Egypt on a Budget: Experience the Best of Egypt for Less

Practical Tips for Your Budget-Friendly Egypt Trip

Planning a trip to Egypt can seem like a grand, expensive undertaking, but experiencing the country’s magic is surprisingly affordable. This guide is your ultimate resource for Egypt on a budget, showing you how to explore ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes without breaking the bank. With smart planning, you can have an unforgettable adventure for less.

We’ll show you how to navigate a trip to Egypt on a budget, from savvy spending on flights and accommodation to clever ways to explore its iconic sites without overspending.

Smart Savings on Flights and Accommodation

Your biggest expenses often begin before you even land. By being strategic, you can start your trip to Egypt on a budget from the very beginning.

Be Flexible with Flight Dates: Use flight comparison websites and be flexible with your travel dates. Flying during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn, avoiding major holidays) often yields better deals. Consider flying into less popular airports if they offer cheaper rates, even if it means a slightly longer transfer.

Embrace Guesthouses and Hostels: One of the best ways to do Egypt on a budget is by embracing guesthouses and hostels. They not only save you money but also offer a chance to connect with fellow travelers and get local tips.

Look for Deals on Boutique Hotels: If hostels aren’t your style, many boutique hotels offer excellent value for money. Always check reviews for cleanliness and location.

Consider Airbnb for Longer Stays: For an authentic experience and potential kitchen access (which saves on eating out), Airbnb can be a great option, especially if you’re staying in one city for several days.

Savvy Spending on Food and Drink

Eating well is a highlight of any trip, and experiencing the best of Egypt’s culinary scene doesn’t have to be expensive.

Eat Local, Eat Street Food: Egyptian street food is a cornerstone of an Egypt on a budget experience. It’s not only incredibly tasty but also very cheap. Don’t miss out on classics like koshary, ful medames, and ta’ameya. Look for places bustling with locals – that’s your sign of good, safe food.

Visit Local Markets (Souks): Buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks from local markets. It’s an immersive cultural experience and a great way to save money on meals.

Drink Bottled Water: While tap water in major cities is often treated, travelers are generally advised to stick to bottled water to avoid any stomach issues. Buy large bottles from supermarkets for better value. Coffee and tea are generally inexpensive and widely available.

Limit Alcohol: Alcohol is not as readily available or as cheap as in many Western countries, especially outside of tourist resorts. Limiting your alcohol consumption can lead to significant savings.

Getting Around: Budget Transportation Tips

Navigating a trip to Egypt on a budget is an adventure in itself. There are many cost-effective ways to get from one point to another.

Utilize Public Transportation: In Cairo, the Metro is incredibly cheap and efficient for getting to many key areas. For longer distances between cities, Egypt’s train system and inter-city buses are economical choices.

Bargain for Taxis (or Use Ride-Sharing Apps): Always agree on a price before getting into a taxi, or insist on the meter. Better yet, use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem in major cities. They offer fixed, transparent prices and are generally safer.

Walk When Possible: Many historical areas are best explored on foot. It’s free, you get to soak in the atmosphere, and you might stumble upon some unexpected local gems.

Consider a Felucca on the Nile: Instead of an expensive cruise, opt for a felucca (traditional sailboat) ride in Luxor or Aswan. You can hire one for a few hours or a full day, often sharing the cost with other travelers.

Egyptian western desert oases egypt fun tours

Jeep Safari in the Sahara

I contacted Hani two days before I went to Egypt and asked him if it was possible to combine two of their tours as we were short on time. We had planned to stay in Cairo but with the uprising we decided it would be safed outside of the hot

Pyramids and GEM Tour from Cairo Airport

Layover Tour in Cairo

This August, my boyfriend and I had quite a long layover in Cairo, 9 hours to be exact. Instead of wasting our time at the airport, we decided to do a layover tour of the city. I had been before, but my boyfriend hadn’t, so we wanted to hit the

Early Layover Tour in Cairo

My husband, 2 sons – aged 9 & 11 – and I landed in Cairo at 5:15am on Saturday 12 January 2013. We had booked an early layover tour with Egypt Fun Tours after reading the great reviews in TripAdvisor. As promised he and his driver awaited us in a

Top 10 restaurants in cairo Egypt Fun Tours 2

Tour & Overnight camping with Mohamed

The breathtaking views and the isolation with a night under the stars! The trip was memorable with Mohamed, our tour guide, who drove us to all the sites on the way to the White Desert, and is clearly someone who knows the desert inside out. He also cooked a delicious

You’re in “GREAT HANDS” with Egypt Fun Tours!

We first went to Egypt in July 2010. We were to pass through Cairo on our way to Africa, and we had arranged to be picked up from the Cairo airport and shown around the city during our 6-hour layover. This was arranged through emails with Hamada, of Egypt Fun