Egypt truly is a fascinating land with an unparalleled history. The mysteries of ancient civilizations continue to unfold even today.

Every corner of Egypt has a story to tell, whether it's exploring the iconic Pyramids, visiting temples like Luxor and Karnak, or marveling at hidden treasures in the Valley of the Kings. The stark contrast between the desert and the Nile also emphasizes the country's unique geography and cultural richness.

The Country is 91% dessert, and the entire population is spread in the remaining 9% of land on the banks of river Nile. The main cities are very crowded, but the people are nice and helpful. The country is safe for women too.

WHEN TO GO

 The best time to visit Egypt is during the winter months from November to March. These shoulder months offer cooler weather and fewer crowd. You may require a light jacket in the evenings during this period, however the day is quite comfortable and pleasant.

Well, a heavy jacket may be required for the Nile Cruise as it is better to be prepared for the windy and cold evenings and night.

However, a hat, cap or UV T-shirt and sunscreen is required during the daytime while visiting the sites as the sun can get pretty harsh.

TIPS TO REMEMBER

There are some practical and valuable tips for first-time travelers to Egypt! Navigating local transportation and understanding customs procedures can make a big difference in having a smooth trip.

1.        Booking a Taxi from the airport

• The Taxis are plentiful, and one can easily book an Uber on their existing app. No need to download a new one.  Contrary to the belief, that the Ubers are available at the airport.

• The agents at the airport may try to sell their taxi services for a much higher rate like $30 while Uber may only cost $ 3-4.

•   The Ubers are available at a short distance from the airport exit.

• For taking an Uber, cross the street and reach the car park (marked B-5) which is accessible from the ramp on your left after crossing the Street - all Ubers pick the passengers from there.

• If you prefer not to walk till the Uber pick up point then you may opt for the traditional taxi from the airport however, it is advised to negotiate the rate. All the cars are usually available for $10-15 or so.

• Ubers are available only in the major cities in the country.

• Keep in mind that the number plates of cars in Egypt are in Arabic, so it might be tricky to recognize your taxi at first. Stay in the area where you booked the ride and ask the driver of any car stopping nearby if it’s your taxi.

2.      Entry Restriction Fee:

Sometimes, immigration may stamp your passport with an “Entry restricted for 7 days” notice and inform you that you need to pay a fee of $15 per person. Please note that the desk only accepts this fee in cash— no card payments are accepted.

You also have the option to pay the fee when you leave the country, if you prefer.

 In my case, I did not pay this fee, nor was I asked to pay it.

However, this decision is entirely up to the traveler. Please be aware that I cannot be held responsible if any penalties are imposed for not paying the fee.

3.      Currency Exchange:

It’s advisable to exchange your USD for Egyptian Pounds (EGP) either at your hotel or at local ATM's or banks. There are not many exchange shops around the city, relying on the ATM's to take out local currency might be more convenient.

4.      Tipping:

Tipping is a common practice here, and people expect it. It’s a good idea to keep some of your EGP change for tipping purposes.

5.      Cash and Credit Cards:

• USD in cash is widely accepted, but not all places accept credit cards.

• It's best to carry some cash and, if possible, exchange it to EGP.

• If you plan to carry USD, be sure to bring small denomination notes like $1, $5, and $10. These are much easier to use in various situations.

6.      Toilet/Restroom Fees:

At many tourist sites, you’ll need to pay a small fee of around 10 EGP to use the toilets or washrooms. Make sure to carry some loose change for this.

7.      Ticket Purchases:

At many tourist attractions, ticket counters may only accept card payments. Additionally, many sites have self-service vending machines near the ticket area where you can use a credit or debit card to purchase tickets.

8.      Visiting Egypt During Ramadan:

If you’re visiting during Ramadan, keep in mind that many attractions close early—usually around 4 PM—so that Egyptians can return home to break their fast (Iftar). Plan your visits accordingly. However, the atmosphere becomes very festive and vibrant in the evenings after the iftar.

9.      Communication:

The people of Egypt are extremely friendly and often go out of their way to help you.

However, not everyone speaks English, including hotel staff, restaurant employees, and taxi drivers.

Arabic is the official language, but most people will try to understand English. That said, some may struggle to understand or speak it, but they will do their best to assist you by seeking help from others who can communicate in English.

