best ways to travel to egypt

8 tips I wish I knew before traveling solo to Egypt

Egypt is a magical place that attracts travelers from all over the globe. Most tourists go there to see the pyramids in Giza, but you'd be remiss if you didn't branch out beyond Cairo's famous sites.

Traveling throughout Egypt can be a bit tricky. Fortunately, with a bit of research and careful planning, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering any unexpected surprises during your visit.

Here are some tips to keep in mind before you visit based on my solo travels around Egypt.

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Know what to expect when it comes to money

Overall, Egypt is an affordable destination, with most meals costing less than $5. However, be wary of scams and being overcharged. If you plan to shop, which you should at Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, be prepared to haggle. Never pay the first price offered by a local vendor, and use your bargaining skills to get whatever you're purchasing for a little bit cheaper.

Also be sure to pack cash. Although this is standard advice for just about everywhere, it's especially crucial in Egypt, as you'll be expected to leave a hefty tip in Egyptian pounds (the country's currency) for every service you partake in and receive.

Dress appropriately

While you may be tempted to whip out your short shorts due to the scalding heat, Egypt is not the place to do so, as it's a conservative country. Wear clothes that go at least past your knees, do not show any cleavage and make sure to cover your shoulders, especially at holy sites. Female tourists are not expected to wear a hijab, though they can choose to do so out of respect. It is recommended for women to wear baggy clothes.

Bring a light jacket if your visit is during winter. Despite popular belief, Egypt does indeed get chilly. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and don't repeat my mistake of wearing cute sandals while temple hopping in Luxor. Some tombs are underground with a steep slope downward, so good footwear is essential.

Related: The potential is there: A review of EgyptAir's business class on the 787-9 from Cairo to New York

Take advantage of student discounts

Most of Egypt's archaeological sites like the pyramids, temples and more charge an entry fee. These fees can add up over time, especially if you're trying to see several throughout your trip, as you should. I visited Egypt when I was a law student, and my guide in Luxor informed me there is a student discount. However, some sites wouldn't accept my New York City student ID card.

To avoid a U.S. state ID not being accepted, you can look into getting an international student ID card (or an ISIC), which will likely be accepted at all sites in Egypt. The only caveat is you have to be younger than 26 to qualify for the Egyptian student discount.

Sample the country's food and beverages

Sampling local cuisine is always a big treat when traveling. In Egypt, the delicious fare is seemingly endless. You'll find a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes in the country, including falafel and fül, a stew of cooked fava beans made with olive oil, parsley, cumin and garlic that's typically eaten for breakfast. You should also try koshari, Egypt's national dish. It's a wonderfully tasty concoction of pasta, rice, chickpeas, lentils and fried onions served in a spicy tomato sauce.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking here, so opt for a bottled beverage to wash down your meal. Despite being a predominantly Muslim nation where many locals abstain from drinking alcohol, Egypt produces its own wine and beer, so you'll have a few alcoholic options to choose from. If you want to indulge after a long day of sightseeing, most hotels serve alcohol or you can order it online through the popular Egyptian site Cheers. Know, though, that being intoxicated in public is a big no-no.

Come prepared with layers

There's a common misconception that Egypt is extremely hot year-round. While the country undoubtedly gets hot much of the year, it does indeed have a cooler season from December to late March, so bring a light jacket if you're planning a winter visit.

Know, too, that Egypt is a large country, so the weather may vary depending on where you are in the country.

Hire a guide

Egypt is an attractive tourist destination thanks to its rich history, which can be traced back to some of the earliest signs of communication. Self-research is always an option, but if you want to make the most of your Egypt experience, consider hiring a guide to explain the many sites you'll see to you. It can be overwhelming to view pyramids, hieroglyphics, mummies and more on your own. A certified Egyptologist will ensure you know what you're looking at and can deepen your connection to the country's history.

Additionally, a local guide who speaks the language can help you navigate unwanted attention, especially for women traveling on their own. Catcalling is unfortunately common in Egypt, but touring with a guide might eliminate some of the harassment experienced. If you're a woman traveling alone and you're uncomfortable hiring a male guide, don't fret: I was pleasantly surprised to find many female guides available for hire when I visited.

Related: Egypt opens 4,600-year-old 'Bent' Pyramid to the public

Plan your itinerary and in-country transportation ahead of time

There's more to Egypt than just Cairo. In fact, many travelers only spend a day or two in Cairo to see the pyramids before venturing out to other destinations. There are several ways to travel throughout the country, but you'll need to narrow down where you'd like to go before deciding how you'll get there.

Luxor, like Cairo, is an obvious choice for most since it offers some of the best and most popular sites in the country. If you're into scuba diving or snorkeling, any of the towns along the Red Sea should be on your radar. The most popular spots for water activities are Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada and Dahab. And if you're feeling adventurous, head east toward the Libyan border to discover the magical Siwa Oasis, where you can float in one of the area's famous salt pools.

Other popular destinations in Egypt include Abu Simbel, Aswan and Alexandria.

Once you narrow down where you'd like to go, you'll then have to decide how you'll get there. Traveling throughout Egypt via EgyptAir is incredibly easy, as there are flights connecting throughout most major cities at affordable rates. An overnight sleeper train is another popular way to travel due to its relatively low cost, or you can get a unique perspective of the country by enjoying a relaxing Nile River cruise .

Renting a car is an option, too. However, it's not recommended due to heavy traffic, lack of speed limit enforcement and the presence of police checkpoints throughout the country. Should you need to get around in a car, consider hailing a taxi or ordering an Uber.

Use the right photography tools and equipment

Getting photos with no one else in them can be a challenge due to the large volume of visitors that flock to the main tourist sites, so you may want to work on your photoshop skills. Most sites are grandiose in size, so a wide-angle lens will serve you well.

Remember that drones are prohibited. If you attempt to bring one to the airport, it will be confiscated.

Bottom line

Egypt is a thrill.

While you may want to brush up on your Arabic — it's the national language there — and check to see if you need any vaccinations (like one for yellow fever, which is required if you're not traveling directly to Egypt from the U.S.), these preparations are more than worth the effort to visit this culturally and historically rich destination.

As long as you practice general safety precautions, you should be all set to have the time of your life.

Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Egypt , Misunderstood Destinations

This is How to Travel to Egypt – Tips to Visit Safely & Responsibly

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From temples, tombs and slow journeys on the Nile, to understanding the delicate tourism situation as the country always tries to catch a break, there’s a lot to understand and even more to enjoy when you travel to Egypt.

Visiting Egypt usually puts people in two minds. One, there is the desire to explore all that remains of Ancient Egypt and a civilisation that’s so incredibly timeworn yet within reach. On the other, many can struggle with the constant negative press around going to Egypt as a developing country and safety concerns since the Arab Spring of the Egyptian Revolution in 2011.

In reality, you could spend a few weeks there covering some serious, ancient ground, especially, if you want to take in every site and still have some time to take in the varying atmospheres of the main cities. Your main question will be to go solo and organise each separate aspect yourself, or take a tour as I did and cover an incredible amount of ground in 10 days.

From travel tips on when and where to go and how to get around, to responsible travel decisions and tackling general safety concerns, this Egypt travel guide has you covered.

How to Travel to Egypt – Overturning Negative Perceptions of a Culturally Rich Country

Egypt Summer Travel

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If you want to explore in a comfortable climate and escape the period of high heat, then September to April is seen as the best time to go to Egypt.

You might also want to plan your trip to avoid summer in Egypt. The hottest months, marked by the scorching, humid summer, are from May to October. More so in the South, such as in Aswan and Luxor, but it can be stifling in Cairo too.

Visiting Egypt at the end of June when it was swelteringly hot, might have been a crazy decision. However, it did have its advantages. Namely, fewer crowds and the necessity to get to sites ultra-early to escape the heat but ultimately be the first in, leaving time for further exploration in the area or time to rest by the pool.

The mighty Luxor Temple.

I was also travelling during Ramadan – the most important holiday in Egypt. The month-long celebration where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The exact dates of Ramadan change with each lunar cycle and typically fall between April and June. 

Food outlets remain closed until the evening feast time. During such times, pack snacks for the road so you have some sustenance until dinner time, as you rarely find the one place that remains open. Also, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those who can’t during that time. In the evening, people come together to feast. The atmosphere on the streets is electric and a show of community. Even in our hotels, the buffets brought people together, including friends and family of the hospitality workers. 

Eid al-Fitr is another holiday and is the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. Not long after comes the Islamic New Year, known as  Eid al-Adha.  

Coptic (Orthodox Christian) holidays to note are the Coptic Christmas on 7th January and Coptic Easter , which typically falls a week after Catholic Easter. 

The atmospheric public square in front of Luxor Temple.

Getting Your Egypt Visa and Entry Requirements

A host of nationalities, including all Western European and Arab countries, USA, Australia, and New Zealand, can obtain a one-month single entry visa on arrival at Cairo International airport or at the Egyptian land border. All countries entering Egypt require a valid passport (with a minimum of six months validity).

I also had a copy of my itinerary and details of the hotel I would stay at on my first night, just in case border control asked for extra information.

If you want to purchase an Egypt visa on arrival, you must pay in cash. The visa fee is 25 USD (or equivalent) ONLY with US Dollars (USD), Euro (EUR), and the British Pound. Egyptian pounds and credit cards are not accepted payment methods when obtaining your Egyptian entry visa.

Look for windows (marked “banks”) selling these visas in the area where you line up to have your passport stamped. You need to get a visa before entering the passport line. The visa is a sticker, which you must stick into your passport before handing it to the authorities for stamping.

I choose to get an Egypt E-Visa – a recently introduced electronic travel authorisation system for from the following eligible nationalities wishing to travel to Egypt for tourism:

Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Korea, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, The Vatican

The e-Visa for Egypt is either a single or multiple-entry visa, valid for three months, and gives the visitor a maximum duration of 30 days in Egypt for tourism. You can apply via an online application without the need to visit the embassy. It is a simple process that saves time and hassle upon landing and gives you peace of mind before your trip that you have a visa for entry already secured.

Details about the Egypt Online Visa commonly asked questions on visa fees, requirements, and eligibility to apply can be found here .

While there are train links, the navigation of ticketing systems and booking can be tricky, and the nationwide high-speed service is due to be completed by 2025. 

However, several bus networks operate between the major cities connecting Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor. You can check routes and timings and book tickets via the 12Go platform. 

Taking a Tour to Egypt to Get Around

With my favourite small group adventure tour company G Adventures, I could see some of the most colossal, famous, magnificent (and still being uncovered) highlights and wonders of Egypt .

This trip included Cairo, Giza and the Great Pyramids, Alexandria, Aswan, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo Temple, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, alongside added excursions to Saqqara and Memphis.

Egypt tours are plentiful, but choosing one that opts for certification and responsibility is important.

Not only did I traverse a lot of sites, but I travelled Egypt and some of the most revered wonders of the ancient world with a local and a certified Egyptologist – the G Adventures Chief Experience Officer who has an education in Archaeology, knows every conceivable detail about the history and who volunteers his time in helping to uncover ancient sites today.

Travel with a certified Egyptian tour guide and uncover the details of Egypt’s main sites.

Not to mention traveling for social good , where we supported local families during a Nubian village visit in Aswan, which included a home-cooked dinner. As a G Adventures ambassador, I travel to destinations responsibly and purposefully and show how you can too. 

Many people grapple with arranging everything in each city and traveling to Egypt independently, which is doable but with a lot more hassle, or choosing the comfort of a small group where the main components of travel are organised.

For many people on my trip, the group tour option also relieved safety concerns .

A young boy hitches a ride in Egypt.

My G Adventures Egypt Upgraded tour covered the listed sites above , including the Nile Cruise and the out-of-the-way Abu Simbel excursion. The upgraded element relates to the fact this is designed to be more of a comfort tour. There are seven tours altogether to choose from, all including some of the famed sites in Egypt, including:

• Egypt on a budget , for those wanting the ease of organisation with minimal costs by using public transport and floating down the Nile on a felucca.
• Shorter trips like Best of Egypt cover Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, including sailing the Nile on a traditional felucca and the Luxor to Cairo flight.
• A chance to visit the Red Sea area on the Highlights of Egypt trip includes time in coastal Hurghada, an overnight train to Aswan, and a felucca sail between Aswan and Luxor.

Guided tours in Egypt don’t necessarily have to be stifling. During my trip, I have plenty of time to rest, explore each town and city, and after initial insight at an ancient site, I was left with time to explore on my own. 

For those travelling independently but still wanting ease in planning and getting between destinations, consider these day trips and multi-day excursions that cover Egypt sightseeing highlights. 

Enjoy a full-day tour of Old Cairo and its Islamic and Coptic sites, take the Pyramids and Sphinx Tour with a River Nile Felucca Ride , or get around the Pyramids on a quad bike . Solo-female travellers can take a female-guided Cairo tour that covers Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan El Khalili Bazaar. 

Take a full-day tour that combines Giza with Memphis and Sakkara , head out on a coastal adventure to the Red Sea , or enjoy an archeological day trip to Alexandria . 

Choose from full or half-day East and West Bank tours and see the temple valley on a Luxor sunrise hot air balloon ride . 

Start your time in Aswan with a day trip to Abu Simbel before embarking on a 2-day Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor , which includes a hot air balloon ride. 

Where to Go in Egypt 

From temples and tomb hopping while crisscrossing four major cities, you will uncover many ancient sites that you may have to pick and choose from according to your time. The main reason why you travel to Egypt, after all.

READ MORE: On the best places to visit in Egypt – a list of all the major historical and famed sites in further detail, which you can use to plan your preferred Egypt itinerary.

Visit Egypt’s most iconic site – the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx in the remote desert area of Giza west of the Nile River – before visiting The Egyptian Museum. With 10,000 artefacts documenting every period of Egyptian history, showcased treasures include the tomb of Tutankhamun and the Egyptian Mummy Room.

A view of The Great Pyramids of Giza.

In the city, visit the Khan El Khalili Bazaar for local goods such as gold, silver, copper, and perfumes and tour   Islamic and Coptic Cairo , where sites like the Hanging Church and Sultan Hassan Mosque show a city where different faiths stand side by side. ⁣⁣

2.5 hours drive south of Giza is Memphis – the ancient capital of Egypt, where you can view the massive statue of Rameses II. Nearby Saqqara – the site of Egypt’s first Pyramid , is an important archaeological site of noble family tombs, in the early stages of being extensively uncovered, with new finds recorded in April 2020 . 

Tombs in front of the step pyramid in Saqqara, Egypt.

Travellers often overlook the northern city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast.

The main sites include Pompey’s Pillar – a Roman 20-meter tall victory column from a 297 AD Roman temple complex, and the Catacomb of Kom ash-Shuqqafa – a 2 nd Century resting place for a wealthy family who was still practising the ancient religion of Egypt.

The Library of Alexandria was one of the ancient world’s greatest and most famous libraries, destroyed by a fire in the 1 st Century BC. Today, a new library stands just meters away from the estimated location of the ancient one, with the same ethos as a centrepiece of knowledge available to all.

A busy city street in the city of Alexandria, Egypt.

A three-hour drive south of Aswan is ⁣ Abu Simbel – considered one of Egypt’s most beautiful temples. The two rock temples carved out of mountainside were built by the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses Il between 1274-1244 BC – one dedicated to himself in godlike form, and one for his wife, Queen Nefertari.

The mountain carved Abu Simbel – one of Egypt’s most beautiful temples.

Island-bound Philae Temple is a monument where Greek-Roman history in columns that line the exterior entranceways sit alongside Ancient Egyptian, where the last use of Egyptian hieroglyphs adorns the inner walls.

Walking through Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt.

In Aswan, head to the ancient quarry to see the Unfinished Obelisk – the tallest Egyptian obelisk ever erected until a considerable crack appeared during the carving process. Finish the day with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares at the Sharia el Souk market where you can shop locally for textiles and spices, including the famed Aswan black pepper.

Then board a felucca manned by a local from one of the Nile islands before visiting a Nubian village home for a walking tour and a delicious traditional dinner. The Nubian culture is one of the oldest in Egypt and one of the earliest civilisations in ancient Africa. ⁣⁣The host family can use this ‘ local living moment’ on our trip as a regular source of income, where your money stays in local hands.

Travel upriver on a two-day, three-night adventure, passing desert oasis scenery and stopping for a visit to Kom Ombo Temple for sunset.

On board the Nile cruise boat.

Kom Ombo was built during the Graeco-Roman period (332 BC-AD 395) and was dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. ⁣⁣Mummified crocs found during excavation are also on display. 

Visiting Kom Ombo temple at sunset.

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the vast archaeological site of the Valley of the Kings on the ancient site of Thebes in Luxor’s West Bank. This fascinating network of tombs and tunnels is an ancient burial ground and the final resting place for Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers. ⁣

The ticket for the Valley of the Kings grants you entrance to three tombs out of the 63 on-site, with the most impressive being the tomb of Ramses IV and Tutankhamen’s tomb, which is worth the extra ticket cost and to complete the story after viewing his treasures at the Egyptian Museum.

Visiting the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.

The tiered complex built into limestone rocks of the Temple of Hatshepsut symbolises the power of female rulers to the throne of Egypt Queen Hatshepsut disguised herself as a man, which is why you will still see carvings of the typical Pharaoh figure.

Close by are the two towering statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon site – centrepieces from the front of a grand temple that no longer stands.

In Luxor town, visit Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in Egypt, built and extended over and over by generations. Linked by a recently uncovered two-mile Sphinx Alley, complete your sightseeing with a Luxor Temple visit. Ancient Egyptian, Coptic Christianity, and Islamic architecture intertwine throughout the temple showing its evolution in worship over the thousands of years since its construction in 1390 BC. ⁣

Inside one of the decorated and intact tombs found in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor.

Egypt Travel Tips

Whether sun lounging and diving in the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea Resorts such as Sharm El-Sheikh, or chasing history on the Cairo-Luxor-Aswan trail, Egypt has long been a popular tourism destination.

The Arab Spring of the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 shut the country down for years as political upheaval spread throughout the country, and terrorist attacks became commonplace. It’s not uncommon to think or ask: “Is Egypt safe to travel to right now?”

Right now is the ever-changing part of the question. While those tumultuous days are over, sporadic attacks still occur, and you should keep up to date with political news and your government’s advice on travel to Egypt before you leave.

Therefore, one can’t say Egypt is 100% safe at any time, but it’s safer than what the media will have you believe. It’s best to keep to the marked route of main destinations and sites, hire a private guide (for all or parts of your trip) or choose a responsible tour operator . 

It pays off to be an astute traveller, constantly be aware of your surroundings and not venture off-track. Also, avoid protests and demonstrations that have the potential to turn violent with no warning.

Kom Ombo temple guard.

The areas deemed unsafe in Egypt, according to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office are:

• The Sinai Peninsula, especially the north, except for the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada due to criminal activity and terrorist attacks.
• Egypt to the Gaza (Occupied Palestinian Territories) border and any other land border area, which is a military zone.
• The Western Desert west of the Nile Valley, due to armed groups in this area near the border with Sudan or Libya.
• The Hala’ib Triangle , which is a disputed territory between Egypt and Sudan.

With tourism being Egypt’s major economic lifeline, tourist safety and site security are well managed and executed by the Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Police as more and more visitors return to this cultural heartland. 

It means everything from the entrances to ancient sites and hotels, as well as significant landmarks within city centre limits, has security machines and guards in place.

These measures are alongside roadside checkpoints, vehicle checks, and tourism police operating a well-oiled machine to ensure everyone can easily get around the country and that all sites remain open for full exploration.

An Egyptian temple guard at Abu Simbel Temple.

I never once felt unsafe, but I did see and sense the maximum security in place, which can shock some people initially, especially if you are not used to travelling in post-conflict destinations.

Such scenarios included an armed plain-clothed security guard in our car when driving all-around Alexandria and a six-manned police truck escorting us out of a quiet desert area after visiting a well-known monastery. Like any destination, some neighbourhoods are safer than others. 

Altogether, it is not something to be alarmed by, but it’s good to understand why such measures exist. Tourism in Egypt is the largest and most easily decimated economic target in a politically fragile region with ongoing frictions with neighbouring countries. 

The Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Police checking a tourism bus.

Solo travel in Egypt is not impossible but is at your own risk. When travelling with a private guide or in a small group, your itinerary, even down to some of the hotels and restaurants, will be pre-approved by Egypt’s tourism police.

