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Egypt travel guide

Africa · 4 destinations

Egypt

Egypt is the oldest continuously inhabited civilisation still visible — the Great Pyramid of Giza is the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, the temples of Luxor form the greatest open-air museum on earth, and a Nile cruise between Upper and Lower Egypt remains one of travel's most storied journeys.

From India

🛂

Visa

Visa on Arrival

Language

Arabic

💰

Currency

EGP (Pound)

Capital

Cairo

Best Time

Oct – Apr

top experiences

What to Do in Egypt

Iconic activities and unmissable experiences across all destinations

🏺Cairo

Pyramids of Giza at Sunrise

The sole surviving Wonder of the Ancient World — arrive at opening (7am) for golden light and minimal crowds. The Great Pyramid of Khufu has an interior passage that can be entered (additional ticket). Hire a licensed guide at the gate for context that transforms the experience.

3–4 hrsIconic
🏛️Cairo

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Opened in 2025 after 20 years of construction — the world's largest archaeological museum displays 100,000+ artefacts including the complete Tutankhamun collection (5,000 objects, never fully exhibited before). The 30m transparent Grand Staircase flanked by 87 royal statues is extraordinary.

4–5 hrsMust-see
🛒Cairo

Khan el-Khalili Souq

The medieval Islamic bazaar founded in 1382 — gold and silver jewellery, hand-beaten copper lanterns, papyrus paintings, spices, and the famous El Fishawy café (operating since 1797 without a single day's closure). Bargaining is mandatory and expected.

2–3 hrsCultural
*Luxor

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple is one of Luxor's signature experiences. Plan it with a relaxed buffer, book timed-entry or transport ahead in peak season, and pair it with a nearby meal or neighbourhood walk for the best rhythm.

1-2 hrsIconic
*Luxor

Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings is one of Luxor's signature experiences. Plan it with a relaxed buffer, book timed-entry or transport ahead in peak season, and pair it with a nearby meal or neighbourhood walk for the best rhythm.

2-3 hrsCultural
*Luxor

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is one of Luxor's signature experiences. Plan it with a relaxed buffer, book timed-entry or transport ahead in peak season, and pair it with a nearby meal or neighbourhood walk for the best rhythm.

Half dayNature

4 destinations

Best Places to Visit in Egypt

City guides with things to do, honest costs, and local tips

budget guide

How Much Does Egypt Cost?

Daily budget estimates — accommodation, food, transport, and activities

🎒

Budget

$35–$60/day

🛏️ Hotel

$12–25 (hostel or guesthouse in Downtown or Zamalek)

🍜 Food

$8–14 (koshary EGP 30–80, ful medames, falafel)

🚌 Transport

$5–10 (Cairo Metro EGP 10, Uber)

🎟️ Activities

$15–25 (Giza plateau EGP 600, GEM EGP 450)

Koshary (Egypt's national dish — pasta, rice, lentils, crispy onions, tomato sauce) costs EGP 30–80 at a local restaurant and is one of the world's best cheap meals. The Cairo Metro is safe, fast, and costs EGP 10 per journey.

✈️

Mid-range

$80–$150/day

🛏️ Hotel

$45–85 (4-star hotel in Downtown or Zamalek)

🍜 Food

$25–50 (restaurant meals, Nile-side dining, Egyptian cuisine)

🚌 Transport

$15–25 (Uber + metro)

🎟️ Activities

$50–90 (Giza + GEM + Egyptian Museum, Luxor flight)

Buy the combined Giza Complex ticket (includes Sphinx and pyramids but not interior of the Great Pyramid). A Luxor day trip by EgyptAir costs $80–120 return — the cheapest route to seeing the Valley of the Kings.

👑

Luxury

$200–$500/day

🛏️ Hotel

$150–400 (Marriott Mena House, Four Seasons Nile, Kempinski Nile)

🍜 Food

$70–150 (Abdel Wahab, Sequoia, Felfela fine dining)

🚌 Transport

$40–80 (private car with Egyptologist guide)

🎟️ Activities

$150–400 (private Pyramids tour at dawn, hot air balloon over Luxor, private GEM access)

Marriott Mena House is the finest hotel address in Cairo — a Victorian hunting lodge at the foot of the Great Pyramid with the pyramid visible from the pool. Book a Pyramid View room. A private Egyptologist guide costs $80–150/day and transforms every site.

Prices in USD. Egypt is excellent value for Western tourists — the pound devaluation has made it one of the cheapest major destinations in the world. Main costs are monument entry fees and internal flights to Luxor.

seasonal guide

Best Time to Visit Egypt

Month-by-month weather, crowd levels, and highlights

January

15°C · Cool and clear, 10–20°C

February

17°C · Mild, 12–22°C, crisp

March

21°C · Warm, 15–26°C, Khamaseen win

April

26°C · Warm, 18–30°C, some sandstor

May

31°C · Hot, 23–36°C, increasing hea

June

34°C · Hot and dry, 25–38°C

July

37°C · Extreme heat, 27–40°C

August

39°C · Hottest month, 28–42°C

September

32°C · Cooling, 24–35°C

October

24°C · Perfect, 18–28°C, clear skie

November

21°C · Ideal — 15–26°C, low humidit

December

16°C · Cool and clear, 10–22°C

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak season
Shoulder season
Average
Off-season
Best months:NovemberMarchOctober

Cairo is best October–April when temperatures are 18–28°C and desert excursions are manageable. Summers (May–Sep) reach 38–42°C — the Pyramids and outdoor sites become punishing. Ramadan (timing varies) makes food harder to find but cultural experiences richer.

visa & entry

Entry Requirements for Indians

What Indian passport holders need to know before booking

🛂

Visa status

Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival

Practical tips

  • Always carry a digital copy of your passport and visa
  • Check the official embassy website for the latest requirements before booking
  • Book return flights before applying for visa
  • Keep proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)

common questions

Egypt Travel FAQ

Answers to what Indian travellers ask most

How many days do I need in Egypt?

5–7 days is ideal to cover the main highlights without rushing. If you have 10–14 days, you can explore regional destinations at a relaxed pace and go deeper into local culture.

What is the best time to visit Egypt?

Oct – Apr is the recommended window — expect the most favourable weather, lower chances of disruption, and ideal conditions for outdoor sightseeing and activities.

Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Egypt?

Visa on arrival. Always verify current entry requirements on the official embassy or government website before booking flights.

What currency is used in Egypt?

Egypt uses the EGP (Pound). Carry some local cash for markets, street food, and smaller vendors — card acceptance varies outside major cities.

Is Egypt safe for Indian tourists?

Egypt is generally well-regarded for safety among international travellers. Exercise standard travel precautions, stay aware of your surroundings in tourist areas, and keep digital copies of important documents.

What language is spoken in Egypt?

The primary language is Arabic. In major tourist areas and hotels, English is widely understood. Learning a few local phrases is always appreciated by locals.

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