Cairo... Where to crash?

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beibolugo
beibolugo

Hi!! I will arrive in Cairo in mid December and I'm trying to decide where to stay. Most midrange hotels in Cairo are located in Downtown, near Tahrir Square, Talaat Harb and Corniche el-Nil street. But I'm not sure if it's convenient to stay in that area, because of the frequent political manifestations. I mean, it's obvious that to stay near Tahrir is a no-no. But...

  • What about the hotels along the Corniche? They are also affected? Is possible to get in and out of them during the protests?
  • Are Maspero and Garden City good options to stay?
  • Or is just better to cross the Nile and stay in Gezira, Zamalek or Doqqi?? (even if hotels there are more expensive)
  • I think Heliopolis and Giza are too far from most attractions in Cairo, but I will consider them as well.

I will like to hear from people who are staying in Cairo right now or have been staying there until recently. Thanks for any help or tip!!

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laketraveller
laketraveller

There's nothing wrong with staying in Zamalek as it's a nice area. I wouldn't stay in Giza.

As far as central Cairo, there are numerous hostels near, but not adjacent to, Tahrir Square which would be fine to stay in. Staying right on Tahrir Square might not be a good idea, but being six or more blocks away is fine.

Look at places like Dina's or Pension Roma.

Good luck.

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fear_rua
fear_rua

I'm with no. 1. Stay away from Maspero. Anywhere in downtown north of Talaat Harb Square should be OK but Zamalek is a good option.

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beibolugo
beibolugo

I was considering an offer at the Ramses Hilton ($100 per night at a five-star hotel). But I think the Hilton is near Maspero. So not even for $50...

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beibolugo
beibolugo

Perhaps I should avoid Heliopolis as well. The Egyptian Presidential Palace is there.

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fear_rua
fear_rua

Heliopolis would be a bad choice anyway, as it's relatively far from all attractions and it's not on the metro.

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beibolugo
beibolugo

Yeah, I think I will crash in Zamalek. Thanks, laketraveller and fear_rua !!

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laketraveller
laketraveller

If you get the chance (and have the interest) you could visit Diwan on the main street through Zamalek. It's a great english language book store. They have a wide selection and often feature various authors and speakers.

Have fun.

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BWT
BWT

Hi Lake,just wondering why you don't recommend staying in Giza? I'm headed to Egypt for two weeks later this month and staying in Cairo but also Giza (wanted a view of the pyramids). Would love to get your thoughts. We are going to Luxor and Aswan as well :)

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laketraveller
laketraveller

IMHO Giza has little to no character, doesn't have the desired places to eat and have fun and is substantially less interesting than central Cairo or Zamalek.

I don't know where you're from, but if it's a bigger city there is probably an interesting area in the city and more boring places in the suburbs that simply don't have anything to offer a tourist. Giza has nothing to offer beyond proximity to the Pyramids and that isn't important to me (they're only a taxi ride away from central).

Have fun.

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