Welcome to Egypt!
The Soul of the Ancient World.
Egypt is one of those places that’s full of history and surprises. From the famous pyramids and the Nile River to the busy streets of Cairo and the wide open desert, there’s so much to see and experience. It’s a mix of ancient wonders and modern life all rolled into one.
I actually went to Egypt when I was four with my family, but I barely remember it. Still, I’ve always been obsessed with ancient Egypt and everything about it. When I was doing my master’s, I got the chance to go to Cairo for a summer school and there was no way I was going to miss that.
I’ve fallen even more in love with Egypt since then, and I can’t wait to share some of the amazing things I discovered there.
Egypt Quick Facts
Language: Arabic
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz – Plug types C & F (European standard)
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2
Where Ancient History Meets Modern Life
The Best Things to Do in Cairo
From ancient mosques and lively bazaars to rooftop views and Nile-side strolls, this guide has everything you need for an unforgettable Cairo experience beyond the usual tourist trail.
About Egypt
Egypt is mostly built around the Nile River, which made life possible in the middle of the desert for thousands of years. The country stretches from the Mediterranean Sea in the north all the way down to Sudan in the south, with the Red Sea on the east side. Cairo is the huge, bustling capital where ancient history meets modern city life. Then you also have places like Luxor and Aswan, packed with temples and tombs, plus the Sahara Desert and super popular Red Sea resorts like Sharm El Sheikh for diving and relaxing.
Egypt’s culture is a mix of ancient Egyptian history, Islamic traditions, and modern vibes. You can see it in the food, the markets, and the friendly people. Whether you’re exploring the pyramids, cruising the Nile, or vacationing by the Red Sea, Egypt has a bit of everything.
The best time to travel to Egypt
The best time to travel to Egypt is between October and April. The weather will be much milder making city trips to Cairo, or visits to the pyramids, Luxor, or Aswan way more enjoyable. Temperatures during the day are generally comfortable, and the nights are cooler. I went to Cairo in February and was fine with a shirt and jeans, plus a light jacket once the sun set.
May to September (Low Season): Very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan). Tourist sites are less crowded, but anything outdoors can be challenging due to the heat.
October to April (High Season): Ideal weather for sightseeing. Expect more tourists, especially around Christmas and Easter.
Health & Safety
When I was in Cairo, I never really felt unsafe. Of course, like in any big city, there’s always a chance of pickpockets, and sometimes being out at night felt a bit uncomfortable as a woman. But overall, in my experience, the locals were very respectful and made an effort to ensure tourists felt safe. In Islam, physical contact between unrelated men and women is generally avoided, so men usually keep a respectful distance from women. Because of this, women-only sections exist on some public transport like trains and metros, and people generally respect these spaces.
When talking about food safety, there weren’t any big issues. I made sure to only drink bottled water, but that’s about the extent of my precautions. Did I have one day of slight stomach issues? Maybe, but I think that was honestly only because I wasn’t used to the different foods.
Of course, though, there are some things you need to consider:
How to get around
By Plane
If you’re really short on time, big cities/areas like Cairo, Hurghada and Luxor are well connected. But please think of the environment!
by train
Take the train (Egyptian National Railways) to travel between major cities like Cairo, Luxor, or Alexandria.
bus/Taxi
In cities, use ride share services like Uber instead of taxis! They’re super safe and reliable. Or take a cheap local bus, even though they might be confusing to tourists.
by car
Renting a car is possible but driving in Egypt can be a bit chaotic. Traffic in Cairo especially is intense and rules are loosely followed.Be cautious and plan your routes well.
The best cafés and restaurants
What to Eat in Cairo
If you’re curious about Egyptian food or planning a trip to Cairo, check out my post on all the places I ate at during my ten-day stay in the city.