Booking a guided itinerary means you can’t veer off course and decide to visit somewhere sporadic at the very last minute. The extra day excursion you want to book? It has to be pre-approved, so the tourism police know who will be where.

When travelling on a group trip with G Adventures, our Chief Experience Officer (CEO) had the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it was deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Our CEO also had to accompany us on all included activities, where he was also the guide.

Anything planned outside the itinerary, such as free time and exploring at our leisure, means releasing the company you are travelling with from any responsibility concerning your safety. However, the company can still be liable and blamed, as your presence in the country is listed under its operation.

Egypt’s vendors at major sites live up to the reputation of extreme hassling.

You can never walk in peace in a bazaar or the main streets of Egypt. You can’t make eye contact or look at a single item or storefront without entering a potential transaction. It’s constant, tiring, and can affect your ability to be curious and try and observe daily life around you. While some you can have banter with (should you choose to engage), it is best to ignore them.

However, as frustrating as it is (especially since you can’t walk anywhere on the street without hassle), there is the other side to it we need to remember. That of desperation in a developed country, sidetracked by political upheaval where tourism dollars mean everything . Especially at a time when the main lifeline of tourism has been hit and continues to be while Egypt tries to catch a break.

Life in the Egyptian souks.

Vendors on the River Nile in Egypt.

For women travelling alone in Egypt, there can be a heightened cause for concern for two main reasons. Firstly, because of the insistence from local men to engage, where it is best not to look at them or respond to any contact at all. Secondly, the desperation from economic instability brings out the worst in people here.

Like everywhere, a few always give the majority a bad name, so I refrain from branding all Egyptian men.

The streets of Luxor, Egypt.

However, while I never felt any of my experiences would escalate into violence, it was very warring to have to be in a heightened state of awareness everywhere we went and the need to do the following:

Curb your curiosity for further exploration. Going for walks in neighbourhoods and areas more than one or two blocks away from a main site or souk in all Egypt destinations is not recommended. 

Be aware that you could be followed. A fellow female traveller and I spent some time wandering around the centre of Aswan and the Souk, and we were followed back to the Nile coastline (where our cruise boat docked) for over 10 minutes. Regardless of how often we asked the man to leave, he didn’t. He only did when my friend screamed in his face, and we were back where tourism police were lining the roadside near the tourist boats.

Stay assertive. In Luxor, our random walk in the city was cut short when we realised we would not get a moment’s peace. I even threatened to call the police on a horse and cart driver who would not let us pass on the street while trying to sell his services. While answering back may cause heightened tension, it is still necessary to make your feelings clear.

Take Taxis, especially at night. Usually, we would stay in small groups and take taxis to and from restaurants and markets or during evening excursions. I used Uber in Cairo and had no issues at all. For a reliable and friendly taxi driver in Luxor, contact Mohammed (+20 101 533 3230) below. 

Local Luxor taxi driver, Mohammed.

Health in Egypt

Yes, you do need vaccines for Egypt. The CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) notes that all travellers should be up-to-date with their routine vaccines, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and tetanus-diphtheria. 

Hepatitis A and Typhoid are highly recommended since you can get these through contaminated food or water in Egypt.

I visit my local tropical disease clinic at least six weeks before I travel, where I can highlight the locations I am travelling to and what activities I will be undertaking. For example, Hepatitis A and Rabies are also considered for Egypt travel.

While it is said the drinking water from the tap in Egypt is relatively safe, it is heavily chlorinated, affecting its taste. Egypt also suffers from severe water scarcity, so it is responsible to limit your usage all-round.

I used tap water to brush my teeth, and bottled water is very easy to obtain, especially with the number of small stores and roadside kiosks. For a more sustainable and positive environmental impact, bring a reusable water bottle and water purifying tablets, or even better, a filtered water bottle, for use with the tap water. Get 20% off the Water-to-go filter bottles using the code BECKI20 at checkout.

If you purchase bottled water, consider buying larger-sized plastic water bottles (to keep refilling your smaller travel bottle) to save on plastic waste.

From kofta and shawarma, hummus and falafel made with fava beans, mahshi (stuffed vegetables), and the famed koshari (a hearty mix of rice, macaroni pasta, lentils, chickpeas, crispy onions, and a tomato-based sauce) food is one of the joys of being in Egypt.

However, it pays to indulge with precaution:

• If you are eating street food, ensure it’s fresh and piping hot. Also, check if the street food vendor is of a good hygiene standard and if food hasn’t been left out.
• Avoid raw vegetables and fruits that haven’t been peeled or that you know haven’t been washed thoroughly.
• Avoid salads and ice cubes unless you know they have been made with purified or mineral water.

The oppressive heat in Egypt can easily lead to dehydration, with the risks increased through long periods of exploration. I always pack a tube of dissolvable sport rehydration tablets or a box of rehydration sachets that I use once daily, added to 500ml or a litre of water. These contain salts, sugar (glucose), and electrolytes. 

What to Wear in Egypt

Trying to fathom what to wear in Egypt while packing for the trip was stressful. Knowing I would be crossing different cultural scenarios, traversing in extreme heat, and trying to choose items I knew could be sacrificed to the ruin of sweat-drenching and dusty scenarios.

While no particular attire rules exist at temples and tombs, it pays to respect the culture and always be modestly dressed. So even though shorts, singlets, and dresses to the knee at the tomb and temple sites are not frowned upon, generally, you should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover knees and shoulders – more so at markets and public areas. For mosques and other religious sites, you must be covered up and wear a shawl or headscarf.

Also, take plenty of clothes are you will quickly get dusty, dirty and very sweaty. 

The entrance door to the Abu Simbel Temple in Egypt.

• I packed two maxi dresses and two jumpsuits that could be worn with loose-fitting t-shirts and light blouses to cover my shoulders.
• Long, loose pants and long, over-the-knee skirts are also useful clothing items.
• I used a scarf or shawl for mosques and other religious sites.
• A hat for extended site visits if you are ultra-sensitive to heat.
• The temperature during Egyptian nights can drop and evenings get chilly, so a light fleece, jacket, or cardigan is useful to layer up.
• Swimwear and a travel towel – for the afternoons, you will spend by the pool and basking in the sun on the Nile Cruise.
• Waterproof jacket – Rain is not frequent, but neither is it uncommon, especially the further north you are, where it is cooler in temperature.
• I took one pair of open-toe sandals and one light pair of walkers (Vivo Barefoot).
• Hiking shoes are not needed, just comfortable walking shoes for when you will be wandering the sites for up to three hours. It also pays to have shoes with a good grip due to the steep slopes in tombs, Pyramid entrances, and sandy and rocky landscapes.

Conservative dress and what to wear in Egypt.

What to Pack for Egypt

• Camera, with an extra battery (quickly exhausted in the heat) and additional memory cards because you will not stop snapping away at the ancient marvel in front of your eyes. The photography ticket price is worth it for the memories.
• Small day pack or shoulder bag to only carry the essentials in the heat when you are at the famed sites.
• Sunscreen – and a lot of it. You will have constant exposure to the sun.
• Insect repellant and bite cream – especially since sandflies can be at full force.
• Pack a pair of earplugs, bag locks, an international outlet adaptor, a head torch, a microfiber towel, a water bottle, and a first aid kit . These are essential extras for a comfortable trip where you move around a lot and take multiple transportation.
• Toiletries and medication – while there are local stores and pharmacies around, you might not find everything you need, or the hotel is a little far from the very centre of the city. Bring all your essentials with you.
• Downloads. Take a book or arrange all your favourite Netflix downloads for those long journeys. The Internet in Egypt is unreliable, so prepare everything before you leave.

The Great Sphinx of Egypt in Giza.

Money, Tipping, and Haggling

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the currency used in Egypt, which you will see abbreviated in stores and restaurants as LE. You can check the live currency conversion here . 

There are ATMs in all major cities in Egypt as well as large hotels which accept Visa and MasterCard. We had various nationalities of people in the group, and all cards worked fine (although charges are different for each person according to your bank).

There was a currency exchange at my hotel in Cairo, and money exchanges are readily available. Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars (new and in good condition) are all easy to exchange to Egyptian Pounds.

I travelled with both a visa and MasterCard credit card as a backup but chose to take around 600 Euros in cash for the ten days to exchange in small amounts as I went along. Extra excursions had to be paid in cash, which was particularly useful to have ready. However, carrying wads of money is riskier, and I always travel with a portable safe.

Also, have cash handy for ticket costs and the extra money needed for photography permission at sites – this extra 50 EGP ticket is worth the additional cost to capture those memories. 

Baksheesh – which operates as either a tip or a bribe – is standard in Egypt. The category it falls under is determined by the situation, and its interchangeability and existence are part of everyday life in Egypt and cultural custom.  

Baksheesh as Tipping

Generally, when it comes to goods and services, tipping is common.

Tipping your drivers, guides, and service workers

Give 15-30 EGP ($1-2) tip per person, and service industries such as hotel and restaurant staff where you may round up the bill to a lump sum or add 10% of the total as the tip.

Our G Adventures guide collected a lump sum from us at the beginning of our trip and organised the tipping throughout our trip, which saved us all trying to find a dollar (around 15 EGP) here and there.

A Nubian man shows us around his village on the banks of the Nile in Aswan, Egypt.

Want to use the toilet at one of the main sites?

You will need to tip the toilet attendant about 5 EGP. Often we would go in pairs if we only as 10 EGP notes. 

You are leaving your shoes outside the Mosque, as is required?

You will need to tip the man who is the guardian of the shoes. Again, around 5 EGP is sufficient.

Want a picture of a camel at the Pyramids? Or of one of the well-dressed guards at the temples?

It is always polite and ethical to ask someone if you can take a photo of them – but in this case, expect to pay for it or “give a little baksheesh” as the saying goes. 

More often than not, the camel ride vendors and guards are naturally in the background and not in your direct line of vision for your photo subject. Therefore you somehow get lucky with your shot, but don’t think you can outsmart these guys if you are cheeky – they will come and ask for their baksheesh. 

Horses and carts await customers in front of the middle Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

Baksheesh as a Bribe

The guards and vendors at sites are also masters of knowing how to get in your picture before demanding baksheesh. 

This situation can be fairly aggravating when you are trying to take a picture of a wall carving or a pillar, and the guards always jump in your shot. Be assertive and tell them your photo does not require them in it. I found this behaviour particularly rampant at the Temple of Hatshepsut. 

A temple guide in a photo at a temple site in Luxor.

Resist the offer for exclusive access to temples and sites

At some temple sites, a guard might offer you access to an extra room or area of the construction situated behind a roped-off area. Want to see it? Expect to be asked to hand over a little baksheesh for the pleasure of your extra sightseeing. 

A guide within a tiered tomb complex in Saqqara, Egypt.

Never hand over the money in an Egyptian souk or market at the first price given. The haggling process is expected here and a part of the culture, so don’t be afraid to enter negotiation mode on everything from spice to large souvenirs.  

The easiest way to begin the haggling process is to half the original price offered and know what you want to pay so you can go back and forth and get as close to that as possible. Enjoy the process, even if it can be quite the effort, and know that it’s OK to walk away and end the bartering if you are not happy with the final offer. 

Egyptian locals in the souks of Aswan.

Egypt’s list of mega sights and the continuous delicate tourism situation means travel here can be overwhelming. Yet that doesn’t mean it’s inaccessible, just a little more for the adventurous-minded. 

Travelling for purpose, to uncover the rich history of Egypt and its fabled culture, makes a trip here rewarding beyond just the ancient sightseeing. It also needs visitors to rebuild its delicate economy, built upon a tourism economy regularly targeted to weaken the system. 

A trip, with its known frustrations to navigate, is good preparation, perhaps? Given the fact Egypt is uncovering more of its archaeological repository and recovering from tourism setbacks, Egypt is certainly not a one-time visit destination. 

Any plagiarism of this Egypt travel blog or any of its descriptions used on other sites and blogs without attribution is not information authorised by myself for use. Know your source.

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

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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
• Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara & Memphis: Private Tour with Lunch
• 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 …

Let me remind you again why Egypt is amazing and watch my Egypt vlog below.

Going to Egypt? Get my free Arabic travel phrase guide.

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Sources Eyewitness Egypt

Over to you!

Which of these tips did you find the most useful? Is there anything you would add? Tell me below! Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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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 ! 😀

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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34 Best Travel Tips For Egypt: Things to Know Before You Go

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Egypt has something for every traveller, from awe-inspiring ancient sites to vibrant markets. However, navigating this historically rich and culturally diverse country can be daunting for even the most seasoned globetrotter.

That’s why I’m sharing my best travel tips for Egypt, drawn from months of exploring this fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) country.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the iconic Pyramids of Giza, delving into Egyptian history in the Valley of the Kings, learning about the ancient Egyptians in Luxor, or relaxing on a Nile River cruise, these tips will help you make the most of your Egyptian adventure.

After visiting Egypt for nearly 30 years, the  34 helpful travel tips for Egypt travel in this article are the ones I wish I’d known before I visited Egypt for the first time.

You’ll find everything in this Egypt travel guide, from Egypt travel safety tips to what not to do in Egypt, packing tips for Egypt, and everything you need to know when travelling to Egypt, including what to do about tips in Egypt and how to deal with harassment.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive straight into these essential Egypt travel tips!

Practical Travel Tips For Egypt

Let’s get started with the absolute basics 🙂

1. Never (Ever) Drink The Water In Egypt!

Of all the travel tips for Egypt, this is the top one – and you need to be very clear about it. Tap water in Egypt  is unsafe for human consumption everywhere – on swanky cruise ships, in posh hotels or anywhere else.

No one drinks it, and it will likely make you as sick as a dog if you do – even if you only use it to brush your teeth in your hotel room.

Of course, you could rely on buying bottled water while visiting Egypt. But, I must tell you that the quality (and taste) of the bottled water brands available in Egypt is variable – while some are palatable, some are pretty horrid. And then there’s the environmental cost of plastic bottles!

Because of this, you’ll want to include a  Water-To-Go Filterable Water Bottle  on your  packing list for Egypt  (see below).

💦 FILTERABLE WATER BOTTLE

The Water-To-Go Bottle will keep you hydrated and filter out the nasties that often make people sick in Egypt.

The built-in, three-stage filter in  Water-To-Go Bottles  filters out 99.99999% of water-borne contaminants, including bacteria, parasites, toxins, chemicals, microplastics and heavy metals. It’s your best defence against getting sick in Egypt from the water. I carried mine everywhere 🙂

🤮 Need tips on what to do if you do get sick while visiting Egypt? Head to  How to Deal With Delhi Belly

2. Get Travel Insurance for Egypt

Egypt is a fantastic country to visit, but it’s not a great place to be if something doesn’t go according to plan or you get sick! I don’t mean to scare you —  just to make you think about these crucial things .

One of the most important travel tips for Egypt is to protect yourself from potential pitfalls on your vacation with  travel insurance .

Just as you insure your car, home and health, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while travelling – and you absolutely should do this when travelling to Egypt!

🏆 Best Egypt Travel Insurance

What is the best travel insurance for Egypt? I only ever recommend Travel Insurance Master because they have outstanding customer service.

3. Check Your Passport

To visit Egypt, your passport must be valid for at least six months from when you arrive in Egypt. If you need to renew your passport before your trip, be sure to apply for a new passport in good time.

4. Pre-Book Your Tours in Egypt

UK Government  travel tips for Egypt warn of a risk that “tourists at high-profile sites like the Giza Pyramids may be confronted aggressively for money or business, even while travelling by car or taxi.”

They also say that “visitors  using a pre-booked guide or taking an organised tour to visit the Giza Pyramids  are likely to face fewer difficulties.”

➡️ The best places to book your Nile cruise or tour of the great pyramids are Viator and GetYourGuide . Each tour carries a user rating, so it’s easy to see which ones other visitors have enjoyed the most – and you can read all the reviews before making your booking.

5. Sort Out Your Egyptian Visa Before You Travel

You need a visa to enter Egypt if you’re a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many more countries.

How to get your visa for Egypt

• Apply before you travel using the official  Visa2Egypt e-visa system . Your Egypt visa will be valid for a maximum of 3 months and will cost US$25 for a single entry to the country as a tourist.
• If you love standing in a queue after a long flight, you can get a visa on arrival in Egypt from one of the approved bank kiosks in the airport arrivals hall just before immigration. These visas cost US$25 (payable in US dollars) and are valid for 30 days.

⛔️ Do not buy a visa from an agent at the airport!!  They will sting you with an additional fee of more than US$25 for your visa. YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY THIS. If you feel harassed, it’s easy to report any agent’s behaviour to the tourist police officers at the airport.

Travel to Egypt requirements for visitors to South Sinai resorts

👀 If you’re visiting the Red Sea resorts of Dahab , Nuweiba , Sharm el Sheikh , or Taba for up to 15 days, you receive a free entry permission stamp when you arrive. However,  you will need a visa if you plan to stay longer than 15 days or travel out of these areas .

👀 If you change your plans mid-trip and want to travel beyond one of the South Sinai resorts,  you can usually buy a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport , allowing you to travel beyond the Sinai Peninsula.

⚠️Leaving Egypt with an out-of-date visa is problematic, to say the least, and you’ll likely have to pay a fine if your visa is more than 14 days out of date.

➡️ Contact the Egyptian Consulate in your home country for further information and enquiries.

Safe Travel Tips For Egypt

6. pre-book your transport from cairo international airport.

One of the most important things to book before you arrive in Egypt is your airport transfer from Cairo Airport .

It’s the best way to avoid the masses of scammy taxi drivers badgering you for the chance to drive you to your hotel and the safest way to travel as a female traveller. 

7. Stay Safe Online & Protect Your Data With a VPN

Whenever you use an open network to access your information on the web, you’re sending out an invitation for others to steal your data – from any device you use to connect to the web. This includes passwords, debit card and credit card info, and many other things you need to keep private.

This is why you need a VPN!

👀 What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential in preventing cyber criminals from stealing your online and personal information.  NordVPN  is a trusted name in VPNs.

👀 How does a VPN work?

With a VPN, you create a secure (private) connection when you use a shared connection, for example, when you use a coffee shop WiFi. Without a VPN, you’re digitally connected to everyone else on the same shared network! And that’s risky!

⚠️  As you’ll likely need to use free, shared WiFi more when you’re travelling than at home,  the risk of your information being accessed by criminals is higher – unless you use a trusted VPN .

I recommend purchasing  NordVPN , one of the biggest and most-used VPNs, to keep your data safe while travelling.

▶︎ Get started now and protect your data with  NordVPN – it’s easy to set up 🙂

8. Take Care On Microbuses

Egypt generally has a low crime rate; however, some visitors have been victims of crime – especially petty crimes. Be cautious if travelling alone to reduce the risk of unwanted attention or harassment.

✔️ Don’t be the last passenger left on a bus or microbus.

✔️ Be vigilant when travelling alone in  taxis  and microbuses, particularly at night.

✔️  Report any crimes to the tourist police immediately .

9. Don’t Swim in the Nile!

“ Can you swim in the Nile ?” is one of the questions I’m most often asked about visiting Egypt! The simple answer is a resounding NO! The Nile River is contaminated with industrial, animal and human (!) waste. It’s also home to more than a few deadly snakes.

Read More: How Safe is Swimming in the Nile River?

10. Wear a Hat/Headscarf and Sunglasses

Most Egyptian women cover their hair, so you’ll attract less attention if you wear a long, lightweight scarf that covers your hair and neck. I forgot to pack a scarf on my first visit to Egypt, but I found it easy and cheap to buy one from a local market.

😎  Top Tip:  Sunglasses will help to disguise the colour of your eyes (not many Egyptians have blue or green eyes), and, like a mask, they can help you avoid eye contact.

11. Wear a Wedding Ring

Whether you’re married or not, wearing a simple gold band (or an inexpensive “ fake wedding ring  “) is a simple, inexpensive deterrent against unwanted male attention. I wore one on every trip to Egypt!

12. Respect Local Customs and Laws

I managed to get arrested in  Siwa Oasis  for swimming at the wrong time of day! It was a pretty scary time.

Fortunately, it was sorted out very quickly. Still, it was frightening at the time, and it made me realise how important it is to  be aware of local customs and laws to stay safe .

Egyptians can’t share a room with someone of a different gender (other than a spouse), as sex outside marriage is illegal! Don’t be surprised if your host(s) conduct room checks in rural areas!

