Looking for things to do in Egypt? I’ve got the ultimate guide.
Egypt is one of the world’s most popular bucket list trips. It has everything an adventure lover would ever need, from beach towns in Dahab to the pyramids of Giza.
After visiting a few times, I have unique insight into why people are so hooked. But I’ll also be honest about why Egypt often gets a bad rap. Get prepared to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.
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Things to Do in Egypt for History Lovers
Fun Things to Do in Luxor
Cairo is the most visited place in Egypt, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t travel to other parts of the country. Egypt has excellent museums, including the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the Coptic Museum, and the Gayer-Anderson Museum. Of course, one cannot leave Cairo without visiting the Pyramids of Giza, but Giza is relatively mild compared to Luxor.
If you want to be amazed, take a Nile cruise or plane ride to Luxor. Most of the things you’ve witnessed in Egyptian documentaries are in Upper Egypt. Luxor is the place to be for history buffs.
Hiking and Outdoor Lovers: Things to Do in Egypt
Did you know there is a holy mountain in Egypt that thousands of people visit yearly? Mount Sinai is the ultimate hiking adventure. You can stay in Dahab or Sharm el Sheikh to take advantage of this hike. There are also many ATV tours, scuba diving, kite surfing, and more fun activities.
Do you need an Egyptian visa as a USA citizen?
Yes, Americans need a visa to visit Egypt. But you can purchase a visa on arrival for $25 or $60 dollars for a multi-entry visa. If you plan on entering through Taba, near the Sinai region, you should apply for your visa beforehand. You can receive a 30-day visa there, but it is notorious for being a hectic entry.
Vaccination & Customs Requirements
There are no vaccinations required. You no longer have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter Egypt. In regards to your breezing through customs, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- You must have at least one blank page in your passport.
- Your passport should also be valid for more than 6 months. (check that asap).
- Do not bring a drone or it will be confiscated.
Is Egypt Safe?
Egypt is mostly safe with some regions being safer than others. Overall, the violent crime rate is safer than in the United States. Pickpocketing and harassment is common in Cairo, but it is the most hectic part of Egypt. Be prepared to haggle everywhere. Scamming and charging are pretty common in Egypt. I dealt with Uber scams, charges, and sexual harassment. Egypt was the first place where even a small grocery store owner quoted me 3 times the usual price for a water bottle. It does begin to weigh on you after a while because you constantly feel like a target.
Traveling to Egypt as a Woman
Asking a woman about her experience in Egypt leads to a passionate discussion. Some have zero complaints and others, like myself, have stories for days. While we should always seek out our own experiences, sharing our authentic stories is essential.
How to Dress in Egypt as a Woman
You can expect to hear a lot of catcalling, even if you’re dressed modestly. Unless you’re in a very touristy place, I would try not to walk alone at night. I’ve had at least two very direct experiences with Egyptian vendors who made disrespectful and vulgar advances toward me. I’ve also experienced friendly Egyptian men who have been very helpful and kind. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t recommend Cairo as a solo woman-friendly destination for beginners, but I felt extremely safe in Aswan.
Best Cities to Visit in Egypt
Hotels
Get the best rates on hotels and private accommodations.
Car Rentals
Renting a car can be easy and stress-free.
Activities
Looking for the best things to do? I’ve got you covered.
It’s impossible to visit Egypt and become bored. There is something for everybody. Most tourists visit Cairo and Luxor but there’s so much more to see. I personally recommend staying in Cairo for no more than 3 days.
Here are a few recommendations based on activities you enjoy.
Beach Towns in Egypt
If you enjoy the ocean, you have to visit the Red Sea. Some cities known for ocean adventure are Dahab, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Marsa Alam. Dahab is more affordable than Sharm El Sheikh and provides a calmer pace of life. Scuba diving, freediving, and kite surfing are all common activities in Egypt. You can also find dolphins, sharks, and underwater sculptures littered throughout the Red Sea.
Scuba Diving and Freediving Tours in Egypt
Water sports is very common in the Red Sea, so you’ll find all sorts of scuba diving, freediving, and water activities.
READ MORE HERE:
- The Ultimate Egypt Travel Guide
- Dahab: A Guide to Egypt’s Red Sea Beach Town
- Best Things to do Sharm El Sheikh
- Is Visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi worth it? Everything You Need to Know
- What to Wear in Saudi Arabia
- Swissotel Makkah: The Best Umrah and Hajj Hotel?
- The Ultimate DIY Umrah Package | Tips For Solo Female Umrah
- Best Hotels In Makkah Close to the Haram For Umrah
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