Egypt
The pyramids and Luxor — unmatched ancient sites.
Egypt is the country where ancient sites still genuinely shock. The pyramids are smaller than expected up close — and bigger when you stand inside one. Luxor is the deeper experience: Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, temples on both banks. The Red Sea coast adds beach and world-class diving.
At a glance
- Best time
- January, February, March, October…
- Climate
- Warm
- Budget
- Backpacker – Mid-range
- Trip length
- 1–3 weeks
- Language
- Arabic
- Currency
- EGP (Egyptian Pound)
- January: peak
- February: peak
- March: peak
- April: fine
- May: fine
- June: avoid
- July: avoid
- August: avoid
- September: fine
- October: peak
- November: peak
- December: peak
Avoid: June, July, August. Shoulder: April, May, September.
Highlights
-
Cairo & Giza
The pyramids, the Egyptian Museum (the new one), and chaotic Cairo itself.
-
Luxor
Karnak, Valley of the Kings, hot air balloon at dawn over the temples.
-
Aswan & Nile cruise
The classic 3-4 day cruise between Aswan and Luxor.
-
Dahab / Sharm
Red Sea coral, diving, and easy beach time.
Practical info
- Visa
- E-visa or visa-on-arrival for most nationalities (30 days).
- Currency
- EGP (Egyptian Pound). Roughly 49 EGP ≈ 1 USD.
- Language
- Arabic. English in tourism but limited otherwise.
- Safety
- Tourist routes are safe with police presence. Hassle/baksheesh is constant.
- Getting around
- Domestic flights between major sites; trains Cairo-Luxor; tour driver common.
- Tap water
- Tap water not safe.
- Plug type
- Type C Type F 220V
- Money
- Cash dominant. Cards in nicer hotels.
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Last updated 2026-05-04