Egypt — find the right stay, from deciding to booking
“Pyramids, a Nile cruise, and the Red Sea”
Egypt is the land of the world's oldest civilization — the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, a Nile cruise, and Red Sea diving, paired with the pharaohs' mummies in the museum and Cairo's Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Egypt at a glance
Choose a city in Egypt
Each city has its own things-to-do and food guides plus in-depth ranked hotel reviews with real photos and price comparison — start with the city that fits your trip.
Decide — is Egypt right for you?
Why people love Egypt, how it compares to its neighbors, and which travel style suits you
The Great Pyramids
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx — the only ancient wonder of the world still standing.
Temples and pharaohs' tombs
Karnak, Luxor, Abu Simbel, and the Valley of the Kings.
A Nile cruise
Sail from Luxor to Aswan to see riverside temples and everyday life.
Red Sea diving
Healthy coral reefs at Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
Egypt vs its neighbors
| Egypt | Jordan | Morocco | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily budget (per person) | $34–71 | $51–100 | $29–63 |
| Visa for travelers | Visa on arrival / e-Visa | Visa on arrival | Free for 90 days |
| Getting around town | Metro in Cairo · Grab/negotiated taxis | Taxis/Uber; tours needed for small towns | Negotiated taxis · intercity trains |
| English | Passable at tourist sites · signage in Arabic | Passable at tourist sites | Passable at tourist sites |
| Known for | Pyramids · Nile cruise · Red Sea | Petra · Wadi Rum · Dead Sea | Medinas · desert · dye markets |
Figures are rough per-person, per-day estimates — your real budget depends on your travel style.
How do you travel?
Ancient civilization lover
Cairo (pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum), then fly or take the train to Luxor and Aswan for a Nile cruise through Upper Egypt.
See this plan → 🤿Red Sea diver
Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh — world-class Red Sea coral, with diving and snorkeling far cheaper than at many spots worldwide.
See this plan → ⏱️Short Cairo-Pyramids trip
3–4 days in Cairo is enough to see the pyramids fully, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and an evening Nile cruise before flying on to Europe or Dubai.
See this plan →Plan — stay, eat, see
Start with where to stay (the heart of the trip), then add food and sights, and gauge your daily budget.
Find the stay you want
2 ranked reviews
Reviewed10 Best Hotels in Aswan: Nile Cataracts and Philae Temple
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Reviewed10 Best Hotels in Cairo: Wake Up to the Pyramids (2026)
10 hotels · Read review →
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🚆 Getting around Egypt
Nile cruise
A 3–4 night cruise from Luxor to Aswan, visiting riverside temples — the highlight.
Domestic flights
Flying Cairo-Luxor-Aswan-Red Sea saves time.
Car with guide
Hiring a guide-driver in Cairo or Luxor is popular for convenience and safety.
Night train
Sleeper trains between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan are budget-friendly.
🛂 Etiquette & culture in Egypt
A Muslim country
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially outside resorts and when entering mosques.
Tipping (baksheesh)
Tipping is widespread — keep small bills ready for various services.
Visa
Travelers obtain a visa/e-Visa beforehand, or get a visa on arrival depending on conditions — check the latest.
Bargaining and vendors
Markets require haggling, and beware of people who offer a service or item and then demand a tip.
💸 Daily budget — a rough guide
Budget
🛏️ Guesthouse / 2–3 star hotel $9–23
Egypt is very cheap — delicious local food costs just $1.50–3.50. Watch for inflated prices at tourist sites.
Comfort
🛏️ 4-star hotel on the Nile or in the center $26–51
Hiring a licensed local guide is well worth it — deeper insight and safer than going it alone.
Premium
🛏️ Luxury hotel with pyramid views / luxury Nile cruise $71+
A 4–7 night Nile cruise from Cairo to Luxor to Aswan is a bucket-list experience to do once in a lifetime.
🗓️ When to visit Egypt
Winter
Oct – AprWarm and pleasant — the best time to visit the pyramids and temples (peak Dec–Jan).
Shoulder season
Mar / OctGreat weather with fewer crowds than peak — good value.
Summer
May – SepExtremely hot in Luxor and Aswan, over 40°C — sightsee early morning. The Red Sea is still swimmable.
Red Sea
Year-roundHurghada and Sharm are swimmable nearly year-round, with great weather in winter.
Book — hotels our team picked
Hand-picked from the highest guest-rated hotels we've reviewed in Egypt — compare prices across 3 sites.
★ 9.6💑 Great for your trip
★ 9.4💑 Great for your trip
★ 9.4👨👩👧 Great for your tripWant to see every option in Egypt?
Browse all our ranked stay reviews — every budget and area, with real photos and price comparison.
View the top city guide →FAQ — visiting Egypt
How many days do you need in Egypt?+
7–10 days is ideal for Cairo (pyramids, museum) plus a Luxor-to-Aswan Nile cruise. Add 2–3 days if you continue to the Red Sea for diving.
Is a Nile cruise worth it?+
Very much so — a 3–4 night Luxor-to-Aswan cruise lets you conveniently see many riverside temples in one trip, with accommodation and meals on board.
Do travelers need a visa?+
A visa is required — get an e-Visa online beforehand, or a visa on arrival depending on conditions. Check the latest details before traveling.
Tips before you go to Egypt
- Check the latest visa / visa-on-arrival conditions before traveling.
- Keep small bills ready for the widespread tipping (baksheesh).
- A Luxor-to-Aswan Nile cruise is a highlight you shouldn't miss.
- Visit temples in the morning to avoid the sun and crowds — bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.