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Chances are you may have heard of Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada when it comes to Egypt’s best Red Sea destinations , but what’s quickly gaining in popularity after decades of being a local secret is Marsa Alam. Marsa Alam used to be a remote fishing village in Egypt’s southern Red Sea coast, far away from the hustle and bustle of other tourist hotspots. And that exact reason is why it’s still such an amazing spot to dive, swim and snorkel – the beach and sea are literally almost untouched still, and eco-conscious efforts are being made to keep it that way. Marsa Shagra Ecovillage in Marsa Alam Should you go to Marsa Alam? First of all, let’s talk about if Marsa Alam is the right destination for you, and then let’s talk about the best activities there are to do in Marsa Alam. Go to Marsa Alam if: you want to scuba dive, snorkel, kitesurf, participate in other water activities or just have a sunny beach vacation at your resort Don’t go to Marsa Alam if : you’re looking for restaurants, nightlife or easy access to other places outside your resort If you’re looking for something with a little more action but still on the beach, then we suggest Hurghada , El Gouna , Soma Bay or Dahab. Local tip: Marsa Alam gets extremely hot in the summer months (June through to August), so it might not be the best time to engage in some of these activities – the water gets super warm too. Marsa Alam is at its most ideal during spring, fall, and the early and tail ends of winter. So if Marsa Alam sounds like the destination for you, then let’s dive (haha) right into the best things to do there: 1. Scuba dive in some of the best diving spots in the world Egypt’s Red Sea wins awards year after year as being one of the best places to dive globally, and Marsa Alam is home to many of those spots. The great thing about diving in Marsa Alam instead of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh is that you don’t have to worry about the reefs being crowded. If you're really lucky, in certain seasons you might even see a whale shark! Read more: 7 Best Diving Destinations in Egypt For Divers of All Levels Best Marsa Alam dive spots: Elphinstone Reef, Daedalus, the Dolphin reefs (more info below) and Abu Dabbab Bay (more info below) 2. Snorkel (potentially with dugongs or sea turtles) You can easily snorkel from the beach of your resort or ecolodge, and you’ll be impressed by the array of fish and other marine life you can see so close to shore. Even better, in Abu Dabbab Bay (which is a great place for beginner divers), or nearby Marsa Mubarak, snorkelers might even be lucky enough to see sea turtles and Marsa Alam’s resident dugongs (also known as a sea cow, a close cousin of the manatee). These dugongs are elusive but they love the warm shallow waters of Abu Dabbab Bay and many a snorkeler and diver have seen them there. Who knows, you may be one of the lucky ones! 3. Swim with dolphins in the wild Who wouldn’t love to swim with a dolphin? And even better, a dolphin in its natural habitat, who is happy and playful and not forced to interact with humans if it doesn’t want to. Marsa Alam has two different reefs, Satayah and Shaab Samadai, that are known to be frequented by dolphins (so much so that they’re both called ‘Dolphin House’ or ‘Dolphin Reef’. Shaab Samadi is closer to Marsa Alam, whereas Satayah is further down into the Deep South. 4. Explore and swim in Nayzak Off the beaten path on an empty stretch of coast is one of Marsa Alam’s hidden gems: Nayzak. This little natural pool of water, shaped like an eye and surrounded by rock, was believed by locals to be the result of a meteorite hitting the beach (hence the name: ‘ nayzak’ means ‘meteorite’ in Arabic). While geologists have unfortunately disproved this beloved myth, Nayzak still remains one of the coolest places to swim in all of Marsa Alam. There’s nothing else to do there but the natural wonder of it makes it worth the visit. 5. Day trip to Wadi el Gemal Less than an hour’s drive south of Marsa Alam is Wadi el Gemal (Valley of the Camels), an Egyptian national park that encompasses both desert and sea. The biodiversity of its large mammals, reptiles, birds, plants and untouched marine life make it unlike anywhere else in Egypt -- and its coastal area alone is home to 450 species of coral and over 1,200 species of fish. For a small entrance fee, you can enter the park with a guide (the park is massive!), and spend the day by its stunning beaches (below), or explore inland, where the oldest emerald mines in the world are (called ‘Cleopatra’s Mines’). You can still see the remains of the old Roman mining settlement Sikait, which they called Mons Smaragdus, which means ‘Emerald Mountain’. While driving through Wadi el Gemal, you can see everything from wild camels to acacia trees to Egypt’s last desert gazelle. 6. Swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling at Sharm el Luli (Ras Hankorab) Sharm el Luli (known by locals as Ras Hankorab) is known for being the most beautiful beach in Wadi el Gemal, and people can spend the day there and then drive back to Marsa Alam at night. It’s completely undeveloped, meaning there are no restaurants, bars or even bathrooms – this stunning white sand lagoon and virgin reef are completely untouched. Even during Marsa Alam’s high season, Sharm el Luli never gets as crowded as other Marsa Alam beaches. Local tip : make sure to bring your own lunch, drinks and bathroom essentials because there’s absolutely nothing here. Oh and snorkeling equipment is a must, because the snorkeling at Sharm el Luli is fantastic. 7. Take a boat to Qulaan Islands Photo credit: Zeina Abaza Qulaan Islands (also known as Hamata islands) are an archipelago of four islands in a protected bay off of Wadi el Gemal. These empty, remote islands are known for their mangrove trees and ecosystem built around the mangroves; marine life flourishes under the trees and it’s a great bird-watching spot. You can take a boat and spend a few hours picnicking, swimming and snorkeling on the islands. Read more: 9 World-Class Beaches in Egypt 8. Kitesurf in Marsa Alam’s flat seas Photo credit: Tulip Kitecenter Egypt is one of the best places to kitesurf in the world (read more: 7 Best Kitesurfing Spots in Egypt ), and Marsa Alam has several great spots due to its flat water but abundance of windy days, plus the water is warm for most of the year. There are several kitesurf centers where you can either take a beginner’s course, or if you’re more advanced, then you can rent your equipment and after a long day of kiting enjoy a drink at the adjacent beach bars. Best places to kitesurf in Marsa Alam: The Lagoon at Royal Tulip Beach Resort, El Naaba Lagoon and Blue Lagoon next to Hotel Dream Lagoon Beach 9. Desert safari via quad bike, Jeep or camel If you’ve had your fill of water activities and want to experience some desert adventure, then look no further than a desert safari. You can either do the safari via quad bike/ATV that you ride yourself (with a guide leading the way), or a Jeep with an experienced driver, or even by camel if you want a more slow-paced, traditional way of exploring the desert. The guides in Marsa Alam know the interesting desert destinations to take you, and make sure to ask about Wadi Hammamat a little north of Marsa Alam, where you can find pharaonic graffiti (yes, you read that right) from when Wadi Hammamat was smack dab in the middle of an integral trade route between Arab merchants and Egyptians, and part of the famous Silk Road trade with the Han Dynasty in China. Read more: 10 Natural & Historical Sites in Egypt That Most People Have Never Heard Of 10. Day trip to Luxor It would be a shame to be so close to Luxor, aka paradise for anyone interested in Ancient Egypt, and not visit. Luxor is around a 5 hour drive from Marsa Alam, so it’s doable in a day (albeit a long day). You can either go via tour bus arranged with an agency, or hire a private car and driver if you want your trip to be more private and flexible. Alternatively you can spend one night in Luxor and then head back to Marsa Alam the next day. Read more: 10 Best Things to See & Do in Luxor - As Told By Locals You May Also Like: Hurghada - A Local’s Guide For First-Timers

If you’re reading up about Siwa Oasis, then it’s safe to say you have a taste for adventure, and adventure you shall get! Siwa is one of the remotest, most untouched destinations in all of Egypt . It’s deep in the Great Sand Sea of the Western Desert, and was isolated from the rest of Egypt until the 1980s when a road was built between Siwa and Marsa Matrouh on the Mediterranean coast. It takes a whopping 10 bumpy hours by car or bus from Cairo to reach the oasis, and only private planes fly in and out of their tiny military airport. So yup, safe to say it’s pretty out there and unlike anything else you can experience in Egypt (or the world, for that matter). So if you DO decide to lace up your adventure shoes and take this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Siwa Oasis, make sure you experience the very best of what Siwa has to offer! Read more: 7 Best Places to Stay in Siwa Oasis For All Budgets Here are some of the best, most unforgettable things to do in Siwa: 1. Camp under the Milky Way You may have been camping before, but trust us when we tell you that camping in Siwa is a whole different experience. Because Siwa is so isolated and so far from lights and pollution, the Milky Way literally lights up the night sky and the stargazing is incredible. Egypt’s Great Sand Sea is one of the best places in the world for astrophotography, and shooting stars are a constant - imagine sleeping directly underneath a canopy of stars! Read more: 9 Beautiful & Remote Camping Spots in Egypt 2. Explore the Shali Fortress Built in the 11th century as a fortress around the village to protect its inhabitants from nomadic invaders, the skeleton of the Shali Fortress still exists today, more than 800 years later. This is kind of amazing considering it was made of salt and mudbrick (‘ karshif’ ) and all but destroyed during heavy rains and floods in the 1920s, followed by bombing in WWII. You can roam the ruins of the village and fortress and see the still-standing Shali Mosque, built in 1203 AD – the original builders’ handprints are still visible on its wall. 3. Visit ancient tombs at the Mountain of the Dead Siwa’s Mountain of the Dead (‘ Gebel el Mawta ’) is a necropolis of rock tombs built into the mountain during the 26th Dynasty of the Pharaohs (basically the end of native Egyptian Pharaonic rule) and through the Greco-Roman era. Fast forward millennia later, local Siwans hid in the mountain tombs to take cover from German, British & Italian fighting during WWII. The most interesting tomb at Mountain of the Dead is that of Si Amun, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Although it was looted in antiquity like the other tombs, you can still see the paintings and wall art until today. Another interesting tomb with visible art is the Tomb of the Crocodile, given that moniker because the name of its original owner is unknown. You may also like: 8 Best Ancient Tomb Sites in Egypt 4. Swim in Siwa's incredible salt lakes Siwa Oasis is known for its dates and olives, but also for something else – salt. Siwa has a natural abundance of raw rock salt, which has been used by locals for centuries for building materials, furniture and food conservation (and Siwans have recently begun to export the salt). Fresh water from Siwa’s underground natural springs have mixed with the salt to create dozens of crystal-clear salt lakes and pools, which are just about as salty as the Dead Sea. These salt lakes are fun for swimmers of all levels (because the salinity essentially forces you to float) and have recently become an Instagram sensation. 5. Get your heart racing with a desert safari While most people think of animals when they hear the word ‘safari’, a desert safari in Siwa means essentially dune surfing in 4x4s. An experienced local driver will take you out to the towering sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea, and he’ll speed up and down the dunes in a kind of desert roller coaster. It’s fun bordering on terrifying sometimes because the dunes are so steep, and there’s nothing protecting you except a flimsy seatbelt (if even that). But once you get over the fear, the adrenaline rush has nothing like it. You may also like: 7 Extreme Adventure Experiences in Egypt for Adrenaline Junkies 6. Swim in Cleopatra’s Spring & other hot springs Siwa Oasis is home to around 300 freshwater springs, both hot and cold. One of the most famous is Cleopatra’s Spring, also known as Cleopatra’s Pool or Cleopatra’s Bath. Legend has it that Cleopatra herself used to bathe here, hence the name, but there’s no actual evidence of it. In any case, it’s a pleasant place to swim in the hot spring, and it’s surrounded by little shops and cafes shaded by palm trees. Local tip: Siwans are a conservative culture, and Cleopatra’s Bath isn’t as isolated as the salt lakes, so it’s not the place where you’d want to break out the string bikinis. You don’t have to be fully covered or anything, but we recommend your more modest swimsuits just out of respect for their culture. 7. Explore the Temple of the Oracle of Amun Another relic from Pharaonic times, the Temple of Amun (or more famously known as the Temple of the Oracle) was built in the 26th Dynasty but remained strong throughout the Greco-Roman era. While several myths surround why the temple was originally built, its main claim to fame is that when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 331 BC, he traveled specifically to Siwa to consult the Oracle at this temple over whether or not he was truly the son of Zeus (Amun). The ruins of this temple have survived over 2,000 years but it’s not sure for how much longer, because the rock underneath has begun to crack. So see it while you still can! You may also like: 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing 8. Natural therapy with sand baths at Dakrour Mountain Photo credit: Reuters Yep, people actually pay to get buried in hot sand – what may sound like torture to some people is actually treatment of choice for others. During summer, with soaring temperatures, people in search of all sorts of pain relief do 3 to 5 days of hot sand baths and therapy led by experienced health workers in the healing sands next to Dakrour Mountain. These sand baths are reported to treat arthritis, rheumatism, joint pain, and some even claim infertility. Patients are buried neck-deep in hot sand for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by warm drinks and rest in a tent. No cold showers, cold drinks or AC are allowed throughout the 3-5 days. Read more: 7 Types of Natural Therapy & Climatic Healing in Egypt 9. Disconnect at an ecolodge It’s easy to get caught up in all the activities Siwa has to offer, but if you’re rushing from one sight to the next, you start to forget what Siwa is truly all about: an escape from all the trappings of your crowded, fast-paced, plugged-in everyday life. Siwa is home to several beautifully tranquil ecolodges, most of which only have electricity for a couple of hours a day. They’re the perfect place to reconnect with nature and quiet your mind, far away from it all (both literally and metaphorically). You may also like: 7 Boutique Hotels in Egypt for a More Personalized, Unique Trip 10. See a breathtaking sunset at Fatnas or Taghaghien Island We know, we know. The sun sets every day. But we dare you to see a sunset quite like the ones from the vantage points of Fatnas Island or Taghaghien Island, both facing west on Siwa Lake. Viewing chairs are set up, and you can buy drinks to sip on as the sun goes down (local tip: bring mosquito spray though, and lots of it!) Read more: 12 Places to Go for the Most Beautiful Views in Egypt You may also like: Where to go in Egypt - 10 Best Egyptian Destinations & Cities

When it comes to countries in the northern hemisphere, winter is usually not their best season -- unless their claim to fame is skiing. And while Egypt is indeed in the northern hemisphere, it’s a country of 364 sunny days a year. And if you’re one of those people who hate to sweat, then most definitely winter is when you should hit up Egypt -- think sun, clear skies, a crisp breeze but *not* hot or humid… yes, such a place exists! Whether you’re looking for fun things to do , new things to eat , or just a cheap getaway in a warmer climate, below are reasons why your next Egypt trip should be booked some time November through March. 1. Luxor and Aswan's weather is unbeatable during winter months. Lugging out your winter gear and grimacing at the thought of shoveling snow once again? Winter days in Egypt are sunny and balmy, and rain is almost a mythical creature in southern Egypt, so rarely does it happen. Winter is the perfect time to take a trip down to Luxor and Aswan , where temperatures soar during summer months, making it almost impossible to wander through the dusty Valley of the Kings. Winter however finds Luxor and Aswan visitors in T-shirts and shorts during the day, and a light jacket at night. 2. Winter street food. Egyptians are a cozy bunch, and during the winter they enjoy things that warm their hands and bellies. Walk down the vibrant streets of Cairo and you’ll soon find yourself stopping in wonder at the sweet, smoky scent drifting towards you. It’ll most probably be a sweet potato vendor, who walks his little cart around Cairo and roasts sweet potatoes for you that are so tender they practically fall from the skins. Keeping walking and you’ll find another vendor grilling corn on the cob, another great snack while wandering the streets. Hot drinks like “sahlab” (a warm milk-based drink), “hommos el sham” (a spicy tomato based drink flecked with chickpeas) and Turkish coffee will warm you to the toes. For more details, read 7 Egyptian Comfort Foods Perfect For Winter . 3. Off-season prices are now a year-long thing in Egypt. For the past few years, the Egyptian pound (EGP) has struggled against the dollar, which is bad news for locals for great news for tourists. It doesn’t matter if your currency of choice is dollars, euros or British pounds, you’ll find Egypt to be very affordable when it comes to things like transportation, local food and sightseeing at certain spots (as long as you avoid the tourist traps, that is). Check our article on 10 cheap ways to enjoy Cairo . 4. Winter beaches? Egypt’s Red Sea calls. Most people, when thinking of Egypt, envision sand -- but not necessarily the beach kind. Egypt’s gorgeous soft white sand beaches and azure waters unfortunately aren’t as well known as they should be, even though they compete with some of the best in the world. The Red Sea resorts and beaches (whether in Sharm el Sheikh , Hurghada , Soma Bay or Marsa Alam ) are frequented year-long, and host some of the best diving , windsurfing and kitesurfing in the world. During the day you can easily sunbathe in your swimsuit on the beach (although truth be told, the actual water in January might prove a bit chilly except for the hardiest of swimmers). October, November, late February and March all boast great beach weather and swimming. 5. You’ll enjoy Egypt’s multitude of attractions without worrying about the intense heat. Many of Egypt's best attractions are in the desert, and the dry heat and steady sun in cloud-less skies can sometimes prove too much for some in hotter months. The smart ones who visit in the winter are also the lucky ones who can stand in awe of temples like Abu Simbel, the pyramids , the tombs and the rest of the relics of the pharaohs without worrying about overheating alongside hordes of tourists in sweltering weather. 6. It’s the perfect time for a cruise down the river Nile. During the summer, the sun is so intense on the deck of the cruise ships that it has passengers scurrying for the protection of the air conditioned rooms below. Winter months are the perfect time to stretch out in the sunshine on the deck, feel the river breeze on your face, hear the water lapping below and just relax and sip your cocktail of choice. Read more: Choosing A Nile Cruise in Egypt - Your Ultimate Guide 7. You can engage in physical activities galore without worrying about heatstroke . Rock climbing in Dahab, a winter activity. Photo credit: Desert Divers If you thought Egypt was short on adrenaline-pumping experiences, think again. Winter is the perfect time to try out some of the extreme adventures Egypt has to offer, whether it’s kayaking from Aswan to Luxor, rock climbing in Dahab, dirt biking in the desert or trekking in Sinai. For a full list of awesome (but extreme) activities in Egypt, head here . You might also like: 12 Travel Destinations in Egypt Perfect For The Fall

