Is Egypt Worth Visiting? Here’s What You Need to Know
Is Egypt worth visiting? It is a question many people ask before booking, especially if it is their first time considering a destination that feels so different from anything they have been to before.
Egypt is absolutely worth visiting. But like any destination, it helps to know what to expect before you go. The country offers an incredible mix of history, beaches, food, and culture, but it also comes with some quirks that can catch you off guard, especially if you are visiting for the first time.
I have visited Egypt several times, not just as a tourist but also spending time there with family. I know the country from both sides.
1. Beautiful Beaches of Egypt
Egypt is well known for its Red Sea beaches, and for good reason. We have been to Egypt several times, and the beaches were always a highlight.
Here are the main beach destinations in Egypt:
- Hurghada – long stretches of golden sand with gradual sea entrances, great for families
- Sharm El Sheikh – popular with divers and snorkelers, known for clear water and coral reefs
- Marsa Alam – quieter and more unspoiled, about 300 km south of Hurghada
- Dahab – a relaxed town, very popular with the diving community
- Almaza Bay, Marsa Matrouh – on the Mediterranean, often called the Egyptian Maldives, with clear blue water and soft white sand
When it comes to hotels, I recommend going for a 4 or 5-star hotel. We have stayed at Albatros White Beach and Albatros Dana Beach in Hurghada, and Jaz Tamerina in Almaza Bay, and we were happy with all of them.
2. Diving in the Red Sea
If you dive or want to try diving, the Red Sea should be on your list. It is one of the best diving destinations in the world, and Egypt makes it very accessible.
Here is why diving in the Red Sea is so good:
- Warm, clear water – visibility of up to 30 meters in some spots
- Rich marine life – colourful fish, coral reefs, sea turtles, rays, and even sharks
- Wrecks – there are several wreck dive sites, which you do not find everywhere
- Variety of sites – from shallow reefs for beginners to deeper dives for experienced divers
- Established operators – there are plenty of experienced dive operators across all the main beach towns
3. The Pyramids of Giza
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is a must. I say that from experience. The Great Pyramid is around 4,500 years old and is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
You can find it just outside Cairo. I highly recommend going with a guided tour booked through an official agency. A good guide gives you the full story, and you will not be hassled by people offering you rides or unofficial tours the whole time.
Something I found interesting is that the Pyramids of Giza are believed to be one of the places on earth where an energy vortex is active. It is said that when you visit, you may feel something, peace, a sense of healing, or even a light tingling sensation.
I did not know this when I was there, but I felt so calm and peaceful that I did not want to leave. It was a strange and wonderful feeling, and one of my best experiences in Egypt.
Standing next to these massive structures, you also start to wonder how they were built without any modern machinery. It is hard to explain until you are there.
You can also go inside one of the pyramids. The stairs are steep, so take your time. It is not suitable if you are claustrophobic, but if you can manage it, it is worth doing.
4. Ancient Civilization and Historical Sites
Egypt has far more to offer than just the Pyramids. The country is full of historical sites and museums that are worth visiting.
The Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza is the biggest archaeological museum in the world. It houses an enormous collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including pieces that were moved from the old Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Some of the artifacts are huge and fascinating to see up close. The original Egyptian Museum in Cairo is still open to visitors as well.
In Luxor, the Valley of the Kings is where pharaohs from the New Kingdom period were buried, including the famous Tutankhamun.
Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II, is another remarkable site with impressive stone carvings and statues.
Other highlights include Luxor Temple, Philae Temple, the Temple of Kom Ombo (unusual because it was dedicated to two different gods), and Mount Sinai, which is considered holy by three religions.
For more about the temples in Egypt, I have a separate article that goes into more detail.
5. Medieval Egypt
To get a feel for medieval Cairo, head to Moez Street and Khan el Khalili. Moez Street is one of the oldest streets in the city, lined with historical buildings and mosques.
We visited Al-Hussain Mosque and Al-Hakim Bi Amr Allah Mosque when we were there.
Khan el Khalili is a large, busy souk with a very unique atmosphere, especially in the evening. It is the place to buy souvenirs, and the choice is wide.
Be ready to bargain, as that is how it works here. I recommend visiting even if you are not planning to buy anything, just for the experience.
One important thing: keep an eye on your belongings in this area. It is very crowded, and pickpocketing does happen, as it does in busy markets anywhere in the world.
6. Natural Treatments
This is something Egypt is less known for, but worth mentioning. Egypt has a long tradition of natural treatments that have been used for centuries.
Hot springs are believed to help with respiratory issues, skin conditions, and joint problems. Mud and sand massages are also popular and are said to be good for the skin and physical recovery.
