Egypt Vacations

One of the great civilizations of the world, Egypt is justifiably proud of a past that dates back to antiquity, much of which is on display at archaeological sites and museum complexes throughout the country. As famous as it is for its pyramids, monuments and tombs, however, Egypt is also a youthful, modernizing society responsible for one of the world’s most important waterways (the Suez Canal), major infrastructure projects (the Aswan Dam), and great feats of contemporary architecture (the impressive if long-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum). About a third of the population is under the age of 25.

As a major crossroads of the eastern Mediterranean, Egypt has a long history of interacting with outsiders and of integrating diverse influences, including Arabic, African, Ottoman, and European. Although the majority of its people are Muslim, Coptic Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population. Common denominators among all Egyptians include their devotion to family and their sense of generosity. Acts of hospitality are key to Egyptian identity, both within households and as a nation.

What is the visiting etiquette in Egypt?

Egypt’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs, so discretion in dress and behaviour is expected. For women, long sleeves and dresses that are knee-length or longer are preferable, while men should avoid wearing shorts or tank tops outside tourist areas. Despite the openness of most Egyptians, overt displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in public. During the lunar month of Ramadan, which typically begins in the early part of each year, discretion when publicly drinking, eating or smoking is also advisable between sunrise and sunset.

What is Egypt best known for?

Egypt has been a tourist destination since the 19th century, but it was the 1922 rediscovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb that kicked off the modern Egyptology craze, making the country synonymous with its ancient monuments. The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, both of which are located on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, are just some of the most famous examples; many others, such as the temples of Karnak and Abu Simbel, line the fabled Nile River in the south of the country, from Luxor to the border with Sudan. In addition, the country is well known for its urban souks, its modern Red Sea beach resorts, its hiking trails on the windswept Sinai Peninsula and its Nile River cruises, including on traditional dahabiyas (flat-bottomed wooden sailing vessels that serve as charming alternatives to modern riverboats).

What are some Egyptian traditions?

Although Egyptian society is very family-oriented, a lot of Egyptian life takes place in public, from souks and bazaars to religious or celebratory festivals. Every June, Egyptians and foreigners alike assemble in the Red Sea town of El Gouna for the five-day Sphinx Festival, which celebrates the country’s grand heritage by bringing its ancient past to life; twice a year in Abu Simbel, the Sun Festival marks the illumination of local sun-god statues with food, music and dance.

In the souks, a certain amount of reasonable haggling over prices is expected and even welcomed by vendors. Known as ahwa, traditional coffee houses that serve as social hubs for both men and women (usually separately) also remain common, while popular sports in the country include Egyptian wrestling (documented as far back as 2400 BC) and football (which Egyptians love to both watch and play).

On the home front, Egyptians are keen hosts and informality is the rule, but guests should nonetheless bring a small gift, such as chocolates, when visiting someone’s residence (flowers should be avoided, as they’re associated with weddings or mourning). It is also customary to slip off one’s shoes before entering a home (Egyptians do so everywhere from mosques to city apartments to Bedouin tents). And if any coffee or tea is spilled during a visit, don’t fret: It’s considered a good omen, heralding prosperity.

What are Egyptian people like socially?

In Egyptian culture, warmly greeting someone you know or see regularly is expected. Girls and women kiss each other on the cheek, while boys and men shake hands or kiss cheeks. In more conservative or traditional communities, Egyptian men do not generally have physical contact with women who aren’t their wives or close relatives. In a professional setting or among more Westernized individuals, it may be more common for men and women to shake hands, but it’s usually best to follow the woman’s lead on such occasions.

On the whole, punctuality is not very important in Egypt (especially in big cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, where traffic is thick and delays are common) and being late is not considered rude. Egyptians tend to communicate indirectly and generally avoid expressing negative emotions to others.

What language do Egyptian people speak?

The official spoken language in Egypt is Egyptian Arabic; most Egyptians speak one of several dialects of this language. English is also commonly spoken by staff at hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, while French is taught as a secondary language in many schools and may also be spoken widely.

Egypt is geographically diverse and culturally rich enough to be enjoyed throughout the calendar year. During the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, which is when many of its cultural and religious festivals are held, temperatures are cooler but still pleasantly warm all over the country. This makes exploring the busy streets of Cairo and Alexandria, visiting the Pyramids in the desert and exploring ancient Pharaonic tombs even in the deep south more comfortable and enjoyable. Winter daytime highs in the southern city of Aswan, for instance, average 24°C (75°F).

The resorts along the Red Sea provide beachgoers and scuba divers with year-round appeal, although the sea can get chilly in winter. The average daytime high in the shoulder seasons of fall and spring is 32°C (89°F).

