Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Egypt. Few countries pack in so much: the pyramids and the Sphinx on the edge of Cairo, temples and royal tombs along the Nile in Luxor and Aswan, coral reefs on the Red Sea, Bedouin mountains in Sinai and quiet oases in the Western Desert. This is our pocket guide to all of it, from where to go and when, to what to eat, how to get around and the local guides who live there.
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Egypt quick facts
Find a local guide in EgyptBrowse all Egypt experiences
From the founder
Raf Sarawi, CEO and Founder, Simsem
In 2014, I founded Maramiya Centre, a cultural center in Brussels, with a simple dream: to share the beauty and richness of Middle Eastern culture with the world. I watched as strangers became friends over shared meals, traditional music and heartfelt conversations. Those moments showed me the transformative power of authentic cultural connection.
That’s how Simsem was born: a platform that connects travelers directly with Middle Eastern locals, from the alleys of old Cairo to the Bedouin camps of Sinai. Our name, Simsem (سمسم), means “sesame” in Arabic, a humble ingredient that adds flavor and depth to countless dishes. Just like those tiny seeds, we aim to add authenticity and richness to your travels.
When you travel with Simsem, you’re not just seeing Egypt’s ancient wonders. You’re sharing tea, meals and stories with the people who call it home.
“We aspire to become the ambassador of authentic Middle Eastern experiences, making a sustainable, positive impact on the lives and communities of locals, while fostering a society of empathy, appreciation, and mutual respect for all cultures.”
Why travel with Simsem?
Local. Authentic. Community-driven.
Explore
Where to go in Egypt
Most trips combine Cairo and Giza with the Nile Valley (Luxor and Aswan), then add the Red Sea, Sinai or the desert. Here’s the country region by region.
Cairo
Africa’s great metropolis is loud, warm and endlessly interesting. Walk the medieval streets of Historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Khan el-Khalili, climb to the Citadel, relax in Al-Azhar Park, visit the churches of Coptic Cairo and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. In the evening, take a felucca on the Nile.
Giza, Saqqara and Dahshur
The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx sit on the edge of the city, and the Grand Egyptian Museum nearby is the world’s largest museum devoted to a single civilization. South of Giza, Saqqara has the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest of Egypt’s pyramids, and Dahshur has the Bent and Red Pyramids. See our Giza Necropolis guide.
Alexandria and the Mediterranean
Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria is Egypt’s Mediterranean city: a long seafront Corniche, the Citadel of Qaitbay on the site of the ancient lighthouse, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Roman catacombs and excellent seafood. It’s an easy day trip or overnight from Cairo. See our Alexandria guide.
Luxor
Ancient Thebes is the world’s greatest open-air museum. On the East Bank stand Karnak and Luxor Temple; on the West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Start a day with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over it all. See things to do in Luxor.
Aswan and Abu Simbel
Aswan is the Nile at its most beautiful: granite islands, white-sailed feluccas and colorful Nubian villages. Visit the island Temple of Philae and the High Dam, then make the trip south to Abu Simbel, where the great temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari were moved block by block in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
A Nile cruise
The classic way to travel between Luxor and Aswan is by boat, over three or four nights, stopping at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. You sleep on board, wake up to the river and see the countryside as Egyptians have for thousands of years. See our Nile cruise guide.
The Red Sea: Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm el-Sheikh
Egypt’s Red Sea coast has some of the best coral reefs in the world, warm water all year and resorts for every style, from big hotels in Hurghada to quieter bays around Marsa Alam. On the tip of Sinai, Sharm el-Sheikh is the gateway to Ras Mohammed National Park.
Dahab and the Sinai mountains
Laid-back Dahab is the Sinai’s favorite town for snorkeling, diving at the Blue Hole, windsurfing and desert trips with Bedouin guides. Inland rise the granite mountains of South Sinai: climb Mount Sinai through the night for sunrise, then visit St Catherine’s Monastery at its foot. See where to stay in Dahab.
The Western Desert: Fayoum, the White Desert and Siwa
West of the Nile, the desert has its own wonders. The Fayoum oasis has lakes, waterfalls at Wadi el-Rayan and the fossil whales of Wadi al-Hitan. Further out, the chalk towers of the White Desert make one of the most surreal camping spots on Earth. Far to the west, Siwa Oasis has palm groves, salt lakes, the mud-brick fortress of Shali and the Great Sand Sea.
Map of Egypt
Cairo sits at the head of the Nile Delta. Luxor is about an hour’s flight south, Aswan a little further, and the Red Sea resorts are an hour’s flight east.
Egypt’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Egypt has seven sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List:
- Memphis and its Necropolis, the pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur (1979)
- Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, Luxor, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings (1979)
- Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (1979)
- Historic Cairo (1979)
- Abu Mena, an early Christian pilgrimage city near Alexandria (1979)
- Saint Catherine Area in South Sinai (2002)
- Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) in the Fayoum (2005)
Book
Unforgettable Egypt experiences
Local-guided experiences with Simsem hosts across Egypt:
Ultimate Giza Pyramids Tour – Sphinx, Camels & Egyptian Culture
The pyramids and the Sphinx with a local guide from Giza, with time on a camel and a taste of Egyptian daily life.
