A First-Timer’s Guide to Egypt: How to Plan the Your Egypt Vacation - Visiting Egypt Must Do's

Egypt is one of the most magical destinations in the world — a land of timeless pyramids, ancient temples, bustling markets, and the tranquil Nile. For first-time visitors, planning can be overwhelming, but with the right information and travel adviosr your visit to Egypt will be memorable.

Whether you’re wanting to see the pyramids in Giza (don't miss this!), glide along the Nile, or exploring Luxor’s temples, this guide will help you see, understand, and experience Egypt to its fullest.

Visiting Egypt - When Should You Go?

The first question I always get when planning a trip to Egypt is when is the best time to visit. The summer is not the time to go! It's just too hot!

• Best months: October through April, when temperatures are mild. Keep in mind it can still be 90-100 degrees in October!

• High vs. low season: High season offers perfect weather but more crowds; low season is quieter but hotter.

• Nile cruises and desert excursions are easier and more enjoyable in cooler months.

How to Get There

Egypt sounds so far away! But its easy to get to with many non-stop or one-stop flights from the US. Cairo is a larger international airport thats easy to navigate. Signage is in Arabic and English for easy navigation. If you're nervous about the language barrier consider taking a fully guided trip so you have a tour guide with you the duration of the trip.

• Airports: Cairo International is the main hub, with Luxor and Aswan for domestic connections. We used all 3 airports on our trip. The inner Egypt flights make it easy to see multiple destinations and temples in one trip.

• Flights: Direct flights from the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.

• Domestic travel: Consider flights or a land + river cruise combo for the best balance of comfort and sightseeing.

Must-See Sites for First-Timers

• Cairo & Giza: Pyramids, Sphinx, the new Grand Egyptian Museum.

• Luxor: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings.

• Aswan: Philae Temple, Nubian villages, and Abu Simbel.

• Tip: Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) after seeing the pyramids for full context. You should also see (and go inside) King Tutankhamun's Tomb in the Valley of the Kings and see his mask at the Gem. Both are incredible and were discovered relatively recently.

Experiencing the Nile

• A land + river cruise combo offers the ultimate first-timer experience. The beauty of the Nile River and seeing less crowded areas is so important to understanding the way of life in Egypt.

• Explore Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan on land, then glide along the Nile in luxury. A

• Guided excursions at each stop allow you to see iconic sites and hidden gems and have the meanings and stories explainted to you. Its a much better experience than just seeing each temple and not understanding their meaning and time frame.

• Don’t rush — the Nile itself is part of the experience.

Practical Tips for First-Timers

• Visas & entry: Check requirements in advance. Many tour companies will cover this for you. Your Love of the Magic Travel Advisor can also assist in ensuring you have the proper paperwork.

• Stick to bottled water and avoid eating lettuce or other fruits and veggies unless you are positive they have been washed with filtered water.

• Use sunscreen and wear a hat. The sun is so bright in Egypt.

• Currency: Egyptian pounds are standard, but US bills are widely accepted. In fact, we only used US dollars while visiting. There is no need to exchange money.

• Clothing: Loose, modest, breathable fabrics are ideal. I personally prefer short dresses and linen pants.

• Using a guide: Essential for first-time visitors to understand history, culture, and logistics. Your guide will become your best friend assiting with translation and bringing the history and culture of Egypt to life.

Cultural Etiquette

Everything I read before visiting Egypt said to dress modestly, covering the knees, shoulders, and midriff, but that was not what I experienced while there.

Daily, our tour guide told us there was no dress code for where we were visiting, and I saw people wearing the same things you'd wear while visiting any warm destination.

Our days were filled with visiting ancient tombs and temples, and only on our last day did we visit a church and a synagog, neither of which required covered heads, shoulders, or knees. I honestly experienced more dress code needs in Istanbul.

We did see some women wearing hijabs (head coverings) and burkas (head and face coverings), but our Egyptian tour guide said this was solely the woman's choice, not the mosque or her husband. Still, the majority of the people in Egypt were dressed the same as you and me.

