Egypt is in Africa/Middle East. Its capital is Cairo. It ranks #25 among the world's most-visited countries. It draws about 15.8 million visitors a year. Below: top cities, experiences, seasons, food and entry rules.
Every figure links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Cairo | Wikipedia |
| Population | 107.9 million (2025) | Wikipedia |
| Currency | Egyptian pound (EGP, E£) | Wikipedia |
| Official language | Arabic | Wikipedia |
| Area | 1,010,408 km² | Wikipedia |
| Region | Africa/Middle East | UN Tourism / Wikipedia |
| Annual visitors | 15.8 million (2024) | UN Tourism |
Egypt is a cradle of ancient civilization. It is home to the Pyramids and Sphinx. The Nile shapes life and ancient sites. Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic heritage layer it.
Egypt sits in Africa/Middle East, with Cairo as its capital. It suits first-time visitors and repeat travellers alike. You can mix famous sights with quieter corners. This guide covers cities, experiences, seasons, food and visas.
A quick framework before the details.
Start by choosing your season and trip length. Most first trips run about one to two weeks. Base yourself in Cairo first, then branch out. Add Luxor and Aswan for variety and contrast. Book flights and any visa well ahead. Leave slow days to simply wander and rest.
Beyond the cities — the sights worth planning around.
These sights anchor most Egypt itineraries. Pick a few and build your route around them.
Where the country's variety lies.
| Region | Known for |
|---|---|
| Luxor | An open-air museum of temples. |
| Aswan | A relaxed Nubian Nile city. |
| Red Sea Coast | Hurghada and Marsa Alam resorts. |
| Sinai | Sharm diving and Mount Sinai. |
Each region has its own scenery, food and pace. Mixing two or three gives the fullest picture.
Easy routes built from the cities above.
Adjust nights to your pace and interests. Fewer stops usually means a richer trip.
Visit October to April for cooler touring. February and March are warm, especially in the south.
| Season | Typically | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | Mild, fewer crowds | Often a sweet spot |
| ☀️ Summer | Peak & warmest | Busy and pricier |
| 🍂 Autumn | Cooler, colourful | Great value shoulder |
| ❄️ Winter | Coldest / off-peak | Quiet; some sights close |
Tourism data: UN Tourism.
Trains, transit and the open road.
Cities usually have metros, buses or trams. Trains link many regions comfortably and scenically. Domestic flights save time over long distances. Car hire opens up the countryside and small towns.
Dishes worth seeking out.
Food is a highlight of any Egypt trip. Try local markets, cafes and family-run spots.
| Dish | What it is |
|---|---|
| Koshari | Rice, lentils and pasta, the national dish. |
| Ful medames | A slow-cooked fava-bean breakfast. |
| Molokhia | A jute-leaf green soup. |
| Ta'meya | Egyptian-style fava falafel. |
| Mahshi | Vegetables stuffed with rice. |
Time a trip around these.
| Festival | When | About |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Simbel Sun Festival | Feb & Oct | Sunlight aligns on the statues. |
| Ramadan | Mar–Apr | The Islamic holy month. |
| Coptic Christmas | January | Orthodox Christmas on the 7th. |
Festivals book out hotels early. Plan and reserve well in advance.
Small courtesies that go a long way.
A friendly greeting is always appreciated. Dress modestly at temples, churches and shrines. Learn a few words of Arabic before you go. Tipping norms vary, so check locally.
Most visitors arrive by air. Confirm visa rules before booking.
🛂 For Indian passport holders: Indian citizens need an Egypt e-visa before travel. See the official source: Egypt e-Visa.
Also check the IATA Travel Centre.
Base yourself in Cairo, Luxor or Aswan. Each has stays from hostels to five-star hotels. A mid-range hotel runs about $25–40 a night. Book early in peak season and near the main sights.
Search hotels in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan. Browse all stays on Booking.com or Airbnb.
Approximate daily costs per person, excluding flights.
| Style | Approx. per day | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| 🎒 Budget | $25–35 | Hostels, street food, public transport |
| 🧳 Mid-range | $55–90 | Comfortable hotels, cafes, some taxis |
| 🛎️ Luxury | $90–150 / night+ | Five-star hotels, fine dining, private guides |
A comfortable mid-range hotel runs about $25–40 a night. Meals add around $12–25 a day. Cities cost more than towns and villages. Travelling off-peak stretches your budget further.
Souvenirs and local specialities.
Little things that smooth a trip.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| 💵 Money | The currency is Egyptian pound (EGP, E£). |
| 📱 Connectivity | Buy a local or eSIM on arrival. |
| 🔌 Power | Carry a universal travel adapter. |
| 🩺 Health | Check vaccines and travel insurance. |
| 🗣️ Language | The main language is Arabic. |
Leave places better than you find them.
A little Arabic goes a long way.
The main language is Arabic. English is common in tourist areas and hotels. Learn hello, please and thank you first. A translation app helps with menus and signs.
Cards, cash and everyday spending.
The currency is Egyptian pound (EGP, E£). Cards work widely in cities and hotels. Carry some cash for markets and small vendors. ATMs are easy to find in towns. Tell your bank before you travel abroad.
A mid-range hotel costs about $25–40 a night. Five-star stays run roughly $90–150. Food adds around $12–25 a day. Budget days cost about $25–35; mid-range about $55–90.
What to bring for Egypt's climate and culture.
Pack light sun cover for hot days. Bring a warm layer for nights. Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees. Carry a scarf for holy sites. Add comfortable walking shoes and a travel adapter. Bring personal medicines. Carry copies of your passport and visa.
Odds and ends worth knowing.
Egypt is in Africa/Middle East. Its capital is Cairo.
Visit October to April for cooler touring. February and March are warm, especially in the south.
A mid-range hotel costs about $25–40 a night. Five-star stays run roughly $90–150. Meals add around $12–25 a day. Backpackers manage on about $25–35 daily. A mid-range trip costs about $55–90 a day. That excludes international flights.
Plan about 8-12 days for Egypt. That covers the highlights without rushing. Add more days for a slower pace.
Pack light sun cover for hot days. Bring a warm layer for nights. Dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees. Carry a scarf for holy sites. Add comfortable walking shoes and a travel adapter. Bring personal medicines. Carry copies of your passport and visa.
The top cities are Cairo, Luxor, Aswan. Base yourself in Cairo first. Then branch out to the others.
Indian citizens need an Egypt e-visa before travel.
Buses and domestic flights link the main regions. Trains help in some countries. Hire cars suit rural areas. City taxis cover short trips. Ride-hailing apps work in big cities.
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP, E£). Carry some cash; cards work in cities and hotels.
The official language is Arabic. English is common in tourist areas and hotels.
About 15.8 million (2024) international visitors.
Try Koshari, Ful medames and Molokhia. Street stalls and family-run spots are the best value.
Yes. Egypt is welcoming and easy for first-time visitors. Especially in tourist areas.
Browse the full list of destinations.
Our deepest country guide.