Cairo
Population:21.3 million
Egypt's sprawling capital with ancient monuments, Ottoman palaces, and modern urban districts.
Top attractions
- Pyramids of Giza
- Egyptian Museum
- Khan el-Khalili
- Al-Azhar Mosque
- Coptic Cairo
Country guide
Egypt
A timeless destination where ancient civilization meets modern life. Egypt captivates with its monumental temples, tombs, and the legendary Nile River.
- Capital
- Cairo
- Language
- Arabic
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound (E£)
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Visa information
Most nationalities require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Egyptian airports or in advance from Egyptian consulates.
View full visa requirementsTravel guide
Visa details
Most nationalities require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival at Egyptian airports or in advance from Egyptian consulates.
Cost of travel
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound (E£)
- Accommodation
- E£600-1,800 per night for mid-range hotels, E£150-400 for budget accommodations
- Food
- E£100-300 per meal at restaurants, E£30-80 for street food
- Transportation
- E£3-10 for local buses, E£150-400 for intercity bus/train tickets
- Activities
- E£150-400 for attraction entries, E£300-1,000 for guided tours
- Overall daily budget
- E£1,000-3,000 per day depending on travel style
Best time to visit
October to April offers cooler temperatures ideal for exploring archaeological sites. Summer (May to September) can be extremely hot, especially in Upper Egypt.
Weather
Hot desert climate with sunny, dry conditions year-round. Temperatures are cooler along the Mediterranean coast, but can reach oppressive levels in the interior during summer.
Top cities to visit
Alexandria
Population:5.2 million
A Mediterranean port city with a storied past and Greco-Roman landmarks.
Top attractions
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Qaitbay Citadel
- Montaza Palace
- Pompey's Pillar
Luxor
Population:520,000
An ancient city built on the site of Thebes, known as the 'world's greatest open-air museum'.
Top attractions
- Karnak Temple
- Valley of the Kings
- Luxor Temple
- Temple of Hatshepsut
Aswan
Population:290,000
A scenic southern city along the Nile with ancient monuments and Nubian culture.
Top attractions
- Abu Simbel Temples
- Philae Temple
- Elephantine Island
- Nubian Museum
Hurghada
Population:370,000
A beach resort town along the Red Sea known for scuba diving and vibrant marine life.
Top attractions
- Giftun Islands
- Hurghada Marina
- Sand City
- El Dahar
Top attractions
Pyramids of Giza
Ancient pyramid complex including the Great Pyramid, the only surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Location: Giza, near Cairo
Karnak Temple
A vast complex of temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings near Luxor, constructed over 2,000 years.
Location: Luxor
Valley of the Kings
A valley on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, serving as the burial site for pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom.
Location: Luxor
Abu Simbel Temples
Two massive rock-cut temples in Nubia, relocated to avoid being submerged by Lake Nasser.
Location: Aswan
Egyptian Museum
Home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
Location: Cairo
Other destinations in Africa
View all countries in this regionTravel tips
- Always check for updated visa requirements before your trip.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Research local customs and etiquette before your visit.
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents.
Egypt travel cost calculator
Cost breakdown
- Accommodation (3 nights, 1 room)
- E£1,800–5,400
- Food (2 × 3 days, 2 meals a day)
- E£1,200–3,600
- Transport (2 × 3 days, 2 rides a day)
- E£36–120
- Activities (2 × 3 days, 1 a day)
- E£900–2,400
- Total estimated cost
- E£3,936–11,520
- Per person
- E£1,968–5,760
Note: These estimates use this guide’s own prices and may vary with season, location and personal preferences. Consider adding a 10-20% buffer for unexpected expenses.