Welcome to Egypt

Egypt is not just any travel destination — it is a time machine, an open-air museum, and an underwater paradise all in one. The country on the Nile offers a density of world wonders that no other country on earth can match:

• Pyramids of Giza — The last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (146 m high, 2.3 million stone blocks) was built over 4,500 years ago and remains a mystery of engineering. Next to it, the Sphinx, silently gazing into the desert for millennia.
• Valley of the Kings — 63 tombs of the most powerful pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including the legendary tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), whose golden treasure amazed the world. The wall paintings in the tombs of Ramses VI and Seti I are among the most impressive creations of humanity.
• Temple of Karnak — The largest temple complex of antiquity, built and expanded over 2,000 years. The Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns (the largest 23 m high, 3.5 m in diameter) leaves every visitor breathless.
• Red Sea — One of the best diving and snorkeling areas in the world. Over 1,200 fish species, intact coral reefs, wreck dives to the SS Thistlegorm, and encounters with dolphins, sea turtles, and whale sharks. The underwater world is of such vibrant color intensity that even experienced divers are left speechless.
• Nile Cruise — A journey on the Nile from Luxor to Aswan is one of the most classic travel experiences ever. Temples on the shore, feluccas at sunset, the timeless life of the fellahin — a journey that feels like a film.
• Islamic Cairo — The largest medieval city in the Islamic world, with over 800 listed mosques, madrasas, and palaces. The Khan el-Khalili Bazaar has been pulsating since the 14th century.
• Sinai Peninsula — Where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments: Mount Sinai (2,285 m) with St. Catherine's Monastery (the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in Christendom). Plus, spectacular desert landscapes, Bedouin culture, and the diving paradises of Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab.
• Desert Adventures — The White Desert with its surreal limestone formations, the Siwa Oasis on the Libyan border (where Alexander the Great consulted the oracle), the Black Desert — Egypt beyond the Nile is its own cosmos.
• Cuisine — Koshari (the national dish: rice, lentils, pasta, tomato sauce), fresh Ta'amiya (Egyptian falafel made from fava beans), Ful Medames for breakfast, freshly pressed sugarcane juice on the street. Egypt's street food is cheap, diverse, and delicious.
• Value for Money — Egypt is one of the most affordable travel destinations from Europe: 4–5 hours flight time, visa on arrival, and on-site you get first-class experiences for comparatively little money. A street meal costs 1–2 €, a good restaurant rarely more than 15 €.

Egypt can be overwhelming — the chaos in Cairo, the heat, the touts at tourist attractions. But it is precisely this intensity that makes the country so unforgettable. Those who embrace it experience a journey that burns into memory like few others.

Egypt is vast, but most life takes place on a narrow strip along the Nile. Six regions, each with a completely unique character:

🏙️ Cairo & Giza

For whom: History enthusiasts, cultural travelers, city travelers, foodies
The megacity on the Nile is Egypt's pulsating heart — chaotic, loud, overwhelming, and absolutely fascinating. The Pyramids of Giza are on the outskirts, the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the largest archaeological museum in the world, the Islamic quarter with the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is a labyrinth of centuries. Cairo needs at least 3–4 days, and even then you only scratch the surface.

🏛️ Luxor & Upper Egypt

For whom: History and archaeology fans, temple visitors, Nile cruisers
Luxor is the largest open-air museum in the world: On the east side of the Nile, the temples of Karnak and Luxor, on the west side the Valley of the Kings, the Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Further south, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and finally Aswan with the Philae Temple and the High Dam beckon. This region is the centerpiece of any trip to Egypt.

🐠 Hurghada & Red Sea

For whom: Divers, snorkelers, beach vacationers, families, water sports enthusiasts
The coast on the Red Sea offers some of the best diving spots in the world. Hurghada is the tourist center with large resort complexes, El Gouna the upscale neighbor, Marsa Alam the quiet south with dugongs and pristine reefs. Plus desert tours, quad excursions, and kitesurfing in El Gouna and Soma Bay.

⛰️ Sinai

For whom: Divers, backpackers, hikers, spiritual travelers, adventurers
The peninsula between Africa and Asia offers everything: Sharm el-Sheikh with luxury diving and the Ras Mohammed National Park, Dahab as a relaxed backpacker and freediving hotspot, Mount Sinai with St. Catherine's Monastery, and the fascinating desert landscape with Bedouin culture. The Sinai has its own, slower energy.

🏛️ Alexandria & Mediterranean Coast

For whom: History buffs, culture fans, gourmets
The city founded by Alexander the Great on the Mediterranean was once home to the largest lighthouse of antiquity and the legendary library. Today, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the Corniche promenade, and the best fish restaurants in Egypt impress. Less touristy than Cairo, but more authentic.

🚢 Nile Cruise

For whom: Leisure travelers, couples, history enthusiasts, first-time visitors
The journey from Luxor to Aswan (or vice versa) on a traditional Nile cruise ship is one of the most iconic travel experiences worldwide. 3–7 nights between temples, feluccas, and the timeless Nile shore. A journey that has lost none of its magic since the days of Agatha Christie.