Without equivocation, summer throughout the country is invariably scorching, with some areas reaching 45°C (113°F) or more. If you do visit in summer, consider spending the hottest parts of the day in an air-conditioned museum or sitting in the shade on a breezy Nile cruiser. Above all, bring plenty of sun protection and stay hydrated.

When is the ideal time to visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Cairo and key Nile sites is between October and April, when tourist crowds may be larger but the weather is lovely. For the Red Sea, late spring and early autumn are ideal times to go.

When is Egypt’s peak tourist season?

Peak tourist season across Egypt lasts from mid-October to mid-February, so expect major attractions to be busy during these months. However, the country is especially busy around the traditional festive season in late December as well in early January, when many in Egypt celebrate Orthodox Christmas on January 7.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Egypt?

The low season or summer months (May to August) are the least expensive times to visit Egypt, but there’s a reason for this: the country can be extremely hot in the summer. For a more temperate yet still affordable experience, consider the shoulder months of March, April and September, when temperatures are cooler and the crowds at major attractions are also a little sparser.

How long should I plan to visit Egypt?

To get a comprehensive and immersive experience of what Egypt has to offer, a minimum of 10 to 12 days is generally recommended. This gives visitors ample time to explore Cairo and Giza, travel to and from key sites on the Nile by air or boat and get in some much-needed downtime in between.

Staying a full two weeks or more would further allow you to linger a little longer in Luxor, make a jaunt to Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast or go on a trek in the Sinai.

Visitors to the Red Sea tend to spend one to two weeks there, basking in the sun and scuba diving in resort towns such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. Often, resort-goers fly directly into these places, but Cairo and Giza aren’t far away and shouldn’t be missed; both can be visited on (prearranged) day trips.

How long can you vacation in Egypt?

Tourists with single-entry visas issued by the Egyptian government can stay in the country for up to 30 days; these visas are valid for six months. Multiple-entry visas are also valid for six months and allow a collective stay of up to 90 days. Depending on where a visitor is from, visas may be obtained through Egypt’s embassies and consulates, online or on arrival at major Egyptian airports. All foreigners must hold passports that are valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in the country.

What currency does Egypt use?

Egypt’s official currency is the Egyptian pound, which trades at around 49 pounds to $1 USD. American dollars are accepted in some larger hotels or tourist spots, but this should not be relied on. On the whole, cash is king in Egypt as many local restaurants, shops and tour operators do not have credit card facilities. However, you should be able to pay by card at most mid-range and high-end stores, restaurants and hotels; just make sure to check first.

Do I need to tip in Egypt?

Tipping is both customary and expected in Egypt, with the tip amount depending on the service provided. In restaurants, it is customary to tip between 10 and 15 percent of the total bill. For hotel staff such as housekeepers, bellhops and doormen, a gratuity of 20 to 30 Egyptian pounds per service is appropriate. With tour guides, tips of 100 to 200 Egyptian pounds per day is the norm, depending on the length and quality of the tour. Even the simplest tasks, such as giving directions or posing for a photograph, are rewarded with small tips, so it’s a good idea to carry coins and small bills wherever you may go.

Is Egypt LGBTQ+ friendly?

Although queer people in Egypt have no legal protections from discrimination and many facets of LGBTQ+ culture are suppressed, it is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travellers to visit the country as long as caution and discretion are exercised. Given Egypt’s conservative Islamic character, dressing in a modest fashion and refraining from public displays of affection of any kind are advisable for all individuals and couples, including queer ones. For maximum safety, it is also recommended that LGBTQ+ visitors avoid using queer dating apps while in the country. Non-binary and transgender individuals may find it trickier to navigate a society that conforms to strict gender roles (even though men In Egypt commonly hold hands, link arms and greet each other with kisses on the cheek). Using an affirming tour guide and/or travelling with a group can add extra layers of protection for queer travellers while also facilitating casual encounters with Egyptians, who are on the whole welcoming and eager to show off their country.

How much is a trip to Egypt?

Egypt is not an expensive country to travel in yet offers tremendous experiential value. With a budget ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 USD, a first-time visitor can experience the essence of the country, from the bustle of Cairo and grandeur of the Pyramids to the haunting beauty of the Nile and other Pharaonic sites. In general, a budget traveller can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day in Egypt, while a mid-range traveller can expect to spend around $50 to $100 a day.

What to pack for a trip to Egypt?

Given that most trips to Egypt involve shuttling between cities and sites via bus, boat or plane, it’s advisable to keep to a single suitcase and to pack lightly. Travel wear should be lightweight, breathable and easily layered to accommodate both cool interiors and extreme outdoor heat. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as are hats and scarves for both protection from the sun and for entering religious sites. Pack a swimsuit if you’re going to a beach resort or visiting a hammam.

Do many Egyptians speak English?

