Discover the best things to do in Egypt, from visiting the pyramids in Giza and Dahshur, to exploring the incredible tombs and temples in Luxor, to cruising the Nile and scuba diving in the Red Sea. Weโll also cover the best time to visit, how to get around, and include a sample itinerary to see the best of Egypt in 10 days.
For many first-time visitors to Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza, a Nile cruise, and the archaeological treasures in Luxor make the must-see list. But Egypt offers many more exciting experiences. Journey out into the desert and visit the oases or hike to the top of Mount Sinai.
We spent just under two weeks exploring Egypt from top to bottom. The majority of our time was spent along the Nile, in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. For us, the highlights were the amazing tombs and temples in Luxor, seeing the pyramids in Giza, and venturing into the pyramids in Dahshur.
Egypt is more than just pyramids and temples, as you will see in this post. Egypt is also home to beautiful beaches, magnificent sand dunes, unique desert landscapes, pristine coral reefs, and luxurious resort towns.
The Essentials
DONโT MISS | The Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Nile River, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, Grand Egyptian Museum
GO BEYOND THE TOMBS & TEMPLES | Alexandria, Islamic & Coptic Cairo, White Desert, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, resorts in Hurghada
HOW LONG | 7 to 14 days
WHEN TO GO | November through March
Best Things to Do in Egypt
This list of things to do in Egypt is ordered geographically, starting with Cairo, then working south along the Nile River to Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. The list wraps up with Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh in the northeast and the remote deserts in western Egypt.
Things to Do in Cairo, Giza & Alexandria
1. Visit the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza, along with the Sphinx and a handful of smaller tombs, form one of the most iconic sights in the world.
Giza Plateau
The Pyramids of Giza were built almost 5,000 years ago, at the beginning of human recorded history.
The Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest of the three main pyramids on the Giza plateau. This pyramid was built around 2570 BC and it is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In fact, it is the only Ancient Wonder to remain largely intact.
We visited the Pyramids of Giza twice, since they are such an amazing sight to see.
How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza
Plan on spending a minimum of 3 hours at the Pyramids of Giza. This gives you enough time to go inside the Great Pyramid, visit Panoramic Point, and snap a photo with the Sphinx.
Since a visit to the Giza Plateau takes half a day, you have time to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in the afternoon or explore historic Cairo.
2026 Price List for the Giza Plateau
Giza Plateau Entrance Ticket: 700 EGP per adult, 350 EGP per student (with valid ID)
Entrance Ticket to the Great Pyramid: 900 EGP
Entrance Ticket to the Pyramid of Khafre: 280 EGP
Entrance Ticket to the Pyramid of Menkaure: 280 EGP
Learn how to plan your visit in our guide How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza. We also have an article aboutย Where to Get the Best Views of the Pyramids.
Where to Get the Best Views of the Pyramids of Giza
If you are planning a trip to Egypt and want to know where to get the best views of the Pyramids of Giza, we have some great spots for you to try. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last intact ancient Wonder of the World. This pyramid, along with the others that sit on […]
Pyramids of Giza: The Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
In this guide, we cover the best things to do at the Pyramids of Giza, how to get here, how to get around, if it is worth it to go inside the pyramids, and if it is worth it to hire a guide. The Pyramids of Giza, along with the Sphinx and a handful of […]
2. Get a History Lesson in the Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum (the GEM) contains the worldโs largest collection of Egyptian artifacts. Highlights of a visit include seeing the solid gold mask and the golden sarcophagi of Tutankhamun and a mind-blowing number of statues, jewelry, and treasures.
Grand Egyptian Museum | shutterstock.com
The GEM is located just outside of the Giza Plateau, making it easy to combine with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza.
Planning Your Visit
Cost: 1,450 EGP adults, 730 EGP child (6 to 12 years old)
Hours: 9 am to 6 pm; open until 9 pm Wednesdays and Saturdays
Get hours and pricing on the official website, plus the link to purchase your ticket online in advance. Tickets can also be purchased through GetYourGuide.
3. Explore Historic Cairo
Cairo is the capital of Egypt. It is located on the Nile River, right where the desert transitions into the Nile Delta.
