Touring Egypt: Best Cities, Regions & When to Visit
Egypt has four distinct destinations: antiquities, the Nile, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean coast.
Egypt is an Arab country located in Northeast Africa, with a part of it in Asia. Its capital is Cairo and its currency is the Egyptian pound.
What makes Egypt a repeat destination is that it is not a single destination. Those who visit Cairo alone have seen only a small part: there are the Red Sea reefs ranked among the best in the world for diving, a Mediterranean coastline with white sands and turquoise waters, unparalleled temples in the Upper Nile, desert oases, and salt lakes.
In addition, it is among the most affordable destinations for what it offers, the distance from the Gulf is short, the language is the same, and the food is fully halal.
Tourist regions of Egypt: where to go and why
Egypt is tourist-wise divided into five regions: Cairo and Giza for monuments, the Upper Nile for temples, the Red Sea and South Sinai for diving, the Mediterranean coast and Alexandria for the Mediterranean, and the oases for the desert.
A common mistake is booking a week in Cairo alone or a week in Sharm El Sheikh alone. Egypt is best visited with two regions, not three, on a weeklong trip.
Egypt’s most famous cities
The five most famous destinations in Egypt are Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor and the North Coast.
Cairo is the gateway; most flights arrive there, and it has the pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Luxor and Aswan are the true capital of antiquities for history lovers. Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are for the sea and diving year-round. The North Coast and Alexandria have their season in summer only.
The common order among Gulf visitors: Cairo with the North Coast in summer, or Cairo with Luxor and Aswan in winter, or Sharm El Sheikh alone for a sea-and-resort break without a lot of moving around.
Best time to visit Egypt
The best time to visit Egypt in general is October to April, but the answer changes for the Mediterranean coast where the season runs June to September.
This rule governs the whole trip. The monuments in Cairo and the Upper Nile are best visited under an open sun, so summers can be punishing and disrupt the itinerary. The North Coast, by contrast, is best in summer for its sea, but in winter many resorts shut.
The Red Sea and South Sinai are the exceptions: they operate year-round; their best months are spring and fall when the weather is moderate and the sea is calm.
The Khamsin winds laden with dust may blow in March and April for a few days, affecting visibility and photography at archaeological sites.
Travel requirements to Egypt
Entry requirements vary by traveler nationality and passport type; usually a visa on arrival and an e-visa in advance.
Procedures, fees, and documents change from time to time, and rules on cash allowed in and out are added. Do not rely on a forum post or old article; check the official source before booking, not before travel.
Arriving to Egypt and the airports
Egypt has more than twenty airports, the biggest being Cairo International Airport, which receives most flights, followed by Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh airports.
Choosing the airport saves you hours on the road. Those headed to the Red Sea fly directly to Hurghada instead of Cairo; those for the North Coast fly to Alamein or Borg El Arab in season; and those for antiquities head to Luxor.
Getting around in Egypt
Domestic flights are the fastest between Cairo, the Upper Nile and the Red Sea; a Cairo–Luxor trip takes about an hour.
- Domestic flights: the first choice for long distances like Cairo to Luxor or to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh
- Trains connect Cairo with Alexandria and the Upper Nile; they are comfortable and cheaper than flying, with Cairo–Alexandria taking two to two-and-a-half hours.
- Buses between cities: cover the coast and Red Sea with low prices but take time
- Nile cruises: a transport and a single experience between Luxor and Aswan, lasting three to four nights
Don’t drive yourself in Egypt if you’re not used to it, especially in Cairo. The highways between cities are good, but driving norms differ from what you’re used to.
Cost of travel to Egypt
Egypt is one of the cheaper destinations in the region; the biggest expense after airfare is internal travel and a guide if you combine two regions.
What’s often overlooked is the transfer between regions: an internal trip to Luxor or to Hurghada added to your international ticket. The second is the official guide at archeological sites, who deserves what is charged because the difference between seeing a stone and understanding what you see is huge.
Tips: tips are part of daily culture, so bring small cash denominations, especially at archaeological sites.
How many days are enough to visit Egypt
Ten days is a suitable duration to cover two regions in Egypt; five days are enough for Cairo and surroundings only.
Spread your days over two regions, not three. The most common winter combo is Cairo with Luxor and Aswan, and in summer Cairo with the North Coast or Alexandria. If you want a sea-only trip with no moving around, stay full trip in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.
What is the capital of Egypt?
Cairo, the largest city in the country, where most international flights arrive.
What is Egypt's currency?
The Egyptian pound. Foreign exchange desks are available at airports and cities, and card payments are accepted in hotels and malls.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April for the monuments, Cairo and the Upper Nile; June to September for the Mediterranean coast; spring and autumn for the Red Sea.
How many days are enough to visit Egypt?
Ten days to cover two regions, five days for Cairo and surroundings only.
What are Egypt’s famous cities?
Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor and the North Coast, each with its own season and character.
Where to go in Egypt in summer?
The Mediterranean coast and Alexandria for the Mediterranean Sea, or Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada for sea and diving.
Where to go in Egypt in winter?
Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, as the weather is mild and the monuments can be visited on foot.
Can you combine Cairo and the sea in one trip?
Yes, it’s the most common combination. It requires an internal flight or a train, and count half a day for each transfer.
Is the food in Egypt halal?
Yes, food is halal across restaurants generally, with some resort restaurants serving alcohol.