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Get from Point A to Point B with the least amount of hassle Cairo is a city of 20+ million people. That’s a helluva lot of people in just one city -- we’re talking more people in one city than in most European countries . So it’s safe to say that the city is sprawling and it’s not just a hop, skip and a jump from one end to the other ( trust us, we wish) . Cairo offers several different ways of getting from one spot to another, but it’s important that you know which mode of transport works best for you, so that you’re not scratching your head curbside wondering what the hell is going on. We’ll go through each mode of transportation with you, but that does *not* mean we recommend all of them, oh God no. Some Cairo locals won’t even attempt some of them. White Taxis Before the introduction of Uber and Careem to Cairo streets, the savvy Cairo tourist did most of their hustling via white cabs. These taxis are a dime a dozen, in all central Cairo neighborhoods, at any time of day or night (unless you're staying in a gated compound in New Cairo or 6 October City). Regarding whether or not you should tip the driver, you can tip them at your own discretion (always appreciated) but don’t believe any nonsense they might feed you at the end of the trip about extra fees or whatnot -- unless you’re going to the airport and need to pay the entrance fee, which is standard. Pros: they’re convenient, and cheap . Egypt was found to have the cheapest taxis in the world . Cons: these cabs have meters, but some drivers will try to make an extra buck off you and tell you that the meter is broken or not working, hoping to negotiate a better price. Make sure to ask them if the meter is working before you hop in, and don’t agree to pay anything higher than the meter fare at the end of the trip. If the meter isn’t working but you still want to take a white cab, make sure you to tell the driver where you’re going and agree on a price before you get in. Word of caution though: most drivers won’t speak much, if any, English and unless you have a rudimentary grasp of Arabic, haggling the fare can be both annoying and exhausting. Uber/Careem or other ride hailing apps Uber and its Middle Eastern counterpart, Careem , are the two most widely used riding hailing apps in Cairo. We personally use them all the time as our choice of transport but are totally aware of some of the issues that have caused people to complain. Pros: there’s no negotiating over price, you can plug in your destination and minimize the back-and-forth with your driver (which will be undoubtedly lost in translation). Cons: sometimes the drivers are obnoxious and will request you switch your payment from credit card to cash, because they all prefer cash. Private Driver and Car with London Cab London Cab is indeed exactly what it sounds like: a cab that looks like the ones in London. They're a private car company that's ideal for when you just want peace of mind and choose to throw money at the problem - they're the most costly transportation option on this list, but also the most hassle-free. London Cab offers three different services: Airport pick-up and drop-off City rides (you book a cab to take you from Point A to Point B) Personal driver service for a set number of hours So say you have a busy day planned in Cairo with a lot of hopping from this place to that, and don't want to continuously be haggling with white taxis or using up internet data with Uber. Via London Cab's website /app or hotline, you can book a London Cab with a personal driver for a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 8 hours. Pros: you have freedom of movement around the city without any worry or stress. Cons: it's not the best option for those on a budget. You can get their fare estimates on their website/app. Metro If you’re used to zipping around on the metro to get to most places in your normal life, the Cairo metro might give you pause for a minute. There are three functioning metro lines in Cairo, with more stations still being added to Line 3, plus an under-construction monorail. While handy if your goal is avoiding traffic at all costs, the metro’s stops are limited so a lot of the city isn’t served by a nearby metro station. Pros: it’s super cheap, there are women-only cars, and the obvious bonus of avoiding Cairo’s aboveground gridlock. Cons: like we said above, the stops are limited so you might find yourself having to take a cab or walking long distances from the metro stop. Also, it can get really crowded. Like, really crowded. City buses/microbuses Just… no. We can’t in clear conscience recommend that a Cairo newbie try out our bus/microbus system (and we’re being fast and loose with the word ‘system’). To be fair, some long-distance buses, like GoBus, which serves Hurghada and El Gouna and a bunch of other places outside of Cairo, are fine and not much different than your typical Greyhound. But the local city buses are kind of a disaster in the eyes of the unsuspecting Cairo tourist. Pros: if you can get where you need to go by city bus, you have officially won at life. Cons: they’re crowded to the umpteenth degree, there’s no official bus line or bus stop -- you usually find a particularly vocal chap sticking his head out of the bus’ window to shout the bus’ general direction, with people jumping on and off randomly with frightening speed and agility. Renting a car This we only recommend for the brave of heart. Cairo traffic is synonymous with a chaotic cacophony of car horns, lanes as ‘suggestions’, and a cheerful ‘oops, almost killed you/me/that