Egypt is a country that stays with you long after you leave. It’s intense, vibrant, and full of history at every turn. Before visiting, I read so many mixed opinions—some people loved it, others said they’d never return.
After spending nine days exploring Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and El Gouna, I can confidently say it exceeded all my expectations. I felt safe, welcomed, and completely fascinated by everything Egypt had to offer. This trip left such an impression on me that I already know—I’ll be back.
Is Egypt Safe? My Honest Experience as a Female Traveler
Before going, I read so many warnings about scams, harassment, and aggressive sales tactics. The truth? I felt completely safe the entire trip.
✔ Locals treated us with kindness and went out of their way to help.
✔ We never felt in danger, but we didn’t walk alone at night.
✔ Having a guide made all the difference.
🚨 What to Keep in Mind:
- Hustle culture is real. Expect vendors to approach you constantly, especially in tourist areas.
- If you’re a woman, expect extra attention. People were mostly respectful, but some tried to charge us more when we weren’t with our guide.
- Tipping is expected for everything. From directions to toilet attendants, always carry small change.
Would I Recommend Solo Travel for Women?
If you’re an experienced traveler who knows how to handle intense situations, you can definitely do it. But if you’ve never travelled somewhere like this before, I wouldn’t recommend solo travel unless you have a guide or local connections.
Egypt is a safe place to visit, but it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know how to navigate the hustle culture. Having a local with you makes everything so much easier and more enjoyable.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Egypt has so much to offer, and I had an amazing time exploring its history, culture, and local life. There’s still so much more to see, and I know this won’t be my last trip!
Best Time to Visit Egypt – When to Go Based on What You Want to Do
Egypt is hot year-round, so choosing when to go depends on what you want to experience.
✔ For Sightseeing (Pyramids, Temples, Abu Simbel): December – February (cooler, less exhausting).
✔ For Red Sea & Beaches (Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam): May – September/October (warmer water, best for diving).
✔ Avoid June – August if you can—Luxor & Aswan can hit 40°C+ (104°F+).
🚨 Tip: In February, evenings can get chilly (13°C)—bring a light jacket!
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Traditional Egyptian Food – What to Expect & Must-Try Dishes
I heard so many bad things about Egyptian food before visiting—but I completely disagree. The food was amazing! You just need to know where to eat.
One thing about Egyptians? Their hospitality is unmatched. If you get to know locals, they will make sure you never go hungry. They’ll bring out the best food they have, offer you endless drinks, and truly make you feel at home. It actually reminded me of my home country, Croatia, where hosting guests is just as important.
When you spend time with locals, expect to be offered:
✔ Hibiscus tea (Karkadeh) – Served hot or cold, slightly tart and refreshing.
✔ Traditional tea – Usually black tea, often sweetened.
✔ Cardamom coffee – Made in the Turkish style, fragrant and absolutely delicious.
Now, onto the food—because Egyptian cuisine deserves way more credit than it gets!
🚨 Tip: If you want to eat well in Egypt, ask locals for recommendations or follow trusted guides. Where you eat makes all the difference!
(My Favourite!)
✔ Ful Medames – Fava bean stew, rich and hearty.
✔ Ta’ameya (Egyptian Falafel) – Crispy, coated in sesame seeds.
✔ Beid Bel Basturma – Scrambled eggs with cured beef.
✔ Baladi Bread – Warm, freshly baked.
✔ Labneh – Thick, creamy yogurt dip.
✔ Baba Ganoush – Smoky aubergine spread.
✔ Dukkah – A nutty, spiced topping.
✔ Karkadeh (Hibiscus Tea) – Refreshing and slightly tart.
✔ Fries for breakfast? Sounds weird, but it works!
✔ Koshari – Pasta, lentils, rice, chickpeas, and crispy onions in tomato sauce.
✔ Molokhia – Green soup made from jute leaves, served with rice or bread.
✔ Mahshi – Stuffed vegetables with rice and herbs.
✔ Grilled meats & kebabs – Usually served with fresh salads and dips
✔ Basbousa – Sweet semolina cake.
✔ Konafa – Crispy pastry with cream or nuts.
✔ Sugarcane juice – A must-try! Super refreshing.
What to Wear in Egypt – Dress Code & Packing Tips
Egypt is a conservative country, but what you wear depends on your location.
✔ Women: Shoulders and knees covered in public; loose, breathable clothes are best.
✔ Men: Shorts are fine, but trousers are more common in cities.
