Best places for British travelers to explore in Cairo

Egypt is a country that attracts a large number of tourists from Western nations. And the UK is a major contributor. As many as 500,000 British tourists go to Egypt annually. 

British people find Egypt appealing for its complex mix of historical, geological, and cultural factors. The country makes a perfect destination for both history lovers and thrill seekers. And there are remains of British rule as well.

Planning a 7-Day Itinerary in Cairo from the UK

If you too are considering flying to Cairo from the UK, this blog is for you. This is a 7-day Cairo itinerary balancing both sightseeing and adventure in Egypt’s capital. 

Day 1: Arrival & Local Orientation

Arrive in Cairo. Reach your booked hotel with an airport transfer. You may want to relax at the hotel during the early hours. Or you can step up and explore the nearby cafe culture. After some rest at the hotel or cafe, you can engage in light shopping at Zamalek at one of the many boutique shops. 

Another way to spend the evening is to visit the Nile Corniche for a stroll. The river is dotted with the traditional Egyptian boats, which makes for a stunning view. The area is saturated with restaurants, cafes, and street performers. So, you will enjoy a leisurely walk.

Day 2: Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx Adventure

Visit the Giza Plateau in the morning. The Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx await you there. You can explore the plateau riding a camel or a horse-drawn carriage. Covering 3 to 5 kilometers on the plateau on foot is possible. But that may become stressful.

On the plateau, also visit the Solar Boat Museum. You will get to see the reconstructed Khufu ship, which is 141 feet long. Finally, enjoy lunch at Khufu’s Restaurant or the 9 Pyramids Lounge, gazing at the pyramids. 

If you wait till 7:30 PM, you can observe a sound and light show. The pyramids and the Sphinx are lit up with projections, lights, and lasers.

Day 3: Egyptian Museum & Tahrir Square

Dedicate the third day of your trip to exploring museums. Start with the Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square. It has a collection of royal mummies and Tutankhamun. Or you may visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. Artifacts are displayed in this more modern facility in a contemporary setting. Adding museums to the Cairo itinerary​ is recommended for history lovers.

The two museums are around 20 kilometers apart, so you can cover only one a day. If you choose the Egyptian Museum, then take a walk through Tahrir Square as well. You will also enjoy exploring the cultural landmarks found nearby, like the Abdeen Palace, a royal house transformed into a museum. 

Day 4: Old Cairo & Religious Heritage

Your Cairo itinerary will remain incomplete without a trip to Coptic Cairo, home to the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the famous Hanging Church. Explore these sites to get to know the religious heritage of Old Cairo. Will you enjoy exploring the oldest mosque in Egypt? Then head to Amr Ibn Al-As. You may also consider visiting the Coptic Museum.

Take a walk through Islamic Cairo as well. You can visit the Al-Azhar Mosque and the bustling Khan el-Khalili market. Shop for souvenirs in the vibrant atmosphere of the marketplace and enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal as well. Try popular dishes like falafel and koshari. 

Day 5: Local Markets & Cultural Immersion

Dedicate the fifth day of your trip to shopping and a cultural experience in Cairo. Head to the Khan el-Khalil Bazaar for morning shopping. After your bags are full, head to the El Fishawy Cafe for Habayebna meals. This place is truly a piece from the pages of history, having existed since before Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt. 

In the evening, take part in the age-old crafts of carpet-weaving, perfume-making, and of course, papyrus-making. This is also a great spot for some souvenir-shopping, especially the unique handmade pieces. Wrap up the day with an enticing music or dance show; there are many hosted here regularly. Add the Wekalet El Ghoury Arts Center to your Cairo itinerary for that. 

Day 6: Nile Cruise or Day Trip

You can choose between a Nile cruise or a day trip on the sixth day. The first option is to book a half-day Nile lunch cruise. You will enjoy food and music along with scenic views. The second option is to visit the older pyramids known as Saqqara and Memphis. 

Your sixth day can also be spent at the hotel or a spa, doing leisure activities. In the evening, go to a rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the Nile or the city. Consider Fairmont Nile City, Nox, and Ramses Hilton for great views. 

Day 7: Wrap-Up & Departure

You can refresh the memories of the last six days by going for souvenir shopping and a local breakfast again. Also, take a trip down to Al-Azhar Park. It is a 72-acre green space with walkways, hills, pools, gardens, picnic spots, and other amenities. You may also choose to do a last museum stop before you leave for the UK. 

You will receive a VAT refund for purchases exceeding a value of EGP 1500. But the paperwork can take time. So, set out early and don’t miss your return flight.

Before You Go: Travel Tips for the UK Visitor

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Visa Requirements For Egypt

Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from your day of exiting Egypt to apply for an Egyptian travel visa. Here are the visa options you have.

Electronic Visa

You can make your visa application online on a reputable e-visa portal. Your tourist e-visa will be valid for 3 months. And you will be allowed to be in the country for 30 long days. This is the easiest way to get an Egyptian travel visa. 

Consulate Visa

You can apply for your Egyptian travel visa via post or in person. You need to visit the embassy or mail your request. 

This will let you stay at most for a month with a single-entry option. The multiple-entry option will allow a stay of 90 days in total. Both single- and multiple-entry options come with a validity of 6 months. 

Visa-On-Arrival

You can get your Egyptian travel visa on reaching Cairo. You will find kiosks before you reach the immigration counters. You can get your visa form there by paying 25 USD in cash. 

Although USD is preferred, GBP and EUR are also accepted. The on-arrival tourist visa will have a validity of 30 days. This is a convenient option, but you may end up waiting for a long time in queues at the airport. 

Other Travel Tips

October to April is possibly the most ideal time for visiting the Land of the Sphinx. The weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, so you will not be subject to the scorching sun. So, exploring the city will be easier and more comfortable. You will find direct flight options from Manchester, London, and Birmingham. 

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the currency in Egypt. Bring cash, but also carry cards. You cannot carry more than EGP 5000 when entering or exiting the country. And foreign currency with a value crossing USD 10,000 must be declared. But there is no bar on how much worth of foreign money you can bring into the country.