Egypt is increasingly becoming the destination that everyone is eyeing this year for good reasons. As you can imagine, there is plenty to do and see in Egypt. After visiting in November, I am sharing all the deets that will make it easy for you to feel safe as you plan an unforgettable itinerary and experience.

In this post, you’ll find a detailed flow of my trip to Egypt over 8 days, a 48-hour timeline of each city I visited, 10 things to know before you go to Egypt, and mistakes to avoid.

When is the best time to visit Egypt?

It’s always a good time to visit Egypt; however, during November-April, the weather will be cool, but it’s also during peak travel times.

How to spend 48 hours in Cairo, Egypt?

Cairo is rich in culture and deeply rooted in spiritual and religious history.

Where to stay

Zamalek

You can find a beautiful Airbnb in Zamalek, it’s a trendy, safe, and walkable area in Cairo, and I wanted a comfy, chic, and cute living space.

I know the pyramid view hotels are top-rated and trendy, but they’re located in Giza, and the area is not walkable; a ton of traffic all day and nothing else to do in that area. I do not recommend that area unless you’re staying at the Mena House Mariott Hotel.

What to see

Pyramid of Giza - since you’re traveling to Egypt, make sure you go inside the pyramid; it’s an exciting experience. It was a workout; if you get to the top, make sure you meditate. If you tend to feel claustrophobic, I do not recommend going inside; it’s dark, you need to crawl and climb, and it can be crowded too.
The Great Sphinx - a delightful photo op. Don’t forget to kiss it.
Coptic Christian Hanging Church
Mosques - Egypt is primarily an Islamic state, and the architecture of the mosques is stunning. Don’t miss out on seeing at least one of them.
Egyptian Museum - a new museum is opening near the Pyramids, and it’s going to be insane, so expect Egypt is expecting a ton of new and returning visitors from 2023 onwards.

Other things to do

Visit a papyrus store - learn how paper was first created.
Visit a perfume store and see where your favorite perfume brand gets its primary extract.
Try blowing glass to make your personalized candle or incense holder.

How to spend 48 hours in Siwa-Oasis, Egypt

Siwa Oasis is a hidden gem located in the western desert of Egypt. It is surrounded by date palm trees and mud brick houses. Most visitors travel to Siwa to float in the salt lake.

How to get there?

If you’re visiting Cairo, I recommend Siwa as your next stop. Siwa is 700km from Cairo. You can drive for 9-10 hours to get there. There are multiple security checkpoints along the way, so be sure to walk with your passport. To maximize time, I recommend traveling at night so that you’ll arrive by early morning.

Where to stay?

I stayed at Qasr El salam for one night, but there are accommodations for every budget in Siwa.

What to do?

Spend plenty of time soaking in the salt lake. Locals say the water contains healing properties because of the high salt concentration. Be sure to walk with a towel and flip-flops because the sand is sharp.
Visit the desert and drink some lemongrass tea sandboard down a dune.
Visit Shali Ghadi (Shali being the town’s name, and Ghadi meaning “remote”). The ancient fortress was built on natural rock and palm logs, and shortly after it was built, it was by three days of heavy rains in 1926
Stop by the market to pick up some lemon grass and dates before you drive back to Cairo.

How to spend 48 hours in Luxor, Egypt

Luxor is also located in Upper Egypt and is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. In ancient days it was called Pharaoh’s city. From Cairo, Luxor is one hour away by plane, there is also an option for the train, and driving will be 10 hours long.

Where to Stay in Luxor, Egypt

Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel. This hotel is a luxe dream, the rooms overlook the Nile river or the lush green gardens, and the hotel is a mix of Egyptian and Parisian decor. It really does not get better than that.

What to do/see in Luxor, Egypt

Visit Kanark Temple Complex and learn about its history. It is a world heritage site.
Visit Luxor Temple
Ride a hot air balloon at sunrise.
The hot air balloon tour starts with a 4 am hotel pick-up, be sure to request a breakfast box from your hotel the night before the tour. You will then take a boat to the other side of the Nile before heading to the valley.

Fly over Valley of the Kings
Fly over Hatshepsut’s Temple
Fly over the Nile River

You might also land in a sugarcane field.

Join a workshop to make an alabaster vase and take it home as a souvenir.
Visit Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple to earn how Egypt’s first feminist became queen of Egypt.

