Islamic Cairo
#1
Original Poster

Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,941
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Islamic Cairo
I'm thinking of a few days in Islamic Cairo. Have been to all the major Egyptian sites and don't want to do them again. Just interested in an in-depth look at the Islamic bit. Any advice? Is 3 days enough? Recommendations for accommodation? Anyone done a tour specific to this?
#2

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,849
Likes: 26
Islamic Cairo was by far the best part of my visit several years ago. I wrote about it here:
https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/in-egypt-islamic-cairo
Three house museums you may enjoy:
https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/in-...istoric-houses
Regarding time needed, I think 3 days is enough time for just the old city & I’m sure more than most visitors stay. I tend so stay longer than average in most locations but had only 5 nights, 4 full days altogether in the city to see the places most important to me. I would have enjoyed staying in that part of town & hanging out for 3 days.
https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/in-egypt-islamic-cairo
Three house museums you may enjoy:
https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/in-...istoric-houses
Regarding time needed, I think 3 days is enough time for just the old city & I’m sure more than most visitors stay. I tend so stay longer than average in most locations but had only 5 nights, 4 full days altogether in the city to see the places most important to me. I would have enjoyed staying in that part of town & hanging out for 3 days.
#4

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,849
Likes: 26
As I mentioned in the Islamic Cairo story the upscale hotel right in the pedestrian area there, Le Riad, was closed or I would likely have stayed there. You might check to see if it's reopened, by name & on google maps in case the name has changed.
The popular boutique hotel where I did stay in Zamalek, the Longchamp Hotel, recently closed I just read. So I'm afraid I have no idea where to stay now.
Maybe someone here will have a suggestion or post on TripAdvisor where there are a number of knowledgeable people. I sometimes look on Google maps + streetview if I want to be in a particular area, then look for reviews if I see something that interests me. When I was looking, Cairo seemed quite short on smaller hotels of the kind I like. I hope you find something in or near that area.
The popular boutique hotel where I did stay in Zamalek, the Longchamp Hotel, recently closed I just read. So I'm afraid I have no idea where to stay now.
Maybe someone here will have a suggestion or post on TripAdvisor where there are a number of knowledgeable people. I sometimes look on Google maps + streetview if I want to be in a particular area, then look for reviews if I see something that interests me. When I was looking, Cairo seemed quite short on smaller hotels of the kind I like. I hope you find something in or near that area.




