Egypt Travel Guide
Top Places to Visit
- Cairo – Capital city, home to the Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo
- Giza – Iconic pyramids and Sphinx
- Luxor – Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple
- Aswan – Philae Temple, Nubian culture, Nile cruises
- Siwa Oasis – Remote desert gem with hot springs and fortresses
- Sharm El-Sheikh – Red Sea beach resort and diving hotspot
Best Hotels to Stay
Language & Culture
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Egypt has a deep cultural heritage—from ancient Pharaonic to Islamic, Coptic, and Mediterranean influences. Traditional music, art, and hospitality are central to Egyptian life.Transportation, Currency & Food
- Transportation: Taxis, Uber/Careem, domestic flights, trains, Nile cruises
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Food: Koshari, ful medames, falafel, molokhia, grilled meats, baklava
Best Season & Entry Points
| Season | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| October – April | Mild and pleasant | Best for sightseeing and desert trips |
| May – September | Very hot, especially inland | Good for Red Sea resorts |
Entry via Cairo International Airport (CAI), Luxor (LXR), or Sharm El-Sheikh (SSH)
Estimated Budget (for Two Travelers)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | $700 – $1200 | Round trip from US/Europe |
| Accommodation | $500 – $1200 | Mid-range to luxury hotels |
| Dining | $200 – $400 | Local eateries & restaurants |
| Transport | $100 – $300 | Domestic flights, taxis, Nile cruise |
| Activities | $200 – $500 | Tours, entrance fees, guides |
Packing List Suggestions
- Valid passport and Egyptian visa
- Modest clothing (especially for religious sites)
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Light scarf or shawl
- Comfortable walking shoes
20 Basic Language Tips (Arabic)
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salam Alaikum | Hello / Peace be upon you |
| Shukran | Thank you |
| Afwan | You’re welcome |
| Min fadlak / Min fadlik | Please (m/f) |
| Naam / Laa | Yes / No |
| Kam al-thaman? | How much is it? |
| La afham | I don’t understand |
| Hal tatahaddath ingliziyya? | Do you speak English? |
| Ayna al-hammam? | Where is the bathroom? |
| Mumkin soura? | Can I take a photo? |
| Ma ismuka? | What is your name? |
| Ma’a as-salama | Goodbye |
| Sabaḥ al-khayr | Good morning |
| Masaa’ al-khayr | Good evening |
| Layla sa’ida | Good night |
| Mataa? | When? |
| Ayna? | Where? |
| Kam? | How much? |
| Mumkin… | May I… |
| La mushkila | No problem |
Health & Safety
- Visa required for most non-Arab countries
- Bottled water is strongly recommended
- Travel insurance is advised
- Emergency numbers: 123 (ambulance), 122 (police)
Festivals & Holidays
- Ramadan – Month of fasting, varies annually
- Eid al-Fitr – Festival at the end of Ramadan
- Pharaohs’ Golden Parade – Cairo (special national events)
- Coptic Christmas – January 7
- Revolution Day – July 23
