The Ultimate Guide to Egypt

So, you’ve probably heard of that history rich, UNESCO world heritage site ridden, magical country called EGYPT, right?

Well… if you haven’t you should crawl out from that rock you’ve been living under and keep reading!

Egypt is a land that transports you to the past while dazzling you with the present in a way that only it can!

I won’t bore you with a history lesson, because you’ll get an up close and personal lesson when you visit — BUT some things you should know about Egypt in general before visiting

They speak Arabic (modern standard to be exact) so maybe brush up on a few phrases before you go!
The country is predominantly Muslim — with a few Coptic Orthodox Christians mixed in
Their currency is the Egyptian pound ~15.72 EGP = 1.00 USD
Egypt is considered a developing country and many Egyptians live below the poverty line — it is best to be respectful of this and because you are a visitor tipping is appreciated for good service

Start your journey in Cairo

In my humble opinion, Egypt (and its many ancient sites) gets better as you move further south — for this reason I suggest you begin in Cairo!

When you arrive in the Cairo airport just before you approach passport control you will need to purchase a tourist visa — they cost $25 USD and I suggest you bring exact change. Alternatively, Egypt now has an e-visa option which is quick and convenient

Make your way into the gigantic, lively, bustling city of Cairo!

Fair warning - Cairo is a beast of a city — it is equal parts awe-inspiring and terrifying to first time visitors… my advice is to visit with an open mind — be prepared for culture shock, and be open to immersing yourself in the fantastic nuances of a wildly different culture than you’re likely used to

Things to note

Hassling tourists is part of the culture — that being said IGNORE IGNORE IGNORE — there will be rows upon rows of locals selling cheap trinkets, clothes, spices, etc. at every tourist site — in my opinion you should keep it moving and not buy anything from here as it is inauthentic and pricy — you are better off visiting a souk and purchasing things of actual substance while also supporting local artists and makers of authentic items
Haggling another “h” word of importance when visiting Egypt is HAGGLING — be ready to haggle for your life, never take the first price, and know that this is a part of the vibrant culture! It is not rude or frowned upon. The best way to do it is to have a price in mind that you’re willing to pay, and start low - Don’t be afraid to walk away!
Respect - Be culturally respectful, if you’re a woman visiting I would suggest wearing things that cover your shoulders and legs — no low cut tops, no short shorts (even if it’s really hot) If you are entering into religious places like mosques it is required that you cover your head and hair so it’s good to have a scarf on hand for these occasions

So, we’ve concluded that Cairo is absolutely amazing and awe-inspiring but what’s worth seeing and doing when you get there? And, where should you stay and stop for a bite to eat? 👇

Where to stay, eat & play in Cairo (and Giza)

Stay

For Luxury Lovers - Marriott Mena House - Unbelievable views of the Pyramids, beautiful grounds, great food — literally a must!
For Budget Travelers - Panorama Pyramids Inn - a small price gets you a big view of the pyramids! Cozy rooms and a great breakfast are a bonus!

Eat

For expensive tastebuds - Al Khal Egyptian restaurant — SO it’s a hotel restaurant located inside the Intercontinental in Cairo, and usually I’m not a fan of hotel restaurants because I think you should get out and really explore the city BUT this one happens to have really good food and would be a nice dinner to splurge on
Something that belongs in the play and eat categories is the Al-Azhar Park — one of the largest green spaces in Egypt, it sits above the city and boast amazing views of many cultural landmarks! Spend the afternoon roaming around the well groomed grounds, and stop for an early dinner at one of the dining options within the park OR if you’re like me, plan a cute picnic and pick up some goodies at the takeaway food stand
For a truly amazing experience - 9 Pyramids Lounge is a restaurant located within the Giza Pyramid complex with unbeatable views of all 9 pyramids

Play

OBVIOUSLY The Giza Pyramid Complex is number one on everyone’s list when visiting Egypt, so I suggest you start your historic sightseeing here! Make sure to get there early to beat the crowds and go along with a local tour guide to really immerse yourself in the history
The Saqqara Pyramid complex gets less recognition than its wildly famous neighbor, but it’s well worth checking out! Fewer crowds give this complex a more intimate feel, and fun fact IT’S OLDER than the Giza Pyramids
The Citadel & The Mosque of Muhammad Ali *head coverings required for females — This citadel complex which contains the Mosque is absolutely breathtaking and boasts an amazing view of the entire city
Old Cairo Souk - worth a visit if you are into crazy, winding, lively marketplaces — prepare for some serious hassling and haggling!

