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If there’s one destination that feels like stepping straight into a history book — with better weather and tastier food — it’s Egypt. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I could practically feel history whispering through the desert breeze. This was the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and papyrus scrolls — a place that had fascinated me since I was a kid with an overactive imagination and a penchant for mummy movies. But Egypt isn’t just ancient temples and golden tombs. It’s a living, breathing country filled with the chatter of markets, the scent of cardamom coffee, and the eternal glow of the Nile at sunset. It’s chaotic, charming, and utterly unforgettable. Join me as I cruise the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, sip mint tea in Cairo, as I share my best Egypt travel guide for first-time visitors.

Going to Egypt has been a life long dream. The top of my bucket list, and at the beginning of the year I just decided its time. Trying to find or decide on the best deal is a nightmare, there are so many deals out there, all offering similar things at vastly different rates. We were a group of six, so it was difficult to meet individual expectations. In the end we settled on an amazing 2 for 1 deal with Dynamic Tours. It was a fraction of the cost that other tour operators were asking and it included all the top sites, flights and a four day Nile cruise. The tour departed from either Madrid or Barcelona, and with us living in Portugal, we decided to make Madrid part of the vacation spending an additional three days there.
The seven night all inclusive package saw us flying from Madrid to Luxor, spending 4 nights on the Nile with stops along the way, an internal flight from Aswan to Cairo, and spending 3 nights in Cairo.

Luxor: Walking Among Pharaohs and Temples

Luxor isn’t a city you simply visit; it’s a city that visits you. It seeps into your bones, reminding you that 3,000 years ago, people were carving hieroglyphs and building monuments that would outlast entire civilizations.

My adventure began with the jaw-dropping Temples of Karnak and Luxor, where colossal pillars rise toward the sky like stone soldiers frozen in time. Walking through the Avenue of Sphinxes, I half expected one to wink at me — they have that kind of presence. My guide, Ahmed, pointed out carvings of pharaohs offering gifts to gods, and I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, this was basically the ancient version of networking.”

Then came the Valley of the Kings, where the air itself seems to hum with mystery. Your entry ticket includes three tombs, with Tutankhamun’s tomb being an added extra, I was struck by how vibrant the wall paintings still are — as if the artisans had just packed up their brushes yesterday. Nearby, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut stands proudly against the cliffs, a powerful reminder that ancient Egypt had its share of formidable women. And let’s not forget the Colossi of Memnon, those two stoic stone giants who have been guarding the Theban necropolis for millennia. They don’t say much, but they’ve seen everything.

Another excursion to consider is the Luxor Hot Air Balloon rides. We tried booking, but due to the influx of tourist due to the opening of the Gran Egyptian Museum, all rides were fully booked on the day we had available.

LUXOR – ESNA – EDFU: Cruising the Nile

There’s something romantic about traveling by river, and the Nile Cruise turned out to be the perfect way to watch Egypt unfold at its own unhurried pace. As our boat glided from Luxor toward Esna, I stood on the deck, watching palm trees sway and children wave from the riverbanks. Every bend in the river seemed to reveal another postcard-perfect scene — fishermen casting nets, donkeys trotting along dirt paths, and golden sunsets that turned the water into liquid fire.

By the time we reached Edfu, I was ready for more temples — and this one didn’t disappoint. We climbed into horse-drawn carriages, the clip-clop of hooves echoing through narrow streets until we arrived at the Temple of Horus. It’s one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon-headed god of the sky. Inside, I craned my neck up at massive reliefs showing Horus defeating his enemies, and I couldn’t help but cheer him on internally.

EDFU – KOM OMBO – ASWAN: Gods, Crocodiles, and Feluccas

Next stop: Kom Ombo, where the temple is dedicated to two gods who couldn’t be more different — Haroeris (the good one) and Sobek (the crocodile god). That’s right, crocodiles had their own deity, and the ancient Egyptians worshiped them with gusto. The temple even has a crocodile museum displaying real mummified crocs. If that doesn’t make you appreciate modern taxidermy, nothing will.
Back on board, we continued cruising south toward Aswan, my favorite stop of the journey. The vibe here is slower, more relaxed — like the Nile itself takes a deep breath before flowing from Nubia.

