Search Results

There are literally hundreds of incredible Ancient Egyptian sites dating back thousands and thousands of years peppered all over modern day Egypt, and it’s almost impossible to see them all in one trip. But which are the most important and the most impressive? Well, we created a bucket list of just that: the twenty most jaw-dropping Ancient Egyptian sites that exist today. So whether you’re a traveller trying to see as much as you can in one trip, or a local who’s slowly but surely seeing ticking off site by site, this list will help lead you in the right direction. 1. The Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx Well, this is a no-brainer. Also known as the Giza necropolis, this desert plateau on the outskirts of Cairo is home to the three Pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure), their associated pyramid complexes, the Great Sphinx, a workers’ village and several cemeteries. The Pyramids of Giza were built in the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, and the pyramids of Khufu (the Great Pyramid) and Khafre are the two largest pyramids in Egypt (Khufu’s pyramid is also the last remaining ancient wonder of the world!). Read more: Visiting the Pyramids of Giza - A Local's Guide to Everything You Need to Know 2. Karnak Temple The temple complex of Karnak is the largest religious building ever built, and was constructed over a span of 2,000 years. Construction started in the Old Kingdom and was continuously added to up until the Ptolemaic era, with approximately 30 different pharaohs contributing. It’s the second most visited site in Egypt after the Pyramids of Giza. It’s also home to the Open Air Karnak Museum -- for more important museums in Egypt, head here. 3. Step Pyramid of Saqqara & Saqqara Necropolis The necropolis at Saqqara is home to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt. It’s also where you’ll find the mastaba tombs of government officials and palace workers, as well as the pyramids of Unas and Teti, the only two pyramids in Egypt with Pyramid Texts inscribedin their inner walls. The Step Pyramid is thought of as the initial prototype for the later smooth-sided pyramids; the architect was Djoser’s vizier Imhotep, thought of now as the founding father of Egyptian pyramids, and the design is six mastabas of decreasing size atop one another. Mastabas were how pharaohs and other Egyptian royalty and VIPs were buried before the invention of the pyramids -- mastabas were rectangular, flat-roofed tombs. Read more: Saqqara, Egypt - A Local's Guide to Visiting the Step Pyramid of Djoser & the Saqqara Tombs 4. Valley of the Kings In the former ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes (now modern-day Luxor in Upper Egypt), is the infamous 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). Note: not all the tombs are open to the public, and some are on rotation. Read more: 8 Best Ancient Egyptian Tomb Sites in Modern Egypt 5. 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. 6. Abu Simbel Abu Simbel is comprised of two massive rock temples, about 3 hours from Aswan. The twin temples were constructed in the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom as an everlasting monument to Ramses II and his Great Royal Wife Nefertari. The massive temples were relocated from their original spot in an international effort to save the ancient monuments from Nile flooding, and are one of Egypt’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 7. 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, and the massive terraced monument is surrounded by a steep cliff. It was in this cliff that archaeologists found a cache of royal mummies, moved in antiquity from the Valley of the Kings. Read more: 12 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples Still Standing Today 8. 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). 9. Philae Temple The temple complex at Philae in Aswan was primarily 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. Read more: 12 Most Interesting Things To See And Do In Aswan 10. Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid Not very far from the Giza and Saqqara pyramids you’ll find the necropolis of Dahshur, home to the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid, both built by the pharaoh Sneferu. The Red Pyramid, received its moniker due to its reddish hue, although it wasn’t always red. The entire pyramid used to be encased in white limestone, which you can still see at the base. The Bent Pyramid was built right before the Red Pyramid. Archaeologists believe that the Bent Pyramid represents a transitional form between the step pyramid and smooth-sided pyramid. The ‘bent’ appearance is due to its base having a 54 degree inclination, but the top section having a narrower 43 degree angle. There are different theories as to why it was built this way: one was that as the builders reached the top, the top section started to show instability, so they narrowed the angle. Read more: Dahshur Pyramids - A Local's Guide to Visiting the Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid & Black Pyramid of Egypt 11. Deir el Medina This 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. 12. Temple of Hathor at Dendera Known for its still-startling blue more than 2,000 years later, the Temple of Hathor is the most impressive site at the temple complex at Dendera. Built in the Ptolemaic era, it shows Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences and has several shrines to different gods. It’s also known for the clear depictions of Cleopatra and her son Caeserion, fathered by Julius Caesar. 13. Medinet Habu 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 in Luxor. The temple is especially known for the depictions of Ramses III defeating the ‘Sea Peoples’, invaders of Ancient Egypt whose origins are unknown. 14. Edfu Temple Built during the Ptolemaic times, the Temple of Horus at Edfu (or Edfu Temple) is one of the best preserved temples in all of Egypt. It’s also the largest temple dedicated to Horus. The wall inscriptions provided archeologists with important information about Ancient Egyptian religion and language during the Hellenistic/Ptolemaic era. 15. Memphis Memphis was the first capital of Egypt and was established by Mena (Menes), the first pharaoh and uniter of Upper and Lower Egypt. Memphis, besides being the capital, was known for being a holy center of worship for the god Ptah. The city started to decline during the New Kingdom and the rise of Thebes in the south. Today what remains of Memphis is mainly ruins, but the great colossus of Ramses II is definitely worth seeing, as is the rest of the open-air museum. 16. 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. 17. Colossi of Memnon These are the remains of two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that date back to the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. They were originally guarding the gate of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple, which at the time was the largest and most awe-inspiring temple in Egypt — the Ramesseum (below) and Medinet Habu paled in comparison, and even Karnak Temple was smaller. Sadly years of flooding and earthquakes completely destroyed the temple, and later earthquakes also damaged the Colossi of Memnon, leaving them faceless. 18. Ramesseum The Ramessum is the mortuary temple of Ramses II (the same pharaoh who built Abu Simbel, and Seti I’s son). It was built with the intention of being a place of worship after Ramses II died, so his memory would be kept alive; this was of the utmost importance in the Ancient Egyptian religion. 19. Kom Ombo Kom Ombo, about an hour’s drive from central Aswan, is an unusual double temple dating back to the Ptolemaic era. A ‘double’ temple means it has two sets of halls, sanctuaries and rooms dedicated to two different gods; in the case of Kom Ombo, the two gods were Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus (the falcon god). Over 300 crocodile mummies were found at the site, and they’re now in the adjacent Crocodile Museum. Kom Ombo also has engravings of what it is believed to be the first representation of medical tools and surgical instruments in the world. 20. Temple of Khnum at Esna Khnum was the Ancient Egyptian ram-headed god who created the world on his potter’s wheel, and this temple to him was built during Ptolemaic times but added to by the Romans. Because it was such a deeply religious site, inscriptions on the temple walls instruct visitors that to enter they must have trimmed fingernails and toenails, wear linen, remove body hair, wash their hands with natron (a type of salt) and not have had sex for several days (makes modern-day places of worship seem like a walk in the park). You might also like: Visiting the Pyramids of Giza - A Local's Guide to Everything You Need to Know

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just need to escape the crowds and clear your mind in nature for a little bit, camping in Egypt can provide just that. From vast, timeless deserts to remote beaches hidden between mountains and the sea, Egypt’s best camping spots will show you a side to the country that you probably didn’t expect. Like, at all. 1. White Desert & Black Desert Location: Western desert, near the Bahariya and Farafra Oases Without a doubt, camping in Egypt’s Western Desert is a must-do at some point, whether now or later. The Western Desert is enormous (it’s two thirds of the country, after all) and the barren remoteness will make you feel like you’re at the ends of the earth. The White and Black Deserts are only about an hour and fifteen minutes apart, so you can easily camp in both on a 2 night trip (or just camp in one and visit the other). What makes the White Desert in particular so popular for campers are the massive white chalk formations, which are some of the coolest natural wonders in Egypt. They were formed over millennia of wind and sandstorms, and it’s among these alien-looking formations that you’ll set up camp. The Black Desert gets its name from a layer of black volcanic material concentrated on top of the yellow sand dunes, a remnant of ancient eruptions. Things to do: 4x4 safaris over sand dunes, stargaze, visit the Crystal Mountain and Aqabat valley, swim in natural springs at the oases How to arrange the camping: you’ll need a guide and 4x4 vehicles, so the easiest way is through a local tour company who takes care of everything: they pick you up in Cairo, drive you to the White & Black Deserts, set up the tents, provide food and water and even nighttime music at the campfire. They’ll also be your guide and source of information about the area and activities. You can find online a bunch of different tour companies who arrange camping in the White & Black Deserts, research a little for the one that appeals the most to you. How to get there: the tour company will pick you up from Cairo and drive to Bahariya Oasis (about 4.5 hours), where they’ll usually stop and switch to a different car (a 4x4). From there, it’s about half an hour to the Black Desert, or two hours to the White Desert. 2. Siwa Oasis Location: Western Desert, 50 km from the Libyan border Also 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 more: 10 Most Unforgettable Things to Do in Siwa Oasis 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: 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. How to arrange the camping: there are tons of different local tour companies or adventure companies that will easily arrange everything for you, from transportation to camp set up to food. There are also permanent camps in Siwa you can book at. How to get there: drive from Cairo to Marsa Matrouh (about five hours), then from Marsa Matrouh down to Siwa (another 4-5 hours). 3. Ras Mohammed National Park Location: tip of the Sinai Peninsula, about 45 minutes from Sharm el Sheikh Ras Mohammed is usually mentioned in the context of its awesome diving -- which obviously is true (more details at: 7 Best Diving Destinations in Egypt’s Red Sea for Divers of All Levels), so lots of people go for day trips to dive or snorkel in the national park before it closes at sunset. What a lot of people don’t know however is that there’s a designated area of the park (Marsa Bareika) which allows overnight camping on the beach (keep in mind you can’t camp just anywhere -- if you’re camping outside the permitted area, you’ll be fined, and cars aren’t allowed in or out of the park after 5 pm). In the camping area run by local Bedouins, you have the option of bringing and setting up your own tents, or staying at one of the permanent campsites in the area, where for a fixed nightly price you get a tent complete with blankets and sheets, plus meals and tea. From these more established campsites, you can also buy bottled water and soft drinks (they don’t serve alcohol but you’re allowed to bring your own). Keep in mind there are no bathrooms or electricity, so come prepared! Things to do: swim, dive (for diving equipment, you need to pre-arrange with a dive center in Sharm el Sheikh to bring you rental equipment for a fee), snorkel (also bring your own equipment), explore the park. How to arrange the camping: one of the most popular camps there is Bedawi Eco Camp, You can book online from their website. How to get there: It’s about a 6 hour drive from Cairo (more if the Ahmed Hamdi tunnel is crowded or you’re stopped for long periods of time at the security checkpoints). If you don’t have a car and are coming from Sharm el Sheikh, you can get a taxi to bring you. 4. Fayoum Location: 2 hour drive from Cairo 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. 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. Things to do: sandboard, swim, 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. How to arrange the camping: online you’ll find both permanent campsites and tour groups that offer camping and you can book a place (or you can just show up at the campsite). 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. 5. Sinai Mountains Location: Sinai peninsula If you’re interested in camping in the mountains of Sinai, you luckily have several different camping options to choose from: Camping near the St. Catherine Monastery. At the foot of Mount Sinai (also known as Mount Moses or Gebel Moussa in Arabic) is the Orthodox St. Catherine Monastery, which was founded in the 6th century and is the oldest Christian monastery in the world still used for its original function. It’s believed to be built on the place where Moses encountered the Burning Bush. (Read more about the amazing monasteries Egypt has here). There are several lodges near the monastery which allow you to stay in basic rooms or pitch your own tents. Spend the night at the summit of Mount Sinai. You hike to the top (around a 2.5 - 3 hour hike, and you’re required to have a guide, but you can find one easily at St. Catherine), and at the top you can rent mattresses and blankets from the Bedouins. Go on the Sinai Trail trek. The Sinai Trail has different route options: there’s the Serabit el Khadem circuit, which is for 12 days, and covers hundreds of years of history. You’ll be hiking for hours led by Bedouin guides, and sleep under the stars and eat by campfire. There’s also the incredible 38 day Sinai Thru hike, which is divided into 3 parts (Part 1 and 2 are for 12 days, and Part 3 is for 14 days. You can sign up for any part of the hike... or even do the whole thing). Things to do: visit the St. Catherine monastery, hike to the top of Mount Sinai, trek through the Sinai mountains. How to arrange the camping: to stay at one of the camps at St. Catherine, you can book a spot at a place like Desert Fox Camp or Sheikh Mousa Bedouin Camp. To camp at the summit of Mt. Sinai, you can arrange it with a Bedouin guide at the foot of the mountain (St. Catherine area), or with a hotel/hostel or tour agency in Sharm el Sheikh or Dahab. To participate in the Sinai Trail, you can find booking info on their website. How to get there: drive from Cairo (about a 6 hour drive), or fly to Sharm el Sheikh and drive from Sharm el Sheikh (3 hours) or Dahab (2 hours). 6. Ras Abu Galum Location: near Dahab on the Gulf of Aqaba Ras Abu Galum is an Egyptian national protectorate, 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 -- and when we say primitive, we mean no doors or windows or anything inside the hut kind of primitive. There’s no electricity and limited running water, but the Bedouins provide fresh and local fare and water for extremely reasonable prices. Local tip: bring your own sleeping bags! Things to do: dive, snorkel, swim, kitesurf, hike, sunbathe, read or just relax 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 arrange the camping: you can contact any of the hotels/tour agencies/dive centers in Dahab and they’ll arrange a guide for you and a camel/boat to bring any diving equipment you may need. How to get there: From the Blue Hole in Dahab, you can reach Ras Abu Galum either by hiking by foot next to the water (it’s rocky terrain) or by boat. If you want to stay on land but the hike is too much or you have too much diving gear, you can also ride a camel. 7. Marsa Alam & the Deep South Location: Egypt’s eastern Red Sea coast If you want to camp on a beach but ‘glamping’ is more to your liking, then Marsa Alam and the Deep South of Egypt offer a few good options -- Marsa Shagra Village, Marsa Nakari Village and Wadi Lahami Village all offer different types of camping. Read more: 10 Best Things To Do in Marsa Alam, Egypt You can either stay in a basic beachfront tent (2 single beds, lighting, an electric socket, communal bathroom and daily housekeeping), a ‘royal’ tent (same as regular tent but bigger and with a fan & mini-fridge), a beach hut or a chalet (which at this point is not really camping lol). Marsa Shagra is near Abou Dabbab Bay in Marsa Alam, Marsa Nakari is about a 40 minute drive south from there, and Wadi Lahami is another hour or so south from Marsa Nakari, past Wadi el Gemal -- also known as Egypt’s Deep South. Things to do: dive, snorkel, water sports, sunbathe, boat trips to Red Sea islands, day trips to Wadi el Gemal national park. How to arrange the camping: you can book online on the villages’ website. They can also sort out car transfers for you. How to get there: you could drive, but it’s a reaaally long drive (around 8 hours to Marsa Alam and 9 hours to Wadi Lahami) or you can fly to Marsa Alam airport and get a car transfer from there. 8. Ras Shetan Location: between Nuweiba and Taba on the Gulf of Aqaba One of the most popular places to camp on the beach in Egypt. Nestled between mountains and the Gulf of Aqaba is a strip of coastline called Ras Shetan, between the towns of Taba and Nuweiba on the Sinai peninsula. Ras Shetan is known for its bohemian 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. If you’re staying in a beach hut or tent, then you’ll have access to a communal bathroom. Most of the camps have simple menus and you can eat your meals in the shared main hut right on the water. At night, there’s usually a large campfire where the Bedouins and guests from all over the world talk, play instruments and sing. Things to do: swim, snorkel, sunbathe, hike in the nearby Colored Canyon (check out more natural and historical sights in Egypt that most people don’t know about), visit Castle Zaman How to arrange the camping: you can research the different Ras Shetan camps online and see which one strikes your fancy, then just give them a call. How to get there: most people drive from Cairo, but it’s a long drive and the most direct way there (Nekhel Road) is only open during daylight hours. For security reasons, the government requires foreigners and Copts to take the longer Sharm el Sheikh road to Ras Shetan. Another option is flying to Sharm el Sheikh and arranging a car transfer to bring you to your beach camp (about a 2 hour drive). You might also like: 7 Extreme Adventure Experiences in Egypt for Adrenaline Junkies

