Why Egypt, Why Now
Egypt is one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype. The Pyramids really are that big. Cairo really is that chaotic, in the best way. And the Nile at sunset is one of those travel moments that stays with you for years, the sort of thing photos never quite capture no matter how hard you try. But here's what surprised us most: Egypt is also shockingly affordable. You can eat incredible food for a couple of pounds, hire a private guide for less than a London taxi, and sail a felucca on the Nile for the price of a takeaway coffee.
Most first trips work north to south: a few days in Cairo for the Pyramids and the new Grand Egyptian Museum, then down to Luxor for Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, then Aswan or a Nile cruise between the two. Add the Red Sea coast if diving or a beach reset is calling. This guide covers all of it, from the ancient sites to the practical stuff like visas, budgets, and how to not get ripped off in the process.
Best Time To Visit
Egypt is a desert country, so timing is more about heat management than avoiding rain. Here's the honest breakdown.
Spring (Mar to Apr)
Warm, tail end of peakThe last stretch of comfortable temperatures before summer properly bites. Sites are still busy but manageable, and it's a good window before the real heat lands.
Summer (May to Sep)
Seriously hot, cheapGenuinely hot, often 40C plus in Cairo and the south, but the dry air, strong air conditioning, thinner crowds and lower prices make it a viable trip if you can handle it. There's usually a decent breeze on the Nile too, which helps a river cruise stay pleasant.
Autumn (Oct to Nov)
Cooling off, peak beginsTemperatures start dropping into genuinely comfortable territory, and this is when peak season kicks in properly. Book ahead for Cairo, Luxor and Aswan as crowds and prices both start climbing.
Winter (Dec to Feb)
Cool, comfortable, busyThe most popular window and for good reason. Cooler temperatures make exploring Cairo's busy streets, the Pyramids in the desert, and ancient tombs far more comfortable. November and February in particular are the sweet spot.
One thing to plan around: Cairo can get surprisingly chilly after sunset in winter, even when the days feel warm, so pack a layer. For the Pyramids specifically, our Best Time to Visit Giza guide breaks it down by month.
See Egypt in 60 Seconds
A minute of Giza at sunrise, Nile feluccas and Luxor's temples lit gold. Then read on for the full story.
Egypt is a country where ancient wonders, vibrant cities, golden deserts, and the life-giving Nile combine to create one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the Great Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel, the bustling streets of Cairo, the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, and thousands of years of history unlike anywhere else on Earth. Whether you’re travelling for archaeology, adventure, culture, or unforgettable landscapes, Egypt is a destination that belongs on every traveller’s bucket list.
Book The Essentials
The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.
What To Expect
The practical stuff, minus the waffle.
Capital
Cairo is loud, sprawling, and genuinely one of the great cities. The Pyramids of Giza sit right on its edge, closer to the urban chaos than most people expect.
Language
Egyptian Arabic is the official language. English is common around tourist sites, hotels and Cairo's more touristy neighbourhoods, less so elsewhere. Worth learning: "salam alaykum" (hello), "shukran" (thank you). A little effort goes a long way here.
Currency
The Egyptian Pound (EGP). Rough guide: 1,000 EGP is about £15, €17, or $20. The rate moves around a fair bit, so check XE close to your trip rather than relying on an old figure.
Cards & ATMs
Cash is king here, but plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and hotels take major debit and credit cards. Some shops post a sign showing whether they accept foreign cards. ATMs are easy to find throughout big cities like Cairo and Alexandria, less so in smaller towns.
Plugs
Types C and F, running at 220V and 50Hz. Grab a universal adapter before you go if you're coming from a country using a different plug shape.
Safety
A relatively safe place to visit as long as you keep your wits about you and respect local customs. Crime rates are low, but watch for scam artists and pickpockets around busy tourist sites. If something seems too good to be true here, it probably is.
Random Useful Tip
The tap water is heavily chlorinated and unsafe to drink, though fine for brushing your teeth. Buy bottled water instead. It's cheap and everywhere, usually around 5 EGP for a litre bottle.
Never Ever
Never take up offers from people approaching you in public with city tours, special tomb visits or shop recommendations. Stick to registered tour operators and agents, book through your hotel, or arrange things in advance. It's always safer.
Live Weather in Cairo
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
25°C
- Temperature
Explore Egypt
From the Pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings. The essential six to start with.
Cairo Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
The Pyramids, the chaos, the Grand Egyptian Museum. Everything you need before you land in Egypt's capital.
Read the guideBest Things to Do in Luxor: Karnak to the Valley of the Kings
The open-air museum city. Where to go, what to skip, and how to avoid the midday heat while doing it.
Read the guideVisit the Pyramids of Giza: An In-Depth First-Timer Guide
Tickets, timing, the Sphinx, and how to see the single most photographed monument on Earth without the crowds ruining it.
Get the guideValley of the Kings: Complete Guide For First-Timers
Tutankhamun's tomb and dozens more carved into the desert cliffs. What to book, what to bring, what to expect.
Get the guideEgypt Visa & Entry Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know
E-visa or visa on arrival, prices, processing times, and exactly what to have ready at immigration.