13. Look After Your Valuables

Leave valuable jewellery at home and be careful with your camera, phone and other valuables. I use an ancient  Kipling cross-body bag  and an anti-theft  Pacsafe backpack  with a zip closure and a clip to keep my valuables safe.

Top Tip:  In crowded places, I wear my backpack on my front and my cross-body bag with the strap across my body. I also have an  RFID travel belt  to stash my cards, cash, passports, and important documents.

14. Be Careful with Your Cash

One way to  keep your cash safe while travelling  is to hide it in an  RFID bra   wallet ! Remember you’ll need somewhere discreet, like a public loo or changing room, to extract your secret stash.

❌ Never put valuables in your pockets, even ones with a zip! It’s much too tempting (and easy) for pickpockets and thieves. You don’t want to attract that sort of attention!

15. Security Before and On Your Trip

Security has been a problem for tourists in Egypt; however, there is a robust and visible police presence. You’ll also see special “tourist police” hired to protect tourists. Bag checks and scans at tourist sites and hotels are also there to keep you safe, although these can be a bit haphazard.

Egypt is still a volatile country, with some areas unsafe to visit. Other sites are safe, and almost 320,000 British tourists visited the country in 2017, mostly without any problems.

Check the latest travel advic e for Egypt here  and  purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel . I always use  Travel Insurance Master  because their rates are competitive; you can extend coverage if you travel longer,  and making claims online is easy.

Egypt Travel Fit Tips

16. check whether your medications are legal in egypt.

Egypt’s rules about prescribed and over-the-counter medicines differ from those of many other countries.

Some widely used medications are considered controlled substances in Egypt and you can’t take them to Egypt without permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health.  You risk prosecution under Egyptian law if you arrive in Egypt without the necessary documentation.

⚠️  Travelling with prescription medications?  Get an official letter from your physician confirming that the medicine is for a medical condition.

This should include details of your condition and how much medication you will be carrying. The letter should also state that the medicine is for personal use only.

➡️ Contact the Egyptian Embassy in your home country for more information and to find out which medicines are not permitted in Egypt.

17. Pack Plenty of Bug Spray

The mosquitoes in Egypt mean business and will soon make your life miserable if you’re not prepared for them!

I’ve always used Jungle Formula spray combined with this plug-in mosquito killer for my room. And if those nasty, itchy bites do happen, this inexpensive cream has been my go-to relief for decades!

18. Stock Up On Sun Protection Cream

Egypt is a hot country, where temperatures often soar well above 40 ° C (104 ° F) in the summer months. In addition to covering up and making sure to stay out of the sun, you’ll want lashings of high-SPF sun cream.

Cultural Travel Tips For Egypt

19. pack culturally appropriate clothes.

With my pale Northern European skin, blue eyes, and light coloured hair, I was a magnet for unwanted attention in Egypt.

From the irritating (constant offers of taxi rides, to change money or to buy things, and never-ending catcalls) to the offensive (blatant staring and leering, creepy handshakes, touching, and “accidental” brushing up against your breasts or bottom), there are lots of things to watch out for.

RELATED POST:  Travel Packing List for Egypt

I remember looking at handmade rugs in a crowded souk, only to realise that the man behind me was rubbing his erection against my bum! Many people saw what he was doing, but no one did anything…

⚠️ You need to  rethink your wardrobe for Egypt  to avoid being harassed. Dressing modestly is important if you’re going anywhere outside the main tourist areas.

✔️ Leave tight, revealing, or form-fitting clothes at home. Forget the strappy tank tops and shorts for anywhere outside of the main tourist resorts

✔️ Think conservative, loose, and floating, with  everything  covered up from your neck to below your knees.

✔️ Covering up shows respect for the local culture and will help you avoid attracting unwanted attention.

❌  Don’t flash any bare flesh or “show off” the shape of your body.

While I found the unwanted attention annoying,  I never felt unsafe , and most of the local people I met were delightful, welcoming, and kind.

20. Learn a Few Words in Arabic

Learn a few essential words in Arabic  as a courtesy and to summon help.

✔️  Google Translate usually helps ; however, I always feel safer when I have a few local words imprinted in my brain for emergencies.

21. Carry Small Bills For Tipping in the Local Currency

The custom of tipping or “baksheesh” is firmly embedded in Egyptian culture, and you should expect to tip a few Egyptian pounds in small change for most services.

While tipping is not mandatory in Egypt, it is customary as a way to thank an individual for great service. As a rough guide, here’s what to consider leaving when tipping in Egypt:

• Restaurants : leave a 10-15% tip
• Tour guides : Leave 10-15% of the tour price for the tour guide and 5-10% for the driver
• Hotels: Leave 10-15 Egyptian pounds per day for housekeeping staff, 5-10 Egyptian pounds per bag for porters and bellhops, and 10-15% of the bill for room service.

Practical Egypt Travel Tips

22. copy important documents before you travel.

Before any trip, make copies of all essential travel documents.

✔️ Save a scanned copy of the documents online to access them while travelling if necessary. Just in case! Leave copies with trusted contacts at home and take one copy in your carry-on bag.

✔️ If your hotel has a safe space, consider using it for important documents.

✔️ Save a scanned copy of the documents online to access them while travelling if necessary. Just in case!

23. Make a Contacts List

What would you do if your phone got lost or stolen? I’d be pretty lost! Making a copy of your key contacts is an excellent way to protect yourself if your phone does get broken or goes AWOL.

✔️ Save all your complete contact list online, including the contact details for your Embassy.

✔️ Carry a paper copy of your contacts list in your hand luggage.

Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but being prepared is good.

24. Watch Out If You’re Offered Egyptian Bananas

Watch out if anyone offers you “Egyptian bananas”. While bananas are grown in Egypt, they may not be talking about the fruit but being suggestive!

25. Bring Earplugs (Egypt is Noisy)

Egypt is a fantastically vibrant Muslim country, which means it can be loud! You’ll likely hear muezzins calling the faithful to prayer from the minarets of multiple mosques – five times a day, from early morning until late.

Then there are the street vendors touting their wares, the incessant blaring of horns and general traffic noise! You get the idea, but if (like me) you like a good night’s sleep, you’ll need good noise-cancelling earbuds to cope with the cacophony of Egypt!

🎧 These noise-cancelling earbuds have thousands of positive reviews on Amazon and work perfectly! If you don’t have wireless headphones, travelling is the best time to treat yourself and upgrade.

26. Always Carry Toilet Paper

It’s a massive understatement to say that public conveniences in Egypt are not up to Western standards.

Restrooms/loos in museums, on coaches and on trains range from the tolerable to the downright grim, so be sure to have TP and wipes with you whenever you leave your hotel!

27. Camel and/or Donkey Rides

Animal welfare is not the same in Egypt as it is in most Western countries . You simply cannot be sure that any animals you’re offered a ride on are well-treated . In a horrifying number of cases, they are not.

Better and more ethical ways exist to get out and explore this amazing country. This incredible tour includes a hot air balloon ride and a felucca sailing boat adventure , while you could also have a magical ATV adventure into the desert on this tour .

28. Snake Charming

I don’t love snakes (I’m scared of them), but there is nothing charming about this barbaric practice. And it’s almost entirely driven by tourist interest.

Some (not all) snake charmers make their living by capturing wild cobras, ripping out their venomous fangs and then sewing their mouths closed. The snakes suffer horribly for months before dying of starvation – only to be replaced by newly caught victims.

Please don’t support this animal cruelty on your trip to Egypt. There are much better things to post on Instagram.

29. Don’t Take a Minibus Tour to Abu Simbel

Seriously, this was one of my worst travel mistakes in Egypt! Lured in by a cheap ticket, I handed over my cash. I spent over four miserable hours (each way) travelling through the baking desert from Aswan to Abu Simbel in a bone-shaker minibus without air conditioning.

While the Temple of Abu Simbel is one of the best tourist landmarks in Egypt , I was too dehydrated when I arrived to really appreciate it!

Here are the three best ways to visit Abu Simbel:

• Fly to Abu Simbel and join this 3-night/4-day cruise from Lake Nasser to Aswan for a more comfortable and relaxing trip. [ Highly recommended ]
• Pick a private tour, including direct flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel and mercifully short transfers from the airport [ Likely to sell out ]
• Choose this highly-rated tour and make the road trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel in a private, air-conditioned car. [ Best budget option ]

30. Egypt Swelters in the Summer – Other Times Are More Pleasant

To help you plan your dream trip to Egypt, here’s a quick look at what the weather is like for each season:

Spring (March – May)

Spring in Egypt is a delightful time for exploration as temperatures are moderate and pleasant. With warm days that average around 25-30°C (77-86°F), you can comfortably discover attractions like the Pyramids of Giza, and Luxor’s temples or cruise along the Nile without enduring extreme heat. Additionally, blooming flowers add splashes of colour to various regions across Egypt.

Summer (June – August)

Egypt’s summer brings scorching temperatures that might be challenging for some visitors but there will be fewer crowds and lower prices. Daytime temperatures soar above 35°C (95°F) in most parts of the country; however, coastal cities like Alexandria or Hurghada provide respite with slightly milder conditions due to sea breezes.

If you choose to visit Egypt during the summer, you’ll need to stock up on sun protection essentials such as hats and sunscreen.

Autumn (September – November)

Autumn is an ideal time to explore Egypt’s wonders, with more comfortable temperatures returning after summer’s blistering heat subsides.

Average daytime temperatures range between 25-30°C (77-86°F), making it an excellent season for sightseeing at popular destinations like Cairo or Aswan without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Winter (December – February)

Winter in Egypt provides ample warmth for outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures hover around 15-20°C (59-68°F) in most regions, making exploring sites like the Valley of the Kings or Abu Simbel pleasant.

Evenings can be cooler, especially in desert areas and Upper Egypt, so you’ll want to pack a light jacket or sweater.

31. Expect to Pay To Take Photographs at Key Tourist Destinations

Whether you’re visiting the Egyptian Museum , the Pyramids of Giza or the vast temple of Abu Simbel, be prepared to pay a small fee for the right to photograph at or on the site.

Camel drivers and others will likely also demand a fee if you want to take their photograph.

Best Food in Egypt Tips

32. try the incredible street food.

Egyptian food is sublimely tasty. It’s well worth venturing out from your hotel to see what’s on offer from the local s treet stall street vendors and local restaurants. Kushari, baba ghanoush and hummus are all delicious!

In addition to the well-known sweet mint tea, why not sip some karkadeh (hibiscus juice)? It’s a very refreshing alternative!

33. Cover Up When Visiting Religious Sites

While some of Egypt’s ancient mosques allow tourist visits, it’s important to be respectful if you do visit.

When can I visit an Egyptian mosque?

Muslims pray five times a day, so it’s not appropriate to visit mosques during these times or to take photographs. 

How should I dress to visit a mosque in Egypt?

All visitors should remove their shoes before entering, and women should cover their hair with a scarf. A long-sleeved shirt is useful to cover up shoulders and arms, and you should wear a modest skirt or trousers.

What about visiting a Coptic monastery in Egypt?

The rules for entering an Egyptian Coptic monastery are similar in that you should dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. In addition, it’s not appropriate to visit during the period of Lent .

34. Always Pay in Local Currency When Making Digital Payments

Whether you’re using debit or credit cards to make payments when visiting Egypt, it’s important to make sure you always choose the option to pay in the local currency , not in your home currency.

If you choose to pay in the local currency, eg in Egyptian pounds, you will likely be stung with a worse currency exchange rate than your bank would charge you,

TRAVEL TIPS & RESOURCES

Here’s a quick look at all my favourite travel resources – the ones I use to plan every trip. Find more information on my  travel resources page .

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse  Booking  or  VRBO 💃 How about fun experiences?  Get Your Guide  and  Viator  have it all 🚗 Considering renting a car? Use  Rentalcars 🚂 If you need transfers, bus or train tickets, check  Omio 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from  Travel Insurance Master

• Your Ultimate Packing List for Travel to Egypt
• Visiting Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert – An Off-the-Beaten Path Adventure
• How to Avoid Holiday Tummy When Travelling

Final Thoughts on Travel Tips for Egypt

Whether this is your first trip to Egypt or you’ve been before, these are my best travel in Egypt tips: I hope they help you when you visit Egypt.

Egypt is a remarkable destination offering travellers rich historical and cultural experiences. By following these travel tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this fascinating country.

From planning your itinerary to respecting local customs and traditions, being aware of safety precautions, and embracing Egypt’s unique sights and sounds, you can make the most of your journey.

So pack your bags, immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt, explore bustling markets and tranquil oases, indulge in delicious cuisine, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!

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• Visiting Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert – An Off-the-Beaten Path Adventure

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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Ultimate EGYPT Travel Guide

Egypt is a country located in Africa and the Middle East . Cairo is the capital and it is a country known for its history, temples, culture, and scuba diving. This is our ultimate Egypt travel guide.

We have spent two months across two visits that have spanned the country from Abu Simbel in the South, Cairo in the North, and the far reaches of the Sinai Peninsula.

Egypt has a lot to offer the traveler with more history and historical sites to match than you will find in any other part of the World. The culture is rich and people welcoming.

Honestly, it is one of the most fascinating places you can ever visit and a country that we would visit over and over again, as there is always something fascinating to see or learn during a visit.

Destinations

Egypt travel: quick tips, don’t visit egypt without:.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

EGYPT BUCKET LIST

See the great pyramids of giza.

Egypt is all about pyramids and the Great Pyramids of Giza are the main event. Be sure to give yourself a full day so you can take a camel ride and explore the complex on foot.

HOT AIR BALLOON OVER LUXOR

There is no better way to experience a sunrise in Egypt than by loading into a hot air balloon and floating over the Nile River near Luxor. It also offers an unbelievable perspective of the Valley of the Kings.

VALLEY OF THE KINGS

Besides pyramids, tombs are one of the main reasons that you will want to visit Egypt. The Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor houses some of the most incredible tombs within the country.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN EGYPT

There is no shortage of great things to do in Egypt during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each city has it’s own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our city guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

VISIT ALEXANDRIA:  One of the most popular day trips from Cairo is to visit the city of Alexandria. Sitting on the Mediterranean Sea, this city offers a completely different vibe to Cairo. It’s rich in history and despite many of its iconic sites being far gone, there is still plenty to see in the city.

SCUBA DIVE IN THE RED SEA: The Red Sea offers some of the most spectacular scuba diving opportunities in the world. Dive sites litter the entire coast of Egypt meaning you don’t have to search hard for some great diving. The best sites can be found off the Sinai Peninsula near Sharm el Sheik and Dahab.

VISIT ABU SIMBEL: In our opinion, this is one of the most spectacular sites in all of Egypt. Relocated when the Aswan Dam was constructed, to avoid it sinking in the now Lake Nassar, this temple is a sight to behold. Visits happen in the early morning hours from Aswan and the drive is exhausting, 6 hours round trip, but it is so worth it.

TRADITIONAL FELUCCA TRIP ON THE NILE: When in Aswan, it is possible to take a wide variety of traditional felucca trips . Our personal favorite though is an overnight trip from Aswan to Kom Ombo. These trips are quiet and peaceful, allowing you to reconnect with nature. It’s a unique and special way to experience the Nile River and the traditional Egyptian lifestyle.

VISIT THE MUSEUM OF EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES: We love this museum. So much so that we have been to it 5 times! It is the most spectacular and authentic museum you will ever lay eyes on. Chronicling the entire existence of Ancient Egypt, you can spend days in this museum and still not see it all.

TAKE A NILE RIVER CRUISE: If you want to see Luxor, Aswan and the places in between, taking a Nile River Cruise is a fantastic way to accomplish it. A slower way of travel, this will allow you to take in life on the Nile River with a little bit of comfort, while still seeing the major sights.

VISIT A NUBIAN VILLAGE FOR TEA: If you have time in Aswan, one of the most unique things to do is take a tour to one of the nearby Nubian Villages for a tea visit. Drinking hibiscus tea, you’ll learn about how the Nubians settled in this part of Egypt.

SEE THE FIRST PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT: While everyone knows of the Great Pyramids, new visitors to Egypt rarely think about the possibility to see other structures. Outside of Cairo you can visit the incredible Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the earliest in Egypt. Nearby you can also see the Bent Pyramid, which shows the first attempt at the pyramid shape we know today, along with the very first traditional pyramids of Egypt that pre-date Giza.

TRY KOSHARI & FALAFEL: Egyptian cuisine is a fantastic blend of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Two things you should make a point to try are the national dish of koshari and falafel. Koshari is made with rice, macaroni, and lentils. Topped with tomato sauce, garlic, and french fried onions. It’s available everywhere, so you cannot miss it!

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

Egyptian cuisine is very similar to other Middle Eastern and Meditteranean countries.

FALAFEL: Vegetarians will be happy because a local favorite is a falafel. You’ll find falafel sandwiches and platters everywhere. 

SHAWARMA KEBABS: These wraps will keep you going for cheap all through the day, although usually, the meat is dripping in fat. 

KOSHARI: A dish of rice, macaroni, lentils and more, is often seen as the national dish, while no visit to Egypt is ever complete without eating an Egyptian style pizza.

EGYPTIAN FESTIVALS

There are many great events and festivals which are held through the ear, and which are perfect additions to any Egypt travel itinerary.

RAMADAN: While Ramadan is often not the easiest time for a tourist to be in Egypt, the celebrations that mark the end of this holy Muslim period of fasting, are exceptional to be part of.

SUN FESTIVAL: Lovers all things Ancient Egyptians will want to be in the country, and at the temples, for the ancient Sun Festival, which is still celebrated by many.

PLAN A BUCKET LIST EGYPT TRIP!

Popular regions in egypt.

Cairo is a huge, sprawling metropolis that has the distinction of being both the capital and the largest city of Egypt. Home to over 20 million people, this is an enthralling destination that can leave you both mesmerized and frustrated in equal measure.  Love it or hate it, a visit to Cairo is always an experience, and you can really immerse yourself in the market places, tea houses, and local restaurants to learn about modern Egyptian life. Visit the sprawling bazaars, a day trip to the Pyramids of Giza, and visit the fascinating archaeological museums. Read: 21 Amazing Things to Do in Cairo

Egypt travel isn’t just about the history and pyramids though, and a visit to Hurghada will show you another exciting side of the country. Hurghada is essentially a beach resort town, and it’s the gateway to the Red Sea. You’ll be able to lounge on white-sand beaches, go Scuba Diving or snorkeling in one of the world’s premier marine environments, or enjoy countless watersports or adventure activities. It’s a great holiday destination, and home to Egypt’s best resorts and hotels. Read: 15 Top Things to Do in Hurghada

Luxor is a modern city that’s found on the same site as the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. Located in the south of the country, on the River Nile, no Egypt travel itinerary is complete without a trip to Luxor.  This is a must-see area for lovers of all things Egyptian because the region is teeming with history and archaeological sites. Luxor is home to temples that are thousands of years old, ancient pyramids lie in the deserts, and the legendary Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are just a short journey away. Read more: 21 Epic Things to Do in Luxor

Alexandria is one of the most famous cities to be found along the coast of North Africa. This iconic city has a history that predates modern Egypt by centuries because the city was founded by Alexander the Great in the 3rd Century BC. Today, it’s still an important city in the Mediterranean, being the second largest in Egypt and home to over 5 million people. You can explore ancient sites and mingle with modern Egypt at the same time. Read: 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Alexandria

Also located in the south of the country, Aswan is another beautiful destination that’s found along the Nile River. This is one of the most ancient cities in Egypt, and it’s long been the starting point for expeditions further south, into deepest Africa.  Aswan is a colorful and bustling city, home to buzzing bazaars and surrounded by green, oasis-like beauty. You can cruise along the river, explore islands and ruins and enjoy an authentic piece of Egyptian history and culture. Read more: 15 Best Things to Do in Aswan

EGYPT TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to Egypt is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in Egypt on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within Egypt. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation is cheap in Egypt, and you can find great value hotel rooms across the country. Hotel rooms can cost as little as 10 USD for a double room, while resorts can be as low as 30 USD per night for much nicer rooms on the Red Sea. Hostels can be found for 5 USD.

ATTRACTIONS : The bulk of your budget will be spent on activities, and in Egypt, there’s a lot to do. A luxury Nile Cruise could cost as much as 200 USD per person per day, but you can find more rustic, and cheaper options than this of course.

