Iconic view of the Great Sphinx and Giza Pyramids in Egypt under a clear blue sky.
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Why I Won’t Be Returning to Cairo — And What You Should Know Before Visiting Egypt

Bygarrettlanders Updated on

Cairo is one of those cities that looks spectacular in photos — ancient pyramids, sprawling markets, minarets at sunset. I arrived expecting history, culture, and maybe a little chaos. What I got was a full-blown sensory assault: toxic air, constant noise, endless scams, and pressure from locals that made it hard to breathe, let alone relax.

I spent two weeks in Egypt, with several days based in Cairo. This isn’t an angry rant or a warning to avoid the country. It’s just the truth. There were moments in Cairo that impressed me. But most of the time, I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and frustrated. And that’s coming from someone who’s traveled through some of the world’s more intense cities.

If you’re planning a trip to Cairo, or wondering whether it’s worth visiting, I want to give you the kind of honest breakdown I wish I’d read before going. Here’s what shocked me, what I learned the hard way, and why I don’t plan on going back.

What Shocked Me About Cairo

The Constant Noise and Chaos

Cairo is loud. That’s not surprising — it’s a city of over 20 million people — but the sheer scale of it still caught me off guard. Horns are constant. Lanes are suggestions. Traffic rules, if they exist, feel optional. Crossing the street is doable, but takes focus and patience, especially near major intersections.

Busy Cairo street scene with traffic, pedestrians, and market vendors all sharing the same space.
“This sums up the energy of Cairo perfectly — a swirling mix of traffic, noise, people, and vendors, all happening at once.

Sensory Overload on Every Street

Cairo hits fast — the smells, the movement, the noise, the crowds. You might walk through a cloud of grilling meat one moment and pass piles of trash the next. The air feels dense, especially in hotter months. It’s not dangerous, but it’s a lot.

I’ve dealt with sensory overload in other places, but Cairo reminded me most of Marrakech — that same sense of visual chaos and near-constant stimulation. If you’ve read about my experience there, you’ll know what I mean.

Crowded Cairo street scene with locals and tourists dining outdoors near traditional Egyptian buildings at sunset.

Scams and Small Hustles Are Common

Most scams in Cairo aren’t aggressive — they’re just constant. A taxi driver tells you the meter’s broken. Someone offers directions, then demands a tip. A “local guide” appears out of nowhere at a historic site, walks a few steps with you, and expects to be paid. It’s not dangerous, but it’s relentless.

After a couple of days, I started assuming that every offer came with strings attached. I stopped accepting help. I stopped making eye contact. Even when someone was being nice, I was already preparing for what they’d want from me. That’s not the mindset I like to travel with, but it felt like the only way to stay sane.

It wasn’t about being rude. It was about self-preservation. When every interaction feels like a transaction, trust disappears pretty quickly.

Camels resting near the Great Pyramid of Giza with vendors and tourists in the surrounding area.
The Pyramids are incredible — but the area around them is filled with persistent vendors, overpriced camel rides.

It’s Hard to Have Uninterrupted Moments

One of the most surprising things was how rarely I could just… exist. Even while sitting quietly in a park or walking with purpose, someone would approach. Sometimes they were kind, sometimes curious, sometimes trying to sell something — but the effect was the same. It broke any sense of stillness or flow.

By the end, I found myself walking faster, keeping my eyes down, and wearing headphones without music — not out of fear, just to reduce how much energy every outing required.

Silhouette of Cairo skyline and Cairo Tower at sunset, viewed over the Nile River with heavy traffic on a bridge.
Even in moments like this — a beautiful sunset over the Nile — Cairo doesn’t slow down. The traffic keeps moving, the noise carries, and the city never fully lets you breathe.

Is Cairo Worth Visiting? That Depends

Short answer? No. I wouldn’t recommend Cairo to most people.
Long answer? Yes — but only for a very specific kind of traveler.

I spent almost two full weeks in Egypt — and most of that time was in Cairo. I went to visit a friend who lives there, someone who knows the city inside and out. Even with that local advantage, I still found the city overwhelming. The pace, the pressure, the noise — it all adds up fast.

A Few Days Are Probably Enough

There are things in Cairo that are absolutely worth seeing. The pyramids, the museum, the skyline at sunset — no question. But those moments come at a cost. Getting to them means navigating constant traffic, scams, noise, and sensory overload. A few days might be worth it. Anything more feels like a stretch.

Where I’d Go Instead

After Cairo, I spent time in Alexandria, and it felt like a completely different country. The pace was slower, the air was cleaner, and I could actually walk around without being on high alert. It gave me a glimpse of what travel in Egypt could feel like — and honestly, I wish I’d gone there sooner.

If you’re looking for alternatives to Cairo’s chaos, I’d also recommend looking into Luxor and Aswan. I didn’t get the chance to visit them on this trip, but everything I’ve read — and heard from travelers I trust — points to a more balanced, culturally rich experience without the same level of overwhelm.

Cairo is one version of Egypt — but it’s not the one I’d return to.

Colorful boats docked at Alexandria harbor with a view of the historic Qaitbay Citadel in Egypt.
Alexandria felt like a breath of fresh air — slower, calmer, and more open. Watching the sun hit the Citadel from the harbor was exactly the kind of moment I couldn’t find in Cairo.

Cairo Travel Mistakes I Regret

I Stayed Too Long

Spending nearly my entire trip in Cairo was a mistake. Two or three days would’ve been enough to see the main sites and get a feel for the city. Instead, I stuck around hoping it would grow on me. It didn’t. The longer I stayed, the more drained I felt. Cairo doesn’t really let up — and extra time doesn’t make it any easier to navigate.

