Cairo, Egypt

GETTING THERE: For simplicity, plan on hiring a car from your hotel.  They'll likely have some one meet you before you hit customs.  A visa will cost $15 USD and you can purchase just outside of immigration - they seem to take all currency.  The process can be confusing and happen very quickly, so be patient.  Driving is chaotic in Cairo, so leave this to a local.  You are best of having your hotel/destination arrange for cabs and agree on prices beforehand.  Plan on at least an hour to get to or from the center of Cairo to the airport (no matter what day or time).  Traffic is constant.  

LODGING:

• Conrad Hilton - set on the East bank of the Nile, about 2km from the center of town adjacent to the World Trade Center.  If touring visit the travel agency downstairs from the lobby rather then deal with the Concierge.  Pool and gym on 3rd floor.
• Four Seasons - highly recommended hotel in Cairo

RESTAURANTS:

• Sangria - highly recommended from locals 
• Locals als0 recommended the top floor of the Sofitel.  Egyptian food with beautiful views
• Maxim - dinner cruise on the Nile.  Leaves in front of the Marriott hotel
• Villa d'Este - 2nd floor of the Conrad hotel - good seafood in this Italian spot (pricey)
• Sultana - 2nd floor of Conrad hotel - price was typical of a hotel, but the food was very good Egyptian fare.  Live local Egyptian entertainment some nights.

ATTRACTIONS:

• Pyramids & Sphinx - about a 7-10km trip that will taken an hour to get there.  You are best off hiring a guide and telling them exactly what you want (tours, camel/horse rides, etc) - otherwise risk constant harassment from locals who make a living on tourists.  
• Egyptian Museum - largest collection in the world from Old, Middle and New Kingdoms. Large wing for Tutankhamoun.  No cameras inside, but you can check cameras/bags outside.   Approx 50 Eyptian Pounds.
• Cairo Citadel - contains Mosque of Mohamed Ali, built in the 12th century.  
• Khan El Khalily - oldest market in Cairo
• Ibn Toloun Mosque - 3rd largest in the world and considered the oldest in Cairo
• El Azhar Mosque - 1st mosque in modern Cairo and contains oldest university in the world.
• El Ghouria Mosque
• Suspended Church - located in Old Cairo
• Ben Ezzra Synagogue - oldest in Egypt
• Coptic Museum - remains of Babylon
• El Muayed Mosque
• Sultan Hussan Mosque 
• El Rifai Mosque 
• Nile River Cruise - try near the Four Seasons for better options.
• Cairo Tower - rotating restaurant probably only worth the views on a very clear day (rare) or to see the city at night.  You can get views atop the Citadel that are good on a clear day.

SHOPPING:

• Egypt Papyrus Museum - 98 Pyramids Road - Egypt: this is in striking distance of the Pyramids.  The "museum" will give you a neat 10 minute demo of how Papyrus was discovered and created.  From there you will be encouraged to purchase one of the art exhibits on the wall.  This is worth a 20-30 minute stop if you have the time.  If you don't intend on buying anything, just stick to your plan and walk out...  Don't worry about which museum you hit - they are relatively the same (content and price).  
• Markets: Khan El Khalily

JOURNALISM:

• Egypt Today - monthly magazine in many of the hotels
• Egypt Gazette - daily English paper