ASWAN: Where the Nile Whispers

In Aswan, we visited the Temple of Philae, a masterpiece dedicated to the goddess Isis. It sits on an island, and reaching it by boat felt almost ceremonial. The temple’s columns and carvings shimmered in the sunlight, and I found myself silently thanking whoever decided to relocate it stone by stone during the Aswan High Dam project — a true labor of love and archaeology.

That afternoon we decided to visit the Nubian Village, its a burst of color, culture, and charm. The brightly painted mud-brick houses, decorated with bold geometric patterns and murals, reflect centuries of Nubian heritage. As you stroll through the narrow lanes, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles, traditional music, and the scent of spiced tea. You can either book a Nubian Village Tour or just take a local taxi there.

Later that day (before sunset), on the advise our our guide, we set off again, this time on feluccas, a traditional Egyptian sailing boats. Gliding over the Nile’s calm waters, I felt a serenity I hadn’t known in weeks. The sails flapped gently in the breeze, children laughed on the riverbanks, and the whole world seemed to slow down. Having packed drinks, we enjoyed the sunset. What a perfect way to end the day.

ASWAN – CAIRO: Of Pyramids and Mysteries

Leaving Aswan was bittersweet, but Cairo awaited — and no trip to Egypt would be complete without paying respects to the icons of the ancient world.

The Pyramids of Giza were every bit as awe-inspiring as I imagined. Standing before the Great Pyramid of Cheops, I felt tiny and timeless all at once. Nearby, the Sphinx watched silently, its half-human, half-lion face exuding eternal patience. My guide joked that the Sphinx was “smiling because it’s seen too many tourists,” but I swear it looked more amused than tired.

We also visited the Valley Temple, and of course the highlight of the trip, the Grand Egyptian Museum — a jaw-dropping treasure trove of ancient artifacts and mummies that makes every history lover’s heart skip a beat. We were fortunate to have been there just two days after the grand opening, the unfortunate side was the tourist…packed to the rafters, but impressive none the less.

As if we were not tired enough from a long day of walking and standing around, we managed to muster up the last of our energy for an adrenaline packed quad bike experience. Boy was it worth it..surfing the dunes under an Egyptian sunset with the Giza pyramids as a backdrop.

CAIRO: Chaos, Culture, and Shopping

Cairo is a sensory explosion — a whirlwind of sound, color, and energy that somehow manages to make total sense once you surrender to it.

The Citadel of Saladin offers sweeping views of the city, while the Alabaster Mosque (Mohamed Ali Mosque) inside gleams in the sunlight like a jewel. The Coptic Quarter reveals another side of Egypt’s history — narrow lanes, ancient churches, and a quieter rhythm.

And then there’s the Khan el Khalili Bazaar, a labyrinth of shops where you can buy anything from gold jewelry to hand-blown glass to a plastic pyramid snow globe. Bargaining is expected, and it’s all in good fun. My best tip? Smile, laugh, and never show too much enthusiasm — unless you want to pay double.

Egypt Travel Guide for Transport: Trains, Taxis, and the Occasional Camel

Cairo’s highways is a glorious network of chaos! Honking horns and weaving cars, busses, taxis and horse drawn carts that somehow operates under an unspoken traffic code. Organised chaos! I quickly learned that crossing the street is an art form. The trick? Confidence. You walk slowly and steadily, make eye contact with drivers, and trust that they’ll glide around you. I’m not saying my heart didn’t race a few times, but hey — I lived to tell the tale!

For longer distances, Egypt’s train system is surprisingly reliable and budget-friendly. Our guide took the overnight sleeper train from Aswan to Cairo, its not the Orient Express, but has its own charm. Picture gently rocking to sleep while the desert passes outside your window — pure travel magic.

If you’re more of a “fly and save time” traveler, EgyptAir offers regular domestic flights that connect Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. The flights are short and efficient, giving you more time to explore the temples or sip cocktails by the Red Sea.

