About Egypt
Egypt's sights follow the Nile, and most routes run south from Cairo. The capital holds the Giza Pyramid Complex, the Great Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum, plus the Coptic quarter and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Further south, Luxor has Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings on the west bank, Aswan slows the pace around its river islands, and Abu Simbel's rock-cut temples sit near the Sudanese border. A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan connects the middle stretch, while the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh offer diving on coral reefs as a separate coastal break. Domestic flights and overnight trains link Cairo with Luxor and Aswan, and feluccas handle short river crossings. Koshari, a mix of rice, lentils and pasta, and ful medames are the everyday staples, cheap and widely available. Budget travellers spend about $25-45 a day, mid-range visitors $50-90 and luxury stays $130 or more, though Nile cruises and Red Sea resorts add considerably. October to April brings mild, dry weather suited to temple sites and desert travel, with Christmas and New Year the busiest stretch; March and April are warm but less crowded. Plan for October to April, and book Nile cruises well ahead for the winter months.
Quick Facts
Egypt at a Glance
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Capital
Cairo
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Language
Arabic
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Currency
EGP / Egyptian Pound
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Time Zone
UTC+2 (UTC+3 DST)
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Voltage & Plug
220V, Type C & F
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Dialing Code
+20
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Population
~113 million, 2024
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Best Time To Visit
Oct–Apr
Best Time to Visit
When to Visit Egypt
High Season (Oct–Apr) The cool season offers pleasant temperatures of 15–28°C with low humidity — perfect for exploring the Pyramids, Luxor temples, Aswan, Nile cruises, and Red Sea diving. Christmas and New Year draw peak crowds and higher prices. Shoulder Season (Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov) Early spring and late autumn offer warm weather with fewer crowds than the peak winter months. Temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and diving. Prices are moderate, making it a great value period.
Visa Information
Visa Policy for Egypt
Entry rules for Egypt depend on your passport. We track visa-free stays, e-visas and visa-on-arrival rules for US & Canadian, EU & UK, Chinese, and Australian & Japanese passports — with official sources and last-verified dates.
Visa policies are subject to official sources. Please verify with the embassy/consulate before travel.
Budget Reference
Travel Budget for Egypt
Budget: $25–45 per day Mid-Range: $50–90 per day Luxury: $130+ per day Per person per day in USD, excluding international flights. Nile cruises and Red Sea resorts add significantly to costs.
Prices are per person per day in USD, excluding international flights.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Must-Visit Attractions
TRAVEL GUIDES
Travel Guides for Egypt
7 Days
Egypt Family: Pyramids, Museums & the Red Sea in 7 Days
💰 Family Comfort · approx. $1,200–1,790 (≈ €1,040–1,560), excl. int'l flights
7 Days
Red Sea Diving: Hurghada & Sharm el-Sheikh in 7 Days
💰 Diving Comfort · approx. $1,200–1,940 (≈ €1,040–1,690), excl. int'l flights
10 Days
Egypt Classic: Cairo, Luxor & Aswan in 10 Days
💰 Comfort · approx. $1,200–1,790 (≈ €1,040–1,560), excl. int'l flights
5 Days
Cairo Deep-Dive: Ancient Capital & Coptic Quarter in 5 Days
💰 Comfort · approx. $750–1,200 (≈ €650–1,040), excl. int'l flights
5 Days
Nile Cruise Honeymoon: Luxor to Aswan in 5 Days
💰 Honeymoon · approx. $1,500–2,240 (≈ €1,300–1,950), excl. int'l flights
8 Days
Ancient Egypt Deep Dive: Pyramids, Temples & Valley of the Kings in 8 Days
💰 Comfort · approx. $1,050–1,640 (≈ €910–1,430), excl. int'l flights
MORE DESTINATIONS
Other Countries in Africa
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Egypt
Travel FAQ
How do I visit the Giza pyramids?+
Buy the plateau ticket at the official office and go early to avoid heat and crowds. Camel and guide offers are optional; agree on the price first. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Is Cairo traffic manageable for tourists?+
Use the metro for cross-city trips and ride-hailing for specific addresses. Allow extra time for traffic and avoid rush hour. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities / Cairo Metro)
Do I need a guide in Luxor?+
A licensed guide helps at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, where signage is limited. Book through a reputable operator and agree on the itinerary. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Can I visit Abu Simbel independently?+
Yes, but most visitors join the early convoy from Aswan or take a short flight. Check the current convoy and ticket rules before planning. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)