hi, i'm a singaporean chinese girl travelling with my girl friend around europe. we will be stopping by in cairo for 4 1/2 days. are there any recommendations for cheap and good accomodation there? also, what can we do within this timespan? my friend and i are on a really REALLY tight budget. oh, we will be reaching cairo airport at nearly 12am and need to know if it's safe and how to get to the nearest recommended accomodation. we are 1st time backpackers. thanks a million!!!
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My oldest son and I were in Cairo just last month. We
stayed at the Manyal Youth Hostel, 135 Sharia Abdel Aziz
as-Saud. You can get a taxi there from the airport for
about EP 20. Rule #1 of travel in Egypt: Never do ANYthing
until you have agreed to a price up front or they will
charge you whatever they think you'll pay. That's doubly
true with taxis. Always negotiate the fare before you get
in the cab, and don't be afraid to go to the next cap if
you can't get a decent fare or if the driver makes you
uncomfortable. And don't give the driver ANY money until he
takes you where you're going. The youth hostel is clean,
cheap (about EP 10 ($US3) per night, including breakfast)
and remarkably safe. Also, please note that several
"tourist officials" (they even have badges!) will try to
convince you that the youth hostel is "full" or "unfit" for
women. Ignore them. They're simply trying to steer you
toward pricier lodging for which they'll get a commission.
No matter what anybody tries to tell you about the hostel,
check it out yourself in person before deciding to go
anywhere else. It really is--hands down--the best bargain
in Cairo. Have fun!!!!! Cairo is a great city with much to
offer as long as you keep your wits about you and don't do
anything stupid.
I stayed at the Magic Hotel which is on El Burstan close to
the Nile Hilton and the museum. It is on the 3rd floor of
the building but there is a reception desk downstairs. It
is a central location and is very safe and clean. The
staff speak good English and are helpful. There is a big
common area with TV which is a good place to meet other
travellers and a book full of traveller's hints and
suggestions. It costs 40 E pounds for a double room with
common bath.
Hi Christina,
I think that the Youth Hostel that Bunyip Jim referred to is
quite far from the city centre - you would really have to
catch a taxi to get anywhere, unless you brave the bus
system, which I don't recommend on your first trip.
If you don't have a guide book yet, get one and check the
budget hotel listings for recommendations. The Lonely Planet
Guidebook and The Rough Guide book are very reliable and not
that out of date.
I personally would recommend either the Sun Hotel or the
Ismailia House Hotel. They're really geared to first time
visitors to Egypt and are a good place to meet other
travellers to exchange information (Double room costs about
45 Egyptian Pounds or 15 in a dormitory including
breakfast).
But, my favourite place would have to be the Sultan Hotel in
Tawfikiyya market (it's listed in both the books). They
offer dorms for either 5, 6, or 7 pounds depending on what
floor you're on, as there's no lift, the top floor (ie. the
5th) is the cheapest at 5 pounds. Breakfast is not included.
The staff at the Sultan are the greatest, providing a truly
home-away-from-home atmosphere, and the market outside is
amazing - even better than what you'll find in Chinatown in
Singapore!
As for taxis, the fare from the airport to the city
shouldn't cost anymore than 20 Egyptian pounds for the both
of you (10 pounds each) - even at midnight! Don't be bullied
into paying more!
Anyway, Egypt is a wonderful country and the people are very
friendly and polite. Plus, it would have to be one of the
safest countries in the world (despite what you heard in the
news 2 years ago about the terrorist attacks).
Enjoy, Tim.
hey,
thanks so much for responding. now i have an idea where to start. really appreciate it.