Islamic Cairo is the historic heart of Cairo. This area contains one of the largest collections of historic architecture in the Islamic world. Numerous mosques, madrassas, fortifications, and tombs date from the Islamic era of Egypt (639 to the early 16th century), making Cairo one of the worldโs oldest Islamic cities.
The top things to do in Islamic Cairo include Al-Azhar Mosque, Salah El-Din Citadel, a stroll down Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatima Street (al-Muizz for short), shopping in Khan el-Khalili, and Al-Rifaโi Mosque.
Mosque of Muhammed Ali
Coptic Cairo is located in Old Cairo in the southern part of the city. The first settlements here date back to the 6th century BC. Many of the places to visit here originate from Egyptโs Christian past, but you can also visit a synagogue and the first mosque built in Africa.
The top places to visit in Coptic Cairo include the Hanging Church, the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Mosque of Amr Ibn al-As.
Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus
Planning Your Visit
A visit to Islamic and Coptic Cairo takes a half to a full day, depending on how many places you choose to visit. We hired a guide and driver, which we highly recommend. Getting around Cairo can be challenging, and having a driver allowed us to sit back and “enjoy” the ride, which involved frequent traffic jams throughout the city.
We cover Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo in much more detail in our article Best Things to Do in Cairo.
4. Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara
Saqqara, also spelled Sakkara, is the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis. This area contains numerous pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser (Zoser), the oldest stone building complex in the world.
On March 5, 2020, after 14 years of restoration work, the Step Pyramid opened to the public. You can now descend down narrow stairways and walk through the labyrinth of passageways that sit beneath the pyramid.
Step Pyramid of Djoser
We visited Saqqara on a day trip from Cairo, in which we also visited Memphis and the pyramids in Dahshur (mentioned next).
5. Go Inside the Pyramids in Dahshur
Just a short drive outside of Cairo sit two of the oldest pyramids in Egypt, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. This is where the ancient Egyptians perfected their pyramid-building skills, constructing the first smooth sided pyramid in the world (the Red Pyramid).
Touring the pyramids of Dahshur feels like an adventure. To enter the pyramids, you will descend down tight, steep tunnels and then explore the ancient chambers inside of the pyramids. In some ways, itโs much more thrilling than a visit to the pyramids of Giza.
Bent Pyramid
Inside the Red Pyramid
Planning Your Visit
Entrance Ticket: 200 EGP adult, 100 EGP student with valid ID
Hours: 8 am to 4 pm
A visit here lasts 1 to 1.5 hours if you enter both pyramids.
We cover what to expect when visiting both the Bent and the Red Pyramid, with a lot more photos, in our guide How to Day Trip to Dahshur and Saqqara โ
6. Visit Alexandria
Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and a popular tourist destination. You can visit Alexandria on a day trip from Cairo or spend a night or two in the city.
Top sights include the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Alexandria National Museum, the Serapeum, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Corniche, the Stanley Bridge, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and Montazah Palace Gardens.
Tours of Alexandria
Things to Do in Luxor
7. Explore the Valley of the Kings
Without a doubt, a visit to the Valley of the Kings is one of the best things to do in Egypt.
The Valley of the Kings is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. This is a royal burial ground, with exquisitely decorated tombs for the pharaohs who ruled Egypt between 1539 and 1075 BC. There are over 60 tombs in this small area, although only a handful are open to public.
We visited the Valley of the Kings twice, simply because there are so many tombs to visit. Typically, there are about 10 tombs that are open to the public (this number can vary a little from year to year, depending on which tombs are open). An entrance ticket allows you to visit three of them.
Our favorites that are included on the main ticket are KV2 (Ramesses IV), KV 14 (Tausert and Seknakht), KV11 (Ramesses III), and the tomb of Ramesses IX (KV6).
There are three tombs that have an additional fee. The tomb of Seti I has the biggest price tag, at 2,000 EGP, but it is spectacular. The tomb of King Tut is a bit overrated and has a big fee of 700 EGP. And it is worth it to spend the 220 EGP to visit the tombs of Ramesses V and VI.
Tomb of Seti I
Inside the tomb of Ramesses V and VI
Planning Your Visit
From our multiple visits to the Valley of the Kings, we wrote two detailed guides. One guide covers the best tombs to visit in the Valley of the Kings, with lots of photos and information about the tombs. In our guide to the Valley of the Kings, we go into the details of planning your visit, including how to get there, if it is worth it to hire a guide, plus lots of helpful tips that we learned from our visits.