If you’re planning on visiting Egypt for the first time and trying to figure out your itinerary, it can be just a tad overwhelming – there’s a ton to see, and it’s spread all over the country, so choosing where to go and what to skip can be hard. Below we break down 10 of our favorite local Egyptian cities, towns and destinations, and which place you should visit based on your own personal interests. 1. Cairo Visit Cairo if you want: to see the Pyramids and get a taste of the ‘real’ Egypt Egypt’s capital Cairo should obviously be part of any Egypt itinerary. It’s home to the Pyramids of Giza (read our full Pyramids local’s guide for first-timers here), some of the best museums in the country, and a plethora of ancient, medieval and contemporary sightseeing attractions. Read more: Top 10 Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt Besides all that, Cairo is the place to visit if you really want to get a pulse on what’s the ‘real’ Egypt. It’s a megacity of over 20 million, and no other place in Egypt will give you quite such an insider’s view on the culture and lives of modern-day Egyptians. It’s also by far the best Egyptian destination for restaurants and nightlife. 2. Luxor Visit Luxor if you want: to immerse yourself in Ancient Egypt and/or go on a Nile cruise Modern-day Luxor is the old Ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes, and it’s here where you’ll find the lion’s share of Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs, like the world-famous Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings. Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt - As Told By Locals Read more: 5 Must-See Temples in Luxor It’s also where Nile cruises start or end (cruises sail between Luxor and its southern city Aswan, and you can embark from either destination depending on your itinerary). Luxor as a city doesn’t have much going on in terms of dining/nightlife, so you’ll spend most of your time post-sightseeing either at your hotel or on the cruise ship. 3. Hurghada Visit Hurghada if you want: Red Sea beach resorts, family-friendly water activities, scuba-diving Looking for a white sand and azure water beach holiday? Hurghada and its neighboring resort towns like Soma Bay and Sahl Hasheesh have literally hundreds of hotels to choose from, from waterpark resorts for kids to adult-only secluded getaways. Read more: Hurghada - A Detailed Local’s Guide for First-Timers Hurghada is also known as a great diving and snorkeling destination, but if you prefer to spend time on the beach as opposed to under it, there are a handful of pristine Red Sea islands easily accessible by boat from Hurghada’s marina. Hurghada city proper has a bunch of restaurants and bars, so you’re not stuck in your resort all night should you want to go out and explore. 4. Aswan Visit Aswan if you want: to go to Abu Simbel, experience Nubia, go on a Nile cruise Visiting Aswan is usually paired with Luxor, because the Nile cruises (which run from 3 to 5 days) sail between these two Ancient Egyptian cities. Historically 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. Read more: Aswan, Egypt - A Local’s City Guide Read more: 12 Most Interesting Things To Do & See in Aswan Aswan is also famous for the Great Temple of Abu Simbel, which is about a 3 hour drive south of the city. Most people visit Abu Simbel as part of a day trip from Aswan. Similar to Luxor, Aswan doesn’t have much going for it when it comes to dining and nightlife, so it’s definitely predominantly a sightseeing destination. 5. El Gouna Visit El Gouna if you want: a relaxing beach vacation in a resort town with a lot of restaurant and activity options El Gouna is an eco-conscious beautiful little town on the Red Sea coast slightly north of Hurghada. It’s home to a wide range of accommodation options, from airbnbs to 5 star hotels, and has some of the best restaurants and bars in the country. Unlike most other places in Egypt, El Gouna is completely walkable for visitors and transportation is easy and straightforward via tuktuks in this gated town. Read more: El Gouna, Egypt - A Local’s Guide While El Gouna’s beaches aren’t as nice as Hurghada’s, they have very pleasant serviced beach bars and a myriad of centers for beach activities. El Gouna is also one of the best spots in Egypt for kitesurfing, whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or an experienced kiter. 6. Dahab Visit Dahab if you want: to stay in a little bohemian beach town in Sinai or to go diving or snorkeling Dahab is on the Gulf of Aqaba leading into the Red Sea in the south of the Sinai Peninsula. It was originally a Bedouin fishing village, then became popular with divers and backpackers over the years, or those who were looking for a more back-to-basics beach experience away from the massive resorts of neighboring Sharm el Sheikh. Read more: 7 Best Scuba Diving Destinations in Egypt For All Levels If you’re into quirky little beach cafes, shops and casual restaurants, then Dahab is for you. While they do have some bigger hotels, the majority of Dahab’s accommodation options are hostels, budget hotels and airbnbs. Dahab is also a good spot to use as a base for exploring Sinai, whether it be by ATV safaris, mountain hiking, day trips to St. Catherine’s, or kitesurfing and windsurfing in Sinai’s shallow lagoons. 7. Siwa Oasis Visit Siwa Oasis if you want: to go off the beaten track and explore Egypt’s remote desert and Great Sand Sea Siwa Oasis is so deep in Egypt’s Western Desert that it’s closer to the Libyan border than to any other Egyptian town or city. Siwa was isolated from the rest of Egypt up until the 1980s when a road connecting it to Marsa Matrouh was built, so its heritage, culture and language is uniquely Siwi. Both Egyptians and visitors alike go to Siwa to disconnect, camp, stay in primitive ecolodges, and absorb Siwa’s quiet tranquility. Read more: 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Siwa Oasis Read more: 7 Best Places to Stay in Siwa Oasis For All Budgets Besides the oasis itself, Siwa has a multitude of different sites to explore, like Shali Fortress, Mountain of the Dead, Cleopatra's Bath and the Temple of the Oracle of Alexander the Great, as well as hot springs and salt lakes. 8. Sharm el Sheikh Visit Sharm el Sheikh if you want: to relax in an all-inclusive Red Sea resort, go on diving or snorkeling trips Sharm el Sheikh is the Sinai Red Sea darling for all those who want to chill at their hotel’s beach, lounge by the pool, and eat and drink to their heart’s content with the resort’s all-inclusive packages. Read more: Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera - Where to Stay Sharm el Sheikh is also known worldwide for its incredible diving and snorkeling. Whether you’re snorkeling from your hotel’s beach or diving from a boat, Sharm and its neighboring protectorate, Ras Mohamed National Park, have some of the best aquatic life on the planet. It’s easy to fly into Sharm El Sheikh’s airport because they have dozens of international and domestic flights daily, so you don’t have to worry about the long drive from Cairo (about 6 hours). 9. Nuweiba & Ras Shetan Visit Nuweiba & Ras Shetan if you want: to stay at beach camps and disconnect from it all Nestled between mountains and the Gulf of Aqaba is a strip of coastline called Ras Shetan, between the towns of Nuweiba and Taba on the Sinai peninsula. Ras Shetan and Nuweiba are known for their bohemian 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. If you’re staying in a beach hut or tent, then you’ll have access to a communal bathroom. Most of the camps have simple menus and you can eat your meals in the shared main hut right on the water. At night, there’s usually a large campfire where the Bedouins and guests from all over the world talk, play instruments and sing. 10. Black & White Desert Go to the Black & White Desert if you want: to explore and camp in Egypt’s Western desert Deep in Egypt’s Western Desert, between Farafra and Bahareya Oases, are Egypt’s Black and White Deserts. They’re only about an hour and fifteen minutes apart, so you can easily camp in both on a 2 night trip (or just camp in one and visit the other). Read more: 12 of the Most Beautiful Views in Egypt What makes the White Desert in particular so popular for campers are the massive white chalk formations, which are some of the coolest natural wonders in Egypt. They were formed over millennia of wind and sandstorms, and it’s among these alien-looking formations that you’ll set up camp. The Black Desert gets its name from a layer of black volcanic material concentrated on top of the yellow sand dunes, a remnant of ancient eruptions. You might also like: Ancient Egypt Bucket List - 20 Must-See Ancient Egyptian Sites

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). 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

Anyone who’s had a meal overlooking the Nile in Cairo will tell you it’s something you have to do, and as often as possible. Leaving the crowded streets far behind and just looking out at the serene Nile water with its feluccas, windsurfers and twinkling lights at night -- well, it's practically therapy for your eyes as well as your mood. It’s as highly recommended as having the Pyramids of Giza as your dining view. As in - REALLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Read more: 7 Best Restaurants with Pyramids Views So if you’re looking to have lunch, dinner or just a drink while overlooking the Nile, the world’s longest river, then this is the list for you. Local note: we chose the best restaurants in terms of not only view, but food and ambience as well. You can find good Nile views in places like Biota (Zamalek), Platform (Maadi) and the Revolving Restaurant (Grand Hotel), but we personally don’t like those places because of their subpar food and/or atmosphere and we always want to be 100% honest with our readers when it comes to our recommendations. So here are our personal local Nile view restaurant favorites: Zoe Cuisine: Greek Location: First Nile Boat, Giza The First Nile Boat in Giza is run by the Four Seasons First Residence (right across the street) and is home to five different restaurants, each serving up a different cuisine and spectacular Nile views. Zoe is a Greek taverna on the upper deck of the boat, with a retractable roof to let in the sunlight and river breezes when the weather is nice. Breakfast is available on weekends from 10:00 am. Zoe’s menu. Bar Promenade Cuisine: International Location: Sofitel Gezirah, Zamalek The Sofitel Gezirah is one of our favorite hotels in Cairo mainly for its inimitable location: smack on the tip of the Nile island of Zamalek. Most of their restaurants have an outdoor area right on the water, and a great place to enjoy it is their Bar Promenade. The water is so close you can touch it, and you can order drinks and shisha. If you’re hungry, you can order off nearby La Madeleine’s menu (the hotel’s international cafe which has all your basic staples: salads, appetizers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, main dishes, etc). Alternatively, if you want more of a proper sit-down dinner, you can sit at Kebabgy, the grills restaurant (which also made our list of our favorite open air restaurants) or La Palmeraie, Sofitel’s Moroccan restaurant. Both have fantastic Nile views as well. Crimson Cuisine: International Location: Zamalek Crimson is an open-air rooftop restaurant and bar in Zamalek and has some of the best Nile views in the city. It's a great spot to go get dinner and drinks, or just a beer or cocktail at the bar. Their cocktail list is impressive as well, but expensive! Although to be fair, almost all of the entries on this list are on the pricey side - we woke up one day and Cairo was expensive, but that’s a story for a different day lol. Crimson’s food is good as well, landing them also on our list of best Cairo restaurants for locals and tourists alike. La Zisa Cuisine: Italian Location: St. Regis, Nile Corniche The St. Regis is one of Cairo’s newer hotels and it’s right on the Nile Corniche, allowing great views for most of its restaurants. Our personal favorite there is La Zisa, an airy and light Italian restaurant which has ‘Mamma Mia Brunch’ every Friday, and a la carte dining the rest of the time. Their menu has all the Italian classics you’d expect, and they offer something called ‘Tavolozze’, which is where you can order smaller dishes to be shared family style, instead of being just stuck with one main course. La Zisa’s menu. Cafe Frais Cuisine: Egyptian & International Location: Novotel Cairo El Borg, Zamalek On top of the Novotel right next to the Cairo Tower in Zamalek is their rooftop restaurant Cafe Frais. You can also see clear across the Nile and Qasr el Nil Bridge to the Cairo Museum and Tahrir Square. The restaurant serves a wide selection of Egyptian dishes as well as your usual international fare. Local tip: Novotel is a dry hotel though, so Cafe Frais doesn’t serve alcohol. Cafe Frais’ menu. Pane Vino Cuisine: Italian Location: Semiramis Intercontinental, Garden City This Italian restaurant in the Semiramis actually has a little-known outdoor terrace that overlooks the Nile, complete with shisha, on the 2nd floor of the hotel so you’re above the cacophony of the Corniche but still close to the water. The menu is full of Italian classics by their resident Italian chef, and they have an extensive wine list from all over the world. They also have TV screens for matches and offer shisha. The indoor section of the restaurant is a bit more upscale-looking, but without shisha. Pane Vino’s menu. Gingko Cuisine: Asian and intercontinental Location: Fairmont Nile City, Nile Corniche The Fairmont's resident terrace restaurant and bar is Gingko, for those days when you want to enjoy a breeze, a drink and a sunset dinner overlooking the Nile. On weekends they also offer champagne breakfasts, to start your day off right with a breakfast of champions alongside a little bubbly. Gingko's menu. You might also like: 9 Best Rooftop Bars in Cairo