The Pyramids, the Nile, mummies, mosques and churches more than 1,000 years old… to say there’s A LOT to see and do in Cairo would be an understatement. But we tried to streamline the best of what Cairo has to offer in terms of sightseeing and break down the top 10 things to do in Cairo. Read more: 10 Best Restaurants in Cairo for Both Tourists and Locals Alike Read more: 7 Best Bars, Pubs & Clubs in Cairo Read more: The Best (and Worst!) Cairo Neighborhoods To Stay In Now, ready to explore Cairo? Let’s go! 1. See the Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx. This obviously goes without saying. Whether you’re in Cairo for a day or a week, this needs to be your number one thing to do. A lot of famous places worldwide are overhyped via things like Instagram etc., but trust us when we say the Pyramids and Sphinx DO NOT disappoint. We have a LOT to say about everything you need to know before visiting the Pyramids for the first time, and we compiled it all here in our local’s guide to the Pyramids . 2. Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. Overlooking the Great Pyramids, The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is something we 100% recommend incorporating into your Pyramids visit, even if you're not the museum type. GEM is the largest archaeological museum in the world, and a lthough the long-awaited King Tut treasure collection is not open to the public yet, GEM is home to over 100,00 Ancient Egyptian artifacts equally worth visiting. For more cool museums in Cairo, read 9 Museums in Cairo You Need to Visit At Least Once. 3. Walk down El Moez Street in Old Cairo. Cairo as a city is more than 1,000 years old, and there’s no better place to see remnants of what we call Old Cairo or Historic Cairo (which is a UNESCO World Heritage site by the way) than the pedestrian street of El Moez. El Moez Street is 1 km long and filled with everything from medieval houses, mosques and palaces to shops and Cairo’s famous tentmakers’ bazaar. To quote the UN, El Moez Street has “the greatest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world”. Here’s our full local’s guide to everything you need to know about El Moez Street before visiting . 4. Shop for souvenirs at Khan El Khalili. You can’t go to El Moez Street without wandering through the alleys of the adjacent Khan el Khalili, Cairo’s most famous souk or bazaar. Khan el Khalili is the perfect place to find a great souvenir or gifts for people back home. This labyrinth of shops and vendors sell everything from high quality gold and silver to kitschy plastic trinkets. It’s beautiful at night when all the lights and lanterns are lit up, but expect crowds and a lot of bargaining. Here’s our detailed guide to Khan el Khalili . 5. Go to the Cairo Citadel & Mohamed Ali Mosque. The Cairo Citadel is a medieval fortress almost 1000 years old, and used to be where Egypt’s rulers ran the government as well as resided for almost 700 years. It still dominates Cairo’s eastern skyline until now and houses several mosques and museums, including the iconic Mohamed Ali mosque. Because of its elevation, it’s a great place to also see panoramic views of Cairo (if you’re lucky and it’s a clear day, you can see clear across the city and Nile all the way to the Pyramids of Giza. 6. See the neighboring Sultan Hassan & Al Rifai Mosques. Close to the Cairo Citadel are two of Egypt’s most beautiful mosques, Sultan Hassan and its close neighbor Al Rifai. Although the two mosques are of similar size with only a lane separating them, they were in fact built 500 years apart. Sultan Hassan, established in 1359 AD, is considered one of the most important monuments in the Islamic world, and was home to four different madrassas (religious schools) as well as a mosque. Islamic historians referred to it as a “wonder of construction”. Al Rifai was commissioned 500 years later by Khoshiar Hanem, the mother of Khedive Ismail, to house the royal family’s tombs as well as be a place of worship. Read more: 10 Most Beautiful Mosques in Egypt 7. Explore Coptic Cairo. Coptic Cairo is known as the stronghold of Christianity in Old Cairo, home to places of worship that date back to the time when the pharaonic religions of Ancient Egypt had died out and Islam had not yet arrived. Some of Egypt’s earliest churches remain standing in Coptic Egypt to this day - some dating back to the 4th century AD. It’s also believed that the Holy Family lived here for a short period during their flight into Egypt to escape Herod. Coptic Cairo as a whole is a pedestrian complex, so you can walk around and explore the churches, Roman fortress, synagogue, cemeteries and Coptic Museum as well as alleys full of books, postcards and other souvenirs. You can read more in our jam-packed Coptic Cairo guide here. 8. Take a Nile felucca ride. The Nile has been Egypt’s lifeline since the beginning of recorded time, and you’ll find yourself crossing the Nile several times a day to get from one side of Cairo to the other. And while it’s cool to see the Nile from above, there’s nothing like taking an actual sail on a felucca, Egypt’s little sailboats. It’s an instantaneous disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Cairo’s chaotic streets, and sunset especially is a perfect time to catch that river breeze and see the twinkling lights of the city light up the water. Feluccas are available to rent from half an hour to as long as you want. 9. See Egypt’s oldest pyramid at Saqqara. If you’re fascinated with pyramids (rightly so), then you should definitely visit the necropolis of Saqqara and see the Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid. It’s the oldest pyramid in Egypt, and its step design is considered an initial pyramid prototype before the smooth-sided Pyramids of Giza. It also houses around a dozen fascinating tombs. Saqqara is about an hour from Downtown Cairo and a very easy half-day trip by car. Read more: Saqqara, Egypt - A Local's Guide to Visiting the Step Pyramid of Djoser & the Saqqara Tombs 10. Have lunch or dinner with a Pyramids view. You’ve probably already seen the Pyramids up close and personal at this point (or at least we hope so), but you can’t just be one and done when it comes to seeing the Pyramids! Come on people, we’re talking about the last ancient wonder of the world. This time, instead of trekking around in the sand and sun to see them, kick back and relax with a drink and a meal and the ancient giants as your view. Local tip: try to go during the day or around sunset time, because once the sound & light shows are over for the evening, the Pyramids aren’t lit up so you’ll struggle to see them in the dark. Here’s a list of our favorite restaurants with Pyramids views . Happy exploring Cairo! You might also like: Cairo Sightseeing For Free - 9 Awesome Sites That Don’t Cost Anything To Visit

Brunch & Cake We Egyptians are known for being night owls of sorts; that’s why Cairo is way more bustling at midnight than it is at 7 in the morning. And while late-night restaurants are a dime a dozen, it’s not always an easy endeavor to find a good breakfast in Cairo that’s not a generic coffee franchise. But luckily for all you early birds out there, we pulled together a list of our favorite tried-and-true breakfast spots throughout the city. Here they are, in no particular order: Koffee Kulture Location:  Sheikh Zayed, Palm Hills Opening hours:  7:30 am - midnight One of the breakfast and coffee stars of Arkan Plaza in Sheikh Zayed (and Palm Hills as well). Koffee Kulture's menu features all sorts of omelettes, eggs Benedict, tortilla egg wraps, sandwiches, bagels, open-faced sourdough loaves, a bakery, and a ton of coffee options. Koffee Kulture's menu . Lucille’s Locations: Maadi Opening hours: 8 am - midnight The grandmother of all big American breakfasts in Cairo. Yup, way before the concept of all-day pancakes, waffles and omelettes were a thing elsewhere in the city, Lucille’s was already offering it on weekends at their Road 9 branch over 20 years ago. Lucille’s menu . Ovio Locations: Sheikh Zayed, New Cairo, Maadi Opening hours: 8 am - midnight This European restaurant has a hefty breakfast menu: pancakes, crepes, different egg styles by the dozen, sourdough toast and morning sandwiches; Ovio’s got it all. Ovio’s menu . Arabiata Locations: Dokki, Nasr City, New Cairo, Heliopolis, Shorouk, Rehab City, Obour Opening hours: 7 am - 3 am We can’t go any further down this list without paying homage to the OG of Egyptian breakfasts, Arabiata (formerly El Shabrawy). If you’re looking for cheap, fast and filling, Arabiata’s fuul and taameya sandwiches (plus their potato and eggplant ones!) won’t ever lead you astray. Arabiata’s menu . Granita Location: Zamalek, Sheikh Zayed Opening hours: 7 am - 11 pm Nestled next to the All Saints Cathedral in Zamalek is Granita, a "concept cafeteria" that's a nod to the 'grand cafes' of Egypt back in the 1930s and 1940s - think Groppi and other vintage cosmopolitan cafes . They have both indoor and outdoor seating and serve breakfast until 1:30 pm. Granita’s menu . Ralph’s German Bakery Location: New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed Opening hours: 8 am - 10 pm This bakery and breakfast spot in Dahab on the Red Sea Riviera became so popular that they opened their first branches in Cairo a while back. Besides the freshly-baked breads and croissants they’re known for, they also make various breakfast trays, specialty ‘laugens’ and full English breakfasts. Ralph’s menu . Eish + Malh Location: Downtown Opening hours: 7 am - 1 am This Downtown eatery might have a distinctly Egyptian name, but is in fact Italian. They have fruity options for a light breakfast, like fruit platters and berry parfaits, and more substantial options if you’re the mood for a big breakfast: pancakes, french toast, baked eggs and breakfast pizza. Eish + Malh’s menu . Zooba Locations: Zamalek, Maadi, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed, Heliopolis, Nasr City, Grand Egyptian Museum Opening hours: 8 am - 1 am Our favorite gentrified street food has actually made it all the way to New York City! Known for their breakfast sandwiches and dips, they have all kinds of gourmet fuul and taameya options, plus a few classics like eggs with basterma and shakshouka. Zooba’s menu . Gaby’s Location: CFC, Point 90 Known for its comfort food, Gaby’s two New Cairo branches have differing opening times. Their Point 90 branch opens early at 8 am, while their CFC branch opens slightly later, at 11 am. They serve everything from fruity pancakes to all sorts of Egyptian breakfast staples (and feteer!). Gaby’s menu . Marriott Gardens (Garden Promenade Cafe) Location: Zamalek Opening hours: 6 am - 2 am Unlike most Cairo hotels that serve a ubiquitous open-buffet style breakfast, the Cairo Marriott is a good destination if you’re looking for a place to have breakfast in the open air. They serve an a la carte international breakfast in their garden restaurant, and they're open very early - from 6 am! Garden Promenade Cafe’s menu . Bocca Location:  Mohandiseen, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed Opening hours: 10 am - 2 am Just check out that Lotus feteer! Bocca doesn't have as extensive a breakfast menu as some of the other restaurants on this list, but the few dishes they offer are crowd pleasers. Bocca's menu . Il Mulino Locations: Maadi, Heliopolis, Sheikh Zayed Opening hours: 7 am - 1 am This bakery and restaurant is known for their fresh olive ciabatta sandwiches, eggs, quiches, calzones and baguettes. They also have a rotating assortment of fresh pastries. Il Mulino’s menu . 30 North Locations: Sheikh Zayed, Mall of Arabia, Zamalek Opening hours: 8 am - 12:30 am Known especially for their coffee, 30 North also serves up fresh bagels, sandwiches, omelettes, crepes and pastries to go alongside their specialty brew. 30 North's menu . Tabali Locations: branches all over Cairo Opening hours: 7:30 am - midnight Another good option if you’re in the mood for no-bars-held Egyptian breakfast. They have all kinds of fuul, taameya, eggs, dips, potato dishes, cheese dishes and salads, served either in a sandwich or ‘tableya’ style. Tabali’s menu . Desoky & Soda Locations: branches all over Cairo Opening hours: 9 am - 12:30 am A "modern Egyptian kitchen" with not only all the usual Egyptian staples, but big trays and platters as well: the breakfast tray, feteer meshaltet tray, American breakfast platter and more. Desoky & Soda's menu . Qahwa Locations: New Cairo, Heliopolis, Sheikh Zayed, Mall of Arabia Opening hours: 8:30 am - 2 am From light choices like muesli and yoghurt bowls to all kinds of eggs (omelettes, scrambled, Benedict, poached, sunny side up) to pancakes and French toast, Qahwa has something for everyone. Qahwa’s menu . Lokali Location: Maadi, District 5 Opening hours: 8:30 am - midnight Lokali is a concept restaurant that focuses around fresh, clean ingredients from local farms, served in a warm garden set-up (and we give them extra points for being pet-friendly!). Their breakfast items all come with a twist -- for example, they have a brioche pastrami scramble, a unique rendition of the classic eggs and basterma. Lokali’s menu . Brunch & Cake Location: New Cairo, 6 October Opening hours: 9 am - midnight If you're in the mood for some truly dazzling-looking, treat-yourself kind of breakfasts, than look no further than Brunch & Cake. Not only are their dishes all worthy of an Instagram moment, but they taste pretty great too. Brunch & Cake's menu . Nişantaşi Location: Cairo Festival City, City Stars Opening hours: 10 am - 1 am Royal Turkish breakfast, anyone? Enough said. Nişantaşi's menu . Felfela Locations: Downtown Cairo Opening hours: 9 am - midnight A family favorite since 1959, Felfela has been one of those classic Cairo places to head to for a weekend breakfast or brunch. They have all the beloved Egyptian breakfast staples, as well as a few signature dishes like the 'taameya katkouta' - Felfela's version of a scotch egg. Mo Bistro Locations: Mohandiseen, Sheikh Zayed, District 5 Opening hours: 10 am - 1 am Remember Cafe Mo? Well it evolved into Mo Bistro. Opening at 10 am, it’s targeted more to the late breakfasters and brunchers. They have nice diversity on their breakfast menu, with everything from English, American and Oriental breakfasts to Benedict Florentine to grilled cheese sandwiches and eggplant breakfast quesadillas. Mo’s menu . Willow's Locations: Sheikh Zayed, District 5 Opening hours: 9 am - midnight This international restaurant in Arkan and District 5 has a hefty breakfast and brunch menu: omelettes, different types of Eggs Benedict, egg bread bowls, French Toast, pancakes, breakfast platters and cheese platters, 'Pizza Barca' (a type of pizza breakfast boat with eggs), yogurt parfait, sandwiches, salads and a bakery. And tons of breakfast drinks while you're at it! Willow's menu . Andrea Mariouteya Location: New Giza, 6th October Opening hours: 11 am - 12 pm A family breakfast/brunch favorite for over 60 years , Andrea Mariouteya is known for their freshly-made feteer meshaltet served with honey and molasses, as well as their large egg platters (perfect for groups), fuul, taameya and other Egyptian breakfast essentials. Eatery Locations: New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed Opening hours: 10 am - midnight Eatery has a full-on international breakfast menu: everything from fuul and falafel to pancakes, waffles and avocado toast. They also have breakfast sandwiches and a ‘healthy corner’ of the menu -- chia seed parfait, anyone? Eatery’s menu . Paul Locations: New Cairo, City Stars, Mall of Egypt, Mall of Arabia, Heliopolis, Mohandiseen Opening hours: 8 am - midnight King of the French breakfast, Paul offers everything from eggs to pastries to breakfast bowls to savory halloumi pancakes. Paul’s menu . Umami Location: New Cairo Opening hours: 8 am - 2 am Found in Garden 8 in New Cairo (read more: Best Restaurants in Garden 8 ), Umami has a fun breakfast menu with items like cinnamon buns, bagels, breakfast pizza, all kinds of pancakes, sandwiches and more. Umami’s menu . Bashandy Location: Nasr City, New Cairo Opening hours: 24/7 Bashandy or 'Am Bashandy, its official name, is a Nasr City staple for Egyptian street food and breakfast (pick-up or delivery only). And get this - they're open 24 hours! So whether you want breakfast at 4 am or 4 pm, Bashandy is your go-to. They also have a second branch in New Cairo. Bashandy's menu . Bittersweet Location: Sheikh Zayed, New Giza, Grand Egyptian Museum Opening hours: 9 am - 11 pm Looking to elevate your morning coffee? Look no further than pairing an espresso with Bittersweet's insane O'Smores. If that shot of caffeine and sugar won't wake you up, probably nothing much will! (They also have other 'normal' breakfast selections for those who don't want to be wired for the rest of the day). Brioche Dorée Location: Sheikh Zayed, New Cairo, Dandy Mall (6th October), Maadi, Nasr City Opening hours: 7 am - 12 am A French bakery/cafe chain that's been going strong across the globe for over 40 years now. They're loved for their pastries, fresh bread, sandwiches and assortment of breakfast and brunch items. Brioche Dorée's menu . Ratios Bakery Location: Maadi Opening hours: 7:30 am - 2 pm This famous Maadi bakery offers different types of fresh bread (white sourdough, whole wheat sourdough, cranberry & walnut sourdough, baguettes, seed bread, honey buns, pizza dough), croissants, Danish, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, tarts, cookies, brownies and more. They get crowded quickly, so it's best to reserve. Ratios Bakery’s menu . LOCAL TIP: While these breakfast spots might be great, we have to give a shout out to the real Egyptian breakfast champions, the fuul and taameya carts. They'll always be #1. You might also like: 10 Best Breakfast, Brunch and Bakeries in Maadi

If your upcoming trip to Cairo coincides with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, you might (scratch that, you probably ) feel some sense of hesitation or unease, especially if it's your first time in a Muslim country. We get it, we do. It's easy to feel worried about something you might not be familiar with, especially if you want to be respectful at the same time. Well we're here to put your worries to rest and give you the real deal when it comes to Ramadan in Cairo. In all honesty, as a tourist, you might not even feel the difference between Ramadan and not Ramadan. But just so you feel prepared, we've pulled together some useful info about Ramadan in Cairo that just might come in handy. Just a quick refresher for those who aren't quite sure what Ramadan is: it's a holy month in Islam where Muslims fast (no food, no water, no smoking) from sunrise to sunset. It's a time of family, community, charity and spirituality. Most Egyptians break their fast at home with a meal of feast-like proportions, usually amongst family and friends. They then digest at leisure (while simultaneously indulging in a ton of delicious but heavy as hell Ramadan desserts, go figure) while watching 'mosalsalat', which are month-long soap operas of sorts, with a new episode daily. There's also a lot of emphasis on giving to the poor and providing food for the less fortunate. By the way: here's a list of of Egypt's ten most beautiful mosques . Here's a few tips for tourists in Cairo (or Egypt as a whole) in Ramadan: Eating/drinking in public As a tourist, no one will look at you twice if you feel like you need to drink something or have a snack while on the go Because of the dry heat in Egypt, it's best if you carry a water bottle around with you. But if you run out, don't worry, all supermarkets and little street kiosks will be open in Ramadan for you to buy whatever you need. Eating out at restaurants Avoid restaurants at Iftar (breakfast) time, which is around 6:30 pm -- they're overcrowded and the food is not particularly good (the cooks basically whip up a big batch of whatever and hope that the neighborly Ramadan spirit will carry them over the river of poor customer service unscathed). Some restaurants pause serving food around 4:30 pm to prep for Iftar because God knows it takes two hours to make large vats of subpar food. Basically, up until 4:30 pm you can eat and drink normally at all open restaurants, then avoid them for your own sake until about 8:30 pm. How to dress Clothes-wise, dress normally. As an Egyptian woman, I personally don't edit my wardrobe for Ramadan and plus Egyptians are in love with tourists so they won't bat an eye at what you wear regarding Ramadan. If you're in Cairo and not an Egyptian beach destination , just steer clear of miniskirts, booty shorts, crop tops and you're good (which is the advice I'd give outside of Ramadan too). Working hours Banks close early during Ramadan (around 1:30 pm). Foreign exchange offices and commercial shops and stores will usually close an hour or two before Iftar, then open again an hour or two after Check the Ramadan closing hours for any touristic sites you want to visit (to be on the safe side, plan to start your day early). Most sites like the pyramids might close an hour or so early. Alcohol In Cairo, alcohol won't be served anywhere except in hotel restaurants/bars to foreigners (just flash them your passport). This also includes the budget hotels/hostels. There are always a bunch of foreigners and Egyptians with foreign passports drinking it up, so there's zero "Islamic guilt" (again, Egyptians are obsessed with tourists and really want them to enjoy themselves). Traffic Rush hour will be around 3-5 pm, so expect even heavier than usual traffic. Working hours are shortened in Ramadan, with most people leaving work during that time. The streets of Cairo are AMAZING right before, during and right after Iftar time -- the traffic disappears like a bad dream and it takes literally half the normal time it would take you by car to get wherever from wherever. There are also usually tons of cabs and Ubers on the street then, so don't worry about not finding a ride. Overall, as a tourist you won't really *feel* the difference between Ramadan and not-Ramadan, but some funny things to observe are: Fasting gives grumpy Egyptians a socially-accepted excuse to shout (even more) at each other on their daily commutes. Men shouting at each other using their voices or car horns (yes that's a language here) over some car-related stupidity is as normal as seeing kids hop on and off a school bus.  Fun phrases you'll probably overhear are the ubiquitous "Allahoma eni sayem" (literal translation: 'O God I am fasting', colloquial translation: 'God give me the patience to not beat this fool'. This phrase is used passive-aggressively several times a day by all fasting men, women and children. Another fun phrase is the idle threat "Matkhalineesh aftar aleik" (literal translation: 'Do not make me break my fast over you', colloquial translation: 'if you don't stop what you're doing, I'm going to do something that will cause my fast to be null and void in the eyes of God, and you *don't* want that').  If you happen to be in a car during Iftar time, beware the well-meaning date ninjas. These people stand in the street at Iftar time to pass out free dates for people to break their fast with. This in theory is an act of community and kindness, but in practice these people charge the cars like bats out of hell because YOU MUST GET YOUR DATES, DAMMIT. The good news is that most Egyptian drivers are used to these good date Samaritans throwing themselves randomly in front of cars.  Now some really enjoyable things about Ramadan: For fasting Egyptians, the two main meals of the day are Iftar at sunset as previously discussed, then Sohour. Sohour *technically* is what people eat/drink right before sunrise and before the start of their fast, but in Cairo, Sohour starts at 10:30 pm on to sunrise (and then Egyptians lament over not losing weight during Ramadan). So at almost all restaurants and cafes and street vendors across the city, you'll find happy groups of people (the morning's grumpiness now a thing of the past) eating, having shisha and playing cards and dominoes all throughout the night. Lots of hotels do 'kheyam Ramadan', which are Ramadan tents. They serve Sohour food, Ramadan-y drinks, shisha and usually have some kind of live Arabic music, all in a very festive atmosphere.  Across the city, you'll find different 'mawa'ed rahman', which are tables set up in different neighborhoods daily at Iftar time to provide free food and drinks for the less fortunate. Many Egyptians buy a 'fanoos Ramadan', a mid-sized lantern that people decorate their homes or places of business with during the holy month. Look out for the fanoos vendors, the fanoos displays are beautiful and a great photo op! All in all, Ramadan is a fun and festive time in Cairo, and there's no need to feel apprehensive. Enjoy the food, Ramadan tents, lanterns and just have a great time. You might also like: Moez Street in Old Cairo: A Detailed Local's Guide

