Pyramids in Egypt, The Perfect 2 Day Cairo Itinerary

Visiting the Pyramids in Egypt is a bucket list item for many. After having been here in Cairo and seen the pyramids with my own eyes, i can say its incredible and can recommend it for everyone. Next there are many amazing things to experience, therefore we created this 2 Day Cairo Itinerary with all its highlights for you to experience.

Since most people stay in the area a short time, or come from Hurghada or just a day stop over from Cairo Airport, i have created this 2 day itinerary. This you can cut short for a 1 day tour as well with highlights as the new Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids and perhaps a walk through the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

I have included the highlights from our trip and the most famous activities you could do within a 2 day timeframe. I will give tips and insights into our experience and things you should know and watch out for before coming here.

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All the tours and services recommended are carefully selected and we use them throughout our travels.

Day 1: Ancient Wonders & Old Cairo

Morning: Arrival Cairo Airport

The Airport can be absolutely chaotic. Make sure to book a private driver in advance and preferably a pickup from the hotel you stay in. If you stay here for 1 or 2 nights, I would recommend investing a bit more in a quality hotel, as this will also give you safety and comfort in a city which can be very chaotic and feel unsafe at places.

Contact the hotel for an airport pickup and make sure to go to the ATM before heading out and have an e-sim activated before entering Egypt for the duration of your stay. 

Here our favorite hotel with views of the pyramids and a jacuzzi in the room. 

Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx

This is of course the prime reason to go to Egypt and Cairo, so take your time here. If you have the opportunity, hire a local guide to really get to understand the history of the pyramids. They will also know where to take you and find the best spots for pictures and some hidden areas. 

If you come from Hurghada and want to visit one day: I recommend this complete tour.

It can be hot walking around the pyramids in the open sun, as the terrain is not covered anywhere basically. Make sure to carry a cap, headband or anything to cover your head, maybe even an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.

We purchased the local guide and they helped us move around the large area of the pyramids by car. If you want to ride a camel like we did, you have to go all the way to the back, which can be tiring in the hot sun. Therefore mornings are often the best time to see the Pyramids of Giza but you can do it throughout the day. It will take you around 3 hours including the Sphinx and the camel ride.

Make sure to check when it opens and closes, it can change also with Ramadan. Check here for the opening times. There is also a light and music show in the evening when the park is closed, which creates some beautiful picture moments. You can dine in one of the nearby rooftop terraces, like this Zeeyara restaurant.

Afternoon: The Brand New Grand Egyption Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is a deeply personal highlight, just 10 minutes from the Giza Pyramids and opened in phases since October 2024, this massive museum houses over 15,000 artifacts. The Grand Staircase, which you will see first when entering the building, lined with monumental statues, sets a breathtaking tone including the towering Ramses II statue.

For lunch, the GEM’s on-site restaurants offer authentic Egyptian cuisine. We loved the restaurants, all with local Egyptian and delicious food. When standing across the large staircase, our favorite was the first restaurant on the left. With freshly baked flatbreads and goulash among our favorites. All super affordable and yummie!

Evening: Explore Coptic Cairo

I love exploring Coptic Cairo, a cool part of Old Cairo full of history. Walking into the Hanging Church, I saw colorful icons and felt its ancient vibe. You can check out the Ben Ezra Synagogue, where people say baby Moses was found. The narrow streets are fun to wander, with old churches and a peaceful feel that makes you want to keep exploring.

You’ll enjoy the Coptic Museum, where you can find relics like old books and clothes. The Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus is special too – it’s said the Holy Family stayed there. Coptic Cairo is easy to navigate and perfect for anyone who loves history and culture. It’s a spot that shows you how faith and tradition still shine today, with this Old Town restaurant right next to the Hanging Church to enjoy your evening diner.

Day 2, Morning: The Saqqara & Memphis

Start your morning in Saqqara, an ancient necropolis just a 30-40 minute drive from Cairo. The Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is the oldest stone monument in the world, is jaw breaking.

