Egypt is one of the must-visit countries in the coming years, for its historical, cultural, and civilizational value. The pyramids which include one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the Pharaonic civilization whose remains still exist, make Egypt a famous tourist destination. But you can have so much more during your visit to Egypt by following our tips to have a special time in this amazing country.

Learn some Egyptian phrases

The official language in Egypt is Modern Standard Arabic but the spoken language is Egyptian dialect. Many Egyptians, especially in hotels, tourist attractions, and restaurants, speak English but learning some basic phrases in Egyptian Arabic will make a big difference in your trip and the number of friends you’ll make along the way.

If you want to speak like a local in Egypt here are some Egyptian phrases for daily use:

• Ahlan, Marhaba (Hi)
• Ezzayyak? (How are you? – male), Ezzayyek? (How are you? – female)
• Feen? (Where?)
• Shoukran! (Thank you!)
• Moumken? (Could you? Is it possible?)
• Bikam? (How much?)
• Ah, Aywa (Yes)
• La (No)
• Ma’ assalama (Bye)
• Tamam, Mashi (Ok)
• A’ayez (I want – if you are a male), A’ayeza (I want – if you are a female)

These phrases will help you in daily conversations and will make the Egyptians like you for trying to speak their dialect which won’t take much time or effort.

Choose your travel time wisely

Although you can visit Egypt any time of the year due to its hot summers and mild winters you should choose your travel time carefully to enjoy the cities and destinations you plan to visit.

For example, if you want to visit archeological sites in Luxor and Aswan, go in winter as they are very hot in summer. If you want to have a coastal holiday in Alexandria it’s better to go in summer to enjoy the water activities. Unless at a resort by the sea, the best time to go to Egypt is from March to October when the weather is relatively cool and suitable for outdoor activities.

Book in advance

Decide which cities and places you want to visit in Egypt before your trip to have an organized trip without distractions. This is especially important if you plan to take domestic flights in Egypt as you need to book in advance and the same applies to hotels, especially during the tourist season.

Egypt has many means of transportation including trains, buses, taxis, and metro in Cairo and Alexandria. You can even have a dedicated driver and car for an affordable price from specialized companies. Deciding which transportation to use will make your trip more organized.

Visit unique, lesser-known places

In addition to visiting famous tourist attractions like the pyramids, Abu Simbel, Karnak Temple, Philae Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the White Desert, Siwa Oasis, and the Sphinx, you should also explore lesser-known places to fully enjoy your trip and learn about modern Egyptian culture, not just ancient history.

Some places to visit include:

• Ras Shaitan in Nuweiba
  This place is far but worth the visit and not as famous as other tourist attractions. You can enjoy diving in the Red Sea and camping in a simple Bedouin style. You can relax by the sea, climb rocky hills, or take a boat trip to see coral reefs, octopuses, pufferfish, moon groupers, and colorful sea anemones.
• The mountain of al-Modawara in Fayoum
  This is a circular plateau surrounded by three hills that resemble pyramids, with water flowing between them like a tongue from the lake. Beneath the mountain, there’s a beach about 500 meters long, offering stunning natural views.
• The Mountain of the Dead in Siwa
  This archaeological mountain in Siwa Oasis is not well known. It’s a honeycomb-shaped cemetery carved into the stone, resembling the ancient oasis. It is a conical-shaped mountain, 50 meters high, dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
• Tiran Island in Sharm El-Sheikh
  This island is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba in Sharm El-Sheikh. It’s a beautiful tourist spot in Egypt, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, take a boat trip around the island, or dive in the Red Sea waters.

Traditional markets

There are many traditional markets in Egypt that you must visit to enjoy their ancient history, and diverse and affordable products, such as Khan el-Khalili market in the Islamic area of Al-Hussein district in Cairo, Aswan market, and Al-Fosfat market at the intersection of Imam Street and Hassan Al-Anwar Street in Old Cairo, among other fascinating traditional markets.

Respect Egyptian culture

Egyptian or Arab culture is different from American or Western cultures in several ways that might surprise you, such as:

• Most women, especially Muslim and veiled women, do not shake hands with men, so to avoid awkward situations, it’s best not to initiate a handshake (if you’re a man).
• Revealing clothing is frowned upon and may cause issues, so it’s better to wear casual, appropriate clothes.
• When visiting mosques, women should cover their heads and wear modest clothing to respect the customs and traditions of Islamic places.
• Kissing on the lips in public is uncommon and may provoke anger, so avoid it.

Talk to people and ask for help

Feel free to ask for help or talk to people. Egyptians are friendly and love meeting tourists and learning about other cultures. They can help you discover hidden spots known only to locals, enjoy unique experiences, and they may even invite you for a meal or to stay at their homes. This will immerse you in Egyptian culture and make the most of your trip.

Try Egyptian street food

Egypt has a wide variety of unique street foods that you won’t find anywhere else, such as koshary, feseekh, falafel, molokhia, fatta, and kebda (liver). Trying new foods is an essential part of a memorable travel experience, so make sure not to miss it. Try simple, small local restaurants rather than fancy ones, but always pay attention to hygiene to avoid illnesses.

Bargain prices

In Egypt, and most Arab countries, prices are not fixed, especially in traditional markets, so don’t accept the first price the seller gives you. Bargain for a lower price, especially if you find it high for the product’s quality.

If you don’t get a price that suits you, look around other shops and keep bargaining until you find a fair price. Don’t be shy about this; it’s normal in Egypt. As a tourist, you may be quoted higher prices, but anything is possible with bargaining and using some Egyptian phrases.

Don’t forget to enjoy every detail and make friends along the way. Egyptians are friendly and love helping strangers, so take advantage of that to make your trip even more special!