While the name ‘City of the Dead’ sounds ominous and conjures up images of graves and zombies, Cairo’s City of the Dead is actually a place of heritage and history – and is a city of the living just as much as it is a city of the dead. Cinematic name though, we have to admit. So what exactly is Cairo’s City of the Dead? The City of the Dead in Cairo ( El Qarafa or El Arafa in Arabic) is a 6.4 km (4 mile) stretch of necropolises and cemeteries in the original core of the city, in an area known as Historic Cairo internationally, or Old Cairo ( Masr El Adeema in Arabic) to locals. But like we said, City of the Dead isn’t *just* about the dead – residential neighborhoods have been built alongside and throughout the necropolises, with all the regular hustle and bustle of any regular neighborhood. Cairo's City of the Dead is spread into two main cemeteries north and south of the Cairo Citadel, nestled under the Moqattam Hills to the east. So what makes City of the Dead worth visiting? So far what we’ve described sounds just like a bunch of cemeteries with regular neighborhoods interspersed, right? So… why is it worth visiting? Because peppered throughout Cairo’s City of the Dead are some truly beautiful historic mosques, mausoleums and other medieval Islamic architecture. There are remnants dating back to the Arab conquest of Egypt back in the 7th century, and whole buildings still in their entirety dating back to the 12th-15th centuries! Keep in mind that Cairo is a city over 1,000 years old, and the area of Historic Cairo where the City of the Dead is is one of Egypt’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Besides the City of the Dead, Historic Cairo is also home to: Cairo Citadel Moez Street (a famous pedestrian street full of medieval architecture) Khan el Khalili bazaar Coptic Cairo The centuries-old giant mosques of Islamic Cairo, such as Ibn Tulun, Sultan Hassan and Al Rifai mosques Misconceptions about Cairo’s City of the Dead The City of the Dead started to pick up traction as an interesting place to visit originally not because of its history and heritage, but because it began being known in Western media as a place where the extremely poor were forced to live in and around the graves and tombs; ‘tomb dwellers’ basically, living among the dead. And while this is true in some swathes of City of the Dead, it’s not true for all of it. The majority of its population reside in regular (albeit shabby) housing, with shops, supermarkets, post offices, barbers, and the usual trappings of city life. A little history of City of the Dead We don’t want to get too rambly and turn into a Wikipedia page, so we’ll try to be as brief and concise as possible. Cairo's City of the Dead as depicted by F. Perlberg in 1890 Ironically, Cairo’s City of the Dead is older than Cairo itself. When the Arabs conquered Egypt, their leader Amr Ibn El-As built their first Muslim capital in Egypt in 642 AD, called Fustat. Fustat is now a neighborhood in Historic Cairo (Cairo was built next to Fustat in 969 AD, and subsequently absorbed Fustat in its growth and expansion). But back when Fustat was first founded in the 7th century, they built a necropolis in the empty desert outside the main city, and thus was the birth of City of the Dead. It continued to grow as the city grew, and became notable because it holds the mosques and mausoleums of some of Prophet Muhammad’s descendants who are believed to have emigrated to Egypt, such as Sayyida Aisha, Sayyida Nafisa and Sayyida Ruqayya. Imam El Shafei, a very important religious scholar in Islam, was buried in the City of the Dead in the 9th century, and the mausoleum later constructed over his tomb (built in 1211 AD) is still one of the highlights there until now – more than 800 years later! Imam El Shafei Mausoleum in City of the Dead The most impressive mosques and mausoleums were built during the Mamluk era, in the medieval centuries spanning 1250 to 1517 AD, giving the City of the Dead's Northern Cemetery the local epithet of ‘Desert of the Mamluks’. The Khanqa of Sultan Faraj Ibn Barqouq in City of the Dead's Northern Cemetery The cemeteries and necropolises of City of the Dead aren’t just dedicated to medieval tombs though; many modern Egyptian families still have their own family plots and burials there until now. Problems facing City of the Dead Cairo’s oldest cemetery has been getting a lot of buzz in the news lately, but unfortunately not for the best reasons. Areas of City of the Dead, including graves and tombs, are being cleared and relocated to make room for highways and bridges. The reason behind this is to both ease traffic in the dense area as well as connect Cairo to the new administrative capital (still under the name ‘New Capital’) 45 km to the east. While the government has assured everyone that they’re not doing anything to the heritage mausoleums and medieval tombs, and that they’re only removing and relocating ‘modern’ graves (ie. not over 100 years old) and families will receive compensation, locals aren’t thrilled. You can read more about it here on the New York Times. But never fear! There’s still so much of City of the Dead to see, so don’t let this discourage you! Best way to visit City of the Dead Local kids play in the alleys that wind around the Funerary Complex of Qaitbay. Photo credit: Christopher Wilton-Steer So there’s several different ways of visiting City of the Dead, and we’ll go through them with you one by one: a) On a guided walking tour. This is our recommended way of visiting. There are different organizations that have regular City of the Dead walking tours that you can sign up for. These tours usually meet up at a specified place, then you walk through the neighborhood for a few hours with a knowledgeable guide to explain what you’re seeing and to answer questions. They also take care of the ‘tipping’ of the entrance guards to different mosques and mausoleums (the tipping is for you guys to be actually let in, considering these aren’t ticketed official tourist destinations). On walking tour with 'Walk Like An Egyptian' inside the Khanqa of Sultan Farag Ibn Barquq in the City of the Dead Two recommended City of the Dead walking tour organizers: Ma’qad of Sultan Qaitbey (MASQ) . MASQ is a cultural center right in the City of the Dead, and they offer regular guided walking tours as well as photography walks through the Northern Cemetery (also known as the Eastern Cemetery, because it was originally east of the city walls). Their guided tours are usually on the weekends from fall through to spring. You can see their next upcoming tour here. Walk Like An Egyptian. A local company that specializes in guided walking tours (along other off-the-beaten-track tours). They have two different walking tours for City of the Dead, one for the Northern Cemetery (similar to MASQ’s), and a separate one for the Southern Cemetery. You can find their schedule and more info on their website here . b) You can visit with a travel agency (either a private tour or in a group). If you’d like to go visit City of the Dead but not worry about meeting points or specific schedules, then you can arrange with a local travel agency to book a tour on whatever dates and times work for you. Simply google ‘Cairo City of the Dead tour’ and several different options will pop up; you can compare prices and reviews to see which tour agency works for you. The benefits of going the tour agency route is that most will pick you up from your hotel and drop you back off, so you don’t have to worry about transportation. And like we said above, you don’t have to stick to a specific schedule if you’re doing a private tour. The con though is that these trips tend to run much more expensive than the guided walking tours mentioned above (and in either case, you’ll be walking). c) You can visit City of the Dead solo. While technically it’s doable to visit the City of the Dead on your own without a guide, we wouldn’t recommend it. For one, the area is crowded and confusing if you don’t know exactly where you’re going, and Google Maps doesn’t always label everything correctly. Secondly, you’d need to be able to speak Arabic to communicate with the gatekeepers of the different mosques and mausoleums to let you in. And even if you are an Arabic-speaking local (or with one), there are no signs or placards or anything to really explain what it is you’re looking at or why it’s important. How to get there If you’re going with a guided walking tour, then they’ll tell you the meeting place in City of the Dead, which most likely will be easily accessible by car. You can then plug in the destination in your Google Maps and either Uber or have a private car take you there. If you’re going with a tour agency, then they will probably arrange for transportation to pick you up from your hotel or accommodation. Best Things To See in City of the Dead Hosh El Basha The City of the Dead is divided mainly into two large cemeteries, one on the north side of the Cairo Citadel and one on the southern side, aptly named the Northern Cemetery and the Southern Cemetery. Like we mentioned briefly above, the Northern Cemetery is also sometimes called the Eastern Cemetery, due to its being east of the city’s original walls, way before the Cairo Citadel was built. There’s also the smaller Bab El Nasr and Bab el Wazir cemeteries, but most guided tours take place in the North and South Cemeteries. Mausoleum of Khedive Tawfik (Qubbat Afandina) Best things to see in the Northern Cemetery (Eastern Cemetery, ‘Desert of the Mamluks’): Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaitbay (1474 AD) Khanqa of Sultan Farag Ibn Barquq (1389 - 1411 AD) Funerary Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Barsbay (1432 AD) Mausoleum of Khedive Tawfik, also known as Qubbat Afandina (1894 AD) Mural art and graffiti (modern) Best things to see in the Southern Cemetery: Imam el Shafei Mausoleum and adjacent mosque (1211 AD) Hosh El Basha (the family mausoleum of Muhammad Ali, governor and ruler of 19th century Egypt) (1854 AD) Imam El Layth Bin Saad Mausoleum (first built in 1244 AD, then rebuilt in 1833 AD) Mausoleum of Shajar El-Durr (1250 AD) Local tips Seeing as you’ll be walking around a lot in the sun and none of the sites have ACs for any type of temporary respite, it’s best to visit City of the Dead in the cooler months (November through March) You’ll be walking through a lot of local neighborhoods where the residents tend to be more on the conservative side, so we recommend women not wear anything too revealing or short Most of the mosques you’ll visit don’t require women to cover their hair because they’re not working mosques, but it’s always better to have a scarf or shawl with you just in case You’ll be required to take off your shoes before entering the mosques though, so it’s helpful to be wearing socks/have socks on you so you don’t need to go barefoot There’ll be little kiosks and supermarkets throughout City of the Dead, so don’t worry about getting thirsty – there’s plenty of spots to buy water Wish we could say the same about bathrooms though; we recommend you empty your bladders before your City of the Dead tour, because we can’t guarantee any clean bathrooms :D Other than that, have fun and enjoy the incredibly unique mix of medieval tombs, modern graves and the bustling local life that has grown and evolved all around them. If you find City of the Dead interesting, you’ll also like: El Moez Street: A Detailed Local’s Guide

Mahmya Beach off the coast of Hurghada Something we hear all the time when a non-Egyptian sees our beaches for the first time is: “You have beaches like THIS in Egypt???” Yes my friend, indeed we do. Most people when they think of Egypt think of a long swath of desert with a few pyramids dotted here and there, plus or minus a camel or two. And while yes, we have that, we also have thousands of miles worth of fantastic coast. We go into detail about specific beaches in our article 9 World-Class Beaches in Egypt , but in this article here we’re going to talk about the best beach destinations in Egypt as a whole – meaning, the best places to go to kick back and relax for a chill beach holiday. And trust us, there’s something for everybody! Hurghada Ideal if you want: lots of resort and hotel options (including all-inclusive and family-friendly options), water activities and diving Hurghada, having spent the first hundred years of its life as a sleepy little fishing village, is now one of the most popular destinations in the world (don’t believe us? Ask TripAdvisor -- Hurghada is regularly one of their top 10 global travel destinations). Hurghada is an eclectic mix of 5 star resorts and super budget hotels, Red Sea islands and desert excursions, touristy promenades and dingier local areas… there’s something to see and do no matter your age or interests. Best way to get there: fly to Hurghada Airport or by car from Cairo (4.5 hours) Here’s our full, detailed local’s guide for Hurghada . North Coast Ideal if you want: to just relax on the beach and not leave the hotel Egypt’s North Coast, called Sahel el Shamali in Arabic (Sahel for short), stretches out for hundreds of kilometers on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast and has arguably some of the most pristine white sand beaches in the region. It’s currently comprised mainly of private residential beach compounds with a few sporadic hotels, so it’s mainly the summer playground of moneyed locals. Recently though more tourism development has taken root, so those who don’t own beach homes can still enjoy Egypt’s (hands down) best summer beaches. It’s a hassle to get around the North Coast area though, so it’s recommended if you’re just looking to stay for a weekend at your hotel’s beach. Unlike Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, there are very limited activity options outside of your hotel. Best way to get there: by car from Cairo (could be anything from a 2.5-5 hour drive, depending on where on the North Coast your hotel is) Read more: Egypt's North Coast - Complete Travel Guide for First-Timers Soma Bay Ideal if you want: 5 star resorts with a plethora of water sports, diving and snorkeling A peninsula jutting into the Red Sea, Soma Bay is another gated resort town. Because it’s surrounded by the sea on three sides, Soma Bay is famous for its water sports, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the ideal wind conditions. Soma Bay (the official development on the peninsula) is home to only 5 beach resorts, so it’s a good place to go if you want insanely beautiful beaches but still want to avoid the crowds found in other popular Red Sea Riviera destinations (Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, etc). It has its own dive center as well as jetty to snorkel right on the reef. Best way to get there: fly into Hurghada and drive to Soma Bay (45 minutes south). Read more: Soma Bay, Egypt - Travel Guide For First-Timers Dahab Ideal if you want: great snorkeling and diving in a casual beach town This little bohemian town is smaller, quieter and less commercial than its Red Sea Riviera neighbor Sharm el Sheikh, but the diving is just as good. Home to world-renowned dive sites like the Blue Hole, Dahab pulls in its own fair share of tourists, but those who want to experience a more laid-back vacation. The main area of town is its seaside promenade, full of local and quirkily-named restaurants and shops. There are also hostels and budget hotels galore. You can also hike to and camp in nearby Ras Abu Galoum and Blue Lagoon. Similar to Sharm, Dahab is also a popular base for treks into the Sinai Mountains and St. Catherine’s Monastery. Best way to get there: fly to Sharm el Sheikh and drive there, about an hour away Marsa Alam Marsa Shagra in Marsa Alam Ideal if you want: a quiet beach holiday that involves diving Marsa Alam might not be as well known or frequently visited as Hurghada but if you’re looking for a beach holiday that involves diving, this is a great place for it. This coastal town is more off the beaten track for both Egyptians and foreigners alike, so it’s an excellent place if you want to relax and focus on diving and other sea activities. Accommodation is across the board, from 5 star hotels to sparse beach camps. There’s very little in terms of restaurants and nightlife, so if you’re someone who likes to be on the beach early and call it a night early too, this might be for you. Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Marsa Alam Marsa Alam’s famous dive sites like Elphinstone and Daedalus are must-sees for more advanced divers -- you can see anything from hammerhead sharks to manta rays and even whale sharks in these open sea sites. They’re accessible by boat day trips from Marsa Alam. Closer to the shore, if you’re lucky, you can also see Egypt’s rare dugongs, a cousin of the manatee, who live in the warm shallow waters of Marsa Alam. Best way to get there: fly into Marsa Alam Airport Sharm el Sheikh Ideal if you want: a resort beach holiday or a diving trip Sharm el Sheikh has been an international beach destination darling for decades, with dozens of direct flights between Europe and the Sharm Airport daily. Besides its all-inclusive resorts, it's also world-famous for scuba diving. According to Dive Magazine , “Sharm El Sheikh has been, for many years, the favourite Egyptian destination for scuba divers, and has probably contributed more to the European dive business than any other resort in the world.” Read more: 12 Best Things to Do in Sharm el Sheikh Sharm is also a good base for trips to the Sinai Mountains, St. Catherine’s Monastery and Ras Mohammed National Park. Best way to get there: fly to Sharm el Sheikh Airport Ras Shetan/Nuweiba Ideal if you want: to camp on a beach and disconnect Nestled between mountains and the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba is a strip of coastline called Ras Shetan, between the towns of Nuweiba and Taba on the Sinai peninsula. Both Nuweiba (a little beach town) and Ras Shetan are known for their get-away-from-it-all beach camps, usually run by local Bedouins. The camps are a mix of beach huts or bare-bone bungalows, and you’re more than welcome to set up your own tents right on the beach. At night, there’s usually a large campfire where the Bedouins and guests from all over the world talk, play instruments and sing. Nuweiba and Ras Shetan are also a good place to stay if you want to explore the Colored Canyon and Wadi Wishwashi in the nearby Nuweiba mountains. Best way to get there: fly to Sharm El Sheikh and drive (2 hours), or drive from Cairo (6-8 hour drive). El Gouna Moods Beach in El Gouna Ideal if you want: to stay in a clean and green beach resort town with lots of great restaurants and nightlife El Gouna is a modern resort town spanning over 10 km of pristine Red Sea coast, with lagoons throughout, and their architecture is inspired by traditional Egyptian homes in the countryside and Upper Egypt. It’s a beautiful town equally as popular with Egyptians as it is with tourists. El Gouna’s beaches aren’t as nice as its neighbor Hurghada, but it’s the best beach holiday destination if you’re looking for good restaurants, nightlife and activities all in a safe, easily-navigable little beach town. You can read our full local's guide to El Gouna here . Best way to get there: fly to Hurghada airport (30 mins from El Gouna), or by car or bus from Cairo (about 4 hours). Sahl Hasheesh Ideal if you want:  an all-inclusive resort on pristine beaches   On most online booking sites, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay are grouped together as ‘Hurghada’. And while they are indeed considered in the Hurghada ‘area’, they’re their own separate towns and very different from Hurghada proper. Sahl Hasheesh is a resort town built on a bay in the Red Sea south of Hurghada back in the 1990s, and is known for its beautiful stretch of coastline and long boardwalk. It’s home to some of the most highly ranked beach resorts in the country, such as Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh and Baron Palace. Sahl Hasheesh doesn’t offer much in terms of restaurants or nightlife outside of the resorts - just an ‘Old Town’ with one or two spots.   Best way to get there:  fly into Hurghada Airport then drive into Sahl Hasheesh (30 minutes) You may also like: Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera - Where To Stay

When you think of Egypt, you probably picture… sand. Like, lots of it. And while there is indeed a lot of sand (we’re a desert nation, after all), what we locals know and are eager to share with visitors are all the different (and aesthetically pleasing) sides of Egypt there are. Whether you favor sea views, cityscapes, river scenes or stark desert beauty, we’ve put together a list of the most stunning (and Instagram-able) views in the country. 1. Castle Zaman (Taba/Nuweiba) Perched on a cliff midway between the Sinai towns of Taba and Nuweiba, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, is this restaurant and day-use spot. Castle Zaman is famous for its slow-cooked “castle food” -- platters of meat, seafood and fresh vegetables cooked for hours with local spices, dates and figs. Guests can pass the time by swimming in their pool overlooking the sea or by exploring the castle. Read more about Taba and Nuweiba here: Egypt's Red Sea Riviera: Where To Stay 2. Farsha Mountain Lounge (Sharm El Sheikh) Farsha is a mountain lounge, restaurant and bar in the Red Sea town of Sharm el Sheikh, serving up both comfortable seating in a colorful Bedouin style and spectacular views. The vibe is chill, different than Sharm’s usual party scene, and guests can kick back with a local beer and shisha while enjoying the warm sea breeze. 3. Marriott Mena House (Cairo) With the best pyramids view of any hotel in Egypt, the Mena House started out as a royal lodge for the Khedive Ismail for when he or his guests wanted to rest after hunting in the desert or spending time at the pyramids. It was then sold to a British couple in 1869 and turned into a hotel in 1887. You can read more in our article 11 Historical Hotels in Egypt You Can Still Stay At Today . Today you can enjoy your breakfast or take a swim in the pool with the Pyramids of Giza as a very, *very* distinct backdrop. For a list of Cairo's best hotels that are deemed tried and true by locals, head here . And this is our detailed local's guide about everything you need to know before visiting the Pyramids of Giza. 4. Agiba Beach (Marsa Matrouh) While the whole of the North coast in Egypt offers awesome Mediterranean Sea views and white sand beaches, one of the most distinctly memorable spots is Agiba Beach near the coastal town of Marsa Matrouh. Agiba translates to ‘a wonder’ in Arabic, and this little cove is accessible only through a sandy path down from the clifftop. For more breathtaking beaches, read our article 9 World-Class Beaches in Egypt . 5. Hot Air Balloon (Luxor) This one might be a little unexpected, but it’s absolutely legit -- the best way to see the ancient city of Thebes and its necropolis (now modern-day Luxor), is from above. In the early morning hours, you can gently float over the ancient city and see where the Nile’s blues and greens fade into the desert, and the open-air temple complexes like Luxor Temple and Karnak. Read: 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing Today 6. Sofitel Gezirah (Cairo) This hotel has the happy real estate of the tip of the island of Zamalek in Cairo, surrounded by the Nile. The pool and a handful of their restaurants are all right on the water, framed by Cairo’s sprawling cityscape. It’s especially beautiful at night with all the lights reflecting on the water (also get ready for some pimped out passing feluccas and their upbeat Arabic music. 7. Mt. Sinai Summit (Sinai Peninsula) If you’re into hiking, then the trek up to the summit of Mount Sinai (known as ‘Gebel Moussa’ in Arabic) is a must. Actually, even if you aren’t into hiking, you have the option of climbing the mountain old-school on the back of a camel. Mount Sinai is considered holy by the Abrahamic religions, because it’s where it’s believed that Moses encountered the Burning Bush and received the Tablets of Law. Even for non-believers, Mount Sinai is known as being a spiritual and cleansing spot. For more camping spots in Egypt, head here . 8. Old Cataract Hotel (Aswan) Across from Elephantine Island on the Nile, this 19th century Victorian palace is now a hotel with some of the best views Aswan has to offer. The juxtaposition between the Victorian architecture and the ancient river and sand dunes of Aswan is definitely worth a visit, and has been visited by notable names from Princess Diana to Winston Churchill. Our full local's city guide to Aswan is here . 9. Dahab Promenade (Dahab) Photo credit: Stephen De Bond The small Red Sea town of Dahab is known as divers’ paradise, pulling in people from all over the world who are interested in diving and snorkeling. The town has adopted a bohemian, laid-back vibe with a melting-pot of different nationalities and languages, who all share the joint interest of sea and sun. Dahab’s promenade is comprised of a series of open-air, seaside restaurants, bars and cafes, all with stunning views of the Red Sea and Sinai mountains. 10. White Desert (Farafra) Photo credit: Dany Eid Photography Egypt’s Western desert at Farafra is a pristine, stark wilderness where you can camp, do Jeep safaris, sandboard, immerse yourself in natural hot springs and see the Milky Way and an infinite amount of stars at night. The massive white chalk formations in the White Desert are some of the coolest natural wonders in Egypt (and very “gram-able”). Here are some other of the best places to camp in Egypt. 11. Stanley Bridge (Alexandria) This iconic bridge in the ancient seaside city of Alexandria overlooks the Mediterranean Sea on one side and a small beach on the other, and in front and back is Alexandria’s cityscape and Corniche. While it’s not the most peaceful or quiet of spots -- cars will be zipping past -- we recommend taking a walk down the bridge either early Friday morning or late at night for some of the best views Alexandria has to offer. Read: 2 Day Itinerary for Alexandria, Egypt 12. Mahmya (Hurghada) This Red Sea island is about an hour’s boat ride from the Hurghada port, and has one of the clearest water beaches in Egypt. Boats are easily rented from the port, and on the island itself is a restaurant, private beach and bar -- a great day trip if you’re in Hurghada. For more tropical islands in Egypt, head here. You might also like: 7 Restaurants with the Best Views of the Pyramids of Giza

