Those planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Egypt's ancient land of the pharaohs must decide whether to base themselves in Cairo or Luxor. To be safe, we'd recommend trying to do both. The crowded streets of every city are teeming with history and culture.
To assist you and your travelling companions in deciding between Cairo and Luxor this year, this book will examine the similarities and contrasts between the two cities. It will cover the logistics of travelling to both locations, the accommodations available, and the must-see landmarks that await you.
This is a complex decision, so be prepared. The city of Cairo has become the beating heart of contemporary Egypt. The city is a huge metropolis filled with bazaars and world heritage monuments. Luxor is famous for its ancient ruins but has a hip downtown area and great hotels along the Nile.
Overview – Is Cairo or Luxor Better?
Cairo is the largest Arab metropolis. The megacity's history spans the pharaonic to Islamic empire. It's one of the world's most culturally rewarding cities despite its crowds, cars, and donkeys. Scraping the surface takes four or five days.
Luxor is 668 km south of Cairo on the Nile. Although a big metropolis, Pharaonic Egypt called it Thebes. Modern tourism infrastructure. It's quieter than Cairo yet has bustling spots. Blockbuster attractions are nearby so that you can see more in less time.
Things To Do
Cairo
The Great Pyramids, the last ancient wonder, draw most visitors. Ancient Egypt's regal pyramids, temples, and causeways are awe-inspiring. The Sphinx is a short drive away. The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is one of Cairo's most prominent museums. The 160,000-piece artefact collection contextualizes the ruins.
Luxor
Luxor has the most archaeological sites along the Nile, including the pyramids. The Valley of the Kings is a desert cemetery with cliff-carved tombs. Most 18th, 19th, and 20th-dynasty pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were buried here. Karnak and Luxor Temples captivate. The former was built in 1400 B.C.E. to crown pharaohs. The Karnak Temple is a large complex of temples, obelisks, and sphinxes with a world-class Sound and Light spectacular every night.
Food and Drink
Egyptian food has been shaped by its geography and rulers—the Ottomans, French, and British. Cairo has a huge variety of superb cuisine, from street vendors to upscale restaurants. The city is full of fiteera, a pastry-topped Egyptian pizza. Try El Dawar. Order a few to share and peel off pieces to dip in milk, honey, or molasses-like the locals. Mixed meat barbecues over hot coals with spicy rice are popular. High-end, international restaurants provide excellent meals. Sachi, a Japanese fusion restaurant, and Le Deck, a floating restaurant with seasonal Egyptian market-inspired cuisine, are popular. Luxor has many traditional Egyptian foods. Sofra's dinners are inspirational. The rooftop patio of this 19th-century mansion serves fresh juice and well-prepared Egyptian classics. Luxor has many excellent bakeries. Sharia Ahmed Orabi has the greatest Twinky pastries in town. Luxor sleeps early, and few locations outside hotels sell booze.
Shopping
Cairo bazaars are famous. Avoid Khan al-group Khalili's excursions and head to downtown Cairo's street markets at Bab al-Luq as well as Sharia Tawfiqia. The Cairo's bird markets are interesting.
Sneaking into a souk is the greatest way to understand Luxor. You may experience true Egyptian life in technicolor away from tourists. Barter for everything from colourful spices as well as exotic fruit to ancient carpets and painted papyrus. Eighty kilometres from Valley of the Kings, Alabasta is mined. The Winter Palace's Aboudi Bookshop sells old newspapers, magazines, and postcards.
Hotels
Cairo has cheap hotels and guesthouses for a capital city. Even the Four Seasons charges less. The Kempinksi Nile Hotel has amazing Nile views. The spa, rooftop pool, and nightlife are five-star. The Four Seasons First Residence provides luxurious city centre accommodations beginning at £141. Budget travellers have several alternatives and may get private rooms for around 20 per night.
Most international hotel chains, including Sheraton, Hilton, and Mercure, are in Luxor. The Sofitel Winter Palace is a unique "Palace Hotels of the World" property. It is historic, built in 1886 on the Nile. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie.
Weather
Egypt is best visited in October–April when temperatures are milder. Summers are scorching from May to September. Cairo and Luxor have air conditioning, which makes viewing temples and pyramids difficult. If you don't mind the heat, Egypt's summer is low season, unlike much of Europe. Avoid Ramadan when some businesses, cafés, and restaurants close early.
