Egypt

Egypt is a country of ancient wonders, desert landscapes, and lively cities. Cairo buzzes with traffic, markets, and the grandeur of the Egyptian Museum, while nearby Giza holds the iconic pyramids and Sphinx. Along the Nile, Luxor and Aswan reveal temples, tombs, and stories of pharaohs. The Red Sea coast, from Hurghada to Sharm El Sheikh, offers world-class diving and beach resorts. Beyond the river, the Western Desert hides oases and sweeping dunes. Egyptian food is hearty and flavorful, with dishes like koshari, ful medames, and fresh pita filling every table. Timeless and energetic, Egypt offers deep history and daily life side by side.

Egypt is a country where ancient wonders, desert landscapes, and bustling cities collide in a way few places can match. Most travelers come for the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and a cruise down the Nile River. But there’s a lot more beyond the postcards: colorful bazaars in Cairo, Coptic churches in Old Cairo, Islamic architecture in Islamic Cairo, and world-class diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. Egypt feels layered, one foot in its Pharaonic past, the other moving fast into the future.

Traveling in Egypt is affordable, especially compared to many other popular destinations. You’ll find budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and luxury resorts, often within close proximity to major sites. Food is cheap and hearty: koshari (a mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and tomato sauce), falafel, grilled meats, and endless pita bread. Western food is common in tourist areas, but the real joy is local cafes and street stalls.

Getting around Egypt is relatively easy. Trains run between Cairo, Alexandria, and Upper Egypt, while domestic flights connect major cities and resort areas. Taxis, rideshares, and metro lines are common in Cairo. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Egypt is generally safe, especially around major sites and resort areas, though petty crime and scams targeting tourists are common, bargain hard, keep an eye on your belongings, and stay alert.

Families: Egypt can be exciting for adventurous families but isn’t the easiest destination. Cairo’s pyramids and museums fascinate kids, while Luxor and Aswan offer incredible ruins. The Red Sea resorts at Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are safer, easier options with beaches and activities.

Couples: Egypt has romance if you seek it , sunset felucca rides in Aswan, luxury hotels overlooking the Nile, or beach resorts along the Red Sea. Luxor and Cairo offer culture-heavy experiences, but it’s less about intimacy and more about grand sights.

Backpackers: Egypt rewards budget travelers with cheap food, affordable transport, and low-cost guesthouses. Backpacker hubs like Dahab and Luxor are welcoming. Cairo can be overwhelming, but moving south to Aswan or east to the Sinai brings a more relaxed vibe.

Digital Nomads: Egypt has potential , cheap living costs, decent cafés, and beautiful locations , but poor Wi-Fi, unreliable infrastructure, and visa limitations make it tough for digital nomads. Cairo and Dahab are your best bets if attempting a short workation.

Luxury Travelers: Egypt offers luxury river cruises, five-star Nile-view hotels, and high-end resorts on the Red Sea. Cairo has grand historic hotels like the Marriott Mena House. Service can vary, but when it’s good, it’s exceptional , at a lower cost than Europe or the Gulf.

Foodies: Egyptian food is hearty and local , koshary, falafel, ful medames, and grilled meats are staples. Cairo has some good traditional and modern dining, but Egypt isn’t a global food destination. Street food is delicious, cheap, and plentiful, but international variety is limited.

Beach Bunnies: Egypt’s Red Sea coast is a beach lover’s dream , sunny, warm, and lined with all-inclusive resorts. Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and especially laid-back Dahab offer beautiful waters and year-round beach weather. Some beaches are rocky, but diving and snorkeling are superb.

Nature Buffs: Egypt’s nature is stark but striking , deserts, oases, and coral reefs dominate. Explore the White Desert for surreal landscapes, snorkel in Ras Mohammed National Park, or camp under the stars in the Sinai Peninsula. Wildlife is limited but scenery is dramatic.

History Buffs: Egypt is a bucket-list destination for history lovers. The Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Abu Simbel are among the most iconic ancient sites in the world. Cairo’s Egyptian Museum holds unrivaled collections. Thousands of years of civilization await.

Culture Vultures: Egypt’s culture is rich and layered , from Islamic architecture in Cairo’s old quarters to Nubian villages near Aswan. Markets, mosques, Coptic churches, and local festivals provide vivid glimpses of daily life. It’s dynamic, but navigating it takes patience and respect.

Adventure Seekers: Egypt offers desert safaris, scuba diving in the Red Sea, and mountain trekking in Sinai. Climbing Mount Sinai for sunrise is a rite of passage. Infrastructure for adventure sports can be patchy, so picking good guides and reliable operators is key.