Herbal remedies made from local plants are widely used too, often for digestive or respiratory issues. And aromatherapy with local essential oils is another option you will come across, mostly for relaxation and stress relief.
One experience I can personally recommend is the salt lakes in Siwa Oasis. The water contains so much salt that you float on the surface, similar to the Dead Sea.
It is also very good for your skin. I spent about 15 minutes in the water, and my skin felt incredibly smooth and soft afterwards.
7. Nile River Cruises
If you want to see Egypt’s historical sites without rushing from place to place, a Nile cruise is a great option. The classic route runs from Luxor to Aswan, and the Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world.
The cruises stop at temples and historical sites along the way, so you get to go inside and explore.
You sleep on the boat, the food is included, and you wake up somewhere new each day. It is a comfortable and very different way to travel through Egypt.
8. The Desert
Do not overlook the desert when you visit Egypt. A trip into the Sahara is a very different experience from the beaches or historical sites.
You can book a desert tour through your hotel resort, or find a wider selection of organised tours from official agencies. Activities usually include camel riding, quad biking, sandboarding, and stargazing. Some trips include camping overnight in the desert.
9. Egyptian Food
Food is a big part of Egyptian life, and it is really delicious. When I first visited our Egyptian family in Cairo, the table was covered in dishes, and I had no idea how many people were coming.
That is just how it is. Food is central to how Egyptians come together.
Some dishes you have to try:
- Koshary (a mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and fried onions with spices)
- Hawawshi (Arabic bread stuffed with minced beef and onion)
- Molokhia (a leafy green vegetable dish served with rice)
- Falafel and the mixed grill are also excellent.
And the sweets. Baklava, kunafa, basbosa, and om ali are all worth trying. If you get the chance to eat with an Egyptian family, take it. Otherwise, try the traditional restaurants or street food in Cairo.
10. Egypt is a Cheap Destination
Egypt is one of the most affordable destinations you can visit. Beach holidays here, especially all-inclusive, are very good value compared to similar destinations elsewhere.
Transport is cheap too. Taxis are common and inexpensive, but tourists are often scammed by taxi drivers, so I recommend using Uber instead, as the price is set and you do not need to negotiate.
Souvenirs are also affordable, though you are expected to haggle in the souks. If you do not enjoy bargaining, look for shops with fixed prices.
Cairo also has some modern, beautiful shopping malls if you want a more relaxed shopping experience.
11. Perfect Weather
Egypt has sun almost all year round, which is one of its biggest draws for beach holidays.
That said, the time of year matters depending on what you want to do. Summer is good for a beach holiday but too hot for sightseeing.
Winter months like January and February are cooler and not ideal for swimming, though many resorts have heated pools.
The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to mid-December), when the weather works well for both the beach and sightseeing.
12. The Hospitality of Egyptian People
Egyptians are warm and welcoming. When we visited family in Cairo, the house was never quiet. People came and went, food was always on the table, and we were made to feel completely at home.
In general, Egyptians are friendly toward visitors and happy to help. Tea, coffee, and food are offered generously. It is a culture that takes hospitality seriously.
One thing to be aware of is, that if someone approaches you on the street offering something for free, they will usually expect money in return. It is not necessarily unfriendly, just something to know.
Things to Be Prepared For
Egypt is a wonderful country, but it is also a chaotic one. Traffic rules are more of a suggestion. Some areas of cities can be very dirty.
Salespeople near tourist sites can be very pushy, and prices for tourists are often higher than for locals.
If you are spending your whole holiday at an all-inclusive beach resort, you will not encounter much of this. But if you are going on tours or visiting cities, I strongly recommend using a guide from an official agency. It will make your trip much easier and more enjoyable.
Visiting Egypt: FAQs
Is Egypt safe for tourists?
Yes, Egypt is generally safe for tourists. Tourism is very important to the country, so visitors are looked after.
The one area to avoid is the Sinai Peninsula red zone. When visiting towns or cities, dress appropriately, avoid dark side streets at night, and use official agencies for tours.
As always, check the latest travel advisory before you go.
Can I wear shorts in Egypt?
At your hotel resort, yes. When you go out to towns or villages, shorts should reach the knee, or wear light trousers, a long skirt, or a dress.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
You can visit Egypt all year round. However, spring (March to May) and autumn (October to mid-December) are the best times, whether you are going for sightseeing or the beach.
Summer is good for a beach holiday but not for sightseeing as it gets very hot. Winter is cooler and not ideal for swimming, but still fine for historical tours.
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