If you’re craving a travel experience that feels like stepping straight into the pages of a history book but with epic landscapes, good food, and a bit of desert adventure thrown in Egypt might just be the perfect place for your next trip.
Think ancient pyramids rising from golden sands, temples carved with hieroglyphs, sunsets over the Nile, and the kind of chaotic, colorful street life that makes every day feel like an adventure. I spent a few unforgettable weeks here, hopping from ancient wonders and bustling souks to sleepy riverside towns and the surreal vastness of the Sahara.
Egypt
Wander in Egypt
Highlights and Tips
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Why You Should Visit Egypt
Egypt is absolutely packed with ancient wonders. The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings. It’s basically a living museum. But what surprised me was how alive and layered the whole place feels. One minute you’re staring at a 3,000-year old hieroglyph carved in stone, and the next, you’re sipping tea on a Nile-side rooftop.
Beyond the history, the country has a wild range of landscapes: vast deserts, the lush Nile Valley, Red Sea beaches that rival anywhere in Southeast Asia, and colorful Nubian villages that feel worlds away from the chaos of Cairo.
Then there’s the culture deep, proud, welcoming. Egyptians are incredibly friendly and always happy to share a story, a joke, or a plate of koshari. And don’t even get me started on the food. Think warm pita straight out of the oven, creamy hummus, grilled meats, falafel (which they call “taameya” and it’s made with fava beans), and rich, spiced stews.
Plus, Egypt is still one of the most affordable countries to travel in if you’re smart with your budget. Whether you're a backpacker or a little bougie, your money goes a long way here.
Egypt is one of those places that delivers on all the big travel moments, bucket-list sites, epic landscapes, unforgettable history. But also surprises you with the little stuff. The friendliness of strangers. The taste of freshly baked baladi bread. The call to prayer echoing across a quiet Nile morning. Whether you're chasing ancient mysteries, scuba diving with vibrant coral, riding camels through the desert, or just wandering dusty streets with a falafel sandwich in hand, Egypt has a way of sticking with you.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Timing is everything, especially in a country where summer temps can literally cook your sandals.
The sweet spot is between October and April. That’s when the weather is warm but bearable, especially if you're planning to explore outdoor sites like temples and pyramids. It’s also prime time for Nile cruises and desert adventures.
From May through September, it gets seriously hot, especially in Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan, etc.). Cairo and Alexandria stay a little cooler thanks to the breeze, but it’s still not ideal for sightseeing unless you’re an early riser or really into sweating.
The Red Sea coast (Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab) is a bit more forgiving year-round, thanks to the sea breeze, so it’s always a solid beach destination even in summer.
How to Get to Egypt
Most people fly into Cairo International Airport—it’s the main gateway and a great place to start your trip. From there, you can fly or take trains and buses to other parts of the country. Domestic flights are cheap and save a lot of time if you're bouncing between north and south.
If you're coming from nearby countries, there are land borders from Israel and Sudan, but flying is generally easier unless you're doing a big overland trip.
As for visas: Most travelers can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa before landing. It’s super easy and cheap—just check the latest rules based on your passport.
Top Things to Do in Egypt
Cairo: Where Ancient Meets Modern
Start in Cairo, where ancient history meets modern chaos in the most fascinating ways. The Great Pyramids and Sphinx in Giza are bucket-list essentials, and standing in their shadow gives you a real sense of the scale and mystery of ancient Egypt. Within the city, the Egyptian Museum is a treasure trove of pharaonic artifacts, including King Tutankhamun’s golden mask and countless other relics spanning millennia.
Take your time wandering through Islamic Cairo, where narrow alleys, hidden mosques, and centuries-old madrassas create a labyrinth of culture and history. Climb to the Citadel for panoramic views of the city and the Nile. Don’t miss Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can browse spices, jewelry, textiles, and street food, and soak in the sensory overload that makes Cairo so unique.
Extra tips to explore
One of the absolute highlights of my time in Egypt was visiting Sataya Reef, also called Dolphin House. It’s this remote, crescent-shaped reef out in the Red Sea where wild dolphins often gather—and unlike the more crowded tourist spots, it still feels raw and peaceful. The water is calm and shallow, perfect for swimming or snorkeling, and if you're lucky, you'll get to glide alongside dolphins in their natural environment. No feeding, no tricks—just an unforgettable moment in the open sea, watching these animals move freely around you. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you long after you're back on land.