If you’re planning to go to Siwa Oasis, then our first piece of local advice is – leave all your previous accommodation experiences back at home, because Siwa is completely different than anywhere else you’ve ever been. There are no cookie-cutter hotels, no modern & techy apartments, no IKEA-furnished B&Bs… and that’s a good thing! Siwa is the place you go to get away from it all, and considering it’s literally in the middle of the Great Sand Sea of the Sahara, expecting to find the easy amenities of a Four Seasons (or even a Holiday Inn lol) probably won’t happen. Siwa is all about disconnecting from your daily grind and reconnecting with nature, about preserving local tradition and heritage, and about slow and laidback living. Read more: Where to Go in Egypt - 10 Best Egyptian Destinations & Cities Most accommodation options in Siwa won’t have regular electricity, the rooms won’t be modern, and lots might not even have hot water. Buuuuut they WILL probably give you an unforgettable stay (in a good way!). So without further ado, here are our favorite places to stay in Siwa Oasis. We divided them into budget categories for you to make an easier choice. Cheap: less than $30 a night Affordable: less than $60 a night Moderate to expensive: $60 - $200 a night Very expensive: $300+ a night Cheap Mountain Camp Ali Khaled Underneath Dakrour Mountain is Mountain Camp Ali Khaled, a good budget option if you don’t want to spend too much on accommodation but still want an overall enjoyable experience. Here you have the option of staying in a ‘tent’, which is more of a canvas hut of sorts with two twin mattresses and communal bathrooms, or a bare bones room with its own bathroom. Needless to say, the rooms aren’t fancy in the slightest, but they do have ACs. The cool part about Mountain Camp Ali Khaled is that they have both a natural hot spring and cold spring on the property that you can swim in, and at night they hold bonfires with music, singing and dancing. Local tip: bring insect repellent because the flies can get wild there. Affordable Taghaghien Island Resort Located on an island in Siwa Lake, Taghaghien Island Resort is the place for amazing sunsets and overall outstanding 360 degree views. It’s connected to the shores of Siwa Lake by a 2km road, and is about 13 km from what’s considered downtown Siwa, so it’s pretty secluded. The resort has 30 basic style bungalows (heads up: no ACs), a restaurant & bar and a rooftop to watch the sunsets from above. There’s also a natural cold spring. Local tip: the resort only has electricity from sunset to sunrise, so make sure to charge everything you need while sleeping! Albabenshal Lodge A heritage hotel amidst the ruins of the 13th century Shali Fortress, Albabenshal renovated ancient Siwan homes to create 14 guest rooms connected by fortress alleyways, staying true to the traditional Siwan methods of building. Their main terrace and restaurant have a view of central Shali and the sea of palm trees beyond. Double and triple rooms are available (with private bathrooms), and the rooms are created and designed in authentic Siwan style. Local tip: Because it’s next to the market, it can be noisy during the day, so it’s a good option if you plan to spend most of the day exploring Siwa, but not the best option if you want to disconnect at the lodge during daytime hours. No ACs available for the hotter months. Moderate to Expensive Taziry Taziry, which means ‘full moon’ in Siwan, is a 30 room ecovillage on the shores of Siwa Lake, underneath the Red Mountain. There’s no electricity at night, so they light up the space with candles and oil lamps. There’s a natural swimming pool and a terrace overlooking the lake and mountain. Solar panels are used to provide hot water for the bathrooms, but bear in mind they’re not always consistent. Their restaurant serves Siwan/Amazigh/North African cuisine as prepared by their Moroccan chef. Local tip: because there’s no electricity at night and it gets very dark, a flashlight might be a good idea if you like to walk around. Talist A family-owned ecolodge and farm, Talist is where to go if you want somewhere quiet and away from the bustle of central Siwa. Because they run on solar energy, electricity isn’t always available and there are no power outlets (except for USB sockets) in the rooms; you can charge your phones and other devices at the restaurant. The owners make their meals sourced from their own farm and other local ingredients, so it’s a great place to eat. Talist has 11 bungalows of various sizes, ranging from doubles to family-sized, and a natural pool and terrace overlooking the mountain and lake. Local tip: there are no ACs or heaters. Al Nyhaya Love camping but not the hassle of it? Well then, glamping might just be for you (ICYMI: glamping means ‘glamorous camping’). Al Nyhaya (meaning ‘the end’ in Arabic) is a glamp site in the Great Sand Sea 30 minutes outside of Siwa Oasis. Because it’s in the desert, it’s extremely private and you’ll feel like you're at the ends of the earth (thus the name). The tents are Bell tents which can fit two people easily. They have comfortable mattresses, mosquito netting and double layers to keep you warm during the desert nights and cool during the warm days. There’s also the option of a traditional Bedouin tent. You might think that because it’s glamping, the nightly price tag would be cheap, but nope - this is one of the pricier options on the list! Local tip: this is the place to stay if you want to experience sleeping in the Great Sand Sea but with more amenities, but not a good choice if you care about reaching the rest of Siwa easily. Very Expensive Adrère Amellal This is the place to go if you want a high-end experience in Siwa, but still with that rustic, at-one-with-nature vibe. This hidden-away, primitive and yet still luxurious boutique hotel underneath the White Mountain is an ecolodge with traditional kershif buildings that blend into the landscape. There’s no electricity, so Adrère Amellal comes alive at night with candles and lanterns. Visited by celebrities and royalty, Adrère Amellal is not by any means cheap, but its 5 star service and dining will still have you feeling the luxury even in the most primitive of settings. Read more: 7 Boutique Hotels in Egypt for a More Unique, Personalized Stay You may also like: 10 Most Unforgettable Things to Do in Siwa Oasis

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: Lucille’s Locations: Maadi, New Cairo 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 15 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: Maadi, 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 branch in mainland Egypt a few years back in Maadi. Besides the freshly-baked breads and croissants they’re known for, they also make specialty ‘laugens’ and have 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: City Stars, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed Opening hours: 10 am - 1 am Known for its comfort food, Gaby’s opens slightly later than the rest of the restaurants on this list, so it’s good for a late breakfast or brunch. They serve everything from fruity pancakes and breakfast sandwiches to all sorts of feteer. Gaby’s menu. Marriott Gardens (Garden Promenade Cafe) Location: Zamalek Opening hours: 6 am - 1 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. Garden Promenade Cafe’s menu. Il Mulino Locations: Maadi, Heliopolis Opening hours: 7 am - 1 am This bakery and restaurant is known for their fresh olive ciabatta sandwiches, 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. Tabali Locations: New Cairo, Zamalek, Heliopolis 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. Kazouza Locations: Maadi, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed, Mall of Arabia Opening hours: 10 am - 12 am Home of the all-day Egyptian breakfast, Kazouza has a huge selection of different fuul bowls, taameya, breakfast sandwiches, feteer and a whole lot of sides. Also, how can't you love those lightbulb orange juice bottles? Kazouza'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. Eggspectation Location: Heliopolis, New Cairo Opening hours: 10 am - 11:30 pm The famous Canadian restaurant chain has landed in Cairo, with a ginormous menu of not only roughly a million egg dishes but pancakes, French Toast, bagels, sandwiches and tons of other brunch items as well. Eggspectation's menu. Oldish Location: Downtown, Heliopolis, Zamalek Opening hours: 9 am - 1 am This cozy restaurant serves up mostly Egyptian classics, but has a few international menu guest stars as well (chocolate waffles, anyone?). They also offer a ‘seyami’ (vegan) menu as well. 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 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. 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. Willow's Locations: Sheikh Zayed Opening hours: 9 am - midnight This international restaurant in Arkan 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. Bocca Location: Mohandiseen, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed Opening hours: 10 am - 2 am Just check out that Truffled Melted Croque! 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. 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. El Torr Location: Mohandiseen Opening hours: 8 am - 2 am Known for their creative twists on fuul (they have Maharajah, Armenian and Mexican fuul -- all are must-tries), El Torr is a great delivery breakfast option. El Torr’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 you’re like us and Thai food is your jam, Cairo at first glance might not seem like the best purveyor. We have Lebanese restaurants by the dozens, Italian restaurants galore, and even a fair share of sushi venues. But Thai? Not so much. But if you have a serious craving for some pad thai, tom yum or Thai curry, then fear not, because we’ve got you covered. The Thai restaurants in Cairo might be limited, but we brought you the very best. 1. Bua Khao (now called Sala Thai) Location: Maadi This place in our humble opinion is the godfather of Thai restaurants in Cairo. It opened over 20 years ago and has been going strong ever since, which is a feat in and of itself in Egypt. They even opened a second branch in the Movenpick in Gouna, so Bua Khao is not here to play! Owned and spearheaded by a Thai family, this award-winning little restaurant is hidden in one of the many midans of Maadi (non-”Maadistas” might need the help of good ol’ Google Maps in tracking down Bua Khao). Note: they changed their name in January 2023 to 'Sala Thai' for some reason, but everything else remains the same. Their menu is large but not too large, with straightforward and sensible dish descriptions instead of the generic “fish soup” menu entries found in many of Cairo’s other Asian restaurants. Beer and wine is served as well. Recommended dishes: the chicken with basil leaves, the sizzling beef with bean sprouts, onions, mushrooms and chili in oyster sauce, the crispy chicken with chili, ginger and garlic and their Tom Ka Gai soup. Their Pad Thai Bua Khao is also excellent. Address: 9 Rd. 151 Intersection of Rd. 100 (off of Midan Horreya) Phone number: 2378 3355 Opening hours: 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm 2. Sabai Sabai Location: Zamalek, Sheikh Zayed, City Stars Another long-term heavy hitter, the original, main branch of Sabai Sabai is hidden in the same shabby building as Metro Market in Zamalek, near Flamenco Hotel. It also opened a small branch in Galleria 40’s Zaitouna Food Hall and City Stars. It’s a real shame that most Cairenes and foreigners haven’t heard about Sabai Sabai -- you’re missing out (except on the horrible Zamalek parking, that is). Staffed by Egyptians but headed by a Thai chef, almost all of Sabai Sabai’s rave reviews mention the authenticity of the food, and their menu even has a few nods to Chinese cuisine (their dim sum is awesome) and Vietnamese. Recommended dishes: beef green curry with Thai eggplant and basil and the Ped Kai Yang -- roasted duck in a “homemade Thai sauce”. Address: 1 El Masry Buildings, Gezira El Wosta street, first floor Phone number: 01024602260 Opening hours: 12:00 pm - midnight 3. Birdcage Location: Garden City The first “fancy” entry on the list, Birdcage has been one of the Semiramis Intercontinental’s flagship restaurants for over a decade now. On the second floor, next to Sabaya the Lebanese restaurant and en route to Pane Vino, the Italian restaurant, you’ll find a quiet, wooden little oasis in the hotel -- that’s Birdcage. The service and ambience is on par with what you’d expect from a 5 star hotel, as is the actual food presentation -- and luckily the food rises to the task as well, which isn’t always the case with Cairo restaurant hotels. But we’ve been going to Birdcage for about 15 years now, so that should be some indication regarding their food. But alas, the food also comes with hotel prices, so keep that in mind. You can find their menu here. Recommended dishes: their spicy shrimp in a pineapple red curry, yellow curry with garden vegetables, and their konafa shrimp marinated in Thai spices Address: Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, Garden City Phone number: 2798 8000 Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 02:00 am 4. Tao Location: New Cairo Another fancy hotel entry, Tao is the culinary claim to fame of the Thai hotel Dusit Thani in New Cairo, so that should give you some idea of the authenticity of both the chef and restaurant servers. Tao is a 'multi-Asian' restaurant, which means they're not just serving Thai food -- their menu is immense and is full of our favorite Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indian classics, plus a live teppanyaki station. The Thai section of the menu is massive, with soups, appetizers, a dozen different Thai curries and main courses. And get this - there's even the calorie count of each dish written on the menu! But similar to Birdcage, with hotel restaurants comes hotel prices, so be prepared. You can find their menu here. Recommended dishes: crispy duck with tamarind and lemongrass sauce Address: Dusit Thani Lakeview Hotel, New Cairo Phone number: 2614 0000 Opening hours: 1 pm - 1 am 5. Nile Thai Food Restaurant (yes, that’s its name) Location: Nasr City This next entry is pretty much as far from a hotel restaurant as you can get. This little hole in the wall is in Nasr City, which as we all know is not Cairo’s culinary center, so consider it a hidden gem of sorts. The cooks and servers are a mix of Thai, Indonesian and Malaysian, and the restaurant is a favorite of Asian students at Al Azhar, so you know their expectations of Thai food are going to be high. Nile Thai itself is small and very basic -- expect to pull up a chair and share a plastic tablecloth-covered table with other patrons. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are large, but we warn you: their spicy is *spicy*. And we’re talking legit spicy, not Peking spicy. Their menu comes in English, Arabic, Malay and Thai, and the food item names are pretty basic: “very spicy fried noodle” for example (hey, it got its point across). Recommended dishes: their wide variety of noodles and chicken curries. Address: 4 Abu Haneefa Street, Off Abdullah El Araby Street, 7th District Phone number: 01149681751 Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 10:30 pm 6. Yana Location: New Cairo We’re not huge fans of the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski in New Cairo, but their Thai restaurant Yana is one of the few reasons we’d make the journey. While the restaurant is predominantly Thai, they have a variety of other Southeast Asian cuisines on their menu -- Malaysian dishes, Chinese dim sum and even Singaporean beef. And similar to the other hotel restaurants on this list, Yana scores high on ambience and low on affordability. Nice pool view, and expect a lot of golden Buddhas. Recommended dishes: their curries are the most Thai dishes on the menu, and besides that, the Singaporean Wagyu beef medallions Address: Royal Maxime Palace Kempinski, New Cairo Phone number: 01097111151 Opening hours: 06:00 pm - 12:00 am 7. Baitong Location: Maadi Rounding up our list is another Maadi Thai restaurant, but with a twist -- Baitong offers home delivery only (and catering as well, actually!). So if you live in Maadi and are craving Thai from the comfort of your couch, then this is the restaurant for you. Baitong, with its manager and chefs all from Thailand, tries to create dishes that remind them of home but using fresh Egyptian-sourced ingredients. They're open every day except Sunday. This is their menu. Recommended dishes: Massaman curry Phone number: 01272405517 Opening hours: 11 am - 9 pm For our favorite restaurants in Cairo for both tourists and locals alike, check us out here. Missing Sequoia? Check out these Nile-side restaurants that you can take your foreign friends now that Sequoia's closed.

