Lonely PlanetOct 1, 2026
Top Tips for Exploring Egypt on a Budget
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22 things in this story
- Blue HoleAttractionaccessible from shore for snorkeling
- Elsewhere
- Great PyramidSightGiza, Egyptadditional fee to enter
- SphinxPublic artworkGiza, Egyptview from outside
- Pyramids of GizaNeighborhoodGiza, Egyptentry fee lets you view from outside
- Siwa OasisNeighborhoodSiwa, Egypthub for desert walks and salt pools
- NileSightEgyptbudget 3-day no-frills cruises available
- Red Sea coastSightEgyptbeach camps available
- Valley of the KingsSightLuxor, Egyptstudent discounts available
- Grand Egyptian MuseumMuseumCairo, Egypthigh entry fee worth it for treasures
- Egyptian MuseumMuseumCairo, Egyptcheaper dose of history
- Mt SinaiSightSaint Catherine, Egypt4-5 hour trip to summit
- St Katherine's MonasterySightSaint Catherine, Egyptbase for Sinai hikes
- Shali FortressSightSiwa, Egyptmud-brick ruins to explore
- West BankRestaurantLuxor, Egyptdotted with free ruins and monuments
- bazaars of CairoMarketCairo, Egyptfree to explore, maze-like alleys
- Cairo PassHostelCairo, Egyptaccess to most sites in Cairo and Giza
- Luxor PassPlaceLuxor, Egyptaccess to sites on both banks of Nile
- kushariFast foodEgyptnoodles, lentils, onions and tomato sauce
- Cairo MetroPlaceCairo, Egyptastonishingly low fares
- Mwasalat MisrPlaceCairo, Egyptreliable public bus service
- Holy Sheet HostelHostelCairo, Egypttraveler favorite in Cairo
- Bob Marley Peace HotelHotelLuxor, Egyptfavored by budget travelers in Luxor