ENTRANCE FEES: Entrance prices vary, but a ticket to the Pyramids of Giza will set you back around 10 USD for instance, with other archaeological sites being a similar cost. Be sure to budget for entrance fees, especially if you are traveling independently. They add up quick!

TRANSPORTATION: Transport is cheap, if erratic in Egypt. Local bus and metro rides in Cairo will cost just 25 cents a journey. Overnight trains to Luxor from Cairo cost around 15 USD. The 3-hour journey from Cairo to Alexandria should only cost 5 USD. Taxis are cheap, but be careful of being ripped off.

FOOD: Food is even cheaper than accommodation, and you can get away with spending as little as 10 USD a day on food while eating out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as long as you keep to the local places. At western-style restaurants or in hotels, you can expect to pay 10 USD per person for dinner. IF you drink alcoholic drinks though, your costs will go up.

30 USD PER DAY

Staying in basic hotels, but with private rooms and bathrooms. You’ll eat cheaply on the streets, travel with the locals, but still see the best archaeological sites.

UP TO 100 USD PER DAY

Mid-range hotels and eating in more refined restaurants in the evenings. You’ll see the best sites and employ a private guide every few days to learn more.

100 USD + PER DAY

You can live in luxury. Go on luxury Nile Cruises or stay at 5-star resorts on the Red Sea. You’ll have a private driver and guide if you’re traveling around.

WHERE TO STAY IN EGYPT

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in Egypt. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN EGYPT

Egypt has an extensive transport network, consisting of buses, trains and even boats and ferries. Tickets are cheap, but the public transport isn’t the most reliable. For this reason, if you’re short on time, travelers often opt to join multi-day tours or to hire a private driver for a few days.

Intercity transport will be by bus or train. Alexandria is just 3 hours from Cairo. Longer distance routes include Cairo to Luxor, but this will be an overnight journey. Many tourists will fly this route to save time. 

FLIGHTS: Taking domestic flights to get between destinations in Egypt is popular and easy. Egypt Air and a number of smaller carriers offer multiple, daily flights between all major destinations within the country.

BUS: For shorter journeys like Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheik or Dahab from Cairo, the bus is a great secondary option to flying. The tourist buses are comfortable coach buses and you can’t beat the fares.

CAR RENTAL: It is not advisable to rent a car in Egypt.

TRAIN: If you’re traveling Egypt on a budget or just want a great adventure, it is possible to take the train from Cairo to popular destinations. The journeys are best done in sleeper cars. They are long, think 10 hours for Cairo to Luxor and 14 hours for Cairo to Aswan.

RIVER CRUISING: One of the best ways to see the Nile River is to join a Nile cruise . These range from local boats and ferries right up to full-blown, luxury riverboats. Either way, once you’re aboard, just sit back and watch the river roll past.

TOP EGYPT TOURS

Best of egypt.

8 Days from Cairo, Egypt Adventure Options: Temples, pyramids, tombs, Nubian village & felucca trip

HIGHLIGHTS OF EGYPT

14 Days from Cairo, Egypt Adventure Options: Temples, pyramids, tombs, felucca trip & Abu Simbel extension

EGYPT UPGRADED

12 Days from Cairo, Egypt Adventure Options: Temples, pyramids, tombs, Nile River cruise & Abu Simbel extension

WHEN TO VISIT EGYPT

Egypt enjoys a lovely Mediterranean climate, at least in most destinations. This means that you can expect it to be warm all year round, so technically, you can visit most places at any time of the year.

October to April is perfect if you’re looking for the best weather for your Egypt travel plans, as it’s not too hot this time of the year. This is also the high season though, and prices will be higher.

The Egyptian summer is scorching hot and best avoided, but you’ll get better prices on flights and tours if you can brave the heat.

The Red Sea Resorts will be busy not just in winter , but during summer holidays too, despite the heat, so avoid this area from June through to August to escape the crowds.

The Red Sea is best visited in the shoulder season , in Spring or Fall, when costs are much lower and the crowds thinner.

For more information, check out the  Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month by Month Breakdown

CONSIDER ADDING JORDAN TO YOUR ITINERARY!

Safety in egypt.

Unfortunately, Egypt has a reputation for scams when it comes to tourism, and although most Egyptians are friendly and honest, in the tourist industry you will inevitably run into trouble at some point, even if it’s just minor. 

You’ll be hassled by potential tour guides, taxi drivers and shop keepers, especially in Cairo and the tourist destinations. Be careful how much you pay, and haggle beforehand.

Guides and even guards at museums and archaeological sites will often seek tips too. In bazaars and busy streets, be super careful of your personal belongings, as pickpocketing can be rife in known tourist areas.

The police will be unlikely to be particularly helpful if you have to report a crime, especially for something like theft.  

The major religion is Islam, and it’s best to be conservative in dress and attitude. It’s a very male-oriented society in Egypt, and solo female travelers can, unfortunately, be subject to hassle from Egyptian males.

Women need to stay safe in the cities, particularly at night. 

The country is politically volatile at the best of times, so if events start to unfold while you are in Egypt, stay away from protests and from public squares.

This is mostly relevant if you are in the big cities, such as Cairo or Alexandria. Don’t delve too deep into the local politics, the Egyptian Revolution was only a few years ago, and events may not quite have turned out the way many of the protestors had hoped for.

After two trips to the country spanning two months in total, we wanted to dig into the topic of safety in Egypt a little and also quell some assumptions and myths. so be sure to have a read there is you have any doubts.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

EGYPT TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Egypt travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Egypt and start planning your dream trip.

Is Egypt Safe to Visit in 2024?

Choosing an egypt nile cruise: itineraries, essential tips & advice, 21 epic things to do in egypt, ultimate egypt itinerary for 7 days, 10 days or 2 weeks, best time to visit egypt: month by month breakdown, 21 amazing things to do in cairo, egypt, 15 epic things to do in luxor, egypt, 15 unmissable things to do in alexandria, egypt, 15 things to do in aswan, egypt (on your first visit), 15 top things to do in hurghada, egypt, 9 best places to visit in egypt (try these famous places in egypt), luxor hot air balloon ride over the valley of the kings in egypt, felucca boat trip on the nile: what is it like.

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 .

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Egypt Travel Tips: 20+ Things You Need to Know Before Travelling to Egypt

Planning your trip to Egypt and not sure where to start. Don’t stress – this guide is packed with all the Egypt travel tips you need to know before you go. 

One day I’ll stop raving about my recent trip to Egypt … but that day is not today. If you’ve read my recent Egypt Itinerary , you’ll know that I had the most magical time in Egypt. 

It was a trip filled with awe and wonder – from gawping at the pyramids in Cairo to seeing the tomb of Tutankhamun in Luxor , Egypt was one of those rare much-hyped destinations that did not disappoint. 

That’s not to say that I didn’t have a few (OK, tonnes) of questions before I travelled to the country. Like how should I prepare for a trip to Egypt? What are the dos and don’ts in Egypt? Of course, I also had questions about the best way to travel in the country too. 

I’m guessing that if I had those questions, if you have a trip to Egypt on your radar, you’re also going to have them too. 

That’s why I’ve written this super-detailed guide  – all the things to know before travelling to Egypt – broken down into practical and actionable tips. Pack your bags peeps, we’re going on an adventure. 

PS: I even created a super-quick video with many of these tips. Check it out! 

@thediscoveriesof Travelling to Egypt? Yallah, yallah! I got you 🙌🏾 #egypt #egypttravel #egypttravelguide #egyptrip #egypttravels #cometravelwithme ♬ original sound – thediscoveriesof

Top 5 Egypt Travel Tips

Apply for Your Egypt Travel Visa Online

Before finding out the best way to travel in Egypt, you kind of need to make sure you’ve got the actual entering the country part of things covered. 

Citizens of most countries need a visa to enter Egypt (there are ten exceptions). It used to be the case that you’d have to get a visa on arrival at the airport (and this is still an option) but the Egyptian authorities have expedited the process and released an Egypt e-visa. 

To apply online, you only need your passport (or ID if you’re from certain countries) and host information for your accommodation in Egypt to apply online. You can stay for up to 30 days and need to pay a small fee with your application.

Inform Your Bank That You’re Visiting Egypt Before You Travel

Inform your bank well ahead of time when and where you’ll be travelling so you can use your bank account for international payments. 

Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian Pound. It’s not as strong as the British Pound or US Dollar, so if you’re from either of those countries you should have a pretty affordable time while you’re there (obvs this depends on how much cash you want to splash on things like hotels and tours).

You’ll find many ATMs dotted around which allow easy money withdrawals. You might struggle a bit more in smaller towns and villages, so have extra cash for them. 

Dress Conservatively  

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country that is still quite traditional. You should dress conservatively to respect the religion and local culture.

Men’s dress codes are more relaxed: as long as you cover your shoulders and wear trousers, you’re broadly OK. 

Women, you have to follow stricter rules. If you’re a female traveller, pack loose-fitting clothes covering your shoulders, chest, and knees. 

If you’re visiting a mosque or holy building, you’ll need to wear clothes covering your elbows, legs and head.

Fortunately, if you fancy a swim at your private hotel, you can bring your usual bikini or swimsuit. These rules only apply to public spaces and religious areas.

I’ve written a whole guide for what to pack for Egypt , which goes into a lot more detail about what to wear, but thought it was worth flagging here. 

Don’t Expect to Be Able to Pay for Everything in Egypt with Your Card 

I don’t know about you, but these days I pretty much never use cash at home to pay for things, preferring to pay for things using contactless on my phone. 

Things are a bit different in Egypt. 

While paying by card is not generally a problem for many larger places – like hotels, bigger restaurants and supermarkets – it can be a problem in smaller shops and (more surprisingly) at the ticket booths to some of the landmarks. 

For example, although you can pay for your tickets to the pyramids with a card, the card machine often isn’t working – so it’s better not to rely on a card as your only option.

This also happened (the card machine was out of order) when I wanted to pay for Nefertari’s tomb in Luxor’s Valley of the Queens . It was totally fine because I had cash, but as there is no ATM nearby, it would have been a very disappointing situation if I hadn’t. 

Key takeaway? Bring cash. 

Keep Safety in Mind

While Egypt is a relatively safe place to visit, it still requires some vigilance as petty crimes, like pickpocketing, are common. 

There are a few things you can do to help yourself stay safe like ensuring you have valuables packed away out of sight – but the biggest one is really being aware of your surroundings.

The Egyptian authorities have lots of safeguards in place to protect tourists during their time in the country. These include having large numbers of “Tourism Police” in place, particularly at landmarks and touristy spots like Khan el Khalili market in Cairo.

If you do run into any problems, or need help – the Tourism Police should be your first port of call. Not only are they geared up to help tourists, but they’re also more likely to speak some English too. 

Tip: Read my Ridge Wallet review for a travel-safe wallet review.

Egypt Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting Egypt 

Egypt is a big country with a long history of royalty, tragedy, and overcoming. So, it’s not surprising that there is also a long list of things to know before travelling to Egypt. To prepare you, here are the essential travel to Egypt tips.

Plan Your Trip for the Best Time to Visit Egypt

Egypt has a dry and hot climate dominated by the desert. It is almost always sunny, with occasional rainfall along the coast. 

The average expected highs in summer are 40°C (104°F), while the average lows in winter are 9.5°C (49 °F).

The best time to visit is between October and April to get pleasantly sunny weather without the extreme summer heat. Out of all three seasons that occur during these months, autumn, which happens between September and November, is the best time to visit.

This way, you avoid big crowds and miss spring’s sandy winds. Daytime highs range between 25°C-30°C, while evenings are a bit chilly. 

Plus, if you visit in October, there’s a good chance you’ll also experience the Abu Simbel Sun Festival– a bi-annual festival celebrating Ramses II, when the light touches the inner sanctum in the stunning Main Temple. 

Or Don’t…. 

I have to be honest – I totally ignored this advice and travelled at the beginning of June. 

Guess what? It. Was. Hot. 

I’m pretty comfortable in the heat and I’ll tell you, there were points in Luxor and Aswan where I was so hot I didn’t know what to do with myself. 

There were two significant upsides travelling at that time though: fewer crowds and cheaper prices. It’s up to you to decide. 

Learn Key Phrases

While most people in Egypt speak Egyptian Arabic, English is widely spoken and understood. You’ll especially encounter this if you stick to major cities like Cairo, Luxor and Alexandria near tourist hotspots, hotels, and resorts.

That said, learning a few Egyptian Arabic phrases wouldn’t harm. This handy Egyptian Arabic phrasebook will be a lifeline while in the country. 

Tip: Always carry your hotel’s business card with you if you get lost or encounter a language barrier with taxi drivers.

Haggle, Haggle, Haggle

One of the best tips on travelling to Egypt is that you can haggle (almost) every price at the markets and bazaars. It takes a bit of practising, but once you get your intended price, it can be so rewarding. 

Sometimes you can also haggle your taxi fare before entering the car. There are three types of taxis you can hail:

• The black taxis are usually old and don’t have metres, so you must negotiate a fare beforehand and stick to the negotiated price.
• The white taxis have metres and air-conditioning. But always check if the metre is running to avoid inflated prices. 
• The yellow taxis are expensive and only available through a cab service.

Solo Travel Tips for Egypt 

If you’re travelling solo or travelling as a woman, Egypt can seem a bit intimidating. But, that doesn’t have to be the case. 

Here are the best ways to tour Egypt as a solo traveller:

• If you’re travelling by train, the front cars on trains and streetcars are exclusively for women on many routes.
• Get a guide to show you around rather than walk around alone at night. They’ll also be able to tell you insider tips or info about the areas.
• Dress conservatively to respect the culture and avoid negative responses from people who feel you might not be honouring their customs.

Book Flights Wisely 

One of the top things to know when travelling to Egypt is knowing how to get the best deals on flights.

Typically, booking your flights in May or September is the cheapest as it is shoulder season. You’ll also save a few bucks if you book your flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays around midday. But, typically, flights are very affordable regardless of what time of the year you visit.

Good tips for travelling to Egypt or anywhere in the world is, if you travel often, apply for a rewards program with your airline or credit card provider. It offers many perks, including a few occasional free flights. 

Tip: EgyptAir offers fantastic direct flights from most countries, but notable airlines to also be aware of are Etihad Airlines, British Airways, and Emirates. Check flights on Skyscanner now.

Not Every ATM Works With Every Card in Egypt

Picture this – you go to an ATM to withdraw cash. You know you’ve got enough money in your bank account, but when you try and take your cash out, the transaction fails, the screen flashes an error message and the machine spits your card straight back into your hand. 

Don’t panic. 

Not every Egyptian ATM works with every international card. 

I can’t tell you the rhyme or reason behind which ones work and which ones don’t but try a few different banks before you panic. 

Obviously that’s a lot easier in places like Cairo and Luxor where there are lots of banks close to each other – I’d always recommend withdrawing before you run out of cash to try and head off any problems if one or two don’t play nicely with your card. 

Buy a Local Egyptian Sim Card (Or an E-Sim) 

While you’re in Egypt, it’s best to get a local sim card, just in case you’re not near an internet connection. You can buy a prepaid sim card at the kiosks at the airport. For your phone to work, you need to unlock it to be able to roam internationally. You can use this site to check if your phone will work abroad.

One near-magical (but more expensive) alternative is to get an e-sim for your phone. Rather than operating through an actual sim – an e-sim is a digital sim that you can operate in tandem with your normal simcard. 

There are a few benefits to using an e-sim over the traditional local-sim route. 

The first is that you can buy the e-sim before you travel, so it’s ready to go the moment you land. The second is that you can still keep your normal number for Whatsapp, voice calls and text messages. 

Overall, I’d recommend using an e-sim but it is more expensive – mine from Airalo cost $56 for 6GB over 14 days, which is still a lot cheaper than using roaming on my normal sim, but pricier than the local sim. 

Use a VPN to Browse the Internet

Almost every cafe in the big cities has Wi-Fi, but using public Wi-Fi can be unsafe as you risk making yourself vulnerable to hackers. 

If you use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to keep your data secure. 

Get Tourist Cards for Free Access to Many Historical and Cultural Sites

The Cairo Pass offers entrance to sites in Cairo, Giza, Dahshur, Mit Rahina, and Saqqara. 

You need your passport, two photocopies of your main passport page, and two passport photos to get this pass. You can buy it at the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities office and a few other attractions.

The Luxor Pass offers entry to all archaeological sites on the east and west bank of Luxor. You can purchase this pass at the visitor centre of the Valley of Kings and Karnak Temple.

Try Local Food, but Avoid Tap Water

Egyptian food is a fragrant blend of spices with recipes perfected over centuries. This cuisine offers many vegetarian-friendly options, but you can also get some meaty main meals.

I’m not even going to start on the falafel. THE FALAFEL. Drool. 

Not only will you get an authentic taste when you buy street food at markets, but you can also save a few bucks.

While it is essential to stay hydrated, don’t drink Egypt’s tap water. Instead, buy bottled water. Bring your own bottle for a more environmentally friendly alternative (although understand that there will be limited places for you to refill it).

Dos and Don’ts in Egypt: A Quick Guide

Travel hack your way through your trip to Egypt with these handy do’s and don’ts while you’re there.

Do use public transport like metros to get around at a reasonable price.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated, apply sunblock often, and bring your sunglasses. One of the most vital travel tips in Egypt people forget is that it is a desert climate with lots of sun and heat.

Do bring in small amounts of cash into Egypt, as there is a limit on the amount of money you can bring into the country. Don’t bring more than 10,000 USD.

Don’t forget to tip. The average tip percentage for waitstaff, tour guides, and taxi drivers is between five and 10%.

Do take many pictures of the ancient artefacts and structures but don’t take photos of any officials without consent. It is also prohibited to take photographs of the infrastructures outside of tourist hotspots.

Don’t neglect to download a currency conversion app like XE.com to keep tabs on how much money you’re spending. 

Travelling to Egypt: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Here are the best tips and tricks on how to travel to Egypt and where to stay while you’re in the beautiful country.

What to See

The best way to tour Egypt is to visit the best tourist hotspots. Besides the regular visits to the pyramids, consider these tours and trips too.

• Dinner Cruise on the Nile  
• Cairo and Giza Full-Day
• Private Cairo Tour
• Full-Day Plane Trip to Cairo

Where to Stay

One of my top tips for travelling to Egypt is finding accommodation near the city centre. Where you stay in Egypt also depends on what you hope to see on your trip.

As the country’s capital, it is no surprise that Cairo is many people’s top pick. It is modern compared to its historic buildings with many restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping malls.

Home to the jaw-dropping Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of history and some of Egypt’s most stunning sights. 

This beach resort is great for beach lovers hoping to get in some scuba diving and snorkelling. It also has a lively nightlife and many restaurants to enjoy.

Alexandria will show you a different side of Egypt, especially if you’re interested in ancient Egypt. It is also on the coast of the Mediterranean sea, which will provide amazing views while travelling. 

Aswan takes you back in time with its scenery of the Nile Valley and its sailboats. It’s the perfect place to visit to avoid crowds due to its peaceful aura.

Best Travel Tips for Egypt: Frequently Asked Questions 

Keep these travelling to Egypt tips in mind when planning your trip and when you’re in the country.

How do I Prepare for a Trip to Egypt?

Read this guide of course! 

Other than that, a few top tips are to consider Egypt’s time zone (GMT +2) when booking flights or activities. You should also keep this in mind in terms of jet lag. 

Stay hydrated before, during, and after your flights to combat these effects.

What Should I Avoid in Egypt?

Avoid travelling close to risky areas like the Libyan and Israeli borders – and the Gaza strip. These areas are under strict military supervision. 

What is Forbidden in Egypt?

Egyptian Laws strictly forbid tourists to take pictures of or near military installations. You also shouldn’t take photographs of public buildings and infrastructures, such as train stations and bridges. To use drones for overhead shots, you must obtain permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Things to Know When Travelling to Egypt: Read Next

• The Perfect 10-Day Egypt Itinerary
• Brilliant Things to do in Egypt
• The Ultimate Egypt Travel Guide
• The Best Time to Visit Egypt
• Brilliant Things to do in Cairo, Egypt
• Unmissable Things to do in Luxor
• The Ultimate Egypt Packing List
• Top Tips for Booking a Nile River Cruise

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Egypt Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit

Egypt, the land of mysteries. Explore the world-famous Pyramids, ancient temples, incredible landscapes, white beaches, and the beautiful reefs of the Red Sea. Egypt is an enormous country that can be traveled on every kind of budget. It is time-consuming to travel around Egypt, so we recommend spending at least one week in this beautiful destination. Use our 10-day Egypt travel guide to visit the best places in Egypt

Egypt Travel Guide (10 days)

The majority of historical sights to visit in Egypt are located along the Nile because the ancient Egyptians lived along its banks. In these 10 days traveling Egypt, you will be guided down following that river. Please note: We optimized the tour we did so you can possibly do the best itinerary.

