great Pyramid of Giza; it is claustrophobic and steep but remains a singular historical experience.
Carry small denominations of Egyptian pounds for tipping, as 'baksheesh' is expected for even minor services throughout Cairo.
Great Pyramid of Giza and Great Sphinx entry ticketsDay 2
Book 1 week ahead -- Tickets are available online via the official Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities portal. Advance booking avoids long queues at the ticket office.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) timed entry ticketsDay 6
Book 2 months ahead -- As a newly opened flagship site, timed entry slots for the main galleries sell out weeks in advance; purchase via the official GEM website.
Felucca ride on the Nile at sunsetDay 2
Book 1 week ahead -- Secure a reputable captain through a travel agency or your hotel concierge to ensure a safe boat and fair pricing for the sunset hour.
Wekalet El Ghouri Tanoura show ticketsDay 5
Book 2 weeks ahead -- The Tanoura performance is highly popular; arrive early or book through a local operator to guarantee a front-row seat for this cultural event.
Cairo Tower observation deck passDay 4
Book 3 days ahead -- While tickets can be purchased on-site, booking a priority entry ticket via the official website during the peak tourist season avoids long wait times for the elevator.
Private desert fox safari experienceDay 2
Book 1 month ahead -- This is a specialized tour requiring licensed guides and proper permits for the desert reserve areas; arrange this well in advance to secure availability.
Egyptian Tourist Visa (e-Visa)Day 1
Book 2 weeks ahead -- Apply via the official Egypt e-Visa portal at least 7 days before departure to ensure processing time for entry to the country.
Part five
Before you go
Cairo has metro; taxis and ride-hailing for other transport
Use Uber/Careem in Cairo for metered rides. Book trains via Egyptian Railways app.
- Download Uber to navigate Cairo — it avoids the constant price haggling of street taxis and is significantly cheaper.
- Book domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor on EgyptAir websites 30 days in advance to save on last-minute fares.
- Carry a high-powered flashlight when visiting Valley of the Kings tombs, as interior lighting is often dim or switched off.
- Ignore anyone on the street claiming a temple or museum is closed today; this is a common ruse to redirect you to overpriced shops.
- Cross streets at Midan Tahrir with confidence and purpose, as traffic does not stop for pedestrians; watch local flow.
- Keep 5 to 10 Egyptian pounds in small notes for bathroom attendants and site guardians who may expect a small gratuity.
- Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting cotton layers to satisfy modesty standards while surviving the intense midday sun.
- Buy bottled water from neighborhood kiosks, not site gift shops, to pay standard local prices.
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Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
Stay connected abroad
Get a local eSIM — no swapping physical SIMs
Visa & Entry Requirements
Most Western nationals can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival for $25 USD at Cairo International Airport. Ensure your passport has 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry. Other nationalities should check the Egyptian e-Visa portal.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Cairo International Airport arrivals hall
📍 Official retail stores in downtown Cairo
Hotels usually provide free, reliable internet, but cafe WiFi is rare and often slow. Expect to rely on your mobile data plan for navigation and messaging.
Purchase your SIM card at the airport kiosk upon arrival; activating data in city centers can be slower and requires your passport.
Electric Socket Guide(220V · 50Hz)
Socket Types
Two round pins (most of Europe, South America)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Germany, Europe)
Tipping Etiquette
10–15%; service charge often included but tip additionally
Round up or EGP 10–20
EGP 20–50 per bag
Safety & Travel Advisories
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
122
123
180
126
Tourist police (126) speaks English and is helpful
Payments
Cash is king — especially at bazaars and small shops
Accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants
Limited
Carry Egyptian pounds in small denominations for baksheesh. ATMs widely available.
Most visitors from the US, UK, EU, and Australia can get a visa on arrival or via the official e-Visa portal. Requirements vary by citizenship, so verify your status 4 weeks before departure.
Cairo is generally safe if you ignore street touts and avoid non-official guides. Stick to well-traveled areas and use rideshare apps to avoid transport scams.
The Egyptian Pound is the standard currency. Bring US Dollars or Euros to exchange at reputable banks or official airport exchange booths.
Yes, leaving a 10% tip is standard in restaurants. Small tips for service staff are appreciated throughout the country.
Pack a hat, polarized sunglasses, and a sturdy flashlight for dark tombs. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are essential for dusty, uneven archaeological sites.
Arrive at 8am right when gates open to beat the tour buses and the midday heat. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking.
Avoid wandering into unknown, isolated areas late at night. Stick to tourist-friendly zones like Zamalek or Maadi in Cairo when moving around.
The fastest way is a 1-hour flight from Cairo International Airport. Alternatively, overnight trains are available, but ensure you book tickets well in advance.
These 2 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
A Modern Nile View Rooftop Lounge
e.g., The Rooftop at Kempinski, Pier 88
An Egyptian Culinary Masterclass
e.g., Egyptian Cooking School, Monas Kitchen
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