Anyone visited Cairo with kids

[noenergy]

Went and booked flights to Cairo on a slight whim as I would love to see the pyramids. Has anyone visited Cairo with kids? My 3 are 3,5 and 7. Thinking it may be too boring for them but it's booked now.

Would like to hear if anyone's experience of visiting there.

Will be going October half term so won't be scorching hot.

Cairo is great. We used to live there. Book a nice hotel with a pool and you will have fun.

Check if you feel comfortable travelling- www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

I didn't realise it was an at risk area, I thought it was just Sharm that was high risk and that's why there are no flights from the UK.

@UAEMum any suggestions of what area or hotel and any activities or must see sights.

Hmmm I really wouldn't go with small children. DH got a very lucrative contract in Cairo and decided to take it. He really wanted to see the pyramids so decided to go. He was robbed at gunpoint and smashed over the head with a gun. It's just not a place I'd willingly go with small children.

The driving over there is something else! You will be hassled at every opportunity to buy souvenirs, but should be ok with a guide. The big mosque is beautiful. Not sure if I'd like to take small kids inside the pyramids, it is claustrophobic and a bit of a scramble. You WILL get gippy tummies.

Yes....4 x DCs....all small at the time. The locals were fascinated with them. At the pyramids, one tried to walk off with my youngest. They hound you to buy things, generally give the DC whatever their wares are, and then demand money off the parent. Saying all of this tho - I absolutely bloody love the place...been several times. If you're careful, you should be fine. I'd recommend going on a pre-booked tour to the pyramids...not on ur own

If you are going mainly for the pyramids look at the mena house hotel.
There is the egyptian museum where you can see tutankhamun mask. The cairo tower is nice and is in a big park.
The khan al khalili is the big market place. That is crazy busy but fun.
I think go with the flow and enjoy the hustle and bustle.

Personally I wouldn't go to Cairo as much as I'd love to. We've been to Egypt a few times as the diving is spectacular. A couple of years ago we went to Luxor which was amazing but we were horrified at the lack of security at the airport, I have metal in my leg and the scanners didn't go off. Some of the best holidays we've had, just don't have the courage to go back. It's still going to be very hot in October. I'm sure you will have an amazing holiday all the same. As a PP said, book a private tour, don't even consider going without a guide. Take lots of hand sanitiser and use it frequently, especially after touching money.

Thanks UAEMUM for places to visit.

Seems to be the consensus that most of you don't think it's safe.

I've got a trip to Cairo with work coming up. I'd love to be able to take my children, but I'm wary due to security reasons. However, you have until October, so things could be better by then.

It is absolutely not safe. DH and I have both been to Egypt numerous times. We had always planned to do a nile cruise, pyramids, valley of the kings, etc when the DC were 12/13. We are not going until its safe again (which might mean we are not going in the foreseeable future).

I second looking into Mena House Hotel. It’s beautiful, there’s a pool and some of the rooms have a view of the Pyramids. The security is top notch. Allow them to book you a driver who speaks English. And enjoy your trip! Egyptians love children!

You should also check whether your travel insurance would be valid.

They say it's not safe. I been many many times, and lived there for a bit and taught in a nursery, a long time ago, admittedly.

They adore kids.

Where is safe? Turkey? Anywhere in Europe? Bombs and shooting and kidnapping in just about most tourist areas!!!

Once you get to grips with the souvenir hassling and driving etc and that everything is bookra-en-shalla = tomorrow God willing = you haven't got a cat in hells chance of anything being done quickly.

Then your'll be fine.

We have holidayed in Egypt (Hurghada) for the last few years (have been 5 times). We have flown up to Cairo twice, and taken a minibus to Luxor once. DD was 6, 8 and 11 respectively.

No trouble, no hassle (beyond the usual hawkers who leave you alone as long as you are polite but firm). Didn't feel unsafe at any time.

I don't actually like Cairo as a place to go, but felt it was something we 'had' to do. The pyramids are great but the Museum and Mosque are better. The Nile stinks and the traffic is horrendous.

It is worth it, but your 3 and 5 year olds will not get anything out of it (hence our return visit 2 years after the first one!)

I get that a lot of places are not safe, London, Barcelona, Berlin is etc have all had terrorist attacks. So it's hard to find where is safe.

@exLtEveDallas, it was because of the pyramids that we thought it was a must see, we are actually flying into Hurghada first for 5 days, then onto Cairo for 4 days. How is Hurghada compared to Cairo for kids?

Hurghada is ace. We have stayed at the Jungle Aqua Park, the Dana Beach and the Jaz Aquamarine. We've also stayed at the Jaz Aquaviva in Makadi Bay and this year we are off to the Sunrise Royal Makadi.

The JAP is wonderful for children. The Animation team is fab, there is a dedicated 'little kids' aquapark and the main Aqua Park is huge. There is a playground, kids entertainment area and kids club. It's not on the beach but you can get transport (5 mins) to the sister hotel Dana Beach. The beach isn't great though.

You can walk to Sheraton Street for shopping/souvenirs, or catch a little 'train'. The 'train' also goes to the Senzo Mall if you want serious shopping!

Makadi Bay is about 30-40 mins outside Hurghada and is quieter. Both hotels above have waterparks and are really geared around children. 10 mins walk to a little 'village' with shops/bars/restaurants etc (and plenty of other hotels). It feels more family orientated than Hurghada centre and the beach is lovely.

Hope that helps :)

I have booked Serenity Fun City in Makadi Bay because of the waterpark and funfair.

Was a bit worried it is far from everything but the kids will be well occupied.

DH and I visited the Pyramids, many years ago, I wouldn’t go again and personally I wouldn’t take children. Sorry OP, not what you were hoping to hear. Wishing you a safe trip if you decide to go.

It will also still be pretty hot in october. 30 degrees dragging 3/5/7 YOs round the pyramids is bonkers IMO.

Just seen this thread and I'm getting even more nervous about going to Egypt this September.....we are a family of 5 never been and staying sentido mamlouk in hurghada.....would u say it's safe to go and the area in general? I would of rather gone to Spain but got out voted

Seemed to sound pretty safe to me from Tripadvisor forum that's why I booked it. But very different opinions and experiences on here.

It’s very safe. We were there in January. Loved Cairo. Top tip is use Uber, don’t hail cabs. Get a Egypt sim if necessary. Uber is safe, cheaper and new cars.

Take a guided tour to the pyramids and Cairo museum. Khan el khaki on your own is fine. The big mosques are amazing. The Coptic quarter is also fabulous quiet and safe. You could let the kids run in the streets there.