Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Egypt Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Egypt – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Egyptian Pound (EGP) £1 ≈ EGP 74.69 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Egypt, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and businesses, but cash is still preferred in many places.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is common in Egypt, with a 10-15% tip in restaurants being standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also appreciate small tips. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in Egypt, and alcohol consumption is limited to licensed establishments like hotels, restaurants, and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is permitted in outdoor public spaces and licensed indoor venues such as cafes and bars, but it is prohibited in public transport and closed areas. |
| Revolution Day (25 January) |
National holiday celebrating the 2011 revolution |
|---|---|
| Eid al-Fitr (dates vary) |
Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 180 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | Egypt is known for its ancient history, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and numerous archaeological sites. It offers a rich cultural experience combined with desert landscapes and the Nile River. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Egypt, Egypt
Climate and season vary by region: Nile valley and Cairo best October to April for sightseeing, Red Sea coast good for diving and beaches nearly year-round, Mediterranean coast best for beaches June to September
Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset, shorter opening hours at sights
Christmas and New Year are very busy, Nile cruises and hotels book out early
Don't miss
- 🌅 Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza
- 🏊♂️ Float effortlessly in Siwa’s salt lakes
- 🏛️ Explore the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak
- 🤿 Snorkel or dive in the vibrant Red Sea reefs
- 🏺 Visit Abu Simbel and marvel at Ramses II’s statues
- 🖼️ Discover the rich history at Egyptian Museum in Cairo
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Egypt?
Egypt's appeal lies in its remarkable historical treasures and diverse natural beauty. The country boasts some of humanity's most impressive architectural achievements, including the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and countless temples along the Nile Valley. History enthusiasts can explore well-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy world-class diving in the Red Sea or cruise the legendary Nile River. The cultural experience is enhanced by warm hospitality, delicious cuisine and vibrant markets. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The climate can be extremely hot, especially in summer months when temperatures can soar above 40°C in cities like Luxor and Aswan. While major tourist areas have good infrastructure, language barriers may exist in more remote areas. Female travelers should be aware that modest dress is recommended, particularly when visiting religious sites or conservative areas. Despite these considerations, Egypt offers an incredible value for travelers with a rich cultural experience at relatively affordable prices.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Cairo
Home to ancient civilization, Cairo offers bustling markets, historic mosques and the iconic Nile River. Visitors can explore the Egyptian Museum, stroll along Corniche and experience vibrant street life in this dynamic capital today everywhere. -
2
Luxor
Explore Luxor’s ancient heart, where the Nile runs past towering temples and tombs carved into sandstone cliffs. The city offers a mix of archaeological wonders, bustling markets and modern amenities for travelers seeking history and contemporary comfort. -
3
Valley of the Kings
This ancient necropolis houses the final resting place of pharaohs, carved directly into sandstone cliffs. Visitors explore royal tombs filled with vibrant hieroglyphics and treasures. The site offers a profound glimpse into Egypt's New Kingdom history and burial traditions within the Valley. -
4
Giza
The Giza plateau features the iconic Great Pyramid, Sphinx and smaller tombs across several square kilometers of desert landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers dramatic views of ancient monuments under a clear sky. -
5
Sharm el-Sheikh
This Red Sea resort offers direct access to coral reefs and dramatic mountain backdrops. While often crowded, seeking quieter bay areas ensures a relaxed escape from the main tourist hubs without sacrificing world-class diving opportunities. -
6
Alexandria
A Mediterranean port on Egypt’s coast, Alexandria offers a blend of ancient Roman ruins and Ottoman architecture alongside modern museums. Its bustling waterfront, historic library site and vibrant street markets showcase the city’s layered cultural heritage. -
7
Aswan
River Nile flows through this historic city, home to the ancient Temple of Philae and the modern High Dam. Vibrant markets, traditional felucca rides and nearby desert landscapes offer a blend of culture and adventure. -
8
Dahab
This desert oasis on the Red Sea offers dramatic dunes, clear waters and vibrant marine life. The town features colorful souks, historic mosques and quiet beaches perfect for relaxation and diving adventures year-round. -
9
Hurghada
A coastal resort town on Egypt’s Red Sea coast offers year‑round warm weather and clear waters ideal for snorkeling, diving and beach relaxation. Modern hotels, a marina and nearby desert excursions provide diverse activities for visitors. -
10
Abu Simbel
One of Egypt's most remote temples stands near Sudan, featuring colossal Ramesses II statues carved directly into sandstone cliffs. While often overshadowed by Luxor, this site remains remarkably quiet and accessible via a dedicated flight from Aswan.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Abu Simbel Sun Festival
-
Cairo International Film Festival
-
Ramadan Celebrations
-
Eid al-Fitr
-
Eid al-Adha
-
Coptic Christmas
-
Sham El-Nessim
-
Moulid of Abu El-Haggag
-
Cairo International Book Fair
-
Alexandria International Festival
Popular travel destinations in Egypt
Knowledge before you go
- Dress modestly and respect Islamic customs everywhere.
