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I visited Cairo as an extended layover right before COVID hit. I had some issues with immigration that were my own fault, we had to get the USA Embassy involved to get our passports back.. But ironically, they let us take a picture of them and our visa (which we obtained on arrival) and move freely throughout the Country which, I am not complaining was bizarre. We stayed in a hotel in Zamalek which is an island in the middle of the Nile. Cairo is a very busy and old city...Zamalek was quieter and more walkable. Lots of markets shops and restaurants if you like brass, pottery, etc.. There is plenty. At the time the economy was in the toilet and tourism was way down so the dollar was strong. Did have a chance to visit the Pyramids which was an interesting experience in its own right.. especially in the areas right outside the gates where hawkers are looking to mob tourist.
Also, we flew over on Egyptian Airways.. Wont ever do that again.. All kinds of mechanical issues and delays. But overall a pleasant experience passport issue not withstanding...as they gave them back.. but only when we were leaving which the Embassy told us was not uncommon.
I would go back at some point and likely want to go over to Alexandria or Sharm El Sheikh..do more sightseeing and go to a few of the museums
Other observations
People were generally friendly but in a matter of fact sort of way. So even when they are delivering bad news like they will generally end with "you are welcome to egypt"
Cost was very reasonable at the time. New Cairo out by the airport reminds me of Vegas in terms of being a new city in the desert so, if you want more modern city feel you would want to stay out there instead of the city center.
Crossing the street is an art form.. You just literally step out and walk at a deliberate pace and in straight line ....that will allow the drivers to time their maneuvers around you.. LOL
Does Cairo meet/exceed your expectations or your time/money could better be spent elsewhere?
Thank you!
Once was enough for me. No regrets on going once! Amazing to see once.
A second time? Nah. There's always other places to go....and as nice was Egypt was to see once, it's not the place for me to go again and again. Not unless you have some real strong pull to Egyptian something or another beyond tourist sites.
Granted there are probably more than enough tourist stuff to do again and again, but that can be said for every country in the world.
We have an Egypt trip coming up November.
Should we go or should we stay away?? Big question….
Not sure if the war is escalating or settling in two weeks…
Egypt is way too close within misfired rocket bombs from all sides.
What would you do?
We have an Egypt trip coming up November.
Should we go or should we stay away?? Big question….
Not sure if the war is escalating or settling in two weeks…
Egypt is way too close within misfired rocket bombs from all sides.
What would you do?
I'd stay away. The anti-American/anti-Israeli sentiment is too high in that part of the world right now. I'm curious to know if you're able to cancel with a refund due to everything that's going on over there.
I'd stay away. The anti-American/anti-Israeli sentiment is too high in that part of the world right now. I'm curious to know if you're able to cancel with a refund due to everything that's going on over there.
Trip is non-refundable. But my safety is priceless so I will watch it closely to make a final decision. It is not fun to swim in the Red Sea while the US warship is cruising nearby.
Trip is non-refundable. But my safety is priceless so I will watch it closely to make a final decision. It is not fun to swim in the Red Sea while the US warship is cruising nearby.
It'll be a shame if you have to cancel, but like you wrote safety is paramount. A friend and his family got to visit Egypt two months ago and they loved it. I've always wanted to go, but I'd be very skeptical about going now. Israel looks intent on launching a ground invasion of Gaza sometime soon, so things look like they'll only escalate. Since the trip is nonrefundable, though, I'd continue to watch things as you are doing.
Went to Cairo and Luxor. Both are amazing! Loved the bus ride through the desert from Hurghada to Luxor and then along the Nile during the sunset. Besides its richness in culture and history, Cairo is chaotic with clear poverty-stricken areas throughout, but you find oasis here and there to escape for a change while enjoying/appreciating the contrast between modern and third world living. People are much nicer than expected.
I do long to go back, absolutely. I'm glad you went, leoliu. So many times, safety concerns are overstated and people ignorantly project or assume things that are either not happening or not likely to happen.
Cairo has so much to experience, and I find most people there friendly and helpful.
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