About Egypt
Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
Quick Overview
Capital: Cairo
Largest City: Cairo
Population: 104,000,000
Languages: Arabic, English (widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone: UTC+2 (Eastern European Time)
Explore Egypt by Topic
Best Places to Visit in Egypt
Discover the top 31 must-see destinations in Egypt, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu)
The last surviving wonder of the ancient world, built around 2560 BC as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu. Standing 146 meters tall, this architectural marvel...
The Great Sphinx of Giza
This iconic limestone statue with a lion's body and human head guards the Giza plateau. Carved from a single piece of bedrock around 2500 BC,...
Karnak Temple Complex
The largest religious building ever constructed, this vast temple complex was built over 2,000 years by successive pharaohs. The Hypostyle Hall contains 134 massive columns,...
Valley of the Kings
This ancient necropolis contains over 60 tombs of pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom. Famous discoveries include Tutankhamun's tomb with its incredible treasures. The...
Abu Simbel Temples
These magnificent rock-cut temples were built by Ramesses II around 1264 BC. Four colossal 20-meter-tall statues of Ramesses guard the entrance. The entire complex was...
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square)
Housing over 120,000 ancient artifacts, this iconic pink building contains the world's largest collection of Egyptian antiquities. The Tutankhamun galleries display his golden mask and...
Luxor Temple
This stunning temple complex dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship sits in the heart of modern Luxor. Built primarily by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II,...
Philae Temple (Agilkia Island)
This beautiful temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis was relocated to Agilkia Island after the Aswan Dam construction. Accessible only by boat, its island...
Recommended Itineraries for Egypt
Plan your perfect Egypt trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Egypt Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Egypt, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Egypt
- Days 1-2: Egypt city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Egypt
- Days 1-3: Egypt comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Egypt, departure
Where to Stay in Egypt
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Egypt offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($25-35)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range ($60-100)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ($200-400+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
This iconic 5-star hotel on the Nile offers breathtaking river views, world-class dining, and opulent rooms with Egyptian-inspired decor. Located...
Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor
Overlooking the Nile in central Luxor, this hotel offers excellent value with comfortable rooms and rooftop pool views. Walking distance...
Wake Up! Cairo Hostel
This vibrant hostel in downtown Cairo offers clean dorms and private rooms near Tahrir Square. The rooftop terrace with pyramid...
Marriott Mena House Cairo
This legendary palace hotel sits in the shadow of the Great Pyramids with unparalleled views. Originally built in 1869 as...
Where to Eat in Egypt
Discover the culinary delights of Egypt, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
Sequoia
This iconic Nile-side restaurant in Zamalek offers sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine in a stunning setting. The multi-level terraces overlook the river...
Felfela
A Cairo institution since 1959, Felfela serves authentic Egyptian cuisine in a lively folkloric atmosphere. The walls display traditional crafts...
Abu Tarek
The most famous kushari restaurant in Cairo, serving Egypt's beloved national dish since 1950. This multi-story eatery is always packed...
Kushari El Tahrir
This hole-in-the-wall near Tahrir Square serves authentic kushari to office workers and students. The prices are rock-bottom and portions generous....
Cilantro
Egypt's premier coffee chain offers quality espresso drinks and WiFi in modern settings. Multiple locations provide consistent service and comfortable...
Sofra Restaurant & Cafe
Luxor's finest restaurant serves authentic Upper Egyptian cuisine in a beautifully restored traditional house. The menu features recipes from local...
Getting Around Egypt
Budget Breakdown for Egypt
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: USD.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8-15 (hostel dorm or budget hotel) | $30-50 (3-star hotel or nice guesthouse) | $100-250 (5-star hotel or Nile cruise) |
| Food (per day) | $8-12 (street food, cheap restaurants, some self-catering) | $20-30 (mix of local restaurants and some nicer dining) | $50-80 (fine dining, hotel restaurants) |
| Transportation | $2-4 (public transport, occasional taxi) | $10-15 (Uber, occasional tours) | $30-50 (private drivers, internal flights) |
| Activities | $7-12 (select attractions, free sites) | $20-30 (major attractions, some guided tours) | $50-100 (private guides, premium experiences) |
| Daily Total | $25-35 | $60-100 | $200-400+ |
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Best Season: October to April
Peak Season: October to April
Avoid: June to August
Essential Travel Tips for Egypt
- Research visa requirements before your trip
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language
- Carry cash as cards may not be accepted everywhere
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Purchase travel insurance before departure
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal safety precautions in tourist areas. Avoid North Sinai, the Libya border region, and remote desert areas near Sudan without a registered guide.
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Stay in established tourist areas
Use reputable tour operators
Keep copies of passport and travel documents
Dress modestly to respect local customs
Be cautious with street food and drink bottled water
Register your trip with your country's embassy in Cairo before travelling
Avoid travelling to the North Sinai region, the Libya border area, and remote desert areas near Sudan without a local guide
Negotiate and agree taxi fares before entering the vehicle; use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem when possible
Be alert to common tourist scams including fake papyrus shops, inflated felucca prices, and 'free' camel rides that charge on dismount
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Egypt?
The best time to visit Egypt is October to April. June to August may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Egypt for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Egypt?
For a comprehensive Egypt experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Egypt expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $25-35 per day, mid-range $60-100, and luxury $200-400+.