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Egypt
Egypt is one of the most extraordinary destinations on earth — a country that simultaneously holds the world’s most recognizable monuments, a living Islamic architectural tradition, the world’s longest river, and desert landscapes of haunting beauty. Few places offer the same density of profundity. Standing at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Giza, you are facing a structure built 4,500 years ago that was the tallest man-made object on earth for nearly four millennia. The Valley of the Kings holds the tombs of pharaohs who ruled when most of Europe was still forest. Abu Simbel, carved from a cliff by Ramesses the Great, was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s to save it from rising floodwaters.
But Egypt is not only monuments. Cairo is one of the great megalopolises of the Islamic world, its skyline pricked by minarets, its alleys fragrant with shisha and spice. The Red Sea coast is world-class for diving and snorkeling. The Sinai Peninsula offers Bedouin culture and some of the most dramatic desert scenery on earth. This guide covers all of it.
Egypt Through the Seasons
Egypt’s climate is extreme — the heat is the dominant factor in planning your visit.
Oct – Nov
Ideal temperatures (20–28°C). Crowds haven’t peaked. Perfect for temple-hopping and desert excursions. Nile cruise season at its most pleasant.
Feb – Mar
Comfortable temperatures, lush Delta region, wildflowers in the desert. Spring before the heat arrives. Slightly more crowded than autumn.
Dec – Jan
Busy with European winter tourism. Cool in Cairo (10–18°C), warm in Luxor. Book everything well ahead. Red Sea resorts at full swing.
Apr – May
Getting hot (30–35°C). Khamsin sandstorms possible in April. Lower prices than peak season. Manageable if you plan carefully around midday heat.
Jun – Sep
Brutal heat (40–48°C in Upper Egypt). Only for die-hard visitors or Red Sea beach holidays. Indoor museums tolerable; outdoor sites punishing.
Where to Go in Egypt
Egypt’s key destinations are spread across a vast country. Most visitors focus on Cairo, Luxor, and one beach destination — this combination covers the essentials.
Cairo & Giza
Egypt’s vast capital holds the Egyptian Museum (soon to be replaced by the Grand Egyptian Museum), the ancient Islamic district of Khan el-Khalili, and — just outside the city — the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and two companion pyramids. The Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza opened in phases from 2023, housing over 100,000 artifacts including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Give Cairo at least 3 full days.
Luxor & Aswan
Upper Egypt is where the pharaohs are buried. Luxor was ancient Thebes — its East Bank holds the Karnak and Luxor temples, while the West Bank is entirely given over to tombs: the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut. Four hours south by train, Aswan is gentler and more Nubian, a gateway to the Lake Nasser temples including the magnificent Abu Simbel. Plan 3–4 days for Luxor, 2 for Aswan.
The Red Sea Coast
Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are Egypt’s beach resort capitals, with warm turquoise water and some of the world’s best coral reefs. Divers and snorkelers come specifically for the Red Sea — visibility up to 30 meters, year-round warm water (20–30°C), and extraordinary marine life including sharks, rays, and rainbow reef fish. Dahab on the Sinai coast is smaller, more bohemian, and home to the legendary Blue Hole dive site.
The Western Desert
Egypt’s least-visited region is arguably its most dramatic. The White Desert, with its surreal chalk formations rising from the sand, looks like the surface of another planet. The Siwa Oasis, 50 km from the Libyan border, is a world unto itself — mud-brick citadels, olive groves, salt lakes, and an oracle temple where Alexander the Great once sought divine confirmation of his rule. Best explored by 4WD with a local guide.
Egypt’s Greatest Wonders
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10 Days in Egypt
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Egyptian Cuisine: Earthy, Fragrant, Filling
Egyptian food is one of the world’s oldest culinary traditions — some dishes on today’s menus have been prepared the same way since the time of the pharaohs.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD and EUR are widely accepted at major sites. ATMs available in cities. Exchange money at official bureaus — street rates are often unfavorable. Carry cash for markets and smaller restaurants.
Most nationalities (including Korean) can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo airport ($25 USD) or purchase an e-Visa online in advance (recommended — faster processing). Valid for 30 days, single entry.
Egypt is generally safe for tourists at major sites. Petty hassle (touts, unsolicited guides) is the main annoyance — a firm, polite “la shukran” (no thank you) works. Check government travel advisories before Sinai travel. Avoid political gatherings.
Egypt is a Muslim-majority country. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and religious sites (scarves provided at entrances). Loose, light-colored clothing is ideal in the heat. Swimwear only at beach resorts and hotel pools.
Drink only bottled water — even for brushing teeth in some areas. Apply sunscreen religiously (UV is extreme). Heat exhaustion is a real risk; stay hydrated, wear a hat, and rest midday. Hepatitis A vaccine recommended. Pack antidiarrheal medication.
Tipping culture (baksheesh) is universal and important — guards who open extra rooms, toilet attendants, hotel porters, felucca drivers, and restaurant staff all expect tips. Carry small EGP bills. Budget approximately 50–100 EGP per tip.
Fly between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm el-Sheikh (EgyptAir, Nile Air). Overnight sleeper trains connect Cairo to Luxor and Aswan (recommended; book in advance). For local transport, use Uber in Cairo — it’s reliable and cheaper than taxis.
Arabic. English is widely spoken at tourist sites, hotels and restaurants. Learning a few Arabic words goes a long way: “Shukran” (thank you), “La shukran” (no thank you), “Bikam?” (how much?). Egyptians are exceptionally warm to visitors who try.
Start at Sunrise
At major sites, arriving at opening time (6–7 AM) means you have the pyramids or Valley of the Kings virtually to yourself for 1–2 hours. The light is also extraordinary at dawn.
Hot Air Balloon in Luxor
A dawn balloon flight over the West Bank of Luxor is one of Egypt’s most memorable experiences — the temples and tombs from 300 meters at sunrise is an image you’ll carry for life. Book through your hotel.
Negotiate Everything
Prices at souks, camel rides, felucca boats and taxis are negotiable. Always agree on the price before you get in, on, or start. Start at roughly 40% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Smile throughout.
Photography Rules
Photography permits are sometimes extra at major sites. Flash photography is prohibited inside most tombs (it damages the pigments). Always ask permission before photographing local people — and offer a small tip if they agree.
Respect Ramadan
If visiting during Ramadan (dates vary each year), be respectful — don’t eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight. Iftar (the sunset meal) is a special occasion to share if invited. Many sites have reduced hours.
Bring a Torch
Many tombs in the Valley of the Kings are dimly lit. A small flashlight or a phone with a good torch lets you see painted ceilings and hieroglyphs that most visitors miss entirely. A must-have item for serious tomb visitors.
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