Solo Travelers: Egypt is doable solo, but it requires street smarts. Cairo can feel overwhelming alone, and attention (especially for women) can be intense. The Red Sea resorts, Aswan, and Dahab are much more laid-back for solo visitors. Small group tours can ease logistics.

Party Animals: Egypt’s nightlife is modest compared to other destinations. Cairo has clubs and bars mostly centered around hotels, and Sharm el-Sheikh offers some beach parties. Alcohol is legal but not a big part of social life. Party scenes are limited outside major tourist centers.

Wildlife Watchers: Egypt is more about landscapes than animals. Marine life thrives in the Red Sea with world-class diving and snorkeling. Inland, wildlife is sparse , you might spot desert foxes or migratory birds at oases like Siwa. Wildlife tourism isn’t a major draw here.

LGBTQ+: Egypt is not LGBTQ+ friendly. Homosexuality is technically legal but social attitudes are very conservative, and arrests for “debauchery” have occurred. Public displays of affection are risky. Cairo and Dahab have small underground scenes, but discretion is essential.

Why Go to Egypt?

• The Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx: Stand before the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, still as impressive as ever.
• Cruising the Nile: Sail between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at ancient temples like Karnak, Edfu, and Kom Ombo.
• Valley of the Kings and Tombs: Explore hidden tombs where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were laid to rest amid intricate wall paintings.
• Islamic Cairo’s Markets and Mosques: Wander through Khan el-Khalili, visit Al-Azhar Mosque, and soak in centuries of history.
• Red Sea Diving and Snorkeling: Swim in some of the world’s clearest, most colorful waters at Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, or Hurghada.
• Siwa Oasis and the Western Desert: Journey to remote oases, salt lakes, and ancient ruins at the edge of the Sahara.
• Everyday Life and Street Culture: Drink mint tea in a Cairo café, take a felucca ride at sunset, or watch the city wake up during morning call to prayer.

Who Might Not Enjoy Egypt?

• Travelers Who Dislike Crowds and Hustle: Major tourist sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and Khan El Khalili Bazaar can be extremely crowded and chaotic, especially during peak season. Persistent touts and guides can add to the intensity.

• Visitors Expecting Seamless Luxury Everywhere: Egypt offers world-class luxury hotels in major cities, but services and amenities can be inconsistent outside major tourist hubs. Infrastructure, especially in rural areas, may feel rough around the edges.

• Travelers Sensitive to Aggressive Sales Tactics: Haggling is a normal part of market culture, and street vendors, taxi drivers, and unofficial guides can be very persistent, sometimes to the point of harassment.

• Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: Although Egypt has some excellent vegetarian dishes like koshari and falafel, much of traditional cuisine includes meat, and plant-based options can be limited in smaller towns or non-tourist areas.

• Tourists Expecting Quiet, Solitary Visits to Major Sights: Egypt’s historical sites are incredible but often very busy. Solitude is rare unless you visit early in the morning or go off the typical tourist circuit.

• Travelers Who Prefer Highly Organized Tours Without Stress: Egypt’s tourism industry is huge but often chaotic. Scams, last-minute changes, and disorganized logistics can frustrate travelers expecting flawless operations.

• Visitors Sensitive to Heat: Egypt’s climate is extremely hot for much of the year, particularly between May and September. Visiting outdoor sites in intense heat can be physically draining.

• Those Uncomfortable with Conservative Social Norms: Egypt is socially conservative. Modest dress is expected in many settings, and public displays of affection are discouraged outside tourist resorts.

• People Requiring Strong Digital or Medical Infrastructure Everywhere: Internet is widely available in cities but can be slow or spotty in rural areas. Healthcare quality varies widely outside major hospitals in Cairo or Alexandria.

Start in Cairo, a city of 20 million souls, noise, and life. At its heart is the Egyptian Museum, packed with treasures from ancient tombs, including King Tutankhamun’s golden mask. Don’t miss Islamic Cairo: climb the minaret at Bab Zuweila, wander the alleys of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, and visit the beautiful mosques around the Citadel of Saladin. The city’s chaos is part of the experience, sometimes overwhelming, often exhilarating.

Just outside the city, the Giza Pyramids still dominate the horizon, as they have for 4,500 years. The Sphinx crouches nearby, weathered but iconic. For fewer crowds and older pyramids, visit Saqqara and Dahshur, where you’ll find the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the oddly bent profile of the Bent Pyramid.

