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Egypt Shopping, Culinary, and Accommodation

Africa

Shopping

Overview

Popular souvenirs include alabaster vases, old books, leather goods, carpets and ceramics. A well-known souvenir is the colorful Muski glass, which can be recognized by its air bubbles and has been mouth-blown in Cairo for centuries. Cairo has a lot to offer for shopping. Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s old bazaar, is a treasure trove of antique reproductions, jewelry, spices, copper and brass items, and Coptic fabrics. A visit to the spice bazaar is worthwhile, with its beguiling scent of cloves, coriander and cinnamon. The Perfume Bazaar is very close by. The more modern shopping malls and department stores are located in Tahir Square. In Alexandria you will find numerous antique dealers in the area around Sharia el-ʿAṭṭārīn, while the souk in Luxor is more of a tourist market where you can stroll around, especially in the evening hours. Most traders set their prices at random, so tourists are usually given a price that is far too high. Haggling is definitely advisable! Even with food and drinks, you should carefully check and compare the prices before buying (and consuming). In large department stores, the prices shown apply. while the souk in Luxor is more of a tourist market where you can stroll around, especially in the evening hours. Most traders set their prices at random, so tourists are usually given a price that is far too high. Haggling is definitely advisable! Even with food and drinks, you should carefully check and compare the prices before buying (and consuming). In large department stores, the prices shown apply. while the souk in Luxor is more of a tourist market where you can stroll around, especially in the evening hours. Most traders set their prices at random, so tourists are usually given a price that is far too high. Haggling is definitely advisable! Even with food and drinks, you should carefully check and compare the prices before buying (and consuming). In large department stores, the prices shown apply. so that tourists are usually quoted far too high a price. Haggling is definitely advisable! Even with food and drinks, you should carefully check and compare the prices before buying (and consuming). In large department stores, the prices shown apply. so that tourists are usually quoted far too high a price. Haggling is definitely advisable! Even with food and drinks, you should carefully check and compare the prices before buying (and consuming). In large department stores, the prices shown apply.

  • Searchforpublicschools: Offers schooling information of Egypt in each level – compulsory, technical and higher education programs.

Opening hours

Winter: Sat-Thurs 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Mon and Thurs until 8 p.m.; Summer: Sat-Thurs 09.00-12.30 and 16.00-20.00. Only shops with a tourism license are allowed to open after 10 p.m. Different opening times apply during the fasting month of Ramadan. Some shops close for Friday prayers, Christian-owned shops are sometimes closed on Sundays.

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Attention: tourists are occasionally offered real antiques, the export of which is strictly forbidden.

Nightlife

Introduction

As the sun goes down, Egypt’s streets come alive and people gather in the coffee shops and restaurants. In Cairo and Luxor, couples stroll arm in arm along the banks of the Nile while street vendors sell kebabs, tea and all manner of costume jewellery. The same can be found on the waterfront of Alexandria and Sharm el Sheikh. Here you can meet the locals, get an impression of the national atmosphere and share the joy of winning a football game. A major attraction – for both locals and foreigners – are the spectacular light and sound shows that take place at many of the country’s archaeological sites, such as the Sphinx of Giza, the Temple of Karnak or the Temple of Luxor. The best show of this kind can be seen at Abu Simbel’s rock temple, built in honor of Ramses II. The explanations are often given in a different language every evening, so it is important to clarify in advance on which evening a suitable language will be offered. Sophisticated nightclubs, discos and excellent restaurants can be found in Cairo and Alexandria. Similar entertainment is available in Luxor and Aswan. Some larger hotels and resorts have their own bars and nightclubs. Restaurants and bars must close at midnight at the latest. Only restaurants, discotheques and bars with a tourism license are allowed to stay open longer.

Culinary

Overview

Egyptian cuisine brings together some of the best flavors from African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Fresh fruits such as dates and olives, vegetables, meat and fresh fish are combined with aromatic herbs and spices to create colorful and flavorful dishes. Typically, a meal begins with a soup of legumes or beans, onions, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables, and lots of garlic or spices. The soup is served with flat bread, such as pita bread or aish (flat bread made with fenugreek seeds and cornmeal). This is followed by either a slow-cooked chicken, lamb or veal dish, or a fish stew with couscous or rice as a side dish. Typical specialties are e.g. B. Bean dishes (foul), kebabs and hummus (chickpea puree). Desserts are usually honey-soaked pastries filled with figs, dates and nuts, or mahallabiyaa (rice pudding) with rosewater and spices. Yoghurt with fruits, especially oranges, dates and figs, is also often eaten for dessert. Large hotel and small specialty restaurants can be found in all cities. Some restaurants in Cairo offer international dishes in addition to the excellent local cuisine. Although Egypt is an Islamic country, alcohol is served in good restaurants and cafeteria-style bars. However, catering establishments outside of the tourist centers do not have a license to serve alcohol.

