tourist guide to egypt

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Egypt is the oldest tourist destination on earth. Ancient Greeks and Romans started the trend, coming to goggle at the cyclopean scale of the Pyramids and the Colossi of Thebes. During colonial times, Napoleon and the British looted Egypt’s treasures to fill their national museums, sparking off a trickle of Grand Tourists that eventually became a flood of travellers, taken on Nile cruises and Egyptological lectures by the enterprising Thomas Cook.

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The Best of Egypt

Explore the history and culture of Egypt and its ancient rulers on this trip throughout the country. Start and end in Cairo and make your way down to Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Instead of domestic flights, you will hop on luxurious sleeper trains for your journey.

Cairo & a luxurious Dahabieh sailing cruise

Explore Egypt at a leisurely pace on board a dahabieh, a traditional sailing ship. In Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, and in Giza, the pyramids; cruise to world-renowned sites alongside lesser-known treasures, such as Luxor’s tombs, el Kab and Gebel Silsileh’s Temple of Horemheb.

A Nile Cruise in Egypt

Experience Cairo with the pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian museum before flying to Luxor to board your Nile cruise. Highlights include Karnak temple, Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut temple and an optional visit to Abu Simbel. Spend your last night in fascinating Cairo.

Five Star Egypt

A tour through the ancient wonders of Giza, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Start and end your trip in beautiful Cairo, exploring the surroundings before heading down to Aswan: you will spend four nights on a luxurious Nile cruise ship, discovering ancient sites such as Abu Simbel.

An introduction to Egypt

Marvel at the pyramids in Giza, explore busy Cairo, sleep on a luxurious sleeper train and explore more temples close to Luxor. This itinerary is fast-paced, with several nights in Cairo at the beginning and end, enabling you to see many fascinating sights in Egypt.

Today, the most popular places to visit are not only the monuments of the Nile Valley and the souks, mosques and madrassas of Islamic Cairo, but also fantastic coral reefs and tropical fish, dunes, ancient fortresses, monasteries and prehistoric rock art.

The land itself is a freak of nature, its lifeblood the River Nile. From the Sudanese border to the shores of the Mediterranean, the Nile Valley and its Delta are flanked by arid wastes, the latter as empty as the former are teeming with people. This stark duality between fertility and desolation is fundamental to Egypt’s character and has shaped its development since prehistoric times, imparting continuity to diverse cultures and peoples over seven millennia. It is a sense of permanence and timelessness that is buttressed by religion , which pervades every aspect of life. Although the pagan cults of ancient Egypt are as moribund as its legacy of mummies and temples, their ancient fertility rites and processions of boats still hold their place in the celebrations of Islam and Christianity.

The result is a multi-layered culture , which seems to accord equal respect to ancient and modern. The peasants of the Nile and the Bedouin tribes of the desert live much as their ancestors did a thousand years ago. Other communities include the Nubians of the far south, and the Coptic Christians, who trace their ancestry back to pharaonic times. What unites them is a love of their homeland, extended family ties, dignity, warmth and hospitality towards strangers. Though most visitors are drawn to Egypt by its monuments, the enduring memory is likely to be of its people and their way of life.

Egypt’s capital, Cairo, is a seething megalopolis whose chief sightseeing appeal lies in its bazaars and medieval mosques, though there is scarcely less fascination in its juxtapositions of medieval and modern life, the city’s fortified gates, villas and skyscrapers interwoven by flyovers whose traffic may be halted by donkey carts. The immensity and diversity of this “Mother of Cities” is as staggering as anything you’ll encounter in Egypt. Just outside Cairo are the first of the pyramids that range across the desert to the edge of the Fayoum, among them the unsurpassable trio at Giza, the vast necropolis of Saqqara and the pyramids at Dahshur. Besides all this, there are superb museums devoted to Ancient, Coptic and Islamic Egypt, and enough entertainment to occupy weeks of your time.

However, the principal tourist lure remains, as ever, the Nile Valley, with its ancient monuments and timeless river vistas – Nile cruises on a luxury vessel or a felucca sailboat being a great way to combine the two. The town of Luxor is synonymous with the magnificent temples of Karnak and the Theban Necropolis, which includes the Valley of the Kings where Tutankhamun and other pharaohs were buried. Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, has the loveliest setting on the Nile and a languorous ambience. From here, you can visit the island Philae temple of Isis and the rock-hewn colossi at Abu Simbel, or embark on a cruise to other temples around Lake Nasser. Other sites not to be missed are Edfu and Kom Ombo, between Luxor and Aswan, and Abydos and Dendara, north of Luxor.

Besides monuments, Egypt abounds in natural wonders. Edged by coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, the Sinai Peninsula offers superb diving and snorkelling, and palm-fringed beaches where women can swim unmolested. Resorts along the Gulf of Aqaba are varied enough to suit everyone, whether you’re into the upmarket hotels of Sharm el-Sheikh, nearby Na’ama Bay or Taba further north, or cheap, simple living at Dahab and Nuweiba. From there it’s easy to visit St Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai (where Moses received the Ten Commandments) in the mountainous interior. With more time, cash and stamina, you can also embark on jeep safaris or camel treks to remote oases and spectacular wadis.

Egypt’s Red Sea Coast has more reefs further offshore, with snorkelling and diving traditionally centred around Hurghada, while barely touched island reefs from Port Safaga down to Marsa Alam beckon serious diving enthusiasts. Inland, the mountainous Eastern Desert harbours the Coptic monasteries of St Paul and St Anthony, Roman quarries, and a host of pharaonic and prehistoric rock art, seen by few apart from the nomadic Bedouin.

While the Eastern Desert is still barely touched by tourism, the Western Desert Oases have been on the tourist trail for forty years and nowadays host safaris into the wilderness. Siwa, out towards the Libyan border, has a unique culture and history, limpid pools and bags of charm. Travellers can also follow the “Great Desert Circuit” (starting from Cairo, Luxor or Assyut) through the four “inner” oases – though Bahariya and Farafra hold the most appeal, with the lovely White Desert between them, the larger oases of Dakhla and Kharga also have their rewards once you escape their modernized “capitals”. And for those into serious desert expeditions, there’s the challenge of exploring the Great Sand Sea or the remote wadis of the Gilf Kebir, whose prehistoric rock art featured in the film The English Patient. In contrast to these deep-desert locations are the quasi-oases of the Fayoum and Wadi Natrun, featuring the fossil-strewn Valley of the Whales, diverse ancient ruins and Coptic monasteries.

On the Mediterranean, Egypt’s second city, Alexandria, boasts a string of beaches to which Cairenes flock in summer, and excellent seafood restaurants. Despite being founded by Alexander the Great and lost to the Romans by Cleopatra, the city today betrays little of its ancient glory; however, its magnificent new library, featuring statues raised from the sunken remains of Cleopatra’s Palace, and the Lighthouse of Pharos (which divers can explore) are restoring an air of majesty. Famous, too, for its decadence during colonial times, Alexandria still allows romantics to indulge in a nostalgic exploration of the city immortalized in Durrell’s Alexandria Quartet, while further along the Mediterranean coast is the World War II battlefield of El-Alamein. For divers, the waters off Alexandria offer an array of sunken cities and wartime wrecks to explore.

The Nile Delta, east of Alexandria, musters few archeological monuments given its major role in ancient Egyptian history, and is largely overlooked by tourists. However, for those interested in Egyptian culture, the Delta hosts colourful religious festivals at Tanta, Zagazig and other towns. Further east lies the Canal Zone, dominated by the Suez Canal and its three cities: Suez is grim, but a vital transport nexus between Cairo, Sinai and the Red Sea Coast; Port Said and Ismailiya are pleasant, albeit sleepy places, where you can get a feel of “real Egypt” without tripping over other tourists.

Top image © Marcelo Alex/Shutterstock

Discover more places in Egypt

• The Western Desert Oases
• The Nile Valley, Egypt
• Abu Simbel Temples, Egypt
• Saqqara, Egypt
• Mount Sinai, Egypt
• Abydos, Egypt
• Siwa Oasis, Egypt
• Dahab, Egypt

Egypt is one of the best diving destinations in the world. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba are rich in sea life and home to a wonderful array of dive sites, with plenty of options for both novices and experts alike: remarkably preserved World War II wrecks, coral reefs filled with dolphins, rainbow-coloured anemone gardens, and shallow bays visited by turtles are just a few of the sites you can explore. The Sinai and Red Sea Coast chapters have detailed information on dive sites and recommended dive companies, as well as tips on safety and environmental issues.

The Red Sea’s stable climate, shallow tides and exceptionally high salinity provide perfect conditions for unusually brilliant corals and sponges – a revelation if you have previously dived in such places as Hawaii or the Caribbean, whose reefs will forever after seem dull by comparison. Created by generations of miniscule polyps depositing their limestone exoskeletons on the remains of their ancestors, coral reefs can grow by 4–5cm a year. Beside hard corals such as brain and fire coral, which have a rigid outer skeleton, the Red Sea hosts an abundance of soft corals , including whip coral and sea fans. Because most types of coral need a moderate amount of warm sunlight to flourish, the most spectacular formations are found within 30m of the surface.

Most Red Sea reefs are of the fringing type, with a shallow lagoon just offshore, whose warm water and rubble-strewn bottom attracts starfish and sea slugs. Clams and sea urchins hide in crevices, and schools of damselfish and butterflyfish flit about. Its seaward boundary is the reef flat, whose crest is usually a barren, rough-surfaced shelf, while deeper areas are rich in flora and fauna. Beyond is a coral-encrusted slope, leading to a drop-off like the edge of a cliff. Flatter areas may be dotted with coral pillars or knolls. Lower down, the coral is sparser, and you may find sandy terraces overgrown with seagrass, sustaining sea horses and pipefish. Beyond the drop-off lies open water.

Some of the Red Sea’s most colourful and endearing species are easy to spot in the shallows , where the sunlight is brightest. Among the commonest are beak-mouthed parrotfish and exotic-looking pennantfish, whose long dorsal fins end in filaments.

Wherever stinging anemones cling to the reef, you’ll see clownfish (or anemone fish). Angelfish are usually found close to the coral, while clouds of gold and vermillion anthias gather around coral heads and fans. Slopes and fore reefs are the habitat of snappers, goatfish and wrasses (the largest of these, the Napoleon Wrasse, can dwarf a person).

In deeper waters you may see sharks, including whitetip reef sharks, grey reef sharks and (occasionally) scalloped hammerheads. Spotted reef stingrays are often seen on the sandy bottom of the sea. Turtles are among the most thrilling species to encounter underwater; the Red Sea has several species, including green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Dolphin encounters are possible too, and those lucky enough to come across a pod of bottlenose or spinner dolphins on a dive are likely to count it among the highlights of their trip.

• The Arab Republic of Egypt covers 1,001,450 square kilometres, but 96.4 percent of that is desert . Only the Nile Valley, its Delta and some oases are fertile.

• Egypt’s population of 83.7 million is over twice that of the next most populous Arab country (Algeria) and a quarter of the population of the Arab world. 71 percent of Egyptians are literate. Average life expectancy is 73 years.

• Islam is the biggest religion, and some ninety percent of Egyptians are Muslim; most of the rest are Coptic Christians , with a small number of other Christians, and a tiny but ancient Jewish community.

• All Egyptians speak Arabic , but there are other Egyptian languages too: Nubian , related to the Nilotic languages of East Africa, is spoken around Aswan and Lake Nasser; Siwi , a Berber language like those of Morocco and Algeria, is spoken in Siwa Oasis; and Coptic , which is derived from ancient Egyptian, is used in church services, but not otherwise.

• Since the monarchy was ousted in 1952, Egypt has been a republic , ruled by a succession of military strongmen up until the 2011 revolution that overthrew Hosni Mubarak. Elections in 2012 resulted in an Islamist government under President Mohammed Morsi . The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party is the largest in parliament, followed by the Salafist Al-Nour party, the liberal Wafd party and Egyptian Bloc.

• Tourism has long been Egypt’s biggest money-earner, followed by tolls on the Suez Canal, and exports of oil, petroleum products, natural gas, cotton and textiles. Over forty percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and the economy would collapse without $2 billion a year in financial and food-aid from the US.

Travel advice for Egypt

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Egypt

• Eating and drinking in Egypt
• Getting around Egypt: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Egypt for planning and on the go
• Culture and Etiquette in Egypt
• How to get to Egypt
• Shopping tips for Egypt
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Egypt
• Travelling with children in Egypt
• Best time to visit Egypt

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.05.2021

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A land of contrasts  encompassing breathtaking desert scenery, the majestic  River Nile  and awe-inspiring ancient world wonders, Egypt attracts millions of visitors each year, offering them a  journey through history .

Egypt Travel Guide

• General information
• What to see
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• What to Eat

Why visit Egypt?

Considered the birthplace of civilization, Egypt is a unique country: a destination full of magic and history  that offers its visitors an unforgettable experience.

Immerse yourself in a  passionate fusion of adventure, culture, and mystery . Get swept away by the  hustle and bustle of Cairo ; lose yourself amongst colossal temples ; scuba dive in the Red Sea ; enjoy the peace of a cruise on the Nile and contemplate the majestic Pyramids , before treating yourself to delicious Egyptian cuisine.

Before traveling

When planning a trip to Egypt, the first decision to make is whether you want to travel there independently or go on an escorted tour . We'll help you decide with this handy guide about the pros and cons of both options.

Worried about traveling to Egypt?

If you'd like to visit Egypt but you're worried about it being dangerous, have a read of our top tips  and  travel safety advice guides.

top activities

3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor No trip to Egypt would be complete without a cruise on the Nile, the most memorable experience on a memorable trip. This 3 day cruise goes from Aswan to Luxor.

Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery Experience sunrise from Mount Sinai : one of the most sacred places in Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike and see the oldest Christian Monastery in use.

Whirling Dervish Show + Dinner Enjoy a traditional show in the Egyptian capital, with this dance of the famous Whirling Dervishes. An unforgettable night, topped off with a delicious dinner.

Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan Embark on a 4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan , for an enchanting Egyptian adventure. Explore iconic temples and sail through the wonders of the Nile River !

On this quad tour around the pyramids of Giza, we'll discover one of the most remarkable places in the world . Ready to speed through the desert?

On this tour, we'll visit the iconic pyramids of Giza , the Great Sphinx , the Khan Al-Khalili Market and the Egyptian Museum and the main attractions of Cairo .

Best of Egypt: 8 Day All Inclusive Tour Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan... see all the unmissable sights in Egypt in 8 days . The best way to really discover the land of the Pharaohs!

Egypt 11 Day All-Inclusive Tour This 11-day package includes  the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Philae Temple, the Edfu Temple , a cruise on the Nile , and relaxing on the shores of the Red Sea .

Pyramids of Giza, Memphis and Saqqara Go back 5,000 years to the land of the pharaohs on this excursion to the Giza pyramids, the Saqqara necropolis and Memphis , once the capital of the country.

Complete Cairo Tour with Tickets Explore Cairo's historic centre , touring its unmissable locations: the Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan el-Khalili market, and Egyptian Museum.

Temple of Philae Sound & Light Show Experience the captivating history of Egypt through a unique sound and light show at the Temple of Philae  that will leave you spellbound.

Excursion to Alexandria The cultural legacy of Alexandria can be seen in all of its monuments and archaeological sites. Delve into the past with this excursion from Cairo .

Enjoy a leisurely felucca ride along the River Nile and discover Aswan's largest island: Elephantine Island . Its landscapes will captivate you!

White Canyon & Ain Khunra 4x4 Tour Discover the breathtaking White Canyon of Sinai with this 4x4 tour and relax by the palm trees at the Ain Khudra Oasis . You'll love it!

Dinner and Night Show at the Giza Pyramids Enjoy a spectacle filled with light & sound at the Giza pyramids, one of the ancient wonders of the world . Complete your evening with a traditional dinner!

Complete Guided Tour of Luxor Embark on a fascinating journey through Ancient Egypt with our comprehensive Luxor tour . Discover the rich history of Luxor as we explore its must-see sites.

Nile Cruise with Dinner and Show Want to try something different? On this cruise down the River Nile , you'll be seduced by the best views of Cairo lit up by night, and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Excursion to Abu Simbel On this excursion,  visit the astonishing temples of Abu Simbel , the only monuments in Egypt that can hold a candle to the grandiosity of the 3 pyramids of Giza.

Abydos and Dendera Temple Excursion On this excursion we'll leave Luxor behind, making our way to Abydos and Dendera, two cities on the banks of the Nile where fascinating temples can be found .

Guided Tour of Luxor and Karnak Temples On this tour, we'll visit two of the most spectacular temples in Egypt, the Luxor Temple, and Karnak , separated by the 3-kilometer long Avenue of the Sphinxes.