South along the Nile, Luxor is Egypt’s ancient heart. The Valley of the Kings hides tombs painted with vivid scenes from the afterlife. Karnak, a massive temple complex built over 2,000 years, stuns with its towering columns. Across the river, Hatshepsut’s Temple rises against cliffs in clean, elegant lines. Luxor deserves at least two days, more if you want to really sink into it.

Further south, Aswan feels more relaxed, with Nubian culture, palm-lined riverbanks, and the stunning Philae Temple, rescued from flooding by UNESCO. From here, you can visit Abu Simbel, where colossal statues of Ramses II stare out across the desert, a mind-bending feat of ancient engineering and modern preservation.

On the coast, Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh offer Red Sea beaches and diving among coral reefs. For those who prefer a quieter sea escape, Dahab on the Sinai Peninsula blends relaxed vibes with top-notch diving and snorkeling.

For adventure, head into the White Desert, where surreal chalk formations rise from the sand like icebergs. Or hike up Mount Sinai, where tradition says Moses received the Ten Commandments, and watch the sunrise from the summit.

Highlights

• Giza Pyramids – Timeless symbols of ancient Egypt, standing on the edge of Cairo.
• Valley of the Kings – The final resting place of pharaohs, filled with colorful tombs.
• Karnak Temple – A vast, awe-inspiring complex of pylons, columns, and chapels.
• Abu Simbel – Monumental temples carved into cliffs, saved from drowning by modern engineers.
• White Desert – An otherworldly landscape of white rock formations sculpted by wind and sand.

Top Cities & Towns

• Cairo – A sprawling, historic, and chaotic capital packed with museums, mosques, and markets.
• Luxor – An open-air museum, home to the Valley of the Kings and ancient temples.
• Aswan – A quieter Nile city with a strong Nubian influence and stunning riverside views.
• Alexandria – A Mediterranean city with Greco-Roman ruins, colonial-era charm, and great seafood.
• Dahab – A low-key Red Sea town known for diving, snorkeling, and desert excursions.

Nature & Outdoor Adventure

• Nile River – Sail in a felucca at sunset, cruise between Luxor and Aswan, or just sit and watch life pass by.
• Red Sea Coral Reefs – Dive or snorkel among some of the world’s most beautiful underwater ecosystems.
• White Desert National Park – Camp among bizarre chalk formations under a sky full of stars.
• Mount Sinai – Hike to the summit for sunrise views over barren, sacred landscapes.
• Siwa Oasis – A remote desert oasis with palm groves, salt lakes, and ancient ruins.

Historical & Cultural Sites

• Giza Pyramids and Sphinx – Iconic monuments that need no introduction.
• Egyptian Museum (Cairo) – Home to King Tut’s treasures and countless other ancient wonders.
• Temple of Hatshepsut – A beautifully designed mortuary temple against dramatic cliffs.
• Philae Temple (Aswan) – An island temple dedicated to Isis, stunningly relocated stone by stone.
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina – A modern reimagining of the ancient Library of Alexandria, with impressive exhibitions.

Unique Experiences

• Sail a felucca on the Nile – Drift on a traditional sailboat, especially at sunset near Aswan.
• Explore the tombs of the Valley of the Kings – Walk deep into the painted chambers of ancient rulers.
• Camp in the White Desert – Sleep among surreal rock formations with only stars overhead.
• Dive the Blue Hole in Dahab – A world-famous site for experienced divers seeking deep challenges.
• Watch sunrise from Mount Sinai – Hike in the early hours to catch first light over a sacred landscape.

• Diving: the Red Sea has some of the best dive sites in the world, with good reefs, abundant marine life and crystal clear waters. Courses are available for beginners.
• Cruising the Nile: one of the most popular activities for visitors and a great way to see some of the sites. Trips usually operate between Luxor and Aswan, and take about five days.
• Shopping: check out one of the largest bazaars in the world at Khan-el Khalili in Cairo. Bargain hard for the handicrafts, antiques, trinkets and copper products.
• Camel riding: an authentic way to experience one of the country’s oasis and get a glimpse of the real desert.
• Trekking: get off the beaten track and visit the barren area of Sinai. Take in the stunning St Catherine’s Monastery, home to Greek Orthodox monks.

Most travelers to Egypt will likely be interested in staying in budget hostels, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels, with prices typically ranging from EGP 150–600 ($5–$20) per night for dormitory beds or simple private rooms. In cities like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, you’ll find a wide variety of budget accommodations offering easy access to historical landmarks like the pyramids, temples, and ancient ruins. Mid-range hotels generally cost between EGP 600–2,000 ($20–$65) per night, providing more comfort, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and often breakfast included.