Day 1 – 2: Cairo

Your journey starts in Egypt’s capital: Cairo. It is the gateway to the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. Cairo itself is chaotic but in a fascinating way. Visit the mummy room in the museum, the mosque and plan to spend two days with the things to do in Cairo .

Cairo to Luxor: 9 hours

Hotels in Cairo 😴

Day 3 – 4: Luxor

Welcome to the world’s largest open-air museum. Luxor is the city where would need at least 4 days to visit all the well-preserved temples and tombs. Good to know: If you travel in Egypt is it required to buy a photography pass in order to take photos at most sites.

The city has a relaxed vibe, very different from Cairo. You will find yourself in some ‘jaw-dropping’ moments, for example when wandering around in Valley of the Kings. This is where the tomb of Tutankhamun is located.

Here’s: how to get your Visa for Egypt

Spend two days in Luxor and visit the Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Luxor is one of the highlights when you travel to Egypt.

Luxor to Aswan: 4 hours

Hotels in Luxor 😴

Day 5: Aswan

Aswan is another great stop on the Egypt Travel Guide. Like Luxor, Aswan is located on the Nile. Therefore, sailing the Nile with a felucca from Aswan to Luxor is a popular way to travel Egypt .

Order your Visa online here

While in Aswan, visit the Kom Ombo and Philae Temple and plan a trip to the temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt.

Hotels in Aswan 😴

Day 6: Abu Simbel & Nubian village

Rise and shine early and prepare for a 3-hour trip down south Egypt to visit Abu Simbel. The temple complex near the border with Sudan is completely carved out of the side of a rock. Between 1964 and 1968, the entire temple has been moved to higher ground because it was threatened to be flooded. An unbelievable story when you are standing in front of the massive temple. Read more about the colorful Nubian Village in Egypt .

Tip: If time isn’t a problem, visit Abu Simbel in the afternoon. It will be far less crowded.

Get back to Aswan, arrange a motorboat and cruise the Nile to the Nubian village. The Nubians are known for their kindness and colorful building. Wander around in the village for 2 hours, have lunch at Kato Dool restaurant and jump back on the boat the Aswan.

Stay in a beautiful Nubian House

Day 7 – 9: Dahab

Dahab is a chilled backpacker town on the Red Sea. Most travelers visit Dahab for its incredible snorkeling and diving into the Blue Hole. Rent an ATV and go on a desert safari and eat at some delicious restaurants located on the boulevard. After traveling in Egypt, Dahab will be one of your top stays so make sure to spend enough time here.

Hotels in Dahab 😴

You can either fly from Aswan into Sharm El-Sheikh via Cairo. This is only 20 minutes away from Dahab.

Book your flight to Sharm el Sheikh

Another option is a 12-hour drive, where you catch a ferry from Hurghada to Sharm El-Sheikh.

We recommend to rent a car in Egypt through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Day 10 – End of Traveling Egypt

Your incredible Egypt travels have come to an end. Depending on where you need to fly, you should take an international flight from Cairo or Sharm El-Sheikh.

Book your tour online

Egypt + Jordan

Egypt by tour or not?

Traveling in Egypt with a tour company is a great decision. Why? Getting from A to B isn’t that easy, and in Egypt, every little thing comes with a hassle. By joining a tour, you learn a lot about Egypt’s history, it makes traveling safer , and easier, and you will meet a lot of like-minded people.

Best time to visit Egypt

Travel to Egypt in their winter which runs from October until April. Temperatures will be much more comfortable but the attractions will be busier. Try to avoid December and January as these are known as the peak months.

Egypt Budget

Egypt can be traveled on any kind of budget. Go on a low budget by staying in hostels and traveling by train and local buses. Or choose for a little more comfort by joining a tour in Egypt .

Costs of Traveling in Egypt

Travel on a budget in Egypt, from $190 − $470 USD weekly per person, mid-range $530 − $790 USD, and high-end from $760 − $1180 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $30 − $120 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $40 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $30 USD Book public transport
• Food: $4 − $20 USD
• Activities: $5 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

What to wear while traveling in Egypt?

Egypt is a modern country where they wear modern clothes. As a woman, you don’t need need to cover your hair or ankles outside religious sites. It’s best to wear breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk. During the winter time, take a sweater and long jeans as the temperatures in the evening will drop.

Visa in Egypt

Entering Egypt requires a visa. A Visa on Arrival can be purchased for 25 USD at the airport in Cairo. Make sure to have the exact amount with you in US dollars.

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• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Egypt via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

7 Best Things To Do in Luxor, Egypt

7 best things to do in cairo, egypt, visit the colorful nubian villages in egypt.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

We had such a great time in Egypt! We didn’t get to visit a Nubian Village, but we hope there is a next time :)

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Egypt Travel Tips: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Egypt

Egypt is a land of dreams for travelers looking for a bustling destination with a vibrant culture. For Europeans, Egypt has been a popular spot (among Turkey and Tunisia) to go for a resort getaway with occasional day trips to Luxor and Cairo.

Growing up, I remember seeing many chartered flights to Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada, and everyone and their mother had been to Egypt. It’s no surprise that Egypt has been the first place I traveled to solo after my high school graduation back in 2007, at the age of eighteen.

However, Egypt for Americans has never been a ‘hot spot’, but after my second independent trip to Egypt, I can say that it surely should be! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Egypt and the most useful Egypt travel tips .

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Egypt

Safety in Egypt

First things first: is Egypt safe? Absolutely! When I visited Egypt back in 2008 safety wasn’t the biggest concern. Unfortunately, nowadays most of the Middle East is currently in political or social unrest, but we often forget to see the difference between Egypt and the rest of the Middle East.

Sure, there are some regions which are not safe, but there are also regions where are perfectly fine. Just like in any other country and city. That said, everywhere in Egypt I was told that the only rules for tourists in Egypt are to “enjoy and feel like at home”.

As you may know by now, Egypt is NOT on the travel alert or travel warning list for the U.S Department of State .

Tourist attractions are largely safe and not under any threat. Egyptians are one of the most welcoming people I’ve ever encountered on my travels ( among Iranians !) and they love tourists. Not once I feel in any danger anywhere in the country, people constantly had my back when I looked lost or unsure

I was very saddened to read a lot of other blog posts saying that everyone in Egypt wants your money, as it’s absolutely not my experience. I met locals trying to help me on numerous occasions, asking me if I’m all right, and feeding me good food. Everyone was nothing but nice to me.

Read more on my experience of traveling to Egypt solo .

When to Go to Egypt?

Don’t make my mistake during my first visit by going to Egipt in the summer. In summer, temperatures can get up to 45 degrees Celsius in dusty, so Luxor and Aswan are unbearable.

Remember that nights can be freezing so bring a sweater and a pair of warm socks. Trust me, you can thank me later.

The best time to go to Egypt is surely between October and April. The tourist high season is considered from December to February, so if you come slightly out of season you will also enjoy cheaper hotel prices and fewer crowds. Also, make sure to avoid traveling during Ramadan.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Egypt?

Not much. Egypt is comparatively cheap if you’re coming from a developed nation. For a bed in a dorm, you’ll usually pay about $4, guesthouse would be about $12 per night and a higher standard shouldn’t be more than $150. If you’re backpacking you could get by for $30 a day without any issues.

The most expensive thing I paid for in Egypt was my hot-air balloon flight ($50).

Always carry a lot of coins and small bills. You will have to “tip” many times a day, for all kinds of reasons. While you don’t HAVE TO do this, it’s customary to for instance give some coins to a bathroom lady who hands you a few sheets of toilet paper. 

I was completely fine with tipping here and there, especially after visiting some of the poorest neighborhoods of Cairo and Luxor.

Food in Egypt

I enjoyed the food in Egypt very much. I ate anything from basic kebabs to local vegetables and rice, through the most traditional dish – Koshary. It’s a mix of rice, macaroni, and lentils topped with tomato-vinegar sauce and fried onions.

If you’re staying in local hostels or hotels be prepared that you’ll be served a LOT of food. Quite often for breakfast, I was receiving a few bread rolls, 8 balls of falafel, hummus, omelet, hard boiled eggs, french fried, yogurt and a fresh smoothie. It was impossible to eat it all!

How to Get Around Egypt

Domestic flights in Egypt as affordable and great. You’d be looking at two airlines: EgyptAir and NileAir (I can only personally vouch for EgyptAir and they’re great). For a flight from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan, you’ll pay about $50-80 one way and the flight takes about an hour.

If you’re on a strict backpacking budget, you might want to look into Go Bus . Their buses are very comfy, cheap and easy to book on the website or app on your phone.

Sleeper trains are another popular way of traveling, but since my flight to Luxor cost me the same as the sleeping train would have, the choice was obvious.

Boat (Nile Cruise)

There is a cruise on the Nile that starts in all of the touristic cities, and most tourists decide to do it. Many travelers think the Nile Cruise is the only way to get to some places, which isn’t true as the same places can be reached by car or bus.

Keep in mind that it’s not going to be a very local experience hanging out at the pool and eating touristy food on the boat. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I opted for a cheaper version staying in local guesthouses.

Uber & Taxis

In Cairo, you can take Uber anywhere and it’s extremely cheap. For instance, an average taxi trip from Cairo Airport to downtown Cairo should not cost more than 50-60 LE, whilst a journey from Cairo Airport to the Pyramids go for 100-110 LE.

Extra Egypt Travel Tips:

• Traffic jams and driving in Egypt, particularly in Cairo, can be quite intimidating. But don’t be afraid to cross the street.
• Egypt gets extremely hot, particularly during the summer, so stay hydrated. If you want to save on bottled water get a LifeStraw Water Bottle  . You can fill it anywhere even with water from a puddle!
• Always haggle a bit and never say yes to anything without discussing the price first.
• Bring your own toilet paper. The toilets here have a built-in bidet spray nozzle.

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Jean Brandl

Thursday 12th of May 2022

I stumbled upon your posts about Morocco and Egypt (going to both in June) and they are great. Your posts are encouraging and very helpful. Plus you seem really positive and modest.

Emily Rivera

Monday 8th of February 2021

Hey, I just have a few questions. My friend and I are planning to go to Egypt next year and we were wondering how you toured. - Were you touring privately or with a group? I’m just curious and interested on how you go about touring a country like Egypt. - How far do you have to plan in advance? My guess would be months but I’m not sure That’s all, thank you :)

Anna Karsten

Tuesday 9th of February 2021

I was on my own. Just used drivers when needed :) I never plan any travels months in advance, but Egypt is also super easy to arrange things. In fact, you can arrange everything (minus hotels) upon arrival without any issues.

Wednesday 10th of June 2020

Hey Anna, thanks for the monetary information. It'll help me prepare my itinerary well in advance along with the budget which is indeed the toughest part while planning a vacation. You've given some very vital information on taxis, airfares, transportation and places to stay. Keep building more stuff like these, your blog is very resourceful.

shamsa lalani

Monday 17th of February 2020

Hi We are planning 7 days trip to Egypt in the next two weeks. Want to know what is the best option to cover Aswan and Luxor - through three day Nile river cruise or by staying a night in Luxor and travel to Aswan through train and spend a night there. We will go with the tour agency so they have both the options

Wednesday 26th of February 2020

You can easily stay in Luxor overnight not on a boat - there are so many nice hotels. Nile cruises will be significantly more expensive than regular hotels. Both options seem fine, but you a cruise to Aswan will be more relaxing than going overland. Greeting from Cairo, as I'm actually in Egypt again :-)

Friday 24th of January 2020

Thank you Anna for sharing your great adventures. Your tips and experiences are so helpful. We will be going to Egypt in April and would love to know where you booked the private cars/guides? We've searched a few options online and would prefer to follow the route your took.

Take care and thank you again.

In Cairo I just moved around with Uber. In Luxor I rented a driver who took me to various spots of the West Bank. His name was Ahmed and he gave me his number: 01001202609. For the balloon tour I just booked one through my hotel, they sell them everywhere so don't worry - you can just get one upon arrival.

Egypt Bucket List: Your Expert Guide to Cairo & The Nile

Table of contents, why egypt should be on your bucket list, egypt bucket list #1-journey to cairo, egypt, egypt bucket list #2-exploring the nile river cruise, best time to visit egypt, planning your trip: visa requirements and travel costs , unique egyptian adventures to experience, is egypt safe to visit , what are the best ways to get around egypt, do you need to book tours in advance, or can you explore on your own, what should you wear when visiting ancient sites and mosques in egypt , are there any health concerns or vaccinations required for traveling to egypt, do you need a visa to visit egypt, your egypt bucket list adventure awaits.

Your Egypt bucket list adventure starts here! Egypt , a land steeped in ancient history and rich culture, is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list . From the iconic monuments of Cairo to the winding Nile River, this captivating country offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring sights and immersive cultural experiences.

Having personally experienced the magic of Cairo and a mesmerizing Nile river cruise, here’s my expert guide, insider tips, and recommendations to help you plan an unforgettable Egypt vacation to this bucket list-worthy destination.

There are many reasons to visit Egypt and why it should be on your bucket list. Imagine standing in the shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, or gazing upon the enigmatic Sphinx, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Beyond these iconic landmarks, Egypt offers a diverse array of experiences, from exploring bustling cities like Cairo to cruising along the mighty Nile River, witnessing remnants of ancient temples and tombs.

Egypt is also known for its welcoming people, delicious cuisine, and vibrant markets, making it an immersive cultural journey unlike any other.

Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of ancient wonders, Egypt has something to offer every traveler on an Egypt tour or Egypt vacation.

As the vibrant capital of Egypt, Cairo is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends ancient wonders with modern life. Here, you’ll find some of the country’s most iconic attractions, along with a lively cultural scene and a rich culinary heritage.

No visit to Cairo is complete without witnessing the awe-inspiring Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx . These ancient marvels, dating back over 4,500 years, are a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the ancient Egyptians.

For a unique experience , consider booking a camel ride to explore the Giza plateau and capture stunning views of the pyramids .

Beyond the pyramids, Cairo offers a wealth of cultural experiences. The Egyptian Museum is a must-visit, housing an unparalleled collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb .

For a taste of local culture, head to the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar , where you can haggle for souvenirs, sample delicious street food, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

For a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Cairo, check out our article on things to do in Cairo Egypt .

Want to see more of Cairo? Get a glimpse of the beauty of Cairo in this video:

The mighty Nile River played a crucial role in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization, and today, it offers a unique way to explore the country’s rich history. A Nile River cruise is an unforgettable experience , providing a luxurious and convenient way to witness some of Egypt’s most remarkable ancient sites.

As you glide along the Nile, you’ll have the opportunity to visit iconic temples and tombs that have stood the test of time.

From the awe-inspiring Philae Temple Complex to the intricate carvings of Edfu Temple , each site offers a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egyptian architecture.

One of the highlights of a Nile cruise is the chance to explore Luxor , known as the “world’s greatest open-air museum.” Here, you can delve into the Valley of the Kings, where ancient pharaohs were laid to rest, and marvel at the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut , a stunning example of ancient engineering carved into the cliffs.

Throughout your journey, you’ll be treated to the comfort and luxury of a modern riverboat, complete with amenities such as spacious cabins, fine dining, and entertainment. It’s a truly immersive way to experience the wonders of ancient Egypt.

Egypt’s ancient history is also brought to life through captivating performances, such as the whirling dervish dance, a mesmerizing spiritual ritual that dates back centuries. Consider attending a show to witness this captivating display of music, movement, and devotion.

See these ancient wonders come alive in this video:

When planning your trip to Egypt, timing is crucial. The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months, from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Here are some key factors to consider:

• The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Peak season brings more tourists, but if that’s your only option, be prepared for the crowds.
• Summer months in Egypt can be scorching hot, so consider that if you’re particularly heat sensitive.

When planning your trip to Egypt, consider attending major festivals like Ramadan or national holidays, which can impact opening hours and crowd levels at popular attractions.

To help you, I’ve created a guide covering everything you need to know while Visiting Egypt During Ramadan: Insider Guide to Celebration .

Before embarking on your Egyptian adventure, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements and travel costs. Check the visa requirements for your nationality well in advance. Many countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports, but it’s best to confirm and be prepared. The visa fee is generally around $25 USD.

As for the trip to Egypt cost is relatively affordable compared to other popular destinations. You can expect to spend around $50-$100 per day for a mid-range traveler, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entry fees to major attractions. Here’s a rough estimate of some common expenses:

• Airfare: $500-$1,000 roundtrip from major U.S. cities
• Mid-range hotel: $50-$100 per night
• Budget hotel: $20-$50 per night
• Meals: $10-$25 per day (street food and casual restaurants)
• Transportation: $5-$10 per day (for taxis and public transport)
• Entrance fees: $10-$25 per site (e.g., pyramids, temples, museums)

To save money, consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations. A wide range of options exist, from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. Eating at local street food stalls and local eateries is incredibly affordable, and you’ll find delicious meals for just a few dollars. When exploring attractions, transportation like local buses and taxis is budget-friendly. Consider a Nile Cruise package for an all-inclusive experience.

Here are some unique adventures that you must experience when traveling to Egypt.

• Soar over Luxor in a hot air balloon for breathtaking views of temples and the Valley of the Kings at sunrise-a true bucket list moment!
• Camel rides near the Pyramids are a popular choice, but it’s important to be aware of the ethical concerns. To learn more, check out this article, Why A Camel Ride in Egypt Commands a Conflicting Ethical Decision delves into this complex topic.
• Immerse yourself in Islamic Cairo. Discover its rich history and architectural beauty at the magnificent Al-Azhar Mosque.
• No trip to Egypt is complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine! Try  koshari  (a hearty mix of rice, lentils, and pasta),  falafel  (chickpea fritters), and don’t forget stuffed pigeon – an Egyptian delicacy.

Planning a trip to Egypt can raise a lot of questions, so we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your journey.

Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially when traveling with a reputable tour company or guide. However, it’s always important to exercise caution, be aware of your surroundings, and follow the advice of local authorities.

For long-distance travel, consider taking domestic flights or booking a Nile River cruise. Within cities, taxis and public transportation are affordable and convenient options. Hiring a private driver or tour guide can also make navigating Egypt more comfortable.

While it’s possible to explore some sites independently, booking guided tours in advance can provide invaluable insights and ensure a smoother experience. Guided tours are highly recommended for complex sites like the pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and ancient temples.

It’s important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or Islamic mosques. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women may also want to carry a scarf to cover their heads when entering mosques.

No specific vaccinations are required for most travelers, but it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before your trip. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date, and consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Bringing insect repellent and staying hydrated are also recommended.

Yes, most nationalities require a visa to visit Egypt. However, the process is relatively straightforward, and there are a couple of ways to obtain one:

Visa on Arrival: Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Egypt’s international airports. The process involves filling out a form, paying a fee (typically around $25 USD, payable in cash), and having a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

E-Visa: For added convenience, many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa in advance through the official Egyptian government portal ([invalid URL removed]). The process is entirely online and typically takes a few days for approval.

Important Notes:

Specific Requirements:  Always double-check the visa requirements for your specific nationality, as there may be variations. Some countries may have additional requirements or longer processing times.

Visa Validity:  The most common tourist visa for Egypt is valid for 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa or inquire about visa extensions upon arrival.

Resources:  For official visa information and updates, visit the Egyptian government website or consult your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.

By following this expert Egypt travel guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and insider tips to plan an extraordinary journey through Cairo and the heart of ancient Egyptian civilization, Nile.

Egypt promises to leave a lasting impression and will surely capture your heart. So, pack your sense of adventure, embrace the rich culture, and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to this bucket list-worthy destination.

The post Egypt Bucket List: Your Expert Guide to Cairo & The Nile appeared first on The Design Tourist .

• Getting around Egypt: Transportation Tips

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Egyptian public transport is, on the whole, pretty good. There is an efficient rail network linking the Nile Valley, Delta and Canal Zone, and elsewhere you can travel easily enough by bus or shared (service) taxi. On the Nile you can indulge in feluccas or cruise boats, while in the desert there’s the chance to test your camel-riding prowess. For those in a hurry, EgyptAir provides a network of domestic flights.