pedestrian/passing goat” attitude while driving. We’ve heard it referred to as real-life bumper cars (here in Cairo, no one gets too upset about an accidental car nick or dent here or there -- we understand that sh*t happens *insert shrug emoji*). Pros: if you have nerves of steel, driving in Cairo can almost be fun because the only real road rule is to not kill yourself or someone else. They’ve also implemented a few traffic lights here and there! Woohoo, developed country, here we come. It’s also really handy if you’re planning on driving to Alexandria or the beach. Cons: besides the fact that a lot of Westerners experience angina when faced with Egyptian driving, daily traffic in central Cairo can be a real hassle. Parking isn’t a walk in the park either. Nile Taxi Wouldn’t it be awesome if this was a legit thing? To be fair, it * is* real, as in there really is a thing called Nile Taxi, but it’s not exactly what we had in mind: we were thinking more along the lines of hailing a river boat and being whisked along to wherever our riverside destination is. Spoiler alert: the Nile Taxi is not that. Meaning, it’s a fun experience but definitely not an actual reliable mode of transportation. The real Nile Taxi is a fleet of small boats that you can call (or hit up on their app) to reserve a place on a boat for one of their four lines. Stops and pick-up/drop-off times are limited. Pros: ummmm you’re cruising down one of the most famous rivers in the world!? Cons: there have been reports about the service not being reliable and they serve very few stops. So after all this, what’s our final say? Local recommendation: stick to Uber/Careem, London Cab or white cabs. They’re always available and get the job done. You might also like: Top 10 Things To Do In Cairo, Egypt

The eastern neighborhood of Heliopolis (also known as Masr el Gedida) is not known as the epicenter of Cairo nightlife, but it’s been slowly and quietly picking up over the years, as locals in the know can attest to. So whether you’re a Heliopolis resident looking for an ambient place to get dinner and drinks, or a visitor who wants to be close to Cairo International Airport but still go out and have a good time, these are our 10 favorite Heliopolis nightspots. Read also: 12 Chill Places in Maadi to Get Dinner & Drinks Read also: 9 Best Restaurant & Bars for Dinner & Drinks in New Cairo Esca This contemporary restaurant & bar is named after the Latin word ‘esca’ - which translates to food or delicious bites. But it’s not just about the food here - walking in, you’re greeted by a whole glass wall dedicated to wine, and there’s a bar alongside the dining area. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and international dishes, with a separate sushi selection menu. For more info: Esca’s FB page. El Barrio The 1920s Boutique Hotel in Korba is home to several of the restaurants and bars on this list, and El Barrio is one of our favorites. This Cuban-themed bar has an outdoor seating area and live music several nights a week. For more info: El Barrio’s FB page. Sachi Probably the most famous on the list, Sachi is an upscale Mediterranean fusion and sushi restaurant and bar by Baky Hospitality, the restaurateurs who brought you Lexie’s, one of our favorite places for dinner and drinks in New Cairo. When Sachi first opened its doors, it was one of the only restobars of its kind in Heliopolis - and has continued to stay a powerhouse since, with Sachi By The Sea operating in the North Coast during summer months, and Sachi Park St. in Sheikh Zayed. For more info: Sachi’s FB page. Rossini If you grew up in Heliopolis in the 90s, then you’ll probably remember Rossini as the fancy Italian/seafood restaurant and piano bar for older people dressed up and sipping wine. The good news is that Rossini has just revamped itself and stepped into the 21st century with an awesome new bar and contemporary interior design. For more info: Rossini’s FB page. Bar Raa Looking for a place with an old-world luxury type of feel? Then head to the Waldorf Astoria Heliopolis, where their jazz bar Bar Raa boasts a 'mythical yet modern' atmosphere. They have live music on Thursday and Friday nights. For more info: Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis' website. Wire This little bar in Korba might not be ideal for covid-19 times because it’s so small, but usually that’s what makes it charming and cozy. It’s only a bar and a few high tables, and they’re known for their signature cocktails and sangria. For more info: Wire’s FB page. The Smokery Smokery is another heavy-hitter in Cairo’s upscale restobar scene, with venues in Katameya Heights, 6th October and El Gouna. Heliopolis’ branch brings the same vibe that Smokery patrons have grown accustomed to - international cuisine and drinks in an outdoor/indoor space that is well-heeled while still being comfortable. For more info: The Smokery’s FB page. Pinchos This tapas bar and lounge also resides in the 1920s Boutique Hotel, with an indoor bar and dining area, and small outside balcony area to enjoy some fresh air. The word ‘pinchos’ means small snacks usually eaten at a bar, and Pinchos’ Spanish tapas menu is dedicated to just that - alongside different paellas and desserts. Keep an eye out for their live music nights, as well as karaoke and happy hours. For more info: Pinchos’ FB page. Carlo’s Ah, Carlo’s. Its original branch, on the Le Pacha 1901 boat in Zamalek, is one of our top 10 favorite restaurants in all of Cairo. And apparently we weren’t the only ones who thought so, because in the past several years they’ve opened branches in Heliopolis, Sheikh Zayed and New Cairo. They’re known for their fantastic menu, with everything from Egyptian favorites to Italian to Indian, as well as their shisha and drinks. They also have indoor/outdoor seating, with the bar indoors. For more info: Carlo’s FB page. Deals Deals has been a beloved neighborhood pub since 1995, and its casual feel is what makes it a favorite amongst people who are looking for a drink or two but don’t want to deal (ha) with swanky restobars. While they do have an extensive menu, most people stick to drinks and mezze. Local tip: are also other Deals branches in Zamalek and Mohandiseen. For more info: Deals’ FB page. You might also like: 7 Best Bars, Pubs and Restobars in Zamalek