2 Day Abu Simbel Excursion See the temples of Abu Simbel on a two-day tour, and be fascinated by the majesty by night. Ancient Egypt in all its splendour!

Luxor Hot Air Balloon Float over the thousand-year-old Luxor temples as the sun rises, so you'll get a bird's eye view of these majestic remains of the time of the pharaohs. 

Red Sea Beginners Scuba Diving On our beginners scuba diving activity, you'll admire the seabed of the Red Sea. Whether you're a beginner or a pro diver already, you'll have a blast!

Giftun Island Snorkelling Be seduced by the exotic Red Sea, contemplating the coral reefs and the colourful fish of Giftun Island, one of the best snorkel spots in Egypt .

Make the most of your time in Egypt, vist one of the most fun areas on the Red Sea on this boat trip to Orange Bay : enjoy snorkelling and other water sports !

Looking for a great day out in Hurghada? Don't miss this  Jungle Aqua Park Trip , the perfect way to cool off and enjoy the fun of a water park!

Enjoy incredible views of the Red Sea in a unique way: parasailing in Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most fun water activities in this lively beach area! 

Guided Tour of the Coptic Neighborhood The Coptic neighborhood of Cairo , the Christian part of the city, plays host to a great historic & monumental heritage. Explore it with this guided tour.

Excursion to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza See the pyramids of Khufu, Khafra & Menkaure - a must-see in Egypt. The archaeological complex at Giza, will surprise you from the moment you arrive!

Guided Tour of Hurghada Feel the history of Hurghada with this guided tour where you'll see monuments such as the spectacular Grand Mosque and the Coptic Church of Hurghada .

Desert Safari and Bedouin Dinner Exploring the beautiful Egyptian scenery on a 4x4 vehicle with this Desert Safari and Bedouin Dinner. You'll have the chance to sample a traditional dinner.

Neverland Nights Show Discover one of the most popular shows in the Middle East at the Neverland Nights show in Alf Leila We Leila Palace - an unforgettable evening!

Turtles, sharks, and manta rays await you at  Hurghada Grand Aquarium . Don't miss visiting this exhibition, also known as the  Red Sea in Glass , on your trip!

Swim with Dolphins in Hurghada Swim with friendly dolphins in the warm waters of the Red Sea and ride a banana boat with this boat trip from Hurghada ! You'll have a blast!

Day Trip to the Pyramids of Giza + Egyptian Museum Discover one of the Wonders of the Ancient World on this day trip to the pyramids of Giza by plane . We'll also visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo !

Desert Safari and Snorkel in the Blue Hole Enjoy an unforgettable safari in the Egyptian desert with this unforgettable experience. We'll also go  snorkelling in the Blue Hole !

Snorkel in the Ras Mohamed National Park Fauna, flora, and spectacular landscapes come together in the Ras Mohamed National Park, one of Egypt's environmental jewels. Go snorkelling off its coast.

Guided Tour of Alexandria Discover the extraordinary historical heritage of this city founded by Alexander the Great , where Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures mix.

Historic Tour of the Fatimid Caliphate's Cairo Discover some of the most famous and most incredible places and monuments in Cairo, places that leave the traditional tours behind .

Day Trip to the Suez Canal At the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia , the famous Suez Canal is one of Egypt's greatest engineering marvels. Discover it with this excursion from Cairo.

Red Sea Day Trip On this excursion we'll leave the immense Egyptian Capital behind for  Ain Sokhna, a beach town found on the west coast of the Red Sea , near the Suez Canal.

Looking for adrenaline-inducing water sports? Experience the Red Sea in a whole new way enjoying this  flyboarding activity in Hurghada !

Day Trip to Abu Simbel by Plane Ramses II left behind one of Egypt's great monumental complexes for posterity: the temples of Abu Simbel . Decode their secrets on this excursion. 

Excursion to the Fayoum Oasis Head south from Cairo and you'll find one of the most incredible natural spaces in Egypt: the Fayoum Oasis . Discover where history and nature meet.

Day Trip to Petra Feel like Indiana Jones in ' The Last Crusade ' with this day trip to Petra , the Jordanian city which was once the capital of the Nabataeans .

Sinai Desert Trip with Dinner and Show Explore the sands of Sinai with us on this excursion where you can also enjoy an authentic spectacle and Bedouin dinner .

Wadi El Natrun Monasteries and El Alamein Trip Discover the monastic complex of Wadi El Natrun and the location of the famous battle of El Alamein when you take our fantastic trip from Cairo.

Horseback Riding in Hurghada Join us as we cross exotic beaches and vast deserts on this horseback ride through Hurghada , one of the most popular destinations on the Red Sea coast .

Escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life in Hurghada on this tour:  explore the ghost city of Umm el Howeitat on a jeep safari and quad bike tour !

Explore the most fun beaches in Egypt with your family and friends on this  Orange Bay Speedboat Trip . Spend a morning sunbathing and swimming in the Red Sea!

Karnak Temple Light Show ​Embark on a journey to the past sure to leave you gobsmacked , with this light and sound show projected onto the Karnak temple.

Nile River Kayaking Tour On this Nile kayaking tour, we'll paddle the sacred river of Ancient Egypt as it passes through Cairo we'll see the old city from a different perspective !

Glass Bottomed Boat Tour Admire the wonders of the submarine depths on this glass bottomed boat tour . We'll sail the waters of the Red Sea in search of incredible marine wildlife.

Nubian Village Day Trip Cross the River Nile on a traditional felucca, to discover the most authentic village in Egypt , Gharb Soheil, where you can see the daily life of the Nubians .

Ancient Egypt Nile Tour Join us on a boat tour along the legendary Nile River , exploring the Valley of the Princes , Kitchener Island, and Sehel Island, home to the  Famine Stela .

Valley of the Nobles, Medinet Habu and Deir el-Medina Discover some of the best conserved funeral monuments of the New Kingdom on this tour, visiting the burial site of Ramses III and the necropolis.

See the Red Sea from a unique perspective with this  parasailing experience in Hurghada . Enjoy the adrenaline rush of flying over its crystal-clear waters!

Spend a day feeling like a pirate on this cruise in Orange Bay  from Hurghada. Sail the waters of the Red Sea, snorkel, and visit a paradise beach.

Discover the natural landscapes around Hurghada in the most fun way: explore the desert on this  quad bike and dune buggy safari ​! What are you waiting for?

Kalabasha, Beit El-Wali and Kertassi Temples Visit three very different temples : from Roman-era Kalabasha, to rock-carved mausoleums like Beit El-Wali, which dates from the time of Ramses II.

On this submarine tour in Hurghada, we'll enjoy the depths of the Red Sea . The coastline of this Egyptian city is home to a rich variety of fish and reefs.

Menia 2 Day Tour Become and Egyptologist for a day as you discover all the ancient treasures of the city of Menia on this fantastic 2-day tour from Cairo !

Cairo Food Tour Dive into the vibrant streets of Cairo and uncover the rich flavors of the Egyptian capital  on this food tour that will tantalize your taste buds.

Cruise and Snorkelling on Tiran Island Fancy a dip in the warm waters of the Red Sea? Try snorkelling off the wild island of Tiran , and enjoy a unique experience in an Egyptian diving paradise.

Luxor Museum and Museum of Mummification Guided Tour On this tour, we'll visit the Luxor Museum & the Museum of Mummification ,   two of the most important and most visited museums in Egypt .

On this guided tour of the Temple of Karnak , we'll explore this sanctuary dedicated to Amun , which was the main center of worship in Ancient Egypt .

Sunset Felucca Trip to Banana Island On this excursion from Luxor , we'll enjoy a felucca ride down the Nile River towards Banana Island , where we'll explore the island's many fruit plantations!

Breathtaking  landscapes of the Red Sea await on this horseback ride through Sharm el-Sheikh . We'll stop at a Bedouin camp for tea in the middle of the desert .

Private Tour to Luxor by Plane Join us on a  private tour from Sharm El Sheikh to Luxor , complete with airfare and entrance fees to the Valley of the Kings , Karnak , and Hatshepsut temples .

Night Tour of Sharm El-Sheikh On this night tour of Sharm El-Sheikh, you'll  discover the magic of this beautiful Egyptian city located between the Sinai Peninsula desert and the Red Sea .

On this tour of Luxor , we'll explore the old capital of ancient Egypt aboard a horse-drawn carriage , one of the typical means of transportation in the country!

Sharm El-Naga Snorkel Trip Spend a day making the most of Egypt's beautiful beaches with this Sharm El-Naga Snorkel Trip from Hurghada . Discover the marine wildlife of the Red Sea! 

Spend an unforgettable day in one of the most famous bays on Giftun Island. Snorkel, enjoy a banana boat ride and swim among coral reefs on Paradise Island .

Grand Egyptian Museum Tour If you're passionate about the Pharaonic culture , then you can't miss this tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum . You'll have a blast!

Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples Tour Why was Horus one of the most fascinating Ancient Egyptian deities? Discover sacred secrets on this guided tour of the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo .

Night Tour of Al-Azhar Park & Dinner Discover one of the 60 largest parks in the world on this night tour of Al-Azhar Park and enjoy a delicious Egyptian dinner!

Disconnect from the world and forget the stresses of everyday life on a trip to the  Turkish Bath in Hurghada . Enjoying a massage at a hammam  is a must-do!

4-Day El-Fayoum Oasis, White Desert, and Bahariya Oasis Tour Embark on a  4-day private tour , leaving the bustling city of Cairo to immerse yourself in the wonders of the White Desert , Fayoum , Oasis , and Bahariya Oasis .

Utopia Island Excursion Crystalline waters, golden beaches, coral reefs, exotic fish... delight your senses with a unique experience, on this excursion to Utopia Island on the Red Sea.

Sinbad Aqua Park Excursion Toboggans, water attractions and endless surprises are waiting for you at the thrilling Sinbad Water Park ! It's fun for all the family.

El Gouna Boat Trip & Water Activities On our unforgettable El Gouna Boat Trip from Hurghada , we'll explore the Venice of Egypt. Get ready to see dolphins, go banana boating, and snorkel!

Red Sea 8-Day All-Inclusive Tour From exploring the Egyptian desert to snorkelling in the Red Sea : make the most of your trip to Hurghada on this all-inclusive 8-day tour package.

5-Day Siwa Oasis Private Tour Embark on a 5-day private tour from Cairo and travel into the desert to see a unique part of Egypt . The Siwa Oasis, Shali, ancient towns, and Temples await us!

White Desert & Bahariya Oasis Private Day Trip On this private day trip to the White Desert and Bahariya Oasis from Cairo, we'll see stunning limestone formations and much more!

Desert Quad Tour + Bedouin Dinner Discover the magical Egyptian desert by quad bike with this Desert Quad Tour + Bedouin Dinner. Enjoy an unforgettable and traditional experience.

Edfu & Kom Ombo Day Trip Intricately carved reliefs, mummified crocodiles and a unique double sanctuary: discover the Ancient Egyptian temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo .

White Desert & Bahariya Oasis 2 or 3-Day Private Tour On this private 2 or 3-day tour of the White Desert and the Bahariya Oasis , you'll witness the stunning Egyptian landscapes accompanied by a tour guide.

Aswan Dam, Philae Temple, and The Unfinished Obelisk On this tour, we'll see the greatness of humankind's achievements across history : the beautiful Philae temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan Dam.

Valley of the Kings and Queens, Colossus and Hatshepsut Tour On this excursion we'll visit the most famous necropolis in ancient Thebes, where you can find the tombs of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II and Set I

Sinai Desert Quad bike Tour Discover the reds, purples, oranges and ochres at sunrise and sunset in the Egyptian desert . Head straight for adventure with this quad bike excursion!

Night tour of Cairo with Dinner Explore the Khan el-Khalili market and the city's most charming streets on this night tour, finishing with dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Day Trip to Petra by Plane Travel to Jordan by plane, and discover the remains of Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabataeans , along with the mysteries of this architectural jewel.

Luxor Tour & Valley of the Kings and Queens The wonders   of Ancient Egypt await you on this tour to Luxor . Plus, complete the experience with a visit to the Valley of the Kings and Queens .

If you'd like to meet some of the friendlist residents of the Red Sea, you'll love our  Abu Dabbab National Park Tour  from Hurghada.

5-Day Cruise on Lake Nasser Make the most of your time in Egypt visiting its spectacular ancient temples on this  five day cruise on Lake Nasser ​from Aswan .

4-Day Lake Nasser Cruise Experience the magic of a 4-day cruise on Lake Nasser with everything included, the perfect way to immerse yourself in the treasures of Ancient Egypt .

Egypt + Lake Nasser Tour Package: 11 Days Enjoy a cruise on the Nile and Lake Nasser with this all-inclusive  Egypt + Lake Nasser Tour Package lasting 11 Days. Visit the Giza pyramids and Luxor Temples.

Egypt Tour Package: 15 Days All-Inclusive Embark on a 15-day all-inclusive tour exploring bucket-list Egyptian sights , from Cairo to the Red Sea paradise of Hurghada , with this Egypt Tour Package .

The best Egypt travel guide

This travel guide explains what others don't. Learn everything you could possibly need for your trip to Egypt : if it's safe, how to haggle, and how much you should pay for things, amongst much more. The guide is written simply - by travelers, for travelers .

The information and practical data found in this guide are correct as of  January 2023 . If you find any errors or see anything we need to change, please contact us .

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14 things to know before you go to Egypt

Sep 5, 2024 • 9 min read

Plan the perfect trip to Egypt with these essential tips on etiquette, health and safety. Grant Faint/Getty Images

Egypt ’s rich history reverberates through its modern-day culture. There’s plenty to do that will engage all your senses, from majestic ancient sights to lively streets rife with aromatic foods, and the vibrant and eclectic nightlife.

To fully indulge in all the excitement, there are some things you should consider, including the country’s cultural traditions. But worry not: this guide to planning and packing along with tips on health, safety and etiquette will help you have the best experience in Egypt.

1. Consider getting your visa in advance

Bags in one hand and paperwork in the other is all many travelers need to get on a plane and fly to Egypt. If you’re eligible , you can get a renewable single-entry tourist visa on arrival for USD$25, valid for 30 days. However, if you’re missing any documents or if there’s a problem processing your visa on arrival, you may be denied entry.

If you prefer a multiple-entry visa or want to avoid lines at the airport, you can apply for an e-Visa through the official government portal before travel to avoid any entry issues or delays.

2. Prepare a rough itinerary

There’s so much more to Egypt than the pyramids, and planning ahead will help you avoid a logistical nightmare. Plan your days by area (especially in major cities where traffic is both intense and unpredictable) so it’s easier to move around between locations.

If you’re a beach lover , there are plenty of destinations on the North Coast or Naama Bay for diving or snorkeling trips. If you’re an avid explorer and prefer something off the beaten track , Egypt’s lesser-known gems – like the stunning Siwa Oasis  – are absolutely worth the adventure.

Egypt truly caters to every kind of traveler, and the best way to create a personalized experience is to focus on what’s important to you and plan accordingly.

3. Learn some basic Arabic phrases

Whipping out Google Translate for quick questions about directions can be helpful, but organic responses to basic niceties will prove useful. 

Most Egyptians are eager to help when asked, but you might need to tie up a few odds and ends in Arabic with unilingual locals. They also come in handy if you need to fend off hustlers or persistent merchants. Learning a few words and phrases like “ al salam alaykom ” (hello), “ shukran ” (thank you), “ aywa ” (yes), “ la’a ” (no), and “ ma’ al-salama ” (goodbye) will go a long way.

4. Don’t underestimate Egypt’s weather – both hot and cold 

Sunscreen is key if you don’t want to spend the better half of your vacation huddled up with ice packs. This is especially true if you’re visiting during the summer, but holds up throughout the year.

July is the hottest month, with temperatures ranging anywhere from 34.7°C (94.5°F) to a scorching 43.3°C (109.9°F). Yet, despite its year-round sunny skies, Egypt’s overall desert climate makes winters especially cold – the kind of cold that creeps beneath your clothes and gives you chills right down to your bones.

It doesn’t help that the poorly insulated buildings barely keep the freezing weather at bay, so you have to talk yourself into going outside because it’s warmer outdoors than it is indoors. Temperatures drop as low as 10°C (50°F) at times, so if you’re visiting between October and March , make sure to pack some warm clothes along with your sunscreen. 

5. Pack for the heat, but keep it conservative

Egypt is known for its cotton, and what better place to wear cotton than here. Pack airy breathable clothes, and break out all the pastels and bright colors in your closet. Most people in major cities dress casually and embrace comfort over fashion. But remember that Egypt is a country with primarily conservative locals.

