Experience in Cairo, Egypt by Omar

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

The city is full of free cultural events ranging from lectures, courses and even free concerts and musical events. I recommend it for an eager student who would like to discover the history and the culture. Cairo is the place where to go and learn about humanity itself.

What is the student lifestyle like in Cairo?

The student lifestyle is the best in Cairo as you are free to do anything you might like. And especially if you are a foreigner nobody is going to ask you about anything unlike being a local student.

How much does it cost to live in Cairo?

Excluding the rent maybe 3000-3500 EGP (300-350 euro) will be more than enough for a grown up. That is if you are going to use Uber and go to the Gym. Also, you can hang out wherever you want to go.

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

In Downtown Cairo you can find a single room in a shared flat for 1000-3000 EGP(100-300 euro) which is pretty cheap and located in the heart of the city. Another option would be couch surfing as there is a huge community who would be more than happy to host a foreigner for some days.

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

My favorite dishes are Egyptian Koshary, Egyptian Beans and Egyptian Falafel. The Egyptian cuisine is very cohesive and diverse that you will certainly fall in love with.

What places would you recommend visiting in Cairo?

Zamalek, Maadi, Heliopolis and Garden city are the elite districts. Old Cairo including but are not limited to downtown, Al-Hussin, Al-Azhar and many other places but it depends on the target of the visitor.

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

Well, "El-Prince", "Sobhy Kaber", "Baba Abdo" and "El-Refaay" are the best in town. They are so famous among the locals and considered a great experiences for me. Try their delicious main dishes in historical Cairo districts. Please note that you might find that it is so crowded and should wait a little bit but you will not regret it.

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

I am not that type of persons but yes it has its own international and Arabian style night life which is pretty expensive for students but worth it for sure. The five stars hotels are there for the main stream parties which are distributed mainly near the rive Nile. If you want to try one of the "Local Night Clubs" then your destination is AL-Ahram Street in Giza(Part of Greater Cairo).

What advice would you give future students heading to Cairo?

To discover the multiple layers and keep looking and searching because Cairo is so much complicated more than it looks like.