At times, even restaurant menus might be in Arabic. You can use Google Translate to help with translation or ask the staff to provide you with an English menu.

10.   The sites / tourist areas are unfortunately not very friendly to the people who are physically challenged or with limited mobility. The accessibility to the sites is not very good. Many of the areas have stairs and uneven path to the tourist area creates an hinderance at these places.

The same thing applies to the small children in prams.

PLACES TO STAY

For first-time visitors, the Downtown area is the best place to stay in Cairo. It’s located next to the Nile River and is close to Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum, making it a central spot for sightseeing. The area is vibrant, with plenty of shops and restaurants. It’s also a historic part of the city, often referred to as Old Cairo, and is conveniently close to Giza.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, there are other areas to consider as well. New Cairo offers a more modern vibe, with numerous malls and a newer appearance compared to Downtown.

 Accommodation:

Cairo offers a range of accommodation options. The 5-star hotels are relatively affordable, and you can easily book them on popular booking sites like Booking.com, Expedia, Kayak, and others. For those on a budget, there are plenty of budget hotels available too.

PLACES TO SEE IN CAIRO:

PYRAMIDS AT GIZA:

The Giza Pyramids are home to three main pyramids—Khufu (Cheops), Khafre, and Menkaure—as well as three smaller ones for their queens, making a total of six. These pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs (kings) of ancient Egypt.

Tour Tips:

It’s highly recommended to book a tour that includes a car, a driver, and an Egyptologist. Most tours cover the transportation, the Egyptologist guide, and many also include lunch and a camel ride. The tour typically includes tickets to the Pyramid Plateau, where the pyramids are located.

Entering the Pyramids:You can enter two of the six pyramids for an additional fee:

• Khufu (Cheops): EGP 1580 per person

• Menkaure: EGP 280 per person

The interiors of the pyramids are similar, with the primary difference being the size. To enter Khufu, you’ll need to descend deeper compared to the smaller Menkaure.

Health Warning: If you have breathing issues or asthma, it's advisable not to go inside the pyramids, or at least consider visiting the smaller one (Menkaure).

Important Tips:

• Sun Protection: The sun can be harsh, and there’s little shade, so be sure to carry sunscreen and wear a hat.

• Touts Offering Pictures: Be cautious of touts offering to take your picture for free. They often ask for money afterward. It's better to ask your guide or Egyptologist to take your photos for you.

  
  

The Sphinx: Don’t miss the Great Sphinx, a massive limestone sculpture with the body of a lion and the head of a human. It’s located near the pyramids and is an enduring mystery, having been built around 2500 BC.

EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

Located in Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum is a true treasure trove of Egypt’s ancient history. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of ancient Egypt.

The main attraction at the museum is the collection of artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, which was discovered in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

In addition, the museum also features an impressive collection of mummies and artifacts from the tombs of other pharaohs offering a glimpse into the Egyptian history.

One important thing to note is that the washrooms/ toilets are in the mezzanine area that is between the ground and the first floor and may be difficult for the physically challenged people to use.

There may be one after the exit in the souvenir shop.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF EGYPTIAN CIVILISATION

 This museum is Situated in old Cairo and the key highlight of the museum is its Hall of Mummies, where visitors can see the mummified remains of prominent Egyptian pharaohs and nobles, including the famous mummies of Ramses II and Hatshepsut. The exhibit is one of the most fascinating and well-preserved collections of mummies in the world.

GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM (GEM)

Although the museum is not yet fully operational as of March 2025, but it is set to become the world’s largest and most significant archaeological museums, once it opens in full. (some parts of it are operational).

The full Tutankhamun collection will be shifted to this museum including other pharaonic collection as well.

ALEXANDRIA: “Bride of the Mediterranean”

Alexandria is a beautiful coastal city located on the Mediterranean Sea. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, it’s a charming and vibrant city with plenty to offer.

Many tour companies offer day trips to Alexandria, which typically include lunch, transportation, and an Egyptologist guide.

Distance and Travel: Alexandria is about 220 km from Cairo, which takes roughly 3 hours one way. If you're planning to visit for the day, it’s doable, but you can also stay overnight as there are plenty of accommodations available.

