Under $100: Cairo

The capital and largest city of Egypt, Cairo is the city where most visitors launch their trips to this enchanting country. This bustling metropolis is a fascinating blend of old and new, dotted with both high-rises and an incredible array of ancient pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sights.

The Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Khufu © Vitalyedush | Dreamstime

Start your day early and spend the morning at the glorious Giza Plateau, featuring the incredible Khufu’s Pyramid, the sole surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Guarded by the Great Sphinx, the plateau boasts the massive pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, all of whom ruled Egypt during the 4^th Dynasty in 2500 BC. Here, visitors can gaze in awe at these amazing feats of engineering and explore surrounding monuments for the price of about $6.50. If you wish to step inside the pyramids, admission to the pyramid of Khufu costs about $12.75 and to the pyramid of Khafre costs $3; the pyramid of Menkaure is currently closed.

Saqqara, Egypt © M H | Dreamstime

For those who have already explored the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara is an excellent morning alternative, featuring the world’s oldest standing step pyramid, dating back to 2660 BC. The site is an ancient necropolis for the nearby city of Memphis, once the capital of ancient Egypt, and features 16 pyramids. Here you’ll be able to take in these marvels of the ancient world without swarms of tourists and merchants blocking your view. General admission costs about $3.

Fattah at Felfela © David Berkowitz | Flickr

Grab a quick lunch at a nearby venue and take it on the go in order to fit in as many incredible city sights as possible. Located close to the Giza plateau, Felfela offers authentic Egyptian cuisine for takeaway, with simple Middle Eastern dishes starting from about $3.

Khan el Khalili Bazaar © Dinatemraz | Dreamstime

Head back to central Cairo and experience the fascinating Khan El Kahlili bazaar, where you can learn the art of haggling with the market’s animated but kind shopkeepers. Amble up and down the twisted alleyways to witness day-to-day Egyptian life, admire beautiful Islamic architecture and shop for copper souvenirs, colorful rugs and soft scarves.

The Egyptian Museum of Cairo © Leopold Brix | Dreamstime

Be sure to fit in time for a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum, featuring more than 120,000 artifacts on display, including the magnificent Tutankhamen collection. View the world’s most extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities for the general admission price of roughly $8.

Vintage Photo of the Mena House © Vasenka Photography | Flickr

For dinner with a view, head to Mena House, nestled in the shadows of the Great Pyramids of Giza. The hotel’s 139 restaurant is an informal dining venue boasting a delicious buffet and breathtaking views of the pyramids. For about $38, diners can enjoy an expansive menu, ranging from Middle Eastern and Indian fare to pan-Asian and Western dishes.

Giza Sound and Light Show © Derejeb | Dreamstime

Finish the busy day at the Sound and Light Show at Giza, allowing visitors the see the world-famous pyramids lit up at night in all their glory for the price of about $5. Lighting, laser shows and unique projections bring these ancient artifacts to life each night.