Best Tombs to Visit in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt
In this guide, we cover which tombs in the Valley of the Kings are currently open, as well as the best ones to visit. We also discuss the costs and which tombs are worth paying the extra fee. The Valley of the Kings is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. This […]
Valley of the Kings: The Complete Guide for 2026
The Valley of the Kings is one of Egyptโs most spectacular destinations. Located on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor, this small area contains a staggering amount of exquisitely decorated tombs of Egyptโs ancient kings. When planning our visit, we found it very difficult to find any reliable information online. Mislabeled photos, […]
8. Visit the Tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens
The Valley of the Queens was the burial site of the wives of the pharaohs. The tombs that you will see here are smaller and lack some of the grandeur of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, with one big exception.
The tomb of Queen Nefertari is one of the most spectacular tombs that you can visit in Egypt. The level of detail is amazing and the colors are more vibrant that what we saw in many tombs, temples, and pyramids in Egypt. If you want to get an idea of what the tombs looked like 3,000 years ago, put the tomb of Queen Nefertari on your list.
Note: As of March 2, 2024 the Tomb of Nefertari closed and it is unknown when it will reopen (this was confirmed in December 2025).
Inside the tomb of Queen Nefertari
9. Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
For 20 years, Hatshepsut ruled over Egypt, and she is considered to be one of the most powerful female rulers in the world.
In the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri sits Hatshepsutโs Mortuary Temple, her most famous architectural achievement. This colonnaded structure has a much different appearance than many other temples in Egypt, but that is what also makes it so memorable.
There are three terraces connected with long ramps. This temple complex contains the Birth Colonnade, which tells the story of Hatshepsutโs divine creation with Amun as her father. The Punt Colonnade tells about her expedition to Punt and the luxury goods brought back to Egypt. You can also see the Temple of Hathor and the Temple of Anubis.
The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is one of the most popular things to do on the West Bank of Luxor so expect big crowds.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets cost 440 EGP and can be purchased at the entrance gate. A visit here lasts about one hour.
PRO TRAVEL TIP:ย Since our visit, you can now get around the Valley of the Queens and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut by electric buggy. Tickets cost 5 EGP per person.
10. Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu
This huge temple complex is dedicated to Ramesses III. There are several courtyards, pylons, and peristyle halls, with inscribed reliefs depicting the defeat of the Sea People during the rule of Ramesses III. It is located on the West Bank of Luxor.
For more things to do on the West Bank, read our article Complete Guide to the West Bank of Luxor.
11. Marvel at the Karnak Temple Complex
Karnak Temple is the second largest temple complex in the world (Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest). For over 2,000 years, starting in 2000 BCE, temples, monuments, and buildings were added to the complex. Approximately 30 pharaohs added something to the Karnak Temple Complex.
Karnak Temple is the second most visited site in Egypt, coming in right behind the Pyramids of Giza. This is one of the best things to do in Egypt.
Walk along the avenue lined with ram-headed sphinxes, enter the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall, see the obelisks of Tuthmosis I and Hatshepsut, and see the beautiful reliefs on the pylons.
Karnak Temple
How to Visit Karnak Temple
Cost: 600 EGP per adult; 300 EGP with valid student ID
Hours: May through September 6 am to 4 pm; October through April 6 am to 4 pm
Best Time to Visit Karnak Temple: In the morning before 10 am. Get here by 7 am if you want to visit Karnak before the crowds. We arrived at 8:15 am and there were just a few people here. By the time we left, at 10 am, tour buses were dropping off large groups of people. The most crowded time to visit Karnak Temple is from 10 am to 4 pm.
How Long Does a Visit Last: Roughly two hours, if you include the Karnak Open Air Museum (listed next)
12. Visit Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple looks and feels like a smaller version of Karnak Temple, although this temple served a different purpose than many found in and around Luxor. This temple is not dedicated to one particular god or pharaoh. Instead, it may have been where many of the kings of ancient Egypt were crowned. This temple was built in 1400 BC, mostly by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II.