You can’t go wrong with loose clothing, and exposing too much skin is generally frowned upon. Men can sport tank tops if they’re comfortable with a few extra stares, but short shorts are not advisable, and women should avoid low-cut tops, short shorts/skirts or revealing dresses.

Beach destinations bend these unspoken rules, however, and locals are accommodating to visitors, so if you're heading for the beach, you don't need to leave all your shorts and sundresses behind.

6. Keep transportation in mind when booking accommodation

While booking your lodgings, look into modes of transportation in the surrounding area. If you’re planning a short time in your destination, opt for lodgings central to the sights on your itinerary or close to a metro station so you don’t waste too much time stuck in traffic. If you’ve got more time, you can opt for something a little less central, but remember that you could spend a chunk of your time traveling. 

Cairo and Giza are mostly accessible using the metro system, and if you’re a female traveler we recommend you seek out the carriages reserved for women.

Some destinations will require further planning, and white taxis and Uber rides are your best bet. If you opt for a white taxi, always make sure the meter’s running before you hop in, and hail it a few meters away from your hotel for a cheaper ride. Avoid taxis that don’t use meters and aren’t very tourist-friendly. 

Long-distance buses and domestic flights are an option too, depending on your budget.

7. Be mindful of your etiquette at religious and historic sites

It’s important to not just dress appropriately but to also be mindful of local etiquette especially at certain sights.

Visiting a mosque? Take off your shoes before entering and, if you’re female, cover your head. 

At a historic site? Don’t touch the antiquities and always use cameras without the flash.

On the beach? Yes you can sport your best swimsuit and relax, but like every place in the world, there’s always a code of conduct. Be observant and if in doubt, do what the locals do.

Photography tips: Taking photos at tourist sites is fine, but don’t photograph people without their consent, and don't take photos where it is explicitly prohibited.

8. Avoid public displays of affection

We’ve established that Egypt leans toward conservative, and this extends to public displays of affection. While holding hands with your partner won’t garner much attention, limit your public physical interactions to what would be considered mild and proper. 

Platonic kisses on the cheek are a common greeting between friends in Egypt but, depending on your surroundings, should be limited to members of the same sex.

9. Bring small bills and be prepared to tip

Tipping in Egypt is still standard practice, especially in the service industry. Tips, or baksheesh , can range from 5 EGP (<$0.50) to 100 EGP ($5.50), depending on who you are paying and where.

Egypt is largely cash-oriented, so pick up both large and small bills when you’re exchanging currency to make payments and tipping easier.

Restaurants and cafes are easier to figure out, with 10% to 15% of the bill being customary, and loose change is the norm for food purchases from street vendors. Higher tips are usually reserved for people who provide you with long-term services, such as drivers and tour guides. While you’re not required to tip delivery services, taxis, and ride-hailing apps, given the poor wages of gig-economy workers, many people do tip generously. 

10. Haggling for souvenirs is part of the experience

From papyrus papers and traditional souvenirs to carefully crafted silverware and hand-painted ceramics, markets in Egypt are a treasure trove. But if you feel like something is overpriced, don’t shy away from haggling.

While vendors aren’t particularly fond of the back-and-forth, it’s all part of the experience and no matter what you pay in the end you can convince yourself it was a great deal.

Don’t attempt to haggle in bigger shops in or outside tourist attractions, and if there’s an official price posted on the product, it’s usually non-negotiable.

Pro tip: Keep your eyes and ears open and gauge the price range of similar items in nearby stores so you can tell if you’re being overcharged. Haggling is mainly confined to souvenir spots, souqs (markets) and less formal selling areas. 

11. Don't drink the tap water and beware of food carts

To dodge any stomach bugs that might ruin your Egyptian adventure, avoid drinking tap water unless it’s filtered, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Pack a good water-filtering system or do like the locals and use bottled water. 

While Egyptian cuisine is one of the country’s best assets, and the temptation to sample it every chance you get is understandable, some carts improperly store their food. It can be difficult to tell as a visitor, so it may be wise to opt for local shops instead. They often offer similar food but are generally safer to indulge to your heart’s content.

12. Flood season is June to September

Flooding is an issue in Egypt in June to September, but it’s usually mild and mostly limited to some coastal areas. It’s always a good idea to activate news alerts on your phone anyway and keep an eye on the local news.

The floods are usually easy to manage, but roads can be impacted, especially in some areas in South Sinai.

13. Solo female travelers may receive unwanted attention

If you’re a woman traveling on your own , keep an eye out for harassers, scammers and hustlers who may be pushy and persistent. Confident interactions are often key to driving them away, but calling out for assistance or announcing you’ll involve the police can be a good deterrent as well. 

As a rule of thumb, try to avoid interactions with individuals in suspicious settings, like quiet alleyways, dark street corners, and empty spots, and look for crowds with women and children if you feel unsafe. Never get into a taxi or Uber with anyone but the driver. Ride in the carriages reserved for women on the metro in Cairo. And, as is sadly the case in most of the world, avoid walking alone late at night.

14. Tourist police can assist you in an emergency 

Egypt is generally considered safe to visit, but if you face any issues that you believe require law enforcement interference, look for police officers with a tourism police badge on their shoulders – it’s a navy blue half sleeve with a gold eagle in the middle, and “Tourism and Antiquities Police” written at the bottom. They are stationed at every tourist destination in Egypt and can also be reached by dialing 126 from any Egyptian mobile number.

If you’d rather file a complaint later, you can dial 19654 and communicate directly with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It's also a good idea to keep the number of your home embassy or consulate handy.

Pro tip: Invest in an Egyptian SIM card upon arrival. They’re cheap and will make local interactions much easier for you. Vodafone, Etisalat, Orange and WE are Egypt’s top mobile service providers; you can find their booths in the final hall on your way out of Cairo International Airport. 

This article was first published Jul 23, 2022 and updated Sep 5, 2024.

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A Snob’s Guide to Egypt

You can’t fully escape the crowds descending on Egypt now. But, as always, there are strategies…

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Egypt gives us what no other country can: the chance to see up close, in situ, the astonishing creative impulses of the world’s most long-lived ancient civilization. If it’s your first time, you’ll want to concentrate on the historic must-sees. They are scattered the length of Egypt, mostly in the narrow band along the banks of the Nile. The classic itinerary is Cairo–Aswan–Nile cruise–Luxor, then back to Cairo. (The order of Aswan and Luxor can be switched, depending on which cruise you take.)

But Egypt has not been standing still. There are new museums. There is a fever of excavations, with new sites opening to visitors and others restored. And there are off-the-beaten-path places to explore, including the newly accessible Sahara oases (the desert makes up about 95 percent of Egypt’s territory and is another world). All that, however, requires that you extend your trip beyond the usual 10 to 12 days—or, unimaginably, skip one of the classic stops. Want a full day at the Old Kingdom necropolis of Sakkara, to see the new finds? You’ll need a third day in Cairo. Ditto if you’re a rider and want to spend an afternoon galloping on an Arabian horse around Sakkara and Giza.

The rarely visited but fascinating temples of Dendera (see page 61) and Abydos require a daytrip from Luxor. All this you should work out with a specialist travel adviser. Because no great Egyptian trip is ever DIY: Transportation (planes, cars, boats) needs to be seamlessly arranged, tickets need to be purchased and lines at museums and monuments negotiated, the best hotel rooms booked, and the services of top Egyptologist guides secured (not friends of the hotel concierge). I lived in Egypt, have traveled there multiple times, and still rely on James Berkeley of Destinations & Adventures International , who loves and knows Egypt intimately ([email protected]). As for timing, I’d say, counterintuitively, go in May, June, or early July. If you can tolerate the heat (or build in midday pooltime), it’s your best chance of seeing the monuments without hundreds of other people—the real holy grail of Egyptian travel. My other recommendations follow.

You need at least two days in Cairo, more if you can. To stay, I recommend the Four Seasons Nile Plaza , the Ritz-Carlton , and, if you don't mind a slightly more four-star place, the Marriott on Cairo's central, formerly chi-chi Zamalek Island, where I always stay; I like its convenient location, its Suez-Canal-related history, and most of all its large back garden and buzzy outdoor cafe, where tout le Caire still seems to congregate over hookahs and mighty strong G&Ts.

Devote the first day to pharaonic Egypt: the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx in the morning, followed by the Memphis Museum and a walkabout of the vast funerary complex of Sakkara . On day two you’re in medieval Islamic Cairo: two mosques (the renowned Al-Azhar and the magnificently severe Ibn ­Tulun ), the Citadel (begun by Saladin to defend Cairo from the Crusaders), and an end-of-day meander (with shopping) around the Khan el-­Khalili market —part tourist trap, part real thing. A third day can be some combination of the below:

Two museums: The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization , where the mummies now reside, and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, a.k.a., GEM (which is not officially open but is partially accessible, for a range of high fees—and worth it).

A full day at Sakkara: See the pyramid of Unas and its exceptionally fine carvings of funerary texts; the mind-bending Serapeum , where mummies of the sacred Apis bulls were buried in giant sarcophagi; and the king’s burial chamber tunnels beneath Djoser’s newly stabilized Step Pyramid ; you can now gaze straight down at his sarcophagus. End the day at the rarely visited three main pyramids of Dahshur (the Red, Black, and Bent), seven miles south of Sakkara. This is what you want in Egypt: to see something no one else is seeing, alone with ancientness.

For $3,000 you can spend time alone in Sakkara's colorful, newly discovered tomb of Wahtye, a high-ranking priest from the 25th century BC—who possibly stole the tomb from his brother.

An early morning flight from Cairo to Aswan and a short connecting flight to Abu Simbel, near Egypt’s border with Sudan, puts you face to face with as great a play for immortality (and ancient geopolitical power) as the pyramids of Giza. Contemplate Ramses II’s two staggering temples , then board the short early after­noon flight back to Aswan and the luxuries of Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel , with its ghosts of Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, and many others—and the most perfect view of the Nile.

Aswan was always a frontier town, the last bastion of pharaonic religion, centered on the powerful cult of Isis worship in the temple of Philae . See the temple (it’s a tourist magnet, so go at dawn if possible), but even early travelers came here less for the antiquities than for the city’s tranquil “Nice of the Nile” beauty. Your next two days should include, between bouts of lounging, St. Simeon’s Monastery , in the desert on the opposite bank (the ancient Christian wreck has an oddly powerful aura); the elegant, eye-opening pink granite Nubian Museum (which presents the history and culture of Egypt’s ancient southern neighbor); Elephantine Island , a nexus of caravan routes from across Africa where you’ll arrive by felucca (an Aswan must); and a walk atop the ­Unfinished Obelisk , a fascinating ancient failure. Reputedly commissioned by the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, it would have been the world’s largest by far, but it developed fatal cracks. Its bottom end is still attached to the rock bed, workers’ marks still visible.

Foodie trove in the Aswan market: This small, manageable bazaar, which has rebounded in recent years, has the freshest, most varied spices procured directly from all over Africa. Stock up.

This is the mother lode of Egyptian antiquities, the country’s ceremonial capital for millennia. Stay at the grand but tatty Sofitel Winter Palace , overlooking the Nile on the east bank, or the boutiquey, just reno­vated Al Moudira , amid farmland on the west bank. Musts on the east bank, site of the ceremonial temples: the Karnak complex , the largest place of worship in the ancient world, and Luxor Temple . On the west bank, site of mortuary temples and tombs, get advance special entrance tickets (fewer visitors) for a handful of the best pharaonic tombs in the valleys of the kings and queens —especially those of Ramses VI, Nefertari, and Seti I. See the stunning Deir el-Bahri , mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, at dawn, as crowds truly interfere with sightlines. The Tombs of the Nobles offer a glimpse of how nonroyals lived and died. The temples of Medinet Habu and the Ramesseum are much less crowded; the shattered remains of Ramses II’s colossal statue in the latter are a reminder of how man’s best-laid plans can come to naught.

Avenue of the Sphinxes: It took 70 years to restore this ancient road, originally lined with 1,057 sphinxes and ram-headed statues, and you can now walk its entire 1.7 miles, from Karnak to Luxor Temple.

Temple of Khnum, Esna: The long-overlooked temple of the ram-­headed god, 35 miles south of Luxor, where most dahabiya cruises (see below) start, got a pharaonic face-lift; its columns now burst with their original colors.

Luxor Temple is already resplendently lit at night. Now imagine a private dinner amid the forest of giant columns in its Hypostyle Hall. Jim Berkeley of DAI can arrange it for you.

Nile Cruise

Do not, under any circumstances, be talked out of a Nile cruise in Upper Egypt. I resisted for a long time, but once I succumbed I found out what I’d been missing. You can cruise on a largish ship, with amenities like a plunge pool and spacious cabins (best choices would be Oberoi’s Zahra and Philae , or Egyptian-owned Historia ). Or, my preference: a traditional, flat-bottomed, two-masted dahabiya, with only eight to 12 cabins. Small cabins and bathrooms don’t matter, because you’re luxuriating on deck most of the time anyway, Agatha Christie–style, your hair blowing in the wind, a G&T in your hand, watching eternal Egypt pass by.

Consider one from chic Nour el Nil , which operates seven dahabiyas (the new Roman is the roomiest), or Zekrayaat , operated by Nile Dahabiya , or one from Lazuli Voyages . If you want total privacy, do a charter-only dahabiya, such as Zein Chateau , operated by A&K offshoot Sanctuary . Most commonly dahabiyas leave from Esna, south of Luxor, and sail four days upstream to Aswan. You can also board in Aswan and sail downstream, north to Esna—a shorter, 3-day voyage because of Nile currents. (How much time you spend on the boat will also determine in which order you visit Aswan and Luxor.) All ships stop at the temples of Kom Ombo and of Horus , at Edfu. But what only a dahabiya can offer is the ability to nose up to a pretty stretch of Nile shoreline and set up an impromptu picnic, after which you can walk to a nearby village where there are absolutely no other tourists.

Kazazian Cruises : It’s the striking new charter-only entrant in the Nile dahabiya competition. Their first boat can sleep 18, has a plunge pool on deck (as few others do), and has sleek all-white interiors.

Western Desert

Time in the desert gives any trip to Egypt an extra dimension. A vast region from west of the Nile to the Libyan border was closed for five years, because of instability in Libya, and only reopened recently. Fayoum oasis is just 69 miles southwest of Cairo, but it feels a world away: lush vegetation, waterfalls, a blue lake, rich birdlife (it’s on the migratory route between Africa and Europe). Fifty miles farther out is the Valley of Whales : gigantic fossils of whales and sharks from 40 million to 50 million years ago, when the Sahara was beneath the sea. (You will likely be alone.) Stay at the charming 16-suite Lazib Inn Resort & Spa , owned by a former VP of Four Seasons hotels.

Siwa oasis and its 40-room Adrère Amellal ecolodge , the inspired project of Cairo environmentalist and aesthete Mounir Neamatalla, require a 90-minute flight from Cairo or an eight-hour desert drive (which, believe it or not, has its charms). It is Egypt’s remotest oasis, a tropical garden of date palms, olive trees, and donkey carts, more than 200 freshwater springs, some hot, with the Great Sand Sea all around—the mammoth dunes of every Arabian fantasy, into which you can ride or drive. Visit the ruins of the temple of Amun , where Alexander the Great consulted the oracle in 331 BC after assuming the mantle of pharaoh, and the Mountain of the Dead , the startlingly beautiful graves of Siwa’s citizens going back to Greco-Roman times. Or just breathe, bathe, swim, and consume Adrère Amellal’s splendid organic meals—served at night by the light of hundreds of candles.

There is not more glamorous takeover than Adrere Amellal. You'll need a solar charger for your phone, but you can say you've done the "Sahara roller coaster" and slept where King Charles did.

This story appears in the Summer 2023 issue of Town & Country. SUBSCRIBE NOW

Klara Glowczewska is the Executive Travel Editor of Town & Country , covering topics related to travel specifically (places, itineraries, hotels, trends) and broadly (conservation, culture, adventure), and was previously the Editor in Chief of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. 

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Say “Egypt” and most people think of pharaohs, mummies, and age-old pyramids. The country isn’t just temples and tombs, though. Immerse yourself in the noise and color of urban bedlam, then come up for air on a lonely desert dune or upon the palm-fringed banks of the Nile. Haggle with vendors in a maze-like souk, then sit quietly in a tranquil mosque or Coptic church and observe centuries-old rituals that still resonate in modern life. Go beyond the monumental glory of the pharaohs and you’ll discover a true Egyptian experience.

