A land of ancient wonders and vibrant culture, Egypt is home to over 114 million people and a tapestry of 16 languages. This North African gem weaves history, architecture, and breathtaking landscapes into an unforgettable experience.
Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deep dive into the country’s rich heritage, Egypt has something for everyone.
1. Alexandria
Tourists call it the “Perl of the Mediterranean” because of its cooler coastal climate and laid-back vibe. Alexandria is home to the medieval Citadel of Qaitbay, the royal Montazah palace, and the Bibliotheca library.
It was founded by Alexander the Great in 332, the king of Ancient Greece’s Kingdom of Macedon. Before Julius Caesar’s invasion, which destroyed the city, the Great Library of Alexandria held the world’s most extensive collection of scripted knowledge.
The best time to visit Alexandria is from March to May.
Why should you visit Alexandria?
Home of the world's most famous library: The Bibliotheca is one of the largest libraries worldwide, with books in classic Arabic, French, and English. It was built in the fourth century BC and contains half a million papyrus scrolls (the most extensive collection of ancient manuscripts).
TheCitadelofQaitbay is home to the defensive fortress built from 1477 to 1479 AD (882–884 AH) by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa’it Bay. This was a strategic place for Egyptians to fight against Ottoman invasions. The British fleet bombarded Alexandria on 11 July 1882 and damaged a large part of the Citadel.
The beauty of luxurious Montazah Palace: This palace was designed by Italian architect Antonio Lasciac, who drew inspiration from Islamic and European architecture. The King built Montazah Palace in 1872 to use it as his summer residence. The king was overthrown in 1952, and the government took the Montazah palace and opened it for public use in 1975.
Things to know before visiting Alexandria
Alexandria is a conservative city, so dress modestly. Locals like it when you dress respectfully, so wear a scarf and other modest clothing when visiting the city.
Keep hugs or kisses private. Ask before taking photos of people. Use your right hand for money or food — it’s polite here.
Alexandria is pretty safe, but watch your stuff in busy places like markets or train stations. Say “No, thank you” to pushy tour offers and keep walking.
In markets like Souk El Attarine, start with a low price — half what they ask — and talk it up. It’s like a friendly game, not a fight.
Egypt’s capital city, with over 22.1 million people, is often called “the cradle of civilisation” due to its treasured culture and history. Cairo has a mixed old and new look, with pyramids of giant tombs with over 4000 years of history. Although alcohol is not a massive part of Cairo’s nightlife, there are Baladi bars, which are renowned for shisha and coffee.
The best time to visit Cairo is from March to May or September to November.
Why should you visit Cairo?
Visiting the Egyptian Museum is one of the best non-pharaonic activities in Cairo. The museum has been in Tahrir Square since 1902 in an aesthetic rose-coloured building. It has more than 170,000 artefacts, making it the most significant archaeological museum in the Middle East and the largest museum in Africa.
Exploring Cairo’s citadel, the most iconic monument in Islamic Cairo. The citadel is divided into two sectors: the NorthernEnclosure (more military in character) and the SouthernEnclosure (more religious and palatial). Since it was built in 1776, the citadel has witnessed several significant events in Egypt.
Climbing Al Mokattam mountain. This is the name of an eastern desert plateau and district located in the east area of Cairo. Mokattam means cut off or broken off, reflecting how Al Mokattam mountain is divided into three hills. The famous Cave church is also at the top of Al Mokattam mountain.
Things to know before visiting Cairo
Cairo traffic is chaotic. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are popular options in the city. Metro is cheaper, but it might be overcrowded.
Cairo is a conservative city. Dress modestly.
Arabic is an official language, and English is spoken in tourist areas. Learn Arabic phrases like “ Shukran” to say "thank you" and easily interact with locals.
Follow cultural etiquette, avoid public displays of affection, ask permission before photographing people, and use your right hand for eating or handing over money, as the left hand is considered impolite.
This small city in southern Egypt is located on the east and west banks of the Nile valley. Due to its packed old temples and tombs, some call it “the world’s greatest open-air museum.”
March to April and October to November are the best times to visit Luxor.
Why should you visit Luxor?
Visit the temple of Karnak, an ancient place on the Nile River in Luxor. This is a fantastic spot, especially if you love old stories and giant columns.
The Karnak temple has a history of over 3000 years. It was built for Amun Ra, the god of the Sun. The temple is full of Hypostyle halls with over 134 massive columns suitable for tourism.