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a travel aficionado (or even just a regular person) who doesn’t have Egypt and the Great Pyramids of Giza on their bucket list. And for good reason! But as is usually the case when contemplating traveling to a foreign destination (especially as a woman, and especially as a solo traveler), safety concerns are always at the back of your mind. So, as a local woman who lives, works, walks, travels and goes out in Egypt , let me tell you the real deal. Safety concern #1: is terrorism an issue in Egypt? The honest answer to that is: no, and definitely not for the places you’ll be visiting . Any recent violence, if any, has been targeting army and police factions deep in the desert of the Northern Sinai peninsula, completely cordoned off and miles and miles away from both local civilians and tourists alike. Any area that has even the slightest 0.0001% of a terrorist attack is off-limits to tourists; security checkpoints are set up all over Sinai for just that. Tourism police and army personnel are literally everywhere in the country; in every neighborhood and on all the roads and highways in between cities. If you’re traveling by car, expect to go through multiple security checkpoints before reaching your final destination. There’s nothing to be worried about -- they’ll just check everyone in the car’s ID (make sure to have your passport on you) and sometimes search the car for anything suspicious. On some roads (for example from Aswan to Abu Simbel ), tourists will be assigned a police escort, as just another extra security measure. In a nutshell: it's actually a lot safer in Egypt than other popular travel destinations due to the sheer number of visible and non-visible security forces alone. Safety concern #2: should I be wary of pickpocketing or mugging? This is extremely rare in Egypt. While it’s known to happen with staggering frequency in big European cities, theft in Egypt is a rare event, to the point that I wouldn’t even think twice about it. Just use normal common sense, like putting money or anything valuable in the hotel safe and not leaving your bag unattended in public places. I would worry about pickpocketing a lot more in Paris or Rome than I would in Cairo; the cases in Egypt are almost negligible. Safety concern 3#: as a woman visiting Egypt, will I be sexually harassed? The honest answer to that is: possibly. It depends on so many things, like whether or not you’re solo or with a man, group or local; it depends on the neighborhood you’re in and whether you’re walking around or taking a cab. So, what exactly do we mean when we say ‘sexual harassment’? Sexual harassment in Egypt means that a man on the street might say something to you, in Arabic or English, unsolicited. They might give you a ‘compliment’ (“so beautiful!”) or say something sexually suggestive. In either case, they don’t expect an actual response from you. Just ignore and just keep walking, or if police are nearby, report the perp. Sometimes men or boys will shout things like “Hi! Hello! Welcome to Egypt!” at you; this isn’t sexual harassment, lots of Egyptians just get very excited when they see foreigners lol. Verbal sexual harassment is far more common than physical sexual harassment (when a guy tries to touch you inappropriately). Also expect a lot of staring if you're on the city streets and wearing something revealing. Here’s my advice as a local woman on how to avoid sexual harassment: Try not to walk alone at night I take cabs or Uber/Careem for longer distances in Cairo I ride in the women-only car in the metro I avoid secluded areas I try not to wear anything too short/revealing if i know I'm going to be in a non-touristy area If you follow the above tips, then there’s a good chance you won’t experience a single untoward comment your whole trip. And to put everything in context, sexual harassment in Egypt is not something that will pose actual danger to you -- it’s just annoying and really unnecessary, and the government and police are trying to crack down on it these days. Safety concern #4: is there any violent crime in Egypt? Nope. When it comes to violent crime, Egypt hardly has any and is far safer than most big American and European cities. Listen, I know talking about safety always makes people feel tense and wary. But as someone who’s lived in Egypt’s biggest city my whole life, as a woman, I can tell you that with just common sense and some avoidance of sexual harassment, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Also, and very importantly: Egyptians are really warm and helpful people, and if at any point you do feel unsafe, just duck into the nearest restaurant/shop/hotel and ask for assistance, and they’ll be more than happy to help you in any way they can. You might also like: Where To Go In Egypt - 10 Best Cities and Destinations

Kato Dool Nubian House in Gharb Soheil, Aswan Aswan in southern Egypt is a unique mix of Ancient Egypt, rural village, urban city, Nubian heritage, river, desert and modern history. If it sounds like a strange mix, it is -- but it works. It’s kind of hard to explain unless you’ve been there (hopefully soon), but we’ll try our best. But first, a quick history Aswan used to be known as Swenett and later Syene in ancient Egypt, and because the ancient Egyptians oriented themselves around the Nile, which flows from the south to the north, the southern city of Swenett was considered where Egypt ‘began’ geographically. The reason the Egyptians chose Aswan’s spot in particular as a border for Egypt is because it’s just above the first Nile cataract -- a natural obstruction of sorts in the river due to shallow depths. Once past the first cataract where Aswan is, it’s smooth sailing straight down to the Mediterranean Sea. Swenett was used as a military outpost to protect Egypt from the south, as well as a commercial trade center. The ancient land of Nubia was directly to the south of Aswan, extending from modern-day southern Egypt into northern Sudan. Nubia became part of Egypt during the New Kingdom, and Nubian heritage and culture is extremely important in Aswan until today. Aswan now Modern-day Aswan is a quirky mix of developed town (nowhere near as developed as Cairo though) and village life. The Nile looks just as clear, blue and wild as it probably did 3,000 years ago; Aswan is hands down where the Nile is at its most stunning in Egypt. Because Aswan isn’t super developed, don’t expect a vast array of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife. A local tip: credit cards aren’t widely used -- cash is the name of the game here. Transportation is a hodge-podge of negotiating with cab drivers and boatmen, but more about that below. Also, if you’ve spent any time elsewhere in Egypt, you might be acquainted with ‘Egyptian time’, where things go a tad slower than normal. ‘Nubian time’ in Aswan is even more laid-back -- people take their sweet time and are very go-with-the-flow, so take that as you will lol. Accept it and adjust your expectations accordingly, and your trip (and blood pressure) will be much smoother. Quick facts about Aswan Aswan’s main industry is tourism, with thousands of both Egyptian and foreign tourists visiting per year to see the ancient Egyptian monuments, Nubian architecture and Nile at its most beautiful. Aswan is one of the sunniest, driest cities in the world -- which leads to soaring temperatures, but the climate is also known for being a natural remedy for a variety of different lung diseases as well as rheumatism. Read more: 7 Types of Natural Healing in Egypt Egypt’s famous Nile cruises run between Aswan and the city of Luxor to its north. You can start the cruise from either of the two cities, so most people visit both Luxor and Aswan in the same trip. Read more: Choosing a Nile Cruise in Egypt - Your Ultimate Guide Aswan is home to two dams, the Low Dam which was built in 1902, and the High Dam which was finished in 1970. These dams were built with the purpose of controlling seasonal Nile flooding, and the reservoir Lake Nasser was created behind the High Dam. Best Time To Go Photo credit: roamingaroundtheworld.com Like we said, Aswan is one of the sunniest, driest cities on earth, and it’s normal for several years to pass by without seeing any rainfall. It has the hottest summers in the country alongside Luxor (we’re talking an average of 40+ celsius/105+ fahrenheit), so while summer might be the cheapest season to go, it’s definitely not the most comfortable. Winter is Aswan’s high season, with temperatures a warm 20 something celsius/70 something fahrenheit during the day, and a bit cooler at night. Late fall and early spring are also good times if you don’t mind a lot of sun. You can read more reasons why Egypt is great in winter here . How To Get There Here are your options: Flying. There are daily flights from Cairo to Aswan, around an hour and 20 minutes. You can arrange with your accommodation in Aswan to send you a car to pick you up from the airport, or you can take an overpriced taxi. Flying is by far the quickest way of getting to Aswan. Train. You need to *really* have patience for this one. You can take a train from Cairo to Aswan, which is about a short (lol) 12 hour ride. There are sleeper compartments though for an added price, and we guess it’s an adventure of sorts? You can read the Business Insider’s detailed account of the Cairo-Aswan sleeper train ride here , which we personally enjoyed. Cruise from Luxor. The Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan are one of the most popular things to do in Egypt. We put together a huge guide of everything you need to know about the Nile cruises here . By car. Unless you’re driving in from Luxor (3-4 hours) or Marsa Alam on the Red Sea (5 hours), don’t bother trying to make the drive unless you have a looooooot of time on your hands. Important note: for security reasons, non-Egyptians might not be allowed access to certain roads via car unless granted pre-approved security access (tour buses, etc.) Where To Stay Sofitel Legend Old Cataract As we said above, Aswan isn’t as developed accommodation-wise as Cairo or the Red Sea resort towns , but never fear, there are still options for all budgets: A luxury hotel. There are only a few of them in Aswan, and by far, the most iconic and well-known one is the Old Cataract Hotel (now the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract). This 5 star hotel has been an international hotspot since it opened over 120 years ago; you can read more about it and other historic hotels in Egypt here . We warn you though, it isn’t cheap! A Nubian guesthouse is a really popular form of accommodation in Aswan. Usually found in the Gharb Soheil area of Aswan where the Nubian Village is, these basic but comfortable guesthouses on the Nile have simple and beautiful Nubian architecture and serve traditional Nubian and Egyptian food. They’re not luxurious in the slightest and are situated a bit of a distance from central Aswan which can be a tad annoying, but they’re definitely an experience you shouldn’t miss out on, even if for just a night. A budget hotel. Aswan has a handful, and they’re kind of meh. If we were you, stick to either a luxury hotel like the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract or the Movenpick Aswan, or one of the Nubian guesthouses. We compiled our seven favorite places here: 7 Best Places To Stay in Aswan, Egypt Getting Around Private minivans are a popular way of getting around Aswan Not going to lie, getting around Aswan can be a pain. There’s no easily accessible and reliable form of public transportation, taxis don’t have meters, and while there is Careem (the Egyptian version of Uber), you're not always guaranteed to find a ride. Plus, a lot of Aswan’s sites are dotted around different spots on the Nile, which needs a boat. So what to do, what to do? Here are your options: Don’t bother your head about it and just let your hotel take care of it . No matter where you’re staying in Aswan or how much of a budget place it is, someone there (whether it be the reception desk, reservations manager, or just a random person who seems to be in charge) will be able to easily arrange cars, drivers and boats for you in a matter of minutes for a fixed rate. It’s common practice in Aswan and the hotels/guesthouses get a piece of the pie, so feel free to use the service without worrying that you’re being annoying. Just tell your hotel where you’d like to go (or your itinerary for the day) and they’ll arrange all transportation needed and will tell you how much it’ll cost prior to going so you don’t need to worry about haggling with anyone. Warning though: the Sofitel Old Cataract’s transportation prices are notoriously expensive, so just a heads up if you’re staying there. Strike a deal with a local driver to be your main transportation for the duration of the trip. If you like doing things without a hotel as your middleman, you can arrange for your own transportation with any of the locals. Instead of figuring out how you’re going to get from Point A to Point B every time you want to go somewhere, you can arrange an on-call car and driver for the whole trip. This is as easy as flagging down a cab and asking for their day rates, or going to a restaurant, shop or cafe and asking any of the people working there if they can recommend a car and driver for you. Trust us, they’ll know a million. Compare whatever prices the locals give you with what the hotel gave you (they should be cheaper), and feel free to bargain, bargain, bargain. Also make sure to agree on a detailed daily itinerary and price, and pay at the end of the day (a tip at the end is always appreciated). Taxis. The cabs in Aswan aren’t metered, so make sure you tell the driver where you’re going and agree on the fare before you hop in -- and again, bargaining is the name of the game. As for boats, the Temple of Philae has regular boat service from the Philae Marina, and there’s a regular ferry to Elephantine Island. More recreational boating -- a felucca for example, or taking a motorboat instead of a taxi -- is another negotiable affair between you and the boatmen whom you’ll find Nile-side throughout the city. Things to Do in Aswan Philae Temple Complex There’s all different kinds of activities and sights in Aswan, and we broke them down here: 12 Most Interesting Things To See and Do in Aswan . To summarize though: Ancient Egyptian monuments: Philae Temple Complex, Abu Simbel, Temple of Kalabsha, Unfinished Obelisk Nubian heritage & culture: Nubian Village and Nubian Museum Nile islands: Elephantine Island, Kitchener’s Island Day trip to Kom Ombo and Edfu Nile activities: sailing, kayaking Nile cruise to Luxor or Lake Nasser Natural therapy/climate therapy like sand baths or Nile mud masks Getting to Abu Simbel While everyone considers Abu Simbel to be in Aswan (and technically it is in the Aswan governorate), it’s a good 3-4 hours by car/bus from Aswan the city. Abu Simbel is on the shore of Lake Nasser, past the Aswan High Dam, and you have three options of how to get there: Part of a tour, so via tour bus By private car and driver, which you can arrange through your hotel As part of an Aswan-Lake Nasser cruise , usually 3 days long The road to Abu Simbel is only open from 5 am to 5 pm for security reasons, so most buses and cars set out from Aswan around 4 am to be on the Aswan-Abu Simbel road by 5 am. To try to avoid the crowds, you can leave a little later from Aswan (8 am for example) but it might cut into the amount of time you spend at the temple because again, all cars and buses have to be back in Aswan by 5 pm before the road closes. Read more: 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing Today Where To Eat Aswan definitely isn’t the culinary capital of Egypt, because most of Aswan’s visitors come as part of an all-inclusive cruise -- they eat all their meals on the cruise ship. The ones who aren’t part of a cruise usually stick to their hotel’s fare, and to be fair, it’s not a bad idea, because most restaurants in Aswan are ‘touristic’, ie. subpar food and jacked up prices. That being said, there are a few places to get a good meal in Aswan, and honestly sometimes the view takes the whole experience up an extra notch automatically. Some of our favorite restaurants: King Jamaica Restaurant & Cafes Solaih at Eco Nubia on Bigeh Island 1902 in the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (you have to be dressed up though, they’re very strict about that and make sure you reserve in advance) The restaurant at Kato Dool, the Nubian guesthouse in Gharb Soheil Bars/Nightlife We’re being pretty fast and loose with the word ‘nightlife’ in Aswan, mainly because… well, there really isn’t any. Once the day’s activities are over, most people are either back on their cruise ships or decompressing and/or socializing at their hotel/guesthouse. If it’s alcohol you’re looking for, most hotels will serve at their bars/restaurants. Outside of hotels, you’ll find a couple establishments on the Aswan Corniche, mainly Emy Cafeteria & Restaurant and the rooftop of Bob Marley Guesthouse. They’re both on the Nile and a nice place to have a drink but nothing fancy in the slightest. Leaving Aswan Railway Station Leaving Aswan is just as straightforward as arriving -- either have your hotel arrange a ride to the airport/train station or arrange a pick-up from a local taxi driver. We hope you enjoy everything that Aswan has to offer! More local city guides you might like: Hurghada City Guide El Gouna City Guide Sharm El Sheikh City Guide Soma Bay Guide North Coast Guide

Philae Temple Complex, on a Nile island Most people who visit Aswan in Upper Egypt do it as part of an all-inclusive Luxor & Aswan Nile cruise, with a guide hustling you along from point A to point B: see this, look at that, take a picture, tip the guard, on to the next. Read more: Choosing a Nile Cruise in Egypt - Your Ultimate Guide And while it’s admittedly relaxing to let someone else do all the planning and organizing and transporting you from here to there, seeing the town on your own allows you to spend more time doing what really interests you, and skipping what doesn’t particularly float your boat ( felucca in this case. Sorry, Egyptian dad joke). Read more: Aswan, Egypt - A Local's City Guide So if you’re interested in exploring Aswan on your own time, here are the best things to see and do: 1. Philae Philae is a temple complex on the Nile island of Agilkia, built during Ptolemaic times and finished during the Roman conquest. It’s known for being the last place where hieroglyphs were written, and the last place where the Ancient Egyptian religion was practiced. Christianity became present in Philae starting the 4th century, where it first was practiced alongside the Ancient Egyptian religion and then solely. Today you can see both the original Ancient Egyptian temples and the temples that were converted into churches. Another interesting fact about Philae is that it wasn’t always chilling on Agilkia Island -- it was actually dismantled, moved and reassembled by UNESCO to save it from the flooding of the Nile from 1960 to 1980 due to the Aswan High Dam. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside Abu Simbel, below. For more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Egypt, head here . 2. Abu Simbel Speak of the devil. Abu Simbel, like Philae, was relocated and saved from the Nile. And when you see the ginormity of the monument, the fact they were able to do that is almost as awe-inspiring as the monuments themselves. Abu Simbel is actually two massive temples -- the one you see in all the pictures is the Great Temple dedicated to the gods and Ramses II, and the Small Temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Nefertari, the Great Wife of Ramses II. The Abu Simbel temples are known to be some of the most beautiful temples in Egypt. Before you get too excited though, there’s some bad news. Abu Simbel is actually quite a ways from central Aswan, about a 3 hour car ride, and you can’t attempt it by yourself because security forces don’t want tourists driving lost in the remote southern desert. Have either your hotel or a tour agency arrange a car and driver for you. Read more: 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing Today 3. Nubian Village What makes Aswan different from the rest of Egypt is its strong Nubian culture, which is apparent in the architecture, art and even the language of Aswan natives (they speak a mix of Arabic and Nubian that even other Egyptians can’t understand). The Nubian Village in Aswan is a beautiful place to walk around and see the symbolically painted houses and murals -- and it’s also a market of sorts, with handcraft shops and vendors galore. You can find everything from handwoven scarves to local spices to handmade jewelry. Local note: please don’t give money to anyone who wants to show you live crocodiles or let you hold baby ones, because they’re kept in really horrible conditions. Please support the Nubian Village in other ways, like by buying their handicrafts. 4. Nubian Museum So you got the look and feel of the Nubian Village (and probably a lot of souvenirs), but how about actually learning about the history and culture? Nubians hail from southern Egypt and northern Sudan, and their history is as old as Ancient Egypt’s. The preservation of Nubian culture is extremely important, because the heartland of Nubia was destroyed due to the flooding of the Nile. The museum tells the story of Nubia from its start as a prehistoric Nile Valley civilization, through the pharaonic era and introduction of Christianity and Islam to Egypt, up to the building of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. For more important museums in Egypt, head here . 5. Day Trip to Lake Nasser South of the Aswan High Dam is Lake Nasser, one of the largest manmade lakes in the world, created after the dam was built. This massive reservoir is home to more wildlife than villages, so it’s easy to forget that anyone else exists when you’re in the middle of the enormity of the lake. There are cruises that take you around the lake, or you can arrange a day trip through your hotel or tour agency. If you’re the DIY type, you can also arrange with a local boatman in Aswan to take you down for a day in a motorboat. Lake Nasser is dotted with ancient monuments around its shoreline, and fishing is allowed in parts of the lake (you can fish from both the shore and your boat). Nile Perch is a type of prized fish found in Lake Nasser, and the lake is also one of the last safe havens for the Nile crocodile. 6. Temple of Kalabsha Speaking of Lake Nasser, one of its most famous monuments is the Temple of Kalabsha. It was originally built during Roman times, around 30 BC, over an earlier sanctuary built by Amonhotep II. Kalabsha was built as a shrine to Mandulis (Merul), an ancient Nubian sun god. When Christianity made its way to Aswan, the temple was converted to a church. Kalabsha is the second biggest monument after Abu Simbel to be moved from its original location to save it from the Nile flooding after the dam’s construction. 7. The Old Cataract Hotel (now Sofitel Legend Old Cataract) This world-famous hotel was built in 1899 by Thomas Cook and Sons, after the Cairo-Aswan railway was built in 1898 and there was a sudden influx of visitors and and not enough hotels. They bought nine feddans from the government and hired architect Henri Favarger, the same architect who designed the famous Mena House in Cairo. It was an instant hit and quickly garnered a lot of famous guests over the years, including Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. It became literally the stuff of ‘legends’ as its current name suggests, when Agatha Christie used it as the backdrop for her famous novel, Death on the Nile . The 1978 movie they made out of the book was shot there too (so was the famous Egyptian TV series ‘Grand Hotel’). It’s now known as the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel, and you can reserve a spot in their Nile-side restaurants to have a drink or meal. For more historical hotels in Egypt you can stay at until today, head here . 8. Unfinished Obelisk The Unfinished Obelisk is the largest obelisk built in Ancient Egypt, and if it had been completed it would’ve reached 42 meters (around 137 feet), which is one third larger than any other existing obelisk. Commissioned by the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, it was carved out of bedrock in a stone quarry, but cracks appeared in the granite during its construction, leading to its abandonment. You can still see it in its original quarry, giving interesting insight into the stone-working techniques of the Ancient Egyptians. 9. Qubbet el Hawa (Tombs of the Nobles) A necropolis of tombs spanning the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, belonging to Ancient Egyptian officials and nobles. The tombs are on varying levels of a hilltop, with a domed tomb of an Islamic sheikh on the very top. It’s still an active excavation site, so who knows what else will be found there in the future. The tombs which are allowed public access rotate, but the most celebrated tombs there belong to Harkhuf, Sarenput II and Sabni. Reaching the top of the hill is a bit of a trek, but it’s also home to some of the very best views in Aswan. You might also like: 8 Best Ancient Egyptian Tomb Sites in Modern Egypt 10. Elephantine Island This Nile island used to be the Ancient Egyptian city of Abu, which translated to ‘elephant’. The first temple built on the island was around 3,200 BC (around 5,200 years ago), and it was a temple for Satet, a goddess personified as the Nile inundation. Elephantine was also known in the Ancient Egyptian religion as being the home of Khnum, the ram god who watched over and controlled the Nile waters. Around 3,500 years ago Elephantine became a fort that marked the southern border of Egypt. Today Elephantine Island is home to the Movenpick hotel and the Aswan Museum, but if you explore the island further you'll find some Ancient Egyptian ruins, including two temples. Besides that, most people enjoy seeing the Nubian homes there and Animalia, a Nubian home turned museum and B&B. 11. Botanical gardens on Kitchener’s Island British Lord Kitchener (1850-1916) was gifted this small Nile island as thanks for his military prowess in Sudan. He built a house and turned the whole island into a botanical garden, importing plants from as far as Malaysia and India. He was fluent in Arabic and is said to have preferred the company of the Egyptians over the British. The island is called Geziret el Nabatat in Arabic (‘island of the plants’). You can enjoy walking through the exotic trees and plants (closed on Fridays). 12. Day trip to Kom Ombo and Edfu Temple of Horus at Edfu It’s customary to see the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu on Luxor-Aswan cruises (the temples are on the Nile between the two cities), but just because you skipped the cruise doesn’t mean you have to skip seeing two of Egypt’s most impressive temples. Granted, it’s a long drive (an hour to Kom Ombo and then another 2 hours to Edfu) but it’s definitely worth it. Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple built in the Ptolemaic times, and 300 crocodile mummies were found there (in the adjacent Crocodile Museum). The Temple of Horus at Edfu is also a Ptolemaic shrine, and one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt -- it’s nearly intact. You might also like: 10 Best Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt - As Told By Locals