Luxor Temple
How to Visit Luxor Temple
Cost: 500 EGP per adult; 250 EGP per student with valid ID
Hours: 6 am to 7 pm
Best Time to Visit: Our guide said that sunset at Luxor Temple is amazing. We arrived at 10:45 am, immediately after visiting Karnak Temple, and crowds were still relatively light. I imagine that if you go early, you could almost have Luxor Temple all to yourself.
How Long Does a Visit Last: We spent one hour here.
For more things to see and do on the West and East Banks, don’t miss our article Best Things to Do in Luxor โ
13. Day Trip to Abydos and Dendera
Located on the Nile River, just north of Luxor, sit two of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. The sacred city of Abydos is home to the temple of Seti I. The Hathor Temple in Dendera is one of the most colorful temples in Egypt, with an intricately detailed ceiling and one of the most amazing hypostyle halls that we saw in Egypt.
Inside the Temple of Seti I in Abydos
The ceiling of Hathor Temple in Dendera
Hathor Temple, Dendera
Planning Your Visit
From Luxor, you can visit Dendera and Abydos on a day trip. Itโs a long day, coming in at around 10 hours, and much of this time is spent in a car. But if you want to see two spectacular temples, this is well worth your time. Since it is not on the main tourist trail, crowds can be low, even during peak season.
Things to Do in Aswan & Abu Simbel
14. Visit the Beautiful Philae Temple
The Philae Temple is one of the best-preserved Ptolemaic temples in Egypt, joining the list with the temples of Dendera and Edfu. More than two-thirds of the surviving buildings of the temple complex were built during the Ptolemaic period (332 to 30 BC). Isis was the primary deity who was worshipped here, although Osiris and Hathor were also honored.
Philae Temple | Best Things to Do in Egypt
When the Aswan Old Dam was constructed in 1902, Philae Island became submerged underwater. The only time that the island, and the temples, were not underwater was during the summer months, when the gates of the dam were opened. In the 1960โs, under the direction of UNESCO, the temple was dismantled and reassembled on the nearby island of Agilkia.
Planning Your Visit: Philae Temple is located in Aswan. Learn more about how to visit Aswan and Philae Temple in our article Best Things to Do in Aswan.
15. Cruise on the Nile River
Drifting on the Nile River, past the ancient tombs and temples, is one of Egyptโs top experiences. Most cruises sail between Aswan and Luxor, with visits to Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo along the way.
You can travel the Nile River by cruise ship (the most popular option), on a dahabiya (smaller wooden ships, perfect for those who want to travel in a smaller group or want a more romantic experience), or a felucca (a small, Egyptian sailboat).
Feluccas on the Nile River in Aswan
16. Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu
This temple can be visited while on a Nile Cruise or on the drive between Luxor and Aswan.
This is a magnificent temple that is dedicated to the god Horus. It was built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC.
It is in excellent condition, despite being over 2,000 years old (although it is relatively young by Egyptian standards). The first pylon is in almost perfect condition and you really get an idea of how these temples looked when they were first constructed.
Temple of Horus
Planning Your Visit
The Temple of Horus in Edfu is located between Luxor and Aswan. We visited Edfu while driving from Luxor to Aswan, but this site is also a popular stop on a Nile Cruise. We cover how to visit Edfu in our article about driving between Aswan and Luxor, which also includes visits to Kom Ombo (mentioned next) and Esna.
17. Temple of Kom Ombo
The Temple of Kom Ombo is a double temple that was constructed for two sets of gods. One half of the complex is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god who is associated with fertility of the land along the Nile River. The other half is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.
Temple of Kom Ombo
You can visit Kom Ombo on a day trip from Aswan, during a Nile Cruise, or on the drive between Luxor and Aswan.
18. Visit the Amazing Twin Temples at Abu Simbel
Sitting on the bank of Lake Nasser is one of Egyptโs most striking monuments, the twin temples of Abu Simbel.
Built by Ramesses II over 3,000 years ago, these temples have stood the test of time. The story behind Abu Simbel becomes even more fascinating when you learn that the entire complex was dismantled and relocated to higher ground, after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Abu Simbel
Planning Your Visit
To get here, you can plan a day trip from either Aswan or Cairo. Travel times can be long (if you travel by land) or expensive (if you travel by air), so is it worth it? Absolutely! The temples of Abu Simbel are some of most impressive and unique temples you will see in Egypt, so it is well worth the visit.
