Top Day Trip Destinations from Cairo

The capital of Egypt has more than enough charms to fill a traveler’s itinerary, with many fascinating sites stretching far out from Cairo in all directions.

While big-hitter cities like Luxor and Aswan are farther away and require more time, a handful of must-see destinations can be done on a day trip from Cairo.

Pick Out Your Favorite Pyramid in Giza and Saqqara

Travel time: 45 minutes from Cairo to Giza, 45 minutes from Giza to Saqqara

As the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza usually get the most attention from visitors; however, Egypt’s oldest pyramid is actually just a little farther south from the capital. If you want to fill an entire day with just pharaonic burial grounds, start out with the Giza Necropolis after breakfast to hike around the pyramids of Menkaure, Khafre, and the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Be sure to check at the ticket office which pyramids have inner chambers open to the public, as it changes daily and even hourly. Surprisingly, the inner chamber of the smallest pyramid, Menkaure, is the largest and most interesting, featuring three distinct levels. You can also head out into the desert from there to hunt for an iconic photo op with all three pyramids.

After finishing at Giza, exit the plateau past the Sphinx into the hustle of the city to find a taxi (or consider using an app). If you forgot to pack water or a sandwich for lunch, now is the time to pick something up at one of the many shops outside the walls of the site before starting the 25km (15.5-mile) drive to Saqqara, which has no good food options. Once in Saqqara, head to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt, which offers a unique aesthetic contrast to the smoother Giza pyramids. Built during the reign of Djoser (2670 BC), the first pharaoh of the Third Dynasty, the Step Pyramid marked a significant architectural advancement by being constructed from limestone instead of traditional clay bricks and, at 62m (203ft), was the tallest structure of its time.

How to get to Giza and Saqqara from Cairo: The easiest way to visit Giza and Saqqara is to join an organized tour, hire your own private guide and driver, or use a taxi for the day.

Check Out Lesser-Visited Pyramids and an Ancient Capital at Dahshur and Memphis

Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes from Cairo to Dahshur, 20 minutes from Dahshur to Memphis

South of Saqqara, you can discover the lesser-known Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, both named after their unique characteristics, before heading to Memphis, the former capital during the Old Kingdom. For history enthusiasts, the name “Memphis” is synonymous with pharaonic Egypt, as most pyramids built around Cairo were raised while Memphis was the political center. While there is little left of the ancient city, a worthwhile open-air museum and a sphinx can be found.

How to get to Dahshur and Memphis from Cairo: Joining an organized tour that includes Dahshur and Memphis or hiring your own private guide and driver for the day is the best way to visit these sites.

Explore Alexandria, Egypt’s Second City

Travel time: 2.5 hours

Cairo may be the capital, but in the minds of poets, scholars, and artists of the 1960s and ’70s, Alexandria and its crashing waves will forever embody the restless spirit of Egypt. As the setting of Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz’s novel Miramar, the city serves as a vibrant backdrop that has enchanted Egyptians and artists alike.

Start your visit at the Alexandria National Museum, an impressive colonial structure housing a carefully curated selection of artifacts that chronicle the city’s tumultuous history through various eras. From there, take a 20-minute walk toward the vibrant waterfront to the city’s center of culture and learning. With its unique architectural design, the Alexandria Library, or Bibliotheca Alexandrina, is worth a visit to admire its sloping disk shape and the exterior walls adorned with numerous scripts. Don’t miss the main reading hall and consider taking a guided tour.

Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Corniche, stopping at one of the many cafes or restaurants to savor the waterfront atmosphere before arriving at Fort Qaitbay, a beautifully maintained citadel. For dinner, opt for one of the city’s top-rated fish restaurants before returning to Cairo.

How to get to Alexandria from Cairo: Many accommodations and tour operators offer day trips to Alexandria, or you can take the train from Ramses Station in Cairo.

Discover a Desert Mirage at Al Fayoum

Travel time: 2 hours

The popular oasis destination of Al Fayoum, located just 100km (62 miles) south of Cairo, warrants at least two days of exploration; however, if you’re pressed for time, you can still experience several of the area’s natural wonders during daylight hours. Leave Cairo early enough to beat the morning traffic, and stop at Karanis, just north of Fayoum city center, to admire ancient ruins, including Graeco-Roman temples. Next, explore the natural wonders of Al Fayoum, such as the Wadi Rayyan Protected Area, famous for its waterfalls, rowboat tours, and wildlife. Birdwatchers should be on the lookout for eagles, falcons, and migratory birds. The visitors center can assist with any inquiries.

Next, visit the pottery school in Tunis village to interact with local artists, and explore the many pottery studios to find a unique gift. The pottery center serves as an excellent point from which to uncover the vast Lake Qarun, where you might spot flamingos and other birds, particularly during the fall and winter months.

How to get to Al Fayoum from Cairo: Many hotels in Cairo can help you organize a day tour, or you can negotiate a taxi rate for the day.

Soak in the Surf in Ain El Sokhna

Travel time: 2 hours

Ain El Sokhna has become a highly regarded Red Sea beach getaway, attracting well-to-do Egyptians who often mention this destination in conversation, their excitement easily apparent. This area offers beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine, appealing to both relaxed sun worshippers and thrill-seekers alike with options for snorkeling, diving, and various water sports.

As a relatively new development, the cleaner beaches are less crowded than other popular spots such as Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, making Sokhna a prime destination for those seeking tranquility. After indulging in the calm, turquoise waters, consider dining at one of the beach resorts, enjoying lunch with stunning views, or going on a boat tour while appreciating the abundant sea life.

How to get to Ain El Sokhna from Cairo: You can negotiate a day rate with a taxi driver, or if you prefer, consider renting a car for a scenic road trip to the coast.

This article was first published on February 25, 2019, and updated on November 5, 2023.