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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

We’ve said over and over how underrated Egypt’s spectacular beaches are , and even then we were talking about our coastal beaches. One of Egypt’s best-kept secrets is actually its Red Sea islands, and we’re almost hesitant to talk about them, that’s how pristine and under the radar they are! Egypt actually has 521 islands off the Red Sea coast, of varying size and location. Most are uninhabited and just specks on the map, but we’re here to shed light on the perfect islands to visit for a day trip of sun, fun, swimming, snorkeling and other beach activities. These islands are usually just an hour or so off the coast, and boat trips are readily available. The boats usually leave the marina in the morning and return before sunset, and it’s a great way to spend the day if you’re in the Red Sea area. You might also like: 8 Best Egyptian Beach Holiday Destinations Giftun Islands Location: Hurghada These two islands are Giftun El Kabeer (Big Giftun) and Giftun el Sagheer (Little Giftun), but Big Giftun is the one where the real action is at because it’s home to beach havens Mahmya and Orange Bay. These daytime destinations offer beach restaurants, bars and water activities as well as bathrooms and showers for those who’ve spent a long day diving or snorkeling and want to kick back and relax. You might also like: Hurghada, Egypt: A Local's Guide For First-Timers Tawila Location: El Gouna Located 24 km off the coast of El Gouna, Tawila Island is an island popular with kitesurfers and those looking to spend the day on a pristine white sand beach. They've also recently opened a hotel there, but if you're going for a day trip via boat, you'll need to bring your own food, drinks and equipment (but please make sure to leave the beaches as pristine as you found them!). White Island Location: Ras Mohamed National Park Around 10 km from Sharm el Sheikh, in the protected Ras Mohamed marine park, is a white sandbar island called (for obvious reasons) White Island. This plateau is where the waters from the Gulf of Suez meet the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea, and sitting on the island you can see Africa to your left and Asia to your right. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing and you can easily reach it by boat from Sharm or Ras Mohamed. Read more: 12 Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh Bayoud Photo credit: Omar Refaat Location: El Gouna Bayoud is a sandbank about 2 km from the shores of El Gouna, so while it’s not technically an island in the literal sense, it serves the exact same purpose when it comes to Red Sea day trips. Because it's so close to the Gouna shore, any small motor boat or catamaran or mini yacht can anchor in Bayoud; it's common to see people boat hopping and socializing between the anchored boats. Others who are looking to get away from it all can sit and sunbathe in the warm shallow water around the sandbank and swim in the crystal clear water. People usually bring their music, food and drinks and spend a day on and off the boat. Read more: El Gouna - A Local's Guide Qulaan Islands Location: Wadi El Gemal National Park Qulaan Islands are an archipelago of four islands in a protected bay in the Wadi El Gemal National Park in Egypt’s Deep South, less than an hour away from Marsa Alam. These empty, remote islands are known for their mangrove trees and ecosystem built around the mangroves; marine life flourishes under the trees and it’s a great bird-watching spot. You can take a boat from the Hamata marina and spend a few hours picnicking, swimming and snorkeling on the islands. Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Marsa Alam Gubal Island Location: El Gouna Close to Tawila Island is Gubal Island, a popular snorkeling and diving spot due to the Straits of Gubal. The Straits of Gubal is where the water from the Gulf of Suez meets the Red Sea, leading to lots of nutrient-rich currents over shallow areas, which attracts tons of marine life. Besides the underwater action, Gubal also has pristine white beaches where you can set up BBQs and beach activities for the day. Shadwan Location: Northeast of El Gouna One of the largest islands in the Red Sea, Shadwan used to be an Egyptian military base and was the target of an Israeli heliborne raid in 1970. Most buildings were demolished except the Shadwan Lighthouse, which was built in 1889, and until today the island remains empty save for divers, fishers and other Red Sea Riviera tourists. You might also like: Red Sea Riviera - Where To Stay

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 Photo credit: iksurfmag.com 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 Photo credit: iksurfmag.com 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 Photo credit: 7BFT Kite House 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. Read more: Soma Bay, Egypt - Travel Guide For First-Timers Safaga Photo credit: Ion Club 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

Founded over 2,000 years ago, Alexandria is an even older city than Cairo , which is what makes this seaside city so special; it’s an ancient modern city (yes this is an oxymoron, but it’s true). Read: Sightseeing in Alexandria: 15 Best Things To See and Do And while obviously Alexandria’s hotels today aren’t ancient, many are significant in modern Egyptian history, which adds an extra element of intrigue to what would otherwise be a regular hotel stay. Here are our favorite Alex hotels: Steigenberger Cecil Star rating: 4 stars Founded in 1929, the Cecil Hotel was originally a ‘romantic’ colonial-style hotel opened by a Jewish French-Egyptian family, the Metzgers. It was extremely popular in its heyday and hosted everyone from Umm Kalthoum to Josephine Baker and Al Capone. During World War II, it was used as headquarters for British Intelligence. Monty Bar, named after Field Marshal Montgomery who would frequent the Cecil's bar Now managed by the international hotel chain Steigenberger, the Cecil has an enviable location near the Alexandrian harbor and is walking distance from the National Museum of Alexandria and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Steigenberger Cecil's website . Four Seasons Alexandria at San Stefano Star rating: 5 stars If you’re looking for seaside luxury in Alexandria, then the Four Seasons is the place for you. Besides the awesome sea views, they have a private sandy beach for people who want to experience swimming in the Mediterranean. Like you’d expect from a Four Seasons, they have an outdoor infinity pool and an indoor heated pool for the colder months (Alexandria, unlike the rest of Egypt, is known for its rain in winter). They also have a two-storey spa and nine different restaurants and bars. Four Seasons Alexandria's website . Paradise Inn Le Metropole Star rating: 4 stars Even though the hotel Le Metropole was built in 1902 by Greek and Italian architects, the history regarding the piece of land where the hotel was built is *much* older. Like, around 2,000 years older! Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt who probably needs no introduction, built the Caesareum of Alexandria, a temple to honor her lover Julius Caesar. After her suicide, Roman emperor Augustus turned the Caesareum into his own cult temple, and brought over two obelisks from Heliopolis to adorn the exterior. Even though it was Augustus who had brought them over, they became known as ‘Cleopatra’s Needles’. The hotel that was built where the obelisks once stood is none other than Le Metropole, and instead of the Caesareum, there’s now a statue of Saad Zaghloul, a nationalist leader. The hotel today is dated but still carries a lot of its original turn of the 20th century charm, as well as original paintings and antiques. They have a rooftop restaurant with awesome sea views. Paradise Inn Le Metropole's website. Hilton Alexandria Corniche Star rating: 5 stars Like its name suggests, the Hilton Alexandria Corniche is right on the famous Alexandria coastal street. Similar to the Four Seasons, it has its own private beach ideal for summer months. Besides the beach, it has a rooftop view with great sea views, plus five different restaurants. Its location is also ideally central and walkable to several different attractions like the National Museum. Hilton Alexandria Corniche's website . Paradise Inn Windsor Palace Star rating: 4 stars Founded in 1906, the Windsor Palace was in quite the enviable location back 100 years ago -- it was close to the Ramleh train station and Alexandria’s old port harbor, as well as the shopping district and seaside promenades. Since it was right on the Mediterranean Sea, it was definitely more of a ‘resort hotel’ back in the day than it is now. Like Le Metropole, the current hotel that stands today has seen much better days, but holds on to its original paintings, antiques and choice furnishings, to give modern guests a feel of what the hotel was like back in its golden days. They’re also known for their rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic sea views. Paradise Inn Windsor Palace's website . Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza Star rating: 5 stars Our second Hilton entry on the list. More of a business hotel than a resort one, the Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza was voted ‘Egypt’s Leading Conference Hotel’, so it’s a good choice if you’re in town on business. They have an outdoor and indoor pool, seven restaurants and bars, and are adjacent to a large mall with over 300 stores plus a cinema. Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza's website . Helnan Palestine Star rating: 5 stars This hotel, located in the former royal palace grounds of El Montaza, was built in 6 months in 1964 under orders from President Gamal Abdel Nasser. He wanted to build a hotel specifically to house all the Arab royalty, heads of state and dignitaries who were flying to Alexandria to attend the second ever Arab League Summit, and needless to say, he wanted to provide the very best in luxury, comfort and views; he handpicked the location of the hotel himself. It was at this summit that they formally approved the establishment of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (hence the name of the hotel). For the 2002 opening of the new Library of Alexandria, or Bibliotheca Alexandrina, presidents, royalty and celebrities flew in to attend and stayed at the Helnan Palestine, including Jacques Chirac, Sofia the Queen of Spain, and Rania the Queen of Jordan. Helnan Palestine's website . You might also like: 7 Must-Try Restaurants in Alexandria

