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| Cairo Travel Guide for backpackers |
| The "Mother of all cities", as Cairo is known to Egyptians, is a sprawling metropolis lying on the banks of the River Nile. It is a city of minarets and graceful domes and dirt and pollution, of oriental bazaars and medieval buildings, and squalor and poverty. With a population of 18 million highly excitable, noisy, and "baksheesh" demanding people, Cairo is an exciting, frustrating, fantastically interesting city and one that should never be missed. |
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 DAILY BUDGET in CAIRO - Pick-pocketing and haggling are the two facets of life in Cairo that will never go away, so don't carry your money in your back-pocket (rather traveller's cheques and Master Card tucked somewhere safe) and settle down to some friendly if hectic bargaining. If you are prepared to rough it at the cheapest hostels/hotels, dine from vendors carts, and enjoy just one historical site a day life for the back-packer comes fairly cheap at about US$22-28 a day, with meals available at approximately US$2-4, Lodging at US$2-8, and entry to attractions about US$10. |
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Downtown Cairo - Take a walk through the commercial centre of Cairo, northeast of Midan Tahrie where the streets are filled with flashy shops but reminders of a grand architectural style that is long past, are still left standing here and there.
Heliopolis - Stroll through what was once an exclusive suburb for the European rulers of Egypt, and where the president and many of his ministers live. Check out the Baron's Palace (Qasr al-Baron), that is designed to resemble the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or take a look at the Basilica, a copy of Istanbul's well-known Aya Sofia, in miniature, and the extraordinary architecture lining Sharia Ibrahim Laqqany.
Islamic Cairo - The old medieval metropolis that is Islamic Cairo is a world Heritage site that has not changed for centuries. Here ancient Mosques line the narrow, twisting alleys and boys with barrows piled high battle to pass donkeys and carts, and life goes on as it always has. Or check out the amazing Citadel, where the rulers of Egypt lived for 700 years, and where from its walls you can see the whole bustling city lying before you.
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Abou Tarek - Located at 40 Sharia Champollion, this is a new establishment that is clean, air conditioned and offers cheap meals.
Akher Saa - located at 8 Sharia Alfi Bey, beside the Nile Christian Bookshop, is a good place for breakfast or takeaways, but also where you can have a sit down meal that is well within the budget.
El-Tabei - located at 31 Sharia Orabi, north of Midan Orabi El-Tabei offers excellent authentic Middle Eastern dishes at a price anyone can afford.
Naáma - The best takeaway shawarma in the city, also fuul and taámiyya. Just across the nile from Midan Tahrir on Shariah Corniche al Nil located between Cairo Sheraton and British Council
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Odeon Palace Hotel - located at 6 Sharia Abdel Hamid Said and open 24 hours a day, this is a popular place where you can watch the sunrise over the rooftops with a drink in your hand.
Barrel Lounge - Located on the first floor of the Windsor Hotel on Sharia Alfi Bey, the Barrel Lounge is one place where women can enjoy a drink without unwanted attentions.
Cafe Riche - Located at 17 Sharia Talaat Harb, the Cafe Riche is drenched in history and filled with tourists, it is also a good place for women who are looking for a quiet, hassle-free drink.
L'auberguine - It's small and comfy.... bartender and staff very sweet and helpful.
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