Cabs and cafes in crazy Cairo

 

 

A visit to Cairo, Egypt wouldn’t be complete without visiting the phenomenal sites like the Sphinx and the pyramids at Giza, the ancient Citadel and the National Museum, which is cluttered with a breathtaking collection of sarcophagus and statues of ancient Egyptian gods. But what should you do once you’ve checked off those historical items from your to-do list?

It’s time to enjoy Cairo like the locals do:

What to do:
To get a feel of the energy of this crazy cradle of civilization (as Cairenes like to say), start off in downtown Cairo, the commercial heart of the city. Check out the shops and haggle over your purchases. For a snack, grab a falafel sandwich, which will only cost about five Egyptian pounds (less than $1). Don’t forget to visit Cairo’s other little-known museums such as the Cairo Puppet Theater, which puts on a variety of shows including myths, fairy tales and fun children’s stories.

If you’re looking for something more relaxed, away from the obvious tourist attractions, cross over the mighty Nile River to Zamalek. The island is home to bars, restaurants and stores.

Where to stay:
If you’re looking for authentic Egyptian aura and want to be close to downtown, look no further than the Odeon Palace Hotel  (www.odeonpalace.com). The rooftop bar and restaurant is open all night and offers stunning views of the city. Single rooms cost $36  and double rooms  are $42.
Where to eat:

For delicious Egyptian, Turkish and Lebanese cuisines, be sure to check out Abou el Sid (www.abouelsid.com). The friendly staff serves up tasty, inexpensive dishes.

Where to drink:
Check out El Horreya Pub in downtown Cairo. Egyptians and foreigners alike love this local watering hole, thanks to its $2 Stellas.

Live music:
Young professionals and older students flock to the Cairo Jazz Club (www.cairojazzclub.com) for nightly live music.

Need to know:
Women should dress conservatively, out of respect and to avoid harassment. It’s very important to remember to hydrate. When taking a cab, negotiate the price before you get in. Figure out average prices by asking shop owners.