Egypt holidays

One of the great bucket-list destinations on the planet, this North African country makes ancient history come alive. Discover the Pyramids, the Great Sphinx and the vibrant city of Cairo on a culture-packed holiday to Egypt. If you’re after serenity, sail down the Nile River, relax on pristine beaches or go diving in the Red Sea. Come visit the past while enjoying all that present-day Egypt has to offer.

Top destinations in Egypt

Cairo

Ancient history meets a modern metropolis in the bustling streets of Cairo — a capital city that inspires endless fascination and unforgettable adventures.

Hurghada

Don’t let the modern resorts and glitzy nightlife fool you. This Egyptian city by the sea is a top destination for families, with shopping, swimming and desert safaris.

Sharm El Sheikh

Whether you’re a thrill seeker or simply in need of a beach fix, this Egyptian resort town has you covered. Explore everything from coral reefs to camel rides in Sharm El Sheikh.

Egypt: fast facts

Language

Arabic

Currency

Egyptian pound (E£)

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)

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Egypt holiday highlights

Cairo

Iconic landmarks

There are no greater symbols of ancient Egypt than the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza. Their remarkable size and craftsmanship are well worth the hype. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where King Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered just a century ago. For more archaeological highlights, head to Karnak, a sprawling complex of antiquity with sanctuaries, obelisks and even more sphinxes.

Epic markets

One of the most popular things to do in Egypt is shopping for jewellery and textiles in the country’s many ‘souks’ (open-air markets). After you’ve found your bracelets and rings at the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar, try the famous Arabian coffee at El Fishawy, one of the market’s oldest coffeehouses. Sharia Khayamiya (The Street of the Tentmakers) is famous for handmade textiles, shoes and tents.

Desert excursions

Located just a few hours from Cairo, the Black and White Deserts feel like they’re in a different galaxy. The Black Desert is starkly beautiful, with black powder and volcanic stones. The White Desert resembles a moonscape, with rock formations made of calcium, quartz and limestone. Both offer incredible stargazing.

Things to do in Egypt

Giza necropolis

Top attractions

The awesome sight of the pyramids rising above the Giza Plateau has drawn tourists since the days of ancient Rome. At the Valley of the Kings, the highly decorated Tomb of Ramses V and VI and the Tomb of Seti I are especially atmospheric. And the sheer scale of the intricately carved Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple in Luxor has to be seen to be believed.

Beaches

The beaches in Egypt are all about white sand, crystal-blue seas and diving galore. The Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh boasts multiple beaches, such as El Fanar, Farsha and Ras um Sid, where you can sunbathe and spot rays and tropical reef fish. Try Soma Beach, about an hour south of Hurghada, for fewer crowds and world-class kitesurfing.

Nature

You won’t be disappointed by Egypt’s natural attractions. Take a boat trip down the Nile, dive in the Blue Hole (one of the world’s most challenging and beautiful diving spots), or explore Ras Mohammed National Park’s mangrove forests and reefs. And don’t miss a hike up Mount Sinai for stunning sunrises.

Culture and museums

The museums in Egypt are every mummy-obsessed 7-year-old’s dream. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities houses King Tutankhamun’s iconic gold burial mask and Royal Mummies Hall. Housed in a restored Italianate villa, the Alexandria National Museum tells the story of Alexandria with hundreds of artefacts. And don’t miss the Mummification Museum in Luxor, which explains the ancient custom in detail.

Cuisine

The restaurants in Egypt are known for serving inventive vegetarian dishes, as well as chicken, lamb and pigeon. The country’s national dish is ‘ful medames’, a fava bean mash with cumin, herbs and garlic. Egypt’s open-air markets are a huge draw for foodies, with ‘ta’ameya’ (falafel), ‘mahshi’ (spicy stuffed peppers), dates and pomegranate shakes, among other treats.

Family friendly

See the Nile from a ‘felucca’, a traditional wooden sailboat. Enjoy sweeping views of ancient temples as you glide down the river in style. The Pharaonic Village in Giza gives you a glimpse into ancient Egyptian life with detailed replicas and costumed actors. Travelling with animal lovers? You’ll find eco lodges near Marsa Alam that offer ethical dolphin tours.

Find the best time to visit Egypt

Weather in Egypt

May – October: It’s no secret this desert country gets hot in summer. Cities like Luxor and Aswan see highs over 40°C from June to August. Cities on the Red Sea are slightly cooler and perfect for snorkelling. Inland, you’ll be more comfortable visiting in May or October. With its position on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria has the climate to match.