Sort your visaIs It Safe to Travel to Egypt in 2026? Your Safety Guide
The honest picture on crime, scams, and the areas worth extra caution, without the scaremongering.
Read the guideLatest Egypt Articles
Every Egypt guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Egypt Cost?
Egypt is one of the most affordable destinations you'll find. Here's a realistic daily breakdown, in pounds with dollars, euros and Egyptian pounds alongside.
Backpacker
- Hostel dorms from £6 a night
- Street food and local eateries
- Metro, minibuses, and walking
- Free mosques, bazaars, and Nile-side walks
Mid-Range
- Private rooms and budget hotels
- Mid-range restaurants and cafes
- Guided tours to key sites
- Entry fees plus day trips to Alexandria or Fayoum
Upscale
- Boutique hotels and Red Sea resorts
- Fine dining and rooftop restaurants
- Private Nile cruises and exclusive tours
- Domestic flights and private drivers
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Real prices in pounds, with dollars, euros and Egyptian pounds alongside. Pick a category.
Budget
Mid to Luxury
City Travel
Long Distance
Eat Cheap
Eating Out
Budget Fun
Big Experiences
10 Ways to Save Money in Egypt
Egypt is already one of the most affordable destinations out there. These tips squeeze even more out of the budget.
Tap water isn't safe here, and buying plastic bottles the whole trip adds up fast.
Both cities are compact, and exploring on foot is genuinely half the fun. Save the taxis for Cairo.
One of the cheapest metro systems in the world, at well under £0.50 a ride. Skips the traffic too.
Koshari, falafel and ful medames are filling, safe, and cost almost nothing at a busy stall.
Way cheaper than the chains, and the hosts genuinely know everything worth knowing.
Covers most temples and tombs on the West and East Banks for one flat price. Pays for itself fast.
May and September are hot, but prices drop and the crowds thin out at the big sites.
It's expected in markets and with unmetered taxis. Agree the price before you get in, always.
Much cheaper than roaming, and you'll want maps and Uber running the moment you land.
Saves a night's accommodation, and the Cairo to Luxor sleeper is actually a decent way to travel.
Getting Around Egypt
Egypt is bigger than you think. Cairo to Luxor is a 10-hour drive. Here's how to cover the ground without losing your mind, or your budget.
Domestic Flights
Best for covering big distances fast. Egypt is bigger than you think, and Cairo to Luxor or Aswan takes about an hour by air.
- Fast and affordable if booked early
- Budget carriers from about £35 / $45 / €40
- Luggage allowances can be tight, so check before packing
Private Car & Driver
Best for day trips and multi-stop touring. Surprisingly affordable in Egypt compared with hiring the equivalent in Europe.
- Door-to-door convenience, no navigating required
- Full-day hire from about £30 / $40 / €35
- Cairo traffic is genuinely wild, so build in buffer time
Uber & Local Taxis
Best for getting around within Cairo, Alexandria and the resort towns. Uber works well right across the country.
- Uber is cheap and avoids the haggling entirely
- Available in all the major cities
- Regular street taxis will often try to overcharge tourists
Train
Best for the Nile Valley route. The overnight sleeper from Cairo to Luxor is a proper travel experience in itself.
- Scenic and genuinely comfortable in the sleeper cabins
- Overnight sleeper saves a night's accommodation
- Can run slow, and delays do happen
Intercity Bus
Best for budget travellers and Red Sea coast routes. Go Bus and East Delta are the main operators worth booking with.
- The cheapest intercity option by some distance
- Good coverage including Sinai and the Red Sea
- Journey times are long, so bring snacks and patience
Nile Cruises & Feluccas
Best for the Luxor-to-Aswan stretch. Multi-day cruises or a short felucca ride at sunset, either way, unmissable.
- One of the very best ways to experience Egypt
- Short felucca rides from about £3 / $4 / €3.50
- Multi-day cruises can get touristy and pricey without research
Which Is Right For You?
Uber and metro in Cairo, or walk in Luxor and Aswan.
Fly between them, or take the overnight train for the experience.
Multi-day Nile cruise or private driver between temples.
Bus from Cairo, 5 to 7 hours, or a cheap domestic flight.
Quick Tips
Avoids the haggling game entirely, and it's both cheap and reliable across the city.
The Egyptian National Railways website or your hotel can arrange sleeper tickets properly.
Seriously. The traffic is on another level entirely. Use a driver or Uber instead.
Delays happen. Don't book a tight flight connection right after a long train or bus journey.
Related Resources
Because good trips still hit bumps. Here's the backup plan.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Fake guides, tomb scams, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially if you're diving the Red Sea. We compare policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicyEgypt Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
Is Egypt safe for tourists?
How many days do I need in Egypt?
Can I drink the tap water in Egypt?
What should I wear in Egypt?
Is Egypt really that cheap?
What's the best way to get from Cairo to Luxor?
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
Do I need travel insurance for Egypt?
How do I avoid getting scammed in Egypt?
Travel Hubs Worth A Look
Follow The Travel Tinker
Get Your Free Travel Starter Kit
Step-by-step planning checklists, free guides, and a stack of money-saving tips to help you plan your Egypt trip like an expert. No spam, ever.
Get the Free Travel Planner