Hello from Philadephia Airport! I am currently typing this post at our gate awaiting our connecting flight to our destination… GREECE! This week has been a crazy blur of preping and packing, all while trying to deal with some major jet lagggg after coming back from Egypt just a few days ago. I had an amazing time in Egypt, but it was a short trip that was mainly to visit and spend time with family. I did not do that much there as far as sight seeing and touring, BUT I did have some highlights. That’s why I’ve decided to share a little Egypt itinerary of the things I recommend to anyone who goes.
HOW TO GO
I traveled on Emirates Airlines. From California it was a 15 HOUR flight to Dubai, and then a 4 hour flight to Cairo! The first flight killed me a bit, but the planes is big and clean and the overall experience was really great! They also hand out tons of food and snacks to get you through the long flight! And they have the best selection of movies and entertainment that I had ever had on a flight (I watched sooo many movies LOL). Just make sure to get up and stretch those legs!
WHEN TO GO
The weather in Egypt is best in September-October. It’s nice and warm and there is very little humidity. Winters are rough, and the streets are hard to walk in when it rains. On the other hand, in the summer, it is super hot and humid! Not to mention the mosquitos…. they are everywhere. Without fail, every time I go to Egypt, I get eaten alive by mosquitos. So if you go, do not forget your Off mosquito repellent and an anti-itch cream. These are a MUST!
Also keep in mind the month of Ramadan! I loved being there during Ramadan because there is a certain cultural aspect that you get to experience. I got to see the nightly Ramadan drummer who walks in the streets and wakes people up with a traditional chant to prepare for fasting. Also during Ramadan, you have these pop-up food tents. They are only around during this time and they are usually decorated with lights and Ramadan lanterns. They typically serve the go-to meals before fasting for the next day – beans, falafel, and eggs. They are so lively and so full of people, and a great way to eat a very traditional and authentic meal!
While Ramadan comes with some perks, there are also some cons when it comes to travel. Lots of places are actually closed during the day which may be limiting. Many restaurant are closed during the day and some are even closed during the whole month! Also the streets are more busy and hectic than usual making it a bit harder to get around.
WHAT TO DO
Aside from the obvious things like the pyramids and such that I know I do not need to mention, here are some of the things I did that I really enjoyed!
- Muizz (MO-ez) Street in Cairo: This is a lively street with some history behind it! It has a very “Medieval Times” vibe to it, and it is one of the oldest streets in Cairo. Its famous wall is lined with street vendors and cafés. You can buy souvenirs and get henna tattoos. We passed my the coolest looking café while were were there! It had traditional Arabic decor and an awesome vibe, but unfortunately when we tried to get seat were were told it was full and there were no more openings. So keep that in mind that during busy times of the night, the cafés can actually fill up!
- Shopping: There are some great malls to visit while there, if shopping is your thing! I loved Cairo Festival City Mall and City Stars Mall! They are absolutely HUGE! I don’t know how people get around them LOL. For me, when it came to shopping while I was there, I was really looking for Egyptian-made items. I really wanted to support the country and its fashion! I found some really adorable pieces at a store called DalyDress which sells clothing, shoes and bags mainly made in Egypt! I was also introduced to a bag and leather goods designer named Sami Amin. He designs and makes leather bags that incorporate his signature brass metal designs. They are beautiful and so incredibly unique, not to mention very well made! Lets just say I walked in planning on getting one, and I walked out with three because I just couldn’t decide!
- Abdeen Palace Museum: This just opened to the public very recently and I was so lucky to have gone! This palace was home to Egypt’s royal family which ruled up until the 1950’s. While all parts of the palace are not yet open, I got to walk the grounds and gardens, as well as learn more about Egypts history. I also got to see displays of King Farouks ancient weapons collection, antiques collection, and the royal family’s personal home collections. It is a great experience that I highly recommend, especially when the rest of the palace is opened for viewing!
- Al Fishawy: one of the most famous cafés in Egypt. Here you can listen to live music and drink tea, as well as enjoy some hookah if you like. It’s a favorite spot among locals and tourists and is great if you want a place with lots of life!
WHERE TO EAT
I am a HUGE foodie! So to me, food is one of the biggest parts of any trip. While I didn’t eat out as much as I would have wanted to, I have my top picks:
- Abou Tarek Koshary: Koshary is THE national dish of Egypt, and it is a staple in the diet of many! It is a carb-fest that is made of a layer of pasta, a layer of rice, and lastly a layer of lentils all topped with tomato sauce, crispy fried onions, and seasoned chickpeas. IT IS HEAVEN IN A BOWL, and it is the only thing that I truly wanted while in Egypt. It is beloved by all Egyptians, because it tastes amazing but is also a cheap and nutritious meal. Abou Tarek is hands-down the most popular place in Cairo and they serve koshary exclusively! It is a four story building right in the middle of downtown Cairo, and the koshary there is Uh-mazing (careful with the spicy sauce though, that stuff is killer)! This place is an absolute must!
- El Omda: This place also served amazing koshary! While Abou Tarek is a place for the masses, El Omda is a smaller and more intimate setting and serves other dishes as well! I recommend the Hawawshi (pita bread stuffed with a spicy ground beef mixture and toasted to perfection *drool*). They also have a super cute and colorful decor inside!
- Farghaly: The best mango and guava juice. Ever. It’s so fresh and soooo good! The mango smoothie is to die for – I am getting withdrawals just thinking about it. There are so many juice/smoothie places in Egypt that are similar, but I had the best juice of my trip at this place! No matter what though, do not skip out on the mango juice in Egypt; it is amazing no matter where you go. You get these big chunks of fresh mango with every sip – ugh currently dying. Another must-try is sugar cane juice! This is a traditional drink that is perfect for a hot day!
- Simond’s: Probably the best traditional Egyptian dessert I have ever had in my life! They have multiple locations, but I visited the one in Zamalek. If you want the best baklava and konafa (shredded pilo dough with a layer of cream in the middle and soaked in syrup) you’ve ever tasted, look no further than this place. They also had a Nutella konafa that blew my mind! I brought a whole box back because I need it in my lyfeeee!
- El Abd: one of the most popular dessert places in Cairo, I unfortunately did not get the chance to go this visit but I heard amazing things! There is an location also in downtown Cairo by Abou Tarek so it would be great to go for koshary then have dessert at this place after!
- Zööba: Another one of Cairo’s most popular restaurants! This place serves traditional food with a bit of a modern and youthful flare! It also has really cool decor! I knew I wanted to take a picture outside of it’s famous blue door! I recommend the Hawashy there; it was DELICIOUS!
WHAT TO WEAR
This can vary from place to place. Some places (such as Cairo Festival City and in newer areas of Cairo) are a bite more modern; so wearing things like spaghetti straps and shorts is acceptable. Other places like old Cairo and downtown are much more conservative. Whenever I go to Egypt I make sure to go buy some plain short sleeve tees (you can never go wrong with those!). Some streets are cracked and hard to walk on so I would opt for flats or sneakers almost every single day. Wearing heels was a bit tough for me to get around in. Also, T-shirt dresses were LIFE for me! So easy to just through on and were perfect for the hot and humid weather.
Taking off in a little bit, but I cannot wait experience Greece! This has been my biggest dream, and I cannot believe in just a short time I will experiencing all the amazing history and eating all the gyros my little heart desires. Can’t wait to upload my Greece itineraries here as well!
Αντίο (antío or Farewell!) XOXO,
Monica
