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Egypt

What can you expect from Egypt

Egypt is a land where ancient history and modern life intersect in the most spectacular way. From the iconic pyramids of Giza to the bustling souks of Cairo, this country invites you to step back thousands of years while still being vibrantly alive today. Whether you’re gliding down the Nile on a felucca, marveling at intricate hieroglyphs in Luxor, or diving among coral reefs in the Red Sea, Egypt never ceases to amaze.

You can expect warm hospitality, rich culture, and a surprising diversity of landscapes, from vast deserts to lush riverbanks. Egypt can be intense, chaotic, and deeply moving, all in a single day. Prepare for early mornings exploring ruins, spicy street food, moments of serenity in ancient temples, and nights filled with the aroma of shisha and the hum of traditional music. It’s a sensory experience you won’t forget.

Things to See and Do in Egypt

Visit the Giza Pyramids and the famous Sphinx
Explore the ancient tombs in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor
Wander through the massive Karnak Temple complex
Take a cruise along the Nile River
Go diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea
Discover thousands of artifacts at the Cairo Museum
Hike to the summit of Mount Sinai for sunrise views
Get lost in the narrow alleys and markets of Cairo
Relax and recharge in the peaceful Siwa Oasis

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation: You can find hostel dorm beds for as low as $9–$16 per night in major cities like Cairo or Luxor. Basic double rooms in guesthouses or budget hotels usually range from $22–$33. For more comfort, mid-range hotels cost between $43–$86 per night, while luxury stays can go from €100+ / $108+, especially in high season.

Food: A local street meal (like koshari or falafel) costs around $1–$3.25. Mid-range restaurants serving Egyptian or international cuisine typically charge $11–$22 per person. Upscale dining can go over $27, depending on location and service.

Transportation: Public transport is very affordable. Metro tickets in Cairo cost $0.11–$0.33, and microbuses are similarly priced. Taxis range from $1–$3.25 for short rides (always negotiate or use a rideshare app). Intercity trains or buses start at around $5.50, depending on distance and class.

Suggested Daily Budget

$27–$43 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel or budget guesthouse, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Following the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money-Saving Tips

1
Use local transportation Buses and metro are incredibly cheap and efficient.
2
Eat where locals eat Street food like koshari or falafel is delicious and budget-friendly.
3
Bargain smartly Negotiate prices in markets and when booking tours or taxis.
4
Travel off-season Visit between April and October for lower prices and fewer tourists.

Travel Tools for Egypt

For flights into and around Egypt, Skyscanner is the perfect tool to compare prices and routes. To find a place to stay, check out Booking.com for hotels or Hostelworld if you’re looking for budget hostels.

If you’re interested in booking local tours or skip-the-line entry to top attractions, GetYourGuide and Viator have a wide variety of experiences.

To stay connected during your trip, Holafly (-5%) provides an eSIM with unlimited data for Egypt and I recommend Heymondo (-5%) for travel insurance, which includes 24/7 assistance.

Google Maps is also an essential app for getting around and planning your routes.

These are the platforms I trust and use on my travels, and some include exclusive discounts for my readers!

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Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

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