✔ Beach Resorts (Hurghada/El Gouna): Bikinis/swimwear are fine at private resorts but not public beaches.
✔ Winter Nights: It can get cold (as low as 13°C in February), so pack a light jacket.
How We Managed: Since we spent a lot of time in a private car, we could change outfits for pictures or wear more open clothes with scarves on top.
🚨 NOTE: If you dress nice don’t be surprised if the locals (especially kids) to ask for pictures with you! This happened to us a lot across Egypt.
How to Get Around Egypt & Travel Distances
Egypt is huge, and travelling between cities takes time. Here’s what to expect:
✔ Cairo to Luxor: 1-hour flight or 8-10 hours by train.
✔ Luxor to Aswan: 3-4 hours by car or a cruise on the Nile.
✔ Aswan to Abu Simbel: 4-5 hours by car (the longest journey).
✔ Cairo to Hurghada/El Gouna: 1-hour flight or 5-hour drive.
🚗 Best Ways to Travel:
✔ Flights – The fastest way to cover long distances.
✔ Trains – Budget-friendly, but slow and not the most comfortable.
✔ Private drivers – Best for Luxor to Aswan & Abu Simbel.
✔ Nile cruises – A relaxing way to travel between Luxor & Aswan, but with restrictions.
Should You Take a Nile Cruise?
Many travelers book Nile cruises to go from Luxor to Aswan, making it easier to visit temples along the way. While this seems convenient, I personally preferred our trip by car.
✔ For me, travel is about people. I love meeting locals, seeing how they live, and experiencing real life—and you don’t get that as much on a cruise.
✔ We had total freedom. A cruise follows a schedule, but with a private driver, we could explore at our own pace.
✔ Luxury vs. Local Connection. I love staying in nice accommodation, but at the end of the day, it’s the people that make a trip magical.
That being said, a cruise would make it easier to move between places, so if you prefer a structured, relaxing trip, it’s a great option!
How Long Should You Stay in Each City?
Egypt has so much to see, and while it’s possible to visit all the major sites in a short time, you’ll need a holiday after your holiday because the schedule will be intense! If you want to explore properly without feeling completely exhausted, here’s how long I’d recommend spending in each place:
Minimum 2 days – Enough time to see the Pyramids, museums, and experience the city’s energy. If you want to explore beyond Giza (like New Cairo), add an extra day.
Minimum 2 days – You can see the main temples and the Valley of the Kings, but the schedule will be packed. If you want a more relaxed pace or time to explore local spots, staying 3 days is ideal.
Minimum 3 days (especially if visiting Abu Simbel) – If you’re doing a day trip to Abu Simbel, an extra day helps because the journey is long (4-5 hours by car one way!), and you’ll be exhausted.
4-7 days – If you’re planning to relax, dive, or enjoy island hopping, I’d separate this from sightseeing in Cairo/Luxor/Aswan because combining both in one trip can be overwhelming.
Common Scams & Tourist Traps to Watch Out For
Even though having a guide protects you, some people will visit without one. Here’s what to look out for:
✔ Fake tickets – Some people pretend to sell entry tickets near sites.
✔ Taxi overcharging – Always agree on a price before getting in or use Uber.
✔ Uber can be tricky. In Cairo, we were asked for a different price than what was shown in the app, and some drivers wanted cash, which defeated the purpose of using Uber in the first place.
✔ Uber in Luxor didn’t work. We had a private transfer from the airport, and later, we met locals who drove us around, so we didn’t use taxis at all.
✔ The “Just Look” Trick – Vendors hand you something “just to see” and then demand money.
✔ Tipping pressure – It’s expected for small things, but some people push for more.
✔ Taking pictures of animals is NOT free. If you take a photo of a camel, horse, or even a donkey, expect to be charged. Some owners will demand money afterward.
🚨 Tip: Having a trusted local guide makes all of these problems disappear!
Final Thoughts – Why I’m Already Planning My Next Trip
Egypt was my best holiday so far. From the pyramids to temples, sailing the Nile, and relaxing in El Gouna, it was a trip I’ll never forget.
✔ Was it chaotic? Yes.
✔ Was it stressful? At times.
✔ Would I do it all over again? Without a doubt.
But my journey with Egypt isn’t over yet! I’m already planning my next trip to Marassi—Egypt’s version of the Maldives, just a few hours from Cairo. I’ll keep you posted when I come back with more travel tips!
🚨 Tip: If you go with the right expectations, travel smart, and get a guide where needed, Egypt will be one of the most incredible trips of your life.
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