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Photo by givaga/Shutterstock

Can’t miss things to do in Egypt

Egypt’s ancient rulers competed to outdo each other by scattering a cache of lofty temples across the land. The Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s Karnak and Valley of the Kings, and Ramses II’s grandiose pat-on-the-back at Abu Simbel are the highlights of the pharaohs’ marvelous architectural achievements, but factor time during your visit to explore smaller relics such as the Kom Ombo and Philae temples as well. When temple fatigue sets in, replenish energy levels by discovering Egypt’s natural wonders. More ancient than any pyramid, this nation’s jagged mountain peaks, sinuous Nile, and empty desert expanses are superlative reminders that manmade treasures are only a part of Egypt’s bountiful beauty.

Food and drink to try in Egypt

Egyptian cuisine is infused with fresh and hearty flavors, with influences from the North Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. This is comfort food at its best: non-fussy, wholesome dishes where seasonal produce plays the starring role. Restaurant menus generally feature kebabs (grilled meat on a skewer) with simple meze-style plates of crispy salads and dips. Heavier specialties include mahshi (stuffed vegetables) and fatteh (chicken or beef with rice and bread, all immersed in a garlic sauce), and the more adventurous hamam (pigeon) and molokhia (a glutinous mallow-leaf stew).

Culture in Egypt

Egyptians are a boisterous, pragmatic people with a sharp sense of humor used to shrug off the hardships of life. Traditional culture and religion still play a prominent role in society, and close-knit family ties are at the heart of daily life. Although conservative in values, you’ll find Egyptians anything but insular. This is a nation that adores having fun and any excuse is used for a celebration. Not known for being stand-offish, and rightly proud of their history, a booming ahlan wa sahlan (“Hello and welcome!”) followed by invitations for tea and a chat are extended to all visitors. Accept those on-the-spot offers and you’ll experience warm and effervescent Egyptian hospitality at its best.

Put your haggling hat on and get ready for an adventure. The souk is the quintessential Egyptian shopping experience where you can unearth everything from tawdry plastic pyramids to antiques. The wares at these markets have no fixed prices; the final sum depends upon your haggling skills. But keep in mind: Haggling for your treasure isn’t supposed to be about beating the shopkeeper down to the lowest price possible. It should be light-hearted and fun. For the best souk action in Egypt, head to Cairo’s Khan al-Khalili, whose winding lanes are crammed with textiles, copper workers, perfume, and a bewildering array of kitsch souvenirs. If you’re searching for antiques, look for bargains in Alexandria’s Souk Attareen.

Practical Information

Egypt’s summer (Jun–Aug) is stifling and best avoided unless you enjoy searing temperatures. Spring (Mar–May) and fall (Sep–Nov) are more manageable heat-wise, but winter (Dec–Feb), with its pleasantly warm, sunny weather, is when most choose to visit. Visas are required; most nationalities can buy one upon arrival. Most international flights land at Cairo (CAI) but there are also services direct to Alexandria’s Burg al-Arab (HBE), Luxor (LXR), and Sharm al-Sheikh (SSH). The bus network is extensive. The train is useful for journeys between Cairo and Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan), and to Alexandria. The language is Egyptian Arabic; the currency is the Egyptian pound, pronounced “guinea.” Electricity is 220 volts with European 2-pin sockets.

Guide Editor

Jessica Lee is a travel writer who specialises in the Middle East, Turkey, and North Africa. She likes deserts and mountains, and is on a constant quest to find the perfect hummus.

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Egypt Travel Guide

Your ultimate egypt travel guide, with tips, things to do, and best things to see in egypt. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Egypt.  The Land of the Pharaohs  and one of the world’s greatest civilizations, with its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies, and pyramids.

It is filled with iconic landmarks and remarkable landscapes. It has a rich history, strong culture and it boasts world-class diving, incredible beaches, and exciting nightlife. 

Egypt really does have it all. 

This Egypt travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular Guides

• White Desert
• Places to Visit
• Temples of Egypt

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Egypt

• Power: Egyptian power voltage is 220 V 50Hz;  Plug C & F
• Currency: The Egyptian currency is the Egyptian pound and is around 7 EGP to 1 USD
• Egyptian laws towards alcohol are quite liberal, except for the month of Ramadan when alcohol is strictly forbidden
• Egypt has a reasonably modern telephone service including three GSM mobile service providers: Mobinil, Vodafone, and Etisalat. It is possible to purchase tourist mobile phone lines for your trip, which usually will cost around 30 EGP.
• Random fact:  More than 90% of Egypt consists of desert
• SIM Cards: You can get a local sim card from Vodafone or Orange in Cairo. We suggest getting a SIM card at the airport when you arrive.

Things to See and Do in Egypt

• See all the amazing Temples of Egypt
• Scuba dive in the Red Sea – Egypt has some of the best diving in the world where avid scuba divers can get up close and personal with hammerhead sharks, colorful coral, and wrecks.
• Alexandria  – the pyramids and tombs aren’t the only ancient monuments in Egypt, the trolleys of Alexandria are one of the country’s historical treasures, dating back to 1860.
• Explore Egypt’s Red Pyramid, Inside and Out  – The Red Pyramid is the 4th largest pyramid in all of Egypt and is located just 40 km outside of Cairo.
• Visit the White Desert  – this national park is best known for its chalk rock formations that look strikingly like snow strewn across the desert.

Egypt Travel Guides

• Everything You Need to Know About Alexandria, Egypt
• Amazing Places to Visit in Egypt
• The Red Pyramid of Egypt – Experience it Inside and Out
• Slow Travel Guide to Cairo
• 10 Amazing Temples of Egypt – That We’ve Seen

Accommodation

Budget: You can find hostels and budget hotels in the range of 100-260 Egyptian Pounds per night. The hostels come with private or dorm-styled rooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast, storage lockers, and great city locations. 

Mid-Range: For mid-range, expect to pay around 330-1,500 Egyptian Pounds per night. Enjoy private rooms with a television, room service, a hotel restaurant and bar, free breakfast, and a fitness center. 

High-End: For luxury hotels, expect to pay around 1,500- 8,000 Egyptian Pounds per night. Take in the best with fine dining options, rooms and suites with balconies and dining rooms, spa services, outdoor pools with lounge areas, and refined hotel bars.

Egyptian cuisine favors fruit, vegetables, rice, and legumes as staples. Kushari (rice, lentils, chickpeas, and macaroni) is a favorite dish in Egypt, as is Kofta (minced lamb).

When out and about, look for full beans (often put in a sandwich) or mahshi (rice-stuffed peppers) .. You can also head to a sit-down restaurant to sample more authentic Egyptian cuisine. In total, expect to pay around 100 Egyptian Pounds per day for food.

The Best Ways to Get Around Egypt

Getting to Egypt: The main airport to fly into is the Cairo International Airport, located 13.7 miles from the city center of Cairo. Alexandria also has its own international airport (4.3 miles from the city center). Hurghada International Airport is another busy one, but it is mainly for European flights. You can check for the best flights to Egypt on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : Buses are one way to get around, though they tend to be slower than other means of transportation. A typical fare is 1.50-2.50 Egyptian Pounds.

Metro: Cairo has its own metro system, with tickets costing just 1 Egyptian Pound and operating daily from 5:30 AM to midnight.   

Taxis: Taxis are metered and have a starting fee of 7 Egyptian Pounds and increase about 5 Egyptian Pounds per mile traveled, though these prices can vary. Knowing Arabic can help with negotiations for prices or for getting to and from destinations.

Car Rental:   To rent a car, you need to be at least 25 years old and have both a U.S. driver’s license and an International Driving Permit. Note that it is not recommended to drive unless you really know the roads, as they are more hectic than in the US. Prices start at around 800 Egyptian Pounds for drivers 25 and over.

Uber: Uber is available in Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Mansoura, Tanta, and Damanhour.

When to go to Egypt

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April. During these months, temperatures are lower (highs of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit), which makes going to the pyramids or other outdoor activities more pleasant.

If you are looking to avoid some of the crowds, go before or after December and January, as this is Egypt’s peak tourist season and hotel rates will also be at their highest.

Where to Stay in Egypt

Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo : Stay at this four-star hotel in downtown Cairo. See views of the Nile River from your room while enjoying in-room minibars and flat-screen TVs, two saunas, an outdoor pool and hot tub, the hotel restaurant that serves international cuisine, and the fitness center. Kids 12 and under stay free with a parent. 

Grand Pyramids : Just a short walk from the Giza Pyramids (so close you can see them from your room), this popular hotel in Giza comes with rooms with flat-screen TVs and balconies, multiple hotel restaurants serving Italian and international cuisines, a spa, a kid’s pool plus an outdoor pool and heated indoor pool, and a gym. 

Paradise Inn Beach Resort Maamoura : Relax at this great resort in Alexandria. Head to Maamoura Beach or the Montaza Palace (both a short trip away) or stay in the hotel for complimentary breakfast, the indoor and outdoor pools, a café and bar right on the beach, and the open-air hotel restaurant.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor, and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation in Egypt.

What to Pack for Egypt

Egypt has a  hot desert climate that is generally dry .

The most moderate temperatures can be found near the thin coastal strip in the north and November through March are considered the most comfortable months to travel.

Although temperatures can reach up to 40 degree Celsius travelers must remember that Egypt is a rather conservative country and therefore it is wise to pack accordingly.

• Avoid packing skirts or shorts –  instead invest in a good pair of long pants made from a breathable fabric like linen.
• Scarves or a light sweater  – short sleeve tops and sleeveless tops are acceptable for women visiting tourist areas, however it is recommended that travelers carry around a scarf or light sweater to cover up when traveling to and from tourist destinations.
• Protection from the sun  – the sun can get extremely hot in the summer months so make sure to pack sunscreen, a sturdy had and a good pair of sunglasses.
• Walking shoes  – Egypt is a sightseeing country and travelers do a lot of walking. Make sure you bring a comfortable pair of shoes that you have already broken in and leave the flip flops at home.

See our packing tips: packing list for smart travel.

Egypt Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com :  This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO:   VRBO is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld:  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner:  This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio:  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Egypt Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Egypt click here .

18 Interesting and Fun Facts About Egypt

20 Exciting Things to do in Egypt

Pictures of Egypt – Beautiful Places in Ancient Egypt

Egypt Travel Tips: 24 Essential Things You Should Know Before You Visit Egypt (2024)

Travelling to Egypt? This Egypt travel tips guide will give you a detailed rundown of absolutely everything you should know before visiting Egypt. Including what to wear, tipping culture, scams, and loads of other useful hacks.

Egypt is awesome. Seeing its magnificent monuments and the mighty Nile will no doubt leave a lasting impression on you.

If you’re reading this, then there’s are good chance you have either booked your flights to Egypt  or you’re seriously considering going. Either way, that’s great! You’ve come to the right place and are in good hands.

You won’t regret deciding to travel to Egypt. I know  you will have a fabulous time.

How do I know that? Because you’re here reading this article!

You’re doing the right thing by researching and arming yourself with information. This is guide covers literally everything you need to know before visiting Egypt.

This is a very honest (and sometimes brutally honest)  guide. No sugar-coating. My intention is not to be a Debbie Downer. I simply want to prepare you, so you will have a wonderful time because there won’t be any nasty surprises.

You won’t find a more comprehensive guide out there on how to prepare for and what to expect in Egypt. I’ve literally poured all my knowledge (and then some!) into this guide because just like you, I was both excited about going to Egypt but also very anxious and probably a bit paranoid too.

With that in mind, here’s everything we’ll cover. Plus a bonus tip at the end you won’t want to miss!

Looking for something in particular? Use this table of contents below to jump around using the links.

Table of Contents

Why you should go to egypt, is it safe to travel to egypt.

• Is Egypt Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
• Survival Arabic Language Guide

When Should You Go to Egypt?

What is the safest way to travel around egypt.

• Food and Upset Stomachs
• Heat and Hydration
• Vaccinations
• Haggling and Bargaining
• Nothing is free
• Cairo Airport
• Crossing the road
• Photography
• Camel Rides
• School Children
• Mosques and Religious Sites
• Fridays and Saturdays
• BONUS TIP: Fake Papyrus Scam

Karnak Temple

There’s so much to love about Egypt and nothing comes close to experiencing it in in person and not through a TV screen. The history, the temples, the smells, the heat, the sand, the Nile and the moment when your eyes finally gaze up at the Pyramids of Giza. All along the Nile you can trace the Ancient Egyptians through history as you visit their impressive and carefully decorated temples and tombs. Learning about the Ancient Egyptians, how they lived, their beliefs, inventions, and actually seeing their creations is something that will stay with you forever. Egypt is simply a marvel that should be experienced by everyone.

Yes! It’s much safer than the media may lead you to believe. Which is probably why you’re here reading about this Egypt travel tips guide

As an Aussie, I always check the Australian Smart Traveller site for travel warnings. This is the equivalent of the travel warning list by the U.S Department of State for American citizens.

While Egypt is currently listed with a Level 2 travel warning (go to page 4 ) (True as of August 19, 2018), it’s important to remember that governments will always err on the side of caution.

There are four levels used. Where Level 1 means ‘exercise normal precautions’ and Level 4 means ‘do not travel’.

As you can see, this particular warning doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel. It just means that certain areas are better off being avoided and you just need to be more cautious when visiting them. That’s up to you to decide what you’re most comfortable with.

As of August 2018, the areas of Egypt which are flagged as dangerous are:

• The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.
• The Western Desert due to terrorism.
• Egyptian border areas due to military zones.

The site goes on to suggest ways in which you can reduce any risk:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance ( get a free quote here ) that includes medical evacuation.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Egypt.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

There are other ways you can ensure your safety and help you to feel more confident with your decision to travel to Egypt. This is covered in a later section.

Because of all the negative attention Egypt has received, tourism has fallen drastically which is great for us travellers but not so great for the locals who depend on the tourist dollar.

With fewer visitors, there are also fewer scammers and smaller crowds at famous attractions. So, there is a silver lining.

On a more personal note, I felt safe during my entire Egypt trip which started in Cairo and went all the way down the Nile to Abu Simbel near the Sudan border.

If I can offer any addition peace of mind, it’s that tourist attractions are generally the safest areas to be in in Egypt as they are heavily guarded.

In addition to this, the locals who I met in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, souks and the Telecom store where I bought my local SIM card, were all very helpful, kind, and friendly.

Is Egypt safe for solo female travellers?

Admiring the Pyramids

Yes! While Egypt is safe, as a female, you will feel a little bit uncomfortable. This feeling will come mainly in open public places such as walking down the street and in souks.

It’s in these places that you will find men loitering, either by themselves or with a couple of other men. I can only describe this as people watching as most of the time they are sitting on plastic chairs and watching the world go by, including us.

If you’re female, you will receive a lot of looks. In my experience they were harmless. If anything, it just made me feel a bit self-conscious.

Sometimes these men will try to start talking with you or guess where you’re from (they’re very good at getting this right, by the way). Somehow they can tell an Australian from an American just by looking or listening to us speak. Very clever cookies.

It’s at this point, you should do what a local Egyptian man told to me, and that is, to ignore them. Don’t even look at them. This will be enough to discourage them. It might seem like you’re being rude, but ultimately it will protect you.

I was told that the seemingly harmless conversations that start with something like guessing where you’re from, will eventually lead into being invited into their home, shop or restaurant, where they will offer you tea (a traditional welcoming custom), then after some more small talk, they will present you with something and insist you buy it. If you decline, they will get angry.

Okay, so I just painted a terrible picture, but it’s important to be aware of these things. I experienced this first-hand and didn’t know what had happened until my local guide told me that it’s a very common ploy.

Not all men are like this by the way. Just some that give the rest a bad name.

Let’s move on, shall we?

Survival Arabic Travel Phrase Language Guide

Knowing some Arabic ahead of travelling to Egypt is such a game changer. When you can show that you speak a bit of the Arabic language   and can recognise certain keywords, this will give you an extra layer of protection, especially when it comes to dealing with money.

Not only will you feel more in control, but locals will appreciate and respect your efforts to learn their language.

Here are 13 useful Egyptian Arabic words and phrases you should learn and use:

• Hello – salam / marhaban / ahlan
• Peace be with you – As-salāmu alaykum – Even though this literally means ‘peace be with you’, it is a commonly used greeting. The response would be Alaikum Salaam, meaning ‘upon you be peace’.
• Thank you – shukran
• Please – min fadlak (if you’re a male), min fadlik (if you’re a female)
• Y ou’re welcome – Afwan
• Yes – aywa, No – lā, Ok – Mashi
• How much is this? – bi-kam da. You can say, I’ll pay 100 – Enna hafda meeya. Incidentally, if you say ‘meeya meeya’ (’100, 100′) this means ‘perfect’ or ‘really good’.
• It costs too much – Da ghali awi
• I would like… – momkin
• I want – Enna iza (if you’re a female) or Enna ayez (if you’re a male). To negative the sentence, add ‘mish’. For example, ana mish iza/ayez (I don’t want)
• I don’t understand – ana mish fahem
• Go away – Em’shee
• Pyramid – Haram. Most Egyptians don’t understand the word “Pyramids”, so make sure you learn the Arabic word for them, especially if you’re taking a taxi there. Haram also means. The strict translation of the Arabic word ‘harim’ means (a prohibited place) and is from the verbal root ‘harama’ (prohibited), designated as ‘haram’ (a pyramid). ( Source )

For more Arabic phrases, get my free Arabic travel phrases guide here. 

