Wonderguide by

Hörður Ragnarsson

What to do in Cairo

I spent a week with my girlfriend in Egypt, visiting Cairo and Luxor. We visited during Ramadan which everyone thought we were crazy to do - but in our opinion it is the best time to visit. Fewer tourists, everything still open and we even got to descend alone into one of the Geiza pyramids!

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Good hotels

I recommend splitting your stay up into two parts when in Cairo and staying at both of these hotels.

Image - Panorama Pyramids Inn

Panorama Pyramids Inn

Hörður:Make this your first stop. This might not be the fanciest of Hotels, but the view from the terrace is amazing. The service is exceptional.

Image - Hotel Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah

Hotel Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah

Hörður:Perfectly placed in the middle of the Nile river, this is the Hotel to stay at to be in Cairo but also get a little peace and quiet.

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Points of interest

Image - The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza

Hörður:A no-brainer for anyone visiting Cairo.

Image - Sound and Light Theater

Sound and Light Theater

Hörður:In the night the Sphinx and the Geiza pyramids are flooded with a light show and music. Amazing to watch.

Image - Al Azhar Park

Hörður:Wander in the greenest area in Cairo. It's also quite elevated so on a good day you get an amazing view over Cairo and the pyramids.

Image - Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Hörður:A beautiful Mosque with an amazing view over Cairo.

Image - Memphis

Hörður:I recommend visiting this place. You can find trips from Cairo with private guides for a good price.

Image - Khan el-Khalili

Khan el-Khalili

Hörður:A buzzling market, perfect opertunity to master the skill of haggling

Image - Egyptian Museum Cairo

Egyptian Museum Cairo

Hörður:A must do. Getting a private guide to tell you about all the different things inside the museum is highly recommended.

Restaurants

We tried a few local restaurants, but came up short with good food. The best food we found was at restaurants close to the Sofitel Hotel - not local food, but good food.

Image - Le Deck - By Laurent Peugeot

Le Deck - By Laurent Peugeot

Hörður:A great experience. Sit on the banks of the Nile river and have tasty food. Bit pricy but worth it.

Image - Kababgui Restaurant

Kababgui Restaurant

Hörður:Nice Tandori chicken, their naan bread is also amazing!

Image - Sofitel Restaurant

Sofitel Restaurant

Hörður:Didn't try the food there but they had good coctails.

Trips and experiences you should book

In Cairo it is very cheap to get a quality guide and driver. I recommend doing this because you will be safer with a local, and hearing all the history when looking at those grand monuments is invaluble.

What not to do

Image - Nile Pharaoh Cruising Restaurant[مركب فرعون النيل]

Nile Pharaoh Cruising Restaurant[مركب فرعون النيل]

Hörður:Many will try to sell you an evening cruise on the Nile with dinner and a show - most of them are shit. Do your research and find a good one

Image - Travelade Image

Hörður:Don't try to drive in Cairo. It is very dangerous for someone who is not used to this style of traffic. Just get a driver or taxi.

Shopping malls

Image - Mall Of Egypt

Hörður:The best mall in Egypt. Has all the major shops, Starbucks - and yes, you can go skiing there.

Image - Mall of Arabia

Hörður:Descent size mall with plenty of shops. Not as new and nice as Mall of Egypt though.

Egypt travel blogs from other travellers

Travel blogs filled with all you need to know based on personal experience.

Image - 67 fun facts about Egypt

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67 fun facts about Egypt

Image - We May Finally Know How the Pyramids Were Built

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We May Finally Know How the Pyramids Were Built

Image - 8 Reasons why you should travel to Egypt in 2018

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8 Reasons why you should travel to Egypt in 2018

Image - Egyptian Adventures: 5 Excursions You Wouldn’t Want to Miss

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Egyptian Adventures: 5 Excursions You Wouldn’t Want to Miss

Image - http://annaeverywhere.com/egypt-travel-guide/

Story

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Egypt (& Not Just the Pyramids!)

Image - Egypt Family Travel Blog and Guide

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Egypt Family Travel Blog and Guide

Image - Surviving Egyptian Scams At The Giza Pyramids

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Surviving Egyptian Scams At The Giza Pyramids

Diving in Egypt?

I didn't do it, but these are great references if you are looking for tips.

Image - A red hot Red Sea adventure: Four days on an Egyptian Liveaboard

Story

A red hot Red Sea adventure: Four days on an Egyptian Liveaboard

Image - Egypt’s real treasure: diving with sharks in the Red Sea

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Egypt’s real treasure: diving with sharks in the Red Sea

Image - Dahab Diving – The Ultimate Scuba Guide (by a local)

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Dahab Diving – The Ultimate Scuba Guide (by a local)

Wonderguide map

Panorama Pyramids Inn
Hotel Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
The Great Pyramid of Giza
Sound and Light Theater
Al Azhar Park
Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Memphis
Khan el-Khalili
Egyptian Museum Cairo
Le Deck - By Laurent Peugeot
Kababgui Restaurant
Sofitel Restaurant
Nile Pharaoh Cruising Restaurant[مركب فرعون النيل]
Rent & Drive
Mall Of Egypt
Mall of Arabia

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