Egypt Travel Guide: Pyramids, the Nile and the Red Sea
The Pyramids of Giza have stood for 4,500 years. They’ve seen pharaohs, Romans, Napoleon and millions of tourists. They’re still breathtaking. Standing directly in front of them, you understand something: some things exceed every expectation.
Egypt is more than the pyramids. This guide shows you the full picture.
What are the highlights in Egypt you shouldn’t miss?
Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza are the obvious starting point. The three main pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum (opened 2023) together are worth a full day, at minimum. The Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza displays the complete collection from Tutankhamun’s tomb: over 5,000 objects after decades of restoration. Don’t skip it.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo’s Islamic old city is chaos and fascination in equal measure. Not a place for shoppers without patience. But for the experience of walking through alleys where trade has happened since the 14th century, it’s irreplaceable.
Luxor is the open-air city of the pharaohs. The Karnak Temple, the largest religious building of antiquity, is worth a trip on its own. The Valley of the Kings on the west bank holds the burial chambers of over 60 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun (largely empty today but historically significant). Most tombs are included in the combo ticket.
Aswan lies further south on the Nile and feels calmer than Cairo. Visiting Nubian villages, a boat trip to Philae Island and a day trip to Abu Simbel (the colossal rock temples of Ramesses II) are unforgettable. Abu Simbel sits another 3 hours south and is reachable from Aswan airport in 50 minutes by plane.
Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh on the Red Sea are the classic beach resorts. The Red Sea offers world-class diving: clear water, coral reefs, sea turtles, manta rays. No Egypt trip should end without at least one snorkeling or diving session.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April is the comfortable travel window. Temperatures in Cairo: 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. Luxor and Aswan are similar. No extreme summer heat. Most tourists arrive November to March.
May to September is summer: extreme heat in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan can reach 45°C). The Red Sea is pleasant year-round for swimming; summer is hot but manageable with air conditioning.
December and January are popular but also the most expensive and crowded. Ramadan (2026: approximately late March to late April) means fewer restaurants open during the day and a different atmosphere. Can be fascinating but may involve some restrictions.
What is a Nile cruise and is it worth it?
A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan (or reverse) takes 3 to 7 nights and combines relaxed travel with visits to the most important temples. You sleep on the ship, which moves overnight, and wake up at the next temple.
Budget cruise ships: from $100 to $150 USD per night per double cabin including full board and excursions. Luxury ships: $300 to $600 per night. The price difference lies mainly in cabin size and deck restaurant quality.
Important: not all budget operators are equal. Book through reputable portals or directly with a known operator. Prices below $80 per night per double cabin are usually a red flag.
What are the entry requirements for Egypt?
Visa on arrival for most nationalities: $25 USD, purchased at the airport. Alternatively, apply for an e-Visa online in advance. The e-Visa costs slightly more but saves time at the airport on arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry. Medically recommended: hepatitis A and typhoid. Malaria risk in Egypt is very low.
Water: drink bottled water only. This applies to ice cubes in drinks outside five-star hotels too.
Plan your Egypt trip with the Zercy Logbook. Combine Cairo, a Nile cruise and the Red Sea into one route, comparing flight and accommodation options in one overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April is the most comfortable travel period. Temperatures are pleasant (20 to 30°C), no extreme summer heat. November to February is high season, more expensive and crowded. March to April and October to November are shoulder season with good prices and pleasant temperatures.
How much does a Nile cruise cost?
Budget Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan start at around $100 to $150 USD per night per double cabin including full board and guided excursions. Luxury ships cost $300 to $600 per night. For 4 nights on a decent mid-range ship, budget roughly $500 to $700 per person.
How safe is Egypt for tourists?
For tourists on the classic circuit (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea), Egypt is considered safe. Police presence at tourist sites is high. Travel advisories recommend avoiding border regions with Libya and parts of Sinai (except Sharm el-Sheikh). Pickpocketing at crowded bazaars is possible; keep valuables secure.
What currency is used in Egypt?
Egyptian Pound (EGP). Exchange rate: approximately 60 to 70 EGP per euro (2026, fluctuates). Cash is still standard at many tourist sites; credit cards accepted at larger hotels and restaurants. Exchange at the airport or at banks. Avoid street money changers.
Read more:
Try Zercy
No form, no account. Just type your travel idea — Zercy thinks it through.
✈ Start for free