Ciaro Layover (17 hours) | Egypt - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 19:14:40 +0000

Hi!

I have a layover in Cairo from approx 6am to 11pm (same day, and Friday!!!) and would love to squeeze in the pyramids (Giza), a well stocked museum and a market.

I'd like to know:
-Taking into consideration the time, what kind of transport to take. I've had two suggestions, hire a taxi for the day or take the shuttle bus. I'm not keen on a long bus trip and would gladly shell out a little more for a private taxi, though I'm a female travelling alone. How much is a good price for a taxi for a day or are separate taxis better? Tips on getting a decent taxi (Not one of my natural skills in life)
-How long would it take to get from Cairo Int'l to pyramids at 6am and is that a good time?
-How does it being a Friday affect my trip?
-How long should I plan for the pyramids and how much is entry nowadays (60LE last I heard)
-Anywhere worth visiting and within a decent time?
-Any tips and suggestions welcome.

Thanks for your help :)

ONLINE

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:13:11 +0000

White taxis have meters and reliable. No need to keep the same taxi all day long.
At 6am traffic will be light, usually it worsens as the day goes by. The drive should take from 30 mn to one hour.
Friday is great as traffic will be nonexistent up to 1pm due to the Great Prayer. The only problem is that some shops in the Khan Al Khalili will be closed, but some remain open. If you are there around noon you will see people gathering for the Great Prayer
I suggest you spend time in the pyramids museum if you feel like it Islamic Cairo / Khan Al Khalili
In Khan Al Khalili you can stroll through the shops in the souk and visit Al-Muizz street. The first section runs from Khan Al Khalili to Bab Al-Futuh and is wonderful, if time allows you can visit some of the amazing monuments on the street, such as the houses Beit Al-Suleymani in a small alley off the street, and the Al-Hakim mosque (cover your hair with a scarf if inside the mosque). You can also walk along the other part of Al-Muizz street which runs between the Al-Ghouri complex past Bab Zuweila (climb up one of the twin towers if time allows) and through the tent makers market. I warmly recommend famous Al-Fishawi cafe at the entrance of Al-Khalili to have sheesha and tea and enjoy the show on the tiney alley, it's a must; neaby restaurant Naguib Mahfouz cafe is commendable for a meal.
Security is very good as long as you dress sensibly and avoid carrying a handbag that can be snatched (carry a backpack or a messenger bag). If it's Friday check whether there are demonstrations going on in Tahrir square, if there are clashes do not enter the crowd.

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