Egypt: Complete Travel Guide for 2025
Everything about Egypt: pyramids, Cairo, Luxor, Nile cruise, budget and practical tips for your trip.
Why Egypt Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip
Egypt is the cradle of one of the world's oldest civilizations. The Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's temples, a Nile cruise and the Red Sea make this country an incomparable experience.
Top Destinations
Cairo
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are literally on the city's outskirts. The Egyptian Museum (with Tutankhamun's treasures), the Coptic quarter, the Citadel of Saladin and Khan el-Khalili — the most famous bazaar in the Arab world.
Daily budget: 30-70€
Luxor
The world's largest open-air museum. The Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Temple of Hatshepsut. You need at least 2 full days.
Daily budget: 25-55€
Aswan
Quieter than Luxor. Philae Temple, the Aswan Dam, felucca rides on the Nile and the trip to Abu Simbel (3h by bus, absolutely essential).
Daily budget: 25-50€
Nile Cruise
4-5 days between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa). Includes the temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Esna. One of the world's best travel experiences.
Price: 200-500€ all-inclusive
Hurghada / Sharm El Sheikh
Red Sea: world-class snorkeling and diving. Spectacular coral reefs, crystal-clear waters and all-inclusive resorts.
Daily budget: 40-100€ (all-inclusive)
Egyptian Cuisine
- Koshari — The national dish: rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas with tomato sauce and fried onion. From 0.50€
- Ful Medames — Stewed fava beans with spices, the classic breakfast
- Falafel (Ta'ameya) — Egyptian version with fava beans instead of chickpeas
- Shawarma — Marinated meat in pita bread with tahini
- Molokhia — Green jute soup with rice and chicken
- Fateer — Egyptian puff pastry, sweet or savory
- Baklava — Nut and honey pastry
- Sugarcane Juice — Fresh and just 0.20€ from street stalls
Budget
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation | 8-18€ | 25-60€ | 70-200€ | | Food | 3-8€ | 10-20€ | 25-50€ | | Tickets/tours | 5-15€ | 15-40€ | 40-80€ | | Transport | 2-5€ | 8-15€ | 15-40€ | | Total/day | 18-46€ | 58-135€ | 150-370€ |
Warning
Egypt has two prices: the "Egyptian price" and the "tourist price" for monument entries. The pyramids cost ~200 EGP (~4€) for locals and ~450 EGP (~9€) for foreigners. This is legal and standard.
Practical Tips
Tip
Carry Egyptian pounds in cash. 1€ ≈ 50 EGP (2025). ATMs give good rates but charge fees. Exchange at official banks, never on the street.
- Bargaining — The norm in bazaars and taxis. Start at a third of the asking price
- Baksheesh — Constant tipping. Keep small bills (5-10 EGP) handy at all times
- Scams — "The museum is closed", unofficial guides, inflated prices. Be firm but polite
- Dress code — Cover shoulders and knees, especially women. Required for mosques
- Water — Bottled only. Avoid ice in drinks and salads washed with tap water
- Uber — Works perfectly in Cairo and is the best option to avoid scam-prone taxi drivers