With a stepped design and dating from 4,700 years ago, you will feel amazed. Walk around the surrounding tombs and don’t skip the Mastaba of Ti, one of the most important archaeological sites of Saqqara. The underground Serapeum, with its massive granite sarcophagi, is incredible.

Tip: You can hire a guide at the entrance for $4 and get to know its history.

Memphis – The Ancient Capital

A quick 15-minute drive takes you to Memphis, the ancient capital, where the Ramses II statue, a colossal giant, will steal your breath. With its carved details preserved through thousands of years its an incredible sight. On the open air museum you will also find The Alabaster Sphinx and many more amazing historical statues and art.

Tip: You can get your tickets through their main website: www.egymonuments.com

The Afternoon – Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

You’ll fall in love with Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, an absolute maze in Islamic Cairo that hits all your senses at once. I was swept away by the colors of all the stands like bright scarves, clothes, hand made relics and piles of spices like cinnamon and turmeric.

Haggling is part of the fun; I scored a silver hieroglyph necklace after some back and forth. You can shop for souvenirs like papyrus paintings or glass perfume bottles, but watch your pockets and aim to pay half the starting price. The energy here is electric, and if you like the buzzing crowds and some small souvenirs you will love this.

In the area is the Naguib Mahfouz Café, which is well known for its egyptian food and nice atmosphere. Here I had a delicious koshari and some freshly made flatbreads.

Tip: Wear comfy shoes for the uneven paths, bring small local EGP bills (20–50 EGP) for quick buys, and don’t stress about getting lost as the roads always lead to something amazing. You can also do this in the eaerly morning before the heat.

The Evening – The Nile River Cruise + Diner

You’re in for a great time with the Nile River dinner cruise to finish the 2 day trip to Cairo. I had a lot of fun on this one, cruising along the Nile with Cairo’s lights in the distance. The buffet was great filled with Egyptian dishes like kofta, molokhia, plus some nice desserts.

The entertainment was a highlight, with belly dancing and a tanoura show with guys spinning in colorful skirts, a great true Egyptian experience. It’s an easy, relaxing way to wrap up your day, and booking via GetYourGuide means it’s all sorted. just show up at the dock (usually near Zamalek or Maadi, confirm with your ticket.

Tip: Bring a light jacket for the evening breeze and small EGP bills for tips.

Tips and insights that will help you

Transport:
They have uber here, comfort and basic. Never go for the basic taxi’s, they are rude, don’t have seat belts, drive like maniacs, are unreliable and often don’t show up, they are basically horrible. The comfort taxis are not much better, but sometimes you can be lucky. 

Get a private driver:
I would definitely recommend hiring a private driver for the few days that you are in Cairo. Especially if your there for 1 or 2 days. You have them for the day and they can bring you everywhere you want, plus you get a safe and comfortable car.

Dress Code
Modest clothing, not to warm please. Cover shoulders and knees for the museums and religious sites. Comfortable shoes for walking as you will be walking a lot!

Tickets:
Buy pyramid and museum tickets online or at entrances. You can buy combination tickets for multiple entrances. For comfort, I always book everything with Get Your Guide – Use this link. 

Get a Guide:
Licensed guides definitely enhance the experience as it ads to the experience when you hear about the rich history of Egypt. We found it much easier to visit the sites as they know where to go for the best pics and hidden areas.

Hydration:
Carry and drink enough water. The summer heat is intense and you will stay longer periods exposed to the heat when visiting the Giza Pyramids and in Saqqara. You can buy water pretty much everywhere at local stands.

Conclusion: 2 Day Cairo Itinerary

This two-day adventure in Cairo is packed with unforgettable moments, and I’m excited for you to experience it like I did. Day 1 takes you from the incredible Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, where ancient treasures come alive, to Coptic Cairo with its historic churches and true Egyptian vibes.

Day 2 you will go to the ancient Saqqara and Memphis, followed by the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, and ends with a fun Nile River dinner cruise filled with food, dancing, and incredible city views.

We found the trip fantastic, however had some safety concerns at times, so make sure to follow the tips shared here. Pictures will be added next week as i don’t have my hard drive with me atm.

Let me know what you think of the itinerary and your experience if you have any with Cairo.

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