Egypt Travel Guide 2026

Budget: EGP 400-700/day Best: Oct-Apr Visa: 30-day arrival ▶ We filmed this trip

Why Visit Egypt?

Egypt is home to one of humanity's greatest civilizations. Ancient pyramids, temples carved in stone, the mighty Nile River, bustling Cairo souks, and Luxor's temples create an unparalleled journey through time. From Giza's Great Pyramid to Valley of Kings tombs, from Aswan's Nubian culture to Red Sea beaches, Egypt captivates with history, mystery, and exotic charm. Perfect for history enthusiasts, archaeology lovers, and adventurous travelers.

Explore ancient wonders, cruise the Nile, visit museums, soak in 5000 years of history, taste authentic Egyptian food, and experience Middle Eastern culture. Egypt is truly unforgettable.

Free Egypt Itineraries

Choose your trip length and get a complete day-by-day breakdown. All tested by our team.

1 Cairo: Pyramids & Ancient Wonders

Morning
Arrive at Cairo airport. Taxi to hotel (EGP 100-150). Visit Giza Plateau - Great Pyramid, Khafre, Menkaure (EGP 300 entry). See Sphinx, perfect for photos. Grab falafel sandwich and Egyptian coffee (EGP 15-30).
Afternoon
Egyptian Museum - home to Tutankhamun's treasures (EGP 200). Millions of artifacts spanning 3000 years. Audio guide available (EGP 75). Walk through Cairo's Islamic quarter - Khan el-Khalili bazaar (free), incredible atmosphere, shopping (EGP 50-200 depending on purchases).
Evening
Koshari dinner - Egyptian national dish (EGP 30-50). Nile River sunset cruise (EGP 150-300, includes dinner and traditional music). Evening walk through Cairo's bustling streets. Hibiscus tea at local cafe (EGP 10).
EGP 650-1050/day

2 Cairo Museums & Citadel

Morning
Visit Citadel of Saladin (EGP 150). Explore Muhammad Ali Mosque - impressive Ottoman architecture. Panoramic city views. Archaeological Museum nearby. Breakfast at local bakery (EGP 20-40).
Afternoon
Coptic Cairo - ancient churches, Ben Ezra Synagogue (free or small donation). Coptic Museum (EGP 80). Walk historic streets. Street food lunch - taameya, ful medames (EGP 15-30).
Evening
Dinner at upscale restaurant with Nile views (EGP 200-400) or casual eatery (EGP 50-100). Visit bazaars for souvenirs. Experience Cairo nightlife or relax at hotel.
EGP 500-850/day

3 Luxor: Valley of Kings & Temples

Early Morning
Flight Cairo to Luxor (EGP 600-1000, 1 hour). Visit Valley of Kings - royal tombs including Tutankhamun (EGP 400 including guide). Explore ancient chambers with hieroglyphics. See Temple of Hatshepsut (EGP 120), impressive mortuary temple carved into cliffs.
Afternoon
Luxor Temple - right in city center (EGP 80). Karnak Temple Complex - massive, stunning (EGP 160). Walk Avenue of Sphinxes connecting temples. Grab lunch at local restaurant (EGP 50-100).
Evening
Nile sunset felucca sailing (EGP 100-200). Traditional sailboat experience on ancient river. Dinner at Luxor restaurant (EGP 80-150). Evening rest or explore Luxor town bazaars.
EGP 1000-1500/day

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Egyptian Koshari
Egyptian Koshari - lentils, rice, chickpeas, tomato sauce, vinegar (EGP 25-50)

Egypt Food Guide

Egyptian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly affordable. Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. Street food culture thriving and authentic.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Koshari – Lentils, rice, chickpeas, sauce. Cost: EGP 25-50
  • Ful Medames – Fava bean stew, breakfast staple. Cost: EGP 10-20
  • Taameya – Egyptian falafel with herbs. Cost: EGP 10-20
  • Shawarma – Meat wrapped in pita. Cost: EGP 30-60
  • Molokhia – Green leafy stew. Cost: EGP 40-80
  • Grilled Fish – Fresh Nile perch. Cost: EGP 60-150
  • Umm Ali – Bread pudding dessert. Cost: EGP 15-30
  • Basboosa – Coconut semolina pastry. Cost: EGP 10-20

Best Food Spots

  • Street Vendors – Most authentic, cheapest, best atmosphere
  • Ahwas – Traditional tea and coffee houses
  • Markets – Fresh produce, local specialties
  • Casual Restaurants – No frills, great food, very affordable

Best Time to Visit Egypt

Best overall: October-April (pleasant 15-25°C, perfect weather for sightseeing)

Peak season: December-February (busiest, most expensive, coolest)

Shoulder season: October-November, March-April (fewer crowds, still pleasant)

Avoid: May-September (extremely hot 35-45°C, intense sun, very few tourists)

Getting Around Egypt

Domestic Flights

Egypt Air operates most routes. Cairo-Luxor-Aswan flights affordable. Cairo-Luxor: EGP 600-1000.

Nile Cruises

Popular way to see Luxor, Aswan, temples along Nile. 3-5 day cruises: EGP 3000-8000+ depending on luxury level.

Buses

Intercity buses connect major cities. Cairo-Luxor: EGP 100-200 (8+ hours).

Local Transport

Cairo metro very cheap (EGP 2-3). Taxis metered or negotiate. Local buses: EGP 1-5 depending on distance.

Travel Essentials

Visa & Entry

For Indian passport holders: 30-day tourist visa on arrival or pre-apply. Cost: EGP 300-400 on arrival or USD 25-30 online pre-approval. Passport valid 6+ months required. Last verified: July 2026.

Currency & Money

Egyptian Pound (EGP). Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 30 EGP. ATMs widespread. Tipping customary (10-15% at restaurants, backsheesh for services).

Budget Breakdown (per day, budget traveler)

  • Accommodation: EGP 150-300 (hostels, budget hotels)
  • Food: EGP 100-200 (street food, local restaurants)
  • Transport: EGP 50-100 (metro, taxis, local)
  • Activities: EGP 100-250 (museums, sites, guides)
  • Total: EGP 400-850/day (~$13-28 USD)

Important Notes

  • Tap water not potable - drink bottled or filtered water.
  • Ramadan affects restaurant hours and local customs - respect fasting.
  • Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas.
  • Guide helpful for ancient sites - provides context and history.
  • Haggling expected in bazaars - part of cultural experience.

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