Your Essential Guide to Exploring Egypt
You'll find countless articles detailing travel tips for Egypt, so I'm focusing on essential points to remember when planning your trip.
When most people think of Egypt, the magnificent Giza pyramid complex and the Sphinx immediately spring to mind. But Egypt offers so much more, including numerous temples and tombs with even older, more advanced art, architecture, and history.
Unveiling Egypt's Hidden Gems
Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, Egypt boasts incredible locations steeped in culture, history, and aesthetic appeal. Here are some of my favorites:
Cairo
- Giza Pyramid Complex & Sphinx: Absolutely essential. Take a camel tour around the pyramids. Skip entering the pyramids; they're mostly empty, lacking hieroglyphic carvings.
- Saqqara Necropolis & Step Pyramid: Highly recommended. Archaeologists believe this is the earliest pyramid, a step pyramid predating the smooth-sided versions. These are actual Pharaoh burial sites, with well-preserved tombs of nobles and wealthy individuals. In 2020, over 3500 intact coffins were unearthed here.
- Bent Pyramid: The first attempt at a smooth-sided pyramid. Its steep angle proved unstable, so the builders adjusted the slope mid-construction. Only visit if you are passionate about archaeology, as it isn't particularly striking from the outside.
- Red Pyramid: On the same route as the Bent Pyramid, this pyramid offers a beautiful photo opportunity with its winding approach road and fewer tourists.
- Memphis: Ancient capital of Egypt (remembered by some from stories). Sadly, few traces remain, mostly statues. Skip this if you're not a hardcore history enthusiast.
- Egyptian Museum: A must-see, housing Egypt's most exquisite artifacts, including King Tutankhamun's mask and mummies. A new museum has opened in Giza with modern architecture and rarer artifacts.
- Other Medieval/Modern Era Sites: Gayer Anderson Museum, Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Muhammed Ali Palace, Manial Palace and Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar. These aren't my favorites, especially since Egypt isn't a major center for Islamic culture.
Alexandria
Popular due to its famous name, I skipped it. It features mostly relics from the Knights Templar period, little from the ancient era. A day trip from Cairo is possible.
Sharm El-Sheikh
Located on the southern Sinai Peninsula. Famous for Red Sea activities like diving and yacht trips, but I focused on historical sites. It's conveniently located for those traveling to Israel and Jordan. Desert overnight camping tours are also available.
Luxor
In my opinion, the most incredible city in Egypt. Besides Luxor's sites, you can visit Denderah and Seti I temples (requiring a drive back along the Nile, some sections needing a police escort). Luxor's sites:
- East Bank: Known as the "City of the Living." Featuring the Karnak and Luxor temples, located near central Luxor and easily accessible even at night.
- West Bank: The "City of the Dead" with the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Nobles, Hatshepsut Temple, and the stunning, quiet Ramasseum Temple.
- Valley of the Kings: Your ticket allows entry to three tombs, but they are often damaged and crowded. One is enough. The Ramesses V-VI (KV-9) tomb, ~80% intact, and Nefertari's tomb (QV66), almost perfectly preserved, are breathtaking but require separate tickets. KV9 is 300 EGP, and Seti I (KV17) + Nefertari (QV66) is 1000 EGP.
- Ramesseum: A lesser-visited temple, yet it preserves remnants of one of ancient Egypt's largest statues. Ideal for photography or quiet contemplation without crowds.
- Temple of Hathor (Denderah) & Temple of Seti I (Abydos): Often missed due to accessibility and the need for a police escort. Abydos, Egypt's oldest city, contains ancient artifacts. The Narmer Palette, which helped archaeologists identify Egypt's first dynasty, was discovered here. The Temple of Seti I has a hieroglyphic list of Pharaohs and is near the Rosetta Stone that unlocked hieroglyphic translation.
Aswan
A peaceful city in southern Egypt, accessible by road or Nile cruise. Sites include:
- Temple of Horus (Edfu): Located on the road between Luxor and Aswan, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. Depicts Horus' revenge on Set for Osiris' death.
- Kom Ombo Temple
- Philae Temple: A blend of Egyptian and Greek cultures on an island, accessible only by boat.
- Nubian Village: A colorful village popular for photos, but unappealing due to the smell of manure. A 40-minute boat ride is required.
- Abu Simbel: A must-see, a 4.5-hour drive from Aswan with police escorts in some sections due to the proximity to the Sudanese border. These temples of Ramesses III and his wife are among Egypt's finest.
- Because Abu Simbel is a long drive from Aswan, you probably won't arrive at opening time. However, if you arrive late in the morning, be patient if you want to take photos with no people. The major tour groups often travel in large groups on a fairly strict timeline.
Important Considerations
- Egypt can be chaotic, with scams, hawkers, and pickpockets. Be extremely cautious and avoid eye contact with vendors and carriage drivers. Carry and protect your luggage, as "helpers" often demand tips, even at airports. Communication barriers can complicate problem-solving.
- Always clarify prices upfront for any service. I was charged double for a horse carriage in Luxor because the agreed price was "one way." I even witnessed a tourist being charged 100 "British pounds" instead of 100 "Egyptian pounds."
- Negotiate prices, duration, and destinations before camel rides in Giza. Many rides end prematurely or refuse return transport.
- Avoid cheap hotels in impoverished areas, which can be unsafe at night.
- Offer 20-30% of the asking price for goods.
- Professional photography at historical sites requires a permit (expensive). Staff may threaten fines for tip money. Confidently assert your rights as a tourist unless photography is explicitly prohibited or requires a fee.
- Visit Egypt between October and April for pleasant weather (18-30°C). Summer (39-43°C) is exhausting.
- Always drink bottled water; avoid tap water, even boiled in hotels.
