Kay1916

I'm from the United States but I've been living in Cairo as a study abroad student for the past 8 months. I feel that I've really gotten to know the city and how to navigate it about as well as a Westerner can. If you're coming through Egypt, I can help with questions about getting around, places to eat and off-the-beaten-track things to see. Cairo is a huge, busy city and a bit overwhelming at times, but if you laugh things off and keep an open mind you'll find that it's a crazy, exciting and vibrant city where you'll never be bored.

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Q: Kerry, I'm trying to find out if my daughter arrived safely in Cairo. Her name is Jessica Heyman, and I know (from my cc on line) she booked a hostel through you 3 days ago. Any info you can provide is MOST welcome. thx, michael Submitted By: heyman on the 23rd May 2006 A: Hi. Travel Gurus are not actually employed by hostelworld.com in any way (we are just travellers who sign up for the service), so we don't have access to hostel bookings. As such, it's really out of my domain to address this question. Please email editor@hostelworld.com instead. Good luck.

Q: In your opinion, what is Cairo’s number one attraction? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 5th April 2006 A: Of course, if you're in Egypt you have to see the Pyramids! Definitely try to go during the day and return in the evening or at night to ride a camel or a horse through the desert outside of them. The weather is much cooler at night, and the Pyramids under the moonlight look beautiful.

Q: What else shouldn’t be missed? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 5th April 2006 A: Don't miss Khan el Khalili market or the Tent Makers' Market at Bab Zuela for great shopping and a chaotic taste of Egyptian culture.

Q: Is it expensive to eat out in Cairo? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 5th April 2006 A: Cairo is a very cheap city if you gauge prices against the dollar or the Euro, and even the more high class restaurants here are fairly affordable. Generally, the more Westernized the restaurant, the more expensive: smaller Egyptian restaurants are very cheap, though many don't offer seating or amenities, while restaurants at Western hotels are very expensive.

Q: What is the best part of Cairo to eat out in? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 5th April 2006 A: Depends on what you're looking for. Downtown (Midan Falaki, Mansour Street, Tahrir Street) and the area by the Dokki metro stop have lots of cheap but great Egyptian foods from small, locally-owned restaurants. If you're more in the mood for some place nicer and perhaps more Westernized, go to Zamalek or Mohandiseen for a wide variety of restaurants and dining options. If you're up for an adventure, try fruit, fruit juice and other foods from vendors at one of Cairo's many vegetable markets located in neighborhoods throughout the city. There's one in the area between Sheikh Rihan Street and Maglis Shaab Street and there's another at Bab Zuela and one in Bulak a-Dokrur. At these markets you'll likely be the only foreigner, and you'll be able to get dinner and a story to tell...

Q: Is it expensive to go out at night in Cairo? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 5th April 2006 A: While Cairo is cheap, hidden cover charges can often quickly inflate a bill at a bar or a club, and most clubs are very westernized and upscale, so drink prices can add up. For a cheaper alternative, try smoking sheesha with the locals at a sidewalk cafe. You can get sheesha (tobacco from a waterpipe) and fruit juices and tea if you don't smoke, and then you can sit and chat for hours...this is a great way to unwind after a hectic day in Cairo. Note: many of the sheesha bars are men-only (it's not the women aren't allowed, it's just that women going there would be very awkward and not culturally appropriate). Try the ones in Zamalek and Ataba areas.

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