This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Cairo.
Cairo is a true megacity. This gigantic metropolis can be daunting at times but is well worth all the stress; Cario has a bounty of historic and cultural treasures. The city is dynamic and consits of diverse neighborhoods despite mostly being known for its historic treasures like the Great Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.
Hostels in Cairo are easy to come by. You're likely to be commandeered by persistent outgoing locals who want to take you to a hostel and earn a commission. Although there are astonishingly many open-hearted, polite, and down right friendly people in Cairo its best not to let strangers lead you to a hostel. Book beforehand and check out the place out before paying. If you get in at the airport, public transportation to the city center is a challenge, although the locals go way out of your way to help you. Otherwise if arriving by bus or train you may be able just to walk to your accommodation. The subway may come in handy as well.
As far as picking out which location to look for a suitable Cairo hostel in, do consider what area you'd like to stay in. The list of hostels isn't endless, so this should narrow things down to just a handful. If you want to be downtown close to the Nile there are good options—check out places claiming to be on the rooftop, as these are often very cheap (since rooftops are considered low-class in this part of the world) yet pleasant and offer stunning views. Or if arriving by train stay right in the neighborhood Midan Ramses where you arrive. Or get right to the heart of the city and stay directly on Tahrir Square. Keep in mind that many hostels here offer private rooms for just pennies more than shared ones.
Written by local enthusiast for Cairo hostels
Carl