So you’re planning to visit the Pyramids of Giza? Lucky you! Whether it’s your first time or 10th time, the Pyramids will literally leave you awestruck *every* time. We local Cairenes drive past them on a daily basis and we still stare at them as if we hadn’t grown up with these ancient giants in our backyard. You’d think we’d get used to it after a decade or two or three, but nope! For most people, seeing the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx is just a far-off dream. But if you get the chance to actually do it, then you want to do it right and make the most of it, so this is why we put together this jam-packed guide of everything you need to know to enjoy the hell out of your Pyramids trip. Because like most things in Egypt, things can get a tad confusing if you’re not a local, so we’re going to sort you out. But first, a smidgen of history It’s not hyperbole or exaggeration to say that the Pyramids of Giza have been on travelers’ bucket lists for thousands of years -- we’re talking about LITERAL thousands of years! More than 2,000 years to be exact, although the Great Pyramid itself is over 4,500 years old. But around 2,000 years ago was when the Greeks through their conquests introduced the world to amazing feats of architecture in ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Persian civilizations. This was when the first written references to the ‘7 Wonders of the World’ was born (which to be fair, are very Greek-centric but understandable considering the time). The original ‘7 Wonders of the World’ (now called the ‘7 Ancient Wonders of the World’) weren’t formalized as a list until the Renaissance era over 500 years ago, but you get the idea of how long people have been hearing about and wanting to visit the Pyramids. And yep, even though the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest entry on the list, it’s the only one still standing! That’s some ancient Egyptian engineering for you (and also a mystery). The history of the Pyramids themselves… but like, super briefly Because we don’t want this guide to be roughly a million words long, and because there are so many detailed academic sources online about the history of the Pyramids of Giza, we’ll keep ours short and cute and focus on the information that *isn’t* so readily available online - like what to expect when you visit and local tips and tricks. But in a nutshell, the Pyramids of Giza were built as tombs for three different Egyptian pharaohs, Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, in the 4th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom, between 2600 and 2500 BC (so more than 4,500 years ago!). Khufu’s is the Great Pyramid, the oldest and the largest. They, alongside the Great Sphinx and smaller subsidiary pyramids, are all on the same plateau in Giza, now part of modern-day Cairo. How exactly these pyramids were built still have modern historians, engineers and architects scratching their heads to this day, although theories are abundant (including being built by aliens, but the less we say about that, the better). One theory was that it was slaves who built the Pyramids, but the discovery of the Workers’ Village and tombs on the same plateau as the Pyramids provided evidence that it was actually around 10,000 paid and skilled laborers working in three-month shifts (over 30 years for a single pyramid!) who built them. The exact ‘how’ they built them though still remains a mystery. You may also like: 8 Best Ancient Egyptian Tomb Sites in Modern Day Egypt So where are the Pyramids exactly? This sometimes throws people for a loop, because they’re called the Pyramids of Giza but are actually in Cairo. Giza is a governorate on the west side of the Nile while the Cairo governorate is across on the east, but Cairo the city has grown so immensely over the past century that it's spilled over into Giza and is now called ‘Greater Cairo’. So the Pyramids, while technically still in the Giza governorate, are now a part of Greater Cairo. They're about a 45 minute drive from Downtown Cairo with traffic, which is pretty standard for most places in Cairo. What also a lot of people don’t expect is just how close to the city the Pyramids really are. In pictures they seem to be off in a remote desert somewhere, but nope they’re right there smack next to modern buildings and Pizza Huts, no joke. The neighborhood around the Pyramids is called Haram and it’s not the nicest, but the Grand Egyptian Museum (you can find out all about it at Grand Egyptian Museum: A Local's Guide To Everything You Need To Know ) is right next door and the perfect addition to your Pyramids visit, so hopefully things in that area will take a turn for the nicer in the coming months and years. You may also like: The Best (and Worst!) Cairo Neighborhoods to Stay In How to get to there Assuming you’re not going by an arranged tour bus, then the only way to get there is by car, whether a cab, Uber, hired car, etc. Don’t even bother with any articles that say take the metro or take a microbus, just no and no. These people don’t know what they’re talking about. The metro doesn’t go anywhere near the Pyramids so you’d need to take a cab in any case, and like we said, the area isn’t the nicest so don’t go stressing yourself out before you even get there! And microbuses for tourists who don’t speak Arabic is just a terrible idea, so save yourself the hassle and hop in a car that will take you from your starting location straight to the entrance door of the Pyramids. Local tip: the first ‘entrance’ is a security checkpoint in front of the Mena House Marriott Hotel, where they’ll briefly do a security check on the car. Don’t make the mistake of getting out here because you’ll still need to trek up a hill to the plateau to the ticket booth and main entrance, and touts will start hassling you to ride a camel or a horse or a donkey or them themselves up the hill and then try to rip you off. Make sure to get out where the ticket booth is on the top of the hill. Local tip #2: to get around the Pyramids once you buy a ticket and enter, you can either walk around yourself if you don’t mind long stretches of sand and sun, or you can pay for a car ticket and have the car (or cab or Uber) enter the plateau and drive you between sites. This is recommended for those who don’t want to exert themselves too much, get too hot/burned, or waste too much time walking. Each main sight (the 3 Pyramids, the Sphinx and the panoramic viewpoint) have easy parking spots for a car and driver to wait for you to explore and take pictures. Different car options: Private car (provided by a tour guide or someone you know, or a hired car & driver or transportation provided by your hotel/airbnb) Uber or Careem (you can ask the driver who took you there to stay with you inside the Pyramid complex for an extra fee) London Cab (you can either book a ride to/from the Pyramids or book the cab and personal driver from 2 hours to 8 hours, all from their website). A white cab (just make sure its meter is working, and you can ask the driver to stay with you in the complex) You may also like: Different Modes of Transportation for Getting Around Cairo, Egypt Pyramids of Giza Opening Hours Photo credit: earthtrekkers.com Opening hours: 7 am - 5 pm (ticket office closes at 4 pm) * Ramadan hours differ and usually close before 3 pm. Local tip: if you want to go inside the Great Pyramid (Khufu), please note that it’s closed daily from noon to 1 pm. Local tip #2: while technically you can can explore the inside of all three of the Pyramids, sometimes they’re closed for one reason or another and you won’t find out until you get there (for example, last time we were there, the Pyramid of Menkaure was closed - the smallest of the three). The good news is that the real awe-inspiring views are from the outside, and that’s never randomly closed! Local tip #3: if you want to avoid the tour buses, they usually start showing up around 10 am, so aim for early morning or later in the afternoon. Also avoid weekends (Friday & Saturday) and public holidays if you want the complex to be as crowd-free as possible. Ticket Prices for General Entrance, Khufu Pyramid, Khafre Pyramid & Menkaure Pyramid General entrance (mandatory): 540 EGP for non-Egyptians (this includes outside access to all the Pyramids, the Sphinx, the funerary temples, the cemeteries, the Queens’ pyramids and the panoramic viewpoint). 270 EGP for students. General entrance for Egyptians: 60 EGP. Students: 30 EGP. Extras: Ticket to go inside The Great Pyramid (Khufu): 1500 EGP (student: 750 EGP) Ticket to go inside Khafre Pyramid: 220 EGP (student: 110 EGP) Ticket to go inside Menkaure Pyramid: 220 EGP (student: 110 EGP) Ticket for Meresankh III Tomb: 120 EGP (student: 60 EGP) Car entrance ticket: 20 EGP Local tip: you have to decide which pyramids you want to go inside of from the beginning when you purchase your general entrance ticket, because there’s no place to buy tickets from once you enter the Pyramid Complex and you can’t return to the ticket booth. Local tip #2: make sure to hold on to your general entrance ticket once you enter the plateau because they’ll check it again when you go to see the Sphinx. Local tip #3: at the main ticket booth is where you’ll also buy the ticket for your car to enter the plateau (20 EGP). What will I be able to see in the Giza Pyramid Complex? With your general entrance ticket, you’ll be able to drive/walk around and see the following in the complex: Pyramid of Khufu (The Great Pyramid) (internal access via separate ticket) Pyramid of Khafre (internal access via separate ticket) Pyramid of Menkaure (internal access via separate ticket) The Great Sphinx Pyramids of the Queens and other subsidiary pyramids Tomb of Meresankh III (internal access via separate ticket) Valley Temple of Khafre en route to the Sphinx Panoramic viewpoint (a designated spot complete with parking where you have the iconic view of all 3 Pyramids lined up) The cemeteries although there’s not much to see There also used to be the solar boat museum, where there was the ancient boat believed to belong to Khufu, but that has recently been moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum Do I need a tour guide for the Pyramids? We’re asked a lot if a tour guide is needed to visit the Pyramids, and the honest answer is: it depends. On what? On what kind of experience you want to have, so let us go into more detail: First of all, we’re against large organized tour groups. For the reason that there’s very little flexibility, you’re horded around in a small crowd and thus it’s less personalized, with less time to see things at your own pace, ask questions and take those embarrassingly cheesy pictures you know you want. So if you’re going to go down the tour guide route, we suggest hiring one for just you and your travel companions so that you really benefit from their expertise and they also give you room to absorb everything at your own pace. Pros of having a tour guide with you: There’s no explanation or plaques with the history of what you’re looking at once you’re inside the Giza Plateau, so a tour guide helps provide information and context and really bring the experience to life You can ask follow-up questions about anything that catches your fancy They help keep the touts and vendors at bay They know the quickest, most streamlined route throughout the Giza Pyramid Complex You can ask them for tips or advice for other Egypt-related things that you plan to see on your trip They can take pictures for you so you don’t have to bother other visitors or be forced to ask touts Cons of having a tour guide: The extra cost The extra hassle of contacting, arranging and meeting up with them Some of the guides aren’t necessarily the best and will just give you a bare minimum tour because you don’t know better They sometimes (not all of them!) have deals with different shops and restaurants and will try to sell you the idea of buying something/eating there because they later get a cut Tips for getting a tour guide: Ideally research online and choose someone who has multiple good reviews from travelers similar to yourself, then you can contact them directly There will usually be a few random ‘guides’ milling about at the entrance to the Pyramids complex, so if you decide last-minute you MUST have a guide, you can go with one of them but make sure you negotiate a fee you feel comfortable with and look out for the points mentioned below. But for the most part we recommend going with a pre-chosen and researched guide you found online with good reviews. Agree on their personal fee beforehand and ask if there will be any extra fees needed (besides your own tickets) - sometimes they ‘surprise’ you with ‘added services’ like a car and driver, which isn’t always a bad thing but just make sure you know about it first. Also if you would like a car & driver, just ask the guide in advance and they can easily sort it out for you. If you ended up with a last-minute guide you met in front of the ticket entrance, politely decline if they offer camel, carriage or horse rides (unless you want them) - they’re usually in cahoots with the camel & horse people and get a cut. If during or at the end of the tour, they offer to take you to any shops or restaurants, just politely decline (unless you want to). They’ll make these shops/restaurants/cafes seem very appealing but they’re usually tourist traps where you feel pressured into buying/ordering something because everyone is being so friendly and helpful. That’s how they get you, because they’re so nice that you feel bad not buying anything, lol. So save yourself the trouble and just politely decline from the beginning and part ways with the guide at the exit of the Pyramids Complex. Is it worth it to go inside the Pyramids? Similar to the tour guide question, this is something that differs from person to person so there’s no definitive answer we can give. But here’s all the info you need to make an educated choice: There’s actually not much to see inside the Pyramids. All those gorgeous tomb pictures you see with the art and hieroglyphics are mainly in the New Kingdom tombs of the Valley of the Kings and Queens in Luxor . Inside the Pyramids, you’ll climb up extremely narrow passageways until you reach the burial chamber, which is empty except for a granite sarcophagus in the Pyramid of Khufu and Khafre. The real appeal of going inside the Pyramid(s) is just that - you’re inside the Pyramids! It’s definitely about the experience, and not about what you’ll actually see. There’s no need to go inside all three; if you’ve been in one pyramid, you’ve kind of been in all. Local tip: if you’re claustrophobic, or have back and/or knee issues, then we would recommend not going inside. The passageways are both very narrow and not high enough to stand up straight - so you’ll be climbing/descending while hunched over, with people climbing down while you’re climbing up, etc. Plus it gets hot! Local tip #2: if you plan on going inside, wear comfortable shoes and nothing too short! We know you want to look cute for your pictures, but like we said above, you’ll be bent and hunched over with people in front and in back of you, so you don’t want to worry about having to pull your skirt/dress down the whole time. Local tip #3: if you want to go inside a pyramid but are hesitant about the passageways, stick to the Pyramid of Khafre (the 2nd biggest one). The climb is easier than Khufu’s. Local tip #4: you’re not allowed to bring cameras inside, but you can take pictures with your phone with no flash. Seeing the Great Sphinx Make sure you hold on to your entrance ticket once you enter the Giza Plateau, because you'll need it again when you go to see the Sphinx (you leave the compound and then re-enter). You'll access the Sphinx through the Valley Temple of Khafre, which leads to the causeway of the Khafre Pyramid, with the Sphinx on your righthand side. Unfortunately you can't access the Sphinx from its front, only from its side (ironically enough, one of the best full-on front view of the Sphinx is from the Pizza Hut rooftop, outside the compound and across the street). Although the exact history of the Sphinx is uncertain, many Egyptologists believe it to be built by Khafre over 4,500 years ago, with the body of a lion and the head of the pharaoh. For centuries it was buried under the sand, with only its head visible. Riding Camels and Horses at the Pyramids We’re going to be honest with you – we’re against riding camels, horses and horse-drawn carriages at the Pyramids. This is purely due to our love for animals and our stance that they shouldn’t be exploited for tourism. The treatment of some of these animals is circumspect, and we can’t in good conscience give tips or advice on the best ways to ride these animals. We understand that getting that camel picture at the Pyramids is practically a bucket list picture - and if you need to do it, then you do you. But we urge you to think twice :D Dealing with vendors and touts at the Pyramids A common complaint that both visitors and even locals have when they visit the Pyramids (or any tourist hotspot really), is the constant hassling from vendors and touts to buy whatever it is they’re peddling - souvenirs, camel rides, ‘100% original handcrafts’ (they’re usually not), and so on and so forth. It can get really annoying, honestly. They’ll also try to finagle money out of you by any creative means possible: offer to take your picture and then ask for money, offer to take you to see the ‘secret panoramic view’ and ask for money after (it’s not a secret and you don’t need to pay anyone to see it), tell you they’ll let you climb the Pyramids (this is not allowed by the way, so please don’t pay someone to let you do this), etc. Local tips for dealing with touts: Be polite but firm in your decline of whatever it is they’re trying to sell you. You’ll find yourself playing a constant record of ‘no, thank you’ but unfortunately that’s a small price to pay to see the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World. They all speak English, so you don’t necessarily have to tell them “la shokran” (no, thank you in Arabic) Don’t accept any offers for them to take your picture, ask another tourist to do it Don’t accept any free ‘gifts’ even if they try to wrap a bracelet around your wrist or a scarf around your neck, claiming it’s ‘free’ Don’t accept any offers for them to take you to ‘secret or special’ viewpoints Don’t accept any offers to climb the Pyramids Don’t accept any offers to take a picture with their camel ‘for free’ …all this will cost you money. Just keep saying no thank you and keep it moving. Where to eat and drink at the Pyramids Khufu's There are limited places to eat or drink in the Pyramid Complex once you enter past the gates except for these restaurants: 9 Pyramids Lounge, Khufu's, Khufu's Bistro and Ladurée, but usually they need a reservation in advance unless you’re very lucky. Alternatively you can grab a coffee or soft drink (and view!) at one of the two coffeeshops. 9 Pyramids Lounge: a casual breakfast and lunch spot, serving up standard Egyptian and international fare. Alcohol is not served there. They take walk-ins if there's availability, but it's safer to reserve (reservations details are here on their FB page ). Khufu's: a more fine dining experience, with set menus of elevated Egyptian classics, and alcohol is served there. You can reserve through their website . Khufu's Bistro: on the top floor of Khufu's, their bistro has a small but carefully curated a la carte menu of re-envisioned Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine. You can reserve through their website . Ladurée: the famous international patisserie, where you can get macrons and pastries. They also have a small breakfast, brunch and lunch menu. Coffeeshops: Mulliri Coffee Island Important note: these restaurants and coffeeshops have insanely awesome pyramid views, but close by 5 pm, due to the Giza Pyramid Complex closing by sunset. Besides the restaurants, dotted around the plateau you’ll find vendors selling overpriced drinks and snacks, so bring your own, especially if you’re going to be drinking a lot of water. Local tip: Speaking of drinking a lot of water, because there are limited restaurants and bathrooms inside the plateau, the last surefire place for you to go to the bathroom is at the entrance where the ticket booths are, so make sure you empty your bladder before you enter - or else you might find yourself having to pee in the middle of the desert (with a one-of-a-kind view though, to be fair!). There are a few bathrooms scattered around, but can be a hassle to find. Keep in mind though that there are a lot of places where you can eat or have a drink with spectacular Pyramid views that aren’t in the actual complex. For example, right outside the complex is the Marriott Mena House Hotel, which not only is a historical Egyptian hotel but one of our personal local favorites. It’s literally RIGHT next to the complex (where the security gates are), and our favorite place to relax with a beer and some food right next to the Pyramids. If you’re looking for something quicker/cheaper, ironically enough there’s a Pizza Hut and KFC with stunning Sphinx and Pyramid views right outside the complex. Ah, globalization. Leaving the Pyramids If you don’t have a car with you, then leaving the Pyramids Complex is as easy as ordering an Uber. Once you leave the complex gates, people will continuously offer you “Taxi? Taxi?” but an Uber is always easier just because you don’t have to worry about negotiating the fare or explaining to the driver where exactly you’re going. Some parting local tips: Bring water with you so that you don’t have to buy overpriced bottles inside Even in the winter, the sun is extremely strong, so make sure you have sunscreen or some kind of hat if you’re sensitive to the sun Wear comfortable shoes! But most of all, just take your time and let it all soak in… we promise you, you will never see something similar anywhere else in the world! You might also like: Dahshur Pyramids - A Local's Guide to Visiting the Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid & Black Pyramid of Egypt Saqqara, Egypt - A Local's Guide to Visiting the Step Pyramid of Djoser & the Saqqara Tombs