When it comes to museums in Egypt, everyone is on pins and needles for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum -- right next to the Great Pyramids of Giza, it’s going to be the biggest archaeological museum in the world. But while we wait, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other museums of interest in Cairo; far from it. From the world-famous Cairo Museum to the newly-renovated National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to the lesser-known but still very interesting Museum of Textiles, there are a bunch of museums worth checking out at least once, whether you’re an Egyptian local or a visitor to Cairo. 1. Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (Cairo Museum) Type of museum: Egyptian history Location: Tahrir Square, Downtown Let’s start off with the biggest and most well-known museum in Egypt -- the Cairo Museum, otherwise known as the Egyptian Museum. Home to over 120,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts, the Cairo Museum holds the world’s largest collection of pharaonic antiquities. It’s here where you can see the infamous King Tutankhamun collection, complete with his sarcophagus and gold burial mask. 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. 2. 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. 3. Museum of Islamic Art Type of museum: Islamic heritage Location: Old Cairo This art museum holds over 100,000 pieces of Islamic heritage from not only Egypt but also Arab and non-Arab countries alike. 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. As for displays from outside of Egypt, the Museum of Islamic art is known for its Persian and Turkish pottery as well as some amazing Arabian carpets. 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. 4. Coptic Museum Type of museum: Coptic Christian heritage Location: Coptic Cairo 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 5. Gayer-Anderson Museum Type of museum: art and Islamic architecture Location: Old Cairo The Gayer-Anderson Museum is found in a beautiful historical house in Old Cairo, built in 1631. It’s a great remnant of Islamic architecture at the time. The house belonged to several different wealthy families over the years, but gained its name during its stint as home of British officer Gayer Anderson in 1935. He amassed a stunning collection of art, furniture, carpets and Egyptian handicrafts that remain in the house until present day. After he left Egypt due to illness, the house became a museum for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Islamic architecture and the house’s treasures, as well as added collections. It’s also known for its original ‘sabil’, an Islamic water feature with the purpose of providing fresh drinking water to the public. This is rare in a private residential home, more commonly found in mosques. 6. Oum Kalthoum Museum Type of museum: biographical Location: Manial If you’re a fan of Oum Kalthoum (if you’re not familiar with the singer, look her up -- she’s probably the most famous and beloved Egyptian and Arab artist of all time), then this little museum is for you. Found on the outskirts of Manasterly Palace in Manial, this museum holds not only relics of the Arab icon’s life and body of work, but also airs a short documentary of her life to really bring the experience full circle. Because the museum is so small, it’ll only take about 30-45 minutes to check out all the displays and watch the documentary. Local tip: close by is the Nilometer, which is also worth checking out. 7. Abdeen Palace Type of museum: historical Location: Old Cairo This palace turned museum was first built by Khedive Ismail in 1863, with the function of being governmental headquarters as well as the designated venue for official events and ceremonies. It was later a royal residence until the monarchy was abolished in 1952. The museum today is divided into the upper floors, which used to be the living quarters of the royal family, and are now only open for visiting foreign dignitaries. The lower floors hold the main sections of the museum: the Silver Museum, the Arms Museum, the Royal Family Museum, the Presidential Gifts Museum and the Historical Documents Museum. 8. Manial Palace & Museum Type of museum: art and history Location: Manial This palace was built by Prince Mohamed Ali Tawfik, the first cousin of King Farouk, in 1875 and completed in 1929. The Islamic architectural style is a mix of Ottoman, Persian and Moorish, while the inner design is a marriage between European Nouveau and Rococo. The palace is home to the prince’s extensive collection of art, furniture, clothing, silver and Medieval manuscripts from the Middle Ages. The ceramic tilework in the mosque and entrance was done by an Armenian ceramist. Today the palace and its historical gardens as well as King Farouk’s hunting lodge are all part of a public museum. 9. Egyptian Textile Museum Type of museum: textile (obviously) Location: Moez street, Old Cairo This little-heard-of museum resides in the heart of Moez street, amidst some spectacular old Islamic buildings. It displays textiles from the pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and and Islamic eras of Egypt. Amongst some of their notable pieces, they have pharaonic diapers (?), bed covers of female pharaoh Hatshepsut, Coptic tunics and prayer clothes from the ancient Coptic cemetery of El Bagawat and beautifully embroidered Islamic ‘qiswa’. The museum was originally a ‘sabil’, a public water fountain built by 19th century ruler Mohamed Ali as a tribute for his son Ismail, who was killed in battle in Sudan. It then became an orphanage school, and later a primary school ("Nahhasin School"), where both former Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser as well as world-renowned writer Naguib Mahfouz were students. You might also like: Grand Egyptian Museum: A Local's Guide To Everything You Need To Know

Hurghada, having spent the first hundred years of its life as a sleepy little fishing village on the Red Sea, is now one of the most popular beach and diving destinations in the Middle East -- and for good reason. Hurghada is frequently in TripAdvisor's Top 10 Most Popular Destinations in the World and usually has a whopping amount of entries in Scuba Travel’s World’s Top 100 Dive Sites. So combine the spectacular diving with 365 days of sun and beach weather, and you’ll start to get why Hurghada is such a tourist favorite. Quick Facts The coastal area of Hurghada is divided into Hurghada the city and its surrounding resort towns: El Gouna, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay Hurghada is on mainland Egypt (ie., not the Sinai peninsula where Sharm el Sheikh is), and is sandwiched between the Red Sea and Egypt’s eastern desert and mountains Hurghada’s main claim to fame besides its fantastic diving are the 5 star, all-inclusive beach resorts, many of which have inhouse water parks for families and tons of activities It’s a four hour flight from most European cities and a 45 minute flight from Cairo (4.5 hour drive) Best Time To Go Hurghada is a year-round destination, but it really depends on your personal preferences. Spring and fall are Hurghada’s ‘high season’ -- it’s when the weather is at its most ideal (beach weather without soaring temperatures), so that’s when you’ll find Hurghada at its busiest. Considering it’s a coastal resort city, summer is a great time to go too obviously, but only if you can handle daily temperatures in the mid-to-high thirties (Celsius) or the nineties (Fahrenheit) and super-strong sun. Lots of Europeans also like to escape below-zero temperatures in winter and hightail it to Hurghada, where it’s sunny daily with highs of mid-twenties Celsius or mid-seventies Fahrenheit. How To Get There If you’re coming from abroad (or even planning to fly domestically), then just fly into Hurghada International Airport. Once you land, it’s easy to either get an airport taxi from outside the arrivals hall or call a car to pick you up (ABC Taxi, more info below). If you’re staying at a hotel, you can also easily arrange pre-arrival for your hotel to send a car to pick you up. If you’re coming from Cairo, then you have one of three options: a) drive, b) take a bus, or c) fly. Driving from Cairo is now a super-smooth trip thanks to the new Galala Road which allows you to bypass the scary two-way twisty mountain roads of Ain el Sokhna. It takes about 4.5 hours from Cairo. If you’re coming by bus, then GoBus offers over 20+ buses daily between Cairo and Hurghada. They offer different types of buses according to what kind of ticket you buy (for example, the Elite Plus bus has individual LCD screens for each seat). You can find more info on: https://go-bus.com/en As for flying, the trip from Cairo to Hurghada takes about an hour. Where To Stay If you check out the accommodation options on a hotel booking website, it’s easy to get overwhelmed because there are SO MANY hotels. So before you choose one, it’s important to understand where exactly your hotel/rental is and the pros/cons of each location. 1. A hotel in Hurghada city Hurghada city proper is home to tons of hotels, varying from budget 2 star hotels to stunning 5 star hotels on the beach. The popular areas to stay in are El Mamsha (a long pedestrian street full of hotels, restaurants and bars) or the coastal Old Sheraton Road, near the Hurghada Marina Boulevard. Then you have a bunch of larger resorts on Hurghada's southern coast stretching all the way down to Sahl Hasheesh, the first main resort town south of Hurghada. Pros: you’re close to the action, restaurants, bars and nightlife. Transportation is easy via regular cabs or ABC taxi (info below). Cons: the city isn’t as peaceful as a resort town and most of the budget hotels don’t offer the same array of amenities as the big resort hotels. 2. A hotel in a nearby resort town like Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay Outside of Hurghada proper are several different resort towns: El Gouna (half an hour north by car), Sahl Hasheesh (half an hour south by car), Makadi Bay (45 minutes south by car) and Soma Bay, which is technically in the Safaga area of the Red Sea, but some people still consider it Hurghada (an hour south by car). Pros of staying in a resort town: these resort towns are secluded and pristine, and many of their hotels are all-inclusive; you won’t have to worry about anything while you’re there. Some of the big hotels also have waterparks for the kids and the hotels can arrange all sorts of adult and family activities. Cons of staying in a resort town: Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay don’t offer much outside of the resorts -- you won’t find all the restaurants, bars and local life that you would in Hurghada city, and it’s at least a half hour drive each way if you decide to go into Hurghada city. El Gouna is the exception -- you can find a full detailed guide to what El Gouna has to offer here. Soma Bay also a handful of restaurants and bars in its Marina area, but not as much as Hurghada or El Gouna. 3. An apartment rental In Hurghada city and El Gouna, you can find lots of different villa and apartment rentals on sites like Airbnb. Pros: Your own space with a kitchen for cooking, plus some of the rentals have their own private pools. Cons: you won’t have hotel staff to arrange trips, transportation or activities for you. How To Get Around (Transportation in Hurghada) Regular cabs If you’re staying in Hurghada city, an easy way to get around is just flag down a passing cab. Chances are, their meter won’t be working, so it’s best to tell the driver where you want to go and agree on the fare before you hop in. ABC Taxi or other chartered taxis If haggling with cab drivers isn’t up your alley, then ABC Taxi is a great choice. They’re metered taxis based in Hurghada city but you can order them from the airport, El Gouna, Soma Bay or the other resort towns. You can request one right away or book one for later, and their cars arrive quickly. ABC Taxi phone number: +20100 222 8294 There are other chartered taxi companies in Hurghada, but we've personally used ABC Taxi the most and they've never let us down (and this isn't even an ad!) Uber & Careem Yup, Uber and its Middle Eastern counterpart Careem are available in Hurghada (the main city area). Things To Do In Hurghada 1. Diving and snorkeling Like we spoke about above, Red Sea diving is world-renowned. Dive centers in Hurghada are a dime a dozen, affordable and offer PADI courses in a myriad of languages. If you want to experience the Red Sea’s gorgeous reefs and marine life without actually diving, boat trips to great snorkeling spots are easily arranged too, either by the dive centers or your hotel. For more details about the best diving spots, check out our article 7 Best Diving Destinations in Egypt’s Red Sea. 2. Spend the day on fully-serviced beaches The Hurghada area has some of Egypt’s best white sand beaches, with crystal clear calm water. Almost all of the resorts have their own beaches with umbrellas, sunbeds, towels and full service to bring you drinks, food and even shisha (hookah) to where you’re lounging on the beach. You might like: 9 World-Class Beaches in Egypt 3. Boat trips to the islands There are several different islands peppering the coast of Hurghada, and depending on the island you can either snorkel and explore, or spend the whole day at a beach bar/restaurant that offers sunbeds and umbrellas (the most popular being Mahmya on Giftun Island). For more info about the islands, read: 7 Red Sea Islands Perfect For A Boat Day Trip 4. Water sports/activities Aside from diving, snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing, there are a ton of other things you can do in the water. Kitesurfing Windsurfing Water-skiing/wakeboarding Catamaran Parasailing Sailing Fishing Glass bottom boat 5. Water Park & Aquarium If you want something to do that appeals to both kids and adults alike, then try one of Hurghada’s water parks. The most popular is Makadi Water World, which has free entrance for anyone staying in a Jaz Makadi Bay hotel, or you can buy an entrance ticket. There are tons of slides for people of all ages, plus a restaurant/snack bar that offers food and drinks. Another family-friendly activity is going to The Grand Aquarium in Hurghada city. 6. Desert Activities If you’ve had your fill of beach and water-related stuff, fear not, there’s still lots more to do in Hurghada. Egypt’s Eastern Desert and mountains border Hurghada, and your hotel or a local tour company can easily set you up with desert activities: ATV/quad safari Dirt biking Horseback riding Hiking and camping on the Red Sea Trail 7. Explore Hurghada the city If you want to get a feel for the ‘real’ Hurghada, away from the curated resort experience, then the best way to do this is by exploring the city. El Dahar -- the ‘old town’, where a few souks and bazaars are. This is the area where most locals live and it’s very different than the touristic areas; it’s an eye-opening look into the ‘real’ city. Hurghada Marina Boulevard -- the polar opposite of El Dahar, where everything is shiny and new. There’s restaurants, bars and shops galore on the yacht-lined marina. Old Sheraton Road (also known as El Sekala) -- parallel to the sea, it’s where local life and touristic life melt together. It’s a long busy street filled with budget hotels, dive centers, tour agencies, local shops and bazaars, Hurghada’s best seafood, banks, coffeeshops and cafes, restaurants (both local and touristy) and a mix & match of other things that any of the city’s inhabitants or visitors need. El Mamsha -- a long pedestrian promenade where the bulk of Hurghada’s hotels, restaurants and bars are. 8. Religious Sites -El Mina Mosque -- El Mina translates to ‘the port’, and it’s a fitting name for this mosque built right on the Hurghada Red Sea harbor, with little fishing boats and bigger yachts dotting the water around it. Built over an area of 4,000 meters, this mosque has 25 domes, a large marble courtyard and two towering minarets. The architectural style is eclectic, with nods to different Islamic motifs and designs. You might also like: 10 Most Beautiful Mosques in Egypt -St. Anthony’s Monastery -- St. Anthony was one of the most famous “Desert Fathers”, a group of Christian monks who lived in the Eastern Egyptian desert in the 3rd century. He was roaming the desert when he came across an oasis surrounded by trees, and it was in this spot that he was later buried and his monastery built a few years later. Today St. Anthony’s Monastery is the oldest inhabited Christian monastery in the world and is home to paintings dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, as well as 1,700 ancient documents. It's about a two hour drive from Hurghada, and close to St. Paul's Monastery, which dates back to the 6th century. You might also like: 9 Egyptian Churches, Cathedrals and Monasteries You Need To Visit At Least Once For more inspiration about activities in Hurghada, read 25 Fun Things To Do In Hurghada & El Gouna. Where To Eat In Hurghada Most visitors to Hurghada end up eating at their hotels, but if you want to try some of Hurghada’s best stand-alone restaurants, we recommend: -Star Fish (fresh seafood on Old Sheraton Road) -Granada (go for the amazing view, also on Old Sheraton Road) -White Elephant (Thai) For quick and easy Egyptian food from the same place where the locals eat: -Koshary El Tahrir (read about koshary in our article 12 Egyptian Foods You Need To Try). El Gouna also has an amazing collection of restaurants. For more details, read 7 Best Restaurants in El Gouna. Nightlife The most popular clubs in Hurghada city (all of these are on El Mamsha) are: -Little Buddha -Hard Rock Cafe (foam parties, Ladies Nights) -Papas Club For more a more laid-back bar/pub feel: -Caribbean Bar -Granada -Retro Pub You can also head to El Gouna and go to: -The Tap North -Villa Coconut -Aurora Leaving It’s just as straightforward as arriving. If you came by GoBus, then you board your return bus at the same bus stop in Hurghada (el Dahar area) where they dropped you off. If you came by plane and need to go to Hurghada Airport, Uber/Careem or ABC Taxis can take you. You can find more Egypt city guides here: Sharm El Sheikh City Guide El Gouna City Guide Aswan City Guide

