Egypt Travel Guide — Best Cities, Food & Tips

Good to know

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is October to April when temperatures are milder, especially for Upper Egypt and desert excursions. Summers (May–September) are very hot, particularly in Luxor and Aswan.

Currency

Egyptian pound (EGP); carry small notes and use ATMs in cities, tip modestly (5–10 EGP) for small services.

Language

Arabic is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourism, hotels and restaurants.

Getting around

Domestic flights connect Cairo, Luxor and Aswan efficiently; trains (including overnight sleepers) and long-distance buses serve many routes, while ride-hailing apps and taxis work well in cities. For tourist sites, private guides and organized tours simplify logistics and local permits.

Culture & etiquette

Dress modestly, especially at mosques and conservative areas; ask before photographing people and use two hands when giving/receiving items as a sign of respect.

Country highlights

Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramids

See the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Sphinx and nearby Solar Boat Museum on the western edge of Cairo.

Luxor — East and West Banks

Explore Karnak and Luxor Temples by day and the Valley of the Kings tombs, including Tutankhamun’s burial site, on the West Bank.

Aswan and Philae Temple

Relax on the Nile, visit Philae Temple on Agilkia Island and take a boat to the Nubian villages.

Abu Simbel

Experience the monumental Ramses II temples carved into the rock — best seen at sunrise or via short domestic flight from Aswan.

Cairo’s Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo

View the world-class pharaonic collections and wander medieval streets to visit mosques like Muhammad Ali and Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

Red Sea Resorts — Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh

Enjoy world-class snorkeling and diving on coral reefs, with many international resort facilities and boat trips.

What to eat

Koshari

A hearty vegetarian street food of rice, lentils, pasta, fried onions and spicy tomato sauce.

Ful medames

Slow-cooked fava beans spiced with oil, lemon and cumin, commonly eaten for breakfast.

Mahshi

Vegetables like grape leaves, peppers or zucchini stuffed with rice and herbs, often served family-style.

Molokhia

A green, slightly mucilaginous leafy soup served with chicken or rabbit and rice.

Ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel)

Fried patties made from crushed fava beans, crisp outside and fragrant with herbs.

Insider tips

Carry a photocopy of your passport and emergency contact details; store originals in a hotel safe when possible.
Negotiate taxi and souvenir prices upfront or insist the driver use the meter; use ride-hailing apps like Uber/Careem where available.
Book domestic flights and popular Nile cruises well in advance during high season (Dec–Feb).
Stay hydrated, use sunscreen and schedule outdoor sightseeing for mornings to avoid peak heat.
Respect prayer times when visiting mosques; women may be asked to cover hair and both sexes to cover shoulders and knees.

Cities in Egypt

Cairo🇪🇬 Egypt

Ancient wonders and vibrant Nile life

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Sharm el-Sheikh🇪🇬 Egypt

Red Sea reefs, desert sunsets, vibrant bazaars

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Luxor🇪🇬 Egypt

Ancient wonders along the Nile's golden banks

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Aswan🇪🇬 Egypt

Timeless Nile charm between temples

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Hurghada🇪🇬 Egypt

Red Sea Riviera's vibrant underwater paradise

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Giza🇪🇬 Egypt

Ancient wonders meet bustling modern life

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Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Many nationalities can obtain an e-visa online or a visa on arrival; check Egypt’s official e-visa site for up-to-date requirements before travel.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking; use bottled or filtered water and avoid ice from uncertain sources.

Can I photograph archaeological sites and museums?

Photography rules vary: many outdoor sites allow photos but museums such as the Egyptian Museum may charge for photography or prohibit flash—look for signage or ask staff.

How should I handle tipping (baksheesh)?

Tipping is customary for many services — give modest amounts (small bills) for porters, guides and restaurant servers and the level can be adjusted by service quality.

Good to know

Country highlights

What to eat

Insider tips

Cities in Egypt

Good to know — FAQ

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