As you make your way down the coast, definitely carve out some time for El Gouna. It’s a small, well-planned town near Hurghada with a chill vibe, pretty lagoons, and a mix of cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs. It’s clean, walkable, and a nice change of pace—perfect if you want a few slower days in between sightseeing.
Further south, Marsa Alam is another gem that’s still under the radar for many travelers. The beaches here are quieter, and the underwater world is incredible. This stretch of coast is known for some of the healthiest coral reefs in the region, so whether you’re diving or just snorkeling off the shore, the marine life is next level. Turtles, rays, colorful fish—sometimes even dugongs if you're really lucky.
What I loved about this part of Egypt is how different it feels from the busy streets of Cairo or the ancient temples along the Nile. Here, the pace slows, the sun feels softer, and the days are about simple joys—floating in warm water, reading by the beach, or sharing a plate of fresh seafood as the sky turns pink.
Egypt really does have layers. Some days you’re walking through 4,000 years of history, and others, you’re floating in the sea with nothing on your agenda. That mix of energy and ease is what makes it such a memorable place to explore.
Footage of Sataya, dolphin house
Luxor: The World’s Largest Open-Air Museum
Head south to Luxor, often called the world’s largest open-air museum. The temples of Karnak and Luxor are massive and breathtaking, especially as the evening sun casts a golden glow over the columns and obelisks. Cross the Nile to explore the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, where elaborately decorated tombs tell stories of pharaohs, queens, and ancient beliefs about the afterlife.
For a quieter experience, visit Medinet Habu, a temple complex dedicated to Ramses III, or Deir el-Medina, the village of artisans who built the royal tombs. Walking these sites offers insight into daily life in ancient Egypt and the incredible craftsmanship of its people.
Aswan: Slow-Paced Nile Charm
In Aswan, the pace slows down, offering a more relaxed experience. Sail along the Nile in a traditional felucca, visit Elephantine Island to see Nubian heritage and ancient ruins, and explore the serene Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
A journey to Abu Simbel is a bit of a mission but absolutely worth it. The colossal temples, carved directly into a mountainside and relocated piece by piece to avoid flooding from Lake Nasser, are awe-inspiring in both scale and detail. The intricate reliefs and statues capture the power and artistry of Ramses II.
Red Sea Adventures
For those seeking Red Sea adventures, Dahab offers a laid-back atmosphere ideal for diving, snorkeling, and enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants. Sharm El-Sheikh caters to luxury travelers with resorts and nightlife, while Hurghada sits somewhere in between, offering a mix of beach life, entertainment, and diving excursions.
Don’t miss famous diving spots like the Blue Hole, Ras Mohammed National Park, and the reefs around Tiran Island, where colorful coral, tropical fish, and even dolphins make underwater exploration unforgettable.
Last updated: January 2025
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✅ Must-Haves (Don’t Skip These)
Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs. Go reef-safe (and it actually works in the humidity). This one’s great https://amzn.to/426EeAr
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Portable Power Bank – Keep your phone alive during long bus rides or power cuts.
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Reusable Water Bottle (with filter if possible) – Stay hydrated without buying endless plastic bottles.
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Bug Repellent – Jungle + dusk = mosquitos. Go DEET-free or natural if you prefer.
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Essential Packing For Your Upcoming Adventures 🎒
✨ Nice-to-Haves (Make Your Trip Way Easier)
Waterproof Camera (GoPro) – For underwater snorkeling, surf footage, and waterfalls.
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Camera (Good but Affordable) – If you want better photos without going pro-level, something like the Canon EOS R50 or Sony a6400 with a kit lens is a solid travel pick: https://amzn.to/3HAU67w
📷Why it’s worth it: Not everyone wants a bulky DSLR. If you want high-quality photos without spending thousands, something like the Canon EOS R50 or Sony a6400 is a great balance. Both are lightweight, great in low light (hello, jungle sunsets), and come with decent kit lenses for beginners.
DJI Mini Drone – Capture epic coastlines and jungle views without carrying a giant drone.
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Headlamp / Compact Flashlight – Jungle nights get dark fast.
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Earplugs – Between howler monkeys and surf towns with late-night music, you’ll want them.
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Travel Hammock (lightweight packable) – Perfect for chilling on the beach or jungle stays.
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Sun Hat/Cap – Foldable ones pack easily. This one works well: https://amzn.to/4pfaAmP
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