Travel to Egypt
Egypt seamlessly mixes the ancient with the modern and its intoxicating mix of culture and fun goes a long way to explaining its continued popularity.
Our destination guide aims to give you all the information you need to have an amazing experience in this amazing country. Find affordable travel and backpacking ideas with advice for amazing things to do and how you can be more than just your average traveller. You can also get recommendations for budget travel tips, where to stay and advice how to stay safe.
Get inspired to visit Egypt today!
- Capital: Cairo
- Language: Arabic
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (E£)
- Time Zone: GMT+2 / Calling Code: 20
- Population: 82,500,000 approx
- Visa: You can get a visa on arrival
Things to Do in Egypt
Get travel ideas and inspiration for what to do in Egypt.
Top Reasons to Visit Egypt
- Experience a different culture
- See ancient sights like the pyramids
- Visit incredible historical locations like the Nile
- Sample the local food
- So many things to do from adventure sports, sightseeing and beaches
How to Get to Egypt
There are international flights into Cairo and Sharm El Sheik - both popular hotspots. Airlines which fly direct to Egypt from the UK include: British Airways, Thomas Cook Airlines, easyJet, EgyptAir and TUI.
Other airlines flying to Egypt from international destinations include: Aeroflot flights, Aegean Airlines, Air Algerie, Air France, Air Italy, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Iraqi Airways, Kenya Airways, Kuwait Airways, Lufthansa, MEA, Oman Air, Pegasus Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, Smart Wings, SWISS, Tunisair, Turkish Airlines and Ukraine International.
Travelling & Backpacking in Egypt
It is easy to see why so many people make Egypt their destination of choice, especially with so many activities and when an out of season break can be as affordable as summer breaks in Europe. Egypt is an incredible country to travel in and here are some places you should add to your itinerary Alexandria, Luxor, The Nile, Pyramids, Red Sea, Sahara Desert, Sinai Desert, Abu Simbal, Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Oases towns of Dahkla and Siwa and Sharm El Sheik.
If it’s a Mediterranean atmosphere you prefer then Alexandria will appeal to you. Egypt’s second largest city, Alexandria’s architecture is vastly different to Cairo’s yet its history is equally as rich. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331BC, the city will appeal to culture vultures who will appreciate the famous Montazah Palace Gardens.
Other highlights include seeing wondering around the souks, seeing the spectacular coast, and visiting the Roman Amphitheatre, Catacombs of Kom Ash-Suqqafa, Qaitbay fortress. Head out and about by foot to explore the city and don’t forget to head to Mansheya for real Egyptian food and some of the best falafel you’ll ever taste.
Highlights:
- Seeing is believing and the incredible monuments to the Pharaohs will move even the least sentimental person awestruck.
- The pyramids are just a short journey from Cairo and these wonders of the world are a life experience to be ticked off your travel bucket list
- The Nile is one of the best places to see the country
- Explore the breathtaking temples of Karnak
- Embarking on a journey from Luxor to Aswan
- For an authentic Nile experience, take a Felucca ride and enjoy the relaxation of Egypt’s traditional sailboats
- If you’re after romance then a trip to the dessert by night replaces the buzz of Sharm el Sheikh with tranquil stargazing
- With the incredible marine life available on the East Coast, it’s no surprise that Sharm el Sheikh is a hit with those who want to combine sightseeing with going diving in Egypt
- Coral reef snorkeling can be sampled along with day trips to the stylish Terrazina Beach in Sharm el Sheikh
Gap Year in Egypt
Egypt is one of the most famous destinations in the world with history, culture, incredible ruins and the pyramids! View trips, things to do and view our guide with information on how to plan your gap year in Egypt.
Egypt is a popular gap year destination and on our website you can find a wide selection of trips and programs throughout the country. From seeing ancient pryamids of exploring an ancient city like Cairo - there is something for everyone. Find programs for students, graduates, career breaks and people seeking to discover the country on a budget. We highly recommend you don't let all the recent political turmoil put you off visiting because there are some world class sights to see like the Pyramids and temples at Abu Simbel / Luxor.
Joining a structured experience if you have never been to Egypt before, this is the safest and most fun way to travel and see the country. When visiting this destination there are so many places to see and things to do, we recommend going to explore Cairo and visiting the Red Sea, Luxor and Aswan. By taking a gap year in Egypt you can visit amazing ancient archeological sites like the Pryamids which are one of the world travel highlights and must be seen at least once in your life. You might of seen the Pyramids, Sphinx at Giza and perhaps the legendary Valley of the Kings near Luxor on television but nothing compares to seeing them up close.
If you are planning to backpack on a budget there are lots of destinations to visit but plan ahead and book accommodation in advance. If you only have a short period of time we highly recommend taking a hot air balloon ride in Luxor or taking a felucca ride in Aswan. When visiting Abu Simbel, get there as early as you will avoid the hoardes of tourists, it gets very busy and is also amazing to see early in the morning. Dahab is a place you might want to visit which is less known than the other destinations and you could also learn to scuba dive here. There are also overland trips.
Safety
The political situation in Egypt is a lot more settled now and there is an air of optimism regarding increasing international visitor numbers. Most of the popular destinations like Sharm El Sheik were unaffected during the height of the Revolution but Egypt really needs the return of internationals. We really recommend to not be put off visiting Egypt but always check latest travel advice for up to date political information. Try to read about local customs before departing and also if you are a female cover your hair. All the historical sites in Egypt are currently open to visitors and the majority of Egyptian people you will encounter will be very friendly and welcoming despite recent political problems.