Egypt has captured the imagination of many a writer in its 7,000 year existence -- and whether it be ancient Egypt, colonial Egypt or modern Egypt, can you really blame them? Few other countries in the world have the history, depth and complexity as Egypt, and we’ve compiled some of our favorite novels that take place here, by both Egyptian and non-Egyptian authors alike (this list is English-based, so we made sure that all Arabic and French novels listed below have an English translation available). This list is just the tip of the iceberg (or pyramid?) when it comes to novels about Egypt, and be sure to let us know if we didn’t include one of your favorites. Palace Walk Author: Naguib Mahfouz Takes place in: Cairo, 1917-1919 Summary: we of course had to include a novel by Naguib Mahfouz, an Egyptian legend and a Nobel Laureate in Literature. Palace Walk is the first novel in Mahfouz’s Cairo Trilogy, all translated from Arabic (Palace Walk’s real title is Bein El Qasrein, which translates to ‘between the two palaces’). Palace Walk is an inside look at a middle class Egyptian family during British-occupied Egypt in WWI, and the dynamics and cultural complexities between them. Read more: in the novel, the family lives in the area of El Moez Street, which is still a must-see Cairo attraction until today. Here's our local's guide to Moez Street. In the Eye of the Sun Author: Ahdaf Soueif Takes place in: Egypt and the UK from 1967-1980 Summary: This novel is a beautiful mix of love story, politics both in the Middle East and in interpersonal relationships, and a vivid portrayal of Egypt spanning over 10 years, all told through the story of Asya, a young Egyptian woman and memorable heroine. Egyptian author and journalist Ahdaf Soueif is also known for her novel The Map of Love, another personal favorite of ours. Ramses: The Son of Light Author: Christian Jacq Takes place in: Ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom Summary: This historical fiction novel is actually the first in a 5 book series about the life, love and reign of Ramses II, perhaps the most famous and powerful pharaoh to date. The books are quick reads, and even though they’re translated originally from French, the English translations do the books justice. Expect entertaining portrayals of Ancient Egypt and famous names such as Seti I, Nefertari and Moses. We definitely recommend reading all 5 books. Read more: Ramses II was the pharaoh behind the construction of Abu Simbel, one of the most spectacular Ancient Egyptian temples of all time. Here's a list of the 12 most impressive Anicent Egyptian temples still standing today. Yacoubian Building Author: Alaa El Aswany Takes place in: Cairo, 1990 Summary: Originally an Arabic novel, Yacoubian Building was a smash hit and not only quickly translated into other languages, but made into a movie. The story revolves around the different residents of the old Yacoubian Building in Downtown Cairo, and is described as a “scathing portrayal of modern Egyptian society”. Its incorporation of homosexuality in the story also got a lot of people hot and bothered (and not in a good way) when the book first came out. Death on the Nile Author: Agatha Christie Takes place: mainly on a steamer on the Nile in 1937 Summary: Yup, the world-famous detective novels of Agatha Christie starring Hercule Poirot have their own nod to Egypt in Death on the Nile. Agatha Christie herself stayed at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan while writing the novel, which is a mystery aboard a period steamer on the Nile. A Woman of Cairo Author: Noel Barber Takes place in: Cairo before and throughout WWII up through the 1952 revolution Summary: Set during the final days of the British occupation in Egypt is a love story between childhood friends and neighbors in Cairo’s aristocratic Garden City; the son of a British diplomat and the daughter of an Egyptian pasha. Their world of midnight picnics at the Pyramids and Nile-side luxury is brought to an abrupt halt when World War II erupts, followed by the uprising of Egyptians against the British occupation. River God Author: Wilbur Smith Takes place in: Ancient Egypt, end of the Middle Kingdom Summary: Set right before and during the invasion of the Hyksos into Ancient Egypt, River God is an adventure novel with a love triangle between the Pharaoh, a lord’s daughter and the soldier she’s in love with -- but the main character is Taita, a eunuch and slave who has to navigate his way not only through the perils of the love triangle but an ancient empire on the brink of falling to foreign invaders. The Alexandria Quartet Author: Lawrence Durrell Takes place in: Alexandria, before and during World War II Summary: The Alexandria Quartet is actually not just one book, but four -- you can either read them separately or all in one go as one really long book. The four books are Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive and Clea; the first 3 books depict the same set of events, but through different perspectives. The fourth novel takes place 6 years later. The novels are all about ‘modern’ love and the melting pot of East and West in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. The writing tends to lean towards being more ‘literary-heavy’ if that makes sense, so if you’re looking for a light read, this might not be for you. Read more: 15 Best Things to See and Do in Alexandria City of Love and Ashes Author: Yusuf Idris Takes place in: Cairo, 1952 Summary: Translated from Arabic, the writing is a bit dry and doesn’t do the novel as much justice as the original Arabic did, but most definitely worth a read anyway. City of Love and Ashes is about Hamza, a young Egyptian revolutionary secretly working with the resistance to revolt against the British occupation and the corrupt monarchy. He meets and falls in love with Fawziya through the cause, and they struggle with their feelings for each other in the midst of a much bigger battle -- the battle for their country. But which is more important? The Golden Goblet Author: Eloise Jarvis McGraw Takes place in: Ancient Egypt, the New Kingdom Summary: This book is touted as a children’s or young adult book, but trust us when we say it’s just as enjoyable for adults. The story revolves around Ranofer, a young orphan boy who tries to rise above his unfortunate circumstances to pursue his simple dream of becoming a goldsmith’s apprentice and leaving his abusive half-brother forever. He accidentally stumbles across one of the worst crimes one can commit in Ancient Egypt, and it’s up to him to do the right thing even if it costs him everything. Read more: 20 Must-See Ancient Egyptian Sites

So obviously none of us ever *intend* to break the law (well…), but when it comes to foreign countries especially, it’s always a smart idea to be on the right side of the legal system. Below are a few things that tourists might not think twice about, but are actually illegal in Egypt. It’s good to always be aware of these things just so you don’t find yourself doing something that gets you into a very unnecessary bind. We’re here to have fun, people!!! 1. Drones Unless you have explicit permission from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, you unfortunately won’t be able to get those sweet aerial views of the Pyramids that you had your eye on *sad emoji*. It’s a bummer, but oh well. It’s also probably a good idea to leave your drone at home completely (even if you’re heading to another destination before/after Egypt) because there have been numerous reported incidents of drones being seized at Cairo Airport. You might be able to wrangle out of them seizing it, but only after an hour or two of intense questioning, and ain’t nobody got time for that. And while fancy video equipment isn’t illegal, you’ll probably be stopped at Customs for extensive questioning regarding the equipment, so it’s best to just keep your electronic equipment limited and sweet. If you desperately need a drone for whatever reason, you can contact the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority here: info@civilaviation.gov.eg 2. Sharing an apartment or hotel room with an Egyptian of the opposite sex if you’re not married Egyptian regulations require that any Egyptian man or woman sharing a room or apartment with a member of the opposite sex have a marriage certificate. If you’re a foreigner and your partner or friend or whomever you plan to share a room with is foreign too, then you don’t need a marriage certificate and you’re totally fine. Nationality is obviously proven by passport. For example, a hotel in Egypt won’t allow an Egyptian passport-holder and a foreign passport-holder couple to share the same room, but they would allow two foreign passport-holders. You can also share hotel rooms & apartments with Egyptian friends of the same sex without any issue. 3. Photography near military facilities If you’re wandering around with your camera, make sure you keep an eye out for military buildings or sites because photography there is prohibited for national security. If you find yourself accidentally taking pictures near a military facility (in your defense, you probably had no idea that’s what it was), you might find officers come up to you suddenly and demand that you stop shooting/filming. They also might require you to show them the pictures you took and delete them. Usually the problem won’t be escalated beyond that, but make sure you comply with their demands to stop shooting and to delete the pictures taken so that you’re left to continue on your merry way as soon as possible. 4. The rainbow flag In 2017 there was an uproar in Egypt over the raising of the rainbow flag at a music concert. Homosexuality isn’t *technically* illegal in Egypt, but many of the LGBTQ community have been questioned and arrested under “debauchery laws”. Many Egyptians view homosexuality as immoral and a crime, and after the 2017 concert the rainbow flag was banned alongside any media statements that supported homosexuality. This does not mean at all that gay or LGBTQ tourists shouldn’t come to Egypt. It just means that vocally supporting homosexuality or waving the rainbow flag in a public setting isn’t the smartest thing to do. PDA between gay couples in public spaces is also something you should definitely try to avoid. 5. Bringing certain medications into the country There was a recent brouhaha when a British tourist was arrested in Hurghada Airport for bringing in 290 tablets of the painkiller Tramadol. While Tramadol is legal in the UK, it’s banned in Egypt due to the large amount of people who abuse it as a substitute for heroin. If there’s certain prescription medications you *must* bring with you into the country, make sure that a) you don’t bring in a large quantity, just the amount you need, and b) that you have a medical certificate from your doctor. Egypt offers a huge array of medication over the counter so it’s very easy to procure basic meds, painkillers, antibiotics, heart medicine, etc. 6. Drinking on Islamic holidays (except in hotels) During the month of Ramadan and a couple other days of the year (Islamic New Year, for example), the restaurants and bars of the city become dry, meaning it’s illegal for them to serve alcohol to anyone, including foreigners. Even retail shops like Drinkies will be closed for the full month of Ramadan; for the singular days, the ban on alcohol usually lasts for 24 hours, from sunset to sunset. The exception to this is hotels. If you’re a foreign-passport holder, you’re allowed to drink alcohol in hotel restaurants, bars, the lobby, your room, etc. 7. Severely criticizing Egypt publicly or on social media (while you’re in the country) This is a relatively new case so we’re not sure to what extent the government cracks down on public bad-mouthers, but we’ll give you the heads up anyway. In June 2018 a Lebanese tourist was sentenced to 8 years in prison because she posted a Facebook video calling Egypt a “son of a bitch country”. She was arrested at Cairo Airport prior to her flight home. So our advice to you would be, that no matter your *personal* thoughts on the country, keep it cute while you’re on Egyptian soil and then let it rip once you’re back home (but hopefully that won’t be the case!!!) Local recommendation: while the above “illegal things” might make you feel worried or anxious about walking the straight and narrow while in Egypt, there’s really no reason to be worried. 99% of tourists have zero brushes with the law, and officers tend to be understanding towards accidental offenders.