If you're like us, when you visit a new country, you sometimes check out online recommendations of the best places to eat. We’re usually great fans of TripAdvisor and use them pretty regularly, but what gave us pause recently though was when we checked Cairo’s “best” restaurants on TripAdvisor’s Cairo page. No. Just... no. Don’t get us twisted, TripAdvisor is a great resource. But sometimes you just need a local to steer you in the right direction, someone who’s eaten at practically every restaurant this city has to offer. So that's why this list includes places that we locals love going to, whether it's fine dining or street food, overlooking the Nile or the Pyramids or just a random Cairo street - we're sure visitors to Cairo will enjoy these spots just as much as us. (Also: check out the 10 best nightlife spots in Cairo right here .) So without further ado, let’s get started with the best restaurants in Cairo because we’re getting hungry. 1. Khufu's Location: Inside the Pyramids of Giza Plateau Alcohol served:  yes Nile view:  no Vegan & vegetarian options available:  yes If you're looking for incredible food with incredible Pyramid views (and who isn't?), then you're in luck -- both are to be had at Khufu's, serving contemporary elevated Egyptian cuisine. Khufu's is one of the only two restaurants actually inside the Pyramids of Giza plateau , and that comes with an upside and a downside. The upside is that no other restaurant outside the plateau has a view quite like it, but the downside is that you have to buy an entrance ticket to the Pyramids to access the restaurant, and they close at 5 pm daily when the Pyramids of Giza close. It's also about 10-15 minutes away from the Grand Egyptian Museum . At Khufu's, you can either go for breakfast or lunch, and you have your choice from set menus (including a vegetarian menu), all featuring beloved Egyptian classics but with a contemporary twist. Reservations are needed. For reservations and the menu, you can check out Khufu's website . 2. Le Pacha 1901 Location : Zamalek Dress code: smart casual Alcohol served : yes Nile view: yes Vegan & vegetarian options available: yes We're actually killing several birds in this one listing with Le Pacha 1901, because it’s technically not one, not two, but a handful of great restaurants, all in one Nile-docked boat. Le Pacha offers 6 different restaurants and two bar/lounge/nightspot-ish venues. Our absolute favorites are: Carlo’s, where the menu is a mix of all different cuisines (including local Egyptian favorites) and you can order shisha; L’Asiatique, their pan-Asian restaurant; and Piccolo Mondo, which is Italian overlooking the Nile. Let us be the first to tell you -- their food is good, always . And while that might seem like a given, in Egypt it really is not. Most restaurants fail to deliver consistency (it’s pretty sad when you can tell when there’s a different chef), but Le Pacha’s restaurants deliver Every. Single. Time. The other restaurants they have: Le Steak (French), Maharani (Indian), Le Tarbouche (Egyptian), Le J.Z. (lounge) and Cloud 24 (panoramic lounge). For more info and the menus: Le Pacha's website 3. Abou El Sid Location: Zamalek, Heliopolis, 6th of October and New Cairo. Dress code: casual Alcohol served: yes Nile view: no Vegan & vegetarian options available: yes Abou El Sid is the must-go-to restaurant if you want classic Egyptian dishes (check out our article 12 Local Egyptian Foods You Need To Try ) in a super ambient atmosphere (the decor, music, and wall art is enough to make it worth it). They also offer shisha and Egyptian twists on alcoholic cocktails, like vodka with fresh sugarcane juice. Dishes of theirs that are definitely worth trying: the sharqisseya, a chicken dish with walnut sauce; stuffed vine leaves; the Egyptian moussaka, which is an eggplant stew served with rice; and a mix and match of all their various Egyptian mezzes. Drool . For more info and the menu: Abou El Sid website . 4. Koshary Abou Tarek Location: Downtown Dress code: casual Alcohol served: no Nile view: no Vegan & vegetarian options available: koshary itself is vegan, so a resounding yes This restaurant is by no means fancy, no means ambient, and by no means a romantic dining destination (unless your idea of romance is very very quirky, and in that case, rock on). Koshary Abou Tarek is a brightly-lit, fast-foodish or street food type of restaurant in Downtown, and it’s known for having some of the *best* koshary in town. What is koshary, you may ask? We’d be delighted to tell you. Koshary in one of Egypt’s proud national dishes, comprised of rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas and fried onions all topped with a garlicky, vinegary tomato sauce. While it might sound like a clusterf*ck of ingredients, trust us when we say it’s the clusterf*ck you never knew you both needed and wanted in your life. It’s super cheap, it’s fast (try to watch the men who work the koshary line, it’s amazing), it’s 100% vegan, aaaand it’s filling, with the word ‘filling’ underlined seventeen times. Light, it is not. But it’s a great power dish that will carry you right through the day. For more info: Koshary Abou Tarek's IG Read more: 7 Best Places to Try Street Food in Cairo 5. Pier 88 Location: Zamalek Dress code: Smart casual Alcohol served: yes Nile view: yes Vegan & vegetarian options available: yes Pier 88 started as a restaurant/bar in the seaside town of El Gouna on the Red Sea, and its food and overall vibe became so popular that the owners decided to take the plunge and open up shop in Cairo. Pier 88 sits on the upper level of a docked boat in Zamalek overlooking the Nile, and during the day it’s one of those quietly sophisticated restaurants, complete with an open kitchen and drinks overlooking the water. At night it gets more of a nightlife feel to it, and reservations are recommended. On weekend nights the music gets turned up and there’s occasionally dancing by the tables (we don’t recommend eating when the dancing gets started, because you won’t find much room to wield your knife and fork). For more info, reservations and menu: Pier 88's website Read more: 7 Best Bars, Pubs & Restobars in Zamalek 6. Esca Cueva Location: New Giza Dress code: smart casual Alcohol served: yes Nile view: no Vegan & vegetarian options available: yes If you're looking for an absolutely stunning restaurant with city views overlooking the wide expanse of Cairo, then Esca Cueva is for you. Perched atop the New Giza plateau, this design award-winning restaurant and bar serves upscale international food and drinks from 4 pm until late. If you're just going to enjoy the view and food, then try to book a dining slot before 10 pm, when a resident DJ takes over and the restaurant turns into more of a nightspot. Reservations needed (local tip: they're notoriously annoying about answering their reservation line, fingers crossed they get it sorted out soon). For more info: Esca Cueva IG 7. Zooba Location: Zamalek, Maadi, Sheikh Zayed, Madinaty, Grand Egyptian Museum, Heliopolis, New Cairo Dress code: casual Alcohol served: no Nile view: no Vegan & vegetarian options available: yes Zooba's an excellent option for all newcomers to Egypt who want a 'light' introduction to Egyptian street food , ie. get a feel for different local fare but without running the risk of actually eating literal street food (aka: bougie street food). Locals love Zooba for being the fancier, more gourmet version of our every day favorites like fuul, taameya and koshary (here's our breakdown of all the local Egyptian foods you need to try ). Zooba has become so popular over the years that not only has it opened a bunch of branches throughout Cairo (including the Grand Egyptian Museum ), it's actually opened in NYC as well as across the Middle East. For more info and menu: Zooba's IG 8. Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant & Cafe Location: Khan el Khalili (Old Cairo) Dress code: casual Alcohol served: no Nile view: no Vegan & vegetarian options available: yes Deep in the famous Khan el Khalili market (head here for our full guide), is a little restaurant & restaurant named after one of Egypt’s most beloved writers. Its official name is Khan el Khalili Restaurant and Naguib Mahfouz Cafe , but locals shorten it to Naguib Mahfouz just to make our lives easier. The restaurant & cafe is a nod to Egypt’s modern history (one has to be specific when referring to Egypt’s history, lest they think we’re talking about pharaohs and pyramids all the time). While you might be hesitant about eating in a restaurant in Khan el Khalili, rest assured that Naguib Mahfouz Cafe is run by Oberoi Hotels, and thus not only has AC but a kitchen you can trust. Their restaurant section serves Egyptian and international classics, and their cafe offers shishas, myriad of fresh juices and desserts. For more info and menu: Naguib Mahfouz Cafe's IG 9. Crimson Location : Zamalek Dress code: smart casual Alcohol served: yes Nile view: yes Vegan & vegetarian options available: yes If you're looking for an unbeatable Nile view from above, a river breeze, a drink and a great meal, look no further than Crimson. Crimson is on the roof of a Zamalek building overlooking the Nile, with both indoor and outdoor terrace seating. The view is spectacular and the food is nothing to sneeze at either. Their menu has a lot of great appetizers, pasta and grill dishes, and their cocktail list is one of Cairo’s more extensive. They also serve breakfast and brunch (they're one of the few restaurants in Cairo that open at 8 am), but their morning fare isn't as good as their evening fare. For more info, reservations and menu: Crimson's website For more of the best rooftop bars in Cairo, head here . 10. 139 Pavilion Location: Next to the Pyramids Alcohol served: yes Nile view: no Vegan & vegetarian options available: 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. For more info and menu: 139 Pavilion's website Read more: 7 Best Restaurants with Pyramid Views You might also like: Top 10 Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt

Because Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, most non-Egyptians are unaware that Egypt has some of the oldest and most historically significant churches , cathedrals and monasteries in this part of the world. You don’t need to be Egyptian or even Christian to appreciate the history of these centuries-old places of worship, or the beauty of the more modern ones. While many of these churches can be found in Coptic Cairo (here's our full guide to Coptic Cairo ), some are in more… remote places (Sinai mountains, anyone?). But whatever the destination, each of these churches, cathedrals and monasteries should be visited at least once. 1. The “Cave Church” - Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner Location: Moqattam, Cairo Established: 1975 This awesome cave church (or technically, ‘churches’ -- the St. Simon monastery complex has seven churches) is unlike anything else we have in Egypt. Carved into the Moqattam Hills, the main monastery hall can hold over 20,000 people and was named after the Coptic Saint Simon, who, according to legend, moved the Moqattam mountain in 979 AD as proof of the strength of his beliefs. The cave church was built by the Zabbaleen community of Cairo’s Garbage City, and today is not only a religious spot but an educational center, kindergarten and school for the deaf. 2. St. Catherine’s Monastery Location: Mount Sinai, Sinai Peninsula Established: 6th century AD Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (for other Egyptian heritage sites, head here ), the Orthodox Saint Catherine Monastery is the oldest Christian monastery in the world still used for its original function. Interior of St. Catherine's According to UNESCO: “Its walls and buildings are of great significance to studies of Byzantine architecture and the Monastery houses outstanding collections of early Christian manuscripts and icons. The rugged mountainous landscape, containing numerous archaeological and religious sites and monuments, forms a perfect backdrop to the Monastery.” St. Catherine's Monastery is at the foot of Mt. Sinai , where it's believed by the Abrahamic religions that Moses found the Burning Bush and received the 10 Commandments. 3. Wadi Natrun Monasteries Location: Wadi Natrun Valley, northwest of Cairo Established: 4th century AD More than 1600 years ago, Saint Macarius of Egypt decided to build his monastery in the Natrun valley, known for its large alkali lakes. This attracted the attention of other Christian monks and hermits, who then decided to settle in Natrun as well, establishing four large early Christian developments. The four Wadi Natrun Coptic monasteries that are still active to this day are: The Monastery of Saint Macarius The Monastery of Saint Bishoy The Paromeos Monastery The Syrian Monastery All of the four can be seen and visited until today free of charge, but leaving a donation is always helpful in preserving these historic sites. 4. The Heavenly Cathedral Location: Sharm el Sheikh Established: 2010 This modern church was considered by some one of the most beautiful in the world upon its completion over ten years ago, and is now an unexpected must-see for many Sharm el Sheikh visitors. The exterior is simple, but the interior took a team of 19 people two years to create. There are frescoes and murals, and the walls depict Biblical scenes such as The Creation and Exodus, and on the ceiling there’s St. John’s vision of The Apocalypse. 5. The “Hanging Church” - Coptic Church of St. Virgin Mary Location: Coptic Cairo Established: 690 AD One of the most famous churches in Egypt, The Hanging Church is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Historic Cairo . It got the name of ‘Hanging Church’ (or ‘Suspended Church’ in Arabic, ‘El Moallaqa’) because of its location above a Roman fortress gatehouse. When it was first built the pillars of the gatehouse would have been easily seen, creating the ‘hanging’ effect of the church, but now are buried due to the rise of the ground over the past 1300 years. The church is believed to be the first basilica style church built in Egypt, and houses 110 icons, most made of ebony and some inlaid with ivory, the oldest and holiest dating back to the 8th century. 6. Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral Location: Alexandria Established: the current cathedral is recent, but it’s said to stand on the site of a church built by St. Mark himself in 60 AD. This cathedral is of importance to Coptic Christians because it’s the historical seat of the Pope of Alexandria, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church. St. Mark the Evangelist was the author of the second Gospel and arrived in Alexandria in 60 AD, when he built his church (where the current cathedral now stands). In his seven year stint in Alexandria, he converted many to Christianity and is considered the founder of the Church of Alexandria and the first Bishop of Alexandria. He was buried under the church he founded. The current cathedral was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times since the death of St. Mark. 7. St. Anthony’s Monastery Location: Red Sea mountains, near Hurghada Established: 356 AD 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. 8. Church of St. George (Mar Girgis) Location: Coptic Cairo Established: 10th century One of the few round churches built in Egypt, St. George’s is built on top of an ancient Roman Tower that connects to the monastery below. The interior of the church is known for its stained glass and rich woodwork. St. George’s is one of the only still-active churches in the Coptic Cairo area, and is considered the principle Greek Orthodox church in Egypt. Visitors of all religions are welcome any time, except to the monastery, which is closed to the public. 9. Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga) Location: Coptic Cairo Established: 4th century The Abu Serga church is believed to be built on the spot where the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary, and infant Jesus Christ) stopped and rested towards the end of their journey to Egypt. The spot is now the crypt of the church, 10 meters deep. It’s also believed that they might have lived here while Joseph was working at the Babylon fortress in what is now modern-day Coptic Cairo -- the fortress’ enclosure today includes the Coptic Museum and a few churches, like the previously mentioned Hanging Church and Mar Girgis. Abu Serga is also of importance because it’s where many patriarchs of the Coptic Church were elected, the first being Patriarch Isaac in in 681 AD. Want more beautiful religious sites in Egypt? Check out the 10 most beautiful mosques in Egypt .