Visit the Valley of the Kings. This is the famous spot in the Nile where kings were buried. This valley is full of tombs, and over 60 pharaohs were buried there over 3000 years ago.
The best time to visit the Valley of Kings is between June, July, and August. The climate is hot there, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfy shoes.
Things to know before visiting Luxor
Cash is king in Luxor, especially for small vendors and tips, so keep small bills handy.
In souks or with vendors, bargaining is common, so make sure you negotiate with vendors.
Luxor’s sun is intense, so wear sunscreen and carry water to stay hydrated while exploring the city.
Buy a local SIM card at the airport or town for unlimited data, as Wi-Fi isn’t unavailable everywhere.
Aswan is a city in southern Egypt near the Nile River. It is popular for its beautiful Nile views, old history, and Nubian culture. Aswan is quieter than Cairo, with palm trees, colourful villages and ancient ruins.
The best time to visit Aswan is between June, July and August.
Why should you visit Aswan?
Learn about the Aswan High Dam. Built in 1970, it’s a testament to modern engineering and human ambition. The Aswan Dam has transformed Egypt’s agriculture through irrigation and hydroelectric power for electricity generation. Visiting the Aswan Dam will give you historical and economic knowledge of the region and a stunning view of Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
Take a boat to the romantic Philae Temple. This beautiful spot in Aswani is located in a small midland on the Nile River. This temple is over 2000 years old and was built for Isis, the goddess of love and magic.
The temple also has pretty carvings and tall columns. The weather is hot in June, July, and August, but the breeze on the water makes it worth it. The boat will cost you 50 - 100 EGP for a round trip and take 10 - 15 minutes.
Things to know before visiting Aswan
Dress light but cover shoulders and knees. Long shirts and pants are good choices. A hat or scarf helps with the sun and looks respectful, especially near temples or villages.
Locals speak Arabic, but English is acceptable in tourist areas. Say “Shukran” (thank you) or “Salam” (hello) to be nice — it makes people smile.
Aswan uses Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2. People relax late — dinner at 8 or 9 pm is normal.
Start with a low price at the souk — half what they say — and chat your way up. It’s friendly, not mean, and part of the fun.
This city is located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast and is known for its sandy beaches and clear blue water. Previously, it was a small fishing village, but now it’s a big tourist spot with resorts, dive shops, and markets.
The best time to visit Hurghada is between June, July and August.
Why visit Hurghada?
Go snorkelling or scuba diving in the Red Sea. The Red Sea is famous for being super warm, clear, and packed with life, which makes it the top place for summer holidays in Egypt. The Red Sea has over 1,000 kinds of fish and more than 200 types of Coral, which can easily be seen due to the cleanness of the water.
Snorkelling and scuba diving gear are cheap to rent, and there are guides everywhere who can assist you. Scuba diving and snorkelling beginners can try windsurfing and kiteboarding, which are fun activities. Usually, gears can be rented for around 50 to 100 EGP a day.
Visit El Dahar, the old town of Hurghada, famous for its beaches and resorts. It will give you a taste of real Egyptian life mixed with summer fun. Want to experience Arabic chatter, smell spices, and see colourful shops? Then El Dahar should be a must-visit place in Hurghada.
El Dahar market and mosque are popular tourist attractions. The market offers the chance to see people selling clothes, jewellery, spices, and Souvenirs, while the mosque has a tall minaret you can’t miss.
A quick overview of Sharm El Sheikh: Sharm El Sheikh is located at the tip of Egypty’s Sinai peninsula, where the Red Sea sparkles and sandy beaches stretch out. It has a fantastic coral reef with chill beaches and lively nightlife.
Although Sharm El Sheikh is hot in summer, the sea breeze and calm water make it perfect for the holiday. The Old Sham area has shops and cafes popular for spices, jewellery, and snacks. The place also has bars, music and dancing, which can be perfect if you like busy evenings.
Things to know before visiting Hurghada
Hurghada is safe for tourists, but be cautious in crowded places, avoid isolated spots at night, and beware of petty scams like overpriced tours.
Hurghada has a warm climate all year around, and the best time to visit is between September and November.
Vendors widely accept cash; the common currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP).
Learn basic Arabic so that you can communicate with locals in Hurghada.
Buy a local SIM card at the airport or town for unlimited data, as Wi-Fi isn’t available everywhere.
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