Between June and August, the temperature in Egypt is unbearable. While you may have the luxury of quiet tourist attractions and more hotel options, to be honest, in that heat you won’t want to do anything but relax in a pool somewhere.

The best time to visit Egypt is in Spring. The weather is pleasant and the major attractions such as the Pyramids of Giza, Aswan, and Luxor are still fairly quiet.

You’ll also benefit from cheaper hotel prices, especially if travelling either side of the high season which is December to February.

Avoid traveling during Ramadan.

Cruising down the Nile at sunset

This is probably my top tip in this guide. It’s not Earth shattering, but it made all the difference to me and was the only way I could see myself travelling around Egypt and finally fulfil my childhood dream.

Go on an organised group tour!

To simplify and avoid overthinking everything, I knew that I had to travel with an organised group tour. That way I would have a local guide with me, I wouldn’t have to worry about transportation and other logistics and I could just concentrate on having a good time.

Choosing Topdeck to go to Egypt with was a no brainer, for two reasons. I’d already travelled with them before around Outback Australia and really rated my experience with them. The accommodation, transportation, guide and organisation was all spot on. Plus, I met some wonderful people that I’m still friends with.

The second reason (which might sound a bit silly) was that they are an Australian company, which I knew would put my dad’s mind at ease. I knew he would be super worried about me going. Even me living in London makes him worry!

By the way, remember that Egyptian guy I mentioned earlier who warned me about talking to strangers? That was our Topdeck tour manager, Ramzy. Top bloke!

Ramzy gave a bunch of useful tips, a language guide (on behalf of Topdeck), and was basically a kind of bodyboard who protected us from negative experiences and scared off a few scammers. This made all the difference. If you’re curious, I went on the Egypt Express tour . Book your Egypt tour here.

Now, let’s get into the niggity gritty of the everyday realities of travelling in Egypt.

Top 24 Egypt Travel Tips You Should Know Before You Visit Egypt

The tap water in Egypt is heavily chlorinated and tastes terrible. It’s okay for brushing your teeth with, but don’t drink it. Especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Buy bottled water. It’s easy to get and only costs 5 EGP (0.28 USD) for a 1-litre bottle.

2. Food and Upset Stomach

You’re in a foreign place with foreign food, diarrhoea will happen. To help prevent this, again, buy bottled water and check the seal isn’t broken. Avoid eating salads, raw vegetables, unpeeled fruit, and meat that isn’t thoroughly cooked. Don’t buy food from street vendors that don’t have running water. If you want an ice-cream, check that it hasn’t melted and been refrozen. If you do get an upset stomach, take diarrhoea relief tablets  and drink plenty of purified water  with fresh lime.

3. Heat and Hydration

Looking up at the Great Pyramid of Giza

Egypt gets hot, obviously. You’re in the desert! Dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion are common, especially in Upper Egypt. As your sweat evaporates you may not realise how dehydrated you are.

If you’re travelling outside of winter, then I highly recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibre. Keep up your fluids up by carrying around this travel bottle  and add a bit of extra salt to your food to replace salts lost in sweat. Pack electrolyte tablets to take just in case you feel unwell.

If you need further medical assistance, Egyptian pharmacists generally speak English and can be trusted to provide sound advice and help you find a doctor if needed.

4. Vaccinations

Officially, visitors to Egypt do not require any vaccinations unless you’re coming from an infected area. However, there are some vaccinations you should get or have topped up as a precaution.

Check with yourr GP what they recommend. Beyond ensuring your tetanus and polio is up to date, other common recommendations include getting vaccinations against typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, and rabies. Rabies is a problem throughout Egypt, so avoid touching stray animals such as cats, dogs, monkeys, and bats.

Money and Valuables

5. currency.

Remember the difference between 50 Piastres (top) and 50 Egyptian Pounds (bottom)

The unit of currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian pound, written £E or LE. The Egyptian pound is divided into piastres (pt). My top tip is to recognise the difference between the 50 pt against the 50 Egyptian Pound notes since they are very different in value.

Make sure that if you’re given change or are paying for something, that you’re not duped into thinking that 50 piastres (or cents) is the 50 Egyptian pounds note. This is a common scam that is used on unsuspecting tourists. When I found out about this, I made sure I kept both denominations on me so I could tell them apart. Compare the difference of the 50 pt and 50 LE in the photo above.

Another word to add your vocab is ‘baksheesh’, which means ‘tip’. You’ll hear this one a lot and it will be expected for anything and everything. Tipping locals for their services is expected and a way of life in Egypt.

Many Egyptians are paid such low salaries that receiving tips is an important part of their income. But rest assured you won’t have to fork out much.

In restaurants, it’s normal to round up the bill or give 10 per cent directly to the waiter. Smaller tips (0.25 piastres to 1 EGP) are given to the likes of lavatory attendants, porters, and anyone willing to bend the rules a bit like letting you enter a site after hours or taking a photo in a restricted area.

While the rules are often bent in Egypt, authorities are cracking down on certain things (like being able to take a photo inside King Tuts tomb) with hefty fines. Don’t risk offering money just to get your way.

7. Haggling and Bargaining

One of the best things to do in Egypt is to visit a souk market. When browsing comes to buying and you ask, bi-kam da? (How much is it?) be prepared to bargain hard or walk away. As a general rule, offer one third of the asking price and expect to pay half.

8. Nothing is free

Taking a sneaky photo at Karnak Temple without being spotted

Want to take a photo of a camel at the Pyramids? If the owner catches you look, he will probably demand to be paid.

I learned this lesson the hard way. I was at least 20 metres away when I was spotted taking a photo of a camel resting. It’s up to you if you choose to offer the owner something and if you feel like you’ve done something wrong.

A similar incident happened when I was at Philae Temple. Three men were talking amongst themselves and with the temple behind them I thought it would make a great shot. With at least 50 metres between us , I took the shot. They spotted me and came over and offered to have a group photo. By this point I knew the drill and was happy to give them a little baksheesh.

9. Belongings

It goes without saying that you should always keep your valuables with you. Decide on whether or not you feel comfortable  leaving your passport, laptop or iPad in the hotel room safe or if you’re better off keeping it on you. Using a PacSafe is a great option if you want to leave stuff in your room and there is no safe available.

If you go on a tour, don’t leave anything valuable on the bus, even if the driver is around. They can’t be responsible if something happens.

What to Wear

10. clothing.

Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo

Egypt is dusty, sandy, and dirty. Your clothes will dirty easily and you’ll be washing your hair most nights. Be prepared to rinse out your clothes each night ( this will do the trick ) or pack extra items to wear.

So, what should you wear? As a general rule, wear loose-fitting clothes that are made of breathable material.

Ladies, it’s a bit more complicated for us. While Egypt is one of the more liberal Islamic countries, it has become more conservative in recent years with many women wearing a hijab or headscarf. Female tourists aren’t obligated to wear these but you may feel more at ease doing so, especially in mosques.

As a general rule, avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.

At this point you’re probably looking at my photos wondering why I didn’t cover up my legs, and you’re right! I did pack longer dresses, but when Ramzy told the group that it’s ok to wear shorts and normal summer attire when visiting monuments such as the Pyramids and the temples along the Nile, I felt comfortable in taking his advice.

The only exception he made was when visiting mosques, markets or souks. Which is why you’ll see me wearing long pants in the photo above in Khan el-Khalili souk in Cairo.

If you’re a female travelling alone, place ring on your wedding finger, this will show respectability.

11. Footwear

However hot and tempting it maybe to wear flip flops, with all the dirt, sand and grime present, I recommend wearing closed toe shoes.

You’re going to be doing a lot of walking in some pretty unclean areas and the last thing you want is having dirty feet all day.

Getting Around and Transportation

You need a visa! For Americans and Aussies, and a few other countries, you can either apply in advance for an Egypt e-Visa , or queue at the border for a visa on arrival.

For most travellers, the visa will cost roughly $USD25 (single entry, valid for 30 days) or $USD35 (multi-entry). Since I travelled with Topdeck, they organised my visa once I arrived. All I had to do was bring American Dollars to pay for it. Only American Dollars or Egyptian Pounds are accepted. In addition to your visa, ensure your passport is valid six months beyond your planned date of entry.

Taxis are cheap and easy to use. Simply go to a main street and wave your hand, that’s it. They even have Uber if you prefer!  Just be sure he follows the GPS.

Before jumping in the taxi, agree on the price beforehand and stick to it. Not matter what reason they come up with. For getting around Cairo, you can expect to pay 50 to 80 EGP. (2.70 – 4.50 USD).

If you’re staying in Downtown Cairo, getting to the Pyramids should only take 30 minutes, but Cairo has very busy roads so it can take 60-90 minutes.

There are three kinds of taxis in Cairo: Black Taxis, Yellow Taxis and White Taxis. Black taxis are the oldest ones. Most are without a meter and without air-conditioning. White taxis are the modern equivalent of black taxi. They have a meter and air-conditioning. Yellow taxis are professionally run and can be booked over the phone but are the most expensive. I recommend getting a white taxi and bargaining hard.

14. Air travel

With raised safety concerns in Egypt, some airlines like British Airways are becoming more strict with what you can take in your carry-on luggage or even in your checked luggage.

I flew both ways with British Airways but they only had an issue when returning to the UK. They had very strict guidelines on what size lithium batteries were allowed on board.

A bunch of us were fuming when we were forced to leave behind expensive powerbanks which we weren’t reimbursed for or given alternatively means of keeping them. To give you an idea, this is the one I had to part with. *sniff*.

Air France, who were also flying that day but didn’t have this rule. Check with your airline ahead of travelling so you’re not caught out and left out of pocket.

15. Cairo Airport

Cairo Airport is unlike any airport you’ve experienced. Upon arrival, everything seems pretty standard until after you go through passport control.

Once you pick up your luggage and head to the exit, there will probably be a massive long queue that wraps around the luggage collection hall. Guarding the exit is one or two men who will look you up and down and decide if they want to check your luggage.

Since we were with a Topdeck escort who came to help us get a visa and take us to the hotel, he was on familiar terms with the airport staff and was able to get us through quickly.

Once we got through to the other side, our escort disappeared briefly to hand back a permit he was given in order to come and meet us inside. This is just another reason why travelling with an organised tour is great.

If, at the end of your trip you leave via Cairo Airport, be prepared for three separate security checks; one as soon as you enter the airport at the entrance, one at customs, then another at the gate. The first one is where they’ll flag any illegal objects like my poor powerbank .

16. Crossing the road

Crossing the road in Cairo is a skill. If you’ve ever been to Rome  and stared down a driver then confidently walked out into a busy street, then you’re well-prepared for Cairo.

If locals see you struggling to cross, they will either let you join their own crossing convoy or come and assist you.

If you’re still too nervous to go it alone, you have some other options for crossing the road:

• Wait for a lull in the traffic before crossing (this may take a while).
• If possible, cross where there is only 1 or 2 lanes of traffic. Don’t stop in the middle of the road between the two lanes either. Cars will drive dangerously close to you while you wait for the other lane to have an opening.
• Ask someone to join them as they cross. If they can’t understand English, simply smile and indicate to the other side of the road.
• Find a policeman to help you, there are plenty around.

17. Driving

Whilst driving from Cairo to Luxor during the night, I noticed that many drivers didn’t have their headlights on. This is totally normal and nothing to be concerned about. Egyptians believe they see better this way.

When a car is approaching, they’ll flash their lights to let them know they’re there. Some drivers may keep their fog lights on. If you’re wondering, our Topdeck driver kept his headlights on.

Cultural Tips and Other Useful Tips

18. photography.

You will have to pay a small fee to take your camera inside the Pyramids Complex

Want to take your camera with you? Be prepared to pay for it!

Whether you want to take photos or film video, every monument, temple, tomb and museum you visit will charge a small fee just to take it inside. Expect to pay anything from 50 to 100 EGP (2.70 – 5.60 USD).

I was even charged extra when guards are Philae temple saw my tripod. At first they wouldn’t let me take it at all then they came around when I said I wouldn’t use it so they charged me for another camera ticket.

Once inside, flash photography is generally forbidden and should be strictly followed.

19. Camel Rides

Camel and horse rides at the Pyramids of Giza

Going on a camel ride and taking a photo with the pyramids behind you is one of the most desired tourist souvenirs from a trip to Egypt.

If you know that going on a camel ride around the pyramids is something you definitely want to do, you may (and I hope), reconsider once you arrive and see how malnourished and badly treated the camels, and horses for that matter, are.

Egypt is a third-world country and many citizens are living in a state of desperation. As such, the men who run these camel rides prioritise feeding their families over feeding their camels. While they may have their priorities right, I can’t bring myself to support them. This has only become worse since tourism has declined.

If you do choose to take a camel ride, make sure you’re not hassled into paying more than the fair price. In order to crack down on scamming tourist signs have now been put up showing set prices for camel rides which are 50 Egyptian Pounds for 30 minutes.

Make sure you check out my guide on everything you need to know about visiting the Pyramids.

20. Toilets

Public toilets in Egypt are not the best, and that’s putting it lightly.

A trip to the loo will set you back 1 or 2 EGP and give you access to either a squat or western toilet. They generally don’t have toilet paper, are dirty, and the tap water may not be running. Bring your own toilet paper ( these flushable wipes are great ), hand sanitizer, and wipe down the seat if you must sit or get one of these.

There will usually be a hose next to the toilet, but the water will only be turned on if you pay a baksheesh.

Toilets in restaurants and hotels are usually staffed by an attendant who will give you toilet paper and turn on the tap for you. Giving a baksheesh of 25 – 50 piastres is standard.

21. School Children

You might feel famous when travelling around Egypt. At least that’s how the students in large school groups will make you think,

On countless occasions, at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Pyramids, and Karnak Temple, young kids would run up to us asking for selfies or yell out and wave as our group walked passed. They were so excited and interested in us.

When I asked Ramzy why, he said that we are sort of celebrities to them. They watch people like us on TV who have very different lives from their own so they get excited when they see us in their country.

It’s actually very sweet. However, if you say yes to one, they’ll all come running. It’s best to politely decline from the start.

22. Mosques and Religious Sites

A beautiful Mosque on the Nile

Dressing modestly is a must when visiting mosques. Some places may ask women to cover their hair and will provide you with a headscarf. Before entering you will be required to remove your shoes and leave them with a shoe custodian (give him a baksheesh).

If you want to climb the minaret (tower), carry your shoes with the soles pressed together. It’s best to avoid visiting mosques during prayer times as to not intrude on worshippers.

23. Smoking

Everywhere you go, everyone will be smoking. Whether it’s a cigarette or shisha water-pipe, if you’re a non-smoker it can get really annoying.

Smokers are allowed to light up pretty much anywhere. The only exception is in fast-food restaurants thanks to an initiative by the environment ministry.

Restaurants have non-smoking tables, but these are almost pointless since they are surrounded by smoking tables. If you’re outside, try and stay upwind and always ask for a non-smoking room in your hotel.

24. Fridays and Saturdays

As in most Arab countries, their weekend falls on a Friday and Saturday. This means tourist attractions are much more busy on these days than the rest of the week.

I strongly recommend not visiting the Pyramids, Cairo Tower or the Egyptian Museum in Cairo on either of these days. The queues will be torture.

25. BONUS TIP: Fake Papyrus Scam

Lady writing my name in hieroglyphics on real papyrus

The Ancient Egyptians were one of the first to master the production of paper, known as papyrus. One of the nicest souvenirs you can get after a trip to Egypt is a papyrus print. But, there is a very common scam take catches out many tourists. Fake papyrus!

In many markets and other street vendors will sell fake papyrus that is actually made from banana leaf, not the papyrus plant. These will be cheaper than the real thing.

So, how do you spot a fake papyrus? Easy! First, notice how these vendors show or display their “papyrus”, it’s stiff, like cardboard and will tear when rolled which is why they’ll never roll it. Real papyrus is strong, flexible and durable and can be rolled up. Second, hold the papyrus up to the light, you should be able to see vertical and horizontal strips that make up the papyrus sheet, within these strips you should see little dark fibres or flecks. This is a good sign!

