From Anouk Zijlma,
Your Guide to Africa Travel.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Getting Around Cairo

The best way to get around Cairo is on foot and its density makes it possible to see the main sites even if you're no athlete. But, legs do get tired and if you are a female walking alone you may get weary of the attention you'll no doubt be getting. Cairo is also not an easy city to quickly get your bearings in. Maps will help you and so will the many forms of transport available to you:

Taxi:

There are more little black and white taxis in Cairo than minarets and that's saying something. You can hail a cab from any corner of any street, so getting one isn't a problem. Getting a fair price and emerging at your destination with nerves intact is another story ( the same can be said for cabs in New York). A couple of tips to avoid getting annoyed:

• The meters don't work so agree on the price before you get in to the cab
• Single men sit in the front, single women in the back
• It is not unusual to pick up extra passengers along the way, so don't be alarmed if this happens
• Keep small notes so you can pay the exact amount when you get out of the cab
• Hold on and thank the stars you don't have to drive

Metro:

The only metro system in Africa and its a pleasure to ride. The first carriage is for women only, it runs on time, it runs until midnight and it's cheap. Buy your tickets at the station and hold on to them until you exit at your destination station. Here's a map.

Bus:

Buses and mini-buses are a good option to get around the city if you speak and read Arabic and are on a tight budget. Tickets can be bought on board and be prepared to get up close and personal with your fellow passengers.

Getting to and from the International Airport

Although arriving in Cairo can be a little overwhelming it isn't a dangerous place. You may get ripped off but violent crime is extremely rare. Don't worry too much about spending your first night in a hotel recommended by your taxi-driver that on hindsight cost you 5 times it should have.

A reasonable taxi fare from the airport to the center of town and vice versa is around 25 Egyptian Pounds
Buses and mini-buses depart both terminals and end up in the center of town at Midan Tahrir, the transport hub of Cairo. They cost less than 1 Egyptian Pound.

Where to Stay

Like every major world city, Cairo has plenty of accommodation options. Perhaps the best way to narrow down your choices is to decide if you would like a hotel near the Pyramids, near the airport (Heliopolis), in the center of town or in some of the finer, quieter neighbourhoods like Zamalek.

A good list of hotels from TourEgypt usually on the more luxurious side.

Cheap hotels for those on a budget can mostly be found in central Cairo between Midan Tahrir and the train station. Use the Lonely Planet Guidebook to find where they are.

A Guide to Cairo

Page One: Introduction, When to Go and What to See

Page Two: Shopping in Cairo

Page Three: Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara