Having a rich socio-cultural history dating back to the Pharaohs era, Egypt has been a popular travel destination for ages. Cairo, being the capital of Egypt, is the city that attracts most of the tourists. Ancient temples, pyramids, and Nile cruises, etc. are what make Cairo a city of special charm, just as we all have read about it in The Alchemist.
Travelling to Cairo can be a life-changing experience for you. Here is everything you need to know, starting from cheap air flight through popular tourist attraction you should not miss.
Best season to visit Cairo
Winter is the perfect season to enjoy the city. Desert safari and desert trips like visiting the pyramids etc. can be astonishing. Weather is the first thing that you should consider before travelling because that can make you wear a picture-perfect outfit and you can have perfect vacation photographs.
Make Bookings in Advance
Tourism is growing rapidly in Cairo which means that all the places are going to be fully booked and heavily crowded, particularly in high season. Either you are booking a trip with a tour guide or not, you should make advance reservations at all the places that you are willing to stay at or visit such as Nile cruises. It can save you a lot of time and effort so you can enjoy a seamless trip.
What to Pack
When in Rome, do as Romans do! Likewise, before travelling to Egypt, you should consider the fact that it is a Muslim country and the culture can be a bit conservative. If you want to roam in the street to explore the city, then consider wearing clothes that cover your legs and arms to attract less attention. However, the places where there is a lot of tourists, you can wear the outfits of your choice!
It is Affordable!
Travelling to Cairo won’t cost you a fortune. Compare your currency to the Egyptian pound and you will find it absolutely affordable to travel around the city and shop too. Moreover, you can easily travel to other cities as well.
Get to know transportation options
Traffic in Cairo is crazy and almost every hour is the rush hour. You can rent a local taxi or use ride-hailing apps but they might be pricy. The metro can be a great, inexpensive option for moving inside the city, but it’s sometimes overcrowded too. Other options include buses or microbuses. You can pick any that you find convenient.
The food
Although we want to experience and taste new food but putting a hold on trying indigenous dishes would be better to stay healthy during your visit. Egyptians use a lot of onions and oil in their food which can make it hard for you to digest, particularly if you are not used to greasy dishes. Don’t try eating many new dishes in a single day, take time to satisfy your taste bud by trying one thing in a time.
Tips!
Tipping is very important in Cairo. If you did not tip, it will be considered a disrespectful act. Either it’s the person who is carrying your luggage at the airport or the waiter at restaurant, make sure to give them EGP 10-15 as a tip.
The city never sleeps
Popular restaurants and tourist attractions might close at 2:00, but you will always find the small shops and street vendors open at night. It is the best time to explore the city.
