On the cusp of Africa and Arabia and home to thousands of years of history, Egypt combines desert, river, and Red Sea to spectacular effect. Many of the most memorable things to do in Egypt explore its ancient wonders and historic sites, be that cruising the Nile River, riding a camel around Cairo’s Giza Pyramids, or soaring over Luxor’s Valley of the Kings in a hot-air balloon. However, the Western Desert, Sinai Peninsula, and Mediterranean Sea are must-visit places, too. Other classic Ancient Egypt experiences include gazing at the Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; cruising along the Suez Canal or Nile Delta; and discovering more modern history at Tahrir Square. Yet the nation’s Red Sea coasts offer beach resorts, from scuba hotspot Sharm el Sheikh and laid-back Dahab to bustling Hurghada and the national park of Ras Muhammad National Park.
Tourists primarily visit Egypt from October to April, when the weather is dry and sunny. The two downsides to winter, however, are Cairo’s sometimes overcast weather and a cool Red Sea—especially between December and March. Come June, most cities are quiet, thanks to summer’s heat; coastal breezes make resorts like Sharm el Sheikh tolerable. Popular annual events include the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, which takes place twice a year (in February and October), and the Sandbox music festival in El Gouna in May.
In cities, private cabs are the tourist go-to, but remember to agree to a price before getting in. You can also get around pretty well using Egypt’s public transportation systems. (Renting a car isn’t advisable, due to the country’s often chaotic roads.) Air-conditioned trains (including some with sleeper cars), can whisk you between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. There are also buses run by private companies that make the trip between the Nile Valley and Red Sea resorts more comfortable (though domestic flights are quicker).
For a taste of classic Cairo, seek out the Naguib Mahfouz Café, located deep in the city’s Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Named after the 20th-century writer Naguib Mahfouz, this elegant coffee house offers a respite from the market’s sweltering, noisy lanes. Step through the curtains into its air-conditioned sanctuary of cushioned benches, and cool off with a zingy lemon-and-mint juice. For the full Cairene experience, pair your drink with the café’s signature hawawshi,a pita loaded with herby minced beef.
