Should I visit Cairo or Luxor?
This is the question Egyptology enthusiast and TikToker Sam Mayfair says he gets asked “ten times a day.”
To answer, the traveler took out a video in which he explains that it is a battle of pyramids versus temples, agitation versus relaxation, old versus new (or rather, north versus south…
Read on for her verdict on both locations.
Which one would you like to visit the most? Vote in our poll.
CAIRO
Sam Mayfair, an Egyptology enthusiast and TikToker, produced a video answering the question: Should you visit Cairo or Luxor in Egypt? Pictured above, at the Giza pyramids complex near Cairo.
Sam told MailOnline Travel that Cairo (above) is “one of the most densely populated cities in the world”, adding that it is also extremely “fast-paced” and “never sleeps”.
Sam explains that Cairo is more crowded than Luxor and that you have to be careful of scammers.
But the historical attractions are older and the pyramid is the center.
Sam comments that “most of the pyramids you want to see are in Cairo.”
There are three main pyramids, all located within the Giza pyramid complex. It houses the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is over 4,500 years old and stands over 137 m (450 ft) tall, as well as the smaller Pyramid of Khafre (136 m/448 ft) and the Pyramid of Menkaure (60 m/200 ft).
Cairo can serve as a base for a trip to the Bent Pyramid, which is about an hour’s drive away. Sam is pictured exploring the interior of the structure.
The Step Pyramid of Saqqara is easily accessible from Cairo.
One of Cairo’s non-pyramidal attractions: the Cairo Citadel, a medieval fortification from the Islamic era
Interior of the 4th century Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Cairo
Cairo can also serve as a base for traveling to the pyramids at the Saqqara and Dahshur necropolises, both less than an hour’s drive from the city. Visitors can explore several ancient pyramids at these sites, such as the Step Pyramid of Zoser and the Bent Pyramid.
Visitors to Cairo can also see fascinating artifacts from the pyramid era, Sam notes, at the Egyptian museum.
Sam stresses that there are other wonders of the past in Cairo that are not related to the world of the pharaohs: there is “historical variety,” he says in his video, with Christian sites and Islamic attractions to discover.
These include the 4th-century Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus and the Cairo Citadel, a medieval fortification from the Islamic era.
What the postcards don’t convey is how hectic and bustling Cairo is, home to 22 million people in overcrowded conditions.
Sam told MailOnline Travel that Cairo is “one of the most densely populated cities in the world”, adding that it is also extremely “fast-paced” and “never sleeps”.
He described the traffic as “organized chaos” and said “everyone loves to honk their horn,” so a visit there requires “a little more planning.”
He said: “You can organise tours to go to different places, but there is always traffic and crowds to get through.”
Visitors should also maintain common sense.
Sam encountered scammers while visiting the Giza pyramid complex, as we previously reported, from scammers approaching on camels to scammers offering “gifts.”
But he said: “We don’t really have the same problems anywhere else (in Cairo).”
LUXOR
Sam explains that Luxor, which is 500 kilometres south of Cairo, is quieter and home to “beautiful temples and tombs”. Above is the entrance to the Karnak temple complex
Popular Luxor Temple complex, which was built between 1390 and 1353 BC.
Sam explains that Luxor, which is 313 miles south of Cairo, is quieter and home to “beautiful temples and tombs,” most of which are associated with Egypt’s New Kingdom period (1,550-1,070 BC).
On the temple front, the most famous site is the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest temple complex in the world, covering 200 acres and comprising a mix of temples, pylons, chapels and other historic buildings.
Another popular complex is the Luxor Temple, built between 1390 and 1353 BC and featuring large courtyards, statues and the Avenue of Sphinxes, which once connected the temple to the Karnak complex.
To suit your needs, the choice is virtually endless. There are hundreds of tombs to visit, though most will want to visit the Valley of the Kings. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt, and served as a royal burial place for pharaohs and high-ranking officials. The most notable tomb at the site is that of Tutankhamun.
A popular way to see Luxor’s attractions is via a Nile River cruise. The “beauty” of this, Sam says in his video, is that “everything is pretty much laid out and sorted for you.”
Most visitors will want to visit the Valley of the Kings (above). It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt. The most notable tomb there is that of Tutankhamun.
A popular way to see Luxor’s attractions is via a Nile River cruise.
The “beauty” of this, Sam says in his video, is that “everything is pretty much laid out and taken care of for you.”
He adds: “Every day you are transported in a relaxing way to a new place and you just get off the boat, go explore things and come back, usually to a bar or a meal.”
To complement this “relaxing” atmosphere, Sam told MailOnline Travel that people in Luxor are “more laid back” compared to those in Cairo.
CONCLUSION
Sam says both cities are “worth visiting” and notes that if you visit Egypt you’re likely to see Cairo anyway, as it’s a transit point for most travelers.
It’s all about how long you want to stay in each place.
If you can, Sam recommends spending a total of 10 days exploring both cities. But, he told MailOnline Travel: “You can’t see everything in that time, just the highlights.
“If you can’t fit everything in, you may need to decide what your top priorities are, what you want to see, and what parts of ancient Egypt you find interesting.”
When should you visit us?
Sam said: “I would personally avoid June, July and August due to the extreme heat.”
Are there any other Egyptian cities worth visiting?
Sam said: ‘Aswan, Egypt’s last major city in the south, is also an interesting place and is often one of the stops if you take a Nile River cruise.’
