🇪🇬 Cairo & Luxor: A Wild, Beautiful Ride Through Ancient Egypt
- Thalia Mieses
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 24
If you’re heading to Cairo and Luxor, buckle up—because the experience is as wild as it is breathtaking. Egypt is one of those countries that tests your patience but rewards your soul, and if you’re prepared, you’ll fall in love with everything from the food to the temples. Here’s a real, no-fluff guide based on my recent journey—so you can avoid a few bumps and dive straight into the magic.
The Arrival
🚦 Cairo Traffic: Don’t Freak Out When the Lanes Multiply
Let’s start with the obvious: Cairo traffic is insane. Ever seen an Uber driver create a third lane out of thin air where there were supposed to be two? Welcome to Cairo. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and somehow…it works.
Just hang tight, trust your driver, and don’t panic if you find yourself sandwiched between a bus and a tuk-tuk. They will make it fit. It’s part of the adventure.
🚗 Uber vs. Hotel Pick-Up: Save Your Cash
One quick money-saving tip: Skip the hotel-arranged rides. I paid $20 USD for a hotel pick-up, only to find out an Uber would’ve cost $8 for the same trip. Lesson learned—Uber is reliable, cheaper, and works well in Cairo.
Exploring the Pyramids
🏜️ Exploring the Pyramids: Pure Wonder (With a Side of Hustle)
No trip to Egypt is complete without seeing the Great Pyramids of Giza. They are every bit as majestic as you’ve imagined, and standing at the base of the Great Pyramid is a goosebumps-worthy experience. Did you know the Great Pyramid originally stood at 146.6 meters? Today it’s about 138.8 meters, thanks to the loss of the outer casing stones—but still massive and mind-blowing.
🐎 Heads Up: Pyramids = Upsell Central
Want that iconic camel or horse photo? It’s going to cost you extra—and then they might ask for a tip after the fee. Pro tip: tipping is optional. Give what feels right, but don’t let anyone pressure you.
Tipping
✈️ Airport Tips: Wallet Watch & Tipping Etiquette
The tipping culture in Egypt is…relentless. From the guy who grabs your bag at security to the bathroom attendant offering you a tissue—expect hands out often.
At the airport: You’re not required to tip the x-ray machine guy.
Luxor airport bathrooms: Tissue = tip. Avoid it by using the hand dryer.
In general: Stay polite but firm. A smile and a “no, thank you” go a long way.
The Nile River Cruise
🌊 Nile River Cruise: A Chill Evening You’ll Love
Want to wind down after a chaotic day in Cairo? Book a Nile River dinner cruise. It's not five-star dining, but it’s got:
Tasty local food
Live entertainment
Beautiful views of the city at night
It’s a solid experience, especially for your first night in Egypt.
🏛️ Luxor: Temples, Tombs & Timeless Beauty
If Cairo is wild, Luxor is where the soul of ancient Egypt truly lives. It’s slower-paced, more peaceful, and overflowing with history.
🏛️ Karnak Temple: Prepare to Be Speechless
The scale of Karnak Temple is staggering. Columns towering over 23 meters, covered in intricate hieroglyphics—it’s like stepping into another era. I could have spent hours just wandering through the site.
The Rich Cuisine
🥙 Egyptian Cuisine: Come Hungry
I made it a mission to try as much local food as possible, and it did not disappoint.
Koshari – the national dish, a carb-lover’s dream (rice, lentils, pasta, crispy onions)
Egyptian breakfast – think falafel, fries, eggs, flatbread, and lots of dips
Fresh salads and warm bread at every meal
And don’t skip the street food—it’s affordable and delicious
🧑🍳 The Hospitality Is Real
At nearly every meal, I was greeted with warmth, big smiles, and a genuine love for sharing food and culture. The Egyptian people were incredibly kind and proud of their traditions.
Tours? Book on GetYourGuide and Skip the Hassle
When it comes to tours, use GetYourGuide or similar platforms. Fixed prices, no awkward negotiating, and no pressure from pushy salespeople. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Cash Is King (And Small Bills Are Your Best Friend)
Bring cash, preferably small bills, for tipping. It makes life easier. Most landmarks accept credit cards, but small change is clutch when you want to tip without fumbling.
Oil Shops: Buyer Beware
I fell for a story about essential oils at one shop, partly because the hotel manager vouched for it. The oils smell amazing