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Egypt
The complete guide

Egypt

Everything you need to plan a great trip — from the Pyramids of Giza to the Red Sea's coral reefs — without the guesswork.

Flight time 4–15h depending on originFrom $450–1,100 round-tripVisa e-Visa or visa on arrival for most nationalities, 30 days*Time zone GMT+2

Egypt rewards 8–10 days: Cairo (3 days) for the Pyramids and museums, Luxor (2–3 days) for the Valley of the Kings and Karnak, and 3–4 days on the Red Sea coast (Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh) for world-class diving and a proper decompression. Best months are October–April, since Upper Egypt's summer heat is genuinely extreme. Most Western nationalities can get an e-Visa online (about $25) or a visa on arrival (about $30 cash) for a single 30-day stay — check the table for your specific passport. Budget from $35/day backpacking, $80–150/day mid-range.

Egypt is one of those destinations that's genuinely hard to overhype — the Pyramids of Giza are 4,500 years old and still standing, the Valley of the Kings is basically an entire ancient civilization's worth of tombs cut into one valley, and almost nobody mentions until they get there that the Red Sea coast has some of the best diving on the planet as a bonus. It rewards travelers who give it real time rather than a rushed layover-style visit.

This guide covers everything: where to go, how many days, when to fly, what it actually costs in USD, and the visa rule for your specific passport — not a generic one-size-fits-all answer. Written to be genuinely useful, and updated through the season.

Destinations

All Destinations ←
Cairo
Destinations

Cairo

3–4 nights for the Pyramids, the museums, and the chaos of the old city.

Luxor and the Valley of the Kings
Destinations

Luxor and the Valley of the Kings

2–3 days, the world's greatest open-air museum of ancient Egypt.

Beaches & Red Sea

All Beaches & Red Sea ←
Egypt's Red Sea Coast: Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh
Beaches & Red Sea

Egypt's Red Sea Coast: Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh

World-class diving, warm water almost year-round, easy resort infrastructure.

Attractions

All Attractions ←
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Attractions

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

The last surviving ancient wonder of the world — still genuinely overwhelming up close.

The Egyptian Museum and the Grand Egyptian Museum
Attractions

The Egyptian Museum and the Grand Egyptian Museum

Two museums, two different collections — here's whether you need both.

Food

All Food ←
Egyptian Food: What to Eat and What It Costs
Food

Egyptian Food: What to Eat and What It Costs

Hearty, cheap, and built on lentils, beans, and bold spicing.

Practical Info

All Practical Info ←
Egypt Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)
Practical Info

Egypt Visa & Entry Requirements (2026)

The real answer, broken down by passport — not one generic rule.

Money, Safety & eSIM in Egypt
Practical Info

Money, Safety & eSIM in Egypt

Cash, cards, an honest safety picture, and staying connected.

Articles & Comparisons

All Articles & Comparisons ←
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Articles & Comparisons

Best Time to Visit Egypt

October–April for comfort; know what you're signing up for in summer.

Cairo or a Red Sea Beach: How to Plan an Egypt Trip
Articles & Comparisons

Cairo or a Red Sea Beach: How to Plan an Egypt Trip

An honest breakdown — and why 'both' is easier than it sounds.

Questions people actually ask

How many days do I need in Egypt?
8–10 days is the sweet spot for a first trip: Cairo (3 days), Luxor (2–3 days), and 3–4 days on the Red Sea coast. With 5 days or fewer, focus entirely on Cairo and Luxor and save the beach add-on for later — see our full Cairo-vs-Red-Sea breakdown.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October through April is the comfortable window across the country, with December–February being coolest (and busiest/priciest). May–September gets genuinely extreme in Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan regularly exceed 40°C/104°F), though the Red Sea coast stays a good, popular destination essentially year-round.
How much does a trip to Egypt cost?
Backpacker budget: from $35/day (guesthouses, local food, public transport). Mid-range comfort: $80–150/day (a 3–4-star hotel, restaurant meals, guided day tours). A 10-day trip for two people, flights included, typically runs $2,800–$4,800 mid-range, or upward of $7,000+ with a Nile cruise and luxury resorts.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
It depends on your passport — see our full visa & entry guide. Most Western nationalities (EU/Schengen, US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) can get either an e-Visa online (about $25) or a visa on arrival (about $30 cash), both for a single 30-day stay. Several other nationalities, including India and much of Southeast Asia, should apply for the e-Visa in advance rather than counting on arrival.
Is Egypt safe to visit?
The main tourist circuit — Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and the Red Sea resorts — is heavily visited by millions of international travelers a year and generally well-secured. The realistic day-to-day friction is touts, overcharging, and unlicensed 'guides' at busy sites, not violent crime; check your government's current travel advisory for any region-specific guidance.
Cairo first, or the Red Sea coast first?
Order doesn't matter much, since Cairo is the main international gateway either way. Most travelers do Cairo and Luxor first while their energy is highest, then unwind on the Red Sea coast as a relaxing finish — see our full comparison for how to sequence it.
Should I do a Nile cruise?
If you have 10+ days total, a 3–4 night cruise between Luxor and Aswan is a genuinely excellent way to see additional temples (Edfu, Kom Ombo) along the river without the logistics of separate day trips — it's the classic, highly recommended way to link Luxor and Aswan.
Does eSIM work well in Egypt?
Yes — Airalo and Holafly offer Egypt data plans from about $8–20 for 7–15 days with solid coverage in Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea resorts. A physical local SIM (Vodafone, Orange, or Etisalat) at the airport or any phone shop is just as easy and similarly priced.