Overview
Egypt is full of “bucket list” experiences. The most famous is the Great Pyramids of Giza near Cairo, but there’s much more to explore. From the ancient temples of Luxor to the incredible tombs at Abu Simbel, Egypt is a treasure trove of history and culture.
Quick Facts
- Language: Arabic (English widely spoken in tourist areas).
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP).
- Climate: Hot desert climate; mild winters (December-February), scorching summers (June-August).
- Best Time to Travel: October-April: Cooler weather for sightseeing.
- Visa: Visa on arrival available for many nationalities; check requirements in advance.
- Power Plugs: Type C/F plugs; 220V. Bring an adapter.
Where to Fly Into (Internationally)
- Cairo International Airport (CAI): Best for visiting the Pyramids and starting a trip through Egypt.
- Luxor International Airport (LXR): Ideal for exploring temples and the Valley of the Kings.
- Hurghada International Airport (HRG): Convenient for Red Sea resorts and diving.
Budget
- Low-End: $50–$80/day (hostels, local food, and public transit).
- Mid-Range: $100–$200/day (3-star hotels, guided tours, domestic flights).
- High-End: $250+/day (luxury hotels, private guides, and Nile cruises).
- Tip: Haggling is common in markets and for services—always negotiate prices.
Climate
- Winter (December-February): Mild and ideal for sightseeing. Avg. 14–22°C (57–72°F).
- Spring (March-May): Warm but manageable. Avg. 20–30°C (68–86°F).
- Summer (June-August): Extremely hot, especially in southern Egypt. Avg. 30–40°C (86–104°F).
- Autumn (September-November): Cooler and less crowded. Avg. 20–28°C (68–82°F).
Safety
- General Safety: Tourist areas are generally safe; avoid restricted zones.
- Health: Tap water is not recommended; drink bottled water. No mandatory vaccinations, but it’s good to be up to date on Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
- Transport: Use licensed guides and official taxis; Uber is reliable in Cairo.
Top 10 Things to Do in Egypt
- Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx: Stand in awe of the Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and marvel at the iconic Sphinx on the same trip.
- Explore the Temples of Luxor: Discover stunning ancient structures like Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, located in the heart of Egypt’s ancient capital.
- Sail the Nile on a Felucca: Experience a traditional boat ride along the Nile River and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ancient land.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor: Get a bird’s-eye view of the ancient monuments of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings as the sun rises over the desert.
- Dive in the Red Sea: Explore the vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life at Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, perfect for diving and snorkeling.
- Discover the Egyptian Museum, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), and Royal Mummy Museum: See priceless treasures from ancient Egypt at the historic Egyptian Museum, the new GEM, and the Royal Mummy Museum, home to the mummies of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs.
- Overnight Desert Tour: Experience the tranquility of Egypt’s vast deserts with a night under the stars in a Bedouin-style camp, complete with camel rides, stargazing, and traditional meals.
- Tour Abu Simbel: Marvel at the colossal statues of Ramses II and the intricately carved temples at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit the Valley of the Kings: Explore the ancient burial ground where pharaohs, including King Tut, were laid to rest.
- Shop at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar: Wander through Cairo’s historic market to shop for unique souvenirs, spices, and traditional goods.