1. Sunrise at the Pyramids of Giza — When the first rays of the sun turn the Great Pyramid to gold and the tourist buses have not yet arrived (entry from 7 am, go in immediately!). A moment that burns into memory. → Chap. Cairo & Giza
2. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — The largest archaeological museum in the world, opened in 2024, with the complete treasure of Tutankhamun and over 100,000 artifacts. This museum alone justifies a trip to Egypt. → Chap. Cairo & Giza
3. Strolling through Islamic Cairo — Through the largest medieval old town in the Islamic world: Sultan Hassan Mosque, Al-Azhar, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. A feast for all the senses. → Chap. Cairo & Giza
4. Valley of the Kings at Dawn — Be the first in the tomb of Seti I or Ramses VI and view the 3,300-year-old wall paintings in absolute silence. → Chap. Luxor & Upper Egypt
5. Sunset at Karnak Temple — In the evening, when the day tourists are gone and the sun bathes the Hypostyle Hall in warm light. The sound and light show in the evening is cheesy but atmospheric. → Chap. Luxor & Upper Egypt
6. Nile Cruise Luxor–Aswan — Three to four days on the Nile, past temples, villages, and palm trees. Mornings at temples, afternoons with sunset on deck with hibiscus tea. Timeless. → Chap. Nile Cruise
7. Felucca Ride at Sunset in Aswan — The traditional sailboats glide silently over the Nile, with the desert and the Aga Khan Mausoleum in the background. Aswan is Egypt's most beautiful city. → Chap. Luxor & Upper Egypt
8. Diving at the SS Thistlegorm — One of the top 5 wreck dives in the world: A British supply ship from World War II, full of motorcycles, wagons, and trucks. Accessible from Sharm el-Sheikh. → Chap. Sinai
9. Snorkeling at Ras Mohammed National Park — The Shark and Yolanda Reefs are among the most species-rich coral reefs in the world. An experience even without a diving certificate. → Chap. Sinai
10. Sunrise on Mount Sinai — The ascent (3–4 hours from 2 am) is strenuous, but the view from 2,285 m at sunrise over the Sinai Desert is absolutely worth it. Then visit St. Catherine's Monastery. → Chap. Sinai
11. Abu Simbel — The colossal temples of Ramses II at Lake Nasser, spectacularly relocated by UNESCO in the 1960s. By flight from Aswan (30 min.) or in a convoy at 4 am. → Chap. Luxor & Upper Egypt
12. Eating Koshari in Cairo — The national dish at one of the legendary Koshari stands (Abou Tarek, Koshary el-Tahrir) for 20–40 LE (under 1 €). Rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, crispy onions, spicy tomato sauce. Perfect street food. → Chap. Cairo & Giza
13. Diving in Dahab — Blue Hole — The most famous dive spot in the world: A 130 m deep sinkhole in the coral reef, accessible directly from the shore. Also spectacular for freediving and snorkeling. → Chap. Sinai
14. Visiting the Bibliotheca Alexandrina — The modern reinterpretation of the ancient Library of Alexandria: An architectural masterpiece with a sloping roof that sinks into the ground. Inside, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. → Chap. Alexandria
15. Philae Temple at Night — The sound and light show at the Temple of Isis on Philae Island in Aswan is truly magical: The temple is illuminated in changing colors while the story of Isis is told. → Chap. Luxor & Upper Egypt
16. Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el-Bahari) — The mortuary temple of Egypt's only female pharaoh, built into the rock, is architecturally unique: three terraces that harmoniously blend into the cliffs. Visit in the morning before the buses arrive. → Chap. Luxor & Upper Egypt
17. Drinking sugarcane juice on the street — Juice presses are everywhere in Egypt: Fresh sugarcane juice for 5–10 LE (0.10–0.20 €). Sweet, refreshing, the most authentic Egypt experience. → Chap. Cairo & Giza
18. Desert Safari in the White Desert — Surreal limestone formations that look like mushrooms and animals, overnight under a starry sky that doesn't exist in Europe. From Cairo as a 2-day tour. → Chap. Cairo & Giza
19. Sailing through the Suez Canal — In Port Said or Ismailia, watch the world's largest container ships glide through the desert. Surreal and fascinating. → Chap. Alexandria
20. Coptic Quarter in Old Cairo — The Hanging Church (Al-Mu'allaqa), the Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Coptic Museum in one of the oldest Christian quarters in the world. Quiet, shady, and full of history. → Chap. Cairo & Giza

Egypt has a hot desert climate — summers are brutally hot (40–50 °C in Upper Egypt), winters pleasantly mild. The best travel time depends greatly on what you plan to do.

