re: Any recommendations for staying in Cairo, Egypt?

There's these 3 buildings that must be pretty safe since they've been there forever. The name of them escapes me

I went about 5 years ago. Actually had a pretty good time in Cairo. Try to stay around the hard rock. It's in the embassy district and obviously is a lot safer than other areas. There are security on almost every corner with machine guns.

But like others have said, very dirty. Very poor.

I did a 7 day Nile river cruise with my family when I was in 9th grade. I loved that trip. Being on a cruise really kept the riff raff away. Private excursions in every city/port, safe accommodations and great food.
We rode camels to the pyramids, the Egyptian museum was amazing, saw the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, etc. Ended up in Aswan and from there traveled to Abu Simbel to see the Temple of Ramses. It really was an awesome vacation.
Don't know if I'd have felt safe doing it without private tour guides then or now though.

Any local mosque. Wear gear that makes you stand out from the locals though.

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I want to make sure I can have a good time but stay safe. tia

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Been to Cairo dozens of time and always stay at the JW Marriott, never any trouble and the place is as "Western" as you are going to get in a hotel in the city.

Remember "western" = toilet paper, clean linens and the availability of a cold beer.

The middle east is not somewhere most would enjoy an "authentic" experience

I travel worldwide, this and the statedept.gov are my first checks before heading out.

LINK

LINK


Avoid Non-Essential Travel

It is advised to avoid non-essential travel to Egypt (except for Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor, and Aswan) due to the unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorist attacks. Please see below recommendations for Red Sea coast resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada and areas of Upper Egypt such as Luxor and Aswan.

The division of the Egyptian government which is responsible for ensuring public safety is not fully reconstituted. Until the civilian police force is fully restored, response to emergency requests for assistance or reports of crime may be delayed. An embassy’s ability to respond to its citizens’ emergencies is severely limited by these factors.

Civil unrest and demonstrations have been occurring in many parts of Egypt since January 23, 2011. Some have turned violent, and further demonstrations cannot be ruled out. Although the security situation is improving and most of the tourist areas and sites have reopened, the situation across Egypt remains unpredictable and less consistently safe than it was prior to these events. Foreigners should avoid road travel throughout Upper Egypt, the Sinai area, and Suez.

A nationwide curfew (from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.) remains in effect. Access to some areas may be restricted due to increased security measures and military presence on the streets. The Egyptian border with the Gaza Strip is temporarily open. Exit requests must be submitted to the applicable embassies.

Travelers should carry identification on their persons at all times. They are also advised to photocopy their passport and other identification in case of loss or seizure.

Travelers should be extremely vigilant, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local news reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.


Exercise a High Degree of Caution
Travelers should, at all times, exercise a high level of awareness with regards to their personal security when traveling to Red Sea coast resorts, such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada as well as to areas in Upper Egypt, such as Luxor and Aswan. These areas appear to be calm and safe, and many travelers are starting to return. Major tourist sites in these areas remain open; however police presence is noticeably reduced, and response to emergencies affecting travelers will be limited.

It is strongly recommended that travelers fly to these areas directly, rather than transiting through Cairo, as road travel is not recommended and there are reports of unsanctioned roadblocks.