By service taxi

Motorbikes and bicycles, hitchhiking, city transport, tailor-made travel itineraries for egypt, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 1999 USD

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.

13 days  / from 5499 USD

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.

8 days  / from 2200 USD

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.

Tailor-made trips for   Egypt

While you can travel without restriction through most areas of Egypt, travel permits are required for desert travel between Bahariya and Siwa oases (permits available in Siwa), to Ain Della and the Gilf Kebir/Jebel Uwaynat in the western desert, for the desert east of Marsa Alam, and if you want to camp around Berenice and the Red Sea coast south of Marsa Alam. In principle, permits to visit restricted areas in the eastern and western deserts are obtainable from Military Intelligence (Mukaharabat), whose office is next-door to the Nasser Mosque at Abbassiya in Cairo (you’ll need two photos and photocopies of the identifying pages of your passport and your Egyptian entry visa, plus a detailed intinerary), but in practice, you are very unlikely to get a permit by approaching them directly, and it’s much easier to go through an authorized travel agency or, failing that, Misr Travel , 1 Sharia Talaat Harb, Cairo t 02 2393 0010, e [email protected]. You don’t currently need a permit to travel directly from Mersa Matrouh to the Libyan border, for example if taking a bus or service taxi to Benghazi or Tripoli, but the rules sometimes change, so it’s wise to check first.

Covering a limited network of routes (Cairo to Alexandria, the Delta and the Canal Zone, along the coast to Mersa Matrouh and up the Nile Valley to Luxor and Aswan), Egypt’s trains are best used for long hauls, when air-conditioned services offer a comfier alternative to buses and taxis. For shorter journeys, trains are slower and less reliable.

Timetables are posted up in major stations, but in Arabic only. Schedules and fares for services between major stations are posted on the Egyptian Railways website ( w enr.gov.eg ), where you can also buy tickets online. Schedules for sleeper services are available on the website of the company which operates them, Watania ( w wataniasleepingtrains.com ).

From Cairo to Alexandria or Aswan, there are fast a/c trains, including sleepers (also called wagons-lits) and snail-like non-a/c local services. However, on the Cairo–Luxor/Aswan route, foreigners are only allowed to use four “ tourist trains ” (two of which are sleepers), whose compartments are guarded by gun-toting plainclothes cops.

Buying tickets can get complicated at the largest stations, where separate queues exist for different ticket classes.

Air-conditioned trains

Air-conditioned trains nearly always have two classes (although occasionally a/c trains will be first or second class only). The most comfortable option is first class ( daraga awla ), with waiter service, reclining armchairs and no standing. They also screen videos until midnight. Second class superior ( daraga tania mukayyifa ) is less plush and more crowded – but two-thirds the price of first class. Both classes are comfortable enough to allow you to sleep on an overnight journey, at a fraction of the cost of a sleeper (see Wagons-lits (sleepers)).

Seats are reservable up to seven days in advance. There is occasional double booking but a little baksheesh to the conductor usually sorts out any problem. One common difficulty is that return tickets can’t necessarily be booked at the point of origin. The peak seasons for travel are summer for Alexandria and winter for Upper Egypt.

In terms of fares , a ticket from Cairo to Luxor costs around £E165 in first class (the only class allowed for tourists), while Cairo to Alexandria costs £E50 in first class, £E35 in second. Students with ISIC cards get at least a third off on all fares except on sleepers. Many travel agencies sell first-class tickets for a small commission, saving you from having to queue.

Wagons-lits (sleepers)

Many tourists cough up for a bed in a sleeper car (wagons-lits), which may comprise an entire train, or be limited to a couple of carriages tacked on to a regular service. Fares are relatively hefty (though still cheaper than flying) at $60 one way from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan. Passengers get a comfortable two-bed cabin (a single traveller can book one exclusively for $120, or pay the normal fare and share with someone of the same sex) with a sink, plus breakfast and dinner, and access to a dining car and a bar. In summer (mid-June to mid-Sept) there’s also a sleeper service from Cairo to Mersa Matrouh.

Bookings for wagons-lits can be done at Ramses station, through the operator, Watania ( t 02 3748 9388, w wataniasleepingtrains.com ), or through American Express; payment must be made in US dollars or euros.

Non-air-conditioned trains

Non-a/c trains comprise ordinary second class ( daraga tania aadia ) carriages, with padded bench seating, or third class ( daraga talata ), with wooden benches. Both are invariably crowded, the rolling stock ancient and often filthy, and schedules fanciful. Few foreigners use them, but on a few routes they are the only services available, and over short distances you might enjoy the disorder.

There is no advance booking for seats on these services and you needn’t even queue for a ticket at the station – these can be bought on-board from the conductor, with just a small penalty fee of £E1–2 added to the fare.

Egypt’s three main bus companies , all based in Cairo, are: Upper Egypt Bus Company (Nile Valley, Fayoum, inner oases and the Red Sea Coast down to El-Quseir); East Delta Bus Company (Sinai and the Canal Zone); and West and Middle Delta Bus Company (Alexandria, Mersa Matrouh, Siwa and the Nile Delta). An independent firm, El Gouna, runs buses from Cairo to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Key routes (Cairo to Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada) are also covered by Superjet (red, black and gold livery, known as “Golden Arrows” or “Golden Rockets”), a subsidiary of the Arab Union Transport Company which operates international services to Libya, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia.

Major routes are plied by a/c buses, usually new(ish) and fast. Local routes usually have cheaper non-a/c buses, generally old rattletraps. Superjet buses have a/c, toilets, videos and expensive snacks.

Terminals and bookings

Though most towns have a single bus depot for all destinations, cities such as Cairo and Alexandria have several. English- or French-speaking staff are fairly common at the larger ones, but rare in the provinces. Schedules – usually posted in Arabic only – change frequently. Bus information can be obtained from hotels in Sinai and the oases, and tourist offices in Luxor, Aswan and the oases.

At city terminals, tickets are normally sold from kiosks, up to 24 hours in advance for air-conditioned or long-haul services. In the provinces, tickets may only be available an hour or so before departure, or on the bus itself in the case of through services, which are often standing-room only when they arrive. Passengers on a/c services are usually assigned a seat (the number is written in Arabic on your ticket), but seats on “local” buses are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Fares are very reasonable: Cairo to Alexandria costs £E17 by ordinary bus, or £E30 on the deluxe Superjet service, while Cairo to Luxor is £E100 by Superjet.

Collective service taxis (known as servees ) are one of the best features of Egyptian transport. They operate on a wide variety of routes, are generally quicker than buses and trains, and fares are very reasonable. On the downside, maniacal driving on congested roads calls for strong nerves; accidents are not uncommon.

The taxis are usually big Peugeot saloons carrying seven passengers, or microbuses ( meecros ) seating a dozen. Most business is along specific routes, with more or less nonstop departures throughout the day on the main ones, while cross-desert traffic is restricted to early morning and late afternoon. Show up at the terminal and ask for a servees to your destination, or listen for drivers shouting it out. As soon as the requisite number of people (or less, if you’re willing to pay extra) are assembled, the taxi sets off. Fewer people travel after dark in winter or on Friday, when you might have to wait a while for a ride to a distant town; travelling in stages can be quicker.

Service taxis have fixed fares , which you can ascertain by asking at your hotel (or the tourist office), or seeing what Egyptians pay. You can also charter a taxi – useful for day excursions or on odd routes, but you’ll have to bargain hard to get the right price.

Driving in Egypt is not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced motorist. Cities, highways, backroads and pistes each pose a challenge to drivers’ skills and nerve. Pedestrians and carts seem blithely indifferent to heavy traffic. Though accidents are less frequent than you’d think, the crumpled wrecks alongside highways are a constant reminder of the hazards of motoring.

The minimum age for driving in Egypt is 25 years, the maximum is 70. Foreigners require an International Driving Licence (obtainable from motoring organizations at home).

The highest speed limit outside towns is 90km/h (56mph), despite old signs on some highways which still say 100km/h. In built-up areas, the highest speed limit is 60km/h (37mph), and on some stretches of road, the limit can be as low as 30km/h (18mph). Road signs are similar to those in Europe, but speed limits are usually posted in Arabic numerals. Vehicles drive on the right, although traffic in cities is relentless and anarchic, with vehicles weaving to and fro between lanes, signalling by horn. Two beeps means “I’m alongside and about to overtake.” A single long blast warns “I can’t (won’t) stop and I’m coming through!” Extending your hand, fingers raised and tips together, is the signal for “Watch out, don’t pass now”; spreading your fingers and flipping them forwards indicates “Go ahead.” Although the car in front usually has right of way, buses and trams always take precedence. On country roads – including the two-lane east- and west-bank “highways” along the Nile Valley – trucks and cars routinely overtake in the face of incoming traffic. The passing car usually flashes its lights as a warning, but not always.

Most roads are bumpy, with potholes and all manner of traffic, including donkey carts and camels. Beware, especially, of children darting into the road. If you injure someone, relatives may take revenge on the spot. Avoid driving after dark , when Egyptians drive without lights, only flashing them on to high beam when they see another car approaching. Wandering pedestrians and animals, obstructions and sand drifts present extra hazards. In spring, flash floods can wash away roads in Sinai. On pistes (rough, unpaved tracks in the desert or mountains) there are special problems. You need a good deal of driving and mechanical confidence – and shouldn’t attempt such routes if you don’t feel your car’s up to scratch.

Police or military road checks – signposted in English as “Traffic Stations” – occur on the approach roads to towns and oases and along major trunk routes. Foreign motorists are usually waved through, but you might be asked to show your passport or driving licence.

Renting a car pays obvious dividends if you are pushed for time or plan to visit remote sites, but whether you’d want to drive yourself is another matter – it’s not much more expensive to hire a car and driver. Branches of Misr Travel, and numerous local tour agencies, can fix you up with one, or you can charter a taxi. If you bring your own vehicle, you are required to re-export it when you leave – even if it gets wrecked.

A self-drive car can be rented through one of the international franchise chains, or a local firm. It’s worth shopping around as rates and terms vary considerably. At the cheaper end, you can get a car with unlimited mileage for around £50/$75 a day. Most companies require a hefty deposit, and not all accept credit cards. You cannot bring a rented car across the border into Egypt.

Before making a reservation, be sure to find out if you can pick up the car in one city and return it in another. Generally, this is only possible with cars from Hertz, Avis or Budget. Before setting out, make sure the car has a spare tyre, tool kit and full documentation – including insurance cover, which is compulsory with all rentals.

Fuel and breakdowns

Petrol ( benzene ) and diesel stations are plentiful in larger towns but few and far between in rural and desert areas. Replace oil/air filters regularly, lest impurities in the fuel, and Egypt’s ubiquitous dust, clog up the engine.

Egyptian mechanics are usually excellent at coping with breakdowns, and all medium-sized towns have garages (most with a range of spare parts for French, German and Japanese cars). If you break down miles from anywhere, however, you can pay a lot to get towed back.

Vehicle insurance

All car rentals must by law be sold with third-party insurance. Accident and damage insurance should be included, but make sure. In the case of an accident , get a written report from the police and from the doctor who first treats any injuries, without which your insurance may not cover the costs. Reports are written in Arabic.

Driving your own vehicle, you will need to take out Egyptian insurance . Policies are sold by Misr Insurance ( t 02 3335 5350 or t 19114, w misrins.com.eg ); offices are found in most towns and at border crossings. Premiums vary according to the size, horsepower and value of the vehicle.

Motorcycling could be a good way to travel around Egypt, but the red tape involved in bringing your own bike is diabolical (ask your national motoring organization and the Egyptian consulate for details). It’s difficult to rent a machine except in Luxor or Hurghada. Bikers should be especially wary of potholes, sand and rocks, and other road-users.

Bicycles , useful for getting around small towns and reaching local sights or beaches, can be rented in Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Siwa Oasis and other places for a modest sum. Cycling in big cities or over long distances is not advisable. Traffic is murderous, the heat brutal and foreign cyclists are sometimes stoned by children (particularly in the Delta). If you’re determined to cycle the Nile Valley , the east bank expressway that runs down as far as Aswan is the safest route.

Most towns have repair shops , well used to servicing local bikes and mopeds. They’re unlikely to have the right spare parts but can usually sort out some kind of temporary solution.

Hitchhiking is largely confined to areas with minimal public transport, or trunk routes if passing service taxis or scheduled buses are full. You usually pay anyway, and foreigners who hitch where proper transport is available may inspire contempt rather than sympathy. Women should never hitch without a male companion.

In general, it’s only worth flying if your time is very limited, or for the view – the Nile Valley and Sinai look amazing from the air – although the trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel is easiest by plane. EgyptAir ( w egyptair.com) flies between Cairo and Alexandria, Mersa Matrouh, Port Said, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Assyut, Sohag, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, as well as between Aswan and Luxor and between Aswan and Abu Simbel.

Fares rise as seats on the plane get booked up, so it’s best to book early if possible. In winter season, it’s wise to book at least a week ahead for flights between Cairo and Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel or Sharm. Always reconfirm 72 hours prior to the journey, as overbooking is commonplace.

The colonial tradition of Nile cruises has spawned an industry with over two hundred steamers. Most sail from Luxor to Aswan (or the other way), a three- to five-day trip, stopping at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo.

The most reliable cruises are sold with package holidays, and week-long cruises plus air fare are available for as little as £560 from the UK or $2700 from North America. In Egypt you can arrange a trip on the spot from around $50–60 per day (all per person in a twin cabin). Prices escalate dramatically for a luxury cruise.

Looking for a Nile cruise in Egypt, shop around and don’t necessarily go for the cheapest deal – some leave a lot to be desired in terms of hygiene and living conditions. If possible, check the vessel first. Deluxe boats with swimming pools can be wonderful, but not all offer value for money. The best deals are available from local agents in Luxor and Aswan (or directly from the boats). Beware in particular of the overpriced trips sold by touts and some hotels in Cairo.

Feluccas , the lateen-sailed boats used on the Nile since antiquity, still serve as transport along many stretches. Favoured by tourists for sunset cruises, they allow you to experience the changing moods of the Nile while lolling in blissful indolence. Many visitors opt for a felucca cruise between Aswan and Luxor. It’s easy to arrange a cruise yourself , and several tour operators offer packages.

Local ferries , generally battered, crowded and cheap, cross the Nile and Suez Canal at various points. There are fast and slow ferries from Nuweiba in Sinai to Aqaba in Jordan; the catamaran service between Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh was suspended at the time of writing, though it may possibly be reinstated in the future. There is also a sporadic and not very reliable boat service from Aswan to Wadi Halfa in Sudan.

Most Egyptian towns are small enough to cover on foot, especially if your hotel is in the centre. In larger cities, however, local transport is useful. Learn to recognize Arabic numerals to take full advantage of the cheap buses , minibuses and trams that cover most of Alexandria and Cairo (which also has river taxis and an excellent metro).

Four-seater taxis often operate on a shared basis, making stops to pick up passengers heading in the same direction. To hail a cab, pick a major thoroughfare with traffic heading in the right direction, stand on the kerb, and wave and holler out your destination as one approaches. If the driver’s interested he’ll stop, whereupon you can state your destination again, in more detail. If the driver starts talking money, say “ maalesh ” (forget it) and look for another cab.

Don’t expect drivers to speak English or to know every street; you may need to name a major landmark or thoroughfare in the vicinity instead. If your destination is obscure or hard to pronounce, get it written down in Arabic. Near the end of the journey, direct the driver to stop where you want (bearing in mind one-way systems and other obstacles) with “ hina/hinak kwayes ” (here/there’s okay). You need to know the right fare in advance; hand it over with confidence when you arrive, together with any tip you consider appropriate. If you’ve underpaid, the driver will let you know. Don’t take taxis waiting outside expensive hotels or tourist sites, nor those that hustle you in the street, as they are sure to overcharge you.

Calèches (or hantour) – horse-drawn buggies – are mainly for tourists, who are often accosted by drivers in Luxor and Aswan, Alexandria and at other places. Fares are higher than taxis and, regardless of official tariffs, are negotiable. In a few small towns, mostly in Middle Egypt, the hantour remains part of local city transport. Ask locals about fares before climbing on board, or simply pay what you see fit at the end. Some of the horses and buggies are in pristine condition; others painful to behold. Tourists can help by admonishing drivers who abuse their animals or gallop their horses, and by not travelling more than four to a carriage.

Words for street ( sharia ), avenue ( tariq ) and square ( midan ) precede the name. Narrower thoroughfares may be termed darb , haret , sikket or zuqaq . The word bab signifies a medieval gate, after which certain quarters are named (for example, Bab al-Khalq in Cairo); kubri a bridge; and souk a market. Whole blocks often share a single street number, which may be in Arabic numerals, but are commonly not shown at all.

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updated 26.04.2021

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Good to know

Faqs - booking egypt flights, what transport options are there from hrg to the city center.

Hurghada (HRG) is approximately 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from the city center, and the journey time ranges from 12 to 20 minutes. The Bus by HURGHADA is the suggested mode of transportation. It is straightforward to go to Hurghada, in particular, by bus, which may take you directly from the airport. A taxi is the fastest and most affordable method of travel and takes around 12 minutes.

What are family services at Cairo International Airport?

If you are traveling with a child, consider taking them to the children's play area in the domestic and international departures areas. Nursing stations are located at the currency exchange. If you are a breastfeeding mother needing some discretion and assistance, go to the information counter at the airport.

Which is the best airport to fly to in Egypt?

Cairo International Airport is most likely where international passengers flying to Egypt will land. Travelers can take advantage of several valuable amenities, including hotels, dining options, and duty-free stores. The Hotel Novotel Cairo Airport and Le Meridien Cairo Airport are located on the airport's grounds. The Novotel Cairo Airport hotel is close to the airport and five minutes by a complimentary shuttle from the terminals. You can use Egypt Air for the flight to Cairo airport.

What lounges are there at Cairo International Airport?

The first and second floors of Terminal 1's airside are home to the first-class lounge. By paying at the door, using a prepaid lounge card, or enrolling in a membership program, you can visit and access the lounge. Pearl Assist, the first-class lounge, and Ahlein – Premium Lounge are all in Terminal 2, and one can access them with a prepaid lounge pass or lounge membership program. You might have access to the lounges listed below if you are a first- or business-class passenger: Saudia Al-Fursan Golden Lounge in Terminal 2 and the Emirates Lounge. Almeisan Lounge, El Tier Lounge (Domestic),Egyptair Alioth Lounge, Gienah Lounge and Kochab Smoking Lounge are located at Terminal 3.

Can I get an electronic visa for Egypt?

Yes, you can and it’s the most convenient method of obtaining a visa for travel to Egypt. The visa entitles you to multiples entries into the country up to 3 months from date of issuance and you can stay for 30 days. Further information can be found online about processing fees and procedures.

Which airport is closest to the city of Luxor?

Luxor is an ancient city world-famous for its temple complexes in the Upper Egypt region of the country. Hurghada Airport to the northeast is the closest of the major international hubs and from there, you can get a local flight into Luxor Airport (LXR) or you can make the 4h drive by car or other ground transportation.

How can I visit Lake Nasser?

Lake Nasser is an artificial lake that was constructed after the Aswan Dam was built and is regarded as a tourist attraction in the south of Egypt. Hurghada Airport is closest as the most southern of the main Egyptian hubs, however, you can connect from Alexandria, Cairo or Sharm El-Sheikh to Luxor Airport and enjoy a boat ride down the Nile River.

How easy is it to obtain Egyptian pounds at the airport?

All major international airports in Egypt have ample facilities in terms of currency exchange offices as well as automated teller machines to take care of any cash conversions you may need. So, after your flight from the US to Egypt, you can rest assured that you will be able to get some cash to make it to your hotel.

How long is the flight to Egypt?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Egypt takes 18h 38m, covering a distance of 6447 miles. The most popular route is New York - Cairo with an average flight time of 10h 20m.

What is the cheapest flight to Egypt?

The cheapest ticket to Egypt from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $383 one-way, and $663 round-trip. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Cairo and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $663.

Which airlines fly to Egypt?

Egypt Air flies the most frequently from the United States to Egypt.

What are the most popular destinations in Egypt?

