Egypt: Travel Master List
Planning a trip to Egypt? Your trip won’t count unless these are on your list:
HOTEL
In Cairo, you may be tempted to stay at Mena house by the Pyramids ... but I HIGHHHLYYYYY suggest the Marriott Hotel in Zamalek. It's in a Cairo suburb, walking distance to tons of restos and coffee shops. PLUS - it used to be a palace. Every hallway, staircase and wall has a story. Friday brunch in its garden is a must. Brunch at the Marriott on a Friday is a very local experience. It's also a much closer to everything else than Mena house.
The Intercon and Four Seasons are great options as well, but staying at the Marriott in Zamalek is an experience in and of itself.
RESTOS
Abu el Sid (in Zamalek) Lots of traditional food. I HIGHLY suggest the molokhiya with chicken. A couple of steps away, you’ll find a pub called Deals, there’s also one in Mohandissen, best vine leaves ever! If you’re looking for pizza, head over to Maison Thomas - you can also take away. If you’re on the run, Cilantro Coffee Shop has good takeaway food. Something you can grab and go before heading out on an excursion.
Tea at Ahwak - 10 Zakareya Rizk Street, Zamalek. Really great, off the beaten path, local place to get tea and dessert.
All these places are in Zamalek and within walking distance from each other, and from The Marriott.
SWEETS + STREET FOOD
There's a street staple called koushari you can buy it for super cheap from street vendors. Not keto friendly, it is LOADED with carbs its pasta, rice and lentils with a special, magic sauce. You’ll be full and ready to go.
Feteer - it's a middle eastern thing but Egyptians do it the best. It is widely available at coffee shops in Khan Khalili.
Um Ali - this is a MAJOR diet buster, but you HAVE TO try it. It's pretty much milk, filo dough, nuts and raisins. The best one I've had is at a sweet stand/resto called Al Malki. Any cab driver can take you to one. You'll likely be standing and eating or taking it to go. You can have this at any restaurant, but Malki's is the fast food version … and the best one I had even compared to 5star resto fares.
Khan Khalili
It's about a 20-minute cab ride (depending on traffic) from Zamalek. This is one of the oldest marketplaces in the Middle East. Lots of trinkets at a great price make sure to bargain! Bargaining is fun, but do keep in mind that these are not the wealthiest of people - be kind and generous as you likely are able to afford for than they can afford to lose. If you’re down to bargaining over $2 or $5, pack it in and let the merchant have it.
For papyrus - Sunnyland is the absolute best shop. Beautiful pieces and decent prices. If Waheed is there, enjoy his deep knowledge of the craft and the local artists who go above and beyond classic pieces.
Sunnyland Papyrus. 68 El Sekka El Guedida, Khan El Khalili
Luxor - Valley of the Kings hotel
The Winter Palace is every bit as magical as it sounds. It opened in 1886 ... visited by Winston Churchill and many other dignitaries + where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile. One of my fave places to stay in the world.
Sinai Peninsula
I hope you guys make it out here.
Places to see: Saint Catherine Monastery and Mount Sinai Colored Canyon, Ein Hudra Oasis & White Canyon Blue Hole - some of the best snorkeling on earth. It's a 5 hour of desert driving from Cairo.
Favorite place to stay: Bawaki, beach bungalow around 50$-$100 night bed/and breakfast. You can take a bus there from the main terminal in Cairo. Contact Person: Adel Wahby Tel : +20 69 3500 470 Tel : +20 12 2184842
If you would rather hear me talk about these places:
