Top Day Trips from Cairo

Egypt's capital is brimming with attractions that can easily fill a traveler's schedule, and even more intriguing sites lie just beyond Cairo in every direction.

While major cities like Luxor and Aswan are further afield and demand more time, there are several essential destinations that can be explored on a day trip from Cairo.

Choose your favorite pyramid between Giza and Saqqara

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

While the Pyramids of Giza are the last surviving wonder of the ancient world and draw the most visitors, Egypt's oldest pyramid is located a bit further south of the capital. To spend a full day exploring pharaonic burial sites, begin your day at the Giza Necropolis after breakfast, wandering around the pyramids of Menkaure, Khafre, and the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Check with the ticket office to see which pyramids have their inner chambers accessible to the public, as this can vary daily and even hourly. Interestingly, the inner chamber of the smallest pyramid, Menkaure, is the most extensive and intriguing, featuring three distinct levels. You can also venture into the desert for a classic photo opportunity showcasing all three pyramids.

After leaving the plateau past the Sphinx, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Giza to catch a taxi (or order an Uber). If you forgot to bring water or a packed lunch, this is a great time to grab something from the numerous shops outside the site before embarking on the 25km (15.5-mile) drive to Saqqara, which lacks decent dining options. Once at Saqqara, make your way to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt's oldest pyramid, which provides a striking aesthetic contrast to the smoother pyramids of Giza. Constructed as an architectural experiment during Djoser's reign (2670 BC), the first pharaoh of the Third Dynasty, the Step Pyramid was the first burial chamber made of limestone rather than clay bricks and stood at 62m (203ft), making it the tallest structure of its time.

How to reach Giza and Saqqara from Cairo: The simplest way to explore Giza and Saqqara is to join a guided tour or hire a private guide and driver or taxi for the day. You can use Uber to reach Giza, but it won’t work for Saqqara since it’s further away.

Explore the lesser-known pyramids and the ancient capital of Dahshur and Memphis

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

Located south of Saqqara, you can discover the lesser-visited Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, both distinguished by their unique features, before proceeding to Memphis, the former capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. For history enthusiasts, the name 'Memphis' evokes images of pharaonic Egypt, as most pyramids around Cairo were constructed while it was the center of power. Although little remains of this ancient city, it boasts an engaging open-air museum and a sphinx.

How to reach Dahshur and Memphis from Cairo: The most convenient way to visit Dahshur and Memphis is by joining an organized tour that includes both sites or by hiring a private guide and driver or taxi for the day.

Experience Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city

Travel time: 2.5 hours

While Cairo serves as the capital, in the hearts of the poets, scholars, and artists from the 1960s and ’70s, Alexandria and its crashing waves embody the vibrant spirit of Egypt. Featured in Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz’s novel Miramar, the city feels like a character in its own right, still captivating not only Egyptians but also European artists and scholars.

Make your way to the Alexandria National Museum, a striking colonial building that showcases a thoughtfully curated collection of artifacts reflecting the city’s rich history across Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods. A 20-minute walk will lead you to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the city’s cultural hub. With its distinctive sloping disk design and walls adorned with various scripts, it stands as an architectural marvel. Don’t miss the main reading hall and be sure to take a guided tour.

From there, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Corniche, taking breaks at various cafes or restaurants to soak in the waterfront views before reaching Fort Qaitbay, a well-preserved harbor fortress that’s a favorite gathering spot. For dinner, choose one of the city’s highly-rated seafood restaurants, such as Kadoura or Fish Market, before making your way back to Cairo.

How to reach Alexandria from Cairo: Numerous hotels and tour operators offer day trips to Alexandria. For a more independent visit, take a train from Ramses Station in Cairo.

Experience a desert oasis at Al Fayoum

Travel time: 2 hours

The enchanting oasis of Al Fayoum, located 100km (62 miles) south of Cairo, truly merits at least two days for exploration. However, if you’re short on time, you can still witness many of the area's natural wonders within a day. Depart early to avoid morning traffic, and start with a visit to Karanis, situated 25km (15.5 miles) north of Fayoum city center. After exploring the ancient ruins, which feature two Graeco-Roman temples, continue to discover the natural beauty of Al Fayoum. Don’t miss the Wadi Rayyan Protected Area, where you can find waterfalls, take rowboat rides on the lake, and observe the local wildlife. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for eagles, falcons, and migratory birds. The visitors center on the lakefront can assist with any inquiries you may have.

Next, visit the pottery school in Tunis village to connect with local artisans and browse through the various pottery studios for unique gifts. The pottery center also serves as a great starting point to explore the expansive Lake Qarun, where you can observe flamingos and other birds during the fall and winter months as they rest before continuing their journey south.

How to reach Al Fayoum from Cairo: Numerous hotels in Cairo can assist in organizing a day tour, or you can arrange a day rate with a taxi driver.

Enjoy the waves in Ain El Sokhna

Travel duration: 2 hours

Beachfront Sokhna has become such a favored weekend escape on the Red Sea that affluent Egyptians often drop its name into conversations, their eyes lighting up at the prospect of their next seaside retreat.

As a watersports haven boasting pristine beaches and endless sunshine, Ain El Sokhna (translating to 'hot spring') caters to both sunbathers and thrill-seekers, offering an array of activities like snorkeling, diving, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and boat tours. As a newer Red Sea destination, its cleaner beaches attract fewer crowds than those at Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, making Sokhna a sought-after spot for those seeking peace and quiet.

After enjoying a swim in the serene turquoise waters, visit one of the beach resorts like Stella di Mare for lunch, or board a Sunmarine vessel for a 90-minute boat trip with lunch and glimpses of marine life. The beachfront resorts are filled with bars to help you unwind with a drink as the sun sets before returning to Cairo.

How to reach Ain El Sokhna from Cairo: You can negotiate a day rate with a taxi driver in Cairo, or if you're up for the challenge of Cairo traffic, renting a car for a road trip to the coast is an option.