Islamic Cairo Tour: Khan el-Khalili Bazaar & Old Cairo Walk
The mosques, gates and alleys of historic Cairo and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar with a local guide.
Private Valley of the Kings Tour in Luxor – West Bank Highlights
The royal tombs and the great temples of Luxor’s West Bank with a local guide in Luxor.
Luxor: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Float over the temples, tombs and fields of Luxor’s West Bank as the sun comes up, with Hassan Tayea.
Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise: 4 Nights, 5 Days
Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at the great temples along the way, with a local guide.
Aswan Felucca Tour at Sunrise: Nile Birdwatching
An early-morning sail among the islands of Aswan with Khaled Zaky, watching the birds of the Nile.
Blue Hole Dahab Tour: Abu Galoum & Blue Lagoon Snorkeling
A day on the Red Sea coast north of Dahab, snorkeling the Blue Hole and visiting the Abu Galoum reserve and Blue Lagoon.
Mount Sinai Overnight Hike & St Catherine’s Monastery
Climb Mount Sinai through the night to watch the sunrise from the summit, then visit St Catherine’s Monastery.
White Desert, Djara Cave & Desert Camping
Two days and a night in the Western Desert with Sameh Muhammed, with a night under the stars.
Fayoum Oasis: Whales Valley & Wadi el-Rayan
A day trip from Cairo with Mahmoud Fawzy to the fossil whales of Wadi al-Hitan and the lakes and waterfalls of Wadi el-Rayan.
Siwa Oasis: 2 Days, Salt Lakes & Desert Safari
Two days in Siwa with Ahmed Wahi: floating in the salt lakes, a desert safari in the Great Sand Sea and life in the oasis.
Alexandria Day Trip from Cairo
A day by the Mediterranean with Mahmoud Fawzy: Alexandria’s landmarks, the Corniche and lunch by the sea.
All local guides in EgyptBrowse all Egypt experiences
Plan
Essential travel information
Visa and entry
Most visitors can apply for an e-visa online at the official portal before they travel, or buy a 30-day visa on arrival at the main airports. Short stays in the South Sinai resorts may only need a free entry stamp. Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Full details in our Egypt visa guide.
Best time to visit
Month by month, with sea temperatures and 2027 dates: the best time to visit Egypt.
Money
- The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). ATMs are easy to find in cities and resorts.
- Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops; markets, taxis and small cafés usually want cash.
- Tipping (baksheesh) is part of daily life, so keep small notes for guards, drivers, guides and bathroom attendants.
- Only change money at banks or official exchange offices.
Phone and internet
Buy a local SIM or eSIM at the airport from one of the main networks (bring your passport). 4G works across the cities, the Nile Valley and the Red Sea coast; signal can be patchy in the desert and the Sinai mountains.
Essential Arabic phrases
| Say | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salam alaykum | Hello (peace be upon you) |
| Shukran | Thank you |
| La, shukran | No, thank you (the most useful phrase in the market) |
| Min fadlak / min fadlik | Please (to a man / to a woman) |
| Bikam? | How much? |
| Fein…? | Where is…? |
| Yalla | Let’s go |
| Inshallah | God willing (you’ll hear it all the time) |
| Ma’a salama | Goodbye |
What to pack
- Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, plus a scarf for mosques
- A sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes for temples and uneven ground
- A warm layer for winter evenings, desert nights and Mount Sinai
- Swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen for the Red Sea
- Small notes in Egyptian pounds for tips
First-time visitor guide: what to expect
💡 Pro tip: book a local guide for the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings. You’ll skip the hassle and come away with stories, not just photos.
How many days? Sample itineraries
Day-by-day routes with travel times: Egypt itineraries for 7, 10 and 14 days. Combining Egypt with Jordan? See our Jordan travel guide.
Taste
Food: the taste of Egypt
Egyptian food is hearty, cheap and made for sharing. Breakfast is fuul and falafel, lunch is the big meal, and the streets smell of fresh bread and grilled meat. Try these:
Eat it with a local: our Egyptian food guide has the best street-food experiences.
Move
Getting around Egypt
Flights to Egypt
- From North America: EgyptAir flies nonstop between New York (JFK) and Cairo; many travelers connect through Europe or the Gulf.
- From Europe: EgyptAir, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM and ITA Airways fly to Cairo.
- Via Istanbul and the Gulf: Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad.
- Straight to the beach: many European holiday and low-cost airlines fly to Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam.
Safety
For most travelers, Egypt is safe to visit. It welcomed a record of nearly 19 million visitors in 2025, its airports are open, and the main tourist areas are busy and well protected. Governments advise against travel to a few remote areas, mainly North Sinai, the Libyan border and parts of the Western Desert. Read our honest local answer: Is Egypt safe to visit?
Calendar highlights 2027
- Jan 72027Coptic Christmas · Egypt’s Christians celebrate with midnight services in churches across the country.
