This guide covers the best of Cairo, from ancient wonders of the world to local culture. Start your trip with a visit to the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore the Egyptian Museum, stroll through Khan El Khalili market, and cruise the Nile River.
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Is It Safe To Visit Egypt?
You should stay up to date on current safety when planning a trip to Cairo. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Egypt. This advisory is valid as of October 2024. Read more: Egypt Travel Advisory.
Cairo is also experiencing current conditions that can pose health risks, especially for people with respiratory conditions. If you have any health concerns, be sure to consult medical professionals before traveling.
Many travelers visit Cairo without incident, although that was not my personal experience (story time to follow). However, it’s crucial to remain aware and updated. Follow guidance from official sources to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
My Experience: The Nile, Pyramids, and Beyond
Egypt is a land of ancient wonders, culture, and memorable experiences. It’s also a place where you need to stay sharp. I cruised the Nile and explored the pyramids. My trip was a mix of awe-inspiring moments and a few unexpected ‘challenges.’ Here’s my guide to help you navigate Egypt like a pro.
The Nile River Cruise and Dance Show
One of my favorite parts of the trip was the Nile River cruise. Sailing along the river at sunset and watching the city lights reflecting on the water was magical. The traditional dance show, with Tanoura and belly dancing, was beautiful and added a cultural touch to the experience. Highly recommended!
Visiting the Pyramids and Sphinx
Exploring the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx on a camel was both exciting and scary. Riding through the desert on a camel with these ancient wonders in the background felt like stepping back in time. However, be prepared for pushy tour guides. They might try to upsell you to buy photos, souvenirs, or even extra “tours” to ‘hidden gems.’ In those places, they’ll ask for even more tips.
I also had a guide. After the tour, he took us to his shop to sell us overpriced oils. I fell for it and bought them. I still have the oil today, and thankfully, it never expires, and it actually smells pretty good. Every scent-enthusiast traveler knows the Middle East is great for buying oils and perfumes. That’s how they got me. The price for that oil, though, I will never speak on again.
The Scams and Safety Tips
Egypt is beautiful, but it’s not without its challenges. Here are a few things I learned:
- Airport Taxi Scam: At 4 AM, a taxi driver offered me a “free ride” to my hotel. Thankfully, I declined and stuck to pre-arranged transport. Always book a trusted driver in advance. This was probably an attempted kidnapping that I evaded. It’s funny to think about now, but it was scary at the moment. To top it off, my phone was dying. I’m glad I waited at the airport till my friend found me.
- Aggressive Locals: While walking back from a restaurant at night, a local followed us, aggressively trying to flirt. When we declined, he proceeded to start walking faster and picked up pace into a light jog. We eventually started jogging until we saw a police officer with a gun and told him we were being followed. We had to rush into our apartment to avoid the situation. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less crowded areas.
- Overcharging: Be cautious of guides or vendors who try to charge extra for services you’ve already paid for. Negotiate prices upfront and keep small bills for tips. This is a very popular scam in most countries. They test how much they can overcharge and how much more the tourist is willing to pay. Stand your ground and know how much you’re willing to pay no matter what.
Egypt Travel Guide Map: Must-Do Activities
Here’s a quick guide to the top spots and activities in Egypt:
- Cairo
- Luxor
- Aswan
- Philae Temple
- Abu Simbel (day trip)
- Nile River Cruise
- Alexandria
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Qaitbay Citadel
- Montaza Palace
Quick Route Using the Map
- Day 1-2: Start in Cairo—visit the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum.
- Day 3-4: Fly to Luxor—explore Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, and take a Nile cruise.
- Day 5-6: Head to Aswan—see Philae Temple and take a day trip to Abu Simbel.
- Day 7: End in Alexandria—visit the Bibliotheca and enjoy the Mediterranean vibes.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting Egypt
Key Travel Tips
- Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites.
- Respect Customs: Avoid public affection; ask before taking photos.
- Learn Basic Arabic: Greetings like “As-salam alaykum” (Hello) are appreciated.
Safety & Health Precautions
- Stay in Crowded Areas: Avoid walking alone at night.