Nile cruises are hands down one of the most popular things to do in Egypt, and for good reason – the serenity of sailing down the world’s longest river AND getting to see some of the most mind-blowing Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs while you’re at it? Yes, please!  And keep in mind this isn’t a ‘tourist trap’ kind of thing – lots of local Egyptians book Nile cruises as a way to treat themselves and explore Luxor and Aswan too, especially during the winter months and over New Year’s.  But because Nile cruises are so popular with locals and visitors alike, there are tons to choose from and it’s easy to get confused or overwhelmed. Plus let’s be honest – Nile cruises aren’t cheap, so doing your due diligence before booking is always a good idea. Here’s our ultimate guide on everything you need to know to choose which cruise is best for you. Quick facts to know before choosing a Nile cruise: There are 200+ active Nile cruise ships operating regularly in Egypt When articles, booking engines or travel agencies refer to Nile cruises in Egypt, 90% of the time they mean a cruise between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) Besides the Luxor-Aswan cruises, there are Lake Nasser cruises and Cairo-Aswan cruises, but those are far fewer in number All cruises will include sightseeing of some sort with a guide, with the main emphasis being on the Ancient Egyptian sites in Luxor and Aswan. Each cruise will have a detailed itinerary online that you can go over before you book Your days will mainly be spent off the ship. You’ll have breakfast onboard, then spend a day sightseeing on land, then return to the cruise ship before sunset to relax and spend the night onboard Nile cruises in Egypt are most popular during the winter months when the weather in Luxor and Aswan is at its best (November-March), which means that’s when cruises are at peak price and become fully-booked quickly Cruise ships are essentially hotels on the river; they vary from ultra luxury to more basic There are several different types of cruise ship, which we’ll go over in more detail below A little history of the Nile cruise Now obviously Egyptians using the Nile as a lifeline and trade ‘highway’ goes back thousands upon thousands of years; even before the Ancient Egyptian civilization started to document it. But it was back in the 1800s that the concept of sailing for leisure and adventure really took hold, first on the traditional dahabiya sailboats chartered by the Egyptian elite in Cairo, then later with steamships. Thomas Cook ad for steamship and dahabiya cruises Steamship cruises were introduced in the latter half of the 1800s by the British Thomas Cook & Son (who later went on to build the world-famous Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan in 1899, now known as the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract ). Cook hired a steamship from Khedive Ismail and embarked on his first guided steamship cruise down the Nile to Aswan. Within ten years, he owned his own steamship cruise fleet and it was then that Nile cruises really started to boom as a touristic activity. They were much faster than the dahabiyas, cutting cruises from 2 months down to 3 weeks. They could hold way more people, plus offer amenities the smaller, more modest dahabiyas couldn’t.  The SS Sudan at the foot of the Abu Simple temple, before the monument was relocated to protect it from being submerged in water once the Aswan Dam was built In the mid-1900s, motor-powered cruise ships began to sail the Nile, and slowly replaced the steamships. Fast forward over 70 years later to the present day, and only two token steamships still cruise the Nile today (more about these historic ships below).   Types of Nile cruise ships and their pros & cons Motorized Cruise Ships The majority of Nile cruises will be on big motorized ships, which as we said above, are essentially floating hotels. These can take over a hundred guests per cruise, so expect lots of rooms, multiple restaurants, and different amenities like a gym, spa or an on-deck swimming pool, depending on which cruise ship you pick.  Pros:  Different room options (standard, deluxe, suite, etc.) The amenities (who doesn’t want to be in a pool while floating down a river, or have a designated play area for kids?) Onboard restaurant and bar options Nightly entertainment onboard There are cruise ships available in an array of different price ranges and budgets, from the more affordable to high luxury Cons:  Because of the number of people onboard, it’s less private and the service is less personalized than a dahabiya Some people find the sounds & vibrations of the boats to be a nuisance In the high season there are so many cruises, it can seem almost like you’re moving in a convoy with all the other boats, which obviously can take away from the peacefulness of the Nile The big cruise boats tend to dock and go on sightseeing excursions at the same time, so unfortunately there’s usually a crowd wherever you go Dahabiya The truly authentic way to cruise the Nile. Dahabiyas are traditional Egyptian sailboats, used for millennia as a means for Egyptians to travel on the river. These days, the Nile cruise dahabiyas provide slow luxury for those who want a more private, personalized trip.  Speaking of personalized – some dahabiyas (such as the Zein Nile Chateau ) can even be booked completely for your own private charter, and an itinerary can be created specifically for you and your group’s interests.  Pros:  Dahabiyas can only take a fraction of the number of people that the standard cruise ships can take, so it’s the equivalent of staying in a tiny boutique hotel as opposed to a sprawling resort They travel by sail and are pulled by tugboats when there’s not enough wind, so there’s no motor noise Because of their smaller size, dahabiyas can dock at sites on the Nile where larger cruise ships can’t. This allows for more sightseeing at different spots off the beaten track, away from the crowds Cons: The price. Because dahabiyas take fewer people but essentially offer the same itinerary as the larger cruises, they tend to be pretty expensive, even more so than the big luxury cruises They don’t offer all the bells and whistles that the cruise ships offer, eg. pool and spa and multiple restaurants/bars Steamships SS Sudan Currently, the only two restored and functioning steamships cruising the Nile are the SS Sudan and the SS Misr, both imbued with over a century of history. The SS Sudan  dates back to 1921, and the SS Misr (now run by Movenpick) dates back even farther to 1918.  Both of these ships carry far fewer people than the modern cruise ships (the SS Sudan has 18 cabins and 6 suites and the SS Misr has 16 cabins and 8 suites). The SS Misr has a swimming pool as well. Pros: These iconic steamships provide far more history, nostalgia and romance than your standard cruise ship. Agatha Christie was inspired to write Death on the Nile  while on a cruise on the SS Sudan in 1933 – there’s now a suite named after her, and filming for the movie actually took place on the SS Sudan It’s quieter and less crowded than the standard cruise ships Cons: They tend to be pretty expensive What are the best Nile cruises to choose? MS Oberoi Zahra Like we said above, there are over 200 Nile cruises operating at any given time. So which ones are the best? It’s important to note that when you book a cruise through a travel agency or online package, lots of times you don’t actually get to choose which ship you’re on. You’re essentially assigned to whatever ship fits the dates and price you picked. So if you chose a cheaper package, you’ll probably be on one of the more basic ships. If you chose something higher-end, you’ll get one of the luxury cruise ships. Alternatively, if you decide to skip buying an online travel package and want to book a specific cruise and specific type of room directly, here are some of the highest-rated ones per price bracket: Standard cruises: MS Princess Sarah MS Steigenberger Legacy MS Royal Esadora Luxury Cruises: MS Oberoi Zahra MS Oberoi Philae MS Historia Boutique Hotel Nile Cruise Dahabiyas: Nour El Nil fleet Merit Dahabiya Princess Farida Dahabiya Important note: we've only listed a handful of high-rated cruises just to give you an example, but there are many! Duration of Nile cruises MS Sun Sanctuary IV One of the first things you’ll have to decide on before choosing your Nile cruise in Egypt is how long you want the duration to be. Like we said above, 90% of Nile cruises are between Luxor and Aswan (and vice versa).  Local tip:  we get asked a lot which cruises are better, the ones that originate in Luxor or the ones that originate in Aswan. Our answer is, they’re both pretty much the same but the ones starting in Aswan usually run a day shorter, if you’re pressed for time. Luxor/Aswan Cruises MS Historia Boutique Hotel Cruise On average, the shortest cruises take 4 nights from Luxor to Aswan and 3 nights from Aswan to Luxor (this route is faster because you’re moving with the river current). So why are so many cruises longer than 3-4 nights? Basically it all comes down to sightseeing. The longer your cruise is, the more sights you’ll be able to fit in your itinerary – and trust us, Luxor and Aswan and all the places in between have a LOT of fascinating Ancient Egyptian spots to explore!  Read more: 20 Must-See Ancient Egyptian Sites Since time/budget/interests are a personal choice of each traveler, we recommend going through the itineraries of the 3/4/5/7 night cruises and comparing, to see which ones speak to you the most. Some of the longer cruises tack on trips to Abu Simbel south of Aswan (very worth it), while others add more fluff experiences to their itineraries. So go through the fine print of the itineraries, read the reviews and make the choice that suits you personally the best.  Long Nile Cruises (Cairo to Aswan or Aswan to Cairo) Movenpick MS Darakum Besides the standard Luxor-Aswan cruises, which tend not to be over 7 nights at most, there’s something called the Long Nile Cruise. This much rarer cruise travels from Aswan to Cairo (and vice versa) over a duration of two weeks . The Movenpick’s MS Da rakum  is currently one of the few ships offering that route. Lake Nasser Cruises MS Movenpick Prince Abbas A third type of cruise is the Lake Nasser cruise. Lake Nasser is to the south of Aswan and the High Dam, where you’ll find the great temples of Abu Simbel, as well as other Ancient Egyptian sites dotting the shores of the lake. These cruises tend to have a duration of 3-4 nights.  Nile cruise itineraries & sightseeing Most people who decide to go on a Nile river cruise are interested in seeing the famous Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, and interesting spots on the Nile in between. Spoiler alert: if you’re not into that kind of sightseeing, a Nile cruise in Egypt probably isn’t for you.  Read more: 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing Today Read more: 8 Best Ancient Egyptian Tomb Sites in Modern Day Egypt But assuming that’s indeed what you’re interested in, then these are the main stops on your average Nile cruise itinerary, plus the possible sightseeing you’ll be doing at each destination.  Keep in mind that the shorter cruises will only cover SOME of these sightseeing spots, while the longer cruises will include more (but not necessarily all listed below). Important note: not all cruise itineraries are exactly the same, so we ask once again that you read the itinerary of each cruise online closely before you pick.  Main Nile cruise itinerary destinations (in no specific order): -Luxor Valley of the Kings Deir el Bahri (Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut) Colossi of Memon Karnak Temple Luxor Temple Madinet Habu Temple Luxor Museum Valley of the Nobles Deir el Medina (Valley of the Artisans) -Edfu Temple of Horus at Edfu -Kom Ombo Double Temple of Kom Ombo -Aswan Philae Temple High Dam Unfinished Obelisk Botanical Gardens Nubian Museum Abu Simbel (usually as an add-on or part of the Lake Nasser cruise, considering it’s beyond the High Dam) -Qena (sometimes part of the cruise near Luxor, but during the low water level season is only reachable by land, about 1-1.5 hrs drive from Luxor) Temple of Dendera -Sohag (also sometimes part of the cruise near Luxor, reachable by land) Abydos -Esna Temple of Khnum Esna lock -Lake Nasser Abu Simbel Temple of Kalabsha Temple of Wadi El Seboua Qasr Ibrim -Sites reachable only by dahabiya or land (there are also other spots depending on which dahabiya you choose): Gebel El Silsila How much does a Nile cruise cost and what’s included in the price? There’s obviously so many variables that it’s impossible to give an average number. It depends on the season, duration, group size, type of boat, type of room, if the cruise belongs to an international hotel chain, what activities are included, so on and so forth.  Long story short, a cruise can range from $500 per person to $10,000 per person in some cases, and that’s not an exaggeration. But just to give you an idea, if you’re looking at the standard 4 night, 3 day Nile cruise on one of the basic Nile cruise ships (not a luxury one), for the month of February for example, it’ll probably cost around $600-$700 per person. The nicer cruise ships and dahabiyas are for much more (averaging $1500 - $2500 per person). Local tip:  the two weeks that cover Christmas and New Year’s are always THE highest priced throughout the year, even more than regular winter high season prices. What’s usually included in the cruise price? Local tip: we must state again  that this differs from cruise to cruise, so please read all the fine print and don’t blame us if some of these features weren’t included!  Usually when you book a Nile cruise (especially the higher end ones), it will include the following: Comfortable accommodation & private ensuite bathroom onboard for the length of time you chose, with daily housekeeping Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) – usually open buffet style, but sometimes a la carte on the nicer boats or dahabiyas An experienced tour guide speaking the language of your choice (make sure to find out the languages your cruise offers) Entrance fees to all sites Transportation from the cruise ship to all sites and back Taxes and fees They will also *sometimes* include: Onboard entertainment like belly-dancing or cooking classes Different themed nights on board with special menus and activities Wifi Laundry Meet & greet at the airport or your hotel Extra activities or excursions, eg. hot air balloon in Luxor Transportation to/from the airport or your hotel Usually NOT included in the price: Soft drinks (not included for the more standard cruises, but usually included for the luxury cruises) Alcoholic drinks (but available onboard for an extra fee) Tips (for the boat staff, usually given at the end of the trip, and separate tips for your tour guide and driver) Domestic flights Is a Nile cruise worth it? Or should I just visit Luxor and Aswan normally? We get asked this question a lot. Lots of people are interested in visiting Luxor and/or Aswan, but not sure if they should go down the cruise route, or just book a regular hotel on land and explore the cities themselves. Obviously, there’s no cookie-cutter answer for this because everyone’s preferences differ. What we can  do however is list the pros and cons of both scenarios, so you can make a more educated choice for yourself. Pros of booking a Nile cruise: The experience of sailing down the Nile and sleeping/waking up on the water (although keep in mind that sometimes you'll be moored overnight next to other boats) Everything, especially sightseeing, is totally sorted out for you – you don’t have to worry about any logistics at all You don’t have to worry about being overcharged for things like transportation or tour guides There’s not much by way of nightlife in Luxor or Aswan – being on a cruise is a nice way to socialize and meet people over dinner and drinks on the boat You don’t have to research and try to locate decent restaurants to have your meals at Cons of booking a Nile cruise: There’s hardly any flexibility in the itinerary; you have to wake up, eat and disembark at set times to make it to each site on time The cruise ships tend to run by the same timetable, so the sightseeing will usually be crowded The inability to spend as much time as you want at each site or ask the tour guide in-depth questions because you’ll be in a large tour group Pros for staying at a regular hotel in Luxor/Aswan and arranging your own tours: You can set your own schedule so that you’re at some of the sites before/after the big crowds You can explore at your own pace You can visit places or do activities that aren’t included in the cruise itinerary You can either go to the different sites by yourself, or you can arrange for a private tour guide or small tour group Cons of staying at a regular hotel in Luxor/Aswan and arranging your own tours: You’ll have to research all the different accommodation options there You’ll have to figure out the logistics of all transportation  You’ll probably have hit and miss restaurant experiences A lot of the nicer hotels in Luxor and Aswan are pretty expensive, so between that + meals + sightseeing tickets + transportation + guide, you might end up spending even more than you would on the cruise For more information in general about Luxor and Aswan: Read more: 10 Best Things To Do in Luxor - As Told By Locals Read more: 7 Best Restaurants in Luxor, Egypt Read more: Aswan, Egypt - A Local’s City Guide Read more: 7 Best Places to Stay in Aswan, Egypt Best way to book a Nile cruise Ok, so you’ve done your research, decided that you do indeed want to book a Nile cruise (good for you!) and read through all our tips about how to choose the type of cruise best suited for you. Now how do you go about actually booking it? You have several options: Book directly through the cruise ship’s website.  Many of the cruise ships, especially if they’re part of a hotel chain or are high luxury, will have their own website that you can book through (and you can also directly email them any questions you may have). This also goes for booking dahabiyas.  Book through a foreign or Egyptian tour agency. Foreign tour companies like AMA Waterways, Abercrombie & Kent or TUI offer all sorts of Nile cruise package deals, where you select the cruise package that sounds the best for you. There are also dozens of Egyptian tour agencies that offer similar packages. These agencies can arrange either just your cruise for you, or your whole Egypt trip from A-Z.  Book through an online travel experience aggregator.  Websites like Viator or GetYourGuide are another easy way to book a Nile cruise. Just make sure to read reviews, itineraries and what’s included/excluded before booking anything! So that wraps up our ultimate guide to choosing and booking the perfect Nile cruise just for you! Sail and enjoy 🙂 You might also like: Where to Go in Egypt: 10 Best Cities & Destinations

Mojsoap Clean, natural and organically-made cosmetics, skincare and haircare are the best beauty products you can buy for both yourself and the environment as a whole, and Egypt is an ideal place to find just that. Why? Because we’ve been the experts in it for millennia! And today, the best Egyptian natural skincare and beauty brands all imbibe the expertise and the same incredible organic ingredients unique to Egypt that have been used for thousands of years. Cosmetics, perfume and skincare in Ancient Egypt The Ancient Egyptians were some of the very first people to develop, use and appreciate makeup, perfume and skincare on a daily basis – and we’re talking well over 5,000 years ago! And by the way, it wasn’t just women; while these days we’re seeing a rise in men using things like nail polish or ‘guyliner’, cosmetics were in fact used back in Ancient Egypt by both men and women, and across all socio-economic classes.  It goes without saying that obviously all their makeup and skincare were made from natural materials, and it wasn’t just for vanity purposes. The Ancient Egyptians used a myriad of different natural products on their faces and skin for protection from the elements, as well as in religious rituals and even daily practical uses.  Read more: Ancient Egypt Bucket List: 20 Must-See Ancient Egyptian Sites So all this to say that the concept of natural makeup and skincare is deeply enmeshed in Egyptian culture, waaaay before the big beauty brands (and chemicals galore) made the industry the multi-billion dollar one it is today.  So if you’re looking for some great, natural Egyptian products, using many of the same ingredients they did back in Ancient Egypt, these are some of the local Egyptian skincare and beauty brands to check out. Nefertari One of the most popular 100% natural beauty and body care brands in Egypt with dozens of stores peppered over the country, Nefertari started with a small line of natural soaps. It has since blossomed into an array of different products like: creams and lotions, exfoliating scrubs, bath salts, oils, hair care, masks and wraps, foot care, aromatic water, lip and eye products, perfumes and even untreated cotton towels and bed linen. They also have a range called “Pharaonic Line”, with embroidered pharaonic symbols on towels and some of the same beauty products the pharaohs used, like natural kohl. They also have really cute gift baskets for friends who aren’t Egyptian. You can find their whole product line plus where to find them (or online order) at Nefertari’s website . Areej Aromatherapy Areej, meaning beautiful fragrance, began in 2008 as the first natural aromatherapy line in Egypt and the Middle East. Deeply inspired by the natural botanicals grown in the healing Nile soil, Areej Aromatherapy wanted to provide the best therapeutic essential oils to those looking to enhance their physical and emotional wellbeing. Essential oils have been used over millennia to treat not only skin and hair conditions but to help anxiety, depression and even pain. Areej Aromatherapy’s oils were so popular that they expanded into other therapeutic products, as well as beauty and skincare. All of their products use natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients that aren’t tested on animals nor harm the environment. You can find their list of stores in Cairo as well as shop their products online on Areej Aromatherapy’s website .   Hathor Hathor started a few years back when its founder was looking for high quality, cold-pressed oils for her baby daughter’s skin. Cold-pressing oil is a form of naturally extracting the oil from a seed or fruit using no external heat, which retains the oil’s purity as well as its natural antioxidants, aromas and flavor. Cold-pressed oils are an excellent way to nourish and hydrate skin and hair without any added chemicals. Hathor launched its own cold-pressed oil line for skincare and haircare, then added candles, incense, soaps and hand lotions.  You can find Hathor products online on their website  or at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square or the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat. Black Lotus Black Lotus has a large collection of natural products for everything ranging from soaps, liquid face washes, shower gels, facial oils, moisturizers, toners, eye cream, eyelash serum, beard oil for men, shampoo, conditioner, hair cream, body lotion, natural sunscreen, footcare cream, scrubs, bath salts, natural deodorants, sprays, and of course a wide range of essential oils. They even have a natural shampoo for your dog! You can order online from their Instagram  or you can visit their stores at Arkan in Sheikh Zayed or Point 90 Mall in New Cairo. Mojsoap In the market for absolutely beautiful, 100% natural Egyptian soap? Look no further than Mojsoap. Besides just how fantastic they look and smell, Mojsoaps are suitable for both face and body, and for all skin types. The soaps are milk-based for added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and creaminess, and they use essential oils for the scent.  Their soap line looks like art, with items such as Anti-Ageing Turmeric Bar, Tea Tree Mango Butter Bar and Rose Clay Himalayan Salt Bar. They’re also known for their donkey milk bars, which have tightening, toning and anti-ageing properties. Mojsoap also has gift sets and special lines for the holidays. You can shop Mojsoap products online from their website , or you can find them at the new Grand Egyptian Museum .  You may also like: Natural Therapy in Egypt - 7 Types of Healing and Climatic Therapy You Can't Find Elsewhere

