A traveler's guide to Cairo
Split the ancient day and the city day. Cairo punishes anyone who tries to do the pyramids, the bazaar, and a cruise before dinner.
Cairo is enormous, loud, and one of the great cities, with the ancient plateau sitting at the edge like a fact. See the museum and the pyramids on separate mornings. Spend an evening by the river. The city is the people and the tea, not only the stones.
When to go
October to April is the visitor season and the right call. Summer is very hot. Ramadan nights are memorable if you are prepared for a different daily rhythm. Dust and haze are part of the light.
Neighborhoods
Downtown and the museum quarter for a base. Islamic Cairo for the medieval streets. Zamalek for a calmer Nile island evening. Giza for the pyramids, early, and not as the neighborhood you stroll at night. The bazaar is a morning.
Eating
Koshari, falafel, grilled meats, and a juice bar. The hotel buffet is a way to hide from the city. Eat where it is busy. A guide helps in the bazaar and is optional at a simple lunch.
If you only remember this
- A driver for Giza and for crossing town.
- Agree prices for taxis or use an app.
- The plateau is sun and stone. Hat, water, early start.
- Baksheesh culture is constant. Small bills and a calm no.