Practical Tips Cairo

Getting Around in Cairo

Uber/Careem: Absolutely the best option. Affordable (10 km = 60–100 LE / 1.20–2 €), air-conditioned, GPS-navigated, no haggling. See the price beforehand in the app. Works reliably throughout Cairo.

Metro: Cairo has three metro lines — clean, fast, air-conditioned, and dirt cheap (8 LE/ride). Line 1 (Helwan–El Marg) is relevant for tourists: Stop Sadat (Tahrir Square), Mar Girgis (Coptic Cairo). The front carriages are women-only — men are not allowed to enter.

On Foot: In Downtown, Zamalek, and Islamic Cairo, much can be done on foot — but crossing the streets is an extreme sport. Tip: Wait for a local and cross the street alongside them. The traffic will flow around you if you walk steadily. NEVER stop abruptly!

Safety

Cairo is generally safe for tourists — violent crime against foreigners is rare. The main issues are pickpocketing (especially in buses and bazaars) and scams/touts. Avoid remote alleys at night, keep your phone secure, and leave expensive valuables in the hotel safe.

Accommodation

• Downtown/Tahrir: Good location for first-time visitors. Hotels of all price ranges, near metro and museums. Noisy but central.
• Zamalek: More upscale, quieter, cosmopolitan. Best restaurants and bars. A bit more expensive, but the best choice for comfort.
• Giza (near the pyramids): Makes sense if the pyramids are the main goal. Hotels with pyramid views from 40 €/night. Far from the center (30–60 min. by Uber).
• Garden City: Quiet diplomatic district between Downtown and the Nile. Four-star hotels with good value for money.

Cairo with Children

Cairo is challenging with children (heat, chaos, air quality), but the GEM is fantastic for families, and kids love the pyramids and camels. Tips: Always have enough water, sunscreen SPF 50+, avoid midday heat (museum visits in the afternoon), and use Uber instead of public buses.