The next most popular destinations are Alexandria (4%) and Hurghada (1%). Searches for flights to Sharm el-Sheikh (0.8%), to Luxor (0.5%) and to Marsa Alam (0.1%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Egypt

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Egypt flight deals.
• Consider flying to Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) if you're headed to the North Coast of Egypt. The airport serves as the leading international entry point for the Nile Delta Region and Alexandria.
• If you are flying from Washington, D.C. to Cairo, you can take direct flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Cairo International Airport (CAI). Egypt Air is the only airline that offers nonstop flights.
• Pets are welcome at Hurghada International Airport (HRG). There are two designated pet relief areas: one for domestic travelers in the arrivals hall and one for international travelers in the departures hall.
• Cairo International Airport is a primary hub for Nile Air, Egypt Air, and other airlines. The airport has three terminals, and they are linked by a shuttle. It is the most significant and busiest airport in Egypt. Sun and beach enthusiasts primarily use the airports in Hurghada, Marsa Alam (RMF), and Sharm El Sheikh (SSH).
• If you plan to tour the country in Egypt rather than remaining in one particular city, consider booking open-jaw tickets instead of the standard round-trip ticket. Open-jaw tickets will save you time and money, allowing you to get back to Montreal from a different airport other than your arrival airport.
• Sharm El-Sheikh Airport (SSH) is the gateway to the Sinai Peninsula where the popular resort town that bears its name is located and if you are interested in uncovering the charms of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, there is no better starting point for a flight from the US to Egypt.
• Choose Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your flight from the US to Egypt to gain entry to the capital city in the north. This will also grant you access to the Suez Canal to the east and the pyramids of the Giza plateau to the west as well as being a springboard to the interior regions of the country west of the River Nile.
• The northern coast of Egypt where it abuts the Mediterranean Sea from Sidi Barrani near the Libyan border past Port Said to Al Arish near the border with Israel is covered by Borg El Arab International Airport (ALY), otherwise known as Alexandria Airport. This airport is the main hub for the area, including the Qattara Depression to the west of the city.
• Hurghada International Airport (HRG), or Hurghada Airport, is centrally positioned along the east coast of Egypt on the banks of the Red Sea. From here, you can trek across the Eastern Desert towards the Nile River where it passes through the cities of El Minya, Mallawi and Asyut, and cross it into the central region of the White Desert.
• The oasis at El Kharga is a major rest point between the Nile River to its left and the bulk of the Western Desert to its right. Normally it takes over 7h to drive from Hurghada to the oasis, but this has been made easier by flying directly into El Kharga Airport (UVL).

Top 5 airlines flying to Egypt

The flight was delayed but we got to our final destination.

Boarding was great. The flight landed early. It took the crew over an hour and a half to bring out drinks. I paid to upgrade my seat to Comfort+ only to be near a crying/screaming baby who was seldom quiet. Noise-cancelling earbuds didn’t even help. Waste of money to upgrade.

Boarding was good, was able to get on early and get settled in . Loved the glass of wine before take off. Once in the air the service was amazing, from the snacks, drinks and the food was good. The flight attendants were very good and attentive. Love flying with Delta..

Seats in first class on the E175 recline too far back. I was in 2A, and the man in 1A fully reclined almost the entire flight. It took 6-7 inches of space away from me and made it very difficult to work on my laptop.

On 2 different flights the wifi was horrible and there was no drink or snack service.

Wifi wasn’t working well so we couldn't view any media.

Flight was late. Club was full. Experience is exactly what I expected.

Carly the flight attendant was extremely helpful and very accommodating to passengers on the flight from what I noticed. Couldn't be more satisfied with the service and assistance from Delta's flight attendant, Thanks again Carly!!

I didn’t not like that I could not select my seat and ended up with the worse seat.

I didn’t like that I could not select my seat and was assigned a seat when I checked in at LAX

Quality of service on board was very inconsistent. FA service primarily seemed robotic and they barely engaged with passengers

I’m unclear why I had to pay extra for assigned seats as Turkish airlines did not honor the seating. We were placed across the aisle from each other on TK 34, and were seated behind one another on TK 694. Because my name was misspelled on e-ticket (Klawiter, instead of Klawitter) I could not log onto website to get the connection gate number in Istanbul. The monitors in the airport were a jumbled mess 1/2 Arabic and 1/2 English.

On line check in needs a lot of improvement. I tried and gave up.

Food not good, flight attendants not the best, not accommodating very ruff

the female flight attendant was racist towards me. I could tell she treated the two other passengers next to me with more softness.

Oh my god! For an13 hour flight they serve you food just one time. Also don’t be thirsty they give you a little small cup of soda to drink. They seem like their goal is to feed you one so they don’t have to be bothered with you. It quite surprise for such a long flight there are several times to eat at least three and the food was well lackluster. The food and lack of offering drinks which were always hot no ice provided.

We were traveling first class. Checkin counter lady and her manager, both were in bad mood and did not treat us well about checking in the handbag. The gate agent took care of it right away. I travel Turkish twice a year in first class. No one has ever refused to check in the hand bag. Not sure, why this agent and her manager refused. Everything else was excellent.

The 787 economy was a disaster for long haul. The space was too little compared to 777 or 747. Also the extremely low tray table behind the seat made any dining effort a nightmare. However, the movies were up to date, and the food taste was good, despite of terrible serving process caused by small space.

A little bit more comfort. It’s tight space around the seats. But all else is great and a smooth flight!

0ur assigned seats were given to other individuals when we boarded the plane. We were given new boarding passes with new seats all the way at the back of the plane. The reason given to us was that there were issues with the seats. We found out that there were no issues, and someone else's were seated on those.

Despite paying business class, the angle seat was uncomfortable. The crew was just ok. The baggage checkin was a mess at JNB.

The seats were broken, crew didn’t really care about service, boarding was not priority for business class, my bags arrived last

Comfortable flight with decent legroom and good seats. The crew were helpful and courteous and managed well with the stressful boarding and the chaos that’s involved. The food was decent, more than expected from a short flight like this. The only reservation I have was that the crew allowed passengers to board With massive amounts of hand luggage which were piled up on the empty seats next to passengers and and it was a risk to all passengers in the case of turbulence or emergency landing. I’ve never seen this ever on any flights I have boarded with many other airlines.

Flight was supposed to take off Saturday at noon. Bumped for unknown reasons until 2 am, then 9 am, then noon, then we don’t know. Not weather related. Dismal and non existent customer service. No 24/7 relations. Couldn’t get my bag back to attempt to get on another flight until 5pm Saturday. Will never take this airline again!

Greater clarity in organizing line-ups for the various boarding groups would have made it easier for all. Due to the many children, the announcements could not be heard clearly enough, so a simplicity in organization would have helped.

I had a great experience with EGYPTAIR. They offered me to check in my handbag which made it very easy since I use a cane. Thank you to EGYPTAIR crew for making sure everyone is receiving the right services.

I’m not happy because I discovered there is something wrong and my miles have not been getting put on my AA account. So this needs to be fixed because I have traveled a lot since October and none of my miles are registered

This was an American Airlines flight. The crew were very unhappy and quite grumpy. Abrupt to the point of being rude. The food was dreadful. Indeed the breakfast was in edible. I will avoid AA at all costs in the future.

As expected for a BA long haul flight in economy - you get what you pay for. Good leg space, in flight entertainment and food and drink provided. Staff on the return flight (overnight) we're a bit brisk and just wanted to get everyone fed and watered before turning the lights down. We're vegetarian so ordered it separately through the booking, although when we were in flight we realised there was a normal and vegetarian option anyway, and we were given vegan. This is fine, however on the return trip we were told there were no more specially ordered meals left, so be aware in case you have specific dietary requirements.

Fare was much lower with a layover in London as I was able avoid numerous landing fees that would have been added to the ticket price had I booked a direct flight to Amsterdam.

We have business class seats from Los Angeles to London. The crew is friendly and provided great service. The flight was very comfortable and very smooth. Will use this airlines again in the future.

The flight was delayed numerous times with inconsistent updates and very ambiguous information. When it was finally cancelled the logistics of handing out vouchers and rebooking was extremely chaotic. Meal vouchers were completely inadequate for the airport restaurants, and not even accepted at some. All-in-all, it was a very disappointing experience.

Terrible. The flight from Islamabad to London took 3 hours more then previously planned, I missed my connection to Chicago, and instead had to go New York, spend an extra day before arriving at my final destination. The return leg of the journey was similar. The connection time in Qatar was shrinked to less then an hour unannounced, I had to scramble to barely make it to my flight to Islamabad. Terrible experience, never using British airways again.

The crew on this flight were attentive, efficient and friendly. It really made for an enjoyable flight.

The crew on this flight were excellent. They were friendly and attentive. It really made the flight more enjoyable.

They canceled my flight , they put me on a different flight that was delayed and the connection was lost . They lost my luggage. And now I’m stuck with any of my belongings.

Good. But there food was poor quality and 95% of movies didn't have English subtitles

I thought they had rebranded themselves in every aspect but it was quite the opposite. The food was terrible the service was sub-par. Overall it was not a good experience.

Service from staff was poor, food choices were limited. Air plane was not clean or hygienic and seemed like not cleaned for days. Seats were uncomfortable.

service from stAff was barely there , food choices were limited. AirPlane was not clean and seemed like it was not cleaned for days.. Seats were very uncomfortable.

I paid for premium seats and the last minute they changed the aircraft for a bigger one, they bumped me to another seat which was NOT at all comfortable for an 11 hour flight, will fight for a refund!!

The landing was catastrophic. I was very scared. I thought it were my last lminues. Pilotes should be more experienced

ALL services were good. An announcement should’ve been made at the end of the flight that filling out a customs form would not be necessary anymore for USA travelers entering Philadelphia.

The flight was smooth, the premier economy seats were comfortable, the flight crew were excellent. The on board food, however, was AWFUL. I suggest bringing your own food on board.

The flight was smooth, our premier economy seats were comfortable, the flight crew were especially fine - attentive, cheerful. The food, however was AWFUL. I advise bringing your own on board.

The service on board should have been better fast service

Book Cheap Egypt Plane Tickets

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What Is The Best Way To Travel In Egypt?

The best way to travel to Egypt is by means of a professionally designed Egypt tour package that includes accommodation, your own private guides and drivers, and admission to Egypt’s top attractions .

Design Your Custom Egypt Tour

Explore Egypt your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit

Private guided Egypt tours and Nile River cruises are by far the best way to experience the wonders of Ancient Egypt. Without a guide to accompany you to all the tourist sites you want to see, you will really miss out on so much. In order for your trip to be as rewarding as it possibly can be, having a professional local guide by your side is essential.

Besides sharing their knowledge of Egyptian history with you, guides also help you to bridge the language barrier, bearing in mind that very few Egyptians speak English, even in major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan.

Getting Around When you Are In Egypt

What is the best way to travel in Egypt? It really depends on your travel style and your budget. If you are traveling on a very tight budget, you have the option of using public transportation, including ordinary state-owned buses which are the cheapest mode of transport. However, very few foreigners do this largely because of the language barrier, and also because the want to enjoy a bit more comfort.

With the above having been said, coach travel is very popular among foreigners, and particularly those traveling on a budget. If you are going to be using coaches to travel between different cities, we would recommend using GoBus. These coaches are all modern air-conditioned vehicles with reclining seats so you can sit back and relax or even take a nap while you are on the road.

Train travel is another option for traveling between major cities. If you are going to be traveling by train, don’t go for the cheapest option. When it comes to train travel in Egypt , you really do get what you pay for. For a few extra dollars, you can travel in comfort on air-conditioned trains. If you plan on taking an overnight train, be sure to book your train ticket at least a day or two in advance.

Overnight trains are a great choice as well, and if you are willing to pay a bit more, you can even have your own private compartment. Besides, taxis, buses and trains, you can also fly from one city to the next. Domestic flights with a local airline like EgyptAir are surprisingly affordable.

So, what is the best way to travel in Egypt? Flying would be our top recommendation, with train travel in second place, and coach travel in third place.

What is the best way to travel in Egypt when you only need to cover short distances, such as getting from one place to the next in Cairo? We would recommend using taxis because they are very affordable, and possibly the most convenient mode of transport for short journeys. Always insist that the driver turns the meter on, or negotiate a price before you get in the vehicle.

Recommended Reading:

• How To Travel Around Egypt
• How To Travel Safely in Egypt

Private Egypt Travel Packages

If you ask us what is the best way to travel in Egypt, our answer would be: private guided tours that include private drivers. With this option, you won’t even have to think about things like transport. You are picked up at Cairo International airport when you arrive and then you are driven to your hotel.

In the mornings you are picked up from your hotel and you are driven to the various tourist attractions listed in your travel itinerary, before being driven back to your hotel after the day’s sightseeing. Good tour packages should also include domestic flights or a berth on an overnight train if your chosen itinerary requires you travel from Cairo to one of Egypt other cities, such as Aswan , Luxor, Sharm El-Sheikh, etc.

Recommended Tours: Nile Cruise Holiday Packages

Nile River Cruises

If you ask people who have been to Egypt and experienced a Nile cruise, what is the best way to travel to Egypt, they will almost certainly tell you that a luxury Nile cruise is the best way to explore many of Egypt’s top ancient sites. Many of Egypt’s most famed sites are located along the banks of the Nile River in Upper Egypt, between Luxor and Aswan.

Archaeological sites you can expect to visit during a Nile River cruise include places like Philae Temple , Luxor Temple , Karnak Temple , and Valley of the Kings , to name only a few.

What is the Best Way to Travel in Egypt if you are Disabled?

Unfortunately, Egypt’s cities and towns are nowhere near being wheelchair friendly. If you rely on a wheelchair for getting around, and you desperately want to visit Egypt, you should really consider booking a private guided tour that includes all transport.

Some Nile cruise boats are wheelchair friendly, but not many. When you inquire about booking a tour and/or cruise, you should let your chosen tour operator know you are disabled and have to rely on a wheelchair. This will allow your chosen travel company to make arrangements accordingly.

If for some reason you can’t or don’t want to book an all-inclusive Egypt tour and Nile cruise package lasting several days, then just look for short 1-day or 2-day tours that feature the archaeological sites that you are most interested in, but look for an Egypt tour operator that is able to facilitate the needs of disabled travelers.

A Dream Vacation is only a Few Mouse Clicks Away

Many people long to visit Egypt, and for many, it has been their lifelong dream. At Egypt Tour Plus, we make these dreams come true. And, with more than 250,000 tours already sold you can book your dream trip to Egypt with 100% confidence.

From budget Egypt tours to luxury Egypt tour packages , we really do have something for everyone who is longing to visit the Land of the Pharaohs.

We offer high quality flexible travel packages that can be customized to meet your needs exactly, or we can work with you to design your own tailor made tour from scratch .

Explore Egypt and the Middle East your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit

12-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise And Red Sea Stay

10-Day Luxury Nile Cruise and Cairo Tours

10-Day Egypt and Jordan Luxury Tours

8-Day Cairo to Abu Simbel Tour w/ Nile Cruise

8-Day Egypt Holiday Tour – Cairo and Nile Cruise [By Train]

8-Day Best of Egypt Tour – Cairo and Nile Cruise [By Air]

Egypt travel information.

Full Safety Guide: Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt?

What are the Must Visit Places in Egypt?

Egypt Travel Tips: This You Need to Know

How to Plan a Trip to Egypt – Start Here!

Best Time to Visit Egypt and When to Book!

What to Pack for Egypt (Simple Packing List)

Last Updated on March 26, 2024

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Best Ways to Fly to Egypt with Points

July 23, 2019

10xTravel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

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Home of the ancient pharaohs, Egypt is a fascinating country. However, Egypt is so much more than just ancient pyramids and tombs. There are historic treasures, dazzling deserts, amazing beaches and outstanding scuba diving in the Red Sea. A visit to Egypt offers a perfect mix of ancient history, archeology, adventure and relaxation. And let’s not forget about the delicious food!

There are many major airlines that serve Cairo International Airport and there are a few good options to get there from the U.S. Let’s look at five best ways to get to Egypt with points and miles.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada doesn’t have direct flights to Egypt, but it’s a member of Star Alliance, so we can use Air Canada miles to book award flights with other carriers using its loyalty program Aeroplan.

These are one-way award rates on Aeroplan:

Aeroplan passes on surcharges from several Star Alliance partners. However, award tickets booked on airlines such as SWISS and United, will only come with the standard taxes and fees.

How to Book with Aeroplan

I love the very straightforward Aeroplan search engine. You will need to create an account first on Aeroplan’s site  and after you’ve created your account, login and click on Book travel, then select Flights. From there, you can search for one-way or round-trip award availability.

Pro-tip:  If a program allows to book one-way flights, I prefer to book 2 one-way tickets. If my plans change, I’ll have more flexibility. Keep in mind that if you have to cancel the whole trip or move both the outbound and return flight, you’ll be on the hook for two separate change fees.

The results will be displayed on the next page. It’s very easy to toggle back and forth between economy and premium cabins – just click on the Economy/Premium drop-down menu.

Click on DETAILS to see the flight schedule and click continue on the bottom to see the surcharges. Here’s an example of a partner that doesn’t have fuel surcharges.

And here’s an example of a partner airline that has very high fuel surcharges.

If you’d like to see a week’s worth of availability, just click on Availability Calendar on the upper right.

How to Earn Aeroplan Miles

There are a few ways to earn Aeroplan miles. Aeroplan is a transfer partner of American Express and Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Aeroplan at a 1:1 rate. Occasionally, you might see a transfer bonus from American Express. Amex points can be earned with many personal and business cards.

Capital One is a recent addition to Aeroplan credit card transfer partners. Miles earned with the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card and Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business Card can be transferred at a rate of 2:1.5.

Marriott Bonvoy points also transfer to Aeroplan. For every 60,000 Marriott points, you will receive 5,000 Aeroplan bonus miles for a total of 25,000 miles.

Unfortunately, the TD Bank co-branded Aeroplan card only earns 1X miles on most purchases and isn’t very useful for most people.

Statue Of Pharaoh At Karnak Temple in Luxor

Cards To Help You Earn More Aeroplan Miles

American Express offers several cards that can help you earn points quickly thanks to its useful bonus categories and generous welcome bonuses including the American Express Gold and the Blue Business Plus Card from American Express.

American Express® Gold Card

Membership Rewards® Points

after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms apply.

Annual Fee: $250 Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Membership Rewards®

after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership

Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

Air France/KLM Flying Blue

The combined frequent flyer program of Air France and KLM,  Flying Blue has some great redemption rates. While Flying Blue no longer has an award chart, it’s possible to spot good deals when you search for flights. All you need to do is look for the blue Lowest fare button to spot the cheapest award space.

You can also check out Flying Blue Miles Estimator  to find out how many miles are needed for a saver award.

How to Book with Air France/KLM Flying Blue

You can search either on Air France or KLM sites. I prefer KLM’s search engine because it’s easier to use, in my opinion. You can navigate to KLM  or Air France , create an account and log in. We’ll use KLM as an example.

Click on Plan and Book on the top of the page, then Book a Ticket with Miles. Enter your flight details and, if your schedule is flexible, check the box that says You are looking for a flight around these dates . This will allow you to see a whole month and the dates with the lowest award rates.

You can select the desired class of service on the bottom of the page.

Next, you’ll see a 30 day calendar. Click on your desired date to see flight details.

On the next page you can sort by the shortest flight duration or just scroll down to the flights that require the lowest number of miles.

Flying Blue passes on fuel surcharges, but the number of miles required for a flight is quite low.

If you want to fly in business class, the cheapest award will cost you 85,000 Flying Blue miles.

Air France has a very nice business class, so it’s not a bad way to get across the Atlantic if you are okay with higher fuel surcharges.

Air France Business Class | Photo Courtesy of Air France

How to Earn Flying Blue Miles

Flying Blue is a transfer partner of all transferable currencies. Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou points and American Express Membership Rewards points transfer at a 1:1 rate to Flying Blue and the transfer is instant. From time to time, you will see a transfer bonus from one of the credit card issuers.

Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Flying Blue at 3:1 rate. When you transfer 60,000 Marriott points you will receive 5,000 bonus miles. So effectively, you can transfer 60,000 Marriott points for 25,000 Flying Blue miles.

Capital One miles transfer at 2:1.5 ratio.

Cards to Help You Earn More Flying Blue Miles

Because Flying Blue is a transfer partner of all major credit cards, it’s fairly easy to earn Flying Blue miles. Chase has many excellent Ultimate Rewards earning cards, including the perennial favorite Chase Sapphire Preferred .