One of the best things about Egypt is that beach weather doesn’t end in August like the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. If anything, fall is one of the best seasons to vacation in Egypt because it’s warm enough to go to the beach or spend time in the desert, but cool enough that you won’t have to worry about sunstroke or soaring temperatures. Read more: 8 Best Beach Holiday Destinations in Egypt So whether you’re a non-Egyptian who isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to summer yet, or a local who wants to make the most of the best weather of the year, these 12 travel destinations in Egypt have something for everyone. Local tip: beach weather on the Red Sea is great up until mid-December give or take, when it gets a bit chilly. Fayoum Fayoum, about an hour and a half from Cairo, has always been known as a great nature retreat and break from the city. Fayoum has a lot of great camping spots, like on sand dunes right on the shore of Magic Lake (named for its changing water color according to time of day), or near Lake Qarun (Fayoum’s oasis, the biggest in Egypt) or close to the Wadi el Rayan waterfalls. Fayoum itself is an ancient city (read more about it at 7 Modern Egyptian Cities More Than 5,000 Years Old ) and is an interesting mix of desert, water, greenery, urban and rural life and modern and ancient life. Things to do in Fayoum in the fall: sandboard, explore Tunis Village, visit the Wadi el Rayan Waterfalls, see the ancient whale bones at Wadi El Hitan (Whale Valley), which is one of Egypt’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites , see the petrified forest, discover Fayoum’s ancient ruins. Hurghada Hurghada, having spent the first hundred years of its life as a sleepy little fishing village, is now one of the most popular destinations in the world, ranking annually on Trip Advisor. Hurghada is an eclectic mix of 5 star resorts and super budget hotels,   Red Sea islands  and desert excursions, touristy promenades and dingier local areas… there’s something to see and do no matter your age or interests. Here’s our full,   detailed local’s guide for Hurghada . Things to do in Hurghada in the fall:   25 Fun Things to Do in Hurghada and El Gouna Soma Bay A peninsula jutting into the Red Sea, Soma Bay is a luxury beach resort town south of Hurghada and technically part of the Safaga area, although it's an easy 45 minute drive from Hurghada International Airport. Because it’s surrounded by the sea on three sides, Soma Bay is famous for its spectacular beaches and water sports. On one side of Soma Bay you have the open Red Sea for scuba diving and boat trips, and on the other side you have a crystal-clear bay of warm, shallow water, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Read more: Soma Bay, Egypt - Travel Guide For First-Timers   Soma Bay is home to a handful of 5 star beach resorts, but not nearly as many as Hurghada and Sharm, so it’s a good place to go if you want to avoid the crowds found in other popular Red Sea Riviera destinations . Things to do in Soma Bay in the fall:  sunbathe and swim, scuba dive, snorkel, kitesurf, glass bottom boat, go-karting, golf, paintball, horseback riding Sharm el Sheikh Sharm el Sheikh has been a top trending travel destination forever now, and according to Dive Magazine , “Sharm El Sheikh has been, for many years, the favourite Egyptian destination for scuba divers, and has probably contributed more to the European dive business than any other resort in the world.” So it’s safe to say that Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most famous Egyptian Red Sea Riviera destinations internationally, and even if you don't dive, their beach resorts are reason enough to visit. It’s also a good base for trips to the Sinai Mountains, St. Catherine’s Monastery and Ras Mohammed National Park. Things to do in Sharm in the fall: swim, sunbathe, dive, snorkel, go on a boat trip, go on day trips to interesting neighboring spots in Sinai Read more: 12 Best Things To Do in Sharm El Sheikh Dahab This little bohemian town is smaller, quieter and less commercial than its Red Sea Riviera neighbor Sharm el Sheikh, but the diving is just as good. Home to world-renowned dive sites like the Blue Hole, Dahab pulls in its own fair share of tourists, but those who want to experience a more laid-back vacation. The main area of town is its seaside promenade, full of local and quirkily-named restaurants and shops. There are also hostels and budget hotels galore. You can also hike to and camp in nearby Ras Abu Galoum and Blue Lagoon. Similar to Sharm, Dahab is also a popular base for treks into the Sinai Mountains and St. Catherine’s Monastery. Things to do in Dahab in the fall: dive, snorkel, swim, try the seaside restaurants, bars and cafes on the promenade, visit Ras Abu Galoum, go mountain trekking or bouldering, visit neighboring spots in Sinai Siwa Oasis Located in the Western Desert but much closer to the Libyan border is Egypt's most famous (and most remote) oasis, Siwa. Thousands of Egyptians and foreigners alike visit each year to experience Siwa's unique history, heritage and culture (they even have their own language which is closer to Berber than Arabic). And culture aside, Siwa's natural charms alone are worth visiting, from the vibrant greenery at the edge of the Great Sand Sea to their crystal-clear salt lakes and wide expanses of olive and palm trees. Read: 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Siwa Oasis Read: 7 Best Places to Stay in Siwa Oasis For All Budgets Siwa to a large extent is untouched by modernity and all its tech-y trappings (Siwa was isolated from the rest of Egypt up until the 1980s when a road connecting it to Marsa Matrouh was built), so it's an ideal place to camp and get away from it all. Camping under the Milky Way in the Great Sand Sea is something that you won't be forgetting any time soon! Things to do in Siwa in the fall: visit Shali Fortress, Mountain of the Dead, Cleopatra's Bath, the Temple of the Oracle of Alexander the Great, swim in the hot springs and ride the sand dunes on a desert safari. Siwa is also known for its natural climatic therapy . Ras Shetan/Nuweiba Nestled between mountains and the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba is a strip of coastline called Ras Shetan, between the towns of Nuweiba and Taba on the Sinai peninsula. Both Nuweiba (a little beach town) and Ras Shetan are known for their get-away-from-it-all beach camps, usually run by local Bedouins. The camps are a mix of beach huts or bare-bone chalets, and you’re more than welcome to set up your own tents right on the beach. At night, there’s usually a large campfire where the Bedouins and guests from all over the world talk, play instruments and sing. Nuweiba and Ras Shetan are also a good place to stay if you want to explore the Colored Canyon and Wadi Wishwashi in the nearby Nuweiba mountains. Things to do in Ras Shetan and Nuweiba in the fall: camp on a beach, disconnect, swim, stargaze, enjoy a fire at night, read, play cards, visit Castle Zaman, explore the Nuweiba mountains Luxor If you're interested in Ancient Egypt, then Luxor is the first place to go once summer ends and the heat starts letting up. Modern Luxor stands where the Ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes once was, and is still home to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings and Queens, among dozens of other Ancient Egyptian sites. Read: 10 Best Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt - As Told By Locals Read: 7 Best Restaurants in Luxor, Egypt Things to do in Luxor in the fall: visit the incredible temples and tombs of Ancient Egyptian, take a Nile cruise down to Aswan Read: Choosing a Nile Cruise in Egypt - Your Ultimate Guide Aswan Aswan in southern Egypt is a unique mix of Ancient Egypt, rural village, urban city, Nubian heritage, river, desert and modern history. The ancient land of Nubia was directly to the south of Aswan, extending from modern-day southern Egypt into northern Sudan. Nubia became part of Egypt during the New Kingdom, and Nubian heritage and culture is extremely important in Aswan until today. The Nile looks just as clear, blue and wild as it probably did 3,000 years ago; Aswan is hands down where the Nile is at its most stunning in Egypt. Because Aswan isn’t super developed, don’t expect a vast array of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife - go there to sightsee at a relaxed pace and enjoy the Nile and warm fall weather. You can read more in our city guide to Aswan .   Things to do in Aswan in the fall : visit Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, explore the Nubian Village, take a Nile felucca Marsa Alam If you're looking for some fantastic diving or just a resort holiday that's more secluded than Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, then you should definitely visit Marsa Alam (about 4 hours south of Hurghada on a pristine stretch of Red Sea coast). The best time of the year to visit Marsa Alam is the fall (or spring), because it gets blistering hot in the summer and the water is just a tad cold in the winter (Europeans though love Marsa Alam during the winter due to its 365 days of sun, and it's warmer than Hurghada or Sharm). Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Marsa Alam Accommodation is across the board, from 5 star hotels to sparse beach camps. There’s very little in terms of restaurants and nightlife, so if you’re someone who likes to be on the beach early and call it a night early too, this might be for you. Things to do in Marsa Alam in the fall: dive, snorkel, swim, kitesurf El Gouna El Gouna’s a modern resort town spanning over 10 km of pristine Red Sea coast, with lagoons throughout, and their architecture is inspired by traditional Egyptian homes in the countryside and Upper Egypt. It’s a town equally as popular with Egyptians as it is with tourists. It was the first destination in the Middle East and Africa to receive the Global Green Award, which is given by the UN to cities making substantial efforts, progress and improvements in the field of environmental sustainability. While smaller than Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, El Gouna has a plethora of hotels, restaurants, bars and activities for both adults and families. Here’s our full, detailed local’s guide for El Gouna . Things to do in El Gouna in the fall: we break it down here - 25 Fun Things to Do in Hurghada and El Gouna Ras Sudr Ras Sudr (pronounced Ras Sedr) is a small stretch of coast on the Gulf of Suez inlet of the Red Sea, and only recently began to rise in popularity due to its ideal kitesurfing conditions and being only a few hours’ drive from Cairo.   It’s still pretty underdeveloped, but you’ll find a handful of beach hotels to stay at, the most notable being Matarma Bay , Fade Hotel  at the La Hacienda compound and Bayside . Most people spend their days at the various kite centers (like Soul in La Hacienda and Fly in Green Sudr Resort) which also double up as restaurants/beach bars.   Things to do in Ras Sudr in the fall:  kitesurf, swim, enjoy a Sinai beach without having to drive too far from Cairo Read: 7 Best Kitesurfing Spots in Egypt   You might also like: Where To Go In Egypt - 10 Best Egyptian Cities, Towns & Destinations

Every winter, almost overnight, most of Egypt goes from warm and breezy to downright freezing. While the temperatures don’t drop as much as Europe and North America, Egypt’s buildings have zero insulation (a godsend in the summer, a nightmare in winter) so the cold strikes right into the very core of us. Read: 7 Reasons Why Winter Is Actually One Of The Best Times To Go To Egypt So what’s a freezing person to do? Well, besides adding another layer of clothing to the seventeen layers we’re already wearing, we Egyptians like to warm ourselves both physically and emotionally with some good ol’ comfort food. And while one can never go amiss with pizza, today we’re listing our favorite local Egyptian winter classics and the best places to find them. 1. Lentil Soup Served with croutons (or any other type of crunchy bread) and with lemon on the side, Egyptian lentil soup is a staple on most menus year-round, but winter is when we really learn to appreciate this hearty and filling soup. Like most Egyptian classics, it’s best homemade but a few restaurants have managed to nail it. Best place for lentil soup: Abu El Sid 2. Roasted Sweet Potato Photo credit: eatstowest.net Now we’re not talking about just shoving a sweet potato or two in the oven at home, no. Walk the streets of any city in Egypt and sooner or later you’ll smell something distinctly sweet and smoky at the same time -- it’s the siren call of the resident batata (sweet potato) street cart. These vendors roast the sweet potatoes in their little portable wood-burning ovens until they’re so soft they practically fall out of their skins (the sweet potatoes, not the vendors). Best place for roasted sweet potato: like we said, your nearest neighborhood batata cart 3. Sahlab So technically sahlab is a comfort drink not a comfort food, but who are we to split hairs. It’s a hot milk-based drink with ground orchid roots to thicken it -- yes, ground orchid roots. Add some sugar, vanilla, shredded coconut and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nuts and voila; the winter drink of our childhood. Best place for sahlab: while sahlab can be found in every cafe and ahwa in the city, they sometimes use the instant sachets of sahlab which are just… no. If you want the real deal, you can buy the orchid roots at an attar (a common Egyptian shop that sells all kinds of herbs and spices) and make it at home. 4. Hommos El Sham Photo credit: drolacooks.blogspot.com Hommos El Sham (also known as halabessa ) is an interesting toss-up between comfort food and comfort drink. It’s essentially a spicy tomato drink with chickpeas, garlic and onion, served hot and with a side plate of cumin, chili and lemon for everyone to spice as they see fit. Best place for hommos el sham: if you want to go full local, try one of the hommos el sham carts that line the bridges and Nile Corniche in winter. Otherwise, your neighborhood ahwa should do the trick. 5. Belila Photo credit: drolacooks.blogspot.com An old-school Egyptian comfort food, belila is a type of wheat porridge that’s a popular winter breakfast (or late-night snack). The whole wheat grains are soaked in sweetened milk and then served with toasted nuts, raisins, honey or whatever topping strikes your fancy (clotted cream is another popular one). Best place for belila: homemade always wins when it comes to belila, but El Malky does a decent one. 6. Roz Meammar (Baked Rice) While roz meammar is another year-round dish, its carb-y and creamy goodness is particularly enjoyed in winter. It’s essentially white rice in a flavorful cream sauce that’s baked until the sauce thickens and browns on top. You can either have your roz meammar plain or with pieces of chicken or pigeon. Best place for rez meammar: Le Pacha’s Carlo’s (they have a Zamalek branch, Sheikh Zayed branch and New Cairo branch, but the Zamalek one is by far the best). 7. Colocasia/Kolkas/Ulass/Taro (قلقاس) Yes those are indeed a lot of names for Egyptian taro, known here as قلقاس. For those unfamiliar, Egyptian taro is a root vegetable pretty similar to a really tender potato. It’s usually served in cube form in a stew of some sort over rice, and because winter is when it’s in season, it’s associated with cold weather and hearty meals. Best place for Egyptian taro: at home for the most part, because every family has their own favorite way of preparing it. You can find it frozen in every main supermarket so you don’t need to go through the hassle of peeling and cutting it. You might also like: 12 Local Egyptian Foods You Need To Try

The year is coming to a close, and while some like to whoop it up in parties and holiday festivities, others want to usher in the new year with relative quiet and peace of mind -- something that's not easy to come by in Cairo! But luckily Egypt is full of gorgeous, quiet spots away from Cairo's cheerful chaos, and we've listed some of our favorite places to disconnect and start the new year on a tranquil note. Happy New Year! 1. Ras Abu Galum & The Blue Lagoon Ras Abu Galum is an Egyptian national protectorate on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Sinai Peninsula, about 15 km from Dahab . There’s a small Bedouin settlement on the beach at the edge of the national park, and you can either camp on the beach under the stars or stay in one of the primitive beach huts. There’s no electricity and limited running water, but the Bedouins provide fresh and local fare and water for extremely reasonable prices. The Blue Lagoon is an even more remote and beautiful beach camp spot , about another 8 km north of Ras Abu Galum. In both Ras Abu Galum and Blue Lagoon, daily activities range from diving, snorkeling, swimming, kitesurfing , hiking, sunbathing, reading or just relaxing by the beach. At night you can watch for shooting stars by the fire and revel in the fact that there’s no one else for miles around. How to get there: From the Blue Hole in Dahab, you can reach Ras Abu Galum by hiking by foot (it’s relatively flat terrain, but rocky), and really soak in your remote surroundings, with the sea on your right and the mountains on your left. If the hike is too much or you have too much diving gear, you can take a boat or ride a camel. Blue Lagoon is another hike/boat ride from Ras Abu Galum. Go to Ras Abu Galum and The Blue Lagoon if: The thought of sleeping and waking up on the beach already makes you feel less stressed You enjoy camping or primitive accommodations You like to dive or snorkel You love being away from it all Local tip: Blue Lagoon is one of our 9 world-class beaches in Egypt , check out the rest. 2. Fayoum Fayoum is actually an ancient city (read more about it at 7 Modern Egyptian Cities More Than 5,000 Years Old ) and is an interesting mix of desert, water, greenery, urban and rural life and modern and ancient life. Besides Tunis Village and the hotels/ecolodges there, Fayoum also has a lot of great camping spots, like on sand dunes right on the shore of Magic Lake (named for its changing water color according to time of day), or near Lake Qarun (Fayoum’s oasis, the biggest in Egypt) or close to the Wadi el Rayan waterfalls. Photo credit: Mohamed Hakem (@moh_hakem) When it comes to types of camping, you can either arrange with a tour company who will pick you up, drive you to Fayoum, set up camp for you and spearhead activities and tours in the area, or you can drive to Fayoum yourself and stay at one of the permanent campgrounds and they can provide a tour guide for any activities in the area you’re interested in. How to get there: it’s about a 2 hour drive from Cairo. You can drive yourself or have a tour agency arrange a ride for you. Go to Fayoum if: You want to travel somewhere relatively close to Cairo You want to camp You want to visit sites like Wadi el Hitan ( Whale Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site ), or Wadi el Rayan, home to Egypt's largest waterfalls (which to be fair aren't very big but still really cool to see) 3. The Western Desert Oases ‘The Oases’ is actually an umbrella 5-in-1 suggestion; each oasis is quite a ways from the next, so we’ll go through them quickly and you can figure out which oasis fits you the best. What they all do have in common though is the feeling of being at the edge of the Earth; the surrounding desert is just so all-encompassing that you’ll feel like you’re literally in the middle of nowhere (and you kind of will be). The natural springs at the oases vary between hot springs and cold springs, and are known for their natural therapy . At each of these oases, you can camp, stay at local lodgings or in some cases, stay in more upscale ecolodges. Al Tarfa Lodge in Dakhla Oasis. Siwa Oasis: the most famous of the big 5, Siwa is about 300 km Southwest of Marsa Matrouh, and 50 km from the Libyan border. In Siwa you can find the temple of the Oracle, from Alexander The Great’s time; the Mountain of the Dead and Cleopatra’s Bath, a famous natural spring. Read more: 10 Most Unforgettable Things to Do in Siwa Oasis Farafra Oasis: found approximately midway between Dakhla Oasis and Baharia Oasis, Farafra is known best for its proximity to the White Desert and its massive chalk rock formations . Baharia Oasis: close to the Black Desert, the Baharia Oasis is also home to the Valley of the Golden Mummies, a Greco-Roman necropolis. Also found in Baharia were dinosaur fossils; the Carcharodontosaurus and Bahariasaurus (hilarious name) date to around 95 million years ago. Dakhla Oasis: Around 350 km from the Nile, Dakhla is between Farafra and Kharga Oases. Dakhla is considered by some to be the most beautiful of the oases, due to an abundance of greenery and the cliffs surrounding it. Dakhla is also home to Al Qasr, a fortified Islamic town erected in the 12th century , believed to be built by the Ayyubid kings. Kharga Oasis: the most southern, and most modernized, of the big 5 Western Desert oases. It’s home to the Temple of Hibis (constructed around 2500 years ago) and El Bagawat, an ancient Christian cemetery that functioned from the 3rd to the 7th century AD. It’s one of the oldest and best preserved Christian cemeteries from the ancient world. Go to one of the Western Oases if: You love being in or around the desert You want to stargaze or see the Milky Way You don’t mind the desert cold at night You want to swim in natural springs 4. Ras Shetan This stretch of rugged coast between Taba and Nuweiba in the Sinai Peninsula is known for its simple, no-frills beach camps right on the water. The camps, mainly run by Bedouins, vary from simple rooms to beach huts to camping tents right on the shore. Most of the camps offer a variety of different dishes for meals, and you pay your tab before you leave -- Ras Shetan is not a place where you have to worry about things like carrying around money or phones. In these quiet, sunny camps time seems to slow down -- there’s not much to do besides sunbathe, relax, swim (the water is pretty cold in the winter but some people can handle it) and recharge from reality. Electricity is only available for a few hours, and there are communal bathrooms. At night, most of the camp residents gather around a bonfire and sing and exchange stories with each other and their Bedouin hosts. How to get there: driving or bus. Or you can fly into Sharm El Sheikh airport and finesse a ride from there. Go to Ras Shetan if: You like a bohemian, communal vibe without actually having to deal with people if you don’t want to You want to be near the beach You want to have long stretches of time to relax and have nothing to do You don’t mind long car rides 5. Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam One of the most stunning stretches of beach in Marsa Alam. You get the choice of staying at the diving lodge (wooden bungalows with private bathrooms), camping in a tent, staying in a 5 star hotel like the Hilton Nubian, or staying in nearby camps and desert hotels and buying a day pass to access the beach, pool, diving center, snorkel rental gear, umbrellas, sun loungers, showers and beach bars and restaurants. So it's safe to say there's something for everyone. Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Marsa Alam Around New Year’s, the temperatures during the day are in the mid-20s celsius, so it’s pleasant beach weather without being too hot. Some might find it too cold for swimming, but you'll be fine diving or snorkeling in a wetsuit. Abu Dabbab Bay is a diver and snorkeler’s paradise -- it’s where you’re most likely to see giant sea turtles, and is home to two dugongs! Dugongs are also known as sea cows, close cousins of manatees, and Abu Dabbab’s two semi-permanent resident dugongs are called Dennis and Dougal. How to get there: you can either fly into Marsa Alam airport or drive/take a bus (it’s an 8-10 hour drive from Cairo though!) Go to Abu Dabbab Bay if: You want sunny beach destination without having to worry about it being full with people You want to learn to dive or already know how You want to hopefully spot a sea turtle or dugong (you don’t have to dive for this!) You want comfortable accommodations 6. Luxor & Aswan If you haven't been to Luxor and/or Aswan yet, what are you waiting for? Winter is the best time to visit Egypt's southern cities because that's when you can explore in the comfort of a nice warm breeze instead of a scorching sun. As for where to stay, there’s a lot of different accommodation options in Luxor and Aswan, ranging from Airbnbs to historic hotels to Nubian ecolodges. Although Luxor and Aswan are two completely different cities with very different sights to see, what they both have in common is a sense of stillness and peace -- the pace there is much more laid-back and you just feel like there’s more room to breathe. You can find a list of the best things to see and do in Aswan here . How to get there: you can either fly into Luxor or Aswan and take a cruise from either city (if you feel comfortable with the idea of a cruise), or you can take the overnight train from Cairo. Read more: Choosing a Nile Cruise in Egypt - Your Ultimate Guide Go to Luxor & Aswan if: You enjoy learning about Ancient Egypt and actively exploring the temples and monuments You want to go on a Nile cruise You have an interest in Nubian and Upper Egyptian traditions and culture You want to be somewhere warm You might also like: Where to Go in Egypt: 10 Best Egyptian Destinations & Cities