- Use Trusted Transport: Opt for Uber, Careem, or hotel-arranged rides.
- Secure Valuables: Use anti-theft bags in crowded places.
- Drink Bottled Water: Avoid tap water, even when brushing your teeth.
Essential Logistics
- Visa: Available on arrival or online.
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP); inform your bank before traveling.
- Tipping: Expected for most services—carry small bills.
- Best Time to Visit: October–April for cooler weather.
Must-See Spots
- Cairo: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum.
- Luxor: Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings.
- Aswan: Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, Nile cruise.
- Alexandria: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel.
- Red Sea: Snorkeling & diving in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
Recommended: 7-Day ‘Quick’ Itinerary
1-2: Explore Cairo (Pyramids, Sphinx, Museum).
3-4: Fly to Luxor (Temples, Valley of the Kings, balloon ride).
5-6: Visit Aswan (Philae Temple, Abu Simbel).
7: Relax at the Red Sea (Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh).
Despite the slight challenges I had, Egypt’s history, culture, and beauty make it a destination like no other. With the right planning and some caution, your trip can be very memorable.
7-Day Itinerary
Estimated Cost: You should plan to spend around E£634 ($21) per day on your vacation in Cairo. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, E£180 ($5.91) on meals for one day and E£113 ($3.72) on local transportation. Also, a couple’s average hotel price in Cairo is E£660 ($22). So, a trip to Cairo for two people for one week costs an average of E£8,870 ($291).
Accommodation Cost: The average price for one person’s accommodation in Cairo is E£330. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price is E£660.
First Day: Arrival in Cairo
- Arrive at Cairo International Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel and spend some time getting acclimated.
- Explore the local area around your hotel and try some local Egyptian food.
Second Day: Pyramids of Giza
- Visit the Pyramids of Giza, one of the most famous ancient wonders of the world.
- See the Sphinx. It is a massive limestone statue with a lion’s body and a human’s head.
- Visit the Solar Boat Museum to see a reconstructed pharaoh’s boat
Third Day: Egyptian Museum
- Visit the Egyptian Museum, which has a huge collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the famous Tutankhamun exhibit.
- Take a stroll in Tahrir Square and see the Egyptian Revolution Monument.
Fourth Day: Islamic Cairo
- Explore the Islamic district of Cairo, including the Al-Azhar Mosque, the oldest university in the world.
- Visit the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, one of the Middle East’s oldest and most famous markets.
- Visit the Al-Hussein Mosque, one of the holiest Islamic sites in Egypt.
Fifth Day: Coptic Cairo
- Visit the Coptic Museum, which has a vast collection of Coptic art and artifacts from Egypt’s early Christian period.
- Visit the Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches in Egypt and a significant Coptic Christian site.
- Explore the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt.
Sixth Day: Alexandria Day Trip
- Take a day trip to Alexandria, a historic coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea.
- Visit the Library of Alexandria, one of the ancient world’s largest and most famous libraries.
- Explore the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, an underground burial site from the Roman period.
- Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Seventh Day: Departure
- Transfer from Alexandria to the airport for your flight departure from Cairo.
- Alternatively, take a train. Plan 12 hours in advance.
Note: Please check for the latest travel restrictions and requirements before planning your trip.
Travel Resources
Resources to Use While You Plan
These are core guides and tools you can use for almost any trip, from picking a destination to mapping your route and making more time to travel.
All Itineraries & Trips
A central hub of long-weekend guides, Detty December routes, solo trips, and country itineraries you can copy and tweak.
Open itineraries hub →Solo Travel Starter Guide
A full solo travel hub with safety tips, destination ideas, and resources if you’re planning to travel on your own.
Open solo travel guide →Group Travel & Hosted Trips
Explore hosted group trips and trusted partner trips if you’d rather join a group instead of planning alone.
See travel options →COI Travel Network
A central page for solo, group, agency, and travel update links, so you can plug into my wider travel ecosystem.
Explore the network →How to Take More Time Off
A practical guide on stacking weekends, holidays, and smart PTO so you can travel more without quitting your job.
Read time-off tips →Trip Consultation Call
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