I Didn’t Prepare for the Visa-on-Arrival Mess

This was one of the most frustrating parts of the trip, and it happened before I even left the airport. I didn’t realize Egypt required a visa on arrival, and when I got there, I found out they only accepted cash in euros or U.S. dollars — not Egyptian pounds. I had brought local currency, but it wasn’t accepted. So I had to use the airport ATM, which charged ridiculous fees, just to withdraw a different currency… in cash… to pay for something no one properly explained. There were no signs, no guidance, and no way to do it online. Not a great first impression.

I Didn’t Expect Crossing the Street to Feel Like a Death Wish

I’ve traveled to more than 25 countries, and I’ve never had to navigate roads like this. There are no real crosswalks, no functioning stoplights, and no such thing as yielding to pedestrians. Every time I crossed the street, I felt like I was about to get hit. It wasn’t just stressful — it felt genuinely unsafe. I don’t know how locals do it.

Crowded Cairo street filled with cars, motorbikes, and pedestrians attempting to cross in heavy traffic.
Crossing the street in Cairo felt like playing live-action Frogger. No lights, no rules — just nerve. Here’s how it actually works.

What I Actually Liked in Cairo

The History Really Is Incredible

You can feel the weight of it everywhere — in the architecture, the artifacts, even the dust. Cairo is a place where modern life and ancient history are crammed right on top of each other. If you’re someone who loves old cities and historical depth, this part won’t disappoint.

The Pyramids Were Absolutely Worth It

Yes, they’re packed with tourists. Yes, the area around them is chaotic. But once you’re there — standing in front of structures that have existed for over 4,000 years — it really does hit you. Going inside the pyramids was one of the coolest travel moments I’ve had. It’s cramped and sweaty and awkward, but it’s also unforgettable.

Paying for a guided tour made a huge difference. I skipped the hassle, learned way more than I would’ve on my own, and got access to areas I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

A stunning view of the Great Pyramids of Giza against a clear blue sky in Egypt.

The (New) Egyptian Museum Was Genuinely Impressive

I visited the Grand Egyptian Museum, and it lived up to the hype. It’s clean, modern, and well-organized — a total contrast to the old museum. The collections are massive and beautifully displayed. If you like museums, this one’s worth the trip. Even if you don’t, it’s hard not to be impressed by what’s inside.

Interior of the Grand Egyptian Museum with tall ceilings, natural light, and ancient statues on display.
The Grand Egyptian Museum was a highlight — calm, clean, and beautifully designed. Easily one of the best-curated spaces I saw in Cairo.

I Had Some Seriously Good Food

The food scene in Cairo was better than I expected. From casual street eats to proper sit-down meals, I had some genuinely great dishes. Ful, falafel, grilled meats, fresh bread — simple but flavorful. I didn’t eat everything (let’s just say the street food didn’t always sit well), but when it was good, it was really good.

Traditional Egyptian dishes on an outdoor table, including pita bread, stuffed vine leaves, beans, and fried meats with fries.

Kayaking on the Nile Was Something Special

This was one of the few calm, quiet moments I found in Cairo — and one of the best. Paddling on the Nile just before sunset, with the city skyline behind me and the water surprisingly still, felt like a totally different side of Cairo. Peaceful, reflective, even beautiful. I didn’t expect that — and I’m glad I didn’t miss it.

Sailboat on the Nile River with the Cairo skyline and Cairo Tower in the background under a clear sky.

Cairo Travel FAQ

Is Cairo worth visiting?

Short answer: no, not for most people. Long answer: yes — if you know what you’re getting into, have limited expectations, and only stay a couple of days. There’s history, there are highlights, but Cairo makes you work for them.

How many days should you spend in Cairo?

Two to three days, max. That gives you time to see the pyramids, visit a museum, eat some good food, and move on before the city wears you down.

Is Cairo safe for tourists?

Physically, yes — I never felt in danger of violent crime. But scams are constant, crossing the street feels like a real risk, and you’ll need to stay mentally alert the whole time. It’s safe, but it’s not relaxing.

What should I know before arriving at Cairo Airport?

Egypt requires a visa on arrival — which has to be paid in cash, using euros or U.S. dollars only. Egyptian pounds aren’t accepted, and the airport ATM charges ridiculous fees. I brought local currency and still had to withdraw more. There were no signs, no staff helping, and no clear process. It was a disaster. Prepare in advance.

Can you walk around Cairo safely?

Technically, yes — but I wouldn’t call it walkable in the way most people expect. There are few crosswalks, almost no traffic control, and zero regard for pedestrians. Crossing the road felt genuinely unsafe every time.

What was your favorite experience in Cairo?

Going inside the pyramids. Totally worth it. Also kayaking on the Nile at sunset — peaceful, beautiful, and completely different from the rest of the city. If you can carve out a calm moment like that, do it.

Final Thoughts on Cairo

Cairo challenged me more than almost any place I’ve been. It’s loud, chaotic, overwhelming — and at times, unforgettable. I’m glad I went. I’m even more glad I left.

There are parts of the city that are absolutely worth seeing. The pyramids. The Nile. The history that hits you in the face. But Cairo doesn’t make it easy to enjoy those things. It asks for a lot of patience, and it doesn’t give much back unless you know how to navigate it — or you’ve built up a serious tolerance for travel chaos.

Would I recommend it? Maybe. Briefly. With caveats.
Would I go back? No.

If you’ve been to Cairo, I’d love to hear how your experience compares. And if you’re planning a trip and found this helpful, feel free to leave a comment or check out my upcoming post on Alexandria — which was a whole different story.

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