Top Attractions in Alexandria:

1. Bibliotheca Alexandrina – The world’s largest library, a modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria.

2. Qaitbay Citadel – A historic fortress with stunning views. It was built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though it now lies underwater due to a powerful earthquake.

3. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – A fascinating underground burial site dating back to the Roman period. This is the burial ground of Rich people. However, all the tombs were found to be empty when discovered.

4. Pompey's Pillar – A towering column, one of the largest of its kind in the world, built in honour of Emperor Diocletian.

5. Roman Amphitheatre and Baths – Explore the well-preserved remains of a Roman amphitheater and the nearby baths.

Food:Alexandria is also known for its seafood, with many great restaurants along the coast offering fresh dishes.

NILE CRUISE – ASWAN TO LUXOR

A Nile Cruise between Aswan and Luxor is one of the most popular and unforgettable ways to explore the heart of Egypt. This journey takes you through some of the most historical sites while offering a scenic experience along the world’s longest river.

Duration: The cruise typically lasts 3 to 4 days, with most itineraries sailing from Aswan to Luxor, though reverse routes are also available.

 The main things to remember

• The cruise typically sails for only for one night. Once you board the boat, it is docked for the night. On the day of check in, you visit the Aswan attractions on the land visiting the Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk.

  
  

• Abu Simbel Trip:

  
  

  

• Abu Simbel, the world-famous temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II, is located 220 km from Aswan. The cruise does not go to Abu Simbel due to the location and the dam, so it is only accessible by road. This trip is an optional excursion that typically departs from Aswan early in the morning, around 4:00-4:30 AM, to make most of your day. The journey takes approximately 4 hours one way. You can take a packed breakfast with you from the cruise.

  
  

Please note there is only one restroom stop on the way and again please keep 10 EGP in loose change for washrooms.

The boat will remain docked in Aswan until passengers return from Abu Simbel, which usually happens by 2:00 PM.

The cruise will start sailing once everyone is back on the boat between 2 – 3 pm.

• Isna Lock Passage:

  

After Edf, the boat will sail toward the Isna Lock, where the water level in the river changes due to the barrage/dam.

The same technique used to pass through the Suez Canal is employed here to navigate the water levels.

•   Check out from the cruise usually happens the early morning after breakfast.

•  Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride:

You can book an optional Hot Air Balloon ride for an additional fee, offering a unique perspective of the landscapes.

•   It’s advisable to book your Nile cruise in advance, as it’s a popular experience for tourists visiting Egypt. Cruises range from more budget-friendly options to luxurious 5-star boats, so you can choose according to your preferences.

Key Highlights Along the Route:

Aswan:

This temple is dedicated to goddess Isis and can be reached by a boat only. It is located in between a lake. The carvings are exquisite.

Remember to carry hat, umbrella and sunscreen. The sun is pretty bad.

The other points of interest at Aswan are the Aswan Dam - one of the largest dams of the world and the unfinished Oblisk.

En route to Luxor the first point of stop is Kom Ombo Temple - Dedicated to the crocodile God Sobek.

Edfu: (Next Stop after Kom Ombo) - Temple of Horus: dedicated to the Falcon god Horus. The boat reaches early morning, and you may visit this temple in a horse carriage.

Luxor

The main places to see :

• Luxor Temple : built by Ramses II- one of the most beautiful temple in Luxor.

  
  

Hatshepsut Temple - Hatshesput was the queen who ruled Egypt as a king. She made this temple for herself.

Valley of the Kings - This is the most important place in Luxor where most of the kings of Ancient Egypt were buried here. The most recent find was the tomb of Tutankhamun which was found intact with everything, and the excavation is still going on in search of other tombs.

The ticket to this site lets to visit 3 tombs. Extra ticket/ additional ticket is needed if you would like to visit more tombs. The tomb of Tutankhamun can also be visited by purchasing extra ticket.

RED SEA PARADISES

Hurghada and Sharm - El - Sheikh are two main holiday destinations located on the shores of the Red Sea. They are very popular among the Europeans and are famous for watersports and red sea diving which is one of the best diving locations in the world.

I have not been to any of them but in case you are diving enthusiast then one may explore these locations as well.

There is so much to see and do in Egypt that any time spent here seems less. Its truely a paradise for the historians and a land of mystery.