Egypt Travel Guide
The land of the pharaohs, Egypt is a captivating destination known for its ancient civilisation, archaeological treasures, rich culture and diverse landscapes, from the Sahara Desert to the Red Sea coastline.
Located in the north-eastern corner of Africa, the country has a population of approximately 98 million, its capital and largest city is Cairo and the official language is Arabic.
For many centuries Egypt has fascinated travellers due to historical gems like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and temples along the River Nile. The opening of Suez Canal in 1869 provided easier access for cargo ships and travellers, then in 1922 the discovery of Tutankhamun, one of the most famous pharaohs in Egyptian history, further fuelled the interest for tourists. Even renowned author Agatha Christie spent time in Egypt, where she developed an interest in Egyptology and it inspired one of her most famous novels 'Death on the Nile'. Although archaeologists are regularly unearthing new finds, Ancient Egypt still has an air of mystery and mystique around it which compels many people to visit.
We've outlined some general information that may be helpful to you when planning your next holiday to Egypt.
Time Zone & Currency
Egypt is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. The currency is the Egyptian pound.
Weather in Egypt
Egypt has a hot desert climate, with very high temperatures between May and September. During other months it is cooler. Winter (Dec–Feb) is generally mild, with cold nights in the desert.
Reading For Your Trip To Egypt
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff
The Last Egyptian by L. Frank Baum
Best time to go to Egypt
We suggest visiting during the cooler months of late autumn (October to November) and early spring (February to April). During these periods, the weather is more comfortable for exploring Egypt's ancient ruins and attractions.
Top Tourist Attractions In Egypt
Top Places To Visit In Egypt
Egypt is a land of many wonders, from the temples of Luxor to the bustling markets of Cairo, there is so much to uncover in this incredible country.
Virtual Tour of Egypt
Our expert guide Dodi takes us on a tour of the highlights of Egypt. This virtual tour will take you through the main highlights of this unique holiday that combines the exotic beauty of Cairo and the vibrant resort of Hurghada with an unforgettable 7-night cruise.
Food and drink in Egypt
Egyptian cuisine is rich and diverse, with many dishes reflecting Middle Eastern influences. Some must-try dishes include:
- Ta’amiyya: Egypt’s version of falafel, made from fava beans, flavoured with herbs, and fried until crisp. Often served with fresh bread and salads.
- Kofta: Spiced meat patties, often grilled and served with rice, bread, or tahini sauce.
- Lamb Kebabs: Grilled skewers of marinated lamb, a staple on many Egyptian menus.
- Mahallabiye: A creamy dessert made from rice flour, milk, and sugar, flavoured with rose or orange water and topped with pistachios or almonds.
- Fish Dishes: Fresh fish sourced from the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and the Nile, prepared in a variety of ways.
Egypt also produces a small selection of beers and wines, known for being of good quality and reasonably priced. While most restaurants don’t serve alcohol in accordance with Islamic tradition, full bar service is available in hotels and on Nile cruise ships.
Can you give a brief history of Egypt?
The ancient Egyptian empire lasted for over 3,000 years and had many rulers, including Ramses II, Khufu, Alexander the Great and Cleopatra the last Pharaoh of Egypt who had political and romantic relationships with Julius Caesar and the Roman general Mark Antony. Egypt then became part of the Roman Empire after Caesar Augustus invaded and defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra's forces. The country was introduced to Islam around the 6th century by Arab-Muslim armies led by Amr ibn al-As; Egypt was also part of the Byzantine (395 AD - 639 AD) and Ottoman Empire (1517 - 1805). In 1799, during a French campaign in Egypt led by Napoleon, the Rosetta Stone was rediscovered which helped to decipher the ancient hieroglyphs and unlock the secrets of ancient Egypt. The 19th century saw the British Occupation of Egypt, whilst technically still remaining part of the Ottoman Empire, and the construction of the Suez Canal by the French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps. Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in 1922, which attracted worldwide attention and interest in Egyptology. Egypt's location played a strategic role during WW1 and WW2, as the Suez Canal enable faster communication and transportation. The country gained some independence in 1922 from Britain, but the British military stayed until 1957 following the Suez Crisis (1956) where Egypt gained full control of the canal. Despite periods of political instability in the 21st century, Egypt has remained a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of attractions, including archaeological sites and beach resorts along the Red Sea.
Is Egypt safe?
The places we visited in Egypt are generally safe and our guides will always keep an eye out for you. However, where there are large crowds there can be opportunists and pickpockets. It is wise to be vigilant, especially at busy tourist attractions, and always take good care of your personal belongings. Make use of the safe at your hotel and carry a photocopy of your passport when out and about.
Is English widely spoken in Egypt?
English is widely spoken in areas that are frequented by tourists.
Do I need a holiday visa for Egypt?
Irish/UK citizens require a visa to enter Egypt. A charge applies. Your passport must contain two blank pages and be valid for 6 months from your return date of travel.
What should I pack for my trip to Egypt?
- High protection sunscreen
- Sun hat
- A shawl or pashmina for ladies, long trousers for men, for visits to holy places
- A warm jacket (useful for air-conditioned places and for your return journey)
- Comfortable shoes
What are the plug sockets in Egypt?
Most establishments in Egypt use continental round-pin sockets. To avoid any issues, we recommend travelling with a universal adapter as this will be ableto work in any country you visit.
What’s the etiquette for tipping in Egypt?
In Egypt, tipping is part of the culture and is seen as an accepted means of distributing wealth to service providers who earn very little, or possibly nothing more than tips.
Useful Links
- For up-to-date information regarding entry into Egypt please see: www.dfa.ie
- Official Egypt Tourism Board: www.experienceegypt.eg