I hope this guide has helped you feel more prepared for your trip to Egypt. Remember, every country has its quirks. If things were the same as home, you wouldn’t be visiting.

I would go back to Egypt in a heartbeat. Everything I saw blew me away. It’s such an incredible country with a wonderful history. The locals are welcoming and it’s very cheap to travel to.

If you still have any questions or concerns, please reach out and leave a comment below. I’d be happy to help where I can. If not, then I wish you a wonderful trip! Support this blog and book your Egypt tour here.

Shukran for reading! ;)

Take a day trip from Cairo

• Alexandria Day Tour: See the city built by Alexander the Great
• Private Full-Day Tour of Historical Alexandria from Cairo
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• Pyramids, Museum & Bazaar Private Tour with Entrance & Lunch
• Cairo: Dinner Cruise on the Nile River with Entertainment
• Cairo: Egyptian Museum 4-Hour Private Tour with Transfer
• Cairo: 1 or 2-Hour Felucca Ride on the Nile with Transfers
• Old Cairo and Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Private Half-Day Tour
• Cairo: Best Kept Secrets Night Tour
• Plus loads more here …

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Thank you so much for all the information.

Looking forward for a trip to Egypt !!

My pleasure! Have a wonderful trip :)

Hi Michele, a lovely and useful article to read! Just wanted to check with you about passport safety: was it with you at all times, or you left it in your hotel room? Also – when entering Egypt have you been questioned about what, if any medication you had with you – as some over the counter meds in Europe or US can be problematic to bring into Egypt? Thank you!

Hi Jo, thank you so much and thank you for your questions. Yes, I always carried my passport on me. In fact, I do this wherever I travel. I would also ensure you have a photocopy in your luggage and a copy saved on your phone or on the cloud as an extra safety measure. When it comes to medication, I would email the airport directly for any questions you have. I was worried when flying from London to NY after I had heard that you can’t take a certain quantity of protein powder in your luggage. I emailed US customs and they said it was ok. I also kept a copy of that email on me and on my phone and was ready to show the customs officers on arrival if I had any issues. This is good practice as the problem with customs is that it’s sometimes open to interpretation and depends on how the officers feel on the day. I hope this helps :) Have a wonderful trip!

Where do you recommend converting US $$ to LE and what volume of notes should I get to handle all the tipping. If at airport, is this best done before the border/customs or after? Thanks!

Hi David, before arriving, I ordered some USD so I would have enough to pay for my visa on arrival and have some money for incidentals. I had heard that they accept both USD and Egyptian Pounds at the airport. The tour company I travelled with had a guide on the ground who helped me through this process and I knew I need 100USD to pay for the visa. The rest of the time I used Egyptian Pounds. There is no tipping culture like the USA, so you can tip if you like but it’s not always necessary.

Hi David, before arriving, I ordered some USD so I would have enough to pay for my visa on arrival and have some money for incidentals. I had heard that they accept both USD and Egyptian Pounds at the airport. The tour company I travelled with had a guide on the ground who helped me through this process and I knew I need 100USD to pay for the visa. The rest of the time I used Egyptian Pounds. There is no tipping culture like the USA, so you can tip if you like but it’s not always necessary.

Hi, I have read and re-read this several times. Thank you. I’m going with a friend to Egypt early March and want to go on organised trips but I’m disabled and can only walk very slowly. In other countries I’ve just let the group go ahead and done my own thing then joined back at the coach. Is this a good idea in Egypt or can I hire an electric mobility scooter while there.

Hi Gabrielle, I’m not 100% sure how this works and it will vary depending on the accessibility of the group tour company. I would reach out to them directly for advice before booking. Best of luck and I hope it works out :)

Hello, thank you for your honesty. I enjoyed reading all of your tips. I am considering going in February from the 19th to the 24th. Do you think this is enough time to see everything you saw?

Hi Caroline, I went on a Top Deck tour, this is the best way to ensure you that we see everything and safely too. I highly recommend it. You can see the tour I did here http://bit.ly/EgyptExpressTour

Great info! Where did you take your photos??? THEY. ARE. FABULOUS.

Thank you SO much, Naomi. I took them during my Top Deck tour around Egypt . I highly recommend it! :)

This has been helpful and has eased my mind about travelling to Egypt. Going in a tour group, can’t wait ! :D

I’m so happy to hear that. You’re very welcome, Jacinda :)

Thank you so much for such a wonderful article, I can’t wait to land egypt.

Thank you so much, Priya :)

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Egypt Travel Guide

Do you hear that? Egypt is beckoning. Home to some of the world’s best-preserved temples and monuments, this nation carries rich traditions and boasts panoramic landscapes from sweeping sand dunes to the scenic Nile River. With multiple ways to explore the country – either by road, air or by cruising along the Nile, it’s time to start your journey and channel your inner explorer.

The Highlights

The first thing you notice about Cairo is the craziness of rush hour. Once you become comfortable navigating your way through the overwhelming traffic and narrow streets, it becomes evident that the capital is filled with character and with a proud sense of history. From the Saqqara Pyramid to Khan El Khalili Market and more, a trip through Cairo will leave you with a lasting impression.

For many, the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the nearby Temple of Hatshepsut are the highlights of a visit to Luxor . This valley, located on the west bank of the Nile, is known as the principal burial place of Pharaohs from the 16th to 11th-century BC and is home to an estimated 60 Egyptian tombs and chambers, covered with decadent frescos and immaculately preserved carvings.

Home to a legendary library, European elegance and flair, Alexandria is a vibrant Mediterranean port and Egypt’s second largest city. Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, here you will find old-world style cafes, Roman structures, the Catacombs of Kom Ash Shuqqafa and sandy beaches.

Accessible by road only when escorted by a police convoy, Abu Simbel should not be missed. Located on the border of Egypt near Sudan, Abu Simbel is home to two temples – the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, with its four giant statues of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari. Shaped and carved out of the mountainside, the temples are an impressive tribute.

Mount Sinai

If you’re searching for the best vantage point in all of Egypt, Mount Sinai is the only place to go. Revered by Muslims, Jews and Christians, Mount Sinai is believed to be the location that God delivered his Ten Commandments to Moses. Following a gentle climb to the top, you will be rewarded with commanding views of the surrounding valley. 

After spending your time hopping between dozens of impressive temples and historic museums, you’re bound to need a break. And that break should be enjoyed in the fishing village of Dahab . Make time to simply do nothing, or grab your snorkel and visit the famous Blue Hole, shop at surrounding markets and visit bedouin-style seafood restaurants. 

The Location

Egypt is a country located in the northeast part of Africa along the Mediterranean Sea, the River Nile and the Red Sea. From London, a non-stop flight is 4h 40m, and from Dubai, it is roughly 4h 15m. 

Capital City

Cairo is the official capital of Egypt and is the largest city in the country with a population of 9.5 million people.

Main Airport

Cairo International Airport is the main hub for domestic and international travellers. It is located in Heliopolis, 15 kilometres from the city of Cairo. 

Language Spoken

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, with many variations of the Arabic language spoken across the country. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist hotspots. 

Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound. The currency code is EGP. It is safe to withdraw money from banks or ATMs while you’re there. 

Most visitors can obtain a visa on arrival for a fee of USD $20 at the airport or land ports of entry points. We recommend checking your country's travel advisories before travelling.  Important: Starting October 1, 2023, Canadian passport holders will no longer be able to obtain an online visa before traveling to Egypt or upon arrival. Instead, you will have to contact the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate to obtain a visa.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz; a UK-type plug with three flat pins. The standard voltage in the US is 110 volts, so to avoid frying your electronics, you may need a surge adaptor.

Vaccinations

The following vaccines are recommended when travelling to Egypt: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and influenza. Consult your doctor 6 to 8 weeks before you depart.

Emergency Calls

The phone numbers to call in case of emergency are 126 for the tourist police, 123 for an ambulance and 180 for a fire. 

When to Visit

Peak Season

The winter season in Egypt is when travellers will be treated to lower temperatures, however, the climate will still be sunny, pleasant and much more enjoyable for visiting outdoor temples without sweating profusely. At night, you can expect the temperature to drop, so make sure to pack a light jacket. For many travellers across the globe, Christmas and Easter are popular times to visit, so best to book as far in advance as possible. The most notable sights including the Pyramids of Giza, the Temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel are likely to see a greater number of visitors during this time. 

Egypt really is a year-round destination, however, this is mostly determined by your tolerance for extreme heat. Travelling in the height of summer across Egypt means one thing only: scorching temperatures. You can expect to see the average climate jump to 35°C–40°C across the country. If you’re unfazed by the dramatic climate, you’ll be rewarded with reduced rates across flights, accommodation and some transport costs. Make sure you take note of when Ramadan will occur, as this is the month of daytime fasting. It might be difficult to find food at eateries outside major hotels, but as long as you’re prepared then you will have no trouble.

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Visit Responsibly

Sustainable tourism in egypt, faqs about egypt, do you tip in egypt.

It is generally recommended to leave a tip of 10% in a restaurant, although a service charge can already be included on the bill in Egypt so be sure to check. 

What is the internet access like?

Internet connection can range in quality, but you should have no problem with day-to-day tasks like emailing or surfing the web. WiFi is available in many cafes in Cairo, Luxor and Dahab for free, but outside urban areas, this is not as common.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Avoid drinking the tap water where possible as it is highly chlorinated. Buy bottled water, boil the tap water or use water purification pills.

Can I use my credit cards?

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted throughout Egypt. Please check with your bank about any foreign transaction charges.

What are the public holidays?

Public holidays in Egypt include Coptic Christmas Day on January 7, Sharm El Nessim on April 9, Sinai Liberation Day on 25 April, Labour Day May 01, Revolution Day July 23 and Islamic New Year on September 23 among others. 

Is it safe to travel solo in Egypt?

Travelling on a tour doesn't mean sacrificing your independence and Egypt is most definitely the best place to join a group tour, learn from a local guide and meet new people. While you can travel to Cairo and beach resorts solo, travelling beyond these areas alone should be treated with caution. 

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20 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Egypt

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Home of the ancient Pharaohs, Egypt is a destination full of dazzling temples and tombs that wow all who visit. It's not all historic treasures and tourist attractions, though. With vast tracts of desert for 4WD adventures, the Red Sea's world-class coral reefs and wrecks for divers, and cruising on the famed Nile River, there are plenty of things to do in Egypt for all types of travelers.

Beach lovers head to the Sinai or the Red Sea Coast to soak up the sun, while archaeology fans will have a field day in Luxor.

Cairo is the megalopolis that can't be beaten for city slickers, while Siwa oasis and the southern town of Aswan offer a slice of the slow pace of the countryside.

With so much to see and do, Egypt offers visitors a chance to create itineraries that combine culture, adventure, and relaxation all on one trip.

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Egypt.

Pyramids of Giza

Luxor's temples & tombs, cruising the nile, diving the red sea, explore historic cairo, south sinai's beach life, egyptian museum, white desert, abydos temple, st. catherine's monastery, red sea beaches, coptic cairo, wadi al-hitan, temple of hathor, monastery of st. anthony.

The last surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.

Having awed travelers down through the ages, these tombs of the Pharaohs Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mycerinus), guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, are usually top of most visitor's lists of tourist attractions to see in Egypt and often the first sight they head to after landing.

Today, sitting on the desert edge of Cairo's sprawl, these megalithic memorials to dead pharaohs are still as wondrous a sight as they ever were and an undeniable highlight of any Egypt trip.

To beat the crowds , get here around 7:30am and enter through the main Pyramid of Khufu site entrance (rather than the Sphinx entrance). This means you can have finished exploring the interior tunnels and burial chambers of the Pyramid of Khufu by the time the tour buses start pulling in at 8:15am.

Most visitors limit their site visit to the three pyramids and the Sphinx, but there is plenty more to see on the Giza Plateau. If you can, reserve time to explore the funerary complexes of the eastern cemetery (on the east side of the Pyramid of Khufu). The tombs of 6th dynasty high officials Qar and Idu and the tomb of Meresankh III (who was one of Pharaoh Khafre's wives) are all open to the public.

• Read More: Pyramids of Giza: Attractions, Tips & Tours

Famed for the Valley of the Kings , Karnak Temple , and the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, the Nile-side town of Luxor in Upper Egypt has a glut of tourist attractions.

This is ancient Thebes, the power base of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and home to more sights than most can see on one visit.

Luxor's east bank is home to the modern city, with its vibrant souq; the two temples of Karnak and Luxor; and the museum. The west bank's lush farmland and barren cliffs are where the vast majority of Luxor's tourist attractions sit, with so many tomb and temple sights that it has been called the biggest open-air museum in the world.

Spend a few days here exploring the colorful wall art of the tombs and gazing in awe at the colossal columns in the temples, and you'll see why Luxor continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists.

The Valley of the Kings is one of Egypt's most visited sites but, if you are willing to get up extra early, you can beat the crowds . All of Luxor's archaeological sites open at 6am, but hardly any visitors (and no large tour operators) take advantage of this.

Kick off your sightseeing with a 6am start at the Valley of the Kings, and you'll get to experience the interiors of Luxor's famed New Kingdom tombs with hardly anyone else (except the handful of other wily early risers) there.

Egypt is defined by the Nile. For many visitors, a multi-day cruise upon this famed waterway that saw the rise of the Pharaonic era is a highlight of their Egypt trip.

Cruising the Nile is also the most relaxing way to see the temples that stud the banks of the river on the route between Luxor and Aswan, plus sunrise and sunset over the date-palm-studded river banks, backed by sand dunes, is one of Egypt's most tranquil vistas.

The two famous sights on a Nile Cruise are the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu's Temple of Horus , where all the big cruise boats stop.

If you'd prefer a less crowded and slower experience, though, and don't mind "roughing it" a bit, you can also cruise the Nile by felucca (Egypt's traditional lateen-sailed wooden boats), which also allows you to create your own itinerary.

The vast amount of cruise boat itineraries depart from either Luxor or Aswan, but feluccas can only be chartered for multi-day trips from Aswan.

Egypt's most tranquil town is Aswan, set upon the winding curves of the Nile. Backed by orange-hued dunes, this is the perfect place to stop and unwind for a few days and soak up the chilled-out atmosphere.

Take the river ferry across to Elephantine Island and stroll the colorful streets of the Nubian villages. Then ride a camel to the desert monastery of St. Simeon on Aswan's east bank. Afterwards, relax in one of the riverboat restaurants while watching the lateen-sailed feluccas drift past.

Make sure to jump aboard a felucca at sunset to sail around Aswan's islands. This is by far, Aswan's most popular activity and the most relaxing way to take in the local sights.

There are plenty of historic sites here and numerous temples nearby, including Philae Temple on its island, but one of Aswan's most popular things to do is simply kicking back and watching the river life go by.

Even in a country festooned with temples, Abu Simbel is something special. This is Ramses II's great temple, adorned with colossal statuary standing guard outside, and with an interior sumptuously decorated with wall paintings.

Justly famous for its megalithic proportions, Abu Simbel is also known for the incredible engineering feat carried out by UNESCO in the 1960s, which saw the entire temple moved from its original setting to save it from disappearing under the rising water of the Aswan Dam.

Today, exploring Abu Simbel is just as much about admiring the triumph of this international effort to save the temple complex as it is about gaping in wonder at Ramses II's awe-inspiring building works, itself.

Most people arrive in Abu Simbel on organized day trips from Aswan, which all have an early morning start to get to the temple complex at 8am or 9am.

After 11am, nearly everyone has cleared out and headed back to Aswan. To wander through Ramses II's colossal monument without the crowds, overnight in Abu Simbel village itself and visit the temples after midday.

Below the Red Sea's surface is another world as fascinating as the temples and tombs on land.

The coral reefs of the Red Sea are renowned among scuba divers for both the soft corals on display and the vast amount of sea life, ranging from colorful reef fish and nudibranchs to sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and even dugongs.

For divers, the most famous town to base yourself in is Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, closest to the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, as well as the reefs of the Straits of Tiran.

To dive the sites of the Straits of Gubal head to Hurghada or El Gouna on the Red Sea coast, while advanced divers should check out the resort of Marsa Alam, the nearest base for diving Egypt's "deep south" dive sites.

As well as fish life and coral, the Red Sea is a major wreck-diving destination. The most famous wreck is the Thistlegorm, a British WWII cargo ship that was on its way to resupply Allied troops when it was bombed by the Germans in 1941.

Today the site is regarded by divers as one of the top five wreck dives in the world due to the vast cargo of cars, motorbikes, and WWII memorabilia that can be seen both scattered on the sea bed around the wreck and inside the ship itself.

Dive boat trips to the wreck are organized from both Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.

