Your Ultimate Guide
Traveling toEgypt
Insider tips from Egyptian students who know the country best. Everything you need for an unforgettable trip.
7000+
Years of History
100M+
Population
30°C
Avg. Temperature
EGP
Currency
Transportation
Getting Around Egypt
Egypt has excellent transportation options. Here's how to navigate like a local.
Use Uber Comfort
For the best travel experience in Egypt, we highly recommend Uber with the "Comfort" option. You get professional drivers, clean and well-maintained vehicles, and air conditioning guaranteed.
Uber
Comfort Ride
Cairo Metro
Fast, affordable, air-conditioned
One of Africa's largest and busiest metro systems. Uses distance-based fares: 8 EGP (1-9 stops), 10 EGP (10-16 stops), 15 EGP (up to 23 stops), or 20 EGP (23+ stops). Runs from 5am to around midnight-1am.
3
Lines
70+
Stations
8-20
EGP/ride
Pro tip: The 2 middle cars are women-only. After 9pm, one becomes mixed. Women can use any car.
Monorail & LRT
Modern rapid transit
Cairo's newest transit additions. The LRT connects to the New Administrative Capital - Egypt's ambitious new governmental hub. The Monorail serves New Cairo and 6th of October City.
Destinations
Where to Go
From ancient wonders to beach paradises, Egypt has it all. Here's when and where to go.
Year-Round Destinations
Cairo
The bustling capital - pyramids, museums, Khan el-Khalili, and endless culture
Alexandria
Mediterranean charm with Greek heritage, seafood, and coastal vibes
Summer Escapes
(June - September)North Coast
Egypt's Riviera - luxury resorts, crystal waters
El Alamein
New city with pristine beaches
Siwa Oasis
Desert paradise, ancient ruins, salt lakes
Winter Getaways
(October - March)Luxor
Valley of Kings, Karnak Temple
Aswan
Nubian culture, Philae Temple
Hurghada
Red Sea diving, coral reefs
Sharm El Sheikh
Beach paradise, Ras Mohammed
Average Weather by City
Egypt has a desert climate - hot and dry most of the year. Winters are mild and pleasant, summers can be very hot.
Cairo
Alexandria
(Mediterranean)Hurghada
(Red Sea)Luxor
(Upper Egypt)Best time to visit: October to April for Cairo & Luxor (avoid summer heat). Summer is perfect for Alexandria and Red Sea beaches.
Accommodations
Where to Stay in Cairo
Cairo is massive. Choose your neighborhood wisely based on what experience you want.
Modern & Organized
Western-style convenience
For a more relaxed, organized experience with modern amenities, malls, and international chains.
New Cairo / 5th Settlement
Upscale, modern, great malls and restaurants
Sheikh Zayed City
Peaceful, green, family-friendly
Madinaty / Rehab City
Gated communities, very safe
Historic Downtown
Authentic Cairo experience
For those who want to experience the real Cairo - the chaos, the charm, and the culture.
Zamalek
Upscale island, embassies, boutiques, cafes
Tahrir Square / Downtown
Heart of Cairo, Egyptian Museum nearby
Garden City
Quiet, colonial architecture, Nile views
Mamsha Ahl Masr
Beautiful Nile Corniche promenade, cafes, street food, sunset views
Technology
Essential Apps
Download these before you land. They'll make your trip so much easier.
Transport
Uber
Primary ride-hailing app
Transport
Careem
Alternative to Uber
Food Delivery
Talabat
Food delivery app
Food
Elmenus
Restaurant menus & reviews
Payments
InstaPay
Mobile payments & transfers
Navigation
Google Maps
Works great in Egypt
Get a Local SIM Card
A local SIM gives you cheap data and calls. You can buy one at the airport or any phone shop. Bring your passport - it's required for registration.
Vodafone
Largest network, best coverage
Orange
Good coverage, competitive prices
Etisalat (e&)
Strong in urban areas
WE
Government-owned, growing network
Tip: Tourist SIM packages typically cost $10-20 for 10-20GB of data valid for 30 days. Airport kiosks are convenient but slightly pricier than city shops.
Money
Money & Payment
Cards & Digital Pay
Most shops, restaurants, malls, and cafes in New Cairo and modern areas accept cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Cash is Still King
Traditional markets, street food, older neighborhoods, and small shops prefer cash. Always carry some Egyptian pounds.
ATMs are everywhere. Use bank ATMs for best rates.
Tipping Culture
Tipping ("baksheesh") is common and appreciated. Small tips for good service are customary.
