| Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 | |
Problems in Cairo?Country forums / Africa / Egypt | ||
Hi, I am due to fly out to Cairo in a couple of days. Am taking my daughter who is worried that the civil unrest will ruin the trip. I have booked a couple of nights in a hotel near giza and then we plan to train it to Alexandria for two nights and then back to Cairo. We hope to see the Egyptian Museum near Tahrir Square - is that still doable at the moment? How much does the unrest impact on the tourist walking about looking at the usual sights? I understand that this could change overnight but on the spot info on what is happening right now would be much appreciated. | ||
Not sure if you can cancel your booking in Giza, but that is not a very good choice of areas to stay. Zamalek is a much better choice. I understand your concerns about safety and Zamalek is just as safe, but is a much nicer area. The entrance to the Museum is immediately adjacent to the Square. Right now the Museum is open as usual. If it's open when you want to go you can take a taxi that will drop you off at the entrance. You get out of the taxi and walk into the Museum entry garden. You don't have to walk near the Square to get into the Museum. It shouldn't be a problem unless they close the Museum. I would stay clear of the Tahrir Square area, but beyond that you should be fine. That said proper precautions and knowledge should always be applied. My guess is your daughter is wrong and you guys will have a fun trip. Use common sense, be aware and alert, but no reason to be paranoid or scared. Good luck. | 1 | |
Hi, janeywhite. I am going to Cairo too, and will stay in the Zamalek area. My family is worried but I am not worried at all. Yes, there are protests, but those are not directed against tourists. In fact, foreign tourists are greeted with sympathy and respect during these days. Just use your common sense, stay away from Tahrir and the Presidential Palace (at Heliopolis) and everything will be fine. Cheers! | 2 | |
Why not post after you are there..if you check you will find that the amount of lawless has increased and over 400 people injured last few days..until you go now, you will not know | 3 | |
You'll be safer in Cairo than in most Western cities as long as you use your good sense and avoid Tahrir square and the presidential palace (Heliopolis) when there are clashes there; if you're not familiar with the city, avoid entering huge crowds as a general rule. No problem visiting the museum, follow the advice that's been given, ask a taxi to drop you there. Giza is a very bad location to stay. Much better stay in the city center. If you're stressed, book a hotel in Zamalek, the island in the center where many expatriates and rich Egyptians live. Not sure why you want to spend so much time in Alexandria. One day + one night is more than enough, it's a very small city. | 4 | |
Do you guys think it is safe to stay at Dahab Hostel, which is just a few blocks away from Tharir Square? | 5 | |
Things change day by day but no one mentions this here..I would treat any advice with caution before I delete my comments and even my user name..calling me a troll just because I advise caution and ask people to post after they have been to a place or living there..I would urge caution around the Egyptian museum for example and I like the idea that some one is advised to take taxi to front of museum and take route that avoids the square..people who call me a troll just to me show that they have no credibility.. | 6 | |
Permiche: Your Hostel is not that close to Tahrir Square. I think it's OK. But if you want to feel safer you should move to another section of the city. For example: Zamalek, Gezira, Garden City or perhaps Islamic Cairo (very few hotels there). Giza is too far from the city and Heliopolis should be avoided, as the Presidential Palace is there. You will enjoy your trip. Buona fortuna! | 7 | |
I wouldn't particularly recommend Garden City either at the moment. It is perfectly safe but most of the streets between there and the city centre are blocked off at the moment; and to get from there to anywhere else you have to either pass aong the Corniche, or take a long detour, or take the metro. | 8 | |
We were in Egypt 3 days after Mubarak stepped down at one of the most hectic times to be there. The civil unrest was going on but there was no affect on our travels. Protests will occur on specific streets and will be scheduled on social networks before they happen. The people know that they rely on tourism in Egypt so they will treat you like honoured guests. They will do everything they can to ensure your safety. They are Islamic so they will make every effort to make you comfortable, happy and safe. We had young people approach us just to give us flowers and letters to welcome us to the country. Stay away from major protest points like Tahrir Square and you'll be fine. You're lucky to go now because there are fewer tourists and the locals will be very happy to see you! Edited by: goatsontheroad | 9 | |