Do you recommend visiting Cairo?
 

I'm planning a trip to Cairo and am hearing mixed reviews from those that have visited. I'm really interested in exploring this city, taking in the culture, experiencing the historic landmarks, etc. Can someone list out some of the pros and cons of Cairo? I know all cities have their downfalls, but I'd like to hear an overall recommendation, if possible.

Absolutely, you betcha!!

Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first. Cairo is a huge city. It is more congested and polluted than most and traffic is awful. Everybody smokes, YUK. There are a lot of touts who will pester you to buy stuff. If you are female you will get attention from men even if you look like the backside of a mule. I never felt threatened by this attention, in fact at my age I kind of appreciated it. ;;)

Now for the good stuff. Seeing the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza for the first time will blow you away and you will understand why these are among the wonders of the world. I enjoyed the pyramid at Sakkara just as much. And don't even get me started on the museum. The exhibit of King Tut's treasures alone is worth the price of admission, but of course there's a lot more. I took an evening cruise on the Nile and it was a blast. I visited the Coptic Church and saw the grotto where Joseph, Mary and Jesus lived during their stay in Egypt. Even if you are not a Christian you might still enjoy seeing the church. For me as a Christian it was very humbling to see a place where Jesus lived. Also don't miss the mosque of Mohammed Ali. (not the boxer) ;-) I'm sure there's a lot more that I haven't thought of just yet.

If you need a good guide while in Cairo check this out. She is an American who has lived in Cairo for many years. Her contact info is at the bottom of the page:

http://casualcairodetours.pyramids.net/

I will second the motion for Debbie at casualcairo tours.

I think no visit to Egypt is complete without knowing Cairo. It's a very interesting city by itself. Chaotic traffic, lots of friendly people and for me (spanish and catholic) a very interesting cultural and human experience.
And it has some of the monuments no one should miss, not only the Gizah pyramids, but the incredible Museum, the near and less know pyramids of Dashur, the magnificent complex of Sakkara, with the step pyramid and the nobles tombs. And is the place in Egypt were you will get an idea of the evolution of Egypt after the Pharao's and will have a glimpse of the two other important cultures: The early Christians in the Coptic Area and the Muslim culture. The mosques are something to be seen and apreciated.
I found it a safe and very interesting city and even if it's not pretty clean, the touristic areas are well cared.
Don't miss Cairo if you want to know Egypt.

I definitely recommend visiting Cairo! It's absolutely crazy--the driving, salespeople, just such a different culture. But also amazing for the same reason. And obviously the Pyramids are a once in a lifetime kind of thing. Lots of info and pics from our recent trip to Cairo at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/

YES!!!! I can't imagine going to Egypt and not visiting Cairo!

In addition to the pyramids and museum and bazaar - it's an experience all on it's own! Just to experience the traffic/driving is worth it for the future story-telling potential!

Go - enjoy all the city has to offer....keeping in mind it can be a bit of a crazy place!!! :))

I agree - why go all that way and not see Cairo. If you have the time - definately fit it in.

Scotsgirl