• Ask before taking photos of locals. This is a given in any destination.

• Be polite in markets and follow your guide’s advice for bargaining. Bargaining is a way of life in the Egyptian markets and is expected. To be quite honest, the markets are very pushy and in your face. Be prepared to brush them off and shop at your own pace.

Unique Experiences to Consider

• Hot air balloon over Luxor for sunrise views of temples and the Nile. We did not do this, but saw the balloons over Luxor, and it was dreamy! I would have added it if we had had any extra time!

• Felucca ride on the Nile — peaceful, scenic, and unforgettable. We did do this, and I loved it! It was relaxing and so nice to just glide across the Nile in an ancient style. These boats are typically owned by families, not companies, so I also loved getting to support individuals while visiting.

• Exploring the inside of a tomb through its tight tunnel. This was maybe my favorite part of the entire trip. We went in so many tombs I can't even count them all without looking at pictures. Most have fairly tight tunnels to walk through with one way in and one way out. I am claustrophobic and was nervous to try this, but really didn't want to miss out. I didn't have any issues besides being hot and tired from some awkward climbing angles in the pyramids. Everyone experiencing the tombs (both pyramids and Valley of the Kings) were encouraging and excited to be there. We chatted as we went, making way for people coming the opposite direction from us and keeping each other updated with just how much further we had to go. 10/10 experience. Don't miss it!

• Explore local markets and street food, including dates and fresh juice. The markets are a must-visit, including the Khan el-Khalili in Cairo. Make sure to eat at Khan El Khalili Restaurant for lunch or dinner. The food was fantastic and the interiors were beautiful! It might have been the best meal we ate while visiting!

• Temple sound-and-light shows for a magical nighttime experience. I did not experience this while in Egypt, but quite a few temples offered it. It didn't fit into our schedule, but I see how it could be a very neat experience.

Inside the Bent Pyramid - Dahshur, Egypt

Inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu - Giza Pyramid Complex

Suggested Itinerary for First-Timers

7-Day Sample:

• Day 1-2: Cairo & Giza — pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum.

• Day 3-6: Land + river cruise — Luxor & Aswan temples, Nile excursions, felucca rides.

• Day 7: Return to Cairo or optional Abu Simbel visit.

Don’t Forget These Insider Tips

• Use a knowledgeable guide — small group or private tours provide the best experience. Our guide was our lifeline to explaining what we were seeing in the tombs and temples, and even the museums. Plus, she could translate for us when needed.

• Don’t skip entering the pyramids and temples, even if crowded.

• Pace yourself — don’t overpack your days. It's hot, and you will be tired from standing in the sun and climbing the temples. Visiting Egypt is a very packed schedule and worth the exhaustion. But don't think you can do it all in a day. The awkward angles to go inside the pyramids were probably the most exhausting for me. But well worth it!

• Take time to enjoy the Nile’s charm. At a minimum, you should glide the Nile on a felucca. But truly, I would suggest spending a few days on a Nile River cruise. This gives you a chance to relax while still enjoying the beauty of Egypt. We can help you decide which river cruise is right for you. They're not all created equal!

• Visit the GEM after the pyramids to fully understand Egypt’s treasures. The GEM is a beautiful new museum in Giza near the Great Pyramid complex. You can see the pyramids from the large glass windows at the GEM. It's always neat to see things in a museum, history preserved - but for me, I far more enjoyed seeing the insides of the tombs and then seeing the artifacts later at the GEM. It gave them real real-life placement that can be so important for understanding history and culture.

Egypt was more than I expected. More than just a list of monuments we've all learned about in school. It was a live view of history. A way to better understand the Egyptian culture and see just how beautiful it is. (I was surprised). Planning, a knowledgeable guide, and the right itinerary are a must for your first visit. I promise, you too will fall in love with Egypt.

Ready to plan your first Egyptian adventure? Email Love of the Magic Vacations - hello@LOTMV.com to create a fully customized land and river cruise itinerary, perfectly tailored to your interests, pace, and style.