We visited Abu Simbel on a day trip from Aswan, traveling to and from Abu Simbel by airplane. We cover the multiple ways to plan your day trip in our guide to Abu Simbel โ
Things to Do in Sharm El-Sheikh & Hurghada
19. Relax in Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh is one of Egyptโs most popular beach resort towns. If you want to chill out on the beach or take a break from the tombs and temples, this is a great place to add to your travel itinerary.
Top things to do here include scuba diving, visiting the Ras Mohammed National Park, shopping in the Sharm Old Market, and relaxing in Naama Bay and Sharkโs Bay.
20. Visit Taba and Dahab, Resort Towns on the Gulf of Aqaba
Located on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba, on the Sinai Peninsula, sit two small resort towns.
Taba is the northernmost town on Egyptโs Red Sea Riviera. It sits just across the border from Eilat, Israel so this town is Egyptโs busiest border crossing town. The best things in Taba include scuba diving, going for a swim in Fjord Bay, visiting Salah El-Din Castle and Castle Zaman, and taking a day trip to the Colored Canyon.
Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, Dahab is one of Sinaiโs best diving destinations and is world-renowned for its windsurfing. From Dahab, you can dive in the Blue Hole, which is nicknamed โThe Worldโs Most Dangerous Diving Site.โ
21. Hike to the Summit of Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai is a popular pilgrimage site in Egypt. According to the Old Testament, this is the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. It is sacred site for Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
Most hikers start in the pre-dawn hours, reaching the summit in time to watch the sunrise.
The hike starts at Saint Catherineโs Monastery. This Greek Orthodox Church was built between 548 and 565 and it is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are two paths to the summit, the easier and wider Camel Path and the shorter, more challenging Steps of Penitence. The hike is 4 miles round trip.
Most hikers stay in either Dahab or Sharm El Sheikh.
22. Scuba Dive in the Red Sea
The Red Sea is one of the worldโs top scuba diving locations. With pristine reefs, numerous shipwrecks to explore, warm water, and excellent visibility, Egyptโs Red Sea is a bucket list destination for many scuba divers.
23. Visit the Resort Towns of Hurghada and Marsa Alam
Hurghada is a very popular resort town on the Red Sea. Upscale hotels line the beaches, making this a popular winter destination for many Europeans. Go scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and kitesurfing, visit the Giftun Islands, swim with dolphins, and even take a day trip to Luxor.
Marsa Alam is an up-and-coming resort town on the Red Sea, south of Hurghada. On Abu Dabab beach, you can see sea turtles. Marsa Alam is also a world-renowned kitesurfing destination, and, like the other towns on the Red Sea, a great place to go scuba diving or snorkeling.
Things to Do in Western Egypt
24. Visit the White Desert, Egyptโs Alien Landscape
The White Desert is a national park that is located in the Western Desert of Egypt. Uniquely shaped limestone rock formations decorate this desert landscape.
To get here, itโs a long drive from Cairo and you will need a 4×4. Most people visit the White Desert on a guided tour. A visit to the White Desert usually includes a quick visit to the Black Desert and to the Bahariya Oasis.
Aline Fortuna/shutterstock.com
Marjolein Hameleers/shutterstock.com
25. Explore the Oases in the Western Desert
Journey away from the tombs, temples, and densely populated cities of Egypt into the Western Desert. It is here that you can visit the oases, where groves of palm trees and freshwater springs dot the immense desert landscape.
Egypt has several oases that are located in the Western Desert.
Siwa Oasis, located in western Egypt near the Libyan border, is considered to be the most beautiful oasis. It is also the most remote, located 560 km from Cairo. Alexander the Great came here to consult the oracle at the Temple of Jupiter-Amun.
The Bahariya Oasis, which is located 330 km from Cairo, has several small ancient sites. A visit here is often combined with the White Desert.
The Fayoum Oasis is a quasi-oasis that is located next to the Nile River, south of Cairo. Visit Wadi El Rayan, a national park that contains man-made lakes and several waterfalls. You can also explore The Valley of the Whales, where you can see the skeletons of sharks, whales, and other fossils that date back millions of years.
Best Things to Do in Egypt: On a Map
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Should You Hire a Guide on Your Trip to Egypt?
