There is so much to do and see in Cairo it can be difficult to figure out where to start; my advice would be plan ahead and you’ll be able to pack everything you want into just 2 days- perfect for a weekend city break.
Day 1 - Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum
I always start my trips with what I am most excited to see and so we start at the Pyramids. I was up at 6 for breakfast, at the Pyramids for 7 and completely finished by 12 – just in time for lunch!
After lunch I got an Uber over the Nile to the Grand Egyptian museum. I chose not to get a guide so I could wander around at my own pace. This saved me a lot of time as i was able to stop ad learn all about the artifacts that really interested me and skip some of the more repetitive areas. Once you’ve seen Tutankhamun’s solid gold sarcophagus (photography prohibited unfortunately) seeing 100 more that are 1/10 as impressive can get a bit tedious. This was the only museum i chose to do in Cairo but there are several more which could take a whole day if you are really interested in the ancient history.
Day 2 - Downtown Cairo
In my second day I the more cultural side of the city starting with Khan el-Khalili markets. Here there is something on sale for anybody. All kinds of souvenirs from papyrus art to herb and spices as well as all of the usual fridge magnets, jewelry and tokens.
Just across the road from Khan el-Khalili is the Al-Azhar mosque and park which were the highlight of my trip. They are 2 of the calmest and most clean places in the city which enable you to take a breather from the rambunctious nature of the city.
From here it is up the hill to the citadel. While the cost of entry also includes several military and police museums it is the Muhammad Ali mosque where you will want to spend your time. This is the most ornate mosque on the inside, due to its ottoman influences, whilst still maintaining similar characteristics to other mosques in the area with its incredible marble floored courtyard.