Within cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps like InDrive make life easier. It works similar to Uber, except that the price you see is then negotiated, after which you accept…I did have a good laugh, but at least the price is set with no nasty surprises later. I must however warn you that the service is not regulated and you sometimes get a clunker of a ride, there is however an option to choose a more “luxurious” ride. And yes, you can ride a camel near the Pyramids, but treat it as a fun experience rather than a means of transport.

Local Customs: Respect, Rhythm, and Tea Time

Egyptians are some of the warmest and most hospitable people I’ve met, but it’s important to understand and respect local customs.

Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, and modesty in dress is appreciated — especially for women visiting mosques or rural areas. Lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees works best, and trust me, linen will be your best friend under that blazing sun.

Greetings are an art here. A simple “Salam Alaikum” (peace be upon you) goes a long way, and it’s often returned with a warm smile and “Wa Alaikum Salam.” Handshakes are common, but remember that people may not always shake hands unless it’s initiated by them first.

Hospitality is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture. If someone offers you tea — and they will, often — it’s polite to accept. Egyptians adore their black tea, often sweetened beyond belief and sometimes infused with mint or sage.

Feasting Like a Pharaoh: Egyptian Food and Drink

Ah, the food. If you’ve never eaten Egyptian cuisine before, prepare for a glorious carb-fueled adventure. Egyptian meals are hearty, flavorful, and always served with a smile.

Let’s start with koshari, Egypt’s national dish — a glorious mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with crispy onions and a tangy tomato-vinegar sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest. Street vendors serve it by the bowlful, and I swear each one claims their recipe is the best (and they’re all right).

Then there’s ful medames, a traditional breakfast made from fava beans cooked with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It’s often eaten with baladi bread, the Egyptian version of pita, which is so fresh it practically melts in your mouth. Another of my favorites with breakfast was Falafel.

For meat lovers, shawarma and kofta are must-tries — spiced and grilled to perfection. Just be warned as to where you buy them! Four of us ate at a local restaurant, and three of us ended up with the squirts.
If you find yourself near the coast, don’t miss the seafood in Alexandria, where the fish is as fresh as the Mediterranean breeze.

As for drinks, sugarcane juice is a refreshing staple, and hibiscus tea (karkadeh) is the local favorite — ruby-red, slightly tart, and served either hot or cold. Alcohol is available in tourist areas and hotels, but Egypt’s true drinking culture revolves around tea and coffee. In Cairo’s old cafés, you’ll find locals sipping Turkish-style coffee, playing backgammon, and chatting as if time stands still.

Things to do in Egypt

Egypt Travel Tips - Tips for First Time Visitors

Visiting Egypt for the first time can be exhilarating, overwhelming, and occasionally confusing — but in the best possible way. Here are some lessons I learned (some the hard way):