When you think of palaces, European cities probably come to mind… and not Cairo per se. But it’s true, Cairo is home to quite a few beautiful palaces, ranging from medieval Islamic to Ottoman Baroque, French Rococo and even Hindu-inspired. So if you’re looking for something different to explore in Cairo and love the architecture, art and history of palaces of the past, look no further than these seven palaces open to the public. Abdeen Palace Location: Abdeen, Old Cairo This palace turned museum was first built by Khedive Ismail in 1863, with the function of being governmental headquarters as well as the designated venue for official events and ceremonies. It was later a royal residence until the monarchy was abolished in 1952. The museum today is divided into the upper floors, which used to be the living quarters of the royal family, and are now only open for visiting foreign dignitaries. The lower floors hold the main sections of the museum: the Silver Museum, the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum, the Presidential Gifts Museum and the Historical Documents Museum. Opening hours: 9 am - 3 pm (closed Fridays) Cairo Marriott (Palace Al Gezirah) Location: Zamalek At the Cairo Marriott Hotel in Zamalek, you can still find the original Palace Al Gezirah, built by Khedive Ismail over 150 years ago in 1869 to be a guest palace for foreign royalty and other VIPs visiting during the Suez Canal’s inauguration celebrations. The Cairo Marriott that stands today is still the same palace that housed Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, and hosted the wedding of Khedive Ismail’s son which lasted for 40 days; many of the original artwork and furniture can be found in the hotel’s reception rooms and lounges. Khedive Ismail decided to design the palace in the neoclassical style which was popular in Europe at the time. He signed on Austrian architect Julius Franz (later known as Franz Bey) and French architect De Curel Del Rosso, who had also designed the Abdeen Palace. The interiors were done by German architect Carl von Diebitsch. The two large Nile-facing towers of the hotel were added in the 1970s when the hotel was taken over by Marriott International. For more about the Cairo Marriott and Egypt’s other historical hotels, head here. Baron Empain Palace (Baron Palace) Location: Heliopolis This extremely distinct-looking palace is like nothing else Cairo (or the rest of Egypt for that matter) has to offer. Founded in 1907-1911, Baron Empain Palace (or as we locals call it, Baron Palace) was built to be the personal residence of the Belgian Baron Édouard Empain, who was credited for building the eastern Cairo neighborhood of Heliopolis. Baron Palace’s design was inspired by the Hindu temples of South India and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and built by French architect Alexandre Marcel. Today, Baron Palace is a newly renovated museum, where you can learn about the life of Baron Empain, early Heliopolis heritage and even the famous Heliopolis tram (an original tram car is on display in the garden, and you can learn about the Baron’s link to the trams inside the museum). You can access the rooftop via an extra ticket if you want more views from above. Opening hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm Manasterly Palace Location: Manial This Ottoman baroque palace was built in 1851 by Hassan Fouad Pasha El-Manasterly, the governor of Egypt under the reign of Khedive Abbas Helmi. This one-story palace on the Nile island of Rawda Island (Manial) was built next to a Nilometer that dates back to 861 AD. The palace now is still famous for its beautiful decor and ‘Ottoman Rococo’ influences. It has become a center of the arts and musical concerts are held there regularly. You can take a virtual tour of Manasterly Palace and the Nilometer here, along with other amazing Egyptian virtual tours. Opening hours: 9 am - 3 pm Manial Palace (Mohamed Ali Palace) Location: Manial This palace was built by Prince Mohamed Ali Tawfik, the first cousin of King Farouk, in 1875 and completed in 1929. The Islamic architectural style is a mix of Ottoman, Persian and Moorish, while the inner design is a marriage between European Nouveau and Rococo. The palace is home to the prince’s extensive collection of art, furniture, clothing, silver and Medieval manuscripts from the Middle Ages. The ceramic tilework in the mosque and entrance was done by an Armenian ceramist. Today the palace and its historical gardens as well as King Farouk’s hunting lodge are all part of a public museum. Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm Aisha Fahmy Palace Location: Zamalek Built in 1907, this palace overlooking the Nile was inherited by Aisha Fahmy, daughter of an Egyptian aristocrat and army chief under King Fuad. She was married to Egyptian actor and director Youssef Wahbi, and they lived together in the palace for many years. When she died in 1962, the palace went to the Ministry of Culture and is now a Center of Arts. The palace is open to the public only during exhibitions. The two-storey palace was built by Italian architect Antonio Lasciac and has 30 rooms, two grand halls, a “Japanese room”, and is resplendent with European art. To find out when the next art exhibition is so you can visit the palace, you can check the Center of Arts’ Facebook page. Beshtak Palace Location: Moez Street, Old Cairo Between 1334 and 1339 AD, the Mamluk emir (a powerful official or lord in the Mamluk dynasty) Seif el-Din Beshtak built a residence and stables on Moez Street, which is home to the highest concentration of medieval Islamic architectural treasures in the world. (For more info on everything you should visit in Moez Street, head to our detailed local’s guide here). Originally 5 storeys high, this palace dedicated part of its ground floor to shops which would have supplemented the emir’s income. Only part of the palace still stands today, but you can still see its impressive reception hall, mashrabeya windows, marble indoor fountain and stained glass windows, a rare example of residential architecture at the time. Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm, closed on Sundays Bonus palace: El Sakakini Palace El Sakakini Palace is not currently open to visitors unfortunately, but just seeing it from the outside is fun in and of itself. The palace was built in 1897 by Syrian Gabriel Habib El Sakakini, who moved to Egypt to make his fortune with the Suez Canal Company in Port Said. He later moved to Cairo where he built his French Rococo palace, which is still just as impressive to see 100+ years later. You may also like: 10 Top Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt

Modern Egypt is known for being a Muslim country, but what many don’t know is that Ancient Egypt was where one of the oldest Christian faiths in the world took root. According to the New Testament, Egypt was a safe haven for the Holy Family who fled from Jerusalem and King Herold in what is known as ‘The Flight into Egypt’. You can still visit spots up and down Egypt where the Holy Family lived, rested and wandered. From the 1st century AD, early Christianity began to flourish in Egypt and evolve alongside the culture and language of Ancient Egypt, eventually cultivating into the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is still practiced today. Read: Coptic Cairo - A Detailed Local's Guide Some of these ancient monasteries, dating back to the 4th century, are some of the oldest still-standing Christian monasteries in the world. We’ve also included some of our newer but incredibly beautiful Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox monasteries. ICYMI: what exactly is the difference between a church and a monastery? A church is a place of public worship, while a monastery is where a private group of believers (monks) live and dedicate their lives to religion and worship. The Red Monastery Location: Sohag Established: 4th century AD The exact history around this mysterious monastery on the outskirts of Sohag in Upper Egypt is unknown, although it’s considered one of the most famous Coptic monasteries in Egypt. It had fallen into ruin until 2003 when the American Research Center in Egypt undertook a restoration project. According to ARCE: “Nowhere else in Egypt do we know of a monument of the late antique and early Byzantine period whose architectural sculpture is in situ up to the highest level of the building.” Garnering its name from the red burnt brick construction materials on its exterior, the Red Monastery is a neighbor to the White Monastery, built around the same time and worth a visit as well. You can take a virtual tour of the Red Monastery and 21 other awesome sites in Egypt here. St. Simon the Tanner Monastery (Cave Church) Location: Moqattam, Cairo Established: 1975 This awesome cave church (or technically, ‘churches’ -- the St. Simon monastery complex has seven churches) is unlike anything else we have in Egypt. Carved into the Moqattam Hills, the main monastery hall can hold over 20,000 people and was named after the Coptic Saint Simon, who, according to legend, moved the Moqattam mountain in 979 AD as proof of the strength of his beliefs. The cave church was built by the Zabbaleen community of Cairo’s Garbage City, and today is not only a religious spot but an educational center, kindergarten and school for the deaf. St. Catherine’s Monastery Location: Mount Sinai, Sinai Peninsula Established: 6th century AD Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (for other Egyptian heritage sites, head here), the Orthodox Saint Catherine Monastery is the oldest Christian monastery in the world still used for its original function. According to UNESCO: “Its walls and buildings are of great significance to studies of Byzantine architecture and the Monastery houses outstanding collections of early Christian manuscripts and icons. The rugged mountainous landscape, containing numerous archaeological and religious sites and monuments, forms a perfect backdrop to the Monastery.” St. Catherine's Monastery is at the foot of Mt. Sinai, where it's believed by the Abrahamic religions that Moses found the Burning Bush and received the 10 Commandments. St. Anthony’s Monastery Location: Red Sea mountains, near Zafaraana (before Hurghada) Established: 356 AD St. Anthony was one of the most famous “Desert Fathers”, a group of Christian monks who lived in the Eastern Egyptian desert in the 3rd century. He was roaming the desert when he came across an oasis surrounded by trees, and