For those seeking luxury, Egypt offers upscale hotels, resorts, and boutique stays, particularly in Cairo, the Red Sea resorts (like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh), and along the Nile. These high-end accommodations feature private pools, spa services, and prime locations, starting around EGP 2,000 ($65) per night and rising for premium suites and beachfront resorts.

Budget Travelers: Dormitory beds and basic guesthouses usually cost between EGP 150–400 ($5–$13) per night. In cities like Cairo and Luxor, you’ll find hostels and low-cost hotels within walking distance to major sites. In rural areas or small towns, guesthouses can offer even cheaper rates, often including tea and a simple breakfast.

Mid-Range: Comfortable three-star hotels or boutique guesthouses typically cost between EGP 600–2,000 ($20–$65) per night. These accommodations usually provide air-conditioning, private bathrooms, breakfast, and often rooftop terraces or small pools. Mid-range stays are easy to find in Cairo’s Zamalek district, Luxor’s West Bank, and around Aswan’s riverfront.

Upscale: Luxury accommodations in Egypt start at EGP 2,000 ($65) per night, with five-star hotels and resorts exceeding EGP 5,000 ($165) per night for premium services. These properties offer features like spa treatments, private beaches, Nile views, and fine dining, particularly in places like the Red Sea coast, the Nile cruise boats, and central Cairo.

Hotels

Hotels are everywhere in Egypt, from budget city hotels to luxurious Nile-side resorts. In Cairo, you’ll find a mix of modern high-rises and historic hotels like the Marriott Mena House near the pyramids. In Luxor and Aswan, riverside hotels often offer direct views of the Nile. Red Sea resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh cater heavily to tourists with all-inclusive packages, sprawling pools, and easy access to diving and snorkeling sites.

Hostels

Hostels are common in Cairo, Luxor, and Dahab, with dormitory beds usually costing between EGP 150–400 ($5–$13) per night. Many hostels offer Wi-Fi, breakfast, and communal kitchens. Cairo’s Downtown and Islamic Cairo districts are packed with backpacker hostels, while Luxor’s hostels often double as simple guesthouses close to the temples. Dahab has relaxed beachfront hostels that also cater to divers and kite surfers.

Backpacker

Egypt is a classic backpacker destination: cheap, adventurous, and filled with iconic sights. Budget guesthouses and hostels are widely available for EGP 150–600 ($5–$20) per night. Backpackers often stick to routes connecting Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Dahab, using inexpensive trains or buses. Hostel staff frequently help arrange tours to places like Abu Simbel, the Valley of the Kings, or Sinai’s Mount Catherine.

Flashpacker

Flashpackers will find stylish boutique hotels, guesthouses, and small resorts for EGP 600–2,000 ($20–$65) per night. In Cairo’s Zamalek area, boutique hotels offer leafy retreats from the city chaos. In Luxor and Aswan, historic houses converted into hotels offer charming rooms, shaded courtyards, and rooftop cafés. Dahab and Nuweiba on the Red Sea also feature upgraded beach camps and eco-lodges perfect for a relaxed but comfortable stay.

Homestays

Homestays in Egypt are available but less common through formal channels. In rural areas, especially around Luxor’s West Bank or Siwa Oasis, local families sometimes offer simple accommodations with homemade meals and cultural experiences. Homestays usually cost between EGP 200–600 ($7–$20) per night, and meals are often included. Booking a homestay typically requires local contacts or word-of-mouth recommendations rather than online platforms.

Camping

Camping in Egypt can be a memorable experience, especially in desert areas like the White Desert, Sinai Mountains, or around Siwa Oasis. Organized camping trips often include all gear, meals, and guides, costing from EGP 500–1,500 ($16–$50) per night. Wild camping independently is possible in some desert areas but should be done cautiously due to safety concerns and the harsh environment. For those wanting more comfort, glamping setups in Siwa or the Sinai coast offer luxury tents with real beds, private showers, and communal meals.

Unique Stays

Egypt offers a variety of unique accommodations. You can stay in historic palaces turned into hotels in Cairo, Nubian guesthouses along the Nile near Aswan, desert eco-lodges at Bahariya Oasis, or Bedouin camps in Sinai. A few Nile cruise boats offer floating hotel experiences, combining accommodation with multi-day journeys between Luxor and Aswan. Prices for unique stays vary widely, starting around EGP 500 ($16) for simple desert lodges and reaching over EGP 5,000 ($165) for boutique Nile cruises or luxury desert retreats.