The Red Sea offers year-round diving but for the calmest sea conditions and best underwater visibility, July and August are the best months . This is high summer in Egypt though with its accompanying sweltering on-land temperatures. If your Egypt trip doesn't solely revolve around diving, it's still best to avoid these months.

Read More: Diving in the Red Sea: Best Dive Sites

The atmospheric, narrow lanes of the capital's Historic Cairo district are crammed full of mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools of learning), and monuments dating from the Fatimid through to the Mameluke eras.

This is where you'll find the labyrinth shopping souq of Khan el-Khalili, where coppersmiths and artisans still have their tiny workshops, and stalls are laden with ceramics, textiles, spice, and perfume.

Surrounding the market is a muddle of roads, home to some of the most beautiful preserved architecture of the old Islamic empires.

There is a wealth of history here to explore. Visit Al-Azhar Mosque and the dazzling Sultan Hassan Mosque , and make sure to climb up to the roof of the ancient medieval gate of Bab Zuweila for the best minaret-speckled panoramas across the district.

Mornings are the best time to visit this district as the narrow lanes are at their quietest. If you're planning to visit the area's mosques though, avoid visiting on Fridays (the Muslim holy day) . If you want to enter mosques as a tourist, dress conservatively (covering arms and legs) and bring along a scarf to throw over your head if you're female.

Keen shoppers should head to Khan el-Khalili in the evening: the shops here are all open until late and the souq is at its most vibrant after dark.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Cairo & Easy Day Trips

Egypt's South Sinai region, on the Sinai Peninsula, offers a beach for every type of traveler.

Sharm el-Sheikh is a European-style resort town packed full of luxury hotels, international restaurants, and bags of entertainment options. A favorite with Europeans on winter-sun vacations, many of the resorts here cater to families on one- or two-week sun-and-sand breaks.

Dahab is a low-key beach town with a budget-traveler heart, which is just as much about desert excursions and adventures as the sea. It's particularly known for its cheap dive-package deals and for its lagoon beach area where windsurfing and kitesurfing are the top activity.

Up the coast, between the port town of Nuweiba and the border town of Taba are the bamboo hut retreats that offer complete get-away-from-it-all respites from life and back-to-basics beach life.

Everyone's heard of Giza's Pyramids, but they're not the only pyramids Egypt has up its sleeve. Day-tripping distance from Cairo , Saqqara is a vast necropolis of tombs and pyramids that was utilized during every era of Pharaonic rule.

It's best known for its Old Kingdom Step Pyramid, which shows how the architects of Ancient Egypt advanced their engineering knowledge to finally create a true pyramid shape.

There's much more to see beyond the Step Pyramid, though, with some of the surrounding tombs, such as the Mastaba of Ti, showcasing some of the finest tomb paintings you'll see in the country.

Nearby, the pyramid site of Dahshur is home to the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, which should be included on any Saqqara visit.

• Read More: Exploring Saqqara: A Visitor's Guide

A treasure trove of the Pharaonic world, Cairo's Egyptian Museum is one of the world's great museum collections . The faded pink mansion in downtown Cairo is home to a dazzling amount of exhibits.

The museum's exhibits cover the breadth of the Pharaonic era with highlights including its artifacts from pre-dynastic Egypt, the Old Kingdom galleries displaying the fine statuary from Egypt's period of pyramid builders, and the displays of glittering funerary goods unearthed from the country's most famous tomb finds.

Make sure to reserve enough time at the museum to fully view the galleries devoted to the grave goods of Yuya and Thuya and the royal tombs of Tanis (both upstairs).

Until Giza's much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opens, the Egyptian Museum is also where you come to see a selection of the riches from Tutankhamen's Valley of the Kings tomb. When the GEM finally does open, these will be moved there (and the entire Tutankhamen collection will be displayed in full for the first time).

Everything else though in the Egyptian Museum's collection will be staying in place.

Egypt's kookiest natural wonder is White Desert National Park, out in the Western Desert, just south of Bahariya Oasis. Here, surreally shaped chalk pinnacles and huge boulders loom over the desert plateau, creating a scene that looks like icebergs have found themselves stranded amid a landscape of sand.

This highly scenic environment looks like something out of a science fiction movie and is a favorite destination for 4WD desert trips and overnight camping , which are both easiest organized in Bahariya Oasis.

For desert fans and adventurers, this is the ultimate weird playground, while anybody who's had their fill of temples and tombs will enjoy this spectacular natural scenery.

Alexandria has a history that not many others can match.

Founded by Alexander the Great, home of Cleopatra, and razzmatazz renegade city of the Mediterranean for much of its life, this seafront city has an appealing days-gone-by atmosphere that can't be beaten.

Although today, there are few historic remnants of its illustrious past left to see, Alexandria's long seafront Corniche road leading to its fort (sitting on the site where its famous ancient lighthouse once sat) remains a favorite summer destination to capture cooling sea breezes for Egyptians and foreign visitors alike.

Underwater archaeological projects here have imbued Alexandria's museums with interesting exhibits. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a contemporary interpretation of Alexandria's famed ancient library, and the handful of historic sights in town include an atmospheric catacombs site.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Alexandria

The Temple of Osiris in Abydos is one of Ancient Egypt's most fascinating artistic treasures.

The temple, begun by Seti I, sits amid a vast necropolis site where archaeological excavations are ongoing. There a various other temple remnants to see here but for most visitors, the Temple of Osiris is the main reason to visit.

Its hypostyle halls, graced by papyrus-headed columns, contain some of the finest relief-work in Egypt, with various scenes portraying the pharaoh and the gods of Ancient Egypt.

As the temple lies north of Luxor, it isn't on the main Nile cruise ship route, so it receives much fewer visitors than the temple sites in Luxor itself and the Nile-side temples to the south. This means you are often lucky enough to wander through the temple's halls with only a few other visitors on site.

• Read More: Exploring The Temples of Abydos: A Visitor's Guide

Sitting in isolation, in the western corner of the Western Desert, Siwa is the tranquil tonic to the hustle of Egypt's cities. This gorgeous little oasis, surrounded by date palm plantations and numerous hot-water springs, is one of the Western Desert's most picturesque spots.

Siwa town is centered around the ruins of a vast mud-brick citadel, known as the Fortress of Shali, which dominates the view, while various temple remnants, including the Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great is said to have come to receive advice, are scattered throughout the wider oasis area.

This is a top spot to wind down and go slow for a few days, as well as being an excellent base from which to plan adventures into the surrounding desert.

One of the oldest monasteries in the world, St. Catherine's stands at the foot of Mount Sinai, amid the desert mountains of the Sinai Peninsula, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.

This desert monastery is home to an incredible collection of religious iconography, art, and manuscripts (some of which can be seen in the on-site museum), as well as the burning bush.

For most visitors here, a trip to St. Catherine's also involves a hike up Mount Sinai to see sunrise or sunset. Take the camel path for the easy route, or climb the famous Steps of Repentance if you want better views.

Egypt's Red Sea coastline offers swaths of sand for travelers who want a time-out from temple viewing.

During winter, the resorts scattered along the shore surrounding Hurghada jump into life as European families arrive on package tourism breaks.

The big bonus of choosing a resort on the Red Sea coast over one on the Sinai Peninsula is that you are within day-tripping distance to Luxor, so this is the best place to visit for beach life if you still want to easily see some of Egypt's most famous monuments.

Hurghada and El Gouna are the two main resort towns, while the smaller, and still being-developed, town of Marsa Alam is much farther south.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Red Sea Region

The Cairo district known as Coptic Cairo is one of the most important Christian sites in the country.

Originally the Fortress of Babylon, dating back to the Achaemenid Empire's conquest of Egypt in 525 BCE, this district is home to Cairo's oldest surviving church, synagogue, and mosque, as well as the excellent Coptic Museum, which holds the world's largest collection of Coptic Christian art and antiquities.

A section of the Fortress of Babylon's walls, which were repaired and expanded under Roman rule, are also still standing and are the entrance into the district.

Make sure to visit the Hanging Church, which holds a fine collection of icons and was built half over the Roman-era water wheel (hence the church's name). Then thread your way down the narrow alley to the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus which, according to local tradition, was built atop the site where the Holy Family with the infant Jesus lived in refuge after fleeing King Herod.

Nearby, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is famous for being the site where the Geniza documents cache were discovered.

A short walk away is the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As, built by the Arab Muslim army commander (and later, first governor of Egypt) after conquering Egypt.

Wadi Al-Hitan is in the Fayoum area, a lush and fertile depression fed by ancient canals and surrounded by desert.

The Fayoum itself, with Lake Quran, the pottery village of Tunis, and Pharaonic ruins scattered across the hinterland, is an interesting place to visit, but the main tourist attraction here, in the nearby desert, is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Al-Hitan.

Amid the orange dunes and jagged rocks of this desert valley, a vast fossil cache of the oldest prehistoric whales (the basilosaurus and dorodontus) were discovered, hugely aiding human understanding of the evolution of whales.

Some of the finds have been kept in situ, with walking tracks radiating out from the visitor's center to skeleton sites sitting amid the sand.

In the visitor center itself, a museum dedicated to the site does an excellent job of explaining Wadi Al-Hitan's importance, and displays many of the site's other finds, including a skeleton of a basilosaurus whale that measures 18 meters long.

The Temple of Hathor at Dendara was built in the late Pharaonic era and extended during the Roman period, though Dendara itself was an important cult center from early on in the period of Ancient Egypt.

A trip here is well worth a day trip from Luxor, as the temple's youth (in comparison to other Pharaonic temples) means that it is one of the most complete surviving temples in Egypt.

The reliefs and decoration here are in an excellently preserved state. In particular, while in the hypostyle hall, which was built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, note the columns topped by heads of the Egyptian god Hathor, and the wall reliefs of the emperor paying tribute to the Egyptian gods.

Dendara is just outside the city of Qena, 80 kilometers north from Luxor.

Secreted within the jagged northern mountains of the Red Sea coast, the Monastery of St. Anthony has been a working monastery since the 4th century, and today is still home to around 120 monks.

The Church of St. Anthony, within the fortress-like compound, has an interior of secco wall paintings that are considered one of the most important collections of Egyptian Coptic art in the world and date from around the 11th and 12th centuries. The church is also home to the tomb of St. Anthony (the father of monasticism) and is a major pilgrimage destination for Egyptian Coptic Christians.

Monks run tours of the monastery that include visiting the church and some of the monastery's gardens, as well as allowing you to head up and walk on top of the monastery's walls.

St. Anthony's Monastery is very isolated. If you don't have your own transport, the easiest way to get here is to hire a driver from Cairo or Hurghada.

More on Egypt

The ULTIMATE 7-Day Egypt Itinerary: Everything You Need to Know 

Posted on Last updated: September 20, 2024

So, when you think of Egypt, you think of the Pyramids of Giza and maybe the Valley of the Kings, but it is so much more than that. I spent a week traveling around this amazing country with iEgypt and I was not disappointed.

However, Egypt is not without its issues. If you’re not used to insane heat, haggle culture, or having to cover yourself, it can be intense. So, with that in mind here is my ultimate 7-day Egypt itinerary, containing everything you need to know. 

Let’s dive in and find out more. 

Day One – Giza

On your first day in Egypt, you’re probably going to be in the capital city, Cairo. This is a super busy and bustling place with tons to do, but today we’re heading to the outskirts of Cairo, to Giza. Realistically, you only need one day in Giza as the pyramid complex is really the only thing that’s here. 

I stayed in the Sahara Pyramids Inn which has insane views of the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World, the Pyramids of Giza. It’s about a 40-minute drive from the main Cairo airport and it’s ideally placed for exploring the Pyramids. 

Everywhere we traveled around Egypt, we had a guide and driver, which I would highly recommend if you could manage it. Not only does it help with the logistics of getting around Egypt, but it also makes it feel a lot safer and breaks down the language barrier if something happens. 

Pyramids of Giza

When we arrived at the Pyramids of Giza, unsurprisingly it was super busy with tourists from all around the world. We also went in May which is out of season really as the heat kicks in, so prepare for the crowds no matter what time you visit. 

It’s of course 100% worth a visit, but it is naturally very touristy so it’s likely that people will come up to you trying to sell things, so be aware before you go. 

As they’re an Ancient Wonder of the World the rules and regulations around what you can and can’t do around the site are pretty strict. You’ll go through the ticket building and all the signs are clearly posted in multiple languages so you can’t miss it. 

Make sure you have plenty of battery on your phone or camera to get all of your photos, and definitely bring more water than you think you’ll need and a hat or scarf. The Pyramids complex is very exposed and there’s not a lot of shade at all. 

There is a museum at the Pyramids site, but we were advised not to visit as it turns into a sauna in the summer months and can get pretty unbearable. Keep this in mind when you’re trying to figure out when to visit Egypt as the summer heat is no joke and sometimes being inside makes it even worse!

Camel Rides

To get a different perspective of the pyramids, you can take a camel ride to the other side. It’s safe to say that I am not a natural camel rider, but this was a really cool experience.

This way you can get photos of the pyramids without all the crowds and indulge in a full desert-style excursion. However, when we were doing this excursion a few men with whistles who looked official started coming up to us. As our guide explained, these guys are not official at all and are actually trying to extort money out of tourists, so we were really happy to have our guide with us for this interaction, otherwise, it could’ve been pretty scary. 

Evening Light Show

Even though there isn’t a ton to do in Giza itself away from the Pyramids and a couple of shops (including a papyrus shop) and rooftop bars with views of the site, there is sometimes an evening light show. This also has an audio component and it’s offered in a ton of different languages – we saw it in both English and Spanish. It’s a cool way to end a day in Giza, but as I mentioned, one day is definitely enough in Giza, and then you can move on to better things.

Day Two – Luxor

So, your second day in Egypt is going to have a very early start. We woke up at 3.30am for our hot air balloon ride over Luxor. 

As we didn’t get to our Luxor hotel until midnight, we were both very tired for this excursion and definitely half asleep as we took a tiny boat across to the field where the hot air balloon rides took place.

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Luxor

Something I didn’t expect was the sheer amount of companies running hot-air balloon trips here. In our field alone, there were around 20 different companies and on average each company has at least two balloons so it can feel quite crowded on the ground.

We went through the safety briefing which is mostly a landing procedure where you have to spoon the smaller person if things get rough. After that, there was quite a lot of waiting around because you had to wait for the all-clear from a specific agency before everyone’s allowed to take off. Be prepared to wait around for a while, maybe bring a snack or two with you just in case. 

When you do take off and begin floating, you’ll see a load of young boys who are shouting $1, $1, $1, and they get so excited when someone drops a dollar down for them. It seems odd, but it’s a little thing that can make someone’s day!

Overall, despite waiting around and being super tired, I would 100% recommend this sunrise balloon ride – it was one of the highlights of the entire trip. 

Valley of the Kings

You can’t come to Egypt and not visit the Valley of the Kings. This temple complex is absolutely huge and you want to get here as early as possible, which is why we came straight from the sunrise hot air balloon ride to the valley.

Overall, there are 64 tombs and each tomb is as deep as the king was old. This is because they’d start construction when the ruler was crowned and just keep going until they died. 

So the reason why kings were buried here instead of at Giza was that it was more private and secluded. As the tradition was for Pharaohs and kings to be buried with their belongings so they’d have them in the afterlife, it was also a security concern for tomb raiders. 

Unlike at Giza, there’s a natural pyramid at the Valley of the Kings, so it made sense to bury the royals in this area. Ironically, the workers and enslaved people who built these tombs eventually led the tomb raiders here, so they were completely ransacked over the years.

However, the architecture and the art in these tombs are still really well preserved. You can see the colors and carvings, and they’re really detailed, even after all this time.

Some of the popular temples that you might want to visit on your trip include:

• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
• Tomb of Ramses III 
• Tomb Of King Tutankhamun
• Tomb of Seti I
• Tomb of Ramses IV 

Of course, you could spend multiple days exploring all the different tombs in this region, but we just had the day to explore his area, and it was so cool to see how well things have been preserved over the past couple of millennia. 

One thing I would mention is that if you’re in remote places around Egypt, you might not feel super safe. People will come up to you and they’ll be persistent. If you’re not used to this it can be intimidating and scary. You need to keep your wits about you and understand your comfort levels. Again, having a guide for this trip helped with this a lot, and I would definitely recommend iEgypt’s guides and drivers as they made us feel a lot safer throughout the trip – even at touristy places like the Valley of the Kings. 

I‘ve lived abroad for many years and love helping others find work abroad and figure out their “Move Abroad Plan.” Check out my class below to get you started ASAP!