it was in this spot that he was later buried and his monastery built a few years later. Today St. Anthony’s Monastery is the oldest inhabited Christian monastery in the world and is home to paintings dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, as well as 1,700 ancient documents. Monastery of St. Paul the Anchorite Location: Red Sea mountains, near Zafaraana (before Hurghada) Established: 4th century AD This monastery was built over the cave where St. Paul the Anchorite lived for 80 years in Egypt’s eastern desert, and is also known as ‘the Monastery of the Tigers’ for unclear reasons; some theorize it’s due to its remote location in the desert, but tigers aren’t exactly known to be prancing up and down Egypt (even in ancient times), but oh well. Bedouin tribes attacked the monastery in 1484, killed the monks and burned down their library. It was rebuilt by Patriarch Gabriel VII, who sent monks from the Syrian Monastery (in the Wadi el Natrun monasteries, below) but it was attacked twice after, causing the monks to flee to St. Anthony’s Monastery and not return. Wadi Natrun Monasteries Location: Wadi Natrun Valley, northwest of Cairo Established: 4th century AD More than 1600 years ago, Saint Macarius of Egypt decided to build his monastery in the Natrun valley, known for its large alkali lakes. This attracted the attention of other Christian monks and hermits, who then decided to settle in Natrun as well, establishing four large early Christian developments. The four Wadi Natrun Coptic monasteries that are still active to this day are: The Monastery of Saint Macarius The Monastery of Saint Bishoy The Paromeos Monastery The Syrian Monastery All of the four can be seen and visited until today free of charge, but leaving a donation is always helpful in preserving these historic sites. Monastery of St. Mena Location: western desert outside of Alexandria Established: 1959 This monastery was built near the ruins of Abu Mena, one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Egypt. Abu Mena is the remnants of an early Coptic Christian holy city, built over the tomb of the martyr Menas of Alexandria, around 50 km south of modern-day Alexandria. It’s believed that Menas died in either the late 3rd or early 4th century. Not much remains standing in the ancient Christian city today besides the foundation of some of its great buildings. In 1959, then-Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria put down the foundations of a monastery next to the ancient Coptic city ruins, and it has since grown into one of the most famous monasteries in Egypt. Thousands of pilgrims travel to St. Mena’s Monastery yearly for spiritual and physical healing. You might also like: 9 Egyptian Churches, Cathedrals and Monasteries You Need to Visit at Least Once

Egypt has captured the imagination of many a writer in its 7,000 year existence -- and whether it be ancient Egypt, colonial Egypt or modern Egypt, can you really blame them? Few other countries in the world have the history, depth and complexity as Egypt, and we’ve compiled some of our favorite novels that take place here, by both Egyptian and non-Egyptian authors alike (this list is English-based, so we made sure that all Arabic and French novels listed below have an English translation available). This list is just the tip of the iceberg (or pyramid?) when it comes to novels about Egypt, and be sure to let us know if we didn’t include one of your favorites. Palace Walk Author: Naguib Mahfouz Takes place in: Cairo, 1917-1919 Summary: we of course had to include a novel by Naguib Mahfouz, an Egyptian legend and a Nobel Laureate in Literature. Palace Walk is the first novel in Mahfouz’s Cairo Trilogy, all translated from Arabic (Palace Walk’s real title is Bein El Qasrein, which translates to ‘between the two palaces’). Palace Walk is an inside look at a middle class Egyptian family during British-occupied Egypt in WWI, and the dynamics and cultural complexities between them. Read more: in the novel, the family lives in the area of El Moez Street, which is still a must-see Cairo attraction until today. Here's our local's guide to Moez Street. In the Eye of the Sun Author: Ahdaf Soueif Takes place in: Egypt and the UK from 1967-1980 Summary: This novel is a beautiful mix of love story, politics both in the Middle East and in interpersonal relationships, and a vivid portrayal of Egypt spanning over 10 years, all told through the story of Asya, a young Egyptian woman and memorable heroine. Egyptian author and journalist Ahdaf Soueif is also known for her novel The Map of Love, another personal favorite of ours. Ramses: The Son of Light Author: Christian Jacq Takes place in: Ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom Summary: This historical fiction novel is actually the first in a 5 book series about the life, love and reign of Ramses II, perhaps the most famous and powerful pharaoh to date. The books are quick reads, and even though they’re translated originally from French, the English translations do the books justice. Expect entertaining portrayals of Ancient Egypt and famous names such as Seti I, Nefertari and Moses. We definitely recommend reading all 5 books. Read more: Ramses II was the pharaoh behind the construction of Abu Simbel, one of the most spectacular Ancient Egyptian temples of all time. Here's a list of the 12 most impressive Anicent Egyptian temples still standing today. Yacoubian Building Author: Alaa El Aswany Takes place in: Cairo, 1990 Summary: Originally an Arabic novel, Yacoubian Building was a smash hit and not only quickly translated into other languages, but