Capital One Venture card earns valuable miles that can be transferred to Flying Blue and comes with a solid signup bonus.

Citi Premier is a great card for everyday use with a generous welcome bonus and great bonus spending categories.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

bonus points

after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual Fee: $95

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

after you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

American Airlines

American Airlines doesn’t fly to Egypt but it’s a part of Oneworld. American has a zone-based chart for Oneworld partners .

These are one-way award rates on American Airlines:

The taxes and fees will depend on the partner airline. For example, your fees will be minimal if you fly Royal Jordanian but very high if you fly British Airways.

How To Book With American Airlines

It’s very easy to search for award space with American Airlines. You don’t need to log in to search for award space, but you will need to log in later if you want to see the taxes and fees. Just plug in your trip details, check the box next to Redeem miles and click search.

On the next screen, you’ll see one week’s availability. If your dates are flexible, click on Show Full Calendar. It’s also very easy to switch between economy, business and first-class on this screen.

American is showing a few good options for our dates on British Airways, Etihad and Royal Jordanian. To find out what the surcharges are, we need to click through to the next screen.

As you can see, the surcharges on Royal Jordanian are minimal.

Now let’s look at the surcharges on British Airways operated flights. What a difference! I know which option I would choose.

How to Earn American Airlines Miles

American Airlines miles can be earned in a number of ways. American has a very robust shopping portal, so if you need to do some shopping for the holidays, birthdays or for everyday essentials, definitely check out the portal. They also offer great spending bonuses from time to time, especially around major holidays.

American Airlines is also a transfer partner of Marriott Bonvoy, and 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points will transfer for 25,000 American miles. That’s not my preferred way to spend Marriott points, since there are other ways to earn American miles, such as credit cards with significant welcome bonuses.

Cards To Help You Earn More American Airlines Miles

Citi bank offers Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard. The welcome bonus often fluctuates between 40,000 to 75,000 AAdvantage miles. The card earns 2X on American Airlines purchases, gas stations and restaurants and 1X on everything else. The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard from Barclays regularly offers a welcome bonus between 50,000 and 60,00 American miles. The card earns 2X on American Airlines purchases and 1X on everything else.

You can get both of these cards after you’ve opened more than five cards in the 24 month period (Chase’s 5/24 rule) .

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

bonus miles

after $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.

Annual Fee: $0 for your first year, then $99.

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

AAdvantage Bonus Miles

after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.

Annual Fee: $99

Etihad Airways

Etihad Guest

Etihad doesn’t have nonstop flights from the U.S. to Egypt but Etihad Guest miles can be redeemed on a variety of its partners. One of Etihad partners, Royal Air Maroc flies from several U.S. gateway cities to Morocco where you can connect to Cairo:

• Boston (starting June 22, 2019)
• New York, JFK
• Washington, D.C. IAD

Etihad Guest has very favorable award rates on Royal Air Maroc in both business and economy.

These are one-way award rates on Etihad:

Royal Air Maroc

How to Book With Etihad

To book partner award space with Etihad Guest, you’ll have to find partner award flights online, and then call Etihad.

Because we want to travel on Royal Air Maroc, we’ll need to find award space on its website. First, create an account for Royal Air Maroc’s frequent flyer program Safar Flyer.

Pro-tip:  You’ll need to select your country of residence when creating a new account. Royal Air Maroc uses French in the country of residence field, so look for les États-Unis d’Amérique in the drop down menu.

After you’ve created an account, navigate to the home page, enter the flight details and click on Book your ticket with miles.

You’ll see a calendar on the next page with available award space. Take a note of the available dates and call Etihad to book your award.

How to Earn Etihad Miles

Etihad has three transfer partners. Citi ThankYou points and American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Etihad Guest at a 1:1 rate. Capital One points transfer at a 2:1.5 rate.

As of now, there are no credit cards that earn Etihad Guest miles directly.

Cards to Help You Earn Etihad Miles

The Capital One Venture card earns 2X on all purchases and comes with 50,000 bonus miles once you spend $3,000 in the first three months. American Express has a myriad of cards that earn valuable Membership Rewards points. Citi ThankYou Premier is another great card to have in your arsenal.

United MileagePlus

United doesn’t fly to Egypt but United miles can be used to book flights on its Star Alliance partners.

These are one-way award rates on United Airlines:

United doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges, so you’ll just have to pay taxes, which are minimal.

United’s award rates aren’t the lowest, however, United miles are fairly easy to earn and United has access to a good amount of partner award space.

How to Book with United Airlines

It’s very easy to search for award space on United. You don’t need to login to search, however, United shows more award space on its own flights for those with United elite status and those with its co-branded cards from Chase which is useful if you need a connection on United.

After you log in, enter your destination and dates and click on Find flights:

If you have a flexible schedule, you can check calendar shop to see the whole month. But even without checking this box, you’ll see one week’s worth of availability on the next screen.

Click on a date to see available award space.

The Mixed cabin award indicated in red means that one of the flights is in economy. Move the cursor over the red question mark and you’ll be able to see the details.

I’ve done a few sample searches and I’ve seen a good amount of award availability in business class with Turkish Airlines. Turkish Airlines is famous for its award-winning onboard food and service. This could be a very nice option to get to Egypt in comfort.

Photo courtesy of Riik@mctr via Flickr

How to Earn United Airlines Miles

United is a transfer partner of Chase, so you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points to your United MileagePlus account at a 1:1 ratio. The transfer is usually instant.  United miles can also be earned by opening and using the United℠ Explorer Card . There’s a personal and a business version.

United℠ Explorer Card

Bonus Miles

after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Annual Fee: $0 for your first year, then $95.

You can use United’s shopping portal  to earn extra miles. It often offers generous spending bonuses, especially around major holidays. If you time your shopping just right, it’s possible to earn thousands of United miles without spending a lot of money.

Cards to Help You Earn More United Airlines Miles

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are our go-to when we need United miles. The Chase Ink Business Preferred is a great card for business owners. The welcome bonus is 100,000 Ultimate Rewards after your business spends $15,000 in the first three months. The card earns 3X on travel, shipping, advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines, and internet cable and phone services. All other purchases earn 1X.

The United℠ Explorer Card can be a great card to keep long term if you book domestic flights on United a few times a year. The card earns 2X on United purchases, restaurants and hotels and 1X on everything else.

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Ultimate Rewards Points®

after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are lots of ways to get to Egypt and experience ancient culture, great food, a trove of antiquities and all the other great things Egypt has to offer. Book your award flight to Egypt and don’t forget to book that camel ride across the desert!

Travel well,

New to the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best card to start with.

With a bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. , 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal and 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), this card truly cannot be beat for getting started!

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Ultimate Rewards® Points

after you spend $4,000 in 3 months

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Venture Miles

after you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Alexander Yu

7 Minute Read

Joseph Sherwood

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The 8 best places to visit in Egypt

Aug 18, 2023 • 8 min read

There's much more to Egypt than the pyramids at Giza, but you certainly don't want to miss them © Hady Nyah / Getty Images

From diving the Red Sea’s crystal blue waters and stargazing amid the vastness of the desert to floating down the Nile River and standing in awestruck wonder before the ruins of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations... When it comes to travel experiences, Egypt is a destination that leaves visitors spoiled for choice.

With so much to see, the struggle for many visitors is just where to begin – as always, we’re happy to help! Here is our pick of the 8 best places to visit in Egypt.

Egypt’s bustling capital city is layered with cultural, religious, architectural and even culinary history. Its wonders stretch far beyond the walls of its famous museums. You can take in centuries worth of sights just by walking down the city streets, and discover untapped wonders just by saying hello to a stranger. Then there are the Pyramids of Giza , truly a wonder of the world.

At the epicenter of history in the core of the city is Islamic Cairo, the city's most atmospheric quarter. Just grab your camera and venture down its vibrant alleyways. Take in the views from the Citadel and the old city gates – known as Bab Zuweila , Bab al-Futuh and Bab an Nasr – and admire the intricate details of the area’s stunning mosques. The ancient Mosque of Muhammad Ali , Ibn Tulun Mosque and Al-Hakim Mosque are particularly incredible. Islamic Cairo is also home to monument-lined Muizz Street and Khan El-Khalili bazaar – great spots to grab some souvenirs (if your haggling skills are up to the task).

A more under-the-radar-spot is Coptic Cairo, home to the Coptic Museum , the Hanging Church , the towers of the vanished Babylon fortress – the focal point of Egypt’s tiny Christian minority since the first century CE.

Local tip: By night, Cairo transforms thanks to its buzzing nightlife scene – sip a drink in historic downtown bars or take in live performances at hip clubs and art spaces.

2. Marsa Alam

Life is definitely better when you’re scuba diving through colorful corals and swimming with dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles in Marsa Alam ’s beautiful blue waters. A serene escape on the western shore of the Red Sea, Marsa Alam is one of the top spots in Egypt for underwater escapes . Popular dive spots include the Elphinstone reef and Abu Dabbab, one of the world's top beaches for snorkeling .

For land-based adventures, head to Wadi el Gemal National Park, where you can lay back by the water at Hankorab Beach or safari, hike or bike through rugged, mountainous terrain. Keep an eye out for camels at Sharm El Luli Beach or take in the beautiful scenery at the resort town of Qulaan.

To learn about Marsa Alam’s local Bedouin community, visit the Ababda House Cultural Museum or have dinner and an aromatic cup of Jebena coffee with the locals.

Detour: If you're looking for interesting souvenirs, head to Ghosoun and Hamata and meet local tribeswomen making unique hand-woven crafts and jewelry (each tribe has its own unique patterns and styles). 

The site of the magnificent ancient city of Thebes, Luxor is said to preserve a third of the world’s ancient monuments between the pillars of its majestic temples. Dubbed the world’s greatest open-air museum, the capital of Upper Egypt recently celebrated the grand reopening of the 2.7km (1.7 mile) Avenue of the Sphinxes, an ancient thoroughfare connecting Karnak Temple , home of the famed Temple of Amun-Ra , and the impressively preserved Luxor Temple .

A sunrise hot air balloon ride will give you a captivating bird's-eye view of this city of ancient wonders. Once you're back on the ground, head to Hatshepsut Temple and Medinet Habu – two massive ancient architectural wonders that feature prominently on travelers' Instagram feeds – and cross the river to the Valley of the Kings , the royal burial site of Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses II.

Palm trees and patches of greenery cling to the dusty riverbanks of Aswan , one of Egypt’s most tranquil locations, celebrated for the unmatched hospitality of its Nubian community. Sail your way to any of the 20 river islands accessible by felucca, the traditional wooden sailboats that ply the river Nile.

To learn more about Nubian culture, visit the island of Gharb Soheil or stroll around the colorful streets of Aswan's Nubian Village. Sample homestyle veggie-based or chicken tagines in local cafes, or purchase aromatic spices from the vibrantly colorful Aswan spice market.

Aswan is famed for its stunning sunsets, which you can watch from any of the islands or while sailing the Nile on a felucca. Another top spot for watching the sunset is the restaurant at the iconic Sofitel Legend Old Catarac t where English author Agatha Christie penned her famous mystery, Death on the Nile .

Local tip: If you’re willing to wake up at 3am for the journey south across the desert, a day trip to Abu Simbel is a history buff’s dream; the whole temple complex was moved when the valley was flooded by the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. If you’d rather let the sun wake up before you, explore Aswan’s Temple of Isis , also moved from its original location on Philae Island.

5. Black and White Deserts

The appeal of Egypt’s Black and White Deserts is quite literally black and white. These monochrome landscapes are like something out of a sci-fi movie, but the surreal scenery is a product of natural geology – the White Desert’s uniquely shaped limestone rock formations give the illusion of a snowscape, while the Black Desert features small black volcanic stones scattered over bright orange-colored sand.

A visit to either of these desert areas is perfect for a stargazing camping trip – it's the ultimate escape for anyone who’s had their fill of temples and big city traffic. The White Desert and Black Desert lie just south of the Bahariya Oasis , in Egypt’s Western Desert , which is accessible by bus from Cairo.

Local tip: While you’re out there, make sure you visit Crystal Mountain, a natural rock arch surrounded by glittering walls of quartz crystals, and Djara Cave, one of the country's most impressive, stalactite-filled caves. You’ll need to crouch down to enter the cave, but once inside, the ceiling looks like it’s coated in giant icicles. 

6. Egypt's Mediterranean Coast

Egypt’s northern shoreline – affectionately known as El Sahel, meaning "The Coast" – is the ultimate summer escape on the shores of the Mediterranean. This sun-kissed coastal strip comes alive from May to September every year, drawing hordes of beach bums by day, and a veritable who’s who of Egypt’s party people by night.

The strip is lined with luxurious hotels and resorts, upscale residential compounds and world-class restaurants such as The Smokery Beach at Stella di Mare  and  Kiki's Beach at Hacienda White. The shores of Sahel are where you’ll find most of Cairo’s millennial and Gen Z crowd on Egypt’s hottest summer days.

7. Siwa oasis

Far removed from the mayhem of Egypt's big cities, this little gem of an oasis is home to Siwan Bedouin people who follow a largely traditional way of life, and the town has thus far been only lightly touched by tourism. The locals are Amazigh tribespeople, who have managed to preserve much of their linguistic and cultural heritage thanks to the isolated location of their oasis home.

Siwa is often described as "the Sunset Oasis", and its sunsets are indeed unparalleled in Egypt. Whether you find a vantage point atop Dakrour Mountain or the ruined Shali Fortress , or take in the scenery and serenity of Taghaghien Island or Fatnas Island, you’re promised an unforgettable sunset. You can also expect a lot of mosquitos, so don’t forget your repellent.

Siwa is a prime destination for tourists looking to escape the winter chill and it's a leaping off point for the Great Sand Sea (the world’s third-largest dune field), swimmable hot and cold springs and crystal clear salt lakes where you can float effortlessly, supported by the saline waters.

Siwa is also famed for producing some of the country’s best dates, and you may be able to sample straight from the tree – just ask locals first. Every November, Siwa holds the Siwi Palm Date Festival.

Local tip: Try the local Abu Mardem chicken or lamb – a spiced dish that’s marinated for eight hours before being put into an iron pot and buried under the sand to cook.

8. El Gouna

It’s always sunny in this fully-integrated little town along the pristine shoreline of the Red Sea, just north of Hurghada. El Gouna has become the base for a multinational community of digital nomads, young families, and expats convinced that life is better by the water.

El Gouna has great aquatic activities, and lots of options for hiking and safaris in the surrounding desert landscapes, appealing to younger travelers. It also has bougie boutiques, cultural events and top-tier culinary experiences thanks to its many upscale restaurants, appealing to an older set.

With its world-class services, restaurants and living spaces, it's a great place to visit but also a fine place to set up your seaside office. There are plenty of coworking spaces and solid wifi connections, and lots of ways to keep busy outside of work hours – why work from home when you can work from El Gouna?

This article was first published January 2022 and updated August 2023

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Middle East latest: Iran launches retaliatory missile and drone attack at Israel; UK condemns 'reckless' Tehran

Iran has launched "pilotless aircraft" at Israel, the Israeli military has said. Delivering a televised statement, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari says Israel is "well prepared" for the attack.

Saturday 13 April 2024 23:48, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Iran launches drones at Israel and they'll arrive in hours - IDF
• Iran says it has also launched missiles as it retaliates for attack on Iranian consulate in Syria
• Sunak condemns Iran's 'reckless attack' in the 'strongest terms'
• Watch : Alistair Bunkall explains what this could mean for Middle East
• Mark Stone analysis : This is unprecedented
• Alex Rossi analysis : An extraordinarily dangerous moment
• Iran seizes Israeli-linked cargo ship with 25 crew on board
• Watch: Revolutionary Guards board vessel by helicopter
• Explained: Why is Iran attacking Israel? 
• Live reporting by Jess Sharp

Sirens have been sounded in five Israeli areas, the country's military has said. 

In separate posts on Telegram, the Israel Defence Forces said sirens have been set off in southern Israel, the Shomron area, the area of the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and northern Israel. 

Sky News has heard explosions in Jerusalem. 

An alert app has warned there is a warning of incoming aerial threats. 

The US military has shot down an Iranian drone heading for Israel, three American officials have said. 

The unnamed officials did not disclose how many drones were shot down or the locations. 

In the last few moments, sources have confirmed to Sky News that RAF jets were involved in the defence of Israel. 

RAF jets have been involved in the defence of Israel this evening, Sky News understands. 

It comes after Israel's top-rated Channel 12 TV reported US and British warplanes have downed some Iranian drones over the Iraq-Syria border area. 

Israel's military has urged residents of specific areas to stay near "protective spaces" until further notice. 

In a post on Telegram, the Israel Defence Forces told people in the northern Golan Heights, the area of Nevatim, Dimona, and Eilat to follow the advice. 

"Upon the activation of sirens, it is required to enter into a protected space," it said, 

"If there is no protected space, it is required to find the most protected area possible. In any case, it is required to wait ten minutes, and no less. 

The Golan was captured from Syria in a 1967 war.

Nevatim is the site of an Israeli air base, and Israel has a nuclear reactor on the outskirts of Dimona.

Eilat is Israel's southern Red Sea port, which has come under repeated attack by Yemen's Houthis. 

Reacting to the news that Iran has launched both drones and missiles at Israel, military analyst Sean Bell  says that although a wider escalation is possible, key players in the wider region do not want a wider conflict.

"We have seen several times over the last few months with opportunities that Israel has attacked Hezbollah and they have responded and we thought that would get out of control, but it hasn't," he says.

"I think the clear message is that it appears none of the key players in the region do not want this to escalate.

"It is almost certain that Iran doesn't want to go to war with Israel and certainly not against America, but after that fateful attack on 1 April which killed 13 people including senior military commanders - Israel must have expected some sort of retribution would be in hand."

Israel has not confirmed it was behind the airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria. 

When asked what he makes of cruise missiles also being launched, Bell says that it feels like a response Iran would choose.

"The question is what targets Iran are going to hit," he says.

"Analysis shows it is likely going to be military and or government targets.

"In the past, Iran have always given telephone warnings ahead of time to provide an opportunity to minimise casualties on the ground, to make sure their intent is clear but without causing further escalation.

"It will be interesting to see first of all what the targets are, how widespread they are, what the casualties are and therefore what opportunities are left for Israel and potentially the US to respond."

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency has said Tehran has fired ballistic missiles at targets inside Israel.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard earlier said it was launching drones and missiles in its attack, but it did not specify what type would be used. 

Unnamed US officials have also said the Biden administration was expecting Iran to launch more than 100 drones, dozens of cruise missiles and dozens of ballistic missiles. 

However, the Israel Defence Forces has declined to immediately confirm reports that cruise missiles were being used. 

Ballistic missiles are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages. 

They then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target, according to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. 

Cruise missiles are unmanned vehicles that are propelled by jet engines, much like an aeroplane. They can be launched from ground, air, or sea platforms.

Iran's attack on Israel will "only further inflame tensions" in the Middle East, the UK's foreign secretary has warned. 

Sharing a post on X, Lord David Cameron also reiterated the UK's call for Iran to stop escalating the situation. 

In Jerusalem, our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall has been explaining what Iran's attack could mean for Middle East tensions. 

The drone and missile strike has been launched in response to a strike on Iran's embassy in Syria, which killed two of its top generals. 

Bunkall says it is a "very, very serious moment for Israel and the Middle East and arguably the world". 

"It is hard to think of a moment in history when the region has been on edge like this," he adds. 

However, he says it is still a bit early to understand the consequence of the attack, and it depends on a number of factors. 

You can watch his full explainer below... 

Sirens have sounded in a northern Israeli kibbutz, the Israel Defence Force has said. 

The siren comes amid the impending drone and missile attack launched by Iran and after rockets were fired from Lebanon. 

Earlier, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told citizens they must enter a shelter and stay there for at least 10 minutes if a siren sounds in their area. 

"We will update you if you need to stay in the shelter for a longer period," he added. 

More than 100 explosive drones have been launched by Iran so far, the Israeli military has said. 

The Israel Defence Forces reiterated its earlier statement, saying it expects the drones to sound in the coming hours. 

It also warned that it may see Iran launched more waves. 

"IDF has been poised and prepared across services," it added. 

It declined to confirm media reports that cruise missiles were also part of the salvo.

US officials have said Iran is expected to launch more than 100 drones, dozens of cruise missiles and dozens of ballistic missiles. 

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