November – April: Egypt’s cool season is mostly mild. The little rain the country sees is on the coast from December to March. Between March and May, Lower Egypt and the Western Desert can experience pretty intense sandstorms. You may want a backup plan if you’re visiting during these months.

Events in Egypt

Sun Festival (February and October): Twice a year, sunlight reaches deep into the Great Temple at Abu Simbel’s innermost chamber, lighting up statues of the sun gods carved into the rock. The sight lasts about 20 minutes, but the celebration continues outside with music, dancing and plenty of food.

Sandbox Music Festival (May): Electronic music fills the air around El Gouna for three days each summer. Along with a lineup of local and international DJs, the festival offers daytime activities like yoga and sound healing.

Wafaa el-Nil (August): One of Egypt’s oldest festivals, Wafaa el-Nil celebrates the flooding of the Nile with boat races and traditional music. Hop aboard a felucca in cities like Cairo or Aswan to join the fun.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Modesty is important in Egypt. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders, upper arms and legs, especially at religious sites and in rural areas. Women should also cover their heads at mosques. Avoid public displays of affection, and use your right hand to eat and pass items to locals. Tipping service workers is expected.

Health and safety

Before travelling to Egypt, make sure you’re vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid. It’s also a good idea to be up to date with your polio and tetanus shots. Prevent mosquito-borne diseases by wearing insect repellent and long, light-coloured clothing. There’s a risk of waterborne diseases here. Stick to bottled water and avoid swimming in freshwater, including the Nile.

LGBTQ+ travel

LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise caution in Egypt. Though same-sex relationships aren’t strictly illegal, you can be prosecuted under laws related to public decency. So it’s best to avoid any speech, behaviour or symbols that identify you as queer. However, there are plenty of LGBTQ-friendly tour groups and guides who can help you enjoy Egypt safely and comfortably.

Budget

It’s easy to plan a cheap holiday to Egypt. You can enjoy a delicious restaurant meal for around 200 Egyptian pounds (E£). A local beer or a cappuccino costs around E£70. Take a short taxi ride for as little as E£15.

Getting around Egypt

Cairo Tower

Public transportation

Buses: This is a budget-friendly option for travelling between major destinations, including those not covered by rail. Go Bus has an extensive network with comfortable coaches and is a popular option among tourists. Upper Egypt Bus Company, East Delta Bus Company, and West and Middle Delta Bus Company cover the major regions.

Trains: Egypt’s train network is a convenient way to travel between cities along the Nile. Air-conditioned express trains include ‘VIP Special Service’ and the more affordable ‘Speed AC Spanish’. Sleeper trains offer extra comfort but at a higher cost. You’ll need to buy your ticket at the station — but be aware that ticket sellers often try to upsell tourists to more expensive fares.

Domestic flights

Cairo is the top hub for domestic air travel, connecting the country’s biggest cities. Other airports are more limited in their domestic routes. So if you’re not travelling to or from Cairo or Sharm el Sheikh, you’ll likely need to find alternative transport or catch a connecting flight.

Find domestic flights

Driving

Driving in Egypt can be a challenge. But if you still want the flexibility of a car and don’t feel confident getting behind the wheel yourself, you can hire a private driver from tour operators, car rental agencies or your hotel.

Check car hire

FAQs about Egypt holidays

Egypt has been a much-loved destination among budget travellers for years, with costs similar to those in Southeast Asian countries. Looking to save on accommodation? Travel outside the peak season from December to February.
Be sure to consult your government for any travel advisories before heading to Egypt. Egypt is a Muslim country, so be respectful by dressing conservatively and not showing a lot of skin.
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound or ‘gineih’ (E£), a paper currency divided into smaller denominations called ‘piastres’ and ‘millimes’ (E£1 = 100 piastres = 1000 milliemes). While many places accept credit cards, remember to bring cash when travelling to more rural areas, as well as for tipping (called ‘backsheesh’) and taxis.
Arabic is the official language of the country, but many Egyptians also speak English and French. Egyptian Arabic is a spoken form that includes Arabic, Coptic, Turkish, French, Ottoman and Italian words. There are multiple regional dialects, and the country also has its own sign language.
The best time to visit Egypt is from March to May or in September. Prices will be lower in those months, and you’ll avoid the school holiday rush. Summer brings loads of tourists and average high temperatures in the 30s°C. December and January can also be busy, thanks to the festive season and Orthodox Christmas on 7 January.
First-time travellers wanting to hit Egypt’s most iconic landmarks should head to Cairo and Luxor. Return visitor? Why not try a different pace in quiet Aswan? Dahab and Marsa Alam are laid-back alternatives to the Red Sea resorts.

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