Experience in Cairo, Egypt by Elena

What is it like to live in Cairo? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Cairo is always portrayed in movies by deserts, camels, and the pyramids. This is not the case at all actually and it is considered the ''Manhattan of the middle east''. It has a very fun and exciting nightlife, with multiple parties to choose from every weekend. Living in Cairo can be difficult at time depending on where you live in the city and how far the place you want to go to is from your house. It is a huge, vibrant city that literally never sleeps, sorry NYC. The weather is beautiful every single day, we have maybe 5 gloomy days in a whole year. It can get very hot for you especially if you're used to a cold climate. However, in the winter it can get extremely cold as it is considered a ''desert cold'', the kind that gets under your skin, but it is definitely survivable. The people are extremely friendly and they are always willing to help. Almost every local or taxi driver knows basic English. Theft is actually very minimal in the capital, much less than when I went to Paris to my surprise. I can openly say I've never been stolen from. But take care about prices as they might increase them and rip you off when you appear as a naive tourist to them. Get to know the right people, don't be afraid to ask for help, and you will have a wonderful time.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Cairo?

The student lifestyle is great. There are multiple parties to choose from every weekend, however, they could get hard to enter because you always have to make reservations, and if you are a guy you have to prove with your ID that you're at least 21. But you can just google the name of the venue where the party is taking place and make a reservation yourself. Getting to know the right people is also crucial as a foreign student. Make sure that they are genuinely nice people and don't just want something sexual from you (if you are a girl). But every one is kind and helpful here so you will instantly feel welcome.

How much does it cost to live in Cairo?

It depends which currency you use in your country, but if you use dollars or euros then you won't find Cairo expensive at all. We, as people earning in Egyptian pounds, can find it expensive of course. However, fast food restaurants, supermarkets, and kiosks are literally on every corner and they are cheap. Clothes are also relatively affordable, if we are talking about H&M, Bershka, etc. Cars are expensive here and almost no one rides bikes, but you are free to buy one. Just prepare to get some weird looks as people here aren't used to seeing people on bikes.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Cairo? Is there any advice you can give?

I never had to search for accommodation in Cairo as I have lived here all my life and wouldn't know, but I don't think it would be difficult. Rent isn't very expensive here as far as I know, but the only advice I can give you is to google places for rent in Cairo before planning your trip. I recommend three districts in Cairo that are always fun and where a lot of both foreigners and the 'high class people' live: Zamalek, Maadi and Heliopolis.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is amazing. However, the traditional food is very fattening as Egyptians tend to use a lot of oil and something called samna in their food. Koshari, falafel, and fava beans (also known as fool) are traditional foods here. The food is the most delicious during the Holy Month of Ramadan, as food is taken very seriously during this month. Koshari is extremely cheap and you can get it from street vendors but the most famous Koshari shop is called Hend. Just ask for it. The dish is made up of lentils, pasta, and rice and you can add fried onions, chili sauce or red sauce. Any fast food restaurant you can think of is here, except for the really American ones as Chipotle, Taco Bell, etc. Also between us Egyptians, we have all agreed that our McDonald's is so much better than any country's/city's we have ever visited, whether it's Germany, the USA, Canada, Croatia, London or Paris. One of my favourite oriental dishes is called Hawawshi, and also Shish Tawouk.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Cairo?

Zamalek and Maadi are districts, almost cities, that have the best cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs and parties. I will talk about these spots in the nightlife question.

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Is it good to eat out in Cairo? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It is great to eat out in Cairo, especially during Ramadan. Although I am Christian, I just love the spirit during this month and how peaceful everything feels and that everyone is dining out together, no matter what religion you follow. It has actually more to do with socializing, eating, and having fun than with Islam. My favourite spot to eat is City Stars Mall in Heliopolis, which also has the best shopping center. It also has dozens of restaurants. There is also a food court called Downtown and Cairo Festival City in an area called The Fifth Settlement, and another one called Tivoli in Heliopolis. All these places have a variety of restaurants, my favourite one is Mori Sushi, they have the most amazing sushi you will ever eat (try the fried ones).

Is the nightlife good in Cairo? Where is good to go?

There is a very nice British pub i would recommend in Maadi called The Tap and in Zamalek there is Bard'o. However, there are always a lot of independent parties taking place, most famously an event called Nacelle that takes place every winter, every Friday, until end of April. Each weekend there is a new international DJ as well as a local one (mostly deep, tech house). Nacelle rents a boat called Nile Pharaohs on the river Nile in Giza. It doesn't move though, but it is one of the most amazing parties you will ever go to. Also, every summer people take to the North Coast, where there is a club called Club M in a compound called Marassi. It is very fancy and you will have some amazing nights there. All Djs are international, but the local ones are great too. El Gouna on the Red Sea is also a very famous party spot but only during specific holidays such as New Years, Easter, or Eid (after the month of ramadan) and also Crave (in Tivoli).

What advice would you give future students heading to Cairo?

My advice to future students is to stop believing everything the media tells you, because Egypt is nothing like it. It is safe, people are friendly, people drink and smoke normally, and everyone does whatever they want (not necessarily in public). I definitely recommend visiting Cairo so you can tell your friends how unexpectedly amazing it was. I am moving to Holland in August for university, and as much as I think I am sick of Cairo, I know that I will miss it so much and will not be able to wait to come back to it. It is a magical city.

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