If you’re staying in El Gouna, or just going for the day from Hurghada (they're about 30 minutes apart), there’s good news and bad news when it comes to eating -- the good news is, there are tons of restaurants to choose from in El Gouna. The bad news? There’s tons of restaurants to choose from. If you’re not a local or recurring visitor, it can be hard to discern which eating establishments are worthy of both your stomach and your wallet -- so as locals, let us help you. You might also like: 10 Best Restaurants in Cairo For Locals and Tourists Alike Now, let us proceed: 1. Saigon Location: Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna Cuisine: Vietnamese In our humble opinion, Saigon is the very best restaurant not only in El Gouna, but in the surrounding Hurghada area as well (maybe even, dare we say, all of Egypt!). This restaurant on the marina in Gouna has been open and run for over 15 years by a Vietnamese lady who still heads the kitchen until now. The food is consistently awesome, and even if Vietnamese food isn’t necessarily your jam, their menu is full of of more classic pan-Asian items as well. 2. Zia Amelia Location: Downtown, El Gouna Cuisine: Italian Another El Gouna favorite since it opened over a decade ago, Zia Amelia’s owner hails from Napoli and their menu is bursting at the seams with Italian classics and freshly-made pastas. They have an in-house pizzeria (Forno Di Amelia) as well where you can pick up a pizza to go. The restaurant itself is warm and welcoming, with an inner air-conditioned section for hot days as well as candlelit tables outside for when you want to enjoy the weather. Their staff is always prompt and knowledgeable about the extensive menu as well. PS: if you’re an animal lover like us, there’s also a few cute resident cats that fall asleep randomly on different chairs in the outdoor area. 3. Chicha Location: Downtown El Gouna Cuisine: Latin Right across from Zia Amelia in Downtown Gouna is Chicha, a fun, bohemian-vibed Latin American restaurant offering a wide range of Peruvian, Mexican and Spanish dishes. They pride themselves on taking their inspiration from traditional dishes and giving them their modern spin. The star of Chicha's menu are their tacos, but they also have a wide range of other tapas-style dishes that are made for ordering many of and sharing (or don't share, that's up to you, lol). They also have a bunch of great cocktails. 4. El Bahr Location: Kite Center Road, El Gouna Cuisine: Seafood It would be counterintuitive to be a beach town and not have a great seafood restaurant, so luckily El Bahr is there to lead the charge. Away from the hustle and bustle of Abu Tig Marina and Downtown Gouna, El Bahr is right on the beach (as it should be!), where you'll see the sky peppered with bright kites from the kitesurfers cruising the water on breezy days. As for the menu, besides their appetizers, soups and salads, it's all really about whatever catches your eye from their fresh seafood display. You choose the fish you want, and tell them how you would like it cooked (grilled, fried, salted, in a casserole, etc). They also have fresh shrimp, crab, lobster, calamari, you name it. 5. Sotto Sopra Location: Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna Cuisine: Italian If you’re in Abu Tig Marina, keep your eye out for a cute little outdoor restaurant and bar on the water with pink and white bougainvillea spilling down the front of the restaurant. Sotto Sopra is known for their super thin crust pizza (which you can order in a standard size or by meter/half meter). They also have great gnocchi and risottos. A resident mixologist is there from 7 pm onwards for their signature cocktails (before 7 pm, you can order beer/wine). 6. Chuchichäschtli - Swiss House Location: Downtown, El Gouna Cuisine: Swiss First things first, please don't ask us how to pronounce the restaurant's name. Chuchichäschtli apparently translates into 'kitchen cupboard' in Swiss German, but it's no wonder why everyone else calls it Swiss House (to the extent that it's now the main name over their door!). Unpronounceable names aside, Swiss House has been serving excellent fondue and other classic Swiss comfort dishes for well over a decade now. And they are by bar one of the most popular restaurants come Christmas and winter -- they go all out with the decorations, and who doesn't want to warm their body and soul with some hot melted cheese? Even if fondue isn't your thing (weird choice on your part, but ok), Swiss House also offers seared beef fillet that you cook yourself over a hot stone. Also great for chilly nights. 7. Pier 88 Location: Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna Cuisine: International You can't talk about great restaurants in El Gouna without talking about one of its OGs, Pier 88 (by the way, not only is Pier 88 one of our favorite restaurants in Gouna, but in Cairo too). The original El Gouna restaurant is literally ‘on’ the water in the Abu Tig Marina -- it’s a stationary floating restaurant/bar. They serve great steaks, seafood, pasta, salads and cocktails -- and starting 9 pm on weekends, the music picks up and it becomes a favorite ‘night spot’. Looking for activities to do in Hurghada and El Gouna? Read 25 Fun Things To Do In Hurghada & El Gouna. Want a detailed guide for El Gouna? Read our extensive local's guide right here. You might also like: 8 Best Breakfast Places in El Gouna

It’s an exciting time in Cairo not just for the booming restaurant scene, but for catering experiences as well. Long gone are the days of your standard cookie-cutter catered dinners or events, where each caterer was identical to the next and the food and overall experience was fine but forgettable. Not anymore! Some of Cairo’s best caterers are really pulling out the stops when it comes to not just the diversity and taste of their culinary creations, but also the full experience and ambience as well. They realize that the ideal catering experience is not just about what you eat, but what you see and feel as well. We’re a long way from the stale mini-sandwiches, mediocre buffets and bored-looking servers that we associated with catering when we were growing up in Cairo, that’s for sure! Whether you need a caterer for an unforgettable life event like a wedding, or a more high-octane corporate event, or something small and intimate like a dinner at home or even just a date night, these are the seven best caterers that Cairo has to offer. 1. The Sage Experience If you’re looking for the top award-winning catering service in Cairo, look no further than The Sage Experience. They were the 2023 recipient of the ‘Experiential Dining Business’ award by Egypt’s Entrepreneur Awards (EEA), so it’ll come as no surprise that The Sage Experience is not just about top-notch food, but a world-class 360 dining experience as well. Only the very best for your guests! The Sage Experience was first launched by Amr Barghash and Ahmed El Meligy in 2020 as a way to bring that restaurant dining experience we love and missed during quarantine to your home. The food and ambience provided were such a hit that The Sage Experience soon started expanding from seated dinners at home to catered culinary events of all types and sizes – we’re talking everything from important corporate events, private celebrity dinners (hello, Backstreet Boys!), romantic date nights for two, unforgettable dinner parties, 5,000+ attendee events, you name it! And as their name suggests, when you choose The Sage Experience as your caterer, you’re not just getting food – you’re getting a whole experience that will leave you and your guests buzzing for the foreseeable future. You can check out The Sage Experience’s stunning culinary events here: The Sage Experience Or you can call them directly at: +201156956555 2. The Cookery Co. We love a strong women-led company, and three like-minded Egyptian women banded together in 2016 to establish The Cookery Co., which started off as a simple home catering service for limited numbers but then grew into one of Cairo’s most popular and expansive caterers today. They not only cater, but offer gorgeous tablescapes and grazing stations that are Instagram moments in and of themselves. We’re talking everything from Garden of Eden themed grazing tables to live Mexican taco stations to exquisite seated dinners. You can work with The Cookery Co.’s team to customize every detail of your event, from the menu to the decor to the lighting and seating. They cater everything from corporate events to weddings to even fondue nights! A quick idea of some of the different international menus they offer (and that you can tweak): buffet, finger food, seated dinners, weddings, coffee break, ‘fork & bowl’, Asian nights and kids’ menu. To see their beautiful setups and menus: The Cookery Co. Or you can call them directly at: 01102106568 - 01144200044 3. Avec Karim If you’re looking for a more avant garde, haute gastronomic experience than your standard catering service, look no further than Avec Karim. From weddings to events at places like The Grand Egyptian Museum or Paris Fashion Week to lunches at the Pyramids, Avec Karim can pull it off with high flair. If you’re looking for more private dinners, there is also Privé by Avec Karim. Avec Karim catering is headed by Chef Karim Abdel Rahman, an École Ducasse official partner and ambassador who was culinary-trained abroad in Switzerland and France, and even had the opportunity to work as a chef for Guy Savoy, a 3 Michelin star restaurant in Paris. So if you’re looking for that Michelin star feel for your event in Cairo, look no further than Avec Karim. For more info: Avec Karim and Avec Karim Privé 4. Tamr Jannah If for your event you want something more classic and leaning towards Egyptian and Middle Eastern cuisine, Tamr Jannah has been in the catering business for almost 20 years. Their menus: events, mini events, ‘3azoumas’, family meals, finger foods and frozen foods. For more info and to see their menus: Tamr Jannah 5. Crave Catering Who isn’t familiar with everyone’s comfort food restaurant, Crave? Yup the long-loved restaurant Crave has its own catering arm. They do everything from weddings to corporate catering to beach BBQs and more. For more info: Crave Catering 6. Trés Bon Another old-school beloved restaurant in Cairo, originally opening its doors in Korba in 1994, then expanding into several more branches as well as catering. For more info: Tres Bon or their hotline 19947 7. Sett El Biet If you’re looking for old-school Egyptian and oriental food, and a lot of it, then Sett el Biet is for you. They specialize in buffets filled with the classics like grilled kofta, kobeiba, vine leaves, chicken pane, different types of mahshi, macaroni bechamel, roasted turkey, kabsa and more. For more info: Sett El Biet Happy eating!

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

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. 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! 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 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 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). 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 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. 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

Egypt’s Red Sea has been making waves (horrible dad joke unintended) for decades now as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. Know what else Egypt is one of the best at, that not a lot of people know about? Kitesurfing! Unexpected by visitors, but true. Not only are Egypt’s Red Sea conditions ideal for kitesurfing/kiteboarding almost year-round, but Egypt is recognized internationally by kitesurfing experts to be one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world. And who are we to argue with the experts? It’s true though, Egypt has a multitude of professional kite centers dotted up and down its coasts, with all the ideal wind and water conditions, equipment, amenities and agreeable weather that any kitesurfer of any level (yes even beginners) could want. So let’s take a quick look at the best kitesurfing/kiteboarding spots in Egypt: El Gouna El Gouna is a Red Sea 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. Read more: El Gouna, Egypt - A Local’s Guide El Gouna has several kitesurfing schools and centers, on large flat lagoons with steady on-shore wind. The water temperature is around 29 degrees celsius during summer months and drops to 20 degrees in winter, meaning you can kitesurf year-round. The kitesurf centers also have adjacent beach bars, great for something to eat or drink after a long kitesurfing session. Ras Sudr Ras Sudr (pronounced Ras Sedr) is the first Red Sea Riviera destination you’ll hit when you cross over from mainland Egypt to the Sinai Peninsula. It’s 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. The average wind speed is 16 knots to 25 knots, even going up to 30 knots in September when it’s at its windiest. The overall conditions are at their best from March through to November (so basically spring through to fall), with the water being flat shallow lagoons. Ras Sudr is still pretty underdeveloped, but you’ll find a handful of beach hotels to stay at. Most people spend their days at the various kite centers which also double up as restaurants/beach bars. A few of the popular kite centers/beach restaurants are Soul, Matarma Bay and Fly. Blue Lagoon in Dahab Dahab is a small bohemian town on the Sinai Peninsula and is popular for its diving and seaside promenade, full of local and quirkily-named restaurants and shops. The Blue Lagoon is a beautiful but remote beach camp spot north of Dahab. It's very bare bones -- huts on the beach and no electricity, so perfect for unplugging after a long day of kitesurfing. What makes Dahab a great kitesurfing spot is that there’s constant wind - it’s on the Gulf of Aqaba, which works as a wind funnel down the coast until it opens up into the Red Sea. Blue Lagoon especially is great for kitesurfers because of its expanse of shallow, calm water. The kite centers in Dahab can easily arrange to transport you and your equipment (rented or otherwise) to Blue Lagoon or any other more remote kiteboarding site. Red Sea Islands off of Hurghada Hurghada was named one of Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Most Popular Destinations, and for good reason. The beaches and beach resorts there are fantastic, and there’s activities galore. One activity that’s been picking up in popularity is kitesurfing, and there are several Red Sea islands off Hurghada that offer the exact water and wind conditions that kiteboarders need. Boat trips and kiting trips are easily arranged from the Hurghada marina. Popular kitesurfing islands are Tawila, Geisum and Abu Minqar. Read more: 7 Red Sea Islands Perfect For A Boat Day Trip Read more: Hurghada, Egypt - A Local Guide For First-Timers Soma Bay A peninsula jutting into the Red Sea, Soma Bay is south of Hurghada and technically part of the Safaga area (below), but it’s deserving of its own ranking on this list. Because it’s surrounded by the sea on three sides, Soma Bay is famous for its water sports, especially kitesurfing and windsurfing, due to its steady winds (more than 300 days of wind a year!) and its bay of warm, shallow water. Tobia Island off the coast of Soma Bay is also a popular kitesurfing spot. Soma Bay is home to only a handful of beach resorts, so it’s a good place to go if you want to avoid the crowds found in other popular Red Sea Riviera destinations (Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, etc). There are multiple kitesurf centers dotted around the resorts offering everything from lessons for beginners to rental equipment for the more experienced. Safaga Like we said above, Soma Bay is technically a part of the larger Safaga area, but locals usually refer to Soma Bay as the peninsula and then the southern Red Sea coast underneath it as Safaga. A small port town, Safaga differs dramatically from the rest of the mainland Red Sea Riviera destinations -- while most of them are modern towns completely dedicated to tourism, Safaga as a port town has existed for over 2,000 years, dating back to the Ptolemaic days when it was called Philotera. Safaga these days is known mainly for its diving, kitesurfing and other water sports. (Although it’s also starting to garner recognition for its natural therapy, like its black sand treatments). Safaga’s beaches and kite centers cater to all kitesurfing levels, and like Soma Bay, Tobia island off the coast is a popular morning spot due to its ideal wind conditions. Wadi Lahami The most remote destination on this list, Wadi Lahami is a small village in what’s known as the Deep South of Egypt. It’s sandwiched between mountains and the Red Sea, surrounded by nature, and the closest city to it is Marsa Alam, about 180 km to the north, and the small town of Hamata is about 10 km north. Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Marsa Alam Wadi Lahami is essentially an ecolodge/camp and diving center, but is also a perfect place for kitesurfers who are looking to get away from it all. They have a kite center right on the beach, in front of a sandy bottom lagoon. You can swim year-long, and only from November to April do you need a thin wetsuit; the water is so warm the rest of the year that you can kite in your normal swimsuit. After kiting is over, you can grab something to drink at the kite center’s beach bar, and your accommodation options are either tents, royal tents, or deluxe chalets. You May Also Like: 7 Extreme Adventure Experiences in Egypt for Adrenaline Junkies