El Ku5 Restaurant in Downtown Cairo (info below) Downtown Cairo (known by locals as wust el balad ), might be full of history, hostels, stores, congestion, interesting stories and iconic baladi dive bars, but one thing it’s not particularly known for is its restaurants. Sure, it has all the standard fast food chains, but most people don’t head into Downtown in search of a good restaurant – other neighborhoods such as Zamalek , Maadi , Heliopolis , Sheikh Zayed and New Cairo are much more established when it comes to dining destinations. That doesn’t mean however that Downtown Cairo is a lost culinary cause! Au contraire. There are tons of little hole-in-the-walls and food carts serving all kinds of good and authentic street food. But this article is focusing more on the best sit-down-and-eat spots in Downtown Cairo, and these restaurants are as eclectic as the neighborhood itself. So let's get started with some of the best restaurants in Downtown Cairo: Felfela One of the most iconic Egyptian cuisine restaurants in Downtown Cairo since 1959, Felfela was known for years as a place to get fuul, taameya and other Egyptian classics while having a beer. It became a regular lunch spot with families on weekends and opened several other branches throughout the city. It’s now a popular spot for tourists and nostalgic locals, and this dimly-lit and eclectically-decorated restaurant provides a window into the past through stories enthusiastically told by the waiters. Koshary Abou Tarek Every Egyptian local has their favorite local koshary joint, but Abou Tarek is widely agreed on being one of the best - if not THE best. Watching the lightning-fast assembly line of layering your plastic carton with koshary is an experience in and of itself! It’s obviously not an ambient or romantic restaurant choice (all the fluorescent lighting will do that to you), but if cheap, filling and fast is what you’re after, then Abou Tarek is your guy. Read more: 7 Best Places To Try Egyptian Street Food in Cairo Eish & Malh Although the name is Arabic (translating to bread & salt), Eish & Malh is an Italian restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner – everything from baked eggs & waffles to homemade pasta and thin-crust pizza. Nab a table next to their French windows that open up onto an eclectic Downtown street and people-watch the day away. Oldish Looking to sit somewhere outdoors but still protected from Downtown’s chaotic streets? Oldish is a very cute restaurant with a beautiful brick courtyard (as well as indoor seating), and is especially nice in the morning when it’s sunny – and they’re open early from 8 am. They’re known for their Egyptian cuisine but also have international classics on their menu such as your standard pizza and pasta options. Read more: 30 Best Breakfast Spots in Cairo Fasahet Somaya This place has been a local hidden gem for over ten years now. It’s a little restaurant run by an Egyptian woman named Somaya, who serves up some of the best homemade Egyptian food you can have in Cairo (unless you’re eating at someone’s grandmother’s house). The twist about Fasahet Somaya though is that it’s only open from 5 pm - 7 pm, it’s first come first serve and there’s no menu. Every day Somaya decides what dishes she’ll make, and that’s what will be served (she posts the daily menu on her FB page in Arabic). Closed on Saturdays. CaiRoma This is the place to head to in Downtown if you’re looking for ambience and Insta vibes. As the name suggests, CaiRoma attempts to recreate the little outdoor restaurants of Rome in an alley of Downtown Cairo, and they succeed aesthetically. Their menu is made up of a wide selection of pastas, pizza, risotto and gnocchi, and while in our humble opinion the food is not totally comparable to Rome’s, the overall experience makes up for it. They’re open daily from 3 pm to midnight. El Ku5 (pronounced El Kukh) If CaiRoma is all about Italian aesthetics, then El Ku5 is a million percent about the vintage, nostalgic, kitschy Egyptian aesthetic. Every spot in this beautifully decorated restaurant is a mini homage to Egyptian folklore and tradition across the country, as well as Egyptian pop culture of yesteryear. They have various seating areas, and even a gorgeous balcony overlooking Downtown Cairo's la belle epoque architecture. Every detail is given an immense amount of thought and meaning, including the music. Their menu is immense, with all the Egyptian favorites you would expect as well as a good amount of international dishes. They also serve breakfast, and morning is the best time to visit El Ku5, with the sun streaming in from the balcony and open windows (they open at 10:30 am). A word to the wise though: this place is almost always full! Om Dahab (or Mama Dahab) If you love little hole-in-the-wall spots that only locals know about, then make sure to try Om Dahab (also known as Mama Dahab), a little food cart with a makeshift kitchen in an almost hidden passageway. The spot itself is shabby and consists of a few plastic tables and chairs in the alleyway, but what makes this place so popular is Dahab, the heart, brain (and cook!) of the whole operation. Dahab herself cooks each sandwich and plate, from 2 pm to 10:30 pm every day except for Friday. Her dishes are all simple, tasty, cheap, and prepared with love. She makes kofta, fried chicken and liver sandwiches, as well as larger plates: molokheya, stuffed vegetables, macaroni with liver, and grilled chicken. Pomodoro This unassuming, no-frills restaurant specializes in a dish that is quite random for Downtown Cairo, or almost anywhere really, and that’s… seafood pasta. Yup, if you’re a fan of tomato sauce pasta topped with your choice of seafood, then this is the place for you. If you’re NOT a fan, then this is… not the place for you, because there’s not much else on the menu lol. How it works is first you choose between three variations: 1) seafood pasta (crab, shrimp, clams, calamari), 2) shrimp pasta, or 3) lobster pasta. They all are served with the same base of tomato sauce linguini. You then choose the size of your plate (regular, medium, large, extra large) and any extra seafood additions you’d like to add. Et voila, that’s it! Local tip: this place gets super crowded; there’s usually a line and even if you have a reservation you’re not guaranteed to be seated on time. But that’s all a testament to how good their seafood pasta is! 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While Egypt is well-known for being the land of the pharaohs and pyramids , not many people (including locals) realize just how old some of Egypt’s fully-modern cities are. So the next time you’re in one of these places listed below, try to ignore the cars zipping past and the blaring TVs for a moment, and soak in the fact that you’re standing in the same Ancient Egyptian city that stood on that very same spot more than 5,000 years ago. 1. Fayoum (7,000+ years old) Ancient Egyptian name: Shedet Greek name: Crocodilopolis While the ancient Egyptian city of Shedet (modern-day Fayoum) is around 6,000 years old, archaeologists have found evidence of hunter and gatherer societies based in Fayoum from the Epipalaeolithic age. Shedet was called Crocodilopolis by the Greeks due to it being the main cult center of the crocodile god Sobek. Modern-day Fayoum is also home to a few lesser-known pyramids than those found at the Giza plateau . 2. El Qoseir (~5,000 years old) Greek name: Leucus Limen The small modern Red Sea city of El Qoseir has been populated for about 5,000 years, and the ancient Greeks called it “Leucus Limen”, which translates to ‘white port’ or ‘white harbor’. El Qoseir was used as a starting point for many ancient expeditions into foreign lands, the most famous one being Hatshepsut’s expedition to Punt (believed to be modern-day Ethiopia) in 1493 AD to buy ebony, ivory, exotic animals and frankincense and myrrh. This expedition was recorded in her mortuary temple at Deir el Bahari , that still stands in modern-day Luxor. 3. Rashid/Rosetta (~5,000 years old) Ancient Egyptian name: Khito Greek name: Bolbitine This modern-day Mediterranean port city is known for being where the world-famous Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799, allowing Egyptologists to decipher the then-impenetrable hieroglyphics for the first time. Rashid/Rosetta was inhabited throughout all of Ancient Egyptian history, and named ‘Khito’, which meant ‘populace’, during Menas’ (Mena in Arabic) rule. During Ptolemaic times, Khito was renamed to Bolbitine, which was one of the seven mouths of the Nile according to Herodotus. 4. Ain Shams (~5,000 - 6,000 years old) Ancient Egyptian name: Iunu Greek name: Heliopolis While technically Ain Shams is now part of modern-day Cairo, the original city Iunu is one of Ancient Egypt’s oldest cities, occupied since the Predynastic times (Menas or Mena is considered the first pharaoh and marks the beginning of the Early Dynastic Period around 5,000 years ago). Iunu/Heliopolis was known to be a cult center for the sun god Atum, who was then identified as Ra and then Horus. It also became famous for being a learning center during the Greek times, before it was eclipsed by Alexandria around 2,000 years ago. The name Heliopolis lives on as Cairo’s eastern suburb , near the original city of Ain Shams/Iunu. 5. Elephantine in Aswan (more than 5,000 years old) Ancient Egyptian name: Abu Greek name: Elephantine This island in modern-day Aswan used to be the Ancient Egyptian city of Abu, which translated to ‘elephant’. The first temple built on the island was around 3,200 BC (around 5,200 years ago), and it was a temple for Satet, a goddess personified as the Nile inundation. Elephantine was also known in the Ancient Egyptian religion as being the home of Khnum, the ram god who watched over and controlled the Nile waters. Around 3,500 years ago Elephantine became a fort that marked the southern border of Egypt. Read: 12 Most Interesting Things To See & Do in Aswan, Egypt 6. Luxor (~ 5,200 years old) Ancient Egyptian name: Waset Greek name: Thebes Probably the most famous ancient city in the world, Luxor’s Ancient Egyptian name, Waset, meant ‘city of the scepter of the pharaohs’. Waset was first inhabited around 3,200 BC and was a small trading post while the Ancient Egyptian capital and royal residence at the time was Memphis. Its proximity to Nubia and the Eastern desert made Waset/Thebes a growingly-important trading center, and became the official capital of Ancient Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms. Waset/Thebes was built on both banks of the Nile, and until this day is known for its necropolises . Read: 10 Best Things To Do in Luxor, Egypt - As Told By Locals 7. Assyut (more than ~5,100 years old) Ancient Egyptian name: Zawty Greek name: Lykopolis Ancient Assyut was the capital of the 13th Nome of Upper Egypt (a nome was a territorial division in Ancient Egypt) around 5,100 years ago. Its importance declined after a conflict with the more southern nomes, ending with Thebes as the victor. While there are no awe-inspiring ruins left in Assyut like there are in Luxor, there remains a necropolis with tombs and their accompanying treasures, and mummies of wolves were also found. You might also like: 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing Today

New millennial and Gen Z dessert shops seem to be opening and competing with each other on a daily basis these days in Egypt. And while there’s something to be said for newfangled desserts like red velvet konafa and all the other 'out-of-the-box' desserts we see pop up regularly, that doesn’t mean we should let the old Egyptian patisseries of yonder years take the backseat. It turns out we have a bunch of old-school dessert shops that not only have stood the test of time in Egypt, but come with fascinating stories and history. While some might now be run down and a shadow of their former selves (while some others are booming), it’s important to support these sugar-laden relics of our history, food and culture. For 21 classic Cairo restaurants from the 90s that are still open until now, head here . 1. Groppi Founded: 1891 in Cairo The oldest and probably most famous on this list, Maison Groppi opened in 1891 in Downtown Cairo by Swiss native Giacomo Groppi. It quickly became the most celebrated tearoom in the Middle East, to the extent that they would give Groppi chocolate as gifts to foreign royalty and other VIPs. The modern Groppi (still on Talaat Harb Square) has been closed and undergoing renovation for the past few years now. 2. Simonds Founded: 1898 in Cairo This classic oriental-meets-western bakery and cafe has been open for more than 100 years, and is still active in several different branches in Zamalek, Downtown and Dokki. 3. Trianon Founded: 1905 in Alexandria Trianon was originally a Greek-owned patisserie and chocolatier next to Raml Station in Alexandria, known back in the day for its fantastic desserts and Italian-painted interiors. 4. Tseppas Founded: 1912 in Cairo Another beloved Downtown Cairo patisserie back at the turn of the 20th century, Tseppas now has over 10 branches. 5. El Malky Founded: 1917 in Cairo Known for its dairy desserts and especially rice pudding, the very first El Malky opened over 100 years ago in the El Hussein area in Old Cairo. 6. Délices Founded: 1922 in Alexandria This Alexandrian patisserie and bakery is still owned by the same original Greek family who opened it. Besides the desserts and baked goods, Délices is now also home to a bistro and adjacent restaurant. 7. Mandarine Koueider Founded: 1928 in Cairo The Koueider family moved to Egypt from Damascus, Syria in 1926, and two years later opened their very first shop dedicated to oriental desserts. 8. Fluckiger Founded: 1930 in Alexandria Opened by a Swiss pastry chef almost 100 years ago, Fluckiger used to be especially known for their ‘clo-clo’ cone-shaped ice cream back in the day, which would have people lining up in front of the patisserie for hours. They now have almost 20 branches spread out over Alexandria and the North Coast. 9. Gianola Founded: 1939 in Port Said Gianola is Port Said's oldest patisserie and bakery, dating back 80+ years to when the original owner, Swiss native Francois Gianola, opened his European pastry shop. Gianola remains until now a popular restaurant and patisserie in Port Said. 10. A L’Americaine Founded: 1943 in Cairo An offshoot of Maison Groppi, A L’Americaine was a coffee and pastry shop created by the same owners, but for people couldn’t quite afford Groppi at the time. Two of the branches still exist Downtown until today. 11. ElDomiaty Founded: 1950 in Damietta In the little Mediterranean city of Damietta (El Domyat), the El Husseiny family opened their first first pastry house. Over the decades, the number of ElDomiaty Patisseries grew and spread to Cairo, with their traditional recipes being passed down from generation to generation. 12. Patisserie Alexandra Hamos Founded: 1957 in Alexandria Alexandra Hamos was the wife of the Greek owner of the famous Alexandrian patisserie. It first opened in the Ramleh area, which had been the center of the Greek community in Alexandria, before opening other branches around Alex. 13. Saber Founded: 1960 in Alexandria What started as a food truck for rice pudding, belila, meshmesheya and ashoora back in 1960 soon turned into several small shops in Alexandria. They also claim to be the first dessert shop to offer ice cream during the winter in Alex. 14. Manna Founded: 1969 in Alexandria Manna is the nickname of the beloved woman who founded this patisserie 50 years ago, Amina El Deeb, and is still owned and run by her children and grandchildren until now. This dessert shop was once the favorite of the Alexandrian elite, and served Egyptian icons like Abdel Halim Hafez and Mohamed Abdel Wahab. You might also like: 11 Historical Hotels in Egypt that You Can Still Stay At Today

