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Plan Your Trip to Cairo: Best of Cairo Tourism

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Explore Cairo

Cairo’s an ancient city that also happens to be a modern metropolis—it’s one of the biggest cities in the Middle East and has the traffic and noise issues to prove it. But as long as you’re not looking for solitude, Cairo—the City of the Thousand Minarets—is a splendid place to explore Egyptian history and culture. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)

Essential Cairo

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Cairo travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend local Egyptian cuisine at restaurants such as Abu Tarek for koshary, Felfela for traditional dishes, and Egyptian Pancake House for both savory and sweet pancakes. Naguib Mahfouz Cafe is also highly mentioned for its atmosphere and location in the historic Khan El-Khalili area.

Seafood Dining

For seafood lovers, some travelers suggested Asmak in the Dokki area and the top-deck restaurant Halat el Samak on the Nile City boat for excellent seafood with views of the Nile. These places offer a selection of fresh fish prepared according to diners' preferences.

Outdoor Dining

For those interested in outdoor dining, Egyptian Pancakes offers a very casual dining experience outdoors, which is ideal for observing the vibrant street life. The Nile City boat also provides options for outdoor seating across its various restaurants, catering to different culinary tastes and requirements.

High-End Dining

For upscale dining experiences, the posts highlighted restaurants on static boats like Le Pacha 1901, which houses multiple dining venues with varied cuisine offerings. Saraya Gallery in the Cairo Marriott Hotel, known for its beautiful decor and historical significance, is also recommended for a high-end dining experience.

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Museum Recommendations

According to forum posts, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is highly recommended due to its vast collection of pharaonic artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. This museum primarily focuses on the pharaonic era and is ideal for those interested in ancient Egyptian history.

Alternative Museum Options

For travelers seeking a broader historical perspective, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is suggested. It covers Egyptian history from prehistoric times to the present day and features royal mummies and interactive exhibits. Some travelers have described it as well-organized and informative, offering a modern and immersive experience.

Additional Insights

The new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), once fully open, is anticipated to be another major attraction. It will house a comprehensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, including all major items from Tutankhamun's tomb. However, as of the latest updates, it is not fully operational, and potential visitors should verify its status before planning their visit.

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Pyramid Complex Overview

According to forum posts, the Cairo Pyramids primarily refer to the Giza Pyramid Complex, which includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. These are complemented by the Great Sphinx, adding significant historical and cultural value to the site.

Additional Structures

Travelers have called out that the Giza site also houses the Solar Boat Museum, which contains the reconstructed funerary boat of Khufu. However, the solar boat has been moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum as per recent updates.

Interior Access and Nearby Sites

For those interested in exploring further, some users mentioned that interior access to the pyramids is possible, though it may be challenging due to narrow passages. Nearby, the Saqqara and Dahshur sites offer additional pyramidal structures and are worth visiting for a more comprehensive understanding of Egypt's pyramid-building era.

Viewing Options

Multiple posts highlighted that if staying in Giza, one could view the pyramid complex during the evening sound and light show from a hotel rooftop, offering a unique perspective of these ancient wonders.

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Transfer Options

According to forum posts, Cairo airport offers several transfer options, including taxis, Uber, and the Cairo Shuttle Bus. Uber requires data and walking to the car park, while the Cairo Shuttle Bus can be booked online.

Pricing Insights

Travelers have pointed out that Uber is generally cheaper than the Cairo Shuttle Bus. For instance, an Uber ride might cost around 230 EGP, whereas the Cairo Shuttle Bus could charge approximately 740 EGP for the same route.

Convenience Factors

Some travelers prefer pre-booking with services like the Cairo Shuttle Bus for convenience. Private transfers can also be booked through services like londoncabegypt.com, noted for efficient service and newer vehicles.

None

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Recommendations from Travelers

Some travelers have recommended specific tour guides and companies for visits to Cairo. For instance, a tour manager named Mostafa, contactable via WhatsApp at +20 111 733 3477, has been mentioned for coordinating trips throughout Egypt. EMO Tours and Special Trips are also suggested for their reputable services, reachable at +20 122 347 1972 and +20 106 104 6797 respectively.

Freelance Guides

Additionally, a freelance guide named Amr, praised for his professionalism and knowledge, can be contacted at +201222478510. He is noted for his flexibility and ability to arrange comprehensive tours in Cairo and Alexandria, including transportation and ticket arrangements.

Online Resources

Travelers interested in more options can refer to a long list of recommended guides and drivers found in the sticky post at the top of the Egypt forum on TripAdvisor, or via the direct link provided in online discussions: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g294200-i9124-k13746126-Drivers_Guides_Agency_Recommendations_Here-Egypt.html. This resource is frequently updated with the latest recommendations from forum members.

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Opening Date Uncertainty

According to forum posts, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza has experienced multiple delays in its opening. As of the latest updates, there is no confirmed opening date, with some speculations pointing to a possible opening around the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in November 2022.

Artifact Relocation

Travelers have discussed that many artifacts from the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Tahrir Square are being relocated to the GEM. This includes major items like the contents of Tutankhamun's tomb and royal mummies, which have been moved to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) instead.

Visitor Experience and Expectations

Some travelers expressed concerns about visiting the old museum, fearing it might be empty due to the artifact transfers. However, others have noted that significant and iconic pieces are still on display at the old museum, ensuring a worthwhile visit. Meanwhile, anticipation for the GEM remains high, with expectations of a grand opening ceremony featuring international dignitaries.

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Central Location and Views

According to forum posts, the Kempinski Hotel offers a more central location compared to the Fairmont, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to stay near the city center. Both hotels are noted to provide nice views of the Nile.

Luxury and Size

Travelers have called out the Fairmont for its larger size, which might be more comfortable for those who prefer spacious accommodations. It is described as luxurious, similar to the Kempinski, although the latter is smaller.

Alternative Options

For those considering other high-end hotels, the Cairo Marriott Hotel and Omar Khayyam Casino in Zamalek are recommended for their quiet environment and proximity to various dining options. The Steigenberger, located near Tahrir Square, is another suggested option for travelers seeking 4-5 star accommodations in downtown Cairo.

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Terminal Facilities

According to forum posts, Cairo Airport Terminal 3 has a mosque, and the official webpage for the terminal can provide additional information on its facilities. Terminal 2 offers various food and drink options, as highlighted on the airport's dedicated webpage.

Luggage Storage

Travelers have called out that both Cairo's airports and railway stations lack luggage storage facilities. This includes a specific mention that there are no luggage storage facilities at the airport, and external options like Bounce provide storage services outside airport premises.

Transportation and Services

Some travelers said there is an airport shuttle service that can help passengers transit between terminals at Cairo Airport. Additionally, services like the Ahlan service at Cairo Airport offer meet & assist and VIP packages, though specific experiences or evaluations of these services were not detailed in the posts.

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