Planning the Perfect Long Weekend: 3 Days in Cairo
Explore Cairo’s rich history of Pharaohs and Islamic heritage in the Middle East. Learn about the Egypt visa procedure and eligibility to plan your trip to this historical wonderland.
Besides being known as the city through which the Nile River flows, Cairo is the 19th largest city in the world. In the Middle East, Cairo has been the centre of Islamic cultural development. The richness of the country's culture and tradition is a point of attraction for many tourists.
Are you hatching a plan for a trip to Cairo this weekend but not sure where to go or what to see there? We got you covered! From the Egypt visa eligibility to the perfect 3-day itinerary, we have it all.
The city holds architectural mysteries like pyramids. The precise calculation and placement of its stones force people to think it’s all aliens’ doings.
In Cairo, you will get to visit historical wonders and also taste the modern lifestyle. Read on to know more about different activities to do on the weekend there.
But before you make a plan for Cairo, let’s see what you need to legally visit Cairo.
Egyptian visa and eligibility
If you apply for a tourist visa for Egypt, first you must know the Egypt visa eligibility criteria. You must have a planned itinerary before applying for a visa to Egypt. The visa procedure for Egypt includes very simple steps.
You need a complete visa application with two passport-size photographs on a white background. You must also produce a detailed itinerary and round-trip ticket. You also need a valid passport, one with 6 months of validity remaining after your departure from Egypt.
Day 1: Exploring Ancient Egypt
Let us start off the Egyptian adventure!
Morning: The Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx could be your starting point for an exploration of Cairo. The pyramid of Giza is considered to be the 7th wonder in the world. It is truly a wonder to see how the tallest building is still standing for more than four thousand years now.
Later, explore the Great Sphinx of Giza. It is also one of the largest human-made monuments. The limestone-made statue is approximately 4500 years old.
When you see these monuments up close, you are forced to wonder about the capabilities of human beings in the past.
Afternoon: Saqqara & Memphis
Later that day, visit the Saqqara Pyramid, which is 40 km from Cairo. The place was an important city in ancient times. It is also a tourist attraction for the Step Pyramid of Djoser. It is the first pyramid of Egypt.
You can also explore the capital of ancient Egypt—Memphis. You can visit the open museum in the city to immerse yourself in the historical richness of the country.
After all the exploration throughout the day, find a nice local restaurant and cherish Egyptian delicacies.
Make your evening more exciting and relaxing at the same time. Book a cruise on the Nile River and experience live cultural shows. Also, satisfy your taste buds with an open buffet arranged on the cruise. Music, food, and a a live dance performance—what could be more exciting to end your first day in the country!
Day 2: Cairo’s Museums & Islamic Heritage
Let us continue with more history!
Morning: Egyptian Museum
Start your next day with the Great Tutankhamun’s treasures in the Egyptian Museum.
One of the most iconic attractions of the museum is King Tutankhamun's Golden Mask, which is approximately 11 kg. Want to know what makes the mask more mysterious? The back of the mask has engravings from Chapter 15 of the Book of the Dead!
Another must-visit place in the museum is the Royal Mummies Hall. The architecture will make you feel as if you are walking down the Valley of Kings. You get to see mummies of several pharaohs, which will definitely give you a chill down the spine.
Afternoon: Islamic Cairo & Historic Mosques
In the afternoon, visit the Citadel of Saladin, an icon of Cairo. If you carefully observe, you'll see that the monument holds a strategic advantage due to its place on the Muqattam Hills. It also offers a widening view of Cairo to its visitors.
If you don't visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque in the Citadel of Saladin, you'll miss another iconic monument in Cairo. The Turkish-style mosque is famous for twin minarets reaching heights of 84 meters.
The exquisite beauty and majestic presence of the mosque stalls for a moment in history.
Continue your journey down the history to Al-Muizz Street. The site was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1979. At every footstep, you encounter the historical monuments here.
Learn their history and immerse yourself in the historical era of the Caliphate and more.
Evening: Khan El Khalili Bazaar
If you truly want to get the essence of a country or city, you must visit its marketplace. It offers you a raw glimpse of the livelihood of the place.
Khan el-Khalili Market of Cairo is such a place where each and all winding alleys tell you its historical legacy. You see a great deal of Egyptian culture here, from souvenirs to local spices.
It's the largest marketplace in the entire Middle East, with more than 4000 shops.
Enjoy your evening exploring local souvenir shops and collecting some handicrafts for your personal collection. You can collect some pieces of local handicrafts to take some memories back to your place.
Visit El Fishawy Café in the same Khan el-Khalili market and experience that there are some things that even time cannot erase. The cafe first started serving its customers in 1797—a full year before Napoleon's invasion of Egypt.
Many great authors and intellectuals frequented the café and tasted its amazing green tea and Turkish coffee.
Day 3: Coptic Cairo & Modern Cairo
On the final day, it’s time to wrap up and visit the renaming sights.
Morning: Coptic Cairo
On the last day explore Christian and other monuments in the city. Start with the Hanging Church, which was built on the ruins of a Roman fortress. The church held a special value in the past for Christians.
Another site to explore Christian heritage in the country is the Coptic Museum. First opened in 1910, the museum has grown to become the place where you can explore Christian artifacts in the country.
Next, visit the oldest synagogue in the country, Ben Ezra Synagogue. It was named after Abraham ibn ‘Ezra, the Jewish philosopher and religious scholar. The place is especially worth visiting because it has a repository of 850-year-old documents.
Afternoon: Modern Cairo & Cultural Experiences
In the afternoon, visit the city of Zamalek, known for its exhibitions and art galleries. You will find the city environment pleasant with the Nile flowing alongside the city.
Cairo Opera House is another must-visit when you visit Zamalek. The soothing symphonies of operas will transcend your mood to another world.
Evening: Farewell to Cairomust-visit
Now the evening has come, and it's time to bid goodbye to Cairo. Book your dinner slot at a rooftop restaurant and enjoy your dinner with the night view of the city of Cairo.
You should try Abou El Sid restaurant, where you will get traditional Egyptian dishes in a traditional environment around you. When you are done for the night and head back to your hotel room, you have a lot of things and memories to take back home.
Travel Tips for a Perfect Long Weekend in Cairo
When the temperature is on the lower side during March to April and October to November, it is the best time to visit the country. During these times, the temperature falls significantly, and you get comfortable weather to travel around the city.
Hire a private tour guide who can explain the significance and historical background of monuments in the city. While you get a tour guide, also hire a private car or hire any transportation service to get from one place to another.
Ask your guide how to dress and behave with locals so you don't sound rude to them. Observe and respect the diversity.
When you travel around the city, keep your Egyptian visa with you. It’s better if you don’t travel alone, exploring unknown places. Follow your guide’s advice and try not to travel alone at night.
Conclusion
It is very difficult to explore the entirety of such historical places as Cairo. But exploring the Sphinx and Great Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and Khan El Khalili Bazaar are definitely worth visiting for a short trip.
Next time when you visit the country, try exploring other places as well, such as Luxor, Aswan, etc. But before anything else, remember to complete the visa procedure for Egypt. It will make the entire process of applying for a visa easier.
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The capital of Egypt, Cairo, is also nicknamed the city of a thousand minarets owing to its beautiful Islamic architecture and stunning mosques located all over the city. Getting to the city is easy, it is home to Egypt’s significant airport, the Cairo International Airport (CIA). Learn more at Guide to Cairo Egypt for First Time Tourists