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

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

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

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

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

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

El Moez Street (also spelled Muizz or Muiz) is the shorthand version of its proper name: El Moez Li-Deen Allah Al-Fatimi Street. You can probably see why we locals shortened it. So what exactly is Moez Street? It’s a 1 km long pedestrian street, and to quote the UN, it has “the greatest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world”. It might not be the Pyramids , but it’s a definite must-see to get a true feel for the history of Cairo as a city, and to see some frankly mind-blowing medieval Islamic architecture and art. And not in a stuffy, museum-type behind-the-glass environment -- it’s a free pedestrian street with the architecture all around you, so you don’t have to worry about paying money to stare at super curated things that you a) don’t really understand, and b) are kind of boring. One thing we can promise about Moez Street -- it’s not boring, that’s for sure. A little background first: Cairo from above by Jean Leon Gerome (1824-1904) El Moez Street is found in an area of Cairo known officially as Historic Cairo, but we locals refer to it as ‘Old Cairo’ ( masr el adeema in Arabic). Cairo was officially founded in 969 AD by the Fatimids (a North African Shi’ite Muslim caliphate) and the modern-day area of Old Cairo consists of the remnants of the pre-Cairo cities (Fustat, Al Askar, Al Qatta’i), as well as Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo. Moez Street is named after the 4th caliph of the Fatimid dynasty. You might also like: Cairo's City of the Dead - A Local's Guide Old Cairo/Historic Cairo was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and it was called "one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains" and "the new centre of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the 14th century." Read more about Egypt’s 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites here . Cairo’s Islamic History Moez Street by Carl Wuttke (1849-1927) Briefly explaining the Islamic history of Egypt and Cairo in particular isn’t easy, what with all the different Islamic dynasties, but it’s important to have an idea of what we’re talking about when we reference something as being Fatimid, Mamluk, Ottoman or what have you. Egypt was conquered by Arab Muslims in 641 AD, led by Amr ibn Al-As, who proceeded to build the first mosque in Egypt and all of Africa (a reconstructed mosque still stands in Cairo today). Although the capital of Egypt at the time was Alexandria , Amr ibn Al-As created a new capital where his mosque was, and named it Fustat. More than 300 years later, in 969 AD, the Fatimid Caliph El Moez Li-Deen Allah Al-Fatimi built his new capital Cairo ( Al Qahera in Arabic) north of Fustat, and later absorbed it. When Cairo was first built, it was a walled enclosure for the royal caliphs, and part of that wall still remains today -- El Moez Street runs between two different gates of the wall. Since the foundation of Cairo, it was under several different Islamic dynasties: Fatimid (969 - 1171 AD) - originally Arab, they had a North African Shi’ite caliphate Ayyubid (1171 - 1250 AD) - a Sunni Muslim dynasty of Kurdish origins, led by Salah El Din Mamluk (1250 - 1517 AD) - a sultanate ruled by military slaves of Turkic and Circassian origins Ottoman (1517 - 1867 AD) - part of the Ottoman Empire. Egypt became an autonomous Khedivate under Ottoman influence after 1867 Egypt wouldn’t achieve full independence from outside powers until it became a republic in 1952. Pheeeeww ok we are now officially done with the history lesson. Moez Street Today: What To Expect Moez Street today is a mix of medieval mosques and buildings alongside modern vendors and shops in an Old Cairo neighborhood called Gamaleya, and the street is adjacent to the world-famous bazaar Khan el Khalili (for more info, you can read our full Khan el Khalili guide here ). The street starts at the northern Bab El Fotouh (one of the original gates to the old walled city), then meanders south for a bit until it intersects with Al Azhar street. Cross Al Azhar, and El Moez continues through the El Ghouri Complex ( El Ghoureya in Arabic), ending at Bab Zuweila and the Tentmakers’ Market in the south. You can either walk down the street and admire the buildings just from the outside, or you can explore some of them from the inside. Most of the mosques have free entry, but some of the other medieval buildings require a ticket and have working hours. Starting from the El Ghouri Complex, the street gets pretty chaotic with all the different shops and vendors, so just don’t expect a calm stroll and you’ll be fine. How To Get There The easiest way to get to Moez Street is to have a taxi or Uber drop you off at Bab el Fotouh in Gamaleya. Just plug in the destination on your Uber app, or tell the cab driver (just make sure he knows where it is first -- some Egyptian cab drivers really need to give up their day job). From Bab el Fotouh, you just walk through the gate and there you are! Moez Street Tickets and Working Hours The street itself is free of charge, and is just as popular at night as it is during the day, mainly because of how the buildings are lit in the dark. Mosques: most of the mosques are free to enter, but if you’re a woman make sure that you have something to cover your hair (and aren’t wearing something too short/revealing) and both sexes need to take off their shoes at the entrance (you can bring them in with you though). Places like the Qalawun Complex and Beit el Seheimy need a ticket to enter, and you can either buy an individual ticket or a combination one that lets you into different spots of interest on Moez Street, including historical houses, palaces and mausoleums. Combination ticket price: 220 EGP (non-Egyptian), 20 EGP (Egyptian). This ticket gives you access to Qalawun Complex, Sulayman Agha Al-Silahdar Mosque and Sabil, Al-Kamil School, Al-Nasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun Mosque and School, Sultan Barqouk Mosque, Maimonides Synagogue, Hammam Inal and Amir Beshtak Palace. Where to buy the combination ticket: at Qalawun Complex The combination ticket doesn't include Beit el Seheimy (180 EGP and you buy it at the entrance of Beit el Sehemy itself). It also doesn't include climbing Bab Zuweila (100 EGP). Working hours for places that need tickets: 9 am - 5 pm (shortened hours in Ramadan), closed on Sundays. What You’ll See There’s *a lot* to see while walking down El Moez Street, but we narrowed down the main sites and listed them in the order of what you’ll see walking from Bab el Fotouh at the north entrance down south to the Tentmakers’ Market where Moez officially ends. Ready? Take a stroll with us: Bab El Fotouh Built: 1087 AD Islamic era: Fatimid One of the last three remaining gates to the original walled city of Cairo, built by a Fatimid caliph. It has arrow slits and shafts for pouring boiling water or oil on attackers. Bab El Nasr Built: 1087 AD Islamic era: Fatimid Before entering Moez Street from Bab El Fotouh, you can check out Bab El Nasr to the left of Bab el Fotouh. It’s one of the three remaining gates mentioned above, translating to Gate of Victory. Al Hakim Mosque Built: 992 AD Islamic era: Fatimid Once you enter Moez Street, the first site you’ll find is the Al Hakim Mosque, short for Al-Hakim Bi-Amr Allah. Its minarets are the oldest surviving minarets in Cairo. During certain periods after its construction during the Fatimid dynasty, it was used as a prison for Latin Crusaders, a fortress for Napoleon and a school before returning to its original function as a mosque. Mosque-Sabil of Sulayman Agha Al-Silahdar Built: 1839 AD Islamic era: Ottoman This religious complex of Sulayman Agha Al-Silahdar is a mosque, sabil (a building with the purpose of providing free drinking water to the public) and kuttab (a religious elementary school). Its design is known as ‘Ottoman baroque’. Beit El Seheimy Built: 1648 Islamic era: Ottoman Translating to ‘House of El Seheimy’, this historic house turned museum is a beautiful example of Ottoman residential architecture. It needs a ticket to enter (you can either buy a single ticket or a combo Moez Street one), but is definitely worth it. It’s found on Darb el Asfar, a lane intersecting with Moez Street which was an extremely expensive and affluent area of Islamic Cairo. Al Aqmar Mosque Built: 1126 AD Islamic era: Fatimid Translating to ‘Moonlit Mosque’, this mosque served the residents of early Cairo as well as the Great Fatimid Palace (no longer standing). It was the earliest mosque to have such an elaborate exterior facade and decoration. Beshtak Palace Built: 1339 AD Islamic era: Mamluk This palace turned museum was built in the 14th century by the Mamluk emir Beshtak (an emir was a powerful official or lord in the Mamluk dynasty). He built the palace to be his home and stables, and it’s a rare example of residential architecture at the time. Only part of the palace still exists, and is accessible via a ticket. Sabil-Kuttab of Katkhuda Built: 1744 AD Islamic era: Ottoman This public water fountain/building (sabil) and religious elementary school (kuttab) was built by Egyptian architect Katkhuda, and differs from the rest of Moez Street’s architecture in the sense that it’s free standing from 3 sides -- it’s in the middle of the street. Although it was built during the Ottoman era, the design is Mamluk. Hammam Inal Built: 1456 AD Islamic era: Mamluk This medieval hammam (public bathhouse) was built by the Mamluk Sultan Inal. It's one of the last remaining preserved historic hammams in Cairo; by the end of the 19th century there were around 80 hammams but now have dwindled down to just a few. Al-Kamil School Built: 1229 AD Islamic era: Ayyubid Adjacent to the Hammam Inal is Al-Kamil School (also known as the Mosque-Madrasa of Al-Kamil Mohamed Ayyub or Kamileya School). It was one of the greatest theology schools in Egypt in the 13th century, but the building was largely destroyed in later centuries. It was restored during the Ottoman era, which shows through the Ottoman architecture (for example, the mashrabeya windows) that you can still see today. Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Barquq Built: 1386 AD Islamic era: Mamluk This religious complex was built by the Mamluk Sultan Al Zaher Barquq and houses not only a mosque but a ‘madrasa’ -- a religious school dedicated to the four Islamic schools of thought. It’s adjacent to the madrasa of Al Nassir Mohamed , an earlier sultan. These two structures are thought to be some of the greatest Mamluk architecture in Cairo, alongside the Qalawun Complex (below). Qalawun Complex Built: 1285 AD Islamic era: Mamluk The funerary complex of Sultan Al-Mansour Qalawun was built over the ruins of one of the two original but no longer standing Fatimid palaces of Moez Street (giving this section of the street the name of ‘ Bein el Qasrein ’ -- ‘between the two palaces’). The mausoleum at Qalawun Complex is considered to be the second most beautiful mausoleum in the world, second only to the Taj Mahal. Entrance is via ticket. Sultan Al-Ashraf Barsbay Mosque Built in: 1424 AD Islamic era: Mamluk Also known as Al Ashraf Mosque, the Barsbay mosque was part of Mamluk Sultan Al Ashraf Al Barsbay’s complex, alongside a mausoleum and Sufi lodgings (now destroyed). This mosque is known not only for its size but its marble mosaics and stained glass windows. El Ghouri Complex Built: 1505 AD Islamic era: Mamluk Cross Al Azhar street and you’ll continue Moez Street through the El Ghouri Complex, known as El Ghoureya in Arabic. El Ghoureya is a funerary complex for the second-to-last Mamluk sultan, El Ghouri. What makes this complex so different from anything else on the street is that it’s situated on both sides of Moez Street, with a wooden roof above connecting the two sides. It’s home to a mosque, mausoleum and religious school, but the main thing you’ll see are all the modern stalls and vendors peddling all kinds of clothes and textiles. Al Muayyad Mosque Photo credit: Guilhem de Cooman Built in: 1421 AD Islamic era: Mamluk Close to Bab Zuweila (below), the Al Muayyad Mosque is considered the last great hypostyle mosque in Cairo. The interiors of the mosque were some of the most richly decorated at the time, although it’s said that some pieces were illegally taken from other mosques; Al Muayyad Mosque’s door and chandelier is said to come from the famous Sultan Hassan mosque. Bab Zuweila Built in: 1087 AD Islamic era: Fatimid The last remaining southern gate of the old Fatimid walled city of Cairo. Executions would sometimes take place here, with the heads of executed criminals displayed on the wall (which reminds us, RIP Ned Stark). Bab Zuweila is where Moez Street officially ends, but most explorers continue directly south to the tentmakers’ market. Tentmakers’ Market ( El Khayemeya ) A covered market (one of Cairo’s very last) selling all different kinds of beautiful textiles: carpets, pillow cases, tapestries and colorful tent material that’s used all over Egypt in mosques, weddings, homes and holidays. The market itself is a small alley with a high roof with skylights for sunlight and ventilation. The goods sold at the different stalls are great examples of Egyptian handicrafts, and are super reasonably priced. Extra: the Maimonides Synagogue Built: 10th century originally The Maimonides Synagogue (also known as Musa ben Maimoun Temple or Rav Moshe Synagogue) is kind of a bonus site for El Moez Street, mainly because it's not actually on the street itself -- it's on a small side street about a 10 minute walk away, in what used to be known as the Jewish Quarter (Haret el Yehood). However, entry to the synagogue is included when you buy your combination Moez Street ticket. The synagogue had fallen into decay but was restored by the government in 2010. Where to stay on Moez Street If you're interested in staying in a hotel right in the heart of Moez Street, then look no further than Le Riad de Charme , a boutique hotel that embraces the history and architectural beauty of the area. Read more: 8 Boutique Hotels in Egypt for a More Unique, Personalized Experience The pros of staying in a hotel right on Moez Street are that you'll be able to explore the street and Khan el Khalili for as long as you want without worrying about fitting it all in one day or having to make several trips. It's a good base in general if your main interest is Islamic Cairo as a whole: which includes not only Moez Street and Khan el Khalili but the Citadel, Sultan Hassan & El Rifai mosques , Ibn Tulun and City of the Dead as well. The cons of staying in a hotel on Moez Street are that it gets pretty crowded and busy, and traffic is a hassle if you want to explore Cairo outside of that area. Also Old Cairo/Islamic Cairo in general doesn't have a plethora of good restaurants, plus they don't serve alcohol, so you'll be a distance away from any nightlife. Where to eat on Moez Street While that area is known for having either tourist trap restaurants or just mediocre food in general, here are a few we recommend: Naguib Mahfouz Cafe & Khan El Khalili Restaurant This is actually one restaurant, but we locals mainly refer to it just as Naguib Mahfouz Cafe. It's not technically on Moez Street, but very close by in the Khan el Khalili market. It's run by the Oberoi group, which ensures that the quality of food never dips, and in fact it's one of our favorite restaurants in Cairo to bring foreign friends . The menu has all the Egyptian classics, the inner decor is ambient and fits its surroundings and they have live music most nights - but make sure you reserve before you go though, they're always fully booked! 2. Zeeyara The boutique hotel on Moez Street that we mentioned above, Le Riad de Charme, has a very cute rooftop restaurant called Zeeyara that overlooks several of the medieval monuments, with good food. Saheb El Sa'ada This is where you should head if you're interested in watching a live show while having something to eat. They have musicians, tanoura shows and other folkloric performers, and it gets jam-packed on Ramadan nights. All in all, it's a bit touristy but still fun. They have indoor seating as well as an open-air rooftop. 4. Tekiyt Khan Khatoun (Beit Zeinab Khatoun) This restaurant/cafe isn't on Moez Street itself, but is nearby behind the Al Azhar Mosque (on El Azhar street, which intersects with Moez Street). You'll find the restaurant in the courtyard of Beit Zeinab Khatoun, a historical Mamluk house built in 1486. This spot is recommended more for a snack, coffee or shisha during your Moez Street visit, although they do have a full menu of Egyptian and international dishes (we recommend ordering the Egyptian options). Read more: Oldest Restaurants, Bars and Cafes in Cairo And that’s a wrap for Moez Street! But before you leave the area, make sure you check out the world-famous souq and bazaar Khan el Khalili which is adjacent to Moez Street (you’ll have to double back a little back from Bab Zuweila). How to leave: You can catch a cab from the narrow street right outside Bab Zuweila, but it’s probably easier to head back to Al Azhar street (where El Ghoureya is), and get a cab from there or have an Uber pick you up. Or if you’re exploring Khan el Khalili before you leave, hop in a cab from El Hussein Square. You might also like: Coptic Cairo - A Detailed Local's Guide

