Egypt

Egypt is where history feels immediate. The pyramids of Giza have stood for around 4,500 years; the temples of Luxor and Karnak are still covered in painted hieroglyphs; and the Nile, the lifeline of the country, still flows through a narrow green strip of fields and villages between the deserts. It is a destination that has drawn travelers since antiquity, and seeing the monuments in person has a scale and power that photographs never quite capture.

Egypt is also a lively, modern country, with the sprawl of Cairo, relaxed Red Sea resorts with some of the world's best diving, and the Sinai and Western Desert for adventure. It can be challenging at times, with persistent touts, heat, and traffic, but it is also generous, warm, and unforgettable if you plan well. This guide will help you do that.

Quick Facts

• Capital: Cairo
• Language: Arabic; English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)
• Best season: October to April (cooler weather)
• Getting around: Domestic flights, sleeper and day trains, Nile cruises, and private drivers

The Best Time To Visit

The most comfortable time to visit is from October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan are warm rather than scorching. December to February is the peak season for sightseeing, with pleasant days and cool nights, but it is also the busiest and most expensive. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, particularly in the desert, so bring a jacket.

From May to September, southern Egypt becomes extremely hot, with Luxor and Aswan often well above 40 degrees Celsius, making outdoor sightseeing hard in the middle of the day. If you travel in summer, start very early, rest in the afternoon, and consider the Red Sea coast or Mediterranean beaches. Ramadan changes the rhythm of daily life, with fasting during the day and festive evenings, and some businesses shorten their hours.

Getting There And Getting Around

Most international flights arrive in Cairo (CAI), with direct services to Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Marsa Alam as well. Domestic flights are the fastest way between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. The overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan is a classic option, though standards vary and it is worth booking through the official operator. Many travelers hire a private driver and guide for day trips, which can be good value for groups and makes it easier to avoid hassle at sites.

In Cairo, ride-hailing apps are generally easier and fairer than haggling with taxis, and the metro is cheap and fast for central areas. Check current travel advice for your country before going, and stay informed about regional conditions, particularly for areas such as the Sinai.

Cairo And Giza

Cairo is huge, noisy, and fascinating. The Giza Plateau, with the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the smaller pyramids, is the obvious highlight, and visiting early in the morning avoids the worst of the heat and crowds. The Grand Egyptian Museum, near the pyramids, houses a huge collection including treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb. In the city, explore Islamic Cairo's mosques, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, the Citadel, and the Coptic quarter, and stop for tea and shisha in a traditional cafe. Day trips to Saqqara and Dahshur show earlier pyramid forms, including the Step Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid.

Luxor And The Nile

Luxor is often described as the world's greatest open-air museum. On the east bank, Karnak Temple, with its forest of massive columns, and Luxor Temple, beautifully lit at night, are essential. On the west bank, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon fill another day. Hot-air balloon rides at dawn give a superb view of the monuments and the Nile Valley.

Many travelers take a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. Smaller sailboats called feluccas offer a simpler, more relaxed way to see the river. Aswan itself is calmer and prettier than many cities, with Nubian villages, the Philae Temple on its island, and the starting point for the trip to Abu Simbel, where the colossal temples of Ramses II were moved to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

The Red Sea And The Desert

The Red Sea coast offers superb snorkelling and diving, with coral reefs, clear water, and year-round warm temperatures. Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, and Marsa Alam each have a different character, from big resorts to laid-back diving villages. Dahab is popular with backpackers, divers, and freedivers. In the Western Desert, Siwa Oasis offers palm groves, salt lakes, and a distinctive Amazigh culture, and the White Desert has chalk rock formations that glow at sunrise and sunset. Desert trips require a licensed guide and a proper vehicle.

Alexandria And The Mediterranean

Alexandria, the second-largest city, has a faded Mediterranean charm and a rich history, from the ancient library to the Qaitbay Citadel and a modern library built in its honour. It is a good place for seafood and a change from the heat of the south, particularly in summer.

What To Eat

Egyptian food is flavourful, filling, and inexpensive. Koshari, a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and spicy tomato sauce, is the national dish. Ful medames (stewed fava beans) and ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel) are staples at breakfast, while grilled meats, kebabs, molokhia (a green leafy stew), and stuffed vegetables are common at lunch and dinner. Sweet dishes include basbousa, kunafa, and om ali. Fresh juices, particularly sugarcane and mango, and strong coffee or sweet tea are everywhere. Stay careful with tap water and raw salads in your first days.

Culture And Etiquette

Egypt is a conservative, predominantly Muslim country, so dress modestly, particularly outside beach resorts, with shoulders and knees covered. Be respectful at mosques, remove your shoes, and avoid visiting during prayer times unless invited. Tipping, called baksheesh, is part of daily life and expected for many small services, so carry small notes. Ask before photographing people, and avoid photographing military or government buildings. A polite but firm "la, shukran" (no, thank you) is a useful phrase when dealing with persistent sellers.

Practical Tips

• Check current visa rules, travel advice, and entry requirements before you go
• Visit major sites at opening time to avoid heat and crowds
• Use a reputable guide or driver and agree on prices before you start
• Carry small denominations for tips, taxis, and small purchases
• Use sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water, especially in the south
• Book sleeper trains, balloon flights, and Nile cruises ahead during the high season
• Allow at least ten days to cover Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan without rushing

Egypt is a place that asks for patience and rewards it. Go early, drink water, accept the tea, and you will leave with a clearer picture of just how long people have been telling stories on this river.

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