Day Three-Six – Nile River Cruising

For the next four days or three nights, we cruised along the mighty Nile River on a traditional dahabiya boat. When it comes to Nile River cruises, there are hundreds to choose from and you’ll have very different experiences depending on the boat you pick.

You’ll see a ton of cruise ships. As you might expect, these are very commercial but great for budget or group travelers. This is because they can carry between 80 to 150 people so the price per person does drop quite significantly. 

However, the dahabiyas are traditional wooden sailing boats with private cabins from the 19th century. They’re inherently a lot smaller. The dahabiya that we went on can only hold eight rooms for patrons, so the price per person tends to be more expensive.

The thing that’s important about the price of the Nile River cruise is what’s included while a commercial cruise will cost between $300-600 for five days, it may not include all your excursions or you might have to add drinks packages on top. 

On a dahabiya, everything is included. They are a lot more expensive – they can run from $800 to 3,000 for five days depending on the furnishing, the food, the quality of the service, etc.

Our dahabiya was around the $800 mark for four days but this included all our excursions, food, non-fizzy and non-alcoholic drinks so teas, juices, water, coffee – anything like that. The benefit here is that you really don’t have to think about anything, it’s all taken care of! 

Temple of Horus

One of the first excursions we took on our Nile cruise was to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. So in the Egyptian pantheon, Horus is the Falcon God the son of Osiris and Isis.

This huge temple was completed way back in 57BC and features these stunning carvings on the front of the sandstone temple. Honestly, it’s one of the best-preserved temples in the whole of Egypt so it’s well worth checking out. 

I will mention that, like the majority of temple complexes in Egypt, the heat is no joke. Most of the temples have no roofs and no shade, so it’s a lot. Make sure you pack a sunhat, light layers for your shoulders, and plenty of water. Luckily, our dahabiya froze our water bottles for us overnight so we had a really refreshing companion around the temples! 

Luxor Temple

If you only see one temple in Egypt, make sure it’s the Luxor Temple. This place is huge and stems back to 1400 BC. Unlike most of the temples in Egypt, it’s not dedicated to a specific god or Pharaoh. Instead, it was built to celebrate Amun Ra’s coronation and it was the site of Egyptian coronations from that point on. 

You need substantial time for the Luxor Temple. I would recommend going to it first to make sure you have enough time to explore. 

It’s so gorgeous and if you enter the temple on the right-hand side and find the columns without a roof, this is going to give you the best sunlight for your Instagram game. Don’t go to the left, take a right. Look for no roof. You’re welcome.

But seriously, you need a lot of time for Luxor Temple so make sure it’s near the top of your Egypt bucket list and get there early to avoid the bulk of the crowds and heat. 

Philae Temple

Located in the Aswan Low Dam region of the Nile, the Philae Temple lies on a tiny island. The word Philae literally means border, and that’s because, in ancient times, this region was the border between Egypt and Africa. 

The temple itself is dedicated to the goddess of love, Isis, who was also the wife of Osiris, mother of Horus, the Falcon god, the protection god.

One of the most interesting things about the Philae Temple – apart from it being absolutely gorgeous – is that it didn’t used to be here. They had to move 40,000 pieces of this temple bit by bit because they didn’t want the water to continue to flood it. However, it has sustained a lot of damage over the years.

Surrounded by water and colossal statues and sandstone pillars, this is a beautiful place to visit and feels very different from the other temple complexes, thanks to its island location.

After this temple visit, we were also very lucky to enjoy a dinner at a local village which included a ton of delicious local food and some traditional music, which made a nice change from eating on the boat. 

Nubian Village Aswan

Next up, we left our larger dahabiya behind and jumped on a little private boat for about 40 minutes to visit the Nubian Village Aswan. This village is gorgeous and it’s covered in rainbows and colorful street designs. 

It was a completely different side to the Nile cruise experience after seeing so much vibrant orange sandstone. You can wander the colorful streets, take a ton of photos, and check out the local restaurants and cafes. It’s nice to have a break from visiting back-to-back temples and it was good to find some shade to relax in!

Abu Simbel Temples

After relaxing and exploring the Nubian Village for a while, it’s time to head back out to visit the Abu Simbel Temples. This is one of the most famous temple complexes in Egypt and there are two main temples in this area, one female and one male. Unsurprisingly, the female one is intentionally made a lot smaller. Realistically, you only need around 10-15 minutes for this section.

The larger temple is the one that Ramses II built for himself. Here, you’ll see the four giant carved statues of himself as well as well-preserved hieroglyphics, stunning architecture, and an imposing juxtaposition against the river next to it. Ideally, you want to spend around 20 to 30 minutes here to experience it fully and get all the photos that you want.  

It’s worth mentioning that the Abu Simbel Temples are in the middle of nowhere. As a result, the heat gets to you really quickly. For reference, we went in May and it was 35℃, which is around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. 

So, when we saw the beautiful Kabara Nubian House Restaurant we were so happy. It’s super bright in there, it’s attached to a hotel, and they cater to foreigners which is an added bonus. The atmosphere here was really welcoming and I had a deliciously cooling glass of hibiscus and some eggplant, which definitely helped with the heat.

Day Seven – Cairo

Day seven brings us back to the capital, Cairo. Of course, as a capital city, there are tons of things you can do here, and we packed a lot into our last day in Egypt.

The Citadel of Cairo

The Citadel of Cairo or Citadel of Saladin as it’s sometimes known is a medieval Islamic-era fort from the early 12th century. It’s honestly such a stunning sight, filled with an architecturally amazing mosque, beautiful towers, and well-preserved fortified walls. 

It’s definitely one of the top attractions in Cairo for a good reason, and I’d recommend carving out an hour or so to visit the Citadel before catching your flight home.  

National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation

If you only visit one museum in Cairo, make sure it’s the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. This place is absolutely huge. I’d suggest carving out around three hours to explore this museum and take in all the different artifacts.

From replicas of the Rosetta Stone to giant statues of Ramses II to actual royal mummies, it’s one of the best museums in the world. If trying to figure out what to expect, the sections of the museum include:

• The Dawn of Civilization, 
• The Nile, 
• Writing, 
• State and Society, 
• Material Culture, 
• Beliefs and Thinking,
• The Gallery of Royal Mummies. 

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Before you head off to the airport, make time for a bit of retail therapy. The Khan el-Khalili Bazaar has been trading goods in the historic center of Cairo since the mid-14th century. It’s a noisy, bustling, and colorful place – everything a good bazaar should be! 

Don’t be afraid to haggle. As this is a popular tourist destination, the prices are inherently jacked up a bit and it’s part of the culture to haggle down to a more reasonable price. You can get jewelry, decor, spices, food, clothing – pretty much anything here. 

Spend an hour or so wandering around the stalls, buy yourself some souvenirs, and embrace the chaos of this Cairo historical monument! 

Tips For Visiting Egypt

So, now that you’ve seen my ultimate 7-day Egypt itinerary, I’m going to share some tips that I’ve learned on my trip. 

Prices and Currencies

So, when you visit Egypt you can often use either US dollars or Egyptian pounds. However, it’s hit-and-miss outside of the main hotels and tourist hotspots. When it comes to using your credit or debit card, I wouldn’t rely on it. Even stores and restaurants that said they accepted cards often ended up with a broken card machine or their data stopped working. The bottom line – make sure you have plenty of cash. 

In terms of budget, Egypt was relatively affordable. We had dinner at the hotel with multiple drinks, Schwarma, some teas and coffees, and the total price ended up being $20. Of course, the dahabiya was a fairly big expense at $800 for four days but it did include all food, accommodation, and excursions, as well as most soft drinks. 

You can 100% do Egypt on a budget, but I would be careful about the companies you book with, especially for transport and excursions as there have been a lot of horror stories of people being ripped off, primarily around the tourist areas. If you’re unsure, get a guide from iEgypt or ask your hotel concierge to help organize excursions and transport around the country.  

Packing Notes

Let’s talk about packing for Egypt. So most of the clothes that I brought are either 100% linen or cotton or a blend of the two. Now this is pretty critical because here in Egypt it gets like unbearably hot and around the temples, there isn’t a lot of shade.

We traveled in May and it was anywhere between 27 degrees Celsius at night to 35 degrees Celsius in the daytime which is 95 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you’re bringing synthetic fabrics, you’re going to suffer. Prioritize linens, cotton, and viscose.

Of course, also make sure you bring a hat or visor to protect your head. This is critical in the temple complexes because it’s also super bright with the sunlight reflecting off the sand, so getting a baseball cap or something with a brim is super useful. 

For the ladies, I would recommend something that covers the tops of your shoulders or the chest. The reason that you might want to consider dressing a bit more modestly is mostly for your comfort. This means that people aren’t looking at you as much, and so you don’t stand out as much.

If you’re going to places like mosques in the Citadel of Cairo, make sure you bring something to cover your shoulders. We messed up and wore something that showed too much shoulder. However, you can actually rent cover-ups for about 20 Egyptian pounds per person. You can also buy a scarf, but the scarf was like 100 Egyptian pounds.

Bring those light layers to keep the sun off your skin and to keep your modesty in check for these kinds of cultural monuments.

When to Visit

As I mentioned, we visited in May. This is just at the end of the high season, and you can get some pretty incredible deals if you’re willing to put up with a little bit of heat. In the summer season, the temperatures can reach 55 degrees Celsius so it’s really dangerous to visit during this season. 

The high season goes over the winter and spring months which makes sense because it’s so much cooler for the tourists. However, the prices do go up a lot. So if you can go in October or May which is as close to a shoulder season as Egypt gets, you might be able to score yourself a deal on flights, accommodation, or excursions. 

Traveling as a Woman

I get a lot of questions about traveling as a woman to places like Egypt. As I’ve said in this guide, I didn’t feel 100% safe in remote places and a few guys did try to scam us in Giza, but luckily our guide knew what was happening and got us out of there. 

I’ve traveled a lot around places like Morocco and Jordan either on my own or with other women, so I am used to haggling culture and people coming up to you. I’m largely fine with that, but if you’re not used to it, Egypt is not a good introduction. It’s very intense. 

In terms of standing out as a proud Chicana woman, I think people were really interested in my face and trying to figure out where I was from. So people came up to me asking where I was from and if I was Moroccan or Egyptian. I don’t mind friendly interactions.

I feel like I get this a lot so I know exactly how to handle myself at this point, but I just want to be upfront and honest for people who might be less familiar with this style of communication.

Dealing With Heat

I know I’ve spoken about the heat a lot already, but this is Egypt and you can’t talk about it enough! 

I’m from Los Angeles, so I like to think I’m pretty good with the heat, but this was something else. The lack of shade and air-con in some places was a shock. So, make sure you bring more water than you think you’re going to need and a light linen layer to cover your skin. 

I’d also make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to do your activities and excursions. The heat means you’re going to have to move slower and take more rest. Your itinerary needs to account for this otherwise you’ll end up dehydrated and potentially get sunstroke and no one wants that!

Traveling With Guides

Honestly, my best tip for exploring Egypt would be to travel with a guide. Whether that’s a private guide like we did with iEgypt or jumping on a small group tour, it’s one of the best ways to see everything Egypt has to offer. 

Having a private guide meant that we could tailor our itinerary and come and go largely as we pleased. It meant we weren’t waiting around for people like you often are in bigger groups. In this heat, I couldn’t think of anything worse than having to wait around for stragglers!

Traveling with a guide is also great from a peace of mind point of view. They speak the language, know the culture, and know about all the popular scams and hustles at the top tourist attractions. Especially if you’re not used to intense haggling culture where people come up to you a lot, this is a huge bonus and will drastically improve your enjoyment in Egypt! 

Related Posts:

• How to Take Better Instagram Photos That Make You Stand Out
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Vanessa Wachtmeister is a travel tech professional and the creator of the wealth & wanderlust platform, Wander Onwards. Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles, California, she is a proud Chicana, and she has been living abroad for the last 9 years. Today, she helps people pursue financial and location independence through her ‘Move Abroad’ Master Class, financial literacy digital products, and career workshops.

Luxor, Egypt: The Ultimate Guide

Luxor – Ancient Egypt’s Thebes – is a city located in Central-Southern Egypt, on the West Bank of the Nile River. It’s often referred to as the “world’s greatest open-air museum”, as it’s teeming with archeological treasures and ancient ruins throughout the city. Thebes was once known as one of the richest and most powerful cities in the world. Read on to find out why Luxor is a must-see destination everyone should visit.

Best Known For: Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is an ancient burial site where powerful pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and other rulers from the 18 th -20 th dynasties were laid to rest. Wander the tombs of these royals and learn about their reigns in Ancient Egypt. See great sarcophaguses and well-preserved hieroglyphics dating back to 16th century BCE. With our Luxor Day Tour , you’ll not only get to explore this world-famous treasure, but you’ll also visit surrounding attractions like Hatshepsut Temple and Twin Colossi of Memnon.

Book Your Luxor Tour

Luxor: Essential Travel Information

Interactive map of luxor.

More Things to See in Luxor

Karnack Temples: Spreading over 200 acres, the Karnak Temples are a historic haven of carvings, tombs, and hieroglyphics, making it one of the largest temple complexes the world has ever seen.

Nile Cruise: A cruise along the Nile River can be a fun solo excursion or enjoyable with friends and family. Sail down to Aswan to see Elephantine Island or better yet, join our Luxor and Cairo 2 Day Tour , which combines Aswan and Luxor into 2 exhilarating days of adventuring. 

Have a look at these Best Travel Experiences in Egypt or 7 Day Egypt Itinerary to better plan your next trip.

Where to Stay

Luxor’s East Bank is where most hotels and restaurants are located. It provides easy access to popular sites like Luxor Temple. It’s also advisable to stay near the Nile River, which offers tourists a more relaxed environment to retire at the end of a long day of sightseeing.

Our package tours like 7 Day Cairo, Aswan and Luxor Package and Cairo and Highlights of Egypt 4 Day Tour are great options for tourists planning on visiting Luxor. Hotel stays, transportation, and fun experiences are included throughout our tours, leaving the hassle of planning a long and complicated trip to us.

Luxor’s Restaurants & Markets

There are a plethora of places to eat and shop in Luxor. Some of the best restaurants are located near Luxor Temple, close to hotels. There are excellent coffee houses and even some eateries named after pharaohs. Delight your taste buds by trying new Egyptian food and head to the vibrant Luxor Bazaar – one of the best outdoor markets in Egypt – to buy crafts, souvenirs, spices, and local specialties. There’s also Soul al-Sagha, which is primarily known for its gold market, and don’t forget Luxor Mall for a more typical shopping experience.

Our Recommendations: Things to Book Ahead

We highly recommend you book your ticket to all museums and temples ahead of time. Valley of the Kings is an especially popular tourist destination and tickets go fast. Also note: Not all Valley of the Kings tickets are created equally; book wisely as basic entry won’t guarantee you access to the entire complex.

Once you’re in Luxor, you can come along on our Luxor Day Tour for an unforgettable experience. This tour includes a visit to Valley of the King s, Hatshepsut Temple, Twin Colossi of Memnon, and so much more.

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Sonakshi Sinha-Zaheer Iqbal's Egypt Throwback Is A Guide To Your Next Travel Outing

Sonakshi sinha and zaheer iqbal's egypt throwback will make you want to plan a trip too the pyramids of giza.

Sonakshi-Zaheer's Egypt Throwback Is A Guide To Your Next Travel Outing

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are travellers at heart and their recent throwback post is giving us all the inspiration to plan a vacation. The couple has shared an exhilarating glimpse into their Egyptian adventure, offering fans a breathtaking view of the iconic Pyramids of Giza. The video, which both Sonakshi and Zaheer shared on Instagram, shows the couple's daring paramotoring escapade, capturing their joy and excitement as they soared over one of the world's most ancient wonders. The video started with Sonakshi and Zaheer, hand in hand, bubbling with excitement as they embark on their thrilling ride. As the adventure unfolds, the video transports viewers high above the golden sands and ancient stones, where Sonakshi and Zaheer glide effortlessly. The panoramic shots, capturing every breathtaking angle, provide a stunning view of the pyramids. The clip wraps up with the couple landing and racing towards the camera, holding hands, their smiles radiating pure joy. Sonakshi and Zaheer captioned the video, “The absolute BEST way to see the pyramids is to fly over them… Throwback to Egypt. All the fun stuff coming out of the archives now… perks of being married.” Watch the video here:

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Married in June after a nearly seven-year courtship, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal have been keeping fans engaged with a series of travel photos and videos. In August, they offered a peek into their New York adventure. The video showed glimpses of their lively exploration of the city, from friendly duels at a lively game zone to sun-soaked moments on the beach. They captioned the video, “New York for a minute! Best trip everrr,” reminiscing about their memorable trip.

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Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal's travel diaries are worth taking notes from

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