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

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

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

Sharm El Sheikh has been THE international beach destination darling of Europeans, Middle Easterners and domestic Egyptian tourists for decades now, and for very good reason. It has year-round warm weather, azure water, soft sand beaches, a plethora of hotels and resorts and some of the most spectacular diving in the world (according to international divers, we’re not being biased!). Recently other Red Sea beach towns like Hurghada , El Gouna and Marsa Alam have been giving Sharm El Sheikh (or Sharm as we locals call it) a run for their money in popularity, but Sharm remains the OG of the Red Sea beach resort scene. Read more: Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera - Where To Stay Go to Sharm if you want: affordable resort luxury. Sharm El Sheikh is very much an all-inclusive hotel package destination – this is where to go if you want to stay at affordable but still 5 star luxury beach resorts, with everything you need for a great beach vacation all within your hotel. Don’t go to Sharm if you want: a backpacker’s type of beach holiday or anything off the beaten track. Up the Sinai coast of Sharm El Sheikh is the bohemian beach town of Dahab, which is far more suited for that kind of trip. Nuweiba and Ras Shitan also are home to dozens of camps right on the beach. Concorde Al Salam Resort Sharm El Sheikh Quick Facts About Sharm El Sheikh Sharm is on the tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula where the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba meet the waters of the Gulf of Suez in the Red Sea, leading to its wildly diverse marine life Sharm El Sheikh used to be a fishing village before it was turned into a port due to its strategic naval positioning. Israel invaded and occupied the Sinai Peninsula, including Sharm, from 1967 to 1982. When Egypt reclaimed it in 1982, it was deemed the ‘City of Peace’ and development ensued to make it an international tourist destination Best Time To Go To Sharm Sharm El Sheikh is a year-round destination, but its ‘high season’ is the spring and fall, with average daily temperatures of 25-30 degrees Celsius and cloudless skies – aka, ideal beach weather. From June to August it’s significantly hotter, with temperatures reaching the mid to high 30s Celsius. If you love the sun and heat, then summer is a good time to go because you’ll find more affordable deals and less crowds than the high season. Even in the winter, Europeans and Brits still escape to Sharm to enjoy the sun and warmth. From December to February, the daytime temperature averages around the early 20s Celsius, and even if the sea might be too cold for you, lots of resorts have heated pools, so you can still enjoy swimming. How To Get There 1. Flying (recommended): Sharm El Sheikh has an international airport which receives dozens of international and domestic flights a day. Sharm is around a 4.5 hour flight from many European cities and around 5.5 hours from British cities, and there are tons of budget flights with really cheap airfare or combo airfare/hotel packages. If you want to fly domestically, most flights within Egypt going to Sharm el Sheikh will originate from Cairo, with multiple flights a day. There are also direct domestic flights from Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Luxor, but less frequent than the Cairo flights. 2. By Car: No matter where you are in Egypt, your hotel or anyone in the know can arrange to hire a private car and driver to take you to Sharm El Sheikh. The drive from Cairo is around 6 hours. 3. By Bus: Several different bus companies serve Sharm, most originating from Cairo. The most popular are Go Bus, Superjet and East Delta. They’re air-conditioned buses and the trip averages around 8 hours. Important local tip: if you’re entering Sharm (or the Sinai peninsula as a whole) via car or bus, then make sure you have proper ID on you because there are A LOT of security checks on the road. They’ll ask to look at your passport and ask where you’re going, and might search your car and bags. Make sure that any alcohol bottles you have are unopened and that you have a receipt for them (to prove they’re not bought from the Egyptian black market). In general, flying into Sharm is much easier just because you skip the hassle of the Sinai road security checks which can take a long time, adding hours to your overall journey. Once you’re actually in the city of Sharm (where the airport is), getting around is much easier. Is there a ferry between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh? No, there’s currently no ferry available for travelers between Hurghada and Sharm, even if you find confusingly vague information online. Do You Need A Visa For Sharm El Sheikh? If you’re flying directly into Sharm El Sheikh (ie., Sharm is your entry point into Egypt), and if you're not staying in the Sinai peninsula for more than 15 days, then you don’t need to buy an entry visa at the airport. You'll get something called a 'Sinai Stamp' for free on your passport -- emphasis on the 'free' part, don't believe anyone at the airport who says they'll get you a stamp for the "low price" of a couple of euro - this is a scam, just ignore them and go straight to an airport official. Important note: this Sinai Stamp only covers the resort areas of Sinai, meaning Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba. It doesn't include any Sinai destination outside of those. If you plan to go to Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, or any other Egyptian destination outside of the Sinai peninsula on your trip, or plan to stay longer than 15 days, you’ll need to get the visa. It’s $25 upon arrival. Where To Stay In Sharm El Sheikh Which hotel in Sharm should I choose? Sharm has really boomed as a beach destination since 1982 – there are now over 350 hotels! Choosing a hotel out of so many can feel overwhelming, but it’s really just about your personal preferences. There’s everything from adult-only hotels to hotels created specifically for families with kids; all-inclusive hotels (all meals and drinks included), to more budget stays; hotels right on the beach, and others that need a shuttle to bring you to the beach, etc. You get the idea – there’s everything lol. Movenpick Sharm El Sheikh Lots of people come to Sharm via preset flight/hotel packages provided by different travel agencies, whether in Egypt or their home country. But if you’re more of an independent traveler, then we recommend making a list of things that are important for you during your Sharm trip and then searching for hotels that match your criteria on the usual online hotel booking sites. Example: heated pools, in-house diving centers, or specific facilities/amenities. A little research goes a long way and can really make a difference – and of course, make sure to read guest reviews and the fine print! You can also find cheap flights on sites like Skyscanner and the likes, so you don’t need to depend on a travel agency. Which area in Sharm is best to stay in? For the most part, Sharm is divided into 3 main areas: Nabq, Naama Bay and Hadaba (also known as Ras Um El Sid or Old Sharm). Nabq is northeast of Sharm Airport and is the quietest, with long stretches of beachfront luxury resorts (not to be confused with the Nabq Protectorate, which is next to the neighborhood of Nabq in Sharm but protected from development). Rixos Sharm El Sheikh in Nabq Between Nabq and Naama Bay are Knights Bay, Sharks Bay, and Coral Bay, also home to lots of 5 star resorts like the Four Seasons. Between Coral Bay and Naama Bay is Soho Square, a nightlife spot run by Savoy Hotels. Naama Bay Promenade Beach Resort Naama Bay used to be known as ‘central Sharm’ because of its myriad hotels and promenade of shisha cafes, shops, restaurants and bars. While the hotels are still beautiful and act as an oasis from the hustle and bustle outside, and the beaches are very easy to wade into with minimal coral, the promenade itself has seen better days and the shopkeepers and touts can be obnoxious. Reef Oasis Beach Resort in Hadaba Hadaba (Ras Um El Sid) is what’s considered Old Sharm (the first part of the city to be developed), and is home to the Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque. Local tip: Honestly, it doesn’t really matter which area of Sharm you stay in, considering as they all have beachfront hotels where you’ll be spending the majority of your time. Your choice of hotel is more important than your choice of area. How To Get Around Sharm Unfortunately there’s no Uber (or Careem, the Middle East version), so you’re stuck with taxis. Most of the cabs in Sharm won’t have a running meter, so it’s important you tell the driver where you’re going and negotiate a price before climbing in. They can easily ask for astronomical prices, so make sure to haggle (unless you feel comfortable paying what they’re asking for). You can also arrange with your hotel to get you a private car & driver, but that’s obviously more expensive than a cab. Is Sharm safe? And is Sharm safe for solo women travelers? Yes, it’s safe! So much so that extremely important international conferences (like COP27) are held there, with politicians, dignitaries and VIPs all staying in the city. Sharm had a rough few years after a 2015 Russian plane crash, but the good news is that Sharm is now one of the safest cities in Egypt because of all the ensuing security measures. Like we mentioned above, driving to Sharm from Cairo is a hassle because of all the security checkpoints on the roads, where they search everything from cars to bags. So while annoying, it’s a good problem to have. Sharm itself is a walled city, with heavily monitored entrance and exit points – so basically anyone who’s in Sharm has to have a reason to be! All hotels and resorts have their own security as well obviously, and all public areas are under tight surveillance by the Tourist Police (both in uniform and plainclothes). If you’re a solo woman, you’ll hopefully feel 100% safe enjoying your resort – everyone there wears normal swim and beachwear, so don’t feel like you have to cover up at your hotel. Even when you’re in public places, the attire is much more relaxed than in cities like Cairo or Alexandria. What COULD possibly be annoying to women travelers (well, to everyone really but especially women) is how pushy and annoying the shopkeepers and touts can be about selling you their wares or ushering you into their cafes/restaurants. Just say no firmly and politely and keep it moving; they’re obnoxious but harmless. Things To Do In Sharm El Sheikh We wrote a long article about the 12 best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh , so all the meaty info is there. But if you want a quick spoiler of the top things people love: scuba diving, snorkeling, boat trips and relaxing on serviced beaches. Where To Go Out In Sharm El Sheikh If you decided to take a break from your hotel and see what else is going in Sharm, then the main places you’ll probably be heading are the following: 1. Soho Square Soho Square has restaurants, bars, cafes, shisha, ice skating, kids’ arcade, bowling, culturama, tennis and squash. It’s clean and organized and run by the Savoy Hotel group, so not chaotic like Naama Bay or the Old Market. Soho Square’s restaurants: L’Entrecote (steakhouse), Zen (Chinese), Akuna Matata (international fusion), Teppanyaki (Japanese), Luxor (Egyptian), Bombay (Indian), Mai Thai, Sushi Lounge, Koutouki (Greek) and Mandarin Bistro. Soho Square’s bars: Ice Bar, Crystal Lounge, Oxygen Bar, Queen Vic British Pub, Mandarin Bar, El Kahwa and Kitano Top Bar. Local tip: some of the restaurants/bars have a dress code of no shorts and flip-flops for men. 2. Naama Bay Naama Bay has restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, shisha, fast food, shops and casinos. It’s a bit chaotic and shopkeepers can be pushy, but it can still be fun. If you’re looking for quick fast food on the go, here you’ll find McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut. Some of Naama Bay’s restaurants: Peking (Chinese), Abou El Sid (Egyptian), TGI Friday’s, Pomodoro, Tandoori, Hard Rock Cafe Some of Naama Bay’s bars: Camel Bar & Rooftop, Tavern Bar, Bus Stop, Pirates Bar, Blue Stone Pub Some of Naama Bay’s clubs: Pacha, Little Buddha, Space 3. Hadaba/Old Sharm Farsha Lounge Besides souvenir shopping (and haggling) in the Old Market, if you want to go to a beach bar for the day, then Old Sharm has El Fanar Beach (with Farsha Lounge overlooking it, which happens to be one of the most beautiful spots in Sharm and home to one of the best views in all of Egypt !). El Fanar Beach and Terrazzina Beach also have frequent beach parties. If you’re looking for some great old school restaurants, there’s Sinai Star (best seafood in Sharm), El Masrien (Egyptian classics) and Fares (also seafood). These places aren’t exactly ambient but the food is great. Read more: 12 Local Egyptian Foods You Have To Try At Least Once Tipping Egypt has a strong tipping culture, especially in the service industry. There’s no set percentage or number that works across the board, it’s really up to you and what you feel comfortable with (knowing that tips are always greatly appreciated because wages are so low in Egypt!) A couple of local tips about tips (heh heh): It’s always best to tip in the local currency of EGP If you have to tip in foreign currency, please make sure it’s dollars/euros/sterling because it’s harder to exchange lesser-used currencies If tipping in foreign currency, please give actual bills and not coins because foreign exchange bureaus won’t accept coins – so it’s like you tipped them nothing in the end Usual people to tip: servers, hotel staff (especially cleaning crew – if you don’t see them before you check out, leaving some money in your room for them is appreciated), tour guides or boat crew (anyone who took you on an excursion of sorts) Who you don’t need to tip: taxi drivers (they’re probably ripping you off to begin with), anyone who demands a tip but has provided no service (while this sounds illogical, it does happen) Leaving Basically the same way you came, lol. Your hotel can arrange an airport transfer for you or you can take a taxi (to the airport or bus terminal, whichever way you’re leaving). We hope this first-timers guide to Sharm El Sheikh was useful – and that it’ll lead to your second, third and tenth trip to Sharm! For more city guides: Hurghada City Guide El Gouna City Guide Aswan City Guide Soma Bay Travel Guide