🟢 Best Travel Time: October – April

The absolute recommendation for most Egypt travelers:

• October/November: Perfect sweet spot. Temperatures in Cairo at 25–30 °C, Luxor 28–33 °C, Red Sea water temperature still 26–27 °C. Fewer tourists than in December/January. Prices still moderate.
• December – February: High season. Cairo 15–22 °C (at night it can get quite chilly!), Luxor/Aswan 20–28 °C during the day, nights 5–12 °C. Perfect for temple visits and Nile cruises. Red Sea: Water temperature 21–23 °C — still good for diving, but a wetsuit is needed. Christmas/New Year: Highest prices, book early!
• March/April: Spring in Egypt. Temperatures rise quickly. CAUTION: In March/April, the Khamsin — a hot sandstorm from the Sahara, which can last for days and reduce visibility to a few meters. Can delay flights and make excursions impossible.

🔴 Summer: May – September

Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) reaches 40–50 °C — temple visits become torture. Cairo at 35–40 °C with high humidity. The Red Sea is fantastic in summer: Water temperature 27–29 °C, excellent visibility for diving, and prices drop by 30–50%. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are also an option in summer — the dry heat (38–42 °C) is bearable with air conditioning and a pool.

⭐ Ramadan Travel Time

The fasting month of Ramadan (date shifts annually by about 11 days) noticeably changes travel in Egypt: Many restaurants are closed during the day, opening hours shortened, the mood subdued. BUT: After sunset, life explodes — the Iftar meals are festive, the streets lively, the atmosphere unique. Those who embrace it experience a special Egypt.

Climate Table: Cairo / Luxor / Hurghada

Egypt is an extremely affordable travel destination — provided you don't fall for tourist traps. The cost of living is very low by European standards, but prices for foreign tourists are significantly higher than what locals pay (dual pricing system at attractions).

Daily Budget per Person

Price Examples (2025/2026)

15 things I wish I had known before my first trip to Egypt:

1. Bakshish is ubiquitous. Tipping (Bakshish, بقشيش) is not an option but a social obligation. Porters: 20–50 LE. Housekeeping: 20–50 LE/day. Restaurant waiters: 10–15% of the bill. Toilet attendants: 5–10 LE. Always keep small bills ready (5, 10, 20 LE).
2. Bargaining is a must. In the bazaar, the first price is ALWAYS 5–10 times higher than the final price. Start at 20–30% of the quoted price and meet in the middle. Be friendly, smile, walk away if necessary — the vendor will call you back.
3. Uber works fantastically in Cairo. Forget taxis — Uber (and Careem) are safe, affordable, and you don't have to negotiate. The app shows the price beforehand. Highly recommended!
4. Do not drink tap water. Not even for brushing teeth, and no ice cubes in simple restaurants. Always buy bottled water. Check that the seal is unopened.
5. The pyramids are not in the desert. Well, they are — but right next to them begins the city of Giza. The contrast between urban chaos and the 4,500-year-old monuments is surreal. You can see the pyramids from Pizza Hut.
6. Clothing: Cover shoulders and knees. Egypt is a conservative, Muslim country. Especially women should cover shoulders and knees outside beach resorts. In mosques: headscarf for women, long pants for everyone. Western standards apply on beaches and in resorts.
7. Touts are the biggest stress factor. At tourist attractions (especially pyramids, Luxor), dozens of people will approach you: "Where are you from? Want to ride a camel? I'll show you something!" Politely but firmly say "La, shukran" (No, thank you) and move on.
8. Photos often cost money. In many temples and museums, photography is allowed, but there is a camera fee (50–300 LE). In some tombs in the Valley of the Kings, photography is completely forbidden. Check beforehand.
9. Egyptian food is vegetarian-friendly. Ful, Ta'amiya, Koshari, Mahshi — the everyday cuisine is surprisingly plant-based. Meat is a luxury for many Egyptians, so vegetarian dishes are the traditional classics.
10. Traffic in Cairo follows its own rules. Traffic lights are suggestions, lane changes are announced by honking, pedestrians cross 6-lane roads in moving traffic. Take Uber, not the wheel.
11. Negotiate EVERYTHING beforehand. Taxi price, tour price, camel ride price, even the price in a restaurant (if there is no clearly marked menu). If the price is unclear, you will definitely pay too much.
12. Egyptians are incredibly hospitable. Behind the tourist business sense lies genuine warmth. If an Egyptian invites you for tea, they mean it. The warmth of the people is one of the country's greatest treasures.
13. Sun protection is vital. UV index 10–12 in summer, even in winter at 6–8. SPF 50+ is a must. In the desert, additionally wear a hat, sunglasses, and carry enough water (at least 3 liters/day).
14. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a game-changer. Since the opening of the GEM near Giza, Egypt has a world-class museum. Plan at least 4–5 hours, better a whole day. Book tickets online in advance!
15. Exchange rates and cash. Do not exchange at the airport (worst rate). Withdraw money at ATMs (CIB and Banque Misr have the best machines) or pay by card in hotels and upscale restaurants. In the bazaar and for street food, you need cash in LE.