- Feb 22& Oct 22Abu Simbel sun festival · at sunrise, the sun reaches deep into the Great Temple and lights up the statues in its sanctuary.
- Feb–MarexpectedRamadan · about February 8 to March 9, 2027, followed by Eid al-Fitr. Lantern-lit streets and late-night iftars. See Ramadan in Egypt.
- May 32027Sham el-Nessim · Egypt’s spring festival, when families picnic in parks and along the Nile.
- MayexpectedEid al-Adha · around May 16, 2027. A major holiday when Egyptians travel and the resorts fill up.
- Dec–JanpeakChristmas and New Year · the busiest weeks for visitors. See Christmas in Egypt.
Wonder
Did you know?
Meet
Meet our local guides in Egypt
Book directly with the people who live there. Each profile shows the host’s experiences and reviews.
- Abanoub Melad — Cairo
- Abdulrahman Ahmed — Cairo
- Ahmed Emam — Giza
- Ahmed Mahmoud — Giza
- Ahmed Salah Zahran — South Sinai
- Ahmed Wahi — Siwa
- Amr El Sonny — Cairo and beyond
- Aya Ashraf — Cairo and Giza
- Aya Fadel — South Sinai
- Basma Wael — Giza
- Hassan Tayea — Luxor, Nile cruises, Cairo
- Karim Abdelhamid — Cairo and the Delta
- Khaled Zaky — Aswan
- Mahmoud Fawzy — Giza, Cairo, Alexandria, Fayoum
- Mostafa Assem — Red Sea
- Omar Mohamed — Red Sea
- Rafiki Hostels — Dahab and Sinai
- Saleh Awad Hussine — Sinai
- Sameh Muhammed — Cairo, Fayoum, the White Desert
- Sea the Soul of Sinai — Dahab
Read more
Every Simsem guide to Egypt
Go deeper with our in-depth guides, written with local hosts.
Plan your trip
- Is Egypt safe to visit?
- Best time to visit Egypt
- Egypt visa: e-visa, visa on arrival, Sinai stamp
- Egypt itineraries: 7, 10 and 14 days
- Egypt travel tips
- Winter in Egypt
- Ramadan in Egypt
- Christmas in Egypt
- Ancient Egyptian culture
Cairo
- Cairo with a local guide
- Khan el-Khalili
- Cairo Citadel
- Al-Azhar Park
- The Egyptian Museum (Tahrir)
- Cairo Tower
Giza and Saqqara
Luxor, Aswan and the Nile
Red Sea and Sinai
- Things to do in Dahab
- Where to stay in Dahab
- Mount Sinai sunrise climb
- Sharm el-Sheikh
- Hurghada
- Where to stay in Hurghada
- Ain Sokhna
Alexandria and the desert
Egyptian food
Official resources
- Egypt e-Visa portal
- Egyptian monuments and tickets (Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
- Experience Egypt (official tourism site)
- UNESCO World Heritage in Egypt
- EgyptAir
Questions
Egypt travel FAQ
Is Egypt safe to visit?
For most travelers, yes. Egypt welcomed a record of nearly 19 million visitors in 2025, and the main tourist areas are busy and well policed. Governments advise against a few remote areas, mainly North Sinai and the Libyan border.
What is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April, when days are warm and nights are cool. March–April and October–November balance good weather with smaller crowds. Summer is very hot inland but great for the Red Sea.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most visitors do. You can apply for an e-visa online at the official portal, or buy a 30-day visa on arrival at the main airports. Short stays in the South Sinai resorts may only need a free entry stamp.
How many days do you need in Egypt?
Seven days covers Cairo, Giza, Luxor and Aswan. With ten to fourteen days you can add a Nile cruise, Abu Simbel, the Red Sea, Sinai or the desert.
What are the must-see places in Egypt?
The pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, historic Cairo, Luxor’s temples and the Valley of the Kings, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Red Sea.
Is a Nile cruise worth it?
Yes, if you have at least ten days. A three- or four-night cruise between Luxor and Aswan visits the temples along the river at a relaxed pace.
What currency does Egypt use?
The Egyptian pound (EGP). ATMs are easy to find in cities and resorts; keep small notes for tips and markets.
What should I wear in Egypt?
Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially in mosques, churches and traditional neighborhoods. Beachwear is fine at the Red Sea resorts.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Egypt?
Drink bottled or filtered water, which is cheap and easy to find.
Can I combine Egypt and Jordan?
Yes. Fly between Cairo and Amman, or take the ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba. Add three or four days for Petra and Wadi Rum.
Do I need a guide in Egypt?
Not by law, but a local guide makes the big sites far more rewarding and saves you the hassle of tickets, transport and touts.
What language is spoken in Egypt?
Arabic. English is widely spoken in hotels, at the main sites and in tourist areas.
Sources
- UNESCO — Egypt — World Heritage Sites and inscription years
- Egypt e-Visa portal and UK FCDO entry requirements
- Egypt Today — population, CAPMAS
- Egypt Independent — 19 million visitors in 2025
- Climate of Egypt (Wikipedia)
- Wikimedia Commons — photographs credited in each caption
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