Aisha Dubaiwali

I am going to Cairo. How is it, what can I do there? Any personal reviews etc?

Deeba1234

Apart from the pyramids and the sphinx at Giza (they do an amazing light show in the evenings), step pyramid, there's Cairo Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, the Citadel (Alabaster Mosque) and these tiny little Coptic churches, loads of historical sights to check out.. We also flew down to Luxor to see the Temple of Karnak in Thebes, there is a whole complex of burial tombs u can go down into and the scenery down there is amazing. Was defo worth the trip down. Cairo is a beautiful place as well and the ppl are lovely, am hoping to go back one day and do all the stuff I missed out on, Abu Simbel, cruise down the Nile and Sharm el-Sheikh..

maroush

I just wrote a really long PM for someone else going to Cairo! I'll forward it to you also

Aisha Dubaiwali

LOL yes please do PM me. Although I pretty much did my own research but it's nice to know other people from GS's opinions too.

coOoLBreeze

why PM... is it that personal ??? Post it here

Aisha Dubaiwali

Right, Maroush CoolBreeze is right. This way it will benefit others too. Post it here.

maroush

haw hai, guys it isn't anything private, just that the person PM'ed me, so i PM'ed back , here you go:

Giza and Sphinx pyramid
DEFINITELY go see them....i was in awe....

Al-Azhar Mosque/University
beautiful architecture, and was pretty much the epicentre of islamic learning and arabic literature.Also it's the second oldest university in the world....

Ibn Tulun
The oldest, and known as the most beautful, mosque in Cairo... i could've spent all day there as it makes you feel so peaceful inside...

Cairo Citadel
In the "Islamic Cairo" district. This is a castle bulit by Saladin in the 12th century.....so much history behind this and a must see for history buffs...like me

Egyptian Museum (Official Ancient Egyption Antiquities)
In downtown "Midan Tehrir" district. Holds the world collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts....i loved this place...definitely go see the "jewellery" section, the "royal mummies" and "the objects from Tutankhamuns's tomb"....there is also a "Egyptian Museum Library" section which is a strictly a restricted area for researchers, but our hubby somehow got us in! Also, remember that there is a separate charge if you want to take photos (well there was last time i went).

Cairo Tower
On Gezira Island, from here you can get a panoramic view of Cairo.

Church of the Virgin Mary
Near the Citadel, so you can go see this as well.

Abdeen Palace
not far from the Midan Tahrir district... five minute walk max... it's the palace of the last king of Egypt, King Farouk.

Khan El Khalily
I just love the hustle and bustle of this area....it's the souk area where merchants sell jewellery, gold, spices, perfumes, your usual fakes and many other things! a good place for picking up souvenirs for family and friends.... we bought little trinkets, leather slippers, shawls, antique jewellery, you name it. They have a great little cafe here, forgot what it's called, but they do great mint tea and coffee...also they have many shisha places... i don't really see what the big whoop is about shisha, i tried the apple one... meh. Also, make sure you wear one of those body wallets, as you'll get pickpocketed without knowing!

Welekat al Balah
Another souky area... great for buying fabric and belly dancer style oufits
When shopping, haggling is a must! Halve the price they suggest and then go from there... you're a pakistani so i'm sure you're familar with how it goes

Cairo Jazz club
Great music and live entertainment

The Culture Wheel
They put on a concert show almost every night, so be sure to catch it

The Nile River
If you do anything, it has to be this! Ride a "felucca" (small boat) down the river... very peaceful and serene.... and very romantic if you do it at night when you can see all the stars

Foodwise, if you go downtown you'll find some pretty decent budget food... usual snacks and stuff like muzagga (mousakka) taamiya (falafel) and shawarmas. If you want a nice meal, then head to the Zamalek area. You will find western outlets anywhere and everywhere so you know where to go if you want a taste of america, but with an all halal variety

I would advise drinking bottled only. Also be careful about the street fruit and veggies, as well as any sushi, ice creams and eggs.... kinda sucks the fun out of it i know, but your health is of utmost importance.

There are also many bars and clubs if you and your significant other want to get your boogie on.... but they're always closing and opening new ones, so it's just a matter of finding them, else the hotels are always offering this kind of entertainment 24/7.

Aisha Dubaiwali

Thanks a lot now reply to my PM!

coOoLBreeze

Thanks Maroush... you know I made several plans to go to Egypt, even once got the forms to apply for the visa... But for some reason it never materialized... I have many friends there ( my ex-colleagues) all have asked me to make the plan when they are actually vacationing in Egypt, so that I can have an even better time.... cause as per them Egyptians ( their fellow citizen) are smartA$$ ppl, they can rip our pockets by selling items or stuff at higher prices... any how.... Everyone recomends, a trip to Sharm El Shaikh if you love sea and sun( no visa required for most of the world, include Pakistanis, if you stay in the Sharam El Shaikh and the surrounding area) .

Cairo and Luxor for all the pyramids and beautiful scenery, Alexandria for many other reasons. and a romantic ferry over nile ..

maroush

Sharm el Sheikh is a western hotspot... full of tourists as it's cheap and cheerful! Definitely make a trip to Cairo..... you'll love it there. I went a very long time ago but unfortunately haven't had the chance to go back since then..... other destinations had taken over in my "to visit" list

PS: Aisha, i'm frantically typing a PM for you now!

Aisha Dubaiwali

And I will reply to it

rimsh

I was in Cairo and Luxor 3 months ago. Everyone here pretty much said what i wanted to say. have fun! Definately worth going!! would love to go back!

njgal

Did anyone take the Metro in Cairo to get around the city???

Bookworm

The metro is good but it does not cover most tourist parts. Don't forget the saturday whirling darweesh, its free but there is always long queue. I had a problem with taxi driver who just wanted more money in the middle of journey then what we agreed upon.