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

If you’re looking for a white sand beach holiday in Egypt  and considering booking in Soma Bay, then good for you – why? Because it’s still somewhat of a Red Sea hidden gem, which means YOU are one of the lucky ones in the know.  For those NOT in the know, Soma Bay is an up-and-coming luxury resort town about 45 minutes south from the popular beach city of Hurghada on Egypt’s mainland Red Sea Riviera . Soma Bay’s claim to fame is its enviable location on a peninsula jutting into the Red Sea, which means you get open sea with an extremely vibrant and thriving reef on one side, perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling; and the other side is a calm shallow bay with crystal-clear water and soft white sand; a nirvana for swimmers, sunbathers and kitesurfers.  So what’s the difference between Hurghada and Soma Bay? Hurghada is an actual city, so there’s the regular hectic local Egyptian life and hustle and bustle interspersed with hotels, restaurants and touristic activities. Taxis are needed to go from one part of Hurghada to another. Read more: Hurghada, Egypt: A Local Guide For First-Timers Soma Bay on the other hand is a quiet and gated resort town; a mix of private residences, 5 star hotels, beaches, and a handful of restaurants/bars. The only people who have access to Soma Bay are residents and visitors who’ve booked in one of Soma Bay’s hotels or have rented a beach villa or apartment there. All of Soma Bay can be explored by foot, golf cart or bike; no taxis needed. Go to Soma Bay if you want : a 5 star luxury hotel or rental experience; stunning beaches;  outstanding scuba diving and snorkeling; a quiet and safe destination where you can leave your hotel and explore via walking or golf cart; a slew of different activities for both kids and adults Don’t go to Soma Bay if you want: vibrant nightlife or a ‘city’ feel; backpacker hostels or budget hotels Quick Facts About Soma Bay It’s easily accessed from abroad via Hurghada International Airport, with most flights from Europe averaging 4 hours, and domestic flights from Cairo averaging 45 minutes It’s then about a 45-50 minute drive from Hurghada International Airport (45 km) Soma Bay is on the Ras Abo Soma peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Red Sea, with a backdrop of Egypt’s eastern mountains Soma Bay has five hotels: Kempinski, Sheraton, Cascades, Robinson and Breakers It’s known for some of the best scuba diving in Egypt There’s an 18 hole championship Gary Player signature golf course overlooking the sea It’s home to one of the best spas in the region, the Spa & Thalasso at Cascades Hotel Best Time To Go Soma Bay is a year-round destination, with almost 365 days of beach sunshine, even in the winter. Spring and fall are considered Soma Bay’s ‘high season’ -- it’s when the weather is at its most ideal (beach weather without soaring temperatures) with warm breezy nights. Summer is a great time to go too obviously because the water is nice and warm, but only if you can handle daily temperatures in the mid-to-high thirties (Celsius) or the nineties (Fahrenheit) and super-strong sun. During summer months, most people prefer to go to the beach in the morning or the later afternoon to avoid peak heat. Late December through to February is considered Soma Bay’s ‘winter’ – but we use that term loosely because the weather is still sunny and warm during the day, although cold at night. We’ve also seen many visitors even swim during the winter months, although the water then is a tad too chilly for us personally.  Getting There If you’re coming from abroad  (or even planning to fly domestically), then just fly into Hurghada International Airport, which is about a 45 minute car ride from Soma Bay. Once you land, it’s easy to either grab a taxi from outside the arrivals hall or pre-arrange with a car service (like London Cab  or ABC Taxi ) to pick you up. 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 4.5-5 hours by car from the Cairo toll station to Soma Bay. If you’re coming by bus , then GoBus  has a bus stop at the Soma Bay Marina, with daily buses from Cairo. As for flying, the domestic flight from Cairo Airport to Hurghada International Airport takes about 45 minutes. Where To Stay in Soma Bay As we mentioned briefly above, Soma Bay itself (the private resort town) has 5 hotels and numerous rentals. But if you google ‘Soma Bay hotels’, you’ll find more than 5 hotels showing up in your search results. How come? Because there are also a handful of hotels outside the gates of Soma Bay, stretching south on the coast towards Safaga, but still name/list themselves as ‘Soma Bay’. Some of these hotels are very nice, but keep in mind you won’t have access to all the amenities and activities in Soma Bay proper like you would if you stayed in Soma Bay’s 5 official hotels. But let us break everything down further, and you can decide on where to stay based on your personal preferences. Hotels in Soma Bay: Kempinski  - 5 star beach and pool luxury all the way. They also have the best restaurants of all the hotels Cascades Golf Resort, Spa & Thalasso  - `5 star resort overlooking the golf course and home to the famous Thalasso spa Sheraton  - a great 5 star resort for families, with almost 1 km of gorgeous beachfront Robinson  - 4 star hotel ideal for German speakers  Breakers  - a 4 star diving and surfing lodge for those mainly interested in watersports and activities, adjacent to the Orca Scuba Diving Center Apartment and villa rentals in Soma Bay: If you’re looking for something larger or just more personal than a hotel room, then there are a lot of great rental homes you can book depending on your preferences. There are apartments, chalets and massive beach villas, and most feature great sea views. Renting a home in a residential neighborhood also means you get access to that neighborhood’s pool (and some of the homes even have their own private pool). Stayr  is the official vacation rental provider in Soma Bay, and they offer concierge service as well. Alternatively you can find a lot of great rental listings on Airbnb too.  Hotels outside of Soma Bay: As we mentioned above, there are a handful of really nice beach resorts nearby Soma Bay, but they won’t have access to all the extra activities, restaurants and amenities that the gated community of Soma Bay and its inner hotels have. But if you’re not planning to leave your resort anyway, then it doesn’t really matter. The best hotels near Soma Bay are: Steigenberger Resort Ras Soma Palm Royale Resort Soma Bay Solymar Soma Beach Main Areas & Points of Interest in Soma Bay So we’re just going to briefly explain the main areas and points of interest in Soma Bay, so you have an idea of the overall layout. Residential neighborhoods (where the home rentals are) The current finished residential neighborhoods are: Mesca, Baywest, Baycentral, Soma Breeze, Reef Town, Wadi Jebal, Golf Residences, Marina Residences Hotel Area  Next to the Soma Bay Marina, you’ll find a stretch of 4 adjacent beachfront hotels (Kempinski, Robinson, Sheraton and Breakers), stretching from the Marina all the way down to the jetty at the tip of the peninsula and connected via a promenade. The only hotel that isn’t directly on a beach is Cascades due to it being on the golf course, but it has its own beach accessible via shuttle bus.  Soma Bay Marina This is where you’ll find restaurants, coffeeshops, shisha, Cheers (an alcoholic beverage shop), the supermarket, pharmacy, fitness center, beauty salon, local shops and souvenirs and a medical center. This is also where boats and yachts dock. Play Park & Soma Splash Behind the Marina is the Play Park, fun for both kids and adults alike. Here they have the Soma Raceway for go-karts, paintball, footgolf and a kids’ playground. There's also a small waterpark called Soma Splash next to the Sheraton. Seaside Promenade Ideal for walking, bikes, scooters and golf carts. This path takes you from the Breakers Hotel next to the jetty all the way past the main hotel area to the Marina and onwards to Wyte Beach Club. If you don’t feel like walking it, there’s also a free shuttle that goes up and down the boardwalk.  The Jetty A 420m long jetty that allows you to walk above Soma Bay’s spectacular house reef. At the end of the jetty, there’s designated areas for both snorkeling and scuba diving, and the amount of sea life to be seen there is wild – dolphins, turtles, rays and barracudas are frequently spotted, and every now and then you can even spot Wally the whale shark! Orca Dive Club Soma Bay is one of the best spots in Egypt for scuba diving , and this diving center is ideal for both beginner and advanced divers alike; certified SSI and CMAS instructors offer diving and specialty courses in several different languages. The beautiful house reef is a mere minute’s walk away, and there are around 20 different dive sites by boat around Soma Bay. Orca Dive Club also has a beach bar to relax after a long day of diving. Wyte Beach Club It’s on a picture-perfect spot on the shallow bay, with crystal clear water and zero waves – ideal for swimming. They have umbrellas, sunbeds, beanbags and hammocks, and you can also rent canoes and other beach equipment. There’s also a beach bar and restaurant, and they offer shisha in the afternoons. On most weekends during the high season, they’ll have a DJ playing music throughout the day. 7BFT Kite House  This kitesurfing center was ranked one of the top three in the world. Soma Bay is ideal for kitesurfing with its flat water and 300 days of wind ( off-shore and side-shore winds ranging from 4 to 8 Bft). The 7BFT Kite House has training for beginners as well as advanced kiters and licenses up to ‘instructor’ level. Read more: 7 Best Kitesurfing Spots in Egypt Gary Player Signature Golf Course Designed by world-renowned Gary Player, this 18 hole championship golf course is right next to the sea. Spa & Thalasso At Cascades Hotel, they have the only spa on the Red Sea that uses thalasso-tonic seawater for therapy, as well as hundreds of other treatments for both mind and body. Even if you’re not a guest at Cascades, you can book the treatment of your choice and enjoy the spa’s wellbeing programs and amenities. How to get around Soma Bay Like we mentioned above, once you’re past the gates of Soma Bay and situated at your hotel or rental, getting around is pretty easy and there’s no need for taxis. If you do want to explore outside of your hotel/rental and don’t have a car, here are the best ways to get around Soma Bay: Walking:  if you’re staying in one of the hotels on the beach and want to reach the Marina or the jetty, it’s a pleasant walk on the boardwalk.  Free shuttle : there are free shuttles that will take you up and down the boardwalk.  Bike or scooter rental:  you’ll find at the Marina and down the boardwalk little kiosks that say ‘Hopper’ on them; there you can rent out regular bikes, e-bikes, and scooters either for a few hours or a few days.  Golf Cart rental:  Hopper also rents out golf carts, ideal for people who are staying in rentals in the residential areas and don’t have a car. There are designated golf cart paths all throughout Soma Bay.  Golf cart taxi services:  if you need just a ride from one place in Soma Bay to the other and don’t want to rent out anything, Hopper also provides golf cart taxi services. Best Things To Do in Soma Bay There are lots of things to do in Soma Bay, whether you’re active or just want a lazy vacation, with kids or flying solo. And luckily all are very easy to do!  Enjoy the beach, whether at your hotel or Wyte Beach Club Explore the jetty Scuba diving Snorkeling Boat trip (whether sunset boat trip or a snorkeling trip) Golf Desert safaris (provided by Alex Safari at the Marina) Tennis/Squash/Padel tennis Spend an afternoon at Utopia, a beach bar on nearby Tobia Island, completely surrounded by sea Horseback riding on the beach with Jasmine Stable Go-karting Take the kids to the water park Paintball Shisha at sunset overlooking the bay at SoBar Work out at the fitness studio Kitesurfing Windsurfing Windfoil Relax and decompress at the spa & thalasso Join the monthly full moon parties at the kite house Day trip to Luxor Dining & Nightlife Each hotel has their own roster of restaurants and beach bars, but if you’re looking for something outside of your hotel, then the Soma Bay Marina is where you’ll find most of your dining and nightlife options. Here’s the best restaurant/bars in the Marina: SoBar:  this restaurant and bar is one of the best and most dependable in Soma Bay, with beautiful views over the Marina and indoor/outdoor dining depending on your preference. Their rooftop terrace is great for sunset drinks, and on weekends they usually have a DJ. They also have a section for shisha and set up big screens for football matches and other big sporting events. During the high seasons, there’s a party or performer of some sort on the weekends as well. Kokomo:  this grill and smoked BBQ restaurant and bar serves serve fantastic dishes cooked over an open fire. Excellent pizza as well.  Bamboo Shoot : this pan-Asian restaurant is run and managed by the Kempinski, but you’ll find it at the Soma Bay Marina on Wednesday through to Saturday nights.  Baladina:  want to indulge in some local Egyptian food ? Baladina has an extensive menu of all the Egyptian classics, from breakfast to feteer to late night grills.  Other dining options in the Marina: Maison Thomas - a pizzeria Hola Tacos - Mexican Burger Factory - burgers and fried chicken sandwiches For coffee: Seven Fortune - coffeeshop Parting Local Tip Just to summarize everything we spoke about above – if you’re looking for a relaxing Red Sea vacation on a world-class beach, and want all the perks of staying in a luxury hotel or rental but also have the ability to leave the hotel and enjoy safe resort town life, then Soma Bay is 100% for you. You may also like: Sharm El Sheikh - A Travel Guide For First-Timers

