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Cairo Attractions: Getting Around the City
With a population of more than 23 million, Cairo is a bustling metropolis. We’re talking about more people in one city than in whole nations in Europe and the Middle East, and that’s in a relatively small place like Cairo. There are plenty of things to do in Cairo, Egypt, but getting around may be a bit of a challenge.
Come as you may, you’ll need to figure out the most efficient means of transportation here. You may save spending hours in traffic and yet see more things without being too tired.
Taking the metro or an Uber is your best chance for getting about Egypt if you’re traveling alone.
In this article, we will provide you with instructions for navigating a city whose public transit is sometimes characterized as chaotic! However, does this indicate that you should stay away from Cairo, Egypt? Definitely not! The city’s rich history and cultural legacy are shown by its top tourist sites in Egypt.
First things first: let’s go over the most frequently asked issues about transportation in Egypt.
Transportation Questions Regarding Egypt
- How can I get about Cairo most efficiently?
Getting to your location in Cairo is a breeze if you know where the closest metro station is. Old Cairo and the Egyptian Museum are just two of the many popular destinations that are easily accessible by three lines. On the other hand, if you plan on staying at The Fifth Settlement on October 6th, you’ll need to figure out an other means to get about town. Uber is the only option for getting about. Of course, there are private bus companies like Swvil and Uber, as well as public buses, but it’s a major pain to figure out when and where to catch one.
- Which part in Cairo is the most picturesque?
How you choose to feel while in Cairo is entirely up to you. Either a luxurious atmosphere or an excruciating one is possible. The city’s limitless expansion has done nothing to reduce the desert’s size. Zamalek, often known as The Fifth Settlement, is the most pleasant neighborhood in Cairo if you are seeking peace and quiet. Old Cairo is the place to stay if you want to see some breathtaking architecture, but be prepared for chaos; this region is always bustling!
If seeing the Pyramids is your only motivation for visiting Egypt, make your way to Giza and book a room at a hotel or guesthouse that overlooks the site. Egypt is innately chaotic, so even if it’s the prettiest neighborhood in Cairo, be prepared.
- Is it possible for you to independently explore Egypt?
Sure, go ahead! To avoid ripping off locals or missing out on must-see attractions, it’s best to organize a trip with an experienced local. Simsem allows you to experience local cuisine and personalize your trips according to your preferences with the help of a travel guide. Feel free to download our app and join us now.
The Best Ways to Navigate Cairo
The best time to visit Cairo’s Egyptian museums is before 8 in the morning or between 10:00 and 1:00 in the afternoon, when traffic is usually lightest.
It’s the most pleasant moment to navigate a roadway when everyone is honking their horns.
I realize it’s not always doable, but if you really want to see the historical site, go during opening hours so you can get the best photographs possible.
How then would you go about getting there?
- Modes of Transportation in Egypt Metro
If you want to avoid the gridlock that plagues Cairo’s neighborhoods, using the metro is your best and cheapest bet. When in Egypt’s capital, be sure to see out the museums, Old Cairo, Zamalk, City Centre, and Pyramids. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that Cairo is more than a mere transit hub. There are a lot of good places you’ll miss if you do that.
Because of its size and layout, Cairo’s metro system is the best method to get about. But take care of the meaning of “convenient” in this situation! Efficiency, security, and accessibility are all aspects of convenience, but the location isn’t exactly a haven of comfort (believe me, I wish). An extension of the country’s subterranean rail network is in the works to link Cairo International Airport to the city center.
The three major lines that you can see so far serve the core areas that you are interested in visiting. Plus, you may find certain metro stops right beside famous sites like the Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo’s Coptic attractions.What time of day is the best to use the metro?
Every day from five in the morning until one in the morning, trains operate. There is less than a five-minute gap between trains. There will be more on the way, so there’s no need to fret if you happen to miss one.
Make your own computation since the value of the Egyptian pound has varied lately; each ticket costs 5–10 Egyptian pounds and is valid for one way travel.At the ticket counter located inside each station, you may purchase your ticket. Keep your ticket secure until you leave the turnstile since it is required to enter and exit the metro system.
Also, in the center of the train, you’ll find the women-only cars. It is recommended that solitary female travelers in Egypt take it.
Uber and similar ride-hailing services have swept Egypt’s transportation market. You may now hail a vehicle with four different apps—Uber, Didi, inDrive, and Careem—no matter where you are. These applications are great for discovering the best Cairo has to offer. Uber, on the other hand, has proven the market and won accolades as the ideal alternative to overpriced taxis, making it easier to go about. For a number of reasons, I always utilize Uber as my go-to Cairo transportation option:
Without being disoriented in Cairo’s maze of streets, the driver will bring me to and leave me off at the precise spot.
Just type in your destination instead of wasting time attempting to converse with a driver who probably doesn’t understand your language.
We will not negotiate the pricing.
If you’re seeking for a local guide in Cairo or any city where Uber isn’t available, you may simply download one of the other apps.
Concluding Remarks on Getting About Cairo
Stay off the bus and subway. There’s no way to tell when to get off since there won’t be anybody there to tell you because it’s so wild and nobody speaks English.
Keep away from white cabs. You will have a hard time finding a reasonable fare since, unfortunately, the most of them are rude. The fact that they never utilize GPS further increases the likelihood that you will not get to your desired destination precisely.
Get a SIM card at the airport before you fly so you can use Uber anywhere you go.
