I'm not saying that Cairo is overrated, but I was just wondering whether it is emphasized too much in relation to other sites of interest in Egypt. Do other places deserve equal attention? Whenever I ask someone where they want to go in Egypt, they almost always say Cairo first.

I think a lot of other cities get close to equal recognition. It's jut that whenever anyone talks about Egypt they usually talk about Cairo which is why most people recognize it instantly. I don't think it's over-rated, other places are just under-rated. Cairo has an amazing museum and is a hotbed of culture. It's definitely a must-see, but so are a lot of other places in Egypt.

I'd have to assume that Cairo is one of the top destinations because of
the pyramids. I wouldn't want to do a trip to Egypt without seeing them,
and I suppose other people are the same. Cairo is where to go for that... the
Valley of Kings, the Sphinx, etc.

that is very true , you can not come to Egypt and miss the pyramids.
Also in Egypt you can see Luxor , sharm el shiek , hurghada marsa alam and alexandria including the north cost


donot forget the western Oasis.

really beautifull country

xxxx

I know that seeing the Pyramids is one of the main reasons I would like to go to Egypt. But when I go I hope to have the time to do and see alot of other places.

Life time is not enough to see everything in Egypt. believe me u will need at least two or three holidays to see the main attractions


xxx

I agree with u that Cairo is little bit overrated ,there are allot of places deserve like Sharm said .Cairo for me to the tourists is the Pyramids but this is just for the usual tourists

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Adeek

I think it's a lot like New York City. When you go most people go and see the satue of liberty, you have to go see it when you're there. But the city is so diverse and has so many other things to see, they just aren't widely walked about. It's a lot like Cairo that way.

I went to egypt last year on a 7day nile cruise with thomsons. it was worth the money. i visited the vally of the kings. hatshepsuts temple. then the rest of the trip sailed the nile visiting the other temples. i did'nt have enough money to do Cairo or Abu simbel, but i was quite happy with the nile cruise.

I recomend the cruise. and they say 3 days is enough in Cairo. to visit the pyramids and a must i suppose the Musium..

I have visited Cairo a few times now, and after you have done the Old Cairo, Museum and the Pyramids I don't think there is much more of interest, I mean you have the old run down areas, the flash new areas and big malls, but you can get that everywhere.

I'm talking from a visitor's point of view rather then someone living/working there, I'm sure it has it's own charms and exciting life too.

The one thing I hated in Cairo is the airport, it's a nightmare place. especially if you are changing over from an internal to international flight (you need to take a taxi or a shuttle bus to transfer between the two), the cab drivers, porters just there to hustle you.

The shuttle bus does runs every half hour and is packed. Taxis want to charge you 50-60LE for a 5 minute ride, and when you are stuck with very little information and sweating in the heat, I suppose you don't have much choice but to give in to the rip-off merchants.

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