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

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

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

Cairo Festival City (CFC) is a massive mall in East Cairo, and whether you’re there to shop, go to the cinema, take the kids to the Magic Planet arcade or just wander around, chances are you’re going to want to take a break and get something to eat. And because Cairo Festival City is so big, you’re probably not going to want to walk back and forth, up and down, to see what all your different restaurant and cafe options are – trust us, there’s a lot! Read more:  Best Restaurants in District 5, Cairo Read more:   7 Best Restaurants & Cafes in 5A By The Waterway, New Cairo Read more:   7 Best Restaurants in Garden 8, New Cairo So we did the work for you in compiling this handy guide of the different restaurants, cafes, dessert shops and food court options to make it an easier decision for you. Enjoy the dining mammoth that is CFC! Restaurants in Cairo Festival City: Nişantaşi Opening hours: 10 am - midnight (1 am on weekends) Touted as one of the best Turkish restaurants in Cairo, Nişantaşi in CFC serves up all your favorite Turkish classics in an ambient atmosphere with indoor and outdoor dining as well as shisha. Breakfast is served until 1 pm. For more info and the menu: Nişantaşi’s IG Sizzler Opening hours: noon - midnight Egypt’s favorite mainstream steakhouse. If you’re looking for big portions of fried appetizers, burgers, pastas and –obviously– steak for reasonable prices (compared to high-end steakhouses), then Sizzler is for you. For more info and the menu: Sizzler’s IG Eatery Opening hours: 10 am - 11 pm Eatery has a large international menu that undoubtedly will have something for everyone, from feteer to waffles for breakfast, to sushi, pizza and filet mignon for dinner. For more info and the menu: Eatery’s IG Casper & Gambini’s Opening hours: 9 am - 11:30 pm Casper & Gambini’s was a big hit in Egypt back in the day, but then it closed all its branches for reasons unknown. Slowly but surely they’ve been reopening them, but their CFC branch has been receiving hit and miss reviews. You can try it out yourself for old time’s sake. For more info and the menu: Casper & Gambini’s IG Bosporus Opening hours: 10 am - midnight Another popular Turkish restaurant to compete with Nişantaşi. Overlooking the fountain, Bosporus has indoor/outdoor eating, shisha and a huge menu. For more info and the menu: Bosporus’ IG Stove Opening hours: noon - midnight Tucked on the second floor of The Village in CFC overlooking the fountain, Stove is a good choice for those who enjoy the type of international menu that Crave has. Lots of starters, salads, burgers, pastas & risottos and a wide variety of meat, chicken and seafood main courses. Indoor + open air dining. For more info and the menu: Stove’s IG Tamara Opening hours: 10 am - midnight Tamara, one of Egypt’s most long-standing Lebanese restaurant chains, is one of CFC’s flagship restaurants, with one of the nicest outdoor areas to dine in at the mall.  For more info and the menu: Tamara’s IG Paul Opening hours: 8 am - midnight Ah, the famous French bistro. Whether you’re in the mood for their classic baked goods or their all-day brunch and lunch menu, Paul has plenty to offer (we will always love their traditional onion soup in a bread bowl!) For more info and the menu: Paul’s IG Desoky & Soda Opening hours: 8 am - midnight A “modern Egyptian kitchen”, with everything from feteer to tawagen to molokheya – all our local favorites. For more info and the menu: Desoky & Soda’s IG Crave Opening hours: 9 am - midnight Who isn’t familiar with Crave? A family favorite for decades now, Crave has now introduced a breakfast menu as well as new items to the lunch and dinner menu (but we still remain loyal to their shrimp Cajun pasta and taco salad). For more info and the menu: Crave’s IG Enab Beirut Opening hours: 9 am - midnight A popular Lebanese restaurant chain with cute indoor and outdoor seating as well as shisha. Their view is also one of the better ones in CFC. For more info and the menu: Enab Beirut’s IG Country Hills Opening hours: 10 am - midnight (1 am on weekends) An American restaurant with your standard diner food: lots of appetizers, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches and steak. But what’s different about their menu is that they offer all types of mac n’ cheese bowls with different toppings, as well as Chicago deep dish pizza. For more info and the menu:  Country Hills’ IG Zaatar w Zeit Opening hours: 10 am - 11 pm They call themselves a “quick casual Lebanese urban eatery in Egypt” and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. For more info and the menu: Zaatar w Zeit’s IG Leila Opening hours: 10 am - midnight Another Lebanese restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a great view and shisha, Leila (also known as Leila Men Lebnan) has been going strong in CFC for over a decade now. For more info and the menu: Leila’s IG Hameed A fast food restaurant that serves up American-style burgers, chicken sandwiches and hot dogs, although you wouldn’t be able to tell from the name! For more info and the menu: Hameed’s IG Garnell Sushi & Poke Opening hours: noon - midnight Garnell serves up all types of sushi (we’re talking like 20+ menu pages’ worth), sushi ‘burritos’, poke bowls, noodles, Japanese main dishes, soups and salads and more. For more info and the menu: Garnell’s IG Butcher’s Burger Opening hours: 9 am - midnight The nifty thing about Butcher’s Burger in CFC is that it’s adjacent to its sister restaurant Chicken & Ribs – meaning, you can order from menus! Butcher’s Burger is known obviously for its burgers, but they also have brisket, hot dogs, vegan ‘beyond’ burgers and all sorts of appetizers and sides. For more info and the menu: Butcher’s Burger IG Chicken & Ribs Opening hours: 9 am - midnight Like we said above, Chicken & Ribs is attached to Butcher’s Burger in CFC, and their menu is full of all sorts of fast-foodish American Southern food favorites, like fried chicken and waffles, wings, mac n’ cheese and an array of chicken and beef main courses. For more info and the menu: Chicken & Ribs’ IG Mori Sushi Opening hours: noon - midnight Of course CFC has a branch of Egypt’s most well-known sushi restaurant! This Mori is two floors and has indoor/outdoor seating.  For more info and the menu: Mori Sushi’s IG Chili’s Opening hours: 10 am - 10 pm Who amongst us hasn't practically memorized Chili's menu? So much nostalgia, whether it's the chicken crispers, loaded Texas fries, skillet queso or country fried chicken... and the desserts of course! For more info and the menu: Chili’s’ IG Julia’s Kitchen Opening hours: 9 am - 1 am This cute international restaurant has outdoor seating overlooking the dancing fountain, and some of the best shisha in CFC.  For more info and the menu: Julia’s Kitchen IG Sonic Opening hours: 10 am - 10 pm This diner-style restaurant has a similar menu to Sizzler, with lots of appetizers, pastas, pizzas and of course meat dishes. For more info and the menu: Sonic’s IG Al Hallab Opening hours: 10 am - midnight A Lebanese restaurant established back in 1971 (although not in CFC obviously lol), they have indoor/outdoor seating, shisha and also an international menu if someone with you isn’t in the mood for Lebanese.  For more info and the menu: Al Hallab’s IG Coco Opening hours: 10 am - midnight A family friendly restaurant with a ton of international dishes to pick from – just reading the menu will keep you there for awhile! For more info and the menu: Coco’s IG IHOP Opening hours : 8:30 am - 11 pm The famous American breakfast and pancake house has its own Egyptian home in CFC. Besides the pancakes, French toast and waffles that IHOP is known for, they also have an array of other breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. For more info and the menu: IHOP’s IG Maharaja Opening hours: noon - midnight Cairo Festival’s City only Indian restaurant (until now), Maharaja is a nice break from all the ubiquitous international, Lebanese and fast food restaurants in the mall. For more info and the menu: Maharaja’s IG Mince Opening hours: 11 am - midnight A burger joint with all the expected burger selections (both regular and smashed), hot dogs (including a ‘build your own’ option), chicken sandwiches and fun appetizers like honey mustard crunch fries and corn dogs. For more info and the menu: Mince’s IG TGI Friday’s Opening hours: noon - 10 pm Another ‘old is gold’ classic like Chili’s. Who can resist Friday’s sizzling fajitas, potato twisters or Cajun shrimp and chicken pasta? For more info and the menu: Friday’s IG IKEA Restaurant Opening hours: 9 am - 11:30 pm Hitting up IKEA and getting hungry? They have their own restaurant and bistro in the store, from breakfast (served only until 11:30 am) until closing time at night. It’s a hybrid between buffet and a la carte, and make sure you try their Swedish meatballs! For more info and the menu: IKEA’s website Spaghi Spaghi touts itself as an "approachable Italian trattoria", with lots of pasta dishes, pizza of course, and all sorts of comfort food Italian dishes. For more info and the menu: Spaghi's IG Cafes in Cairo Festival City: Illy Costa Coffee Starbucks Dunkin Donuts Second Cup Attibassi Dipndip Shuga Espresso Lab Cafe Barbera PappaRoti Bake My Day Dessert Shops/Patisseries in Cairo Festival City: MOISHI Cinnabon Cold Stone Nola Amorino Duck Donuts Movenpick Ice Cream Patchi Pinkberry House of Cocoa Food Court in Cairo Festival City: McDonald’s Burger King Pizza Hut KFC Hardee’s Cook Door Kilo Kabab Manchow Wok Pizza Station Panda Express Sbarro Shawarmer  Salad Fiesta Pie Station You may also like: 30 Best Breakfast Spots in Cairo