Typically, we travel independently, and very rarely do we hire guides or take tours. But Egypt is different. You will see an unbelievable amount of ancient sites and the history is fascinating. To get the most out of your experience, we recommend hiring an Egyptologist.
For our trip to Egypt, we hired the company Egypt Tailor Made. For most of our visit (every day with the exception of our day trip to Abu Simbel), we had a driver and guide/Egyptologist. It was a great decision. We traveled in a private group, our guides were knowledgeable and entertaining, and we learned a lot from them. We could just sit back and enjoy the trip and let our guides handle the logistics.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Egypt?
The best way to get around Egypt depends on where youโre going, but for most travelers, a mix of private drivers, domestic flights, and guided tours works best.
In cities like Cairo and Luxor, hiring a private driver is the most convenient option. Rideshare apps like Uber and Careem also work well in Cairo and Giza, offering a safe and easy way to get from place to place.
For longer distances, such as traveling between Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor, domestic flights are fast, reliable, and reasonably priced, saving you many hours of overland travel. We traveled by plane between Cairo and Luxor, Aswan to Abu Simbel, and Aswan back to Cairo.
A Nile Cruise is also a popular way to travel between Aswan and Luxor. We chose to skip the Nile Cruise, as traveling overland with a guide and driver gave us more flexibility to visit the tombs and temples in this part of Egypt on our own schedule.
How Much Time Do You Need in Egypt?
Ideally, plan on spending at least 10 days in Egypt. This gives you enough time to visit historic Cairo and the pyramids of Giza, the East and West Banks in Luxor, plus a few days in Aswan to visit the attractions there, and day trip to Abu Simbel.
With more time, add in Alexandria, Hurghada, and the Sinai Peninsula.
To help you plan your trip, take a look at our 10 Day Egypt Itinerary, which includes the best things to do in Egypt.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Egypt?
The big expenses when visiting Egypt are internal flights and a Nile Cruise, if you decide to take one. Hotel prices and meals are relatively inexpensive in Egypt, and itโs possible to stay in a 4 or 5-star hotel for a much lower cost than in Europe or the USA.
Fees to visit tombs and temples can add up, but the Luxor and Cairo Passes can help save money.
We have a detailed guide about How Much It Costs to Visit Egypt, with a breakdown of prices for attraction fees, hotels, food, transportation, plus a guide and driver.
When is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?
The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months from November through April. This is when daytime temperatures are comfortable for exploring the temples in Luxor and Aswan, wandering through the Cairo museums and markets, and sailing along the Nile. Winter (DecemberโFebruary) is peak season, especially around Christmas and New Year, so expect higher prices and larger crowds, but also the most pleasant weather.
If you prefer fewer visitors and slightly lower prices, late fall (OctoberโNovember) and early spring (MarchโApril) are ideal shoulder seasons. Summer can be extremely hot, particularly in Upper Egypt, making sightseeing challenging, but itโs still a good time for Red Sea destinations like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, where coastal breezes keep temperatures more manageable.
Our visit was in December, from roughly December 20 through New Yearโs Day. This is a busier, more expensive time to visit Egypt, but it worked well for us, since Tyler and Kara were on winter break.
Here is a temperature graph, so you can see the high and low temperatures in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Rainfall is very low in each of these cities all year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Visit Egypt?
Yes, Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially in major destinations like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts. These areas have a strong tourism presence and heightened security. Youโll see police checkpoints, airport-style screening at major sites, measures that are standard across the country to protect both locals and visitors. Millions of travelers visit each year without issues, and most report feeling comfortable, ourselves included, even when exploring independently.
Is a Nile Cruise Worth It?
For some people, a Nile Cruise is worth it. Slowly drift along the Nile River, visiting tombs, temples, and small towns along the way. A cruise makes it easy to plan a trip to Egypt, as it takes the hassle out of planning transportation, purchasing entrance fees, and hiring a guide. However, cruises can be expensive and your time to visit the tombs and temples will be limited.
We chose to skip the Nile cruise and travel by land. This was cheaper and allowed us to travel on our own schedule. This gave us more time in Aswan and Luxor than you typically get on a Nile cruise, plus we could visit the attractions in our small family group, rather than a larger tour group. We have no regrets, skipping the Nile Cruise.
What Should You Wear While Sightseeing?