Regional specialities

Ful Medames (broad beans with eggs) Baba Ghanoush (eggplant and sesame paste puree) Fuul (broad beans with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and spices) Stuffed grape leaves Temayya (falafel) Kebabs (skewered meat). Koshari (rice, lentil, noodle and tomato dish)

Useful information

Those who are invited to dine in a private house should consider it a special honor if they are served poultry, lamb or veal. Egyptians see meat dishes as a luxury. Pigeons are a delicacy and are prepared with great care only on special occasions, and the pigeons are often served with their heads on.

Tip

A service charge of 10-15% will be added to restaurant bills. Chambermaids, porters and other employees are happy about a small tip of the equivalent of 50 cents or 1 €. In the taxi, the price is rounded up.

Regional drinks

Besides strong coffee, the most popular drink in Egypt is tea, which is often flavored with mint or herbs. Other local drinks include: Kahwa (thick black coffee) Shay bil na’na’ (mint tea) Karkaday (bright red drink made from hibiscus flowers) Aswanli (dark beer produced in Aswan) Zibib (alcoholic drink made after anise tastes)

Minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages

In Egypt, you can drink alcohol from the age of 21.

Accommodation

Hotels

In the big cities there are inexpensive quality hotels, in winter it is advisable to book in advance. Smaller hotels are often very cheap. Most of the hotels belong to the Egyptian Hotel Association: 8 El Sad El Ali, Dokki, Giza, Cairo. Categories: 1-5 stars. Scope: Hotels affiliated with the Egyptian Hotel Association. Note: Hotel bills are plus tax and 12% service charge.

Camping

There are only a few official campsites, e.g. B. in Alexandria, El Alamein, Cairo, Luxor, Assiut, Suez, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Nueba and at St. Catherine’s Monastery. There are other options in Dahab, Ras Muhammed and Marsa Alam, but the sanitary facilities here are not always adequate. Wild camping is not permitted. More information from the tourist office (see addresses).

Other accommodation options

A total of 15 youth hostels are located in major cities and popular holiday regions. For more information contact the Tourist Office (see addresses) or the Egyptian Youth Hostels Association, 1 El-Ibrahamy Street, Garden City, Cairo. Tel: (02) 796 14 48. Web: www.hihostels.com)

Culture

Religion

90% Muslim (almost exclusively Sunni); 9% Christian minorities (including the Coptic Church) and a small Jewish community (1%).

Social Rules of Conduct

Manners: The Islamic influence is reflected in many customs. The people are polite and hospitable and expect similar respect from their guests. People shake hands to greet each other, with men only shaking a woman’s hand if she offers it to him. Clothing: Modest clothing is appropriate in many places, avoiding miniskirts, plunging necklines, etc. Arms and legs should always be covered when visiting a religious building, and women should cover their hair. Western clothing is accepted in all modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars in Cairo, Alexandria and other resorts. Official or social events and fancy restaurants require smarter attire. Swimwear belongs on the beach. Photography: There is a charge (E£7.50-15.00) for photography at many archaeological sites, although flash and tripods are not permitted. Photography has been banned in pyramids, museums and tombs since 2003. No cameras may be taken into the Valley of the Kings. Violators will be punished with high fines, and the camera may even be confiscated. People should be asked before being photographed. Some Muslims also refuse to be photographed for religious reasons. Smoking: There is no legal ban on smoking in Egypt, but some restaurants have separate smoking and non-smoking areas. Out of respect for the Muslim faith, one should not smoke in public before sunset during the fasting month of Ramadan. Tipping: A tip of 10-15% is expected in the restaurant. It should be presented discreetly in cash. Other service providers such as taxi drivers, chambermaids and porters also appreciate tips.

Climate

Best travel time

The climate varies from region to region, ranging from Mediterranean to desert climates.

The Mediterranean coast and the Nile Delta have a Mediterranean climate.

In Cairo, Central and Upper Egypt, the climate is arid, hot and dry in summer, dry in winter and warm during the day with cold nights. Hardly any precipitation except in the coastal areas. In April, the hot, dusty Khamsin desert wind blows. The summer months are very hot.

Alexandria, Cairo and the Mediterranean coast are popular destinations all year round. The best time to visit Upper Egypt is from autumn to spring.

Country data

Phone prefix

+20

Area (sq km)

1001450

Population

102,334,404 (Source: homosociety)

Population density (per square km)

88

Population statistics year

2020

Main emergency number

123

Egypt flag vs map