Egypt Travel Guide

Renowned for its alluring blend of ancient mystique and old-world charm, Egypt welcomes more than 12 million tourists every year, offering them sun, wonder and adventure aplenty. History lovers, in particular, will relish a stay in this iconic destination, which can count the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, the 3,000-year-old temples of Abu Simbel and the enchanting Coptic area in Old Cairo among its storied heirlooms.

Historical sightseeing is far from Egypt's only draw, though, as visitors can dive spectacular coral reefs, take cruises on the timeless Nile River and camel trek into the vast, mesmerising Sahara Desert. There's also a world-class array of holiday resorts that range from the bohemian Dahab to the more upscale El Gouna.

Throw in lively souks (open-air markets), savoury street foods such as koshari and nomadic Bedouin culture, where hospitality and storytelling reign supreme, and it's easy to see why travellers have always found their way to the 'Land of the Pharaohs'.

Best time to visit

Egypt has hot and dry weather all year round, though things are marginally cooler and wetter in coastal areas. The sun can be uncomfortably fierce during summer (May to October), so tourists are advised to travel between November and April. Visitors should also assess the political situation in Egypt before they finalise travel plans, as the region has sometimes been volatile in recent years.

What to see in Egypt

-Be awe-struck by the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining ancient wonder of the world.

-Don't miss the 3,000-year-old temples of Abu Simbel: mind-blowing structures carved into the surrounding sandstone cliffs.

-Do a little souvenir shopping at the Asfour Crystal Factory.

-Explore the wonders of the beautifully located Saladin Citadel, which was built in the 12th century.

What to do in Egypt

-Take a cruise down the Nile and savour the incredible sights, including the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.

-Get lost in the narrow streets of Coptic Cairo, the oldest part of the city, once known as the Roman stronghold of Babylon.

-Go scuba diving in the Red Sea to explore the coral reefs and shipwrecks.

-Send the senses into overdrive shopping at Khan al-Khalili, one of the largest, most vibrant markets in the world.

Holiday resorts in Egypt

Egypt has many popular resorts for sun-seekers looking for the perfect beach holiday. Each resort has its own character, some offering lively nightlife and others secluded tranquillity, some designed for sun-seeking singles and others for family fun.

Getting to Egypt

There are direct cheap flights to Egypt available from the UK. The flight duration from London to Egypt is approximately four to five hours. There are also direct cheap flights to Egypt available from the US. The flight duration from New York to Egypt is about 12 hours.

Read

The Alexandria Quartet by Lawrence Durrell, Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie, The Yacoubian Building by Alaa-Al-Aswany, and Beer in the Snooker Club by Waguih Ghali.

Listen

Mohamed Mounir, Amr Diab, Abdel Halim Hafez, and Umm Kulthum.

Watch

The Yacoubian Building (2006), Anthony and Cleopatra (1963), The Mummy (1999), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

Drink

Karkaday, a ruby-red, hibiscus flower-infused non-alcoholic drink served in tea shops right across Egypt. Wonderfully refreshing and cooling, it's also (apparently) a good hangover tonic.

Eat

Taamiya, a falafel made from green beans and spices, usually served in a pita with baba ghanoush (pureed aubergine spread). Shwarmas (pita bread typically filled with marinated lamb and hummus).

What to buy

Be on the look-out for perfumes, brass and silver ornaments, blown-glass and clay figurines and, pick of the lot, rich Egyptian cotton products with Bedouin embroidery.

What to pack

Lightweight (but not overly revealing) clothing, plenty of sunscreen, good walking shoes as well as sandals, and a swimming costume or two. Cairo is also a notoriously noisy city, and many travellers recommend taking a pair of ear-plugs.

What's on in Egypt

Held each year in February and October, the Abu Simbel Festival celebrates Ramses II's birthday. In October each year, the Cairo Opera House produces an outdoor performance of Verdi's Aida, a tragic tale of thwarted love set in Ancient Egypt, which is performed at the Great Pyramid of Giza. The Cairo International Film Festival (November) is one of the longest-running film festivals on the African continent.

Did you know?

-Beer was invented in Ancient Egypt.

-Africa's only subway is found in Cairo.

-Egypt is home to about 30 percent of the Arab world's bloggers.

-Egyptians invented the 365 day calendar.

A final word

A favourite tourist destination, visitors to Egypt can look forward to unique sights, exciting activities and plenty of hours of relaxing on one of the sunniest coastlines in the world.