made into a movie. The story revolves around the different residents of the old Yacoubian Building in Downtown Cairo, and is described as a “scathing portrayal of modern Egyptian society”. Its incorporation of homosexuality in the story also got a lot of people hot and bothered (and not in a good way) when the book first came out. Death on the Nile Author: Agatha Christie Takes place: mainly on a steamer on the Nile in 1937 Summary: Yup, the world-famous detective novels of Agatha Christie starring Hercule Poirot have their own nod to Egypt in Death on the Nile. Agatha Christie herself stayed at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan while writing the novel, which is a mystery aboard a period steamer on the Nile. A Woman of Cairo Author: Noel Barber Takes place in: Cairo before and throughout WWII up through the 1952 revolution Summary: Set during the final days of the British occupation in Egypt is a love story between childhood friends and neighbors in Cairo’s aristocratic Garden City; the son of a British diplomat and the daughter of an Egyptian pasha. Their world of midnight picnics at the Pyramids and Nile-side luxury is brought to an abrupt halt when World War II erupts, followed by the uprising of Egyptians against the British occupation. River God Author: Wilbur Smith Takes place in: Ancient Egypt, end of the Middle Kingdom Summary: Set right before and during the invasion of the Hyksos into Ancient Egypt, River God is an adventure novel with a love triangle between the Pharaoh, a lord’s daughter and the soldier she’s in love with -- but the main character is Taita, a eunuch and slave who has to navigate his way not only through the perils of the love triangle but an ancient empire on the brink of falling to foreign invaders. The Alexandria Quartet Author: Lawrence Durrell Takes place in: Alexandria, before and during World War II Summary: The Alexandria Quartet is actually not just one book, but four -- you can either read them separately or all in one go as one really long book. The four books are Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive and Clea; the first 3 books depict the same set of events, but through different perspectives. The fourth novel takes place 6 years later. The novels are all about ‘modern’ love and the melting pot of East and West in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. The writing tends to lean towards being more ‘literary-heavy’ if that makes sense, so if you’re looking for a light read, this might not be for you. Read more: 15 Best Things to See and Do in Alexandria City of Love and Ashes Author: Yusuf Idris Takes place in: Cairo, 1952 Summary: Translated from Arabic, the writing is a bit dry and doesn’t do the novel as much justice as the original Arabic did, but most definitely worth a read anyway. City of Love and Ashes is about Hamza, a young Egyptian revolutionary secretly working with the resistance to revolt against the British occupation and the corrupt monarchy. He meets and falls in love with Fawziya through the cause, and they struggle with their feelings for each other in the midst of a much bigger battle -- the battle for their country. But which is more important? The Golden Goblet Author: Eloise Jarvis McGraw Takes place in: Ancient Egypt, the New Kingdom Summary: This book is touted as a children’s or young adult book, but trust us when we say it’s just as enjoyable for adults. The story revolves around Ranofer, a young orphan boy who tries to rise above his unfortunate circumstances to pursue his simple dream of becoming a goldsmith’s apprentice and leaving his abusive half-brother forever. He accidentally stumbles across one of the worst crimes one can commit in Ancient Egypt, and it’s up to him to do the right thing even if it costs him everything. Read more: 20 Must-See Ancient Egyptian Sites

The past couple of years have been... a lot, to say the least. But there's no use crying over covid-spilled milk, and things are definitely taking a turn for the better. Not only is Egypt completely open again, but we've been making headlines as one of THE countries to visit in 2022. Headlines where? Oh here are just a few: Recently TripAdvisor not only named Cairo as their #2 Trending Destination in the World for 2022, but Hurghada in their Top 10 Most Popular Destinations in the World for 2022! And that's besides Egypt having secured 13 spots, yes 13, in Scuba Travel’s World’s Top 100 Dive Sites in 2022. Oh and let's not forget Egypt being on the list for Lonely Planet's Top 10 Countries in 2022. So as you can see, it's been pretty much agreed across the board that Egypt is the place to see in 2022, for myriad reasons. And let us locals add 22 of our own personal reasons to the list! 1. It’s very affordable for tourists. If you're coming from abroad, you might notice right away that certain things are WAY cheaper in Egypt than back home. For example, an Uber from the airport to Downtown Cairo will cost you around $10 - for an hour long ride! And a stay in a five star hotel in Egypt is going to run you *considerably* less than what a stay in a five star hotel in Europe for example will run you. Hot air balloon in Luxor? That'll set you back less than $50. You get the idea! Read: Cairo on a Budget: 10 Cheap Ways to Enjoy the City Read: Cairo Sightseeing For Free: 10 Awesome Sites That Don't Cost Anything To Visit 2. Year-round sunny beaches. Home to both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, Egypt has beaches that can easily compete with some of the best in the world. Even in winter months, it’s never too cold to sit on the Red Sea’s white sand