If you’ve been to Egypt before, it might have felt like a whirlwind of temples, tombs, monuments, pyramids and artifacts that probably wowed and confused you in equal measure. We know, it’s hard to remember all the different tombs and temples and... what was the difference between them again? We’re going to try to make things as nice and simple as we can. We already spoke about the awesome pyramids (besides the Pyramids of Giza) that you need to see in Egypt, so today we’re going to talk about the most awe-inspiring temples. Temples were a huge part of Ancient Egypt, and luckily we still have some mighty impressive ones still standing in Egypt today. So what’s the difference between a temple, tomb and pyramid? A tomb is where a person in Ancient Egypt was actually buried, and the types of tombs varied throughout the different kingdoms: they evolved from mastabas to pyramids (yep, pyramids are tombs) to underground chambers like at the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Read: 8 Best Ancient Egyptian Tomb Sites in Modern-Day Egypt So what’s an Ancient Egyptian temple? A temple was an official place of worship dedicated either to a god (or gods) or pharaoh. At the temples dedicated to the gods, priests would perform rituals and people would leave offerings, all with the purpose of maintaining maat, which was divine peace and order and which the Ancient Egyptian religion was built upon. The mortuary temples of the pharaohs were memorials to sustain their spirit in the afterlife. It’s kind of a simplistic explanation but we don’t want to lose you before we get to the juicy stuff… the temples themselves: 1. Karnak Temple Location: Luxor The temple complex of Karnak is the largest religious building ever built, and was constructed over a span of 2,000 years. Construction started in the Old Kingdom and was continuously added to up until the Ptolemaic era, with approximately 30 different pharaohs contributing. It’s the second most visited site in Egypt after the Pyramids of Giza. It’s also home to the Open Air Karnak Museum -- for more important museums in Egypt, head here. 2. Abu Simbel Location: Aswan Abu Simbel is comprised of two massive rock temples, about 3 hours from Aswan. The twin temples were constructed in the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom as an everlasting monument to Ramses II and his Great Royal Wife Nefertari. The massive temples were relocated from their original spot in an international effort to save the ancient monuments from Nile flooding, and are one of Egypt’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 3. Luxor Temple Location: Luxor 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). 4. Temple of Seti I at Abydos Location: Sohag The Temple of Seti I is one of the most impressive temples found in Abydos, an ancient sacred city in the modern Egyptian governorate of Sohag. It was built as a memorial to Seti I, a New Kingdom pharaoh, and is famous for being where the ‘Abydos King List’ was carved; it was a chronological list of pharaohs (that Seti recognized), starting from Narmer/Mena, the first Egyptian pharaoh, up to Ramses I (Seti’s father). 5. Ramesseum Location: Luxor The Ramessum is the mortuary temple of Ramses II (the same pharaoh who built Abu Simbel, and Seti I’s son). It was built with the intention of being a place of worship after Ramses II died, so his memory would be kept alive; this was of the utmost importance in the Ancient Egyptian religion. 6. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri Location: Luxor 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, and the massive terraced monument is surrounded by a steep cliff. It was in this cliff that archaeologists found a cache of royal mummies, moved in antiquity from the Valley of the Kings. 7. The Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu Location: Luxor 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 in Luxor. The temple is especially known for the depictions of Ramses III defeating the ‘Sea Peoples’, invaders of Ancient Egypt whose origins are unknown. 8. Kom Ombo Location: Aswan Kom Ombo, about an hour’s drive from central Aswan, is an unusual double temple dating back to the Ptolemaic era. A ‘double’ temple means it has two sets of halls, sanctuaries and rooms dedicated to two different gods; in the case of Kom Ombo, the two gods were Sobek (the crocodile god) and Horus (the falcon god). Over 300 crocodile mummies were found at the site, and they’re now in the adjacent Crocodile Museum. Kom Ombo also has engravings of what it is believed to be the first representation of medical tools and surgical instruments in the world. 9. Temple of Horus at Edfu Location: on the Nile between Aswan and Esna Built during the Ptolemaic times, the Temple of Horus at Edfu (or Edfu Temple) is one of the best preserved temples in all of Egypt. It’s also the largest temple dedicated to Horus. The wall inscriptions provided archeologists with important information about Ancient Egyptian religion and language during the Hellenistic/Ptolemaic era. 10. Temple of Khnum at Esna Location: south of Luxor Khnum was the Ancient Egyptian ram-headed god who created the world on his potter’s wheel, and this temple to him was built during Ptolemaic times but added to by the Romans. Because it was such a deeply religious site, inscriptions on the temple walls instruct visitors that to enter they must have trimmed fingernails and toenails, wear linen, remove body hair, wash their hands with natron (a type of salt) and not have had sex for several days (makes modern-day places of worship seem like a walk in the park). 11. Temple of Hathor at Dendera Location: Qena Known for its still-startling blue more than 2,000 years later, the Temple of Hathor is the most impressive site at the temple complex at Dendera. Built in the Ptolemaic era, it shows Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman influences and has several shrines to different gods. It’s also known for the clear depictions of Cleopatra and her son Caeserion, fathered by Julius Caesar. 12. Philae Location: Aswan The temple complex at Philae was primarily 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. You might also like: 7 Modern Egyptian Cities More Than 5,000 Years Old

While it’s true that Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera is home to some amazing coastal cities, towns and beaches, we have to confess: El Gouna is our personal favorite. Sharm El Sheikh and El Gouna’s neighbor Hurghada might be way more famous and popular with tourists (and for good reason), but El Gouna has a special place in our hearts (we are totally aware that other people will fight us to the death over which Red Sea Riviera destination is best, but at the end of the day, they’re all amazing so no point arguing over apples and oranges). You might like: 8 Best Egyptian Beach Holiday Destinations Some quick facts about El Gouna It’s a resort town spanning over 10 km of pristine Red Sea coast, with lagoons throughout It’s 25 km from the city of Hurghada (for our full Hurghada guide, head here). It’s a 4 hour flight from most European cities and around a 4 hour drive from Cairo The architecture throughout is inspired by traditional Egyptian homes in the countryside and Upper Egypt 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 Best Time To Go El Gouna is technically a year-round destination, but it really depends on your personal preferences. Spring and fall are El Gouna’s ‘high season’ -- it’s when the weather is at its most ideal (beach weather without soaring temperatures), so that’s when you’ll find Gouna at its busiest. Considering it’s a coastal resort town, summer is a great time to go too obviously, but only if you can handle daily temperatures in the mid-to-high thirties (Celsius) or the nineties (Fahrenheit) and super-strong sun. The great thing about El Gouna is that it never gets crowded -- with the exception of public holidays and certain annual events like the Gouna Film Festival or the Sandbox music festival. How To Get There If you’re coming from abroad (or even planning to fly domestically), then just fly into Hurghada International Airport, which is about a half an hour car ride from Gouna. Once you land, it’s easy to either grab a taxi from outside the arrivals hall or call a car service to pick you up (like Budget or ABC Taxi, more info about both below). If you’re staying at a hotel, you can also easily arrange pre-arrival for your hotel to send a car to pick you up. If you’re coming from Cairo, then you have one of three options: a) drive, b) take a bus, or c) fly. Driving from Cairo is now a super-smooth trip thanks to the new Galala Road which allows you to bypass the scary two-way twisty mountain roads of Ain el Sokhna. It takes about 3.5 hours from the Cairo toll station to the Hurghada toll station (which is right before El Gouna), and about 4 hours from central Cairo. If you’re coming by bus, then GoBus offers over 15 buses daily between Cairo and El Gouna (they drop you off at their bus stop in Downtown El Gouna). They offer different types of buses according to what kind of ticket you buy (for example, the Elite Plus bus has individual LCD screens for each seat). You can find more info on: https://go-bus.com/en As for flying, the trip from Cairo to Hurghada takes about 45 minutes. Where To Stay The two main areas in El Gouna are Abu Tig Marina and Downtown -- that’s where most of the restaurants, nightlife, shops and beach bars/pool clubs are. You’ll find a handful of hotels in both areas, but the bigger resorts have their own real estate and beachfront in El Gouna. The rest of the town is mainly residential, divided into different neighborhoods on lagoons. Ok, cool. But still, where should you stay? This totally depends on personal preference. Here are your options: A big resort hotel like Movenpick, Sheraton or Steigenberger (pros: they have lots of activities for both adults and kids, and have pools, beachfront and restaurants, meaning you don’t have to leave your resort unless you want to). A hotel on Abu Tig Marina (pros: being in walking distance of the marina’s restaurants and nightlife. The hotels range from 3 star to 5 star, and the ones that don’t have a pool or beachfront are given access to Moods and Marina Beach on the marina). A hotel in Downtown (pros: you’re close to the restaurants and cafes of Downtown, and yet are simultaneously on a lagoon). An exclusive, private (but pricey) boutique hotel like La Maison Bleue or Casa Cook An apartment/villa rental, either through a broker or Airbnb (pros: it’s your own place and some have private pools). Each option has its advantages, but it depends on your personal circumstances. And we can say with confidence, that there’s no *bad* place to stay in Gouna. To book a hotel, you can go to: www.hotels.elgouna.com For a rental, we recommend Airbnb. Getting Around/Transportation in El Gouna The thing we love about Gouna is that there’s enough space to never feel crowded, but at the same time it’s contained so that things are never too far from anything else. If you don’t have a car in Gouna, that won’t pose a problem whaoltsoever. You can either get around by tuktuk, a car service or shuttle bus (or bike if you’re the athletic type, good for you!). Tuktuks Tuktuks take up to 3 people, and you can either order one by phone from the Gouna hotline (16550) or you can ask your hotel reception to do this for you, and they arrive at wherever you are in about 10 minutes or less. There are also tuktuk stands in Downtown and at the Marina where you can hop in the first available one. Car service If you’re more than three people or just prefer cars to tuktuks, then you can call Budget, Gouna’s limousine service. You can either request a car ASAP or book one for a later time. Budget limo service: +20122 734 0166 Shuttle Bus (within El Gouna) If you’re staying at one of El Gouna’s bigger hotels or in the West Golf neighborhood, there’s 5 different shuttle bus lines that ferry guests between the hotels and Downtown. Ask your hotel reception for timing and bus stop details. Transportation to/from Hurghada If you’re heading to/from Hurghada airport or anywhere else in Hurghada, there’s easy ways back and forth. ABC Taxi is a personal favorite of ours. They’re metered taxis based in Hurghada but you can order them from El Gouna. You can request one right away or book one for later, and they’re cheaper than Budget car service for going between El Gouna and Hurghada. There are also other similar private taxi services that serve Gouna from Hurghada, but ABC Taxi is the one we use the most personally. ABC Taxi: +20100 222 8294 You can also take the GoBus from Downtown Gouna to their stop in Hurghada (doesn’t go to the airport). Things To Do There’s tons of fun activities in both El Gouna and nearby Hurghada, and as is the recurrent theme here, it really depends on your preferences. Beaches/pools where you can spend the day: Moods Beach Zouni Beach Mangroovy The Clubhouse Club 88 Smokery Beach Makani Beach Club Zeytouna Beach Island Marina Beach DuPort Pool Club Water sports: Diving Snorkeling Kitesurfing Windsurfing Sliders the cable park Water-skiing/waterboarding Boat trips: Day excursion island boat trip, eg. Giftun Islands (Mahmya/Orange Bay) or Tawila Island (more details at: Red Sea Islands Perfect for a Boat Trip) Catamaran Glass bottom boat Sailing Fishing Diving/snorkeling Daytime party boat (returns to the marina at sunset) Chartered mini-yachts for weekends or specified amount of days Regular sports: Tennis Squash Horseback riding Golf Go-karting Mini-golf Biking For more details, read 25 Fun Things To Do In Hurghada and El Gouna. Where To Eat El Gouna has a ton of great restaurants serving all different kinds of cuisines. One of our personal favorite things about this coastal town is that all the restaurants are small local affairs owned by Gouna residents of all nationalities -- you won’t find Mcdonald’s or Pizza Hut here (they do have a Nathan’s though for some reason). You’ll find the majority of the restaurants in either Downtown or the Marina, with the exceptions being hotel restaurants. Best places for breakfast: Malu’s Deli Seventh Star The Bagel Tree For our favorite breakfast spots, read this: 8 Best Breakfast Places in El Gouna Best places for lunch/dinner: Saigon Zia Amelia Pier 88 Our full list of the 7 Best Restaurants in El Gouna. Restaurants with an open sea view: Smokery El Bahr Morgan’s Beach Bistro El Sayadin Nightlife Ok, so you swam, tanned, ate… now time to party a little. The most popular night spots in Gouna are: The Tap South (live music and DJs in a casual pub atmosphere on the marina) Pier 88 on weekends after 10 pm Villa Coconut (early in the evening it's ambient music for dinner and drinks, but then a DJ starts around 10/11 pm until 2 am) Aurora (the main club in Gouna) Barten (a cocktail bar on Abu Tig Marina) Duport on select nights Rush Sports Bar In Downtown they also have shisha cafes that serve alcohol open until 3 am. Leaving It’s just as straightforward as arriving. If you came by GoBus, then you board your return bus at the same stop in Downtown where they dropped you off. If you came by plane and need to go to Hurghada Airport, either Budget limousine or ABC Taxis can take you. Looking for more local guides? Check out: Hurghada, Egypt: A Local Guide For First-Timers Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt: A Detailed Guide For First-Timers Khan El Khalili: An Egyptian Local’s Guide Egypt's Red Sea Riviera: Where To Stay Aswan, Egypt: A Local's City Guide

We all know that people flock from the world over to Egypt to see the Pyramids, explore ancient temples and tombs and even swim in some of the best beaches in the world. But did you know that thousands of people come yearly for what’s known as therapeutic tourism? Yup, found in Egypt’s remote deserts and thriving coasts are a host of natural treatments and therapy for a huge range of ailments, whether physical or psychological. The climate alone in various places in Egypt can help certain conditions more than modern medicine can, to the extent that people have been moving to Egypt for this purpose alone for more than a century. If you have something ailing you and want to try your hand at natural healing, Egypt shines when it comes to the following kinds of natural therapy. 1. Black Sand Treatment in Safaga Treats: acute and chronic arthritis, skin inflammation and psoriasis, joint edema and joint effusion Safaga, a small coastal town on Egypt’s mainland Red Sea Riviera, is quickly skyrocketing in popularity when it comes to natural and climatic therapy. Their black sand beaches were found to have three non-toxic, low-dose radioactive elements that were proven effective in rheumatoid and joint therapy; uranium, thorium, and potassium. The sand is also rich in other healing salts and minerals, including gold salt. 2. Hot Mineral Springs in Siwa and Sinai Treats: chronic digestive diseases, gout, diabetes, rheumatism, high blood pressure, skin conditions and arthritis Egypt is home to over 1,300 natural springs, but the ones making a name for themselves when it comes to natural therapy are Siwa’s hot mineral springs in the Western Desert and Ayoun Moussa, Hammam Moussa and Hammam Pharaon in Sinai. Balneology (treatment of diseases by bathing in water full of minerals) isn’t a proven science but studies have found it to lead to measurable improvements in a host of different ailments. 3. Mud Baths in Wadi Assal Treats: arthritis, joint pain, inflammatory skin conditions, muscular pain Found in Ras Sudr on the Sinai peninsula, Wadi Assal is a natural hot spring known for its mineral-rich mud. Locals cover themselves in the mud from the spring (known for its anti-inflammatory properties), then soak in the hot spring for at least 20 to 30 minutes afterwards, with the water’s temperature reaching above 50 degrees celsius. 4. Red Sea Thalassotherapy Treats: back and muscular pain, arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, hypertension, asthma, bronchitis and some people even say weight loss and cellulite Thalassotherapy is the use of seawater for treatment of medical issues; and not just the seawater itself, but also sea mud, seaweed, sand and any other natural, pure material that comes from the sea. It’s extremely popular in the Dead Sea and has started to rise in popularity on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, with luxury hotels like Cascades in Soma Bay offering a wide range of thalasso-spa treatments. 5. Hot Sand Baths in Aswan and Siwa Treats: rheumatism, arthritis, joint pain, infertility and impotence 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 (and even infertility) do 3 to 5 days of hot sand baths and therapy led by experienced health workers in Siwa and Aswan. 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. 6. Kemetic Yoga in Luxor Treats: stress, low energy levels, sluggish circulation and increases strength, mobility, flexibility and clarity of mind While technically kemetic yoga can be done anywhere, regular practitioners of kemetic yoga swear by the elevated spiritual experience of practicing it near the Ancient Egyptian temples and ancient holy grounds of Luxor (formerly Thebes), and its positive effects on both the body and the mind. Kemetic yoga is the Ancient Egyptian system of movement, breathing and meditation as depicted by the ancient art that’s still found today on the walls of Egypt’s most famous tombs and temples. Kemet is the Ancient Egyptian word for ‘Egypt’, which translates to ‘the Black Land’. 7. Climatic and Herbal Treatments in Nubia Treats: respiratory diseases, rheumatism, digestive issues, kidney problems, renal problems Nubia in southern Egypt is known for the healing properties of its weather -- the dry air, year-round sunshine and clean air have been pulling in patients with respiratory problems and rheumatism from damper climates for over a century now. Add to that the herbal treatments that have been passed down generation to generation in Nubian families, and you have the perfect spot for those looking for natural cures. Different local herbs used and prepared by Nubians include halfa burr, which is a natural medication for the common cold and flu, hargal for stomach and digestive problems, and dammsesa for kidney issues. You may also like: 5 Best Egyptian Natural Skincare, Haircare and Beauty Brands

