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Home » Middle East » Egypt

Egypt Travel Guide

This Egypt travel guide will help you plan your perfect journey -featuring top destinations, expert tips, and unforgettable experiences that will transport you back through the ages.

Timeless Treasures and Ancient Wonders

Egypt is a destination that feels like stepping into the pages of history. From the towering pyramids of Giza to the tombs of pharaohs hidden deep in the Valley of the Kings, every moment here connects you to one of the world’s most legendary civilizations.

Despite its modern complexities, Egypt remains a place of magic and mystery. With fewer tourists in recent years, now is an incredible time to experience its iconic sites without the crowds. Sail down the Nile, explore the temples of Luxor and Kom Ombo, and marvel at hieroglyphs that have stood the test of time. It’s a place where every corner echoes stories from thousands of years ago.

But Egypt is more than just monuments, it’s a living culture of warmth, resilience, and deep spirituality. Whether you’re exploring bustling bazaars, cruising past timeless riverbanks, or wandering ancient ruins, Egypt has a way of captivating the soul.

galabeya model abu simbel things to do in egypt
Notable Places

Discover Egypt

Use the map to start exploring Egypt and read our travel guide to help plan your itinerary.

Egypt 10-Day itinerary

Quick Guide to Egypt

  • Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
  • Language: Arabic (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
  • Time Zone: EET (UTC+2)
  • Tipping: Tipping (“baksheesh”) is customary—small amounts (5–10%) for service staff, guides, drivers
  • Emergency Number: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 180 (Fire)
  • Fun Fact #1: Egypt is home to one-third of the world’s ancient monuments
  • Fun Fact #2: The ancient Egyptian calendar was one of the first 365-day calendars
  • Fun Fact #3: The Nile River is the longest in the world, flowing through 11 countries

Where to Stay in Egypt

Egypt offers everything from luxury riverside hotels in Cairo and Nile-view rooms in Luxor to Red Sea resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, as well as boutique guesthouses near the Pyramids or Nubian homestays in Aswan.

Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays. 

CHECK BOOKING.COM

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How to Get Around Egypt

Egypt’s transport system is varied, though often chaotic. Trains are a reliable way to travel between Cairo, Alexandria, and Upper Egypt cities like Luxor and Aswan. In Cairo, the metro is cheap and efficient, while buses and ride-hailing apps (like Uber and Careem) are widely used.

To reach more remote destinations—such as Siwa Oasis, desert temples, or Red Sea diving towns—a private transfer or rental car with a driver is recommended. Nile cruises are a popular and scenic way to travel between Luxor and Aswan, offering a blend of transit and luxury.

SEARCH FOR A RENTAL CAR

Plan Your Trip

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Must-Visit Places in Egypt

  • Cairo & Giza – Explore the Egyptian Museum, Khan El-Khalili market, and the legendary Pyramids and Sphinx
  • Luxor – Home to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple
  • Aswan – Visit the Philae Temple, take a felucca ride on the Nile, or tour the Nubian villages
  • Abu Simbel – Awe-inspiring rock temples of Ramses II and Nefertari near the Sudanese border
  • Alexandria – Coastal charm with the Citadel of Qaitbay, Roman catacombs, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Hurghada & Sharm El-Sheikh – Red Sea beach resorts, world-class diving, and vibrant nightlife
  • Siwa Oasis – A remote desert retreat known for salt lakes, ancient ruins, and Berber culture
  • White Desert & Bahariya Oasis – Surreal chalk landscapes and overnight desert safaris
Stay Connected

Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.

🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.

Find the cheapest eSIM

Know Before You Go

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Egyptian Food to Try by Region

Egyptian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and rooted in ancient traditions, blending Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African influences.

  • Koshari – Nationwide (especially Cairo): A beloved street food made with rice, pasta, lentils, fried onions, and spicy tomato sauce.
  • Ful Medames – Cairo & Alexandria: Mashed fava beans with olive oil, lemon, and cumin, often eaten for breakfast.
  • Ta’ameya – Cairo & Nile Delta: Egypt’s take on falafel, made with fava beans and herbs instead of chickpeas.
  • Molokhia – All regions, especially Upper Egypt: A green soup made from jute leaves, garlic, and coriander, served with rice or bread.
  • Mahshi – Throughout Egypt: Vegetables like zucchini or vine leaves stuffed with herbed rice and sometimes minced meat.
  • Hawawshi – Cairo & Alexandria: Spiced minced meat baked inside a crispy pita—Egypt’s answer to a meat pie.
  • Sayadeya – Alexandria & Port cities: Spiced fish and rice dish made with caramelized onions and tomato broth.
  • Feseekh – Nile Delta: Fermented and salted mullet, traditionally eaten during Sham El-Nessim (spring holiday)—an acquired taste!
  • Basbousa – Nationwide: Semolina cake soaked in syrup, often topped with almonds or coconut.
  • Om Ali – Luxor & Cairo: A rich bread pudding with milk, raisins, and nuts, served warm.

Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip

  1. Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
  2. Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
  3. Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
  4. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
  5. Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.

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Top Day Tours to Discover Egypt

  • Abu Simbel Temple: Discover one of the most magnificent monuments in Egypt, featuring two massive rock temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II. Carved directly into a mountainside, the temples are famed for their colossal statues and remarkable alignment with the sun during biannual solar phenomena.
  • Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple: The main reason for visiting Egypt! Plan ahead with a tour for these ancient archeological sites, you won’t want to miss them!
  • Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb: Another must visit site! Close to Luxor this vast royal burial ground is where ancient pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs. The Tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered nearly intact in 1922, remains one of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological treasures.
  • Orange Bay Island: Escape the deserts and visit this island in Giftun Island National Park. This pristine Red Sea paradise is known for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, and enjoying marine life under the Egyptian sun.
  • White Island and Ras Mohammed National Park: At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is Egypt’s premier marine reserve, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Visit White Island, within the park, a stunning sandbar where the Red and Aqaba seas meet, offering surreal, bright-white sands surrounded by turquoise waters ideal for swimming and photos.

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Detailed Itineraries & Travel Guides

Going Awesome Places is an award-winning travel brand that features detailed itineraries, travel guides, packing lists, and videos to help plan your next trip.
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