If we’re going to be honest, Luxor as a city needs no introduction. Formerly the Ancient Egyptian capital Thebes, modern-day Luxor is now one of the oldest (if not THE oldest) inhabited cities in the world. Home to a lion’s share of still-standing Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs, you haven’t really gotten a taste of Ancient Egypt until you’ve visited Luxor. Read : 7 Modern Egyptian Cities More Than 5,000 Years Old A lot of people when visiting Luxor tend to do and see things the traditional way - via tour groups and cruise guides, with set agendas where you don’t really have to think or decide on what you want to see. And while that’s one way of doing it, some people like to explore and follow their own personal, flexible itineraries. So if you’re someone who’s visiting Luxor and want to discover this ancient city on your own, here are ten things you should most definitely see and do while there. Local tip: Because we pride ourselves on our honesty, we want to prepare you for a lot of annoying money-demanding by different personnel at the tourist hotspots. They’ll offer to take your picture, give you special access, or other little ‘favors’ and then demand a tip afterwards. The best way to handle it is just to give a firm but polite ‘no, thank you’ to anyone who offers you anything, no matter how small. Local tip #2: Cash is king around here, so make sure you have Egyptian pounds on you throughout – most sites don’t accept credit cards or cash in other currencies. Local tip #3: It almost goes without saying that Luxor during any time of year besides winter is hoooooot, so make sure you take that into consideration – because almost everything there you’ll be doing is outside. So grab a hat and some sunscreen and happy exploring! 1. Karnak Temple The temple complex of Karnak is the largest religious building ever built, and was constructed over a span of 2,000 years (it’s around 4,000 years old in total!). Construction started in the Old Kingdom and was continuously added to until the Ptolemaic era, with approximately 30 different pharaohs contributing. It’s the second most visited site in Egypt after the Pyramids of Giza . Keep in mind that Karnak is massive. Some people enjoy having a guide there to explain backstories, but others prefer to explore at their own pace - there’s no way a guide could explain everything in Karnak in a few hours. The temple complex is also home to the Open Air Karnak Museum (for more important museums in Egypt, head here .) If you’re heading to the Luxor Temple (below) after Karnak, make sure to walk down the Avenue of the Sphinxes which has connected the two temples for thousands of years. This 3 km pedestrian path is newly opened to the public, and some of the 1350 original human-headed sphinxes still line the avenue until today. Local tip: Karnak closes at sunset, but they’re open super early. Worth considering if you’re visiting during one of the hotter months. At night they have a Sound & Light Show there, and it looks beautiful lit up, but if you want our honest opinion, we’re not huge fans of our local Sound & Light Shows. They’re kind of stuck in the ‘80s and just a tad bit cringe :D 2. Valley of the Kings Where did they bury pharaohs after they stopped burying them in pyramids? That would be in the famous Valley of the Kings. For a period of 500 years in the New Kingdom (1550 BC - 1069 BC), pharaohs were buried in rock-cut tombs in the Theban Hills, hidden from plain view. 62 tombs have been excavated to present day, with King Tut’s tomb being the most famous (but ironically, not the most impressive). Local tip: not all the tombs are open to the public, and some are on rotation. The general ticket allows you into three tombs, but you don’t get to choose which ones. You can also buy an extra ticket for the “special tombs”. By far the most impressive is Seti I’s tomb, but it’s also by far the most expensive. King Tut might be the most famous in name, but his tomb is slightly underwhelming in our humble opinion. Local tip #2: Guides aren’t allowed with you into the tombs, so try to read up a little before you visit to make it even more fascinating. 3. Luxor Temple Constructed around 1400 BC (more than 3,400 years ago), Luxor Temple differs from most other ancient Egyptian temples due to the fact that it wasn’t built for worship of a particular god or pharaoh. It was mainly used as a place where pharaohs were coronated and crowned, sometimes even conceptually (for example, Alexander the Great claimed he was crowned there but no evidence suggests he was ever there). During medieval times, the Muslim community built on the Luxor Temple site, and until now a functional mosque remains part of the temple complex (you can read more about Egypt’s most beautiful mosques here ). Local tip: Luxor Temple is open until 10 pm, so a great time to go is before sunset so you can see everything clearly, and then experience the temple all lit up at night when it gets dark. Keep in mind however that this shrewd tip is not a secret one, and sunset and nighttime is sometimes when the temple is at its most crowded. Hey, you win some, you lose some. 4. Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri Known primarily for the mortuary temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut of the New Kingdom, Deir el Bahri was originally chosen as the location for the mortuary temple of the pharaoh who founded the Middle Kingdom, Mentuhotep II. Hatshepsut’s temple though is the star of the show, even after a lot of it was defaced by her salty stepson in an attempt to erase her from history. He obviously, you know, failed. The massive terraced monument is surrounded by a steep cliff, and it was in this cliff that archaeologists found a cache of royal mummies, moved in antiquity from the Valley of the Kings. Many of these recovered mummies are now at rest in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo , where you can go see them in the Royal Mummy Gallery. Local tip: there’s a little electric tram at the entrance that will take you up to the temple if you don’t feel like walking in the sun - once at the temple itself, there’s not much shade. 5. Hot Air Balloon over Luxor Talk about a bucket list item! Riding a hot air balloon anywhere in the world is exciting in and of itself, but riding one in Luxor is even more spectacular for the following reasons: a) you’ll see the temples, monuments and of course the Nile from above - talk about a bird’s eye view of Ancient Egypt! And b) riding a hot air balloon in Luxor is significantly cheaper than elsewhere, with prices as low as around $50! A quick Google search will pull up dozens of hot air balloon trip providers in Luxor and you can see which ones you like the best in terms of reviews and prices. Honestly though, the trips are pretty much the same no matter which provider you go with - you’ll be picked up from your accommodation very early in the morning when it’s still dark out; hot air balloons depart right before sunrise, so you see the sun coming up over the ancient city. Each trip is about 45 minutes to an hour and a half, averaging an hour, depending on weather conditions. If the weather is not cleared for flight, then your trip will be refunded. Pretty straightforward! 6. Valley of the Queens Nearby to the Valley of the Kings is the Valley of the Queens, where the wives of the pharaohs were buried during the same period. The main valley has 91 tombs discovered to date, and they’re generally smaller than the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Honestly, if you’ve already been to the Valley of the Kings (as you should), then the main reason to visit Valley of the Queens is to see the tomb of Nefertari, the Great Royal Wife of Ramses II. Her tomb is debated to be the most spectacular not only in Valley of the Queens, but Valley of the Kings as well! Unfortunately whoever sets the ticket prices agrees with us that Nefertari’s tomb is the most superior, hence the high ticket price (on top of the standard Valley of the Queens entrance ticket, which allows you access to three other tombs). Another small annoyance is that you only get to spend 10 minutes in this tomb, so try to make the most of it. Local tip: the ticket office only accepts cash and in Egyptian pounds, and there’s no ATM nearby. So if you’re planning to visit Nefertari’s tomb, make sure you have enough on you! 7. Medinet Habu While the Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu doesn’t get as much airtime as Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, it’s most definitely worth seeing. While smaller, this temple has some of the most vividly colored art and deeply-engraved hieroglyphics of all the temples - and another upside, it’s usually much less crowded than the more famous temples! Ramses III is widely considered the last truly powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom, and his mortuary temple dominates the archaeological site of Medinet Habu. The temple is especially known for the depictions of Ramses III defeating the ‘Sea Peoples’, invaders of Ancient Egypt whose origins are unknown. Local tip: because of the doable size of the temple and all the interesting painting and hieroglyphics, this is a good temple to have a guide with you to explain the backstories. Like most sites in Luxor, you’ll find several guides there offering their services for an agreed-upon fee. 8. Deir el Medina (Valley of the Artisans) This lesser-known (and thus less crowded!) necropolis is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, but you’d be doing yourself a huge disservice by not visiting Deir el Medina while in Luxor. Also known as the Valley of the Artisans, it’s home to the tombs of the artists, builders and craftsmen who worked on the tombs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. It’s a good look into the daily lives of regular Egyptians who lived thousands of years ago – they weren’t all pharaohs after all! Some of the tombs in Deir el Medina (like Sennedjem and Pashedu) are some of the most best-preserved and colorful tombs in all of Luxor. 9. Felucca on the Nile The Nile is just as important a part of Ancient Thebes (and modern Luxor) as any temple or tomb – it was their lifeline thousands of years ago, and remains Egypt’s lifeline now. And not to get too existential on you, but there probably wouldn’t even be an Ancient Egyptian civilization if not for the Nile, so hop aboard a felucca (small Nile sailboat) and sail the same calm waters that countless others sailed down for millennia. A felucca ride is always pleasant, whether in Cairo, Luxor or Aswan, and all distinctly different in regards to what you’ll see, but all a great way to experience the city you’re in away from the crowds and chaos. 10. Luxor Museum Had enough sun, sand and massive temples where you’re not quite sure what you’re looking at? Well, take a break and head for the Luxor Museum, which will be sure to delight due to both its a) clear signage and explanations of the displays, and b) air conditioning! While the museum isn’t as structurally big nor has as extensive a collection as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo (aka the Cairo Museum), the pieces on display in the Luxor Museum are of great quality. Plus the museum is open until 10 pm every night, so it’s something to do in the quiet Luxor evenings to make the most of your limited time. Local tip: to be fair though, if you’ve been to both the Cairo Museum and the National Museum of Civilization (also in Cairo) where the Royal Mummies are, then you can probably skip the Luxor Museum. Unless you just want to be where that AC is :D You may also like: 7 Best Restaurants in Luxor, Egypt

A common local complaint is that Alexandria falls significantly short in comparison to Cairo when it comes to bars, pubs, clubs and other watering holes. And while this is true to a certain extent, Alex *does* in fact have more than a dozen spots where you can kick back with a drink. Are they all worth going to? Well… we’ll let you decide for yourself. Note: we didn’t include restaurants that served alcohol (Greek Club, Chez Gaby, Santa Lucia, Zephyrion, etc) because they’re more restaurant than a night spot. So here are the main players in Alexandria’s nightlife, in no particular order: 1. Spitfire Dating all the way back to 1883, Spitfire is Alexandria’s oldest bar with decades of paraphernalia on the walls (but have moved from their original spot to the Corniche). 2. Cap D’Or (Sheikh Ali) Another vintage Alexandrian bar, the Cap D’Or (also known as Sheikh Ali) opened circa 1900 and is still owned by the same family. 3. Jeeda's Touted as Alexandria's first ever tapas bar, Jeeda's is where you should head if you want to have a drink in a beautiful indoor/outdoor space with handcrafted cocktails. 4. Eros Eros is a restobar on the second floor of the Alexandria Syrian Club (the club itself was founded back in 1967!). Rooftop Hidden atop a nondescript commercial/residential building on Alexandria's Corniche is a bar/cafe called, aptly, Rooftop or Alex Rooftop, with gorgeous sea views. They serve both beer as well as coffee and other non-bar drinks. 6. The Pint Located in the Eatabe Alexandria Corniche Hotel, this steakhouse & bar is adjacent to a lounge that serves shisha. 7. Cigar Bar A bar true to its name in the Hilton Alexandria Corniche , the Cigar Bar has beautiful sea views as well as an extensive array of cigars. The Hilton Alexandria Corniche also has NEO Lounge if you're looking for some music after the Cigar Bar. They host weekly themed nights like House Night, Latin Night, Oriental Night, etc. 8. Sky Roof On the rooftop of the Windsor Palace Hotel , this very purple bar and lounge serves up blasting music (albeit with great sea views). 9. Calithea Styled after a Greek tavern, Calithea has been open since 1937. While they serve food, most people opt to drink a beer or wine there instead. 10. Monty Bar The vintage bar at the famous Cecil hotel (now Steigenberger). It was named after Field Marshal Montgomery who visited the bar during World War II. Hooligans Indoor and outdoor seating at this sports bar (and DJ venue at night) at the Sunrise Alex Avenue Hotel, near Stanley Beach. 12. The Kraken A Viking-themed bar and restaurant in the Africana Hotel in King Mariout, on the outskirts of Alexandria, complete with a pool table and bar games. 13. Le Bar A beautiful lounge and bar at the Four Seasons San Stefano which will make you nostalgic for Alexandria’s belle epoque -- with Four Seasons prices, of course. 14. Nyx Bar & Lounge On the second floor of Elite, a Greek restaurant in Mehatet el Raml, you'll find Nyx Bar and Lounge, where they have DJs, karaoke nights and happy hours. Il Punto A restaurant and pub in the Downtown area of Alexandria. It’s small, so reservations are needed. You might also like: 7 Must-Try Restaurants in Alexandria

Egypt, understandably, has its fair share of museums; 7,000+ years of civilization will do that to you. Cairo alone has over a dozen really interesting museums covering different aspects of Egyptian history, civilization and culture, so imagine how many the country as a whole has. That being said, not all museums were created equal, and while they’re all most definitely worth a visit, some are crucial to truly understanding Egypt beyond just the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Egyptian history is vast: you have prehistoric, Ancient Egypt, Greco-Roman (and the introduction of Christianity), medieval (and the introduction of Islam), Ottoman Egypt, the French occupation, the Muhammad Ali dynasty and Khedivate, the British occupation, the Sultanate of Egypt followed by the monarchy, the revolution in 1952 and its following republic and the revolution on January 25th, 2011. Whew! Obviously visiting a few museums won’t be making you an Egyptian scholar but it’s a good place to start to try to wrap your head around Egypt’s mind-boggling history. 1. Grand Egyptian Museum Location:  Giza, next to the Great Pyramids Type of museum:  Ancient Egyptian history The largest archaeological museum in the world, and truly impressive both in architecture as well as exhibitions. It’ll be the permanent home for over 100,000 Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the complete King Tut treasure collection, for the first time ever. It's truly spectacular in both its sheer size as well as overall experience. You can currently see the Grand Hall, the massive 6 storey Grand Staircase with 60+ statues, the stunning 12 main galleries, the commercial area and outside gardens, but the long-awaited King Tut Galleries are still closed to the public. 2. Egyptian Museum Cairo Location: Cairo Type of museum: Ancient Egyptian antiquities Before the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum opened its doors, the Egyptian Museum at Midan Tahrir in Downtown Cairo was the best one-stop-shop for becoming acquainted with different aspects of Ancient Egyptian history. It's still home to over 170,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts! Local tip: it’s worth going with a guide (there are also relatively knowledgeable touts there who will offer to work as a guide for a negotiable fee), because many of the exhibits don’t have descriptions. 3. Alexandria National Museum Location: Alexandria Type of museum: Alexandrian history Alexandria, the ancient Mediterranean city and capital of Ptolemaic Egypt, is of paramount importance in Egyptian history. If you’re fuzzy about the story of Alexandria, its National Museum will help sort you out. The museum itself from an architectural standpoint isn’t that impressive, but don’t judge a book by its cover -- its contents definitely make up for what its facade lacks. Its exhibits are divided chronologically into eras to help you flesh things out a bit: pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Christian, Islamic and modern. There’s also a section for underwater monuments (some monuments still exist till present day in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Alexandria!). Read: Sightseeing in Alexandria - 15 Best Things To See And Do 4. National Museum of Egyptian Civilization Type of museum: historical Location: Fustat, Old Cairo This large museum hosts over 50,000 artefacts from all eras of Egyptian civilization, from prehistoric times, through the pharaonic era up until now - and good news, because it's been recently renovated, all displays have clearly stated information, so no guide needed! The museum is divided into two sections: chronological and thematic. The chronological runs through Archaic, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Medieval, Islamic, modern and contemporary Egyptian eras, and the thematic covers Dawn of Civilization, The Nile, Writing, State and Society, Material Culture, Beliefs and Thinking and the Gallery of Royal Mummies. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is also touted as the first museum of civilization in the Arab world. The gallery of the Royal Mummies is definitely one of the highlights of this museum - in this quiet, tomb-like space, you can see 20 royal mummies that are thousands of years old, including some of the most famous pharaohs of all time like Ramses II. For more info, here's their website . 5. Museum of Islamic Art Location: Cairo Type of museum: Islamic heritage This art museum holds over 100,000 pieces of Islamic heritage from not only Egypt but also Arab and non-Arab countries alike, and is important in understanding Egypt’s Islamic history. Many of the pieces were gathered from the first Islamic capitals of Egypt (Fustat and Askar), prior to the rise of Cairo. Pieces were also selected from the Delta, Fayoum, Luxor and Aswan . Other collections of note: their wooden collection, which has some of the most beautiful and intricate woodwork from the days of early Islam, as well as beautiful ceramics and lamps. 6. Coptic Museum Location: Cairo Type of museum: Coptic Christian heritage Known as the best place to learn about Coptic history in Egypt, this museum hosts over 1,600 pieces, dating back to the early days of Coptic Christianity in the 3rd and 4th century AD. This museum is known for its bibles written in the 11th and 13th centuries in both Arabic and the Coptic language on deerskin, as well as Christian writings on papyrus dating back to the 6th century.Other collections of note: its icon display, as well as pottery, glass, metal, wooden and textile collections. Local tip: the museum is located in an area of Old Cairo called Coptic Cairo, walking distance from some very worth-seeing churches such as the Hanging Church and Mar Girgis church. Read: Coptic Cairo - A Detailed Local's Guide 7. Nubian Museum Location: Aswan Type of museum: Nubian heritage Nubians hail from southern Egypt and northern Sudan, and their history is as old as Ancient Egypt’s. The preservation of Nubian culture is extremely important, because the heartland of Nubia was destroyed due to the flooding of the Nile. The museum tells the story of Nubia from its start as a prehistoric Nile Valley civilization, through the pharaonic era and introduction of Christianity and Islam to Egypt, up to the building of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. Read more: Aswan, Egypt: A Local's City Guide 8. Bibliotheca Alexandrina Museums: Sadat Museum, Manuscripts Museum, Antiquities Museum and History of Science Museum Location: Alexandria Type of museum: varied The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the new Library of Alexandria, built in 2002 as a nod to the ancient library and its spirit of knowledge and learning. The original was an ancient wonder of the world, but was sadly destroyed in the Roman conquest of Alexandria around 2,000 years ago. The library is home to four different and important museums: the Sadat Museum , dedicated to the former Egyptian president and also a look at modern Egyptian history; the Manuscripts Museum , which focuses on the conservation and restoration of ancient Egyptian manuscripts; the Antiquities Museum , with special focus given to Alexandrian and Hellenistic collections; and the History of Science Museum , which highlights the historical aspect of science in Egypt during three major periods: ancient Egypt, Hellenistic Alexandria, and the Arab-Muslim World. You might also like: 7 Beautiful Palaces You Can Still Visit in Cairo Today

Accommodation in Aswan is a mixed but limited bag of nuts -- you have your 5 star hotels, budget motels, Nubian guesthouses and random B&Bs… but just not that many. And not all are worth your hard-earned dinero. So we took it upon ourselves to sort through the hits and the duds and give you the real truth -- the pros and the cons-- about the best places to stay in Aswan. Local tip: because getting around Aswan and arranging cars and boats isn’t the easiest, your hotel/guesthouse will be doing most of this for you, so it’s important you pick a place where you find it easy enough to communicate with the front desk/reservations manager. Or if you’re a shrewd one, you can strike up a friendship with a local driver or boatman who will probably give you cheaper rates. Local tip #2: make sure you have cash on you because some of the smaller establishments like Nubian guesthouses either don’t accept credit cards or have issues with their credit card machines, and ATMs are hard to come by in certain parts of Aswan. Cash makes everyone’s life easier. You can read more at our full city guide for Aswan . Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Type of accommodation: 5 star hotel It would be almost sacrilegious to start off this list with any other place. This world-famous hotel was built in 1899 by Thomas Cook and Sons, after the Cairo-Aswan railway was built in 1898 and there was a sudden influx of visitors and and not enough hotels. It was an instant hit and quickly garnered a lot of famous guests over the years, including Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. It became literally the stuff of ‘legends’ as its current name suggests, when Agatha Christie used it as the backdrop for her famous novel, Death on the Nile . The 1978 movie they made out of the book was shot there too (so was the famous Egyptian TV series ‘Grand Hotel’). For more historical hotels in Egypt you can stay at until today, head here . Pros: the history, the architecture, the views… it’s 5 star all the way. Cons: THEIR PRICES. If you want to stay here, you better be ready to pay for it. Their website . Kato Dool Nubian House Type of accommodation: Nubian guesthouse One of the colorful Nubian guesthouses you see lining the Nile in the Gharb Soheil area of Aswan, where the Nubian Village is. Meaning ‘Big House’ in Nubian, Kato Dool offers 18 rooms, so it definitely has a more homey feel than a larger hotel. They have a Nubian restaurant that serves up traditional Nubian dishes, grills, and other more standard Egyptian favorites. They also serve shisha but not alcohol. Pros: the beautiful Nubian architecture and being right on the Nile. Cons: it’s not close to anything besides the Nubian village, which means transportation by car or boat is constantly needed and for relatively long distances, which is a considerable added price. Their website . Mövenpick Resort Aswan Type of accommodation : 5 star hotel Located on Elephantine Island, this 5 star hotel provides everything you would expect from a high-end hotel: several restaurants and bars (some right on the Nile with views of the Tombs of the Nobles and Aga Khan Mausoleum), a beautiful pool and amenities like a free and fast ferry to and from the island. They also have a tower restaurant called Panorama with 360 degree views of Aswan which are just insane. Pros: the service, amenities and being in close proximity to many of Aswan’s sights . Cons: the food at the Panorama restaurant was severely lacking last time we were there -- they under-delivered and overpriced. Stick to just drinks and enjoying the view if you’re there. Their website . ECO Nubia Type of accommodation: ecolodge ECO Nubia is an ecolodge on the remote river island of Bigeh, located between the Aswan Dam and the High Dam (all the other places on the list are north of the Aswan Dam). Besides single, double and triple rooms, ECO Nubia offers day-use at their Bigeh Beach, and a Nubian restaurant called Solaih that overlooks the nearby Philae Temple . Pros: their dedication to developing the island for both tourism and locals alike in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. Also the view of Philae! Cons: how remote they are. Their FB page . AnaKato Type of accommodation: Nubian guesthouse Probably the most famous of the Nubian guesthouses in Aswan, AnaKato (meaning ‘our home’ in Nubian), is located in the Gharb Soheil area of Aswan, where Kato Dool (above) and the Nubian Village is, right on the Nile. What started as a small guesthouse has now expanded into several AnaKato properties spread out over Gharb Soheil, and you can choose what kind of room you want: they have basic rooms, family guesthouses and superior chalets. They have an in-house restaurant and are known for their Nile-side New Year’s Eve parties. Pros: the views from their superior chalets are incredible, and their reservations manager is very helpful in sorting out transportation and activities. Cons: their service can be slow, so either give them looots of prior warning (for example, order lunch 2 hours before you’re hungry) or just acclimate yourself to the go-with-the-flow vibe. Gharb Soheil again a bit of a distance from Aswan’s main sites . Their FB page. BenBen by Dhara Hotels Type of accommodation: boutique hotel & ecolodge Located on Heissa Island surrounded by the Nile, this adults only boutique hotel and ecolodge has views of not only Philae Temple, but the Aswan High Dam as well. The hotel as 24 rooms, each with an outdoor jacuzzi. The hotel is built in the eco-friendly Nubian style, with strong focus on its natural surroundings and best ecological practices. Besides their own restaurant and leisure activities, the hotel can also arrange different Aswan excursions for you. Pros: the unbeatable views of Philae Temple (and the jacuzzis of course!) Cons: it's pricey and fully-booked quickly during high season For more details and booking: their website The Zen Wellness Resort Type of accommodation: resort Aswan isn't just a touristic destination for those interested in Ancient Egypt or Nubian culture -- it's also a place that people have gone to for decades to seek out climatic therapy and natural healing . The Zen Wellness Resort brings those two aspects together -- you can experience the beauty and history of Aswan while also partaking in holistic health and wellness. First off, let's talk about accommodation. They offer 3 floor private villas as well as garden view rooms, deluxe rooms and superior rooms. As for wellness, they offer experiences for the mind (eg: CBT, mindfulness meditation and art therapy), for the body (eg: fitness classes, yoga, pilates, biking, water activities, Tai Chi), and for the soul (eg: meditation, mindfulness and expert-led workshops). They also offer holistic 4 day programs that cater to your 360 health and wellbeing. Pros: the ability to intertwine tranquility and wellness into your Aswan trip; as much or as little as you want. Cons: if you don't particularly care for the 'health' part and just want to stay in a beautiful hotel, you might be bothered that their restaurant mainly focuses on seasonal, organic and mainly plant-based meals (meaning you probably won't find your classic vacation favorites), and they don't serve alcohol. For more details and booking : their website You might also like: 7 Best Hotels in Cairo, As Told By Someone Who’s Actually Stayed in Them All