How to spend 48 hours in Aswan, Egypt

Aswan is located in the southernmost part of Egypt and is also called the land of gold because it’s also home to the Nubian people.

How to get there?

You can fly to Aswan airport or drive 4 hours from Luxor

Where to stay?

I stayed at Ben Ben by Dhara, but any hotel on or along the Nile river will elevate your experience of the city. You can also stay in the Nubian Village for a more cultural experience, but if you want something more luxe, stay at Ben Ben by Dhara.

What to do?

Visit Philae Temple - Whether you’re familiar with the story of Isis, Horus, and Osiris, this temple is absolutely stunning and a must-see. This is not the original landmark because the High Dam flooded the temples. The pieces were relocated to Agilkia Island.
Visit Nubian Village - Located on Elephantine Island, the oldest and most vibrant community in Aswan.
Visit Abu Simbel Temple - Located 4 hours outside Aswan city center, this is another iconic historical monument dedicated to King Ramsey II and his wife, Queen Nefetari. King Ramsey ruled Egypt for over 60 years.
Aswan High Dam - The High Dam was constructed to regulate annual flooding in Aswan. However, even after its construction, the Dam flooded, displacing the Nubian village, Philae Temple, and Abu Simbel.
Visit the Old Souks - visit the Old Souks to see city life in Aswan, visit the colorful bazaars, and pick up some spices to support the locals.

Visit the Nubian Village in Aswan, Egypt

Here are 7 Things To Know Before You Go to the Nubian Village

The Nubian people are from Upper Egypt, Aswan, and South Sudan. They are ethnolinguistic, fully integrated throughout Egypt, but still, speak their native language today.

Aswan was named the Land of Gold because it’s the home of the Nubian people (black = gold)
The Nubian Village is now located on the west bank of the Nile River in Aswan, Egypt. The original village was flooded by Aswan High Dam, which forced relocation to the west bank.
You can fly to Aswan airport. I highly recommend hiring a private car and driving 4hrs from Luxor to enjoy the scenic route along the Nile River (it’s a beautiful and more sustainable way to travel).
You can access the village by a Felucca (private wooden sailboat) or take a public ferry for less than 10 Egyptian Pounds.
4 hours is sufficient to see the village. You can walk through the narrow streets, smell the spices, admire the brightly colored mud brick houses, learn about the story of the paintings on the homes, see the crocodiles, and enjoy a welcome drink and a traditional meal. Alternatively, you can stay overnight by booking one of the Nubian homes via booking.com or Airbnb.
Nubian Egyptians are darker in complexion than Arabic Egyptians. While everyone was friendly and hospitable, if your skin complexion resembles theirs, you’ll be greeted and welcomed warmly as a brother or sister.

Before you travel to Egypt

10 things to know and avoid before traveling to Egypt

Hire a tour guide, plan before you go, and for your safety, stick to the itinerary to avoid scammers. Pre-arrange your taxi pick-up and drop-off.
You can purchase your e-visa ticket online to avoid the long line, but it is cheaper to purchase in person.
Research the history, culture, and basic Arabic phrases before you go, and avoid asking strangers for favors (e.g., taking your photo)
Avoid drinking tap water, but that’s a given.
Pre-arrange your airport pick-up and drop-off before your arrival.
Bargain for everything; if you’re not interested in purchasing, don’t make eye contact and practice saying La (no); La Shukran (no thanks). Be stern and confident when you say it. Local hustlers are persistent.
Changing your currency outside the airport will likely get a better exchange rate.
Cash is king in Egypt, and tipping is a huge part of the culture. You’ll need to tip your guide, your driver. If you look someone in the eye and smile, they’ll need a tip. Do you get the idea?
If you plan to stay in Giza to get the famous window view of the pyramid, note that the area is not walkable, not the safest, and also not the cleanest. I recommend staying in Zamalek - safe for walking and trendy.
Cairo traffic is on another level. Add traffic time to your schedule if you’re planning to go anywhere.

Bonus Tip: If you’re interested in purchasing a catoush, be sure to shop around before you pay a ton of cash for a fake gold/silver catoush

The best time to visit Egypt is now. If you’re still on the fence about visiting Egypt, I hope this review will help you with planning. After traveling to more than 30 countries, Egypt is now at the top of my life of the best places I’ve ever visited. I loved learning its history and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the people and I’m looking forward to visiting again to see the Red Sea side of the country.

A Travel Guide to Egypt