Most educated Egyptians are fluent in English or French or both, as are most hospitality workers. Foreign languages are less common outside of major centres, so it’s a good idea to learn a few phrases in Arabic such as hello (salamun alaykum with strangers and marhaba or ahlan among friends), please (law samaht) and thank you (shokran).

Can I drink the tap water in Egypt?

It isn’t advisable to drink tap water in Egypt. Instead, drink bottled water or fill your own reusable bottle (ideally one with a filter) from a reliable water source.

What’s the best way to get around in Egypt?

From Cairo’s bustling roadways to more remote parts, it’s best to let locals do the driving in Egypt, whether it’s a metered cab in the capital (make sure the meter is working before setting off), a private driver or a prearranged tour. Flying is the easiest and fastest way to travel longer distances, with several departures per day connecting Cairo with a host of popular domestic destinations. Every trip to Egypt should also involve a cruise on the Nile—options range from one of a few hours on a traditional dahabiya or a days-long luxury excursion on a modern river liner from Cairo to Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and more.

Egyptian cuisine is a diverse, rich, and healthful one that reflects its evolution at the intersection of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Africa. This means that dishes such as falafel, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and kebabs are common on menus in Egypt. A heavy reliance on the vegetables, fruits and legumes grown in the Nile Delta make the country a paradise for vegans and vegetarians, although meat and dairy lovers will also appreciate its poultry, lamb and cheeses. It’s all generously flavoured with spices such as cumin, coriander, chili and cinnamon, many of which were also used by cooks in ancient Egypt.

What is Egypt’s traditional cuisine?

Freshness and simplicity are hallmarks of the Egyptian table, which is rarely without eish baladi, a local type of pita bread. It often accompanies such mainstay dishes as ful medames (mashed stewed fava beans) or molokhia (a bright green stew made with minced jute leaves) and is used to scoop up spreads such as hummus (made from mashed chickpeas), tahini (ground sesame seeds) or baba ghanoush (mashed eggplant). Pita or rolls are also used to wrap up shawarma, the thinly shaved slices of grilled meat (traditionally lamb, but also chicken or beef) that are staples of Cairo’s vibrant street-food scene. Another popular grilled-meat dish is kofta: ground beef or lamb that has been mixed with spices, garlic and onions, rolled into a ball or log shape and then skewered and grilled. Along the country’s coasts (including the Nile), fresh seafood and seafood dishes such as sayadiya (an aromatic, paella-like fish and rice mixture) hold pride of place. Egypt’s national dish and another popular street food is koshari or kushari, a hearty mix of pasta, rice, lentils and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce.

What is the dining etiquette in Egypt?

Whether you’re eating in a restaurant or in a private home, avoid using the left hand when handling communal food, as it’s associated with hygiene purposes. In both settings, taking a second helping of food is considered a compliment to the chef, but leave a small amount of food on your plate once you’ve finished eating. Always wash your hands before the meal and sometimes between courses (individual water bowls are often provided at place settings for this purpose). Muslims do not eat pork for religious reasons, so don’t expect to find it on menus. During Ramadan, when most Muslims fast during the day, be discreet when drinking or eating in public until the sun goes down.

What is the drinking etiquette in Egypt?

Tea (both black and herbal) is Egypt’s national drink, which can be taken many times throughout the day in any of the country’s many coffee and tea houses. As a Muslim majority nation, the country doesn’t drink much alcohol, so make sure you are in a designated bar, nightclub or private residence when consuming wine, beer or spirits and never drink alcohol in the street. If you do imbibe, do not do so in excess and avoid drinking brands of hard liquor you aren’t familiar with. Never offer alcohol to someone who is Muslim; even if the intention is friendly, it’s considered rude to do so.

Does Egypt cater to dietary restrictions?

Egyptian menus are heavy on fruits, vegetables and legumes, so vegetarians, vegans and those with food restrictions based on health reasons will have plenty of options to feast on. Many ingredients and dishes throughout Egypt (especially meats) are also halal. However, a lot of Egyptian food includes gluten, bread being a staple. It is therefore a good idea to pack plenty of gluten-free snacks in your luggage to supplement the food if options become limited, especially outside of Cairo. The guides or translators that accompany many visitors to Egypt can help communicate needs.

What do meals typically cost in Egypt?

It is not an exaggeration to say that you can eat like royalty for pennies in Egypt, where a meal in even a higher-end local restaurant can run as low as 200 Egyptian pounds (just over four U.S. dollars) per person. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost anywhere from 50 to 150 Egyptian pounds a person, while a falafel sandwich from a takeaway establishment will cost 35 Egyptian pounds. The best value lies in Egyptian street food, which is delicious, good-quality and particularly inexpensive in Cairo. From koshari to kebab, the range is also impressive, encompassing many of Egypt’s must-try traditional foods for as little as three to five U.S. dollars per order.