Food & Dining
Must-Try Egyptian Food
Koshari
Egypt's national dish - rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, fried onions, tomato sauce
Ful Medames
Slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, lemon, cumin
Ta'ameya
Egyptian falafel made with fava beans, herbs, spices
Molokhia
Green soup made from jute leaves, served with rice
Macarona Bechamel
Baked pasta with spiced meat and creamy bechamel sauce
Shawarma
Marinated meat wrapped in pita with tahini and pickles
Hawawshi
Spiced minced meat baked in Egyptian bread
Fiteer Meshaltet
Flaky layered pastry, served sweet or savory
Kunafa
Crispy shredded pastry with cheese or cream, soaked in syrup
Om Ali
Warm bread pudding with nuts, raisins, coconut, cream
Basbousa
Sweet semolina cake soaked in syrup
Roz Bil Laban
Creamy Egyptian rice pudding with cinnamon and nuts
Social Life
Egyptian Social Scene
Egyptians are incredibly social people. The streets, malls, and cafes are always buzzing with life - especially at night.
Mall Culture
Massive & open late
Egyptian malls are HUGE - multi-story complexes with hundreds of stores, restaurants, cinemas, and entertainment zones. They stay open until midnight or later and are always bustling with activity. It's where Egyptians hang out, shop, eat, and socialize.
Pro tip: Visit on weekday evenings for a less crowded but still lively experience. Weekends get packed!
Cafes & Bakeries
A way of life
Egyptians LOVE their cafes and bakeries. You'll find them on every corner - from traditional "ahwa" (coffee shops) where locals play backgammon and smoke shisha, to modern specialty coffee shops and artisan bakeries. It's where friendships are made and maintained.
Must try: Turkish coffee, sahlab (warm milk drink), fresh feteer (Egyptian pastry), and kunafa.
Malls Worth Visiting
Cairo Festival City
New Cairo
Dancing fountains
City Stars
Nasr City
Largest in Egypt
5A by Waterway
New Cairo
Premium outdoor mall
Garden 8
New Cairo
Modern & trendy
City Centre Almaza
Heliopolis
Great food court
District 5
New Cairo
Upscale shopping
O1 New Cairo
New Cairo
Entertainment hub
Mall of Arabia
6th October
Family friendly
ESA Picks
Our Recommendations
Places we personally love and recommend. These are spots we'd take our own friends to.
Desserts & Sweets
B-Laban
Rice pudding & oriental sweets
Le Dames
Premium pastries & cakes
Amorino Gelato
Italian gelato roses
Chocolate Bar
Chocolate heaven
Local tip: Try "feteer" with cream and honey from any local bakery - it's incredible!
Late Night Vibes
Egypt comes alive at night. Restaurants and cafes are packed until 2-3am. Dinner often starts at 10pm!
Peak Hours
10pm - 2am
Weekend Nights
Thu & Fri are busiest
Culture
Cultural Tips & Etiquette
For Men
Most Egyptian men wear long pants year-round. Shorts are acceptable in tourist areas and malls, but covering your knees helps you blend in better. T-shirts, polo shirts, and casual button-downs are all fine.
For Women
Shoulders and knees should be covered - this is the most important guideline. Egyptian women typically wear pants or long dresses/skirts with sleeves. Avoid tight or revealing clothing. You don't need to cover your hair unless visiting a mosque.
Do's
- ✓Greet with "Salaam Aleikum" (Peace be upon you)
- ✓Accept tea or coffee when offered - it's hospitable
- ✓Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders/knees)
- ✓Bargain at markets - it's expected and fun!
- ✓Ask before photographing people
- ✓Remove shoes when entering homes
Useful Phrases
Salaam Aleikum
Hello (formal)
السلام عليكم
Shukran
Thank you
شكراً
La, shukran
No, thank you
لا، شكراً
Bekam da?
How much is this?
بكام ده؟
Ghalii awi
Too expensive
غالي أوي
Tamam
Perfect/OK
تمام
Egypt is Very Safe for Tourists
Egypt welcomes millions of tourists every year. Tourist areas are well-patrolled, and Egyptians are known for their hospitality. Use common sense as you would anywhere, and you'll have an amazing time.
Tourist Police
Dedicated police force for tourist safety
Emergency: 122
Police emergency number
Hospitality
Egyptians love helping tourists
Questions About Egypt?
We're Egyptian students who know the country inside out. Reach out anytime - we're happy to help!