There’s a certain magic to summer in Egypt that’s hard to explain unless you live it. It’s in the stillness of the desert just after sunrise and the rhythm of Cairo’s streets just before sunset. While most people picture pyramids and camels (which are great, don’t get me wrong), Egypt in the summer is a living, breathing storybook, if you know where to look. To really enjoy it, you need to do what the locals do. Eat where they eat. Visit where they escape to when Cairo heats up, and most importantly, learn how to handle your money like someone who lives there.
I’ll explain how you can eat better, explore smarter, and spend more wisely in Egypt this summer.
When it comes to food, Egypt is wildly generous, and summer is no exception. It’s the season of juicy mangoes, cold hibiscus drinks, and endless scoops of rice pudding served with cinnamon.
Locals swear by taameya (Egypt’s herbier take on falafel) for breakfast, especially when wrapped in baladi bread with a dash of tahini and pickles. For lunch, koshari, Egypt’s unofficial national dish made of lentils, pasta, rice, and a spicy tomato sauce, is filling, affordable, and easy to find at any local kiosk. And when the heat gets too much? You grab a tall glass of asab (sugarcane juice) or a chilled karkadeh (hibiscus tea), usually sold in street stands for less than $1.
To find the best food spots, follow the locals. Small falafel joints in neighbourhoods like Garden City or Zamalek usually beat the five-star restaurants. You’ll spend less, eat better, and experience Egypt as it’s meant to taste.
Also read: Egypt visa requirements for EU citizens
If you think everyone in Egypt flocks to the pyramids in July, you’re mistaken. Locals have summer rituals, surprisingly, few involve queuing up for a camel ride in Giza.
Most Cairo residents go to Alexandria, where the sea breeze offers a break from the city’s dry heat. The streets are usually alive with musicians, seafood vendors, and families out for a late-night stroll. If you go, don’t miss the historic library Bibliotheca Alexandrina or a sunset by the Qaitbay Citadel.
Others travel further east to Dahab or Nuweiba on the Sinai coast. These towns are slower, quieter, and perfect for snorkelling, stargazing, or doing absolutely nothing at all. If you want something wilder, there’s always Siwa Oasis, a remote town near the Libyan border, surrounded by salt lakes, palm trees, and ancient ruins.
Getting around is easy and affordable. You can hop on a GoBus from Cairo for a fairly reasonable price. Book your seat online, bring a snack, and enjoy the views of the Egyptian countryside.
Also read: Egypt visa requirements for UK citizens
Most tourists have issues managing their money.
Egypt is still largely cash-based. You can use cards in malls or high-end hotels, but in local markets, taxis, or most food joints, it’s all about the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Unfortunately, airport and hotel exchange booths rarely offer a fair rate.
What most travellers don’t realise is that currency rates in Egypt can fluctuate often, especially during peak travel seasons. That means you can easily lose a chunk of your spending money if you convert blindly or withdraw using international cards with steep fees.
If you want to enjoy your summer in Egypt, remember these:
Also read: Egypt visa requirements for US citizens
Egypt has its own rhythm, and if you’re fully involved, you’ll catch it. Proper planning and financial tools allow you to enjoy everything this summer offers without worrying about money.
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