Carry small change. Taxi drivers, street vendors, and bathroom attendants rarely have change for large bills. Keep a stash of small notes handy.
Hydrate like a camel. The desert heat can sneak up on you. Always carry bottled water, but avoid ice in drinks from street stalls unless you’re sure it’s made from purified water.
Tipping is customary. Egypt is a very poor country with a minimum salary of $150 per month! Known as “baksheesh,” small tips are expected for nearly every service — from hotel porters to restroom attendants. It’s not rude; it’s cultural. A dollar or two is nothing to you, but it’s a meal to them.
Hire local guides. Egypt’s history is vast and complex, and a knowledgeable guide brings it to life. Our guide, Ahmed Moursi, was a spritely 70 year old with loads of passion for the history of Egypt and more energy than the youngest in our group (me). I can highly recommend him if you are looking for a private guide.
Watch for “helpful” strangers. Egyptians are kind, but like any tourist-heavy destination, a few opportunists might offer unsolicited help or “free” directions, then ask for money. A polite “la shukran” (no thank you) works wonders.
Dress smartly. Loose, breathable clothing keeps you cool and shows respect for local customs. Ladies should not expose their shoulders, dresses to the knee and were a head scarf or shawl in mosque’s. And don’t forget a hat — the sun doesn’t play around.
Prepare for sensory overload. Egypt is intense — loud, colorful, and full of energy. Embrace it! The honking, the haggling, the constant hum of life — it’s all part of the experience.
Learn a few Arabic phrases. “Shukran” (thank you) and “La, shukran” (no thank you) will earn you smiles. “Halas” (“enough,” “finish,” or “stop”) and “Salam Alaikum” (peace be upon you)
Barter, Barter Barter! The only place you will find items with a price tag are in the malls or supermarkets. Meaning everything else in Egypt is negotiable. What ever the starting price, knock it down to a 3^rd and aim to settle on half the starting price. If the price does not suite you kindly decline and walk away. You will soon see how the price gets reduced again by turning your back. But if you’ve done the exchange in your head and the price seems reasonable, then pay it.
Sim Cards/Data. Local SIM cards were readily available, but I dont have the time to figure out how they work or to activate them, so we always travel with an travel eSIM which works out much cheaper and we were connected the moment we landed.
Currency Exchange. The currency is the Egyptian Pound. At the time of our travels it was 54∶1 euro. We made the mistake of trusting that we got the best deal at the currency exchange office at the airport in Madrid who gave us 35∶1. He said in Egypt we would pay a 20% commission on top of a similar rate…NOT! So here is my advice… take enough CASH with you, the locals will exchange it at 54∶1 (no commissions), or use a Wise/Revolute card where you have already converted to Egyptian pounds. DONT use your Visa/Master card to tap, you will be charged a minimum transaction fee of 15 euros, or a percentage of the purchase.

Where to Stay: From Nile Views to Desert Dreams

Egypt Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time to visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when the weather is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for sightseeing and Nile cruises. Summer months (May to September) can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, but you’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices.

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

Most travelers, including those from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU, need a visa to enter Egypt. You can usually apply online for an e-Visa before arrival or obtain one upon entry at a cost of $25pp.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?

Yes, Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular destinations like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and along the Nile. Police and tourism authorities maintain a strong presence. As with any international travel, stay aware of your surroundings, follow local advice, and avoid restricted areas.

What should I wear when visiting temples and mosques in Egypt?

Dress modestly out of respect for local customs. Women should cover shoulders and knees, while men should avoid sleeveless shirts in religious sites. Light, breathable clothing is perfect for the heat, and a scarf comes in handy for mosque visits or dusty desert winds.

How do I get around Egypt?

Egypt offers plenty of transport options — from domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan to Nile cruises, taxis, and trains. In Cairo, ride-hailing apps like InDrive and Careem are convenient. For short local trips, tuk-tuks and horse-drawn carriages add a touch of adventure!

What currency is used in Egypt?

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is still king in markets and smaller shops, though most hotels and restaurants in tourist areas accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available, especially in larger cities.

What are the must-see attractions in Egypt?

Don’t miss the Pyramids of Giza, Temple of Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Philae, and the Khan el Khalili Bazaar in Cairo. A Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan ties all the highlights together beautifully.

What are the top foods to try in Egypt?

Be sure to sample koshari (a mix of rice, pasta, and lentils), falafel, shawarma, molokhia, and fresh date desserts. Wash it all down with hibiscus tea or Egyptian coffee for an authentic taste of local life.

Do Egyptians speak English?

Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases like shukran (thank you) or salaam alaikum (hello) will earn you warm smiles from locals.

Can I drink tap water in Egypt?

It’s best to stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Tap water is generally safe for washing and showering, but bottled water is cheap and available everywhere.

Shukran Egypt

As my journey came to an end, I realized Egypt isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve left. From the golden temples of Luxor to the quiet grace of the Nile, from the chaos of Cairo to the peace of Aswan, every moment felt like a chapter in a story written thousands of years ago, and somehow, I got to be a part of it.

I came to Egypt looking for history, but I found so much more — kindness, laughter, tea shared with strangers, and a reminder that the world is both ancient and ever new. And as I watched the last light fade over the Nile, I thought: Some places don’t just show you their past — they let you feel it.