Cairo is a city that is striking for the contrast between its glorious past and the decadence of the present. Even with only two days to spare, it is possible to visit some of the city’s most iconic sites, from archaeological sites that recount the glory of the pharaohs to bazaars that offer a glimpse of local culture.
Tips for trips: Getting around Cairo can be a challenge: the traffic is chaotic and the driving style rather daring. To optimise your time and get around in a more relaxed way, the best option is to hire a chauffeur-driven guide. move around the city without worries.
Here is a detailed itinerary to make the most of your time.
If you want to be prepared, read our article on practical tips for a trip to Egypt
Day 1: The Wonders of Ancient Egypt
Necropolis of Saqqara: The Step Pyramid
We begin our journey at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara. Located about 30 kilometres from Cairo, it is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered to be the earliest example of a pyramid ever built. Designed by the architect Imhotep around 2700 BC, it marks the beginning of the era of the great pyramids and represents an extraordinary architectural innovation.
Within the area are a series of extraordinarily well-preserved tombs.
The tomb of Pharaoh Teti, founder of the 6th dynasty, looks like a simple mound of earth from the outside but the interior hides unique wonders. The walls of the burial chamber are covered with hieroglyphics representing ancient funerary incantations to ensure the king’s protection and ascension into the afterlife. The burial chamber still holds the large black basalt sarcophagus.
The tomb of Mereruka, vizier and son-in-law of Pharaoh Teti, is one of the largest and most ornate mastabas in Saqqara. Consisting of 32 rooms, it is notable for the richness and detail of its decoration: the reliefs on the walls illustrate scenes of daily life such as fishing, hunting, music, dancing, and even moments of handicrafts and administrative activities.
Memphis: The First Capital of Egypt
A short distance from Saqqara is Memphis, the ancient capital founded by Pharaoh Menes, the first to unify Upper and Lower Egypt. This city, once a political and religious centre, is today an open-air museum with fascinating exhibits. These include the Colossus of Ramses II, a monumental statue embodying the greatness of the pharaoh, and the Alabaster Sphinx, one of the largest ever sculpted.
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
In the afternoon we visit the Pyramids of Giza, among the most iconic monuments of the ancient world and the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. Located on the Giza Plateau, these colossal structures were built during the 4th Dynasty (circa 2600-2500 BC) as tombs for the pharaohs Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus.
- The Great Pyramid of Cheops, the largest and oldest of the three, was originally 146 metres high (today 138 metres due to erosion) and built with about 2.3 million stone blocks. The interior includes the ascending corridor, the Great Gallery and the King’s Chamber, which housed the pharaoh’s sarcophagus.
- The somewhat smallerPyramid of Chephren is distinguished by the presence of part of the original polished limestone cladding still visible near the top. It stands on slightly higher ground, giving the illusion of being larger than the Great Pyramid.
- The Pyramid of Mycerinus, the smallest of the trio, is about 65 metres high. Despite its smaller size, it is distinguished by its elegant proportions and the use of red Aswan granite in the lower part.
The entire funerary complex also includes smaller pyramids for queens, funerary temples and the ceremonial path connecting the temples to the valley.
At the foot of the plateau is the majestic Sphinx of Giza, 73 metres long and 20 metres high, with the body of a lion and the face of Chephren. It is carved directly into the limestone rock and is considered the oldest monumental colossus in Egypt. A symbol of power and protection, it watched over the entire funerary complex and probably represented a solar deity.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
We end the day at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest and most modern museums in the world, located just a few steps away from the pyramids.
This extraordinary exhibition complex brings together thousands of artefacts, some of which have never been exhibited before. It also houses many of the Egyptian Museum’s most famous exhibits, such as the entire collection of Tutankhamun‘s burial outfit, including his golden mask and throne, which have been moved to be displayed in larger and more modern spaces, pieces such as the colossal statue of Ramses II, which greets visitors in the main hall, and many other important objects have been moved to create a more spectacular and chronologically organised exhibition.
Day 2: Culture and Modern Life in Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo (EMC)
The day begins with a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (EMC), located in the heart of Cairo. The museum houses an unrivalled collection of artefacts, from the mummies of the pharaohs to everyday objects. Walking through the galleries is like leafing through a three-dimensional book of Egyptian history.
In recent years, many important artefacts have been transferred from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC ) and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to provide more modern spaces and better preservation. Despite these relocations, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square still retains a vast collection of artefacts, especially from the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods. However, if you are short on time, this could be a relevant factor in your choice.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC)
We continue our journey with a visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC), which tells the entire history of the country, from prehistoric times to the present.
One of its most famous events was the ‘Golden Parade of the Pharaohs’ in April 2021, during which 22 royal mummies, including those of iconic pharaohs such as Rameses II, Hatshepsut and Seti I, were transferred from the Egyptian Museum to the NMEC. These mummies are now displayed in the Hall of the Royal Mummies, an environment designed to recreate the atmosphere of the original tombs, with advanced technology to ensure preservation and an immersive experience for visitors.
Citadel of Saladin
In the afternoon we travel to Saladin’s Citadel, a fortress built in the 12th century to protect Cairo from Crusader attacks. This imposing structure dominates the city and houses the Muhammad Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
The mosque is visible from almost every corner of the city. Its large central dome, 52 metres high, is surrounded by two slender minarets measuring 82 metres. The structure is characterised by the use of white alabaster, hence its name, which covers much of the interior and exterior walls, giving it a bright and imposing appearance.
The interior of the mosque is beautiful: the ceiling is decorated with Ottoman motifs, while the large stained glass windows filter the light creating plays of colour that enrich the atmosphere. The golden details on the minbar (the pulpit) and the mihrab (the niche indicating the direction of Mecca) add a touch of opulence.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
The itinerary ends with a stroll through the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, a labyrinth of alleyways filled with historic shops and cafes. Here one can buy spices, textiles and handicrafts, or stop for a mint tea while observing the incessant bustle of the city.
***
In conclusion, although two days are not enough to explore a city as rich in history and culture as Cairo, this itinerary allowed us to visit some of its most emblematic places.
Last modified: 7 April 2025