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. 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 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. 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 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 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. 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 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 You might also like: Where To Go In Egypt - 10 Best Egyptian Cities, Towns & Destinations

Alexandria’s home to tons of restaurants (or cafes posing as restaurants if you want to get technical), but which places make the cut if you’re in the city for only a few days? If you’re in the market for good food and not necessarily a sea view (although two of the below have views), then stick to this list of locally-tried and locally-loved restaurants in Alexandria -- it has everything from popular favorites to hidden gems. You might also like: Sightseeing in Alexandria: 15 Best Things To See and Do 1. Greek Club (White and Blue Restaurant) Specialty: Greek and seafood Greek Club is by far one of the most well-known restaurants in Alexandria, and for good reason -- the view over the Alexandrian harbor is second to none. Its real name is the White and Blue Restaurant, but locals refer it to as the Greek Club. Its menu is a mix of seafood and a few choice Greek dishes, and they serve beer and wine to enjoy alongside the view. Reservations recommended for the outdoor terrace on weekends. Keep in mind it’s on the pricey side though. Address: Bahary, right next to Qaitbey Citadel 2. Mohamed Ahmed Specialty: fuul and falafel Mohamed Ahmed has been serving up some of Alex’s favorite fuul and falafel for over 60 years, since 1957 (not sure what we’re talking about? Check out 12 Local Egyptian Foods You Need To Try). They also serve great egg dishes and cheese served in a variety of ways. Their restaurant is small and bare bones but gets the job done. Local tip: they're open 24/7, so it's never too early or too late to get your Mohamed Ahmed fix. Address: 17 Shokour St., off Saad Zaghloul St. 3. El Lol Specialty: seafood This place brings a whole new meaning to the word ‘fresh’. It’s a little family-run seafood shack on the beach where you can watch the fishermen bring in their haul of the day which will then be cooked and prepared for you while you sit looking out over the water. Because it’s not a ‘professional restaurant’, you might wait a little more than you’re used to for your food, but with a sea view like that, with a lighthouse in the background, what are you in a rush for? This place is on the outskirts of Alexandria, in the El Max area. Address: next to El Fanar, El Max 4. Chez Gaby Specialty: Italian A cozy taverna-style restaurant off of Fouad street, Chez Gaby au Ritrovo has been open since 1979 and they serve pizza, pasta and other Italian classics. They also serve wine and beer to enjoy with your meal. It’s a family-run business and you’ll find pizzas named after different family members and close family friends, which adds to its homey charm. They're closed on Mondays. Address: off of Fouad Street, close to the Alexandria Opera House 5. Farag Abou Khaled Specialty: Alexandrian liver This place has two branches: the original branch is where you go for the more authentic street food experience, but keep in mind it's neither fancy nor sparkling clean -- you’ll basically be eating on haphazard tables and chairs on the sidewalk. Their newer branch is two blocks away and bigger/cleaner, but short on charm. But in either case, if liver, especially Alexandrian liver, is your jam then definitely don’t miss Farag Abou Khaled. They serve liver, kidney, makhasi (not sure how to translate that one into English), brain, tongue and an assortment of other meats either in a sandwich, grilled or on a platter. Address: 32 El Sayed Mohamed Karim Street, El Gomrok 6. Teatro Eskendria Speciality: homemade Egyptian food Teatro is not only a restaurant and cafe that serves up classic Egyptian favorites, from breakfast to feteer to tagens to casseroles, but it's also a cultural center and art space. Owned by a group of artists, you can find Teatro in an Italian-built building dating back to 1928. Besides being a dining destination, Teatro also houses a gallery and bookshop, and hosts exhibitions, live performances, film screenings and children's activities. Address: 25 Fouad Street, El Raml Station 7. Negro Specialty: seafood While the restaurant's name is an unfortunate choice, deciding to eat there is not. This place has been open since 1987 but only recently have people outside of Alexandrian locals started to recognize it for the hidden gem it is. Don't expect a menu or an array of seafood to choose from -- here the chefs cook their own specials of the day based on the fresh catch they have on hand. You'll usually be served a salad, seafood soup and a few surprise seafood dishes, followed by fruit salad for dessert. The restaurant itself is small (only a smattering of tables) and dimly-lit at night with candles. Opening hours: 5 pm - 3 am Address: 33 Amin Khairat el Ghandour, Sidi Bishr You might also like: Where To Stay In Alexandria: 7 Best Hotels In The Mediterranean City

If we're all being honest here, who among us doesn't truly appreciate a 5-star luxury hotel? Very few of us, we imagine. And if you're planning a trip to Cairo, then you're in luck because Cairo has a plethora of 5-star luxury hotels, which are not only a great experience in and of themselves, but also a very welcome calm oasis from the hustle and bustle and chaos of Cairo's streets. And there's more good news: compared to the US and Europe, these high-end hotels in Cairo are definitely more affordable. So if you’ve always wanted to have the 5-star hotel experience but found it just too damn expensive (we hear you) then Cairo just might be the place where you can indulge cheaper than you would anywhere else. We compiled a list of our 7 favorite luxury hotels in Cairo based on which places produce the most bang for your buck, whether it comes to experience, location, view, restaurants, etc. Here they are in no particular order: 1. Sofitel Gezirah Location: Zamalek Sofitel Gezirah is one of our favorite hotels in Cairo for several reasons. First off, it’s an actual tower smack on the tip of an island in the middle of the Nile, so there’s no such thing as a bad view there. No looking out at the side of a brick building for you. Secondly, most of their restaurants are literally on the water -- all you need to do is reach down from your dinner table and stick your hand in the river (not sure if you would want to, though). Local tip: Their Moroccan restaurant has live Arabic music and a belly-dancer on weekend nights, so have a drink and a shisha next to the Nile and get ready for some entertainment. What we love: how everything is on the water, including their infinity pool, plus their location (close to Zamalek nightlife and the Cairo Museum simultaneously). 2. Four Seasons Nile Plaza Location: Garden City We don’t know about you, but whenever we think of Four Seasons, we feel all fancy. Four Seasons Nile Plaza is everything you’d expect of 5-star hotel -- great restaurants, shopping (they have a department store called Beymen), Nile views, awesome service, etc. If you always wanted to have the Four Seasons experience, Cairo is a good place to start. Local tip: there’s also another Four Seasons in Cairo called the Four Seasons First Residence (in Giza), but Four Seasons Nile Plaza is the clear winner in our eyes. What we love: their restaurants are all worth their salt. 3. Semiramis Intercontinental Location: Garden City The Semiramis is one of Cairo’s older hotels, and despite being a tad more dated than the others on this list, we still love it. The hotel overlooks the Nile on one side and Tahrir Square on the other (it’s basically sitting on Tahrir Square, so the location is awesome). It’s also a five minute walk to Cairo Museum. What we love: their rooftop pool and their restaurant Pane Vino, which has an outdoor terrace so you can eat outdoors with a shisha. Their Thai restaurant Bird Cage is pretty legit too. 4. Marriott Mena House Location: Pyramids You guys real talk, this hotel has *the* best view of the Giza pyramids of all hotels in the area. We also aren’t big fans other hotels in the Pyramids area but that’s a different story for a different day. It's also very close to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Who wouldn’t want to swim with an ancient wonder of the world in the background? We’ll wait. What we love: 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. It also has a lot of modern history: it was the setting for peace conferences between then-presidents Sadat, Jimmy Carter and Prime Minister Begin. You can’t pay for that kind of history, folks! (Or actually, yes you can). 5. Kempinski Nile Hotel Location: Garden City Kempinski, while not an actual boutique hotel, has a cute boutique-y feel to it compared to the other heavy-hitters on this list. It too is situated right on the river Nile in Garden City, close to Tahrir Square and the Cairo Museum. What we love: their rooftop pool, while small, has an awesome view. Their Turkish restaurant Osmanly is also a crowd favorite. 6. Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino Location: Zamalek A former palace, this now-hotel has the most stunning interiors and original architecture of any hotel in the city. Quick history run-through, because this hotel has a lot of it: the Cairo Marriott used to be the Palace el Gezirah, built by Khedive Ismail in 1869 (yup, same year he built his royal lodge, the now Marriott Mena House). This palace was a “guest palace” for the Suez Canal inauguration celebrations, and later on housed names you might recognize like Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. For a deeper look at the hotel’s history, check out 11 Historical Hotels in Egypt that You Can Still Stay At. What we love: besides the architecture and history, the Marriott’s gardens are a great place to kick back with a drink and people-watch. 7. St. Regis Cairo Location: Corniche El Nil The newest hotel on this list (having opened its doors in 2019), St. Regis is a great option if you like your luxury hotels shiny and new. The St. Regis is right on the Nile and about a five minute drive from the Cairo Museum at Tahrir Square in Downtown Cairo. St. Regis Cairo is known for their upscale restaurants with spectacular Nile views, such as the J&G Steakhouse, La Zisa (Italian), Tianma (Singaporean) and Sirocco (Mediterranean). What we love: it's truly 5 star luxury and service across the board at the St Regis Cairo. You might also like: Where To Stay in Alexandria, Egypt: 7 Best Hotels In The Mediterranean City

So you want to enjoy a meal with one of the best views the entire world can offer you: the Pyramids of Giza. Who can blame you? (Pst: here's our full guide to the Pyramids). One small issue though: the tourist trap restaurants in that area can be a nightmare; underwhelming at best and inedible at worst. So we’re here with our local guide of which restaurants are worth both your money and your appetite, without having to give up on that once-in-a-lifetime view. 139 Pavilion Cuisine: International Serves: 24/7 Serves alcohol: yes This open-air restaurant in the iconic Marriott Mena House hotel is a breath of fresh air from the crowds and bustle of Giza. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner fountain-side, surrounded by flowers and greenery and, you know, THE PYRAMIDS. What a view! There’s an a la carte menu, but also the option of an all-you-can-eat buffet. At night you lose some of the Pyramids view because they’re not always lit up, but there’s something peaceful and serene in the darkness. Khufu's Cuisine: Egyptian Serves: breakfast, brunch & lunch Serves alcohol: yes Brought to you by the culinary minds of one of our favorite restaurants, Pier 88, Khufu's is at the King Center on the Giza Plateau, making it one of only two restaurants you can eat at while being inside the Giza Pyramid Complex (the other is 9 Pyramids Lounge, below). Khufu's serves 'upscale Egyptian' cuisine, ie. more gourmet versions of Egyptian classics (you choose between two set menus). The view is obviously spectacular, but keep in mind that it's not cheap and closes at 5 pm. Reservations needed. 9 Pyramids Lounge Cuisine: Egyptian Serves: breakfast, lunch and early dinner Serves alcohol: no 9 Pyramids Lounge is the 2nd of only two restaurants to actually be on the same Giza plateau as the Pyramids themselves -- so the unobstructed views of all three pyramids plus the smaller queens' pyramids are OUT OF THIS WORLD. Serving Egyptian food, 9 Pyramids Lounge is open from 8 am to 5 pm, but last entry is 4 pm. A local tip though: their food is average so don't have super high hopes; here it's all about the view. Moghul Room Cuisine: Indian Serves: lunch and dinner Serves alcohol: yes Also found in the Marriott Mena House is one of Cairo’s best Indian restaurants, the Moghul Room. This restaurant has been a firm Cairo favorite for decades now, and it never falters when it comes to quality, taste, ambience… oh and that view isn’t anything to sneeze at either. Cheristo Cuisine: seafood Serves: lunch and dinner (noon to midnight) Serves alcohol: yes One wouldn't expect Cairo's oldest seafood restaurant to necessarily be at the foot of the Pyramids, but there you are. Cheristo, located across from the Marriott Mena House, has spectacular Pyramid views to enjoy from their second story outdoor terrace (in colder months, try to nab a table by the window instead). Felfela Village Cuisine: Egyptian Serves: breakfast, lunch and dinner (10 am to midnight) Serves alcohol: no Felfela is another restaurant that’s stood the test of time for years; its Downtown Cairo counterpart first opened in 1959. This is the place to hit up if you want some authentic Egyptian fare to match your authentic Egyptian view; make sure to try their fuul, taameya, shawerma and other local Egyptian favorites. They have an outdoor terrace and shisha. Pizza Hut Cuisine: fast food I guess? Serves: lunch and dinner (11 am to midnight) Serves alcohol: no Strange, but true. If you want to have an open-air, world-class view of the Pyramids over lunch/dinner but want to avoid the exorbitant prices at hotel restaurants, then look no further than the nearest Pizza Hut to the Pyramids. This is perfect for people on a budget or those who have picky kids. This famous chain is on the 2nd floor (above KFC) and has an outdoor balcony with one of the best views in the city. During the day, you can see the ancient giants in all their glory, and at night you can witness them lit up during the Sound & Light Show. You may also like: 12 Places To Go For The Most Beautiful Views in Egypt