• Koshary (stew of lentils, rice, and pasta) – 50 EGP (~$1.50) in a street cart.
• Ful Medames – 40 EGP (~$1) with a side of flatbread.
• Mahshi – 80 EGP (~$2.50) at a family‑owned café.
• Ice‑cream – 25 EGP (~$0.75) from a street vendor.

• Terminal 1: Domestic flights only.
• Terminal 2: Majority of international carriers (Air Arabia, EgyptAir, Emirates).
• Terminal 3: Star Alliance airlines (United, Lufthansa).
• A free inter‑terminal bus runs every 10 min, covering all three terminals, so you can change planes without a fare.

• Location – A leafy island in Gezira on the Nile, known for its greenery and relaxed vibe.
• Walkability – Streets are genuinely walkable with wide sidewalks, making it easy to stroll and explore on foot.
• Safety – Home to many foreign embassies, giving the area a heightened sense of security and calm environment.
• Dining Scene – Home to upscale restaurants such as Sequoia, Crimson, and Pier 88, offering diverse culinary experiences from Mediterranean to local Egyptian cuisine.
• Accommodation – Mid‑range to upscale hotels with rooms typically priced $120–$400 per night.
• Accessibility
• Downtown Cairo – 10‑minute walk.
• Giza (Pyramids) – 45‑minute Uber ride.

• Old Cairo – 25‑minute Uber ride.

• Best for – Travelers seeking a blend of upscale dining, cultural sights, and convenient access to Cairo’s historic and modern centers.

Key dishes on Cairo’s bustling sidewalks

• Koshary – layers of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce and fried onions.
• Ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel) – fava‑bean fritters seasoned with parsley and herbs.
• Ful medames – slow‑cooked fava beans served with olive oil, parsley, lemon, and flatbread.
• Hawawshi – spiced minced meat baked inside baladi bread.
• Liver sandwiches – quick griddle‑made with thinly sliced liver, onions and spices.
• Fresh sugarcane juice – pressed in front of you and served chilled.

Price range: $2–$5 per item – the most affordable way to experience local flavors.
Tips: Stick to vendors whose food is being freshly prepared; wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer before eating.

Zitouni Restaurant – Four Seasons Hotel, Giza

• Classic Egyptian menu: molokhia, okra, chicken omelette, fava beans, hummus, salads.
• Indoor and outdoor family seating.
• Price range: $10–$20 per main course.

Khufu's – Giza Pyramid Complex

• Modern Egyptian cuisine with shared trays, fava beans, falafel, stuffed pigeon.
• Three set menus, one vegetarian.
• Price range: $15–$30 for dinner sets.

Reservation: Khufu's strongly recommends booking, especially for dinner, to secure a seat and a view of the pyramids. Zitouni is walk‑in friendly but can become busy during lunch hours.

While Cairo’s culinary scene is largely centered on street food and casual restaurants, specialty venues like Khufu's offer a higher‑end experience blending contemporary presentation with traditional dishes.

• Specialty cocktails at Khufu's are inspired by the Pyramids.
• Set menus allow diners to sample a variety of authentic flavors.

Price range: $30–$50 for a full dinner course.

Café culture thrives in downtown and Old Cairo, with countless spots offering coffee, tea, and light pastries. Most cafés serve a quick sandwich, a sweet pastry, or a refreshing beverage such as fresh mint tea or cold‑pressed juice.

• Typical price: $3–$7 per beverage or snack.
• Cafés are great for resting after a walking tour or for a light meal between heavier dishes.

• Hydration: Stick to bottled water; avoid tap water, including in restaurants.
• Sanitation: Look for vendors that maintain visible cleanliness.
• Spice level: Ask for “mashboub” (mild) if you’re sensitive to heat.
• Tipping: 10–15 % in restaurants; cash is preferred for street stalls.
• Reservations: Book Khufu's in advance; rest of the casual spots usually accept walk‑ins.

Enjoy the culinary palette of Cairo, from humble street delights to fine dining experiences, all steeped in centuries of Egyptian culinary heritage.

• Visa upon arrival – Available for citizens of ≥180 nationalities if they hold a valid US, UK, Schengen, Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand visa.

• Fee: USD 30 payable in cash to the bank counter located inside the passport‑control area of the airport.

• Electronic visa (e‑visa) – Accessible to travelers from 78 additional nationalities. Apply online at the official portal: Experience Egypt e‑visa.

• Other requirements – Bring a passport valid at least 6 months beyond your planned departure, proof of onward travel (flight or hotel booking), and sufficient funds (~EGP 3,000 per month) to cover your stay.

Tip: Verify your nationality’s exact status on the portal before arrival to avoid confusion.

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP), symbol: £.
• Banking: Major banks (CBU, Banques) are available in airports and city centers.
• Cash usage: Widely accepted in markets, street vendors, small shops.
• ATMs: Present at airports, banks, and major hotels; use Visa/MasterCard.
• Tipping: While not mandatory, 5–10 % is customary in restaurants and for services.

Tip: Carry a small amount of euros or US dollars as a backup for smaller transactions where Egyptian cash is hard to obtain.

• Official language: Arabic (Egyptian Arabic dialect).
• Key phrases:
• Hello – “Ahlan”
• Thank you – “Shukran”
• Yes – “Na’am”
• No – “Laa”

• How much? – “Kam el‑thal?

• English: Widely spoken in hotels, airport, and tourist sites, but knowing a few Arabic words helps.

Tip: Learning the greeting “Salam al‑lâ” (“Peace be upon you”) can foster goodwill.

• General vigilance – Watch for pickpockets in crowded markets (e.g., Khan el‑Khalili, Souq Bazaara).
• Scam alerts – Avoid “tour guides” offering tours to “ancient” sites for a “special discount”; verified guides are available at official tourist centers.
• Nighttime – Stick to well‑lit, populated areas.
• Transportation – Use registered taxis or ride‑hailing apps (Uber, Careem) for safer rides.
• Health – Drink bottled water, avoid raw street food if your stomach is sensitive.

Tip: Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival for updated security information.

• Clothing – Light, breathable fabrics for daytime; a light sweater for cooler evenings.
• Sun protection – Sunglasses, broad‑spectrum SPF 30+, wide‑brimmed hat.
• Electrical adapters – Type C or F plugs, 220 V supply.
• Health kit – Basic first aid, hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent (DEET‑free).
• Documentation – Passport, visa copy, travel insurance, emergency contacts.

Tip: Pack a small, secure day‑pack that can be stowed in an overhead bin.