Egypt is a destination where 5,000 years of history collides with the chaotic energy of modern life. It is the cradle of civilization, home to the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World. The country is intense, Cario (The Capital City) is loud, dust and never sleeps, compared to the Nile Valley which is slower and more rural.
Egypt is generally safe for tourists especially regarding violent crimes and also the government placing a higher priority on tourist’s security. The culture is very hospitable but even so as a traveler you may face the “Hassle” which means the street vendors and touts can be aggressive and persistent. You must have a skill for walking away and saying “NO THANKYOU”.
Egypt is geographically large, but most tourism is concentrated along the Nile River. The main airport being Cairo internal airport (CAI). Inside the country taking domestic flights are the best way to skip the deserts unless you want to you want to get the vast deserts experience. EgyptAir and Nile Air run frequent, short flights (1 hour) from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts.
A great way to take the tour of the country is through “The Nile Cruise”. Most travelers fly to Luxor or Aswan and take a 3 or 4-night cruise between the two cities. It is efficient and scenic. And The Night Sleeper Train connects Cairo to Luxor and Aswan. It is a nostalgic, “Agatha Christie-style” experience but facilities are aging. It takes 12-14 hours.
For getting around in the cities, renting a car or using apps like Uber or Indrive is recommended as regular white taxis if you can avoid it rarely use meters for tourists, leading to haggling. Or Cairo has a cheap and efficient metro system, though it gets incredibly crowded at rush hour.
Egypt is considered as one of the most affordable destinations in the world Even if you are willing to have a luxury vacation you can get away with spending $300 USD (EGP 15000) per day (probably more if you’re staying on Resorts like White Hill or Meraki). For Backpackers $30 – $50 USD (EGP 1500 – 2500) per day. As for the Mid-Range travelers spending $80 – $150 USD (EGP 4000 – 7500) will make the trip really worth it.
Tipping is the fuel that runs Egypt. It is not just tipping; it is a social obligation. Keep small bills (5, 10, 20 EGP notes) on you at all times for bathroom attendants, luggage handlers, and guards who “unlock” special tombs for you.
Egypt offers a “Triple Threat” of tourism: The Ancient History (Nile Valley), The Megacity (Cairo), and The Beach (Red Sea).
The Ancients (Cairo & The Nile)
Giza Plateau: The Great Pyramids and Sphinx. Go early (8:00 AM) to beat the heat and the bus tours. Luxor (The Open-Air Museum): Home to the Valley of the Kings (where King Tut was found) and the massive Karnak Temple. This is the heart of ancient Thebes. Abu Simbel: The massive temple of Ramses II near the Sudan border. It requires a flight or a 3-hour convoy drive from Aswan, but it is a masterpiece of engineering.
Cairo (The City)
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): The new, massive museum near the Pyramids (check opening status as it opens in phases). Khan el-Khalili: A medieval sprawling souk (market). Great for buying spices, lamps, and souvenirs—haggling is mandatory.
The Red Sea (Relaxation)
Sharm El Sheikh / Hurghada: World-class diving and snorkeling. The coral reefs here are some of the healthiest in the world. It is the perfect place to relax after a dusty week of sightseeing.
The best time to visit Egypt is during the cool season (October to April). These months offer comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring ancient sites, deserts, and cities.
October to April is perfect for visiting the Pyramids, Luxor temples, Nile cruises, and desert adventures without the extreme heat.
Summer (May to September) is very hot, especially in Upper Egypt, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable.
Winter (December to February) is cooler, especially in Cairo and along the Nile, making it a popular time for tourists.
Best overall months: October, November, February, and March.
