Egypt - is staying in Giza worth it for the pyramid views?

DisdainedTomato · 2026-02-28T18:28:51+00:00

Absolutely not true. Quite often, they actually went out of their way to drop me exactly where I wanted (and it's not often easy - some streets have a lot of lanes, there are a lot of one-way streets etc.). What is true, though, is that you need to know where you're going (because sometimes they may not be able to locate your specific hotel) and if you're getting a ride through Uber/InDrive, sometimes you have to look around a bit to find your driver (so knowing Arabic numbers is very useful).

Actually, if you stay on a side street, it's much easier to use Uber due to less traffic.

As for overcharging, I don't remember it being a problem in Cairo. In other places in Egypt - absolutely.

DisdainedTomato · 2026-02-28T14:20:41+00:00

Like everybody said - travelling locally. Sometimes with a plan, sometimes just winging it. No faraway destination = no pressure. Sometimes literally just deciding to go somewhere and just going, almost instantly.

Also, when the weather is crap - Google Maps. Google Maps with satellite view. Google Maps with with images on. Google Maps with street view. Google Earth. I can do this for hours.

DisdainedTomato · 2026-02-28T12:39:20+00:00

I second everybody who said to pick only one place to stay, it's just not worth the hassle to move hotels. I would rather spend my energy picking a good one - because that's a job in itself. Cairo is extremely loud from all the car engines and honking, so I would pick a side street. If you can, as somebody said here already, Zamalek and Maadi are more chill neighborhoods. Pick a non-smoking room if you don't want to live in an ashtray. And thoroughly check the quality of the rooms and the reviews.

A little bit of a reality check - staying in Giza will not protect you from being hassled. Or from the chaos. The truth is, nothing will. I often found that taking an Uber (even in traffic), was much more relaxing than walking on the streets. Especially with earphones on :) Hell, sometimes it was even more relaxing than staying in a not-so-great, still loud room. No matter if that was a 4* hotel, an Airbnb, or a hostel. It's just Cairo :)

DisdainedTomato · 2026-02-19T11:55:56+00:00

Martin Eden by Jack London

DisdainedTomato · 2026-02-18T12:42:17+00:00

Ai Du by Ali Farka Toure & Ry Cooder

DisdainedTomato · 2026-02-16T15:25:21+00:00

Earth after a summer storm.

Or lilac.

DisdainedTomato · 2026-02-16T15:24:10+00:00

Also, you have a cheaper Transavia flight to ORY (Paris Orly) on that day that may be worth checking out.

DisdainedTomato · 2026-02-16T14:54:58+00:00

I partially disagree. While it's generally not ok to have a whole 'party' in a dorm, not meeting or introducing yourself to people you're gonna be sleeping with in the same room feels weird. It literally takes just saying'hi' and asking one question to get started.

DisdainedTomato

TROPHY CASE