Egypt is conservative, so modest clothing is recommended. We wore lightweight pants or long skirts, and kept our shoulders covered. At some sights, women will have to cover their heads, so it is best to bring along a scarf or rent one at the entrance gate.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Egypt?
Many nationalities can obtain an e-visa or visa on arrival. Requirements vary, so check the official e-visa website before traveling. We purchased our visa upon arrival at Cairo airport.
What Foods Should You Try in Egypt?
Donโt miss koshari, falafel (ta’ameya), ful medames, fresh juices, and Egyptian-style grilled meats. We were big fans of the falafel, which is made with fava beans and tastes different from Israeli falafel. Food is generally affordable and flavorful, with plenty of vegetarian options.
Comment below if you have any questions about the best things to do in Egypt or if you want to share your experience.
Plan Your Trip to Egypt
How to Plan an Amazing Trip to Egypt: Complete Travel Guide
Plan your visit to Egypt. Learn about the best things to do, how to plan your time, where to stay, and more.
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Egypt is an extraordinary travel destination. If you are like us, you have dreamed of seeing the pyramids of Giza since you were a child. With 10 days in Egypt, you have plenty of time to go beyond the pyramids and experience the highlights of this amazing country. On this Egypt itinerary, you will visit […]
Best Tombs to Visit in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt
In this guide, we cover which tombs in the Valley of the Kings are currently open, as well as the best ones to visit. We also discuss the costs and which tombs are worth paying the extra fee. The Valley of the Kings is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. This […]
Pyramids of Giza: The Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors
In this guide, we cover the best things to do at the Pyramids of Giza, how to get here, how to get around, if it is worth it to go inside the pyramids, and if it is worth it to hire a guide. The Pyramids of Giza, along with the Sphinx and a handful of […]
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Egypt in 2026?
Do you have plans to visit Egypt? If so, you might be wondering how much does it cost to visit Egypt? Good newsโฆEgypt is relatively easy on the wallet. Compared with places like Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, Egypt is cheaper to visit. Traveling through Egypt is similar in price to traveling […]
Abu Simbel: Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit
In this guide, we cover exactly how to plan your visit to Abu Simbel, including updated pricing, how to get there, things to see and do at Abu Simbel, and whether or not it is worth it. Sitting on the bank of Lake Nasser is one of Egyptโs most striking monuments, the twin temples of […]
2 Days in Cairo and Giza: 2 Detailed Itineraries
With 2 days in Cairo and Giza, you have enough time to visit the Pyramids of Giza, explore the amazing Grand Egyptian Museum, and walk through Islamic Cairo. But what if you want to skip some of the sights in Cairo and go on a day trip instead? You can do that, too. Here are […]
5 Amazing Things to Do on the East Bank of Luxor
Explore the top things to do on the East Bank of Luxor, including Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, along with tips on planning your visit, the best places to stay, and how to include the West Bank in your trip. On our visit to Egypt, we spent several days on the East Bank. The list […]
10 Day Israel and Jordan Itinerary: Jerusalem, Petra & the Dead Sea
For those who want to tour one of the Middle East’s most popular travel destinations, this Israel and Jordan itinerary may be perfect for you. Tour Jerusalem, an ancient city where every stone has a story to tell. Go to Tel Aviv for the beaches and the night life, float in the Dead Sea, climb […]
How to Hike to the Jebel Burdah Rock Bridge, Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum…this is a place that blew away our expectations. Why? Because the hike to the Jebel Burdah Rock Bridge is amazing. The hike is challenging, dangerous, and breathtaking in its beauty. Climbing up the rocky mountains and looking out over the almost martian landscape of Wadi Rum was the highlight of our time in […]
15 Best Things to Do in Petra, Jordan
Petra is one of the worldโs great travel icons, a place that appears on just about every travelerโs bucket list, and for good reason. Itโs every bit as incredible as you imagine. But hereโs the thing: Petra is so much more than the Treasury, the famous faรงade splashed across guidebooks and brochures. Thatโs only the […]
Our Top 10 Bucket List Destinations
There are so many life-changing places in the world to visit. Some are magical, some are ancient, and some are just downright gorgeous. All will have you wistfully dreaming about them before you arrive. After you visit them, they become a part of you, forming lifelong memories and altering the way you see the world. […]
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