Cairo in 4 days: pyramids, museum and old Cairo
Cairo · Egypt · 4 days
Best time to visit Cairo
October to AprilOctober to April is the comfortable season, with mild days and cool evenings; December and January nights can feel cold. From May to September daytime highs are often above 35 °C, so do the pyramids at opening time and keep the afternoon for indoor sights.
Travelling from the Gulf: In Ramadan the big sights open shorter hours (the Giza plateau and the Egyptian Museum usually close by mid-afternoon), and the city is at its liveliest after iftar around Khan el-Khalili and Al-Muizz Street. Eid weeks bring many Gulf visitors, so book Nile-side hotels early. The summer break is hot, but hotel prices are lower then.
Flights, stay and entry for Cairo
Flight and entry details below are for travellers starting from Saudi Arabia.
Flights
About 2 hours 30 minutes from Riyadh. Egypt is on the same time as Saudi Arabia during summer time (late April to late October) and one hour behind the rest of the year.
Search RUH → CAI flightsAll flight routesWhere to stay
Zamalek or downtown for restaurants and the Nile, or near Giza for early pyramid visits.
Find a stay in CairoStay connected
A travel eSIM gives you mobile data when you land, so maps and ride apps work without waiting for a SIM card or Wi-Fi.
eSIM and travel extrasEntry rules
Saudi citizens can enter Egypt for tourism. Entry depends on your passport, not on living in Saudi Arabia: other nationalities apply for an Egyptian e-Visa online or get a visa on arrival. Check the official portal for your passport before booking.
Egypt e-Visa (official portal) Egypt visa and entry rulesWhat 4 days in Cairo cost
| Style | Per person per day (SAR) | Per person per day (USD) | Whole trip (SAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 150–280 | 40–75 | 600–1,120 |
| Mid-range | 350–650 | 93–173 | 1,400–2,600 |
| Luxury | 1,100–2,200 | 293–587 | 4,400–8,800 |
Per person per day, flights excluded, with a double room shared between two. Entry fees for foreign visitors are the biggest daily cost on Giza and museum days; tickets for the museum are timed and bought online. Rough estimate at October 2026 prices; USD 1 = SAR 3.75.
Day 1: Giza: pyramids and museum
- Morning
Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Arrive at opening time for cooler air and fewer people. Agree any camel or horse ride price before you start; buy tickets at the official gate and ignore touts on the approach road.
- Afternoon
Grand Egyptian Museum
The museum opened in November 2025, about 2 km from the pyramids. Foreign visitors book a timed ticket online (tickets.gem.eg). Allow three to four hours, with the Tutankhamun galleries and the Grand Staircase as the highlights.
- Evening
Zamalek and the Nile corniche
A calm island district with cafés and restaurants. Walk the river path at sunset; the Nile at dusk is the right way to end a heavy day.
Day 2: Islamic Cairo
- Morning
Citadel of Saladin
The 12th-century hilltop fortress, with the Mohamed Ali Mosque and wide views over the city. Cover shoulders and knees. Allow two to three hours.
- Afternoon
Al-Muizz Street
A pedestrian street of Fatimid, Mamluk and Ottoman mosques, gates and old houses. Walk it from Bab al-Futuh south to Bab Zuweila, and enter one or two buildings rather than trying to see all.
- Evening
Khan el-Khalili
The old bazaar is at its liveliest after dark. Sit in one of the historic cafés for tea or sahlab, and bargain for brass, spices and perfume oils.
Day 3: Coptic Cairo and Saqqara
- Morning
Coptic Cairo
A walled quarter with the Hanging Church, the Church of St Sergius and the Coptic Museum, close to Mar Girgis metro station. Dress modestly.
- Afternoon
Saqqara and the Step Pyramid
About 30 km south of Cairo, the Step Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest large stone building in the world. Hire a driver for the half day; public transport does not reach it.
- Evening
Nile felucca ride
A traditional sailboat on the Nile at sunset. Agree the price and the duration before boarding, and pay at the end.
Day 4: Green Cairo and downtown
- Morning
Al-Azhar Park
A hilltop park over Islamic Cairo, with a view of the Citadel and the minarets. Quiet in the morning, and a pleasant stop before the city warms up.
- Afternoon
Downtown Cairo
Late 19th and early 20th-century buildings around Talaat Harb Street and Tahrir Square. Stop at an old café; the architecture is the reason to come.
- Evening
Cairo Tower
A 187 m tower on Gezira Island with a viewing deck over the Nile and the city lights. Go near sunset.
Getting around Cairo
Use Uber or Careem inside Cairo; both work with fixed prices shown in the app. The metro is fast and cheap for Coptic Cairo, Tahrir and Al-Azhar. Hire a driver for Giza and Saqqara, or book a car through your hotel.
Cairo questions
Is 4 days enough for Cairo?
Yes for the pyramids, the new museum, Islamic and Coptic Cairo and a day at Saqqara. Add a day for Alexandria if you have more time.
Do I need to book the Grand Egyptian Museum in advance?
Yes. Foreign visitors book a timed-entry ticket online, and on-site sales have ended. Book a few days ahead for weekends and holidays.
What should I wear in Cairo?
Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees is comfortable and fits mosques and churches. Bring a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for sand and stone.
How do I avoid scams near the pyramids?
Buy tickets only at the official gate, agree the price of any ride or photo before it starts, and politely decline anyone offering a free guide on the approach road.