beaches and soak up the sun. Read: 9 World-Class Beaches in Egypt Read: 7 Tropical Islands You Won't Believe Are In Egypt 3. Our world-famous museums. The Grand Egyptian Museum will be hopefully be opening its doors in late 2022; when opened, it'll be the biggest archaeological museum in the world. It’ll also be home to the full Tutankhamun collection, with pieces on public display for the first time ever. But don't let the delay get you down -- you can check out our other world-famous museums, like Cairo Museum in Midan Tahrir -- the museum’s collections exceed over 120,000 pieces, from the pre-historic era to the Roman-Greco period. Or the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, with its Royal Mummy Gallery. There's also Karnak Temple in Luxor, which is considered the biggest open-air museum in the world. Read: 9 Museums In Cairo You Need To Visit At Least Once Read: 7 Important Egyptian Museums To Truly Understand Egypt's History 4. Natural treatments and climatic physiotherapy. The secret is out: Egypt is one of the best destinations in the world when it comes to therapeutic tourism -- those seeking natural treatment for various ailments, or seeking physical and spiritual cleansing. Egypt is home to more than 1,300 natural springs, and their clay and minerals help treat bone, skin and digestive diseases. The 365 days of sunshine and dry climate in places like Aswan help respiratory and rheumatoid diseases. The sea and treatments like ‘sand baths’ are proven to help with skin diseases like psoriasis. Read: Natural Therapy in Egypt - 7 Types of Natural Healing and Climatic Therapy You Can't Find Elsewhere 5. The last standing Ancient Wonder of the World. The Great Pyramid of Giza (known as either Khufu or Cheops) is literally the last existing Ancient Wonder of the World. At around 4500 years old, it’s kind of crazy that you can get so up and close to it, but indeed you can. Its surrounding pyramids and Sphinx are no less impressive, and it’s truly worth being on every single human’s bucket list. Read: Visiting the Pyramids of Giza - A Local's Guide to Everything You Need to Know 6. A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. When was the last time you went on a cruise? Or better yet, when was the last time you went on a cruise that had regular stops to dock and see thousands-of-years-old monuments, tombs and artifacts? These five star, luxury cruises range from 3 to 5 nights, and are both affordable and an awesome option for all ages and families with young kids. You’ll sail down the river in Ancient Upper Egypt and see sights like the Luxor Temple (the world’s largest outdoor museum), Karnak Temple and Philae Temple (the last place where the Ancient Egyptian religion was practiced). 7. Camping in the Sahara Desert. Egypt’s Western desert is a pristine, stark wilderness where you can camp, do Jeep safaris, sandboard, immerse yourself in natural hot springs and see the Milky Way and an infinite amount of stars at night. White chalk formations like in the White Desert area of the Egyptian Sahara are some of the coolest natural wonders (and very “gram-able”). Read: Camping in Egypt: 7 Beautiful and Remote Places To Camp 8. Disconnecting from the world at an Egyptian ecolodge. If peace of mind is your end goal, then Egypt’s ecolodges are what you should be looking into for 2022. Whether you choose an ecolodge at a desert oasis, or next to the Red Sea, or at the very edge of the Great Sand Sea, you’re guaranteed to disconnect from your super plugged-in world; many of these places don’t even have electricity. Perfect for those who want to disconnect, eat fresh, get back in tune with nature and leave as small a carbon footprint as possible. 9. Scuba diving in some of the world’s very best dive spots. Egypt's Red Sea scored a total of 13 spots in Scuba Travel’s World’s Top 100 Dive Sites in 2022 - what more can we say? Notable Egyptian dive sites mentioned: Shark Reef, Daedalus Reef, Little Brother, Thistlegorm and Blue Hole. Read: 7 Best Diving Destinations in Egypt’s Red Sea for Divers of All Levels 10. Religious significance for the three Abrahamic religions -- Islam, Christianity and Judaism. While the Ancient Egyptian religion is what usually takes center stage when people think of Egypt, the country is of extreme significance to the Abrahamic religions as well. In Egypt you can climb to the summit of Mount Sinai, where it’s believed that Moses encountered the Burning Bush and received the 10 Commandments. You can also follow the journey of the Holy Family (Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Joseph) from the Sinai peninsula into mainland Egypt and back again. If you’re interested in more modern historical religious sites, Islamic and Coptic Cairo are home to centuries-old mosques, churches, and the Ben Ezra synagogue. Read: 9 Egyptian Churches, Cathedrals and Monasteries You Need to Visit at Least Once Read: 10 Most Beautiful Mosques in Egypt 11. Ancient whale fossils in the desert, anyone? Wadi el Hitan (Whale Valley) in Fayoum, Egypt, is home to something very strange and very cool -- whale fossils, but not your average whale; these whales had hind legs. According to UNESCO (Wadi el Hitan is an official UNESCO Heritage Site): “These fossils represent one of the major stories of evolution: the emergence of the whale as an ocean-going mammal from a previous life as a land-based animal. This is the most important site in the world for the demonstration of this stage of evolution.” Read: 7 Egyptian UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Which Ones You MUST See 12. Medical and dental tourism. If you need tests done, dental work or a medical consultation and don’t feel like going through thousands of dollars and weeks of waiting for an appointment in your home country, then Egypt is a great alternative. The medical sector in Egypt has excellent doctors, and the vast majority speak English so you don’t have to worry about the language barrier. You can get an appointment with a dentist or specialized doctor of your choice in just a matter of days, and the consultation will cost you between 300-600 EGP ($19-$38), and the follow-up is free. Blood tests and other scanning are similarly affordable. 13. Kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is the world’s fastest-growing water sport, and not many know that Egypt is a treasure trove for both beginner and advanced kitesurfers alike. According to Kitesurfing Holidays, Egypt has 3 different placings in the 10 best spots in the world to learn to kitesurf (Soma Bay, Hamata and El Gouna). Our local tip is to add to those places Ras Sedr and Dahab, also on the Red Sea. Read: 7 Extreme Adventure Experiences in Egypt for Adrenaline Junkies 14. 10,000 year old rock art. If you thought the pharaohs’ tombs were about as Ancient as Egypt’s history gets, think again. In the caves of the Gilf Kebir plateau in the remote Southwest Egyptian Sahara desert, Neolithic cliff paintings (pictographs) and rock carvings (petroglyphs) were found, depicting the daily life of those who dwelled there around 10,000 years ago. The most famous of those caves are the Cave of the Swimmers and the Cave of the Beasts. 15. That boat life. We already talked about 5 star Nile cruises, but what about the rest of what Egypt has to offer when it comes to boating? Whether it’s something easy and quick, like an hour’s sail in of the famous Nile feluccas (little sailboats popular in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan), or a fishing boat in the Red Sea, or a glass-bottom boat (awesome family alternative to snorkeling), or even powerboats that you can rent out for reasonable prices in Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, the options of enjoying Egypt from the water are endless. Read: 25 Fun Things To Do In Hurghada and El Gouna 16. The crazy beauty of the remaining temples, monuments, tombs and artifacts of the Ancient Egyptian civilization. This, like the Pyramids, is really kind of a no-brainer. The fact that you can literally walk into temples and tombs thousands of years old, and see the original art and hieroglyphics is really kind of mind-boggling. Sites like the Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Dendera, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Abu Simbel, Temple of Hatshepsut, Philae Temple and many others are always *so* much more interesting than anything you might have ever read about them. Read: Ancient Egypt Bucket List: 20 Must-See Ancient Egyptian Sites 17. The ability to have a super diverse vacation, all in relatively easy reach of each other, in the same country. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, a journey into ancient history, a diving adventure, a mental, physical and emotional retreat, a city jaunt or a commune with nature, Egypt delivers all, in just a few short days. It’s not all sand and pyramids --although that would be pretty cool too-- which is what a lot of visitors fail to realize, and thus cheat themselves out of some of the best beaches in the world or some amazing retreats. 18. The views, oh, the views. We're just going to leave this here. Read: 12 Places To Go For The Most Beautiful Views in Egypt 19. Egyptian food <3 Egyptian cuisine might not be super widespread internationally, but for us Egyptians, it's a national treasure. Our famous fuul, taameya (Egyptian falafel) and koshary are all cheap, nutritious and even vegan-friendly. And if you're a meat lover, our grills just can't be beat. Read: 12 Local Egyptian Foods You Need To Try 20. Egypt is a great winter destination. It’s a million degrees below zero, and you don’t think you’ll ever see a not-gray sky again. This is where Egypt comes in -- even in the dead of winter, the sun is always shining and the skies are always blue. Read: 7 Reasons Why Winter Is Actually One Of The Best Times To Go To Egypt 21. Egypt's historical hotels. With certain hotels over 150 years old (and still serving up 5 star luxury), in Egypt you don't just SEE history, you can also choose to sleep in it. These hotels range from khedival palaces in Cairo to nods to Alexandria's seaside belle epoque to Agatha's Nile-side inspiration down in Aswan - in Egypt you don't need to stay at another cookie-cutter hotel. Read: 11 Historical Hotels in Egypt You Can Still Stay At Today 22. Moez Street and Khan el Khalili. A lot gets said about Ancient Egypt, but what about Medieval Egypt? Take a walk down Moez Street and its adjacent bazaar Khan el Khalili in the evening and you'll feel like you're in A Thousands and One Nights - with a large dash of modern Egypt, that is. This fascinating area dates back to 14th century AD and is one of our very favorite places in all of Cairo. Also the best place to souvenir shop! Read: El Moez Street in Old Cairo - A Detailed Local's Guide Read: Khan el Khalili - An Egyptian Local's Guide So there you have it, 22 reasons why Egypt should most definitely be on your list of places to visit in 2022. And don't forget to check out our locally-created itineraries -- they're full of details and insider information that you won't find elsewhere on the internet; it's like having your own local friend in Egypt who'll steer you in the right direction. Happy travels!