Egypt -- Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh?

Anyone have any suggestions for these locales in Egypt? Also -- what can I expect weather-wise? Thanks.

I have not been since the late nineties, so accounts of my food-related exploits in Cairo would be useless to you, I am sure. And, while I have spent a bit of time "upcountry," I have not visited Sharm el-Sheikh.

At any rate, here is what I can share:

I am sure that al-Haty, on Sharia Halim, remains a decent place to dine.

While I have not been, I know that Felfela is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Besides downtown, I think that there is one in the Mohandessin, as well.

If you are in the vicinity of the Pyramids, be sure to stop in at the Mena House Oberoi, even if only for a drink at the bar and/or a walk around the grounds.

Be sure to hit Khan El Khalili to do some bartering.

Of course, you must visit the Egyptian Museum.

If you are interested in visiting any of the Mosques, I would strongly encourage you to visit the al-Rifai, the Sultan Hassan, and most especially, the Ibn Tulun.

Last but not least, The Virginian, in the Muqattam, is one of the coolest bars in the world, and I have been in my share of them.

Regards,
Erik M.

Sinai

The one meal that stands out in my memory, was not in Sharm el Sheikh, but in Dahab (just north). It was at a little diver's motel called Mirage Village. You sit outside in what used to be their tiered pool, which is now empty and lined with Bedouin blankets and pillows. We ate one of those simple grilled meals, that when described seems mundane, but when eaten is something much, much more. Sitting out under the stars, listening to the ocean, eating lemon soaked, charcoal-grilled chickens, served with pickles, harissa and grilled flatbread...the best.

Our dining experiences in Sharm el Sheikh were at best, unmemorable. There are a lot of high-end hotel restaurants and chains (Hard Rock - Sharm el Sheikh). It felt very much like a boardwalk scene. I am sure though, that with a little digging you will be able to find some gems here.

When are you going? I went in June and the weather was what you'd expect - hot and dry. but the Red Sea is the perfect foil.

Have fun!!!

Gee, I really should have indicated my time-frame. Last week in June and first week in July. I am expecting the heat; will it be unbearable? I understand shorts are frowned upon, so am planning lots of loose linen.

In Sharm el Sheikh, the average June/July temperature is about 97-100 degrees.

trixie-pea wrote:Our dining experiences in Sharm el Sheikh were at best, unmemorable. There are a lot of high-end hotel restaurants and chains (Hard Rock - Sharm el Sheikh). It felt very much like a boardwalk scene. I am sure though, that with a little digging you will be able to find some gems here.

Hotel dining in Sharm was not the most memorable except when they were featuring Egyptian/Lebanese fare. We stayed at the Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort, the Lebanese restaurant inside was quite delicious as was the "Mid-East" buffet (forget the exact term they used) but most else was unmemorable. The fresh juices and fruits are outstanding just as in Israel.

We did venture into "old" Sharm a few times, there are some very eager restaurants as most tourists stay in the hotels/resorts. Food here was superior and much cheaper than the resorts. If you have not been before, be prepared for the assault of the shop keepers, it is intense as I've ever experienced and non-stop. One of these days a shop keeper there will realize that most Western shoppers prefer to browse rather than be pestered, he'll make a killing as tourists will take relief in his no-pressure shore and actually do some shopping.

Flight we took from Cairo was 55 minutes and cost about $250, to us well worth not taking the 6 hour shuttle/bus in our opinion.

At the Sharm Waterfalls resort. LOTS of Italians, almost overwhelming sometimes. There are board packages available although none are listed online at Hilton. We were there in late December.

We fought horrible colds, so no diving!!!

Trying to find an operator to take us just to Mt Sinai so we can hike it and see St Catherines Monestary but all there are so far are tour operators who will only provide an overnight trip there or a see St Catherine's (no climbing) and then "shopping" at some stupid market in a no name town. I HATE PACKAGES!!!!!

LOADS of pools and pool room, this is supposedly high season and yet the resort felt 50% full if that.

As the Waterfalls resort is on a cliff there are two funiculars (10 person capacity) so that you do not have to walk the stairs. There is a spa, but as I was waiting in the wet sauna for my time, the massuese forgot about me! Wife stated her massage was decent. Prices all around are very reasonable for a resort IMO. Large beer is $1.90, 1.5 liter water is $1.50, Breakfast buffet is $6, Dinners average $12.

The hotel shuttle will take you to old Sharm el Shiekh or Na'aam Bay. Runs about every 2 hours. Cab to Old Sharm market is $3. great fruit stands and the usual shops for goods. You can find some real bargains in the old market but be ready to be assaulted with "Come into my store" or "you see my store" on and on, endless, get used to it because that is what the markets in Egypt are like.

One of the most memorable moments was our last night, sitting in a dark, quiet, section near the top of the resort, smoking hookahs and drinking bedouin tea (terrific), while watching the moon rise over an island in the Red Sea.