Head Down to Luxor

After your adventures in Cairo wind down, take a quick flight or an overnight train down south to Luxor!

Luxor is a fan favorite among Egypt visitors for good reason — In Luxor you will find some of the best preserved temple complexes in all of Egypt and so much more! Make sure you carve out a good chunk of time to see all there is to see in Luxor

*Row of statues inside the Temple of Hatshepsut*

If you’re visiting in the summer months, make sure to note that Luxor is significantly hotter than Cairo, and the ancient sites are all out in the open… in the desert… in the blazing sun… with no shade — sunscreen and a sun hat are your best friends and I suggest you walk around with a bottle of water if you don’t want to drop dead of heat stroke (you’ve been warned)

Where to stay, eat & play in Luxor

Stay

For Luxury Lovers - The Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa OR Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor both are great choices but I’m biased toward the Hilton because my stay there was one of the most relaxing hotel stays I’ve ever had — the pool was amazing, food was excellent, and the staff were friendly and helpful — added bonus you get free access to the spa (sauna, foot baths, steam room etc.)
For Budget Travelers - New Memnon Hotel a beautiful boutique hotel with amazing views of the desert mountains from the rooftop — breakfast was a highlight as was the dinner they prepared for us in their private garden — rooms were very comfortable and the staff couldn’t do enough for us!

Eat

Nubian House - amazing, authentic Egyptian food
Sofra - another great choice for traditional Egyptian food

Play

Karnak Temple - The best known temple in Luxor boasting impressive columns, sprawling grounds, and a lucky scarab statue
Luxor Temple - An amazing temple with a chapel built by Alexander the Great — the entire temple was completely buried in sand and a current mosque was built on top of the temple — it has since been excavated but the little mosque still stands today
The Temple of Hatshepsut — one of the most awe inspiring sites in all of Egypt — the sheer scale of it is amazing, but the landscape it is built into is what really makes this temple magnificent — be sure to ask your tour guide all about what a badass woman Queen Hatshepsut was
Hot air balloon ride over Luxor — this is an unforgettable experience that is a must in my opinion — the views cannot be beat and the sunrise is spectacular
Valley of the Kings — the burial chambers of the new age! After the pyramids came these long narrow tunnel like structures built into the mountains of Luxor — used to bury kings with their many riches, these chambers are a must see!

Head Even Further South to Aswan

Aswan has a vibe all its own

This southern Egyptian city shares its history and culture with the Nubians — Nubians lived in the central Nile valley from around 5000 BC — Be sure to carve out some time to visit the colorful Nubian village and immerse yourself in their unique culture

There’s so much to see and do in Aswan but make sure you give yourself some time to relax and unwind and really enjoy the amazing spirit of the region — you will fall in love with the serenity that surrounds your time in Aswan

Where to stay, eat & play in Aswan

Stay

For Luxury Lovers - Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is arguably the nicest hotel in all of Aswan with amazing views of the Nile and perfectly manicured grounds
For Budget Travelers - Basmatic Nubian Guest House — this place is absolutely magical — the staff is amazing, the food is fantastic, the rooftop views are breathtaking!

Eat

For Expensive Tastebuds - Saraya - inside the old cataract hotel — really nice ambiance OR Mezze Restaurant
For More Authentic Vibes - Nubian Dreams Restaurant & Cafe

Play

Philae Temple - an amazing temple complex that sits on an island only accessible by boat
Abu Simbel Temple - the iconic temple Aswan is most known for — it is a must see!
Felucca Ride on the Nile - an unforgettable experience sailing along the Nile on a traditional boat
Elephantine
Nubian Village - a unique cultural experience — spend time wandering around this colorful village and stop into a local home for a cup of tea or coffee

At the end of the day, any trip to Egypt is sure to be a magical one

Enjoy the culture and savor the cuisine as you teleport yourself 3,000+ years into the past

Egypt has earned a top spot on my list, and hopefully it will do the same for you :)

The Ultimate Guide to Egypt

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