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Egypt Travel Guide: From Ancient Majesty to Modern Marvels

Intro to Egypt Travel Guide

Egypt is a country where the ancient and modern live side by side — from the Pyramids of Giza to the Nile’s fertile banks, golden deserts, and buzzing cities. But it’s also a place of rich hospitality, vivid culture, and unforgettable landscapes that stretch from the Red Sea to the Sahara.

Start planning your journey with this complete Egypt Travel Guide — including curated Egypt tours, top places to visit, the best time to visit Egypt, essential travel costs, and immersive things to do in Egypt beyond the pyramids.

Continent: Africa (northeast corner; also part of Middle East geopolitically)
Country: Egypt (Arab Republic of Egypt)
Area: ~1,001,450 km²
Population: ~113 million (2024 est.)
Density: ~113 people/km² (majority live along the Nile)
Capital: Cairo
Regions/Subregions: Nile Valley, Nile Delta, Sinai Peninsula, Western Desert, Red Sea Coast, Upper Egypt
Language(s): Arabic (official); English and French widely spoken in tourism and business
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone(s): Eastern European Time (GMT+2)
Airports: CAI (Cairo), HRG (Hurghada), LXR (Luxor), SSH (Sharm El-Sheikh), ASW (Aswan), ALY (Alexandria)
Climate: Desert — hot and dry inland, milder along the Mediterranean and Red Sea
Known For: Pyramids, Sphinx, Nile River cruises, ancient temples, Red Sea diving, Islamic architecture

Visa-on-arrival available for 70+ nationalities including U.S., UK, EU, Australia, Canada (30-day tourist visa)
eVisa available online.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival
Sinai-only visa is available at SSH (Sharm El-Sheikh) for stays under 15 days but excludes other parts of Egypt

Required: None unless arriving from yellow fever zones
Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (if visiting rural areas), COVID-19
Tap water not safe — drink bottled water only
Good hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria; limited services in remote towns
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

Most tourist areas are safe with increased security at sites like Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts
Avoid travel to North Sinai and remote border areas due to military operations
Petty crime in crowded areas; watch belongings in markets and buses
Political demonstrations are rare but should be avoided
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

Revolution Day: January 25
Sinai Liberation Day: April 25
Revolution Day: July 23
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Dates vary (Islamic calendar)
National Day: October 6
Government offices and banks close during religious and national holidays.

Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP); USD and EUR accepted in some tourist zones
Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels and shops; cash needed in markets
ATMs: Widely available in cities; withdraw in local currency
Tipping: Customary (baksheesh) — 5–10% or small bills for services
Duty-Free: Up to 1L alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and personal goods under EGP 10,000

CAI – Cairo International: Main gateway; access to Giza and Alexandria
HRG – Hurghada, SSH – Sharm El-Sheikh: Red Sea beach resorts
LXR – Luxor, ASW – Aswan: Nile Valley and ancient temple hubs
Domestic flights via EgyptAir, Air Cairo, and Nile Air

Domestic Flights: Best for long-distance routes (Cairo to Luxor/Aswan)
Trains: Efficient between Cairo–Alexandria and Cairo–Luxor–Aswan (1st class available)
Metro: Cairo has Africa’s only metro system
Taxis & Apps: White taxis use meters (ask to turn on); Uber, Careem available in Cairo
Nile Cruises: Scenic multi-day trips from Luxor to Aswan

SIM Cards: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat — available at airports and city kiosks
Coverage: Strong in cities, variable in desert and rural areas
Wi-Fi: Available in hotels and cafés, but speeds can vary
Remote Work: Possible in Cairo, Dahab, and Red Sea towns — coworking exists but limited

Drinking Age: 21; alcohol only in licensed venues
Dress Code: Modest dress expected in mosques and conservative towns
LGBTQ+ Status: Same-sex activity not officially illegal, but publicly expressing LGBTQ+ identity may result in harassment
Behavior: Avoid public displays of affection, profanity, and photographing locals without consent
Religion: Show respect during Ramadan and in Islamic spaces

Emergency Numbers:
Police: 122
Ambulance: 123
Fire: 180
Tourist Police: Active at major sites and hotels
Hospitals: Cleopatra Hospital (Cairo), Nile Badrawi (Cairo), Luxor International Hospital
Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa page at all times

Cairo/Luxor/Aswan (Desert): Hot summers (35–45°C); mild winters (15–25°C)
Red Sea (Hurghada/Sharm): Dry and sunny year-round; ideal for diving
Alexandria (Coastal): Mediterranean climate — cooler and breezy
Best Time to Visit: October to April — cooler weather and fewer crowds
Weather Forecast

Egypt by Region – Where to Go

Egypt is far more than Cairo and Luxor — here’s how the country divides by geography, culture, and experience.

Cairo & the Nile Delta

Egypt’s beating heart and gateway to the ancient world.

Cairo: Bustling capital with medieval markets, mosques, and museums.
Giza: Home to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
Alexandria: Coastal city with Greco-Roman history and seaside vibes.

Upper Egypt (Southern Nile Valley)

The cradle of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Luxor: A living museum — Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and riverfront felucca rides.
Aswan: Relaxed Nile-side town near Nubian villages and the temple of Philae.
Abu Simbel: Grand temples built by Ramses II near the Sudanese border.

Western Desert & Oases

Remote, mystical, and home to nomadic cultures and surreal landscapes.

Siwa Oasis: Date palms, natural springs, and Berber traditions.
White Desert: Alien rock formations and overnight desert camping.
Bahariya & Farafra: Starting points for desert safaris.

Red Sea Coast

Adventure, diving, and relaxation under the sun.

Hurghada: Family-friendly resorts and excellent snorkeling.
El Gouna: Upscale beaches and kite surfing on turquoise lagoons.
Marsa Alam: Untouched diving reefs and marine reserves.

Sinai Peninsula

Sacred mountains and epic coastlines.

Sharm El Sheikh: Luxury resorts, diving, and nightlife.
Dahab: Laid-back town for divers, yogis, and desert explorers.
Mount Sinai: Religious pilgrimage site with sunrise treks.

Top Places to Visit in Egypt

These are the most culturally and visually iconic places to visit in Egypt.

Ancient & Historic Sites

Giza Pyramids: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Luxor’s Karnak & Valley of the Kings: Temples, tombs, and golden treasure.
Abu Simbel: Monumental rock temples near Lake Nasser.

Cultural & Religious Highlights

Old Cairo: Coptic churches, Islamic mosques, and ancient synagogues.
Khan El-Khalili Market: Cairo’s most famous bazaar.
Nubian Villages (Aswan): Painted houses, traditional crafts, and boat rides.

Desert & Nature Experiences

Siwa Oasis: Salt lakes, sand dunes, and fortress ruins.
White Desert: Camp under stars among wind-carved chalk formations.
Wadi El Rayan (Fayoum): Waterfalls and desert lake systems.

Coastal & Diving Spots

Hurghada & Marsa Alam: Dive coral reefs, swim with dolphins, and enjoy all-inclusive luxury.
Dahab & the Blue Hole: Iconic dive site and relaxed backpacker beach town.
Sharm El Sheikh: Jet-set resort with reef access and Red Sea glamour.

How to Choose Where to Go in Egypt

Choose your route by interest, and mix ancient history with nature and relaxation.

For Ancient Egypt: Focus on Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan with a Nile cruise.
For Diving & Coastline: Explore Sharm, Dahab, or Marsa Alam.
For Sacred Travel: Visit Mount Sinai, Saint Catherine’s Monastery, and Old Cairo.
For Desert Adventures: Venture west to Siwa or the White Desert.
Efficient Pairings: Cairo + Luxor + Red Sea, or Aswan + Abu Simbel + Siwa

How to Get Around Egypt

Plan ahead — Egypt is larger than it looks, and distances can be significant.

Domestic Flights: Time-saving for Cairo–Aswan–Luxor–Sharm
Trains: Efficient between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan (sleeper trains available)
Buses & Minibuses: Affordable but best for shorter routes
Nile Cruises: Popular between Luxor and Aswan — both scenic and practical
Taxis & Ride Apps: Uber works in Cairo and Alexandria
Camel & Horse Carts: Common at major historic sites — negotiate price clearly

Travel Budget & Costs in Egypt

The travel cost in Egypt offers great value for both budget and mid-range travelers.

Budget: $30–50/day — hostels, local food, trains
Mid-Range: $70–150/day — boutique hotels, domestic flights, guided tours
Luxury: $200+/day — Nile cruises, 5-star hotels, private guides

Sample Costs:

Giza ticket (3 pyramids): ~$10
Domestic flight (Cairo–Luxor): ~$80
Street meal (koshari, falafel): $2–5
Nile cruise (3 nights): $300–600
Entry to Abu Simbel: ~$12

Best Time to Visit Egypt

Egypt is a year-round destination, but weather varies by region.

October–April: Best for sightseeing and desert trips — mild temps and peak travel season
May–September: Hot and dry — good for coastlines but avoid midday ruins
Ramadan: Varies by year — a cultural experience, but note reduced hours and services

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when temperatures are ideal for outdoor exploration and desert adventures.

Must-See Experiences in Egypt

These top things to do in Egypt will immerse you in history, nature, and soul.

Stand between the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza
Sail the Nile at sunset in a traditional felucca
Descend into King Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings
Explore Cairo’s Islamic Quarter by lantern light
Camp under stars in the White Desert
Snorkel Ras Mohammed National Park in the Red Sea
Climb Mount Sinai before sunrise
Visit a Nubian home and enjoy tea by the river

Book immersive Egypt tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Egypt — from sacred temple rituals and highland treks to floating markets and lakeside food adventures.

Best Travel Itineraries in Egypt

Here are suggested itineraries based on length and focus.

7-Day Ancient Egypt Express

Cairo → Luxor → Aswan (Nile cruise optional)

Pyramids, temples, tombs, and quick inland transport

10-Day Culture & Coastline

Cairo → Luxor → Hurghada or Dahab

Combine ancient history with Red Sea relaxation

2-Week Egypt in Depth

Cairo → Siwa → Alexandria → Luxor → Aswan → Abu Simbel → Marsa Alam

For those wanting to see it all — mix of coast, history, and deserts

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Egyptian food is rich, comforting, and full of regional character.

What to Try

Koshari: Egypt’s national dish — lentils, pasta, tomato, and fried onions
Ful Medames: Fava bean breakfast staple
Molokhia: Green soup made from jute leaves
Mahshi: Stuffed vegetables with rice and herbs
Hawawshi: Spiced meat baked into pita
Om Ali: Egyptian bread pudding for dessert

Culinary Tips

Eat at street stalls for local flavor — try falafel or grilled liver sandwiches
Visit cafés for shisha and mint tea
Take a cooking class in Cairo or Luxor
Try seafood in Alexandria or on the Red Sea coast

Taste your way through Egypt with market tours, home-cooked meals, and iconic street food.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Egypt

Egypt is welcoming but requires cultural sensitivity and some precautions.

Dress modestly: Especially in mosques and rural areas
Tipping is expected: Guides, drivers, hotel staff, and restrooms
Stay alert in crowded areas: Pickpockets and hustlers are common
Avoid political discussions: Especially with strangers or in public
Women travelers: Should dress conservatively and consider guided travel for comfort