- Use Uber or licensed taxis; negotiate fares upfront to avoid scams.
- Book guided tours for pyramids and temples; solo visits risky after dark.
- Nile cruises between Luxor-Aswan offer safest, most scenic ancient site access.
How to travel to Egypt
Most international visitors arrive in Egypt through Cairo International Airport, with additional international airports in Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh serving charter and regional flights. As of March 2025, many nationalities can obtain an e-visa online before arrival or a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. Some cruise ships dock at ports along the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts, particularly at Alexandria, Port Said and Safaga. When planning your trip, consider that the most pleasant weather for sightseeing is from October to April, avoiding the extreme summer heat.
Access summary
- Cairo & Giza: Fly into Cairo (CAI) from major European, Gulf hubs.
- Luxor and Nile Valley: Domestic flight from Cairo; occasional seasonal charters.
- Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm): Direct charters from Europe or via Cairo.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Egypt
Egypt offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury resorts along the Red Sea to mid-range hotels in major cities and budget hostels in tourist areas. For unique experiences, consider Nile cruise boats that serve as floating hotels between Luxor and Aswan or desert camps for stargazing in the Western Desert. Cairo and Luxor offer the widest range of options, while coastal areas like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh specialize in all-inclusive beach resorts. Budget travelers can find decent hotels starting from EGP 30 – 50 (£0.42 – 0.70) per night, while luxury options can cost from EGP 200 (£2.79) per night.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Egypt
Getting around Egypt offers various options to suit different preferences and budgets. In major cities like Cairo and Alexandria, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available and affordable. For longer distances, domestic flights connect major tourist destinations quickly, while overnight trains link Cairo with Luxor and Aswan. Nile cruises are a popular and scenic way to travel between Luxor and Aswan, visiting temples along the way. For budget travelers, an extensive network of public buses connects most towns and cities, though comfort levels vary widely.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Egypt are around 74% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to EGP) is 55% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is a lot cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Egypt is generally safe for tourists in popular areas, though exercise caution in crowded places where pickpocketing can occur. Female travelers may experience unwanted attention and should consider dressing modestly. Always check current travel advisories before visiting remote areas.
Health & Medical
Major cities have good quality private healthcare facilities, though services may be limited in rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. 'Pharaoh's Revenge' (traveler's diarrhea) is common, so be cautious with food and water hygiene.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies widely across Egypt. Major hotels and newer tourist facilities offer some accessibility features, but historical sites and older areas often present challenges with uneven surfaces, stairs and limited facilities for mobility-impaired travelers.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not safe for drinking throughout Egypt. Rely on bottled water with sealed caps, which is widely available and inexpensive. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water daily.
Packing recommendations for Egypt
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🧣
Scarf
🧼
Hand sanitiser
👛
Cash in small denominations
🔋
Power bank
💊
Anti-diarrhoeal / stomach medication
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
🛁
Quick-dry travel towel
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type C/F plugs
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Destinations in Egypt
Related articles & guides for Egypt
Nearby recommended places
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Top historical destinations and historic sites
The most compelling history destinations are places where the past is still physically present and legible in the landscape, the architecture and the daily life of the people who…
Read more
Discover
Best couple holiday destinations
Travelling as a couple sounds simple enough, yet the best couple holiday destinations mean something different to almost every pair. What feels romantic to one couple can feel like…
Read more
Discover
Top ancient ruins destinations and archaeological sites
The world's most significant ancient ruin destinations range from the ceremonial complexes of early river civilisations and the monumental remains of classical empires to the less…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations for first-time travellers
A first trip abroad works best somewhere that eases you in, rather than throwing every possible culture shock and logistical headache at you at once. Some first-time travellers…
Read more
Discover
Top architecture destinations and iconic landmarks
Architecture travel spans everything from ancient ceremonial complexes and medieval urban cores to the grands projets of the twentieth century and contemporary buildings that draw…
Read more
Discover
Top museum destinations and cultural institutions
Museum travel has developed a dedicated following built around the world's great permanent collections, blockbuster exhibition programmes and the architecturally significant…
Read more
Discover
Best historical destinations in Africa
Africa's historical record is the deepest on earth, encompassing the origins of humanity itself alongside the rise and fall of great empires, ancient trading civilisations and…
Read more
Discover
Top traditional destinations and cultural heritage sites
Traditional destinations are those where cultural practices, craftsmanship, ceremony and ways of life that predate industrialisation and mass tourism remain visible and active…
Read more
Discover
Top digital nomad destinations and remote work hubs in 2026
Working from anywhere in the world sounds simple until you actually try it and the best digital nomad destinations look different depending on what kind of remote worker you are.…
Read more
Discover
Best couple vacation destinations in Africa
For couples, Africa offers something that is getting rare in modern travel, the sense of experiencing something genuinely extraordinary together rather than ticking off sights you…
Read more
Discover
Top scuba diving destinations and coral reefs
The world's best diving destinations share a few things in common: visibility, healthy reef structure and enough marine biodiversity to reward repeated dives in the same spot.…
Read more
Discover
Top craft destinations and artisan workshops
Craft travel has developed a dedicated following built around the world's great making traditions, artisan communities and the places where specific skills, materials and cultural…
Read more
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations for first-time travelers in Africa
Africa can feel like a bigger step for a first trip abroad, with more planning and a longer flight than some other options, though it still makes a memorable start with the right…
Read more
Discover
Best ancient ruins destinations in Africa
Africa's ancient sites span a wider chronological range than any other continent, with the Nile Valley alone containing a sequence of monumental construction that stretches across…
Read more
What other users say about travelfilters
“travelfilters made it easy for me to find ski areas and compare what else they offer, so that I could find the best place for my personal travel style.”
Chris
Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
“I love how transparent the data feels. There is no pushy upsell, just honest information and settings I can tune to my own travel style.”
Maria
After booking her 2027 winter escape
“The level of detail for each destination and how well those are displayed, make planning feel confident instead of overwhelming.”
Mina
Planned a week in New York City
“We used travelfilters for our planning from start to end. The trip turned out even better than expected, thanks to all their tools and customisation options.”
Allan & Etienne
Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
“Thanks to travelfilters, I found some hidden gems to see. Being able to filter for exactly your interests is a game changer for my travel planning.”
Michael
Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
“The customizable filters helped me find a quiet beach town with good wifi and low season crowds in under five minutes.”
Diego
Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
“The airport connection map saved me hours by showing good flight options from my home airport to lesser-known cities.”
Nguyen
Planning a 2027 trip to France
“The website is clean, fast and focused on the search itself, which makes travelfilters feel more like a professional tool than an ad-heavy booking site.”
Hassan
Christmas Market trip, Germany
