Egypt
Egypt holds five thousand years of history along a single river. The pyramids rise at the edge of Cairo, temples line the Nile, and the Red Sea offers some of the best reefs in the world.
Why it is on my list
The last Ancient Wonder still standing, and a slow cruise down the Nile. I want to stand at the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza, then drift south past temples, palm groves and fields little changed in centuries.
Best time to go
October to April: comfortable weather. December to February is cool, with chilly nights in the desert.
May to September: very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, but cheaper and quiet.
Red Sea: diving and swimming are good nearly all year.
Ramadan: the dates move each year. Some restaurants close by day, and evenings are festive.
Crowds: December and January are busiest at major sites. Go early.
Where to stay
Giza: wake up to pyramid views. The Mena House is a historic palace hotel next to the plateau.
Zamalek and Garden City, Cairo: central, with Nile views and restaurants.
Luxor: the Sofitel Winter Palace is a Victorian era landmark on the Nile.
Aswan: the Old Cataract overlooks the river and the temple islands.
Nile cruise boat: sleep onboard while sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
Getting there and around
Airports: Cairo (CAI). Luxor (LXR), Aswan (ASW) and Hurghada (HRG) for regional trips.
From the US: nonstop flights to Cairo run from New York. Otherwise connect via Europe or Istanbul.
Internal: domestic flights are cheap, and sleeper trains run Cairo to Luxor and Aswan.
Nile cruises: 3 or 4 night Luxor to Aswan sailings visit Edfu and Kom Ombo.
Permits: temple tickets are bought on site or online. Photography fees may apply inside tombs.
What to eat
Koshari: rice, lentils, pasta and fried onions with spicy tomato sauce.
Ful medames and ta'ameya: fava beans and Egyptian falafel for breakfast.
Molokhia: a green soup served with rice or bread.
Kofta and kebab: grilled meat with salads.
Mahshi: stuffed vegetables and vine leaves.
Um Ali: warm milk pastry pudding with nuts.
What to drink
Karkade: hibiscus tea, served hot or cold.
Egyptian tea and coffee: strong, sweet and drunk everywhere.
Sugarcane juice: fresh pressed from street stalls.
Stella and Sakara: local lagers in licensed bars and hotels.
Don't miss
Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx: the last surviving wonder of the ancient world.
Grand Egyptian Museum: the huge museum near the pyramids, with the Tutankhamun collection.
Valley of the Kings and Karnak: in Luxor, the greatest concentration of temples and tombs.
Abu Simbel: colossal rock temples near the Sudan border.
Khan el Khalili: the old bazaar in Islamic Cairo.
Felucca at sunset: a sailing boat ride on the Nile at Aswan.
Day trips and side trips
Saqqara and Dahshur: step pyramid and quieter pyramids.
Alexandria: Mediterranean seafront and the library.
Fayoum Oasis: lakes, waterfalls and desert dunes.
White Desert: chalk rock formations and camping, a longer trip.
Red Sea: diving and snorkeling at Dahab or Hurghada.
Festivals and events
Abu Simbel Sun Festival: usually on February 22 and October 22, when sunlight enters the temple.
Cairo International Film Festival: usually in November.
Ramadan nights: lanterns, food and late gatherings.
Music and dance
Mahraganat: loud, fast street electronic music born in Cairo's neighborhoods.
Umm Kulthum and classic Arabic song: the voice of the country.
Tanoura: the spinning Sufi dance.
Nightlife
Cairo stays up late, with cafes, shisha and music running past midnight. Alcohol is available in hotels, licensed bars and some restaurants, but much of the social life is around tea and conversation.
When people go out: dinner at 9 or 10, cafes until 2 or later.
Where the action is: Zamalek, Downtown Cairo and Maadi.
Good to know: dress modestly in local areas and keep public drinking discreet.
Photography spots
Giza plateau at sunrise: pyramids in soft light.
Luxor Temple at night: floodlit columns and statues.
Aswan: felucca sails on the Nile.
Islamic Cairo: minarets and bazaars from the Citadel.
Drones: effectively banned without special permits. Do not fly.
Cost of living
Overall: $ to $$ versus New York.
Coffee: $1 to $2.
Local lunch: $2 to $5.
Dinner for two: $15 to $40.
Beer: $2 to $4.
Mid range hotel: $50 to $120 per night.
Daily budget: $60 to $150.
Cheap to eat and move, with site fees adding up. Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.
Working remotely
Wi-Fi: acceptable in Cairo and resort towns, weaker elsewhere.
Coworking: several in Cairo, and some in Dahab.
Time zone: usually 7 hours ahead of US Eastern, but Egypt observes summer time, so check.
Longer stays: tourist visas allow short stays. Longer stays need a residence permit.
Nomad rating: 3/5.
Good to know
Language: Arabic. English is common in tourism.
Currency: Egyptian pound. Carry small notes for tips.
Plugs: Types C and F, 220V.
Entry for US citizens: a visa is required, available on arrival or online. Check current rules.
Getting around apps: Uber and InDrive.
Tipping: baksheesh is expected for small services. Carry small notes.
Water: drink bottled.
SIM/eSIM: Vodafone, Orange and Etisalat. eSIMs work.
Useful phrases
Salaam alaikum: hello.
Shukran: thank you.
La shukran: no thank you, useful in bazaars.
Yalla: let us go.
Bikam da: how much is this.
Meeting people
Social scene: warm and curious. Egyptians often start conversations.
Apps: Couchsurfing, Meetup and expat Facebook groups.
Etiquette: dress modestly, and ask before photographing people. Use your right hand for giving and eating.
Stay smart: agree prices before camel rides, taxis and tours. Politely decline touts.
Staying safe
Touts and scams: expect persistent offers near major sites. A firm no is fine.
Transport: use ride apps or hotel cars.
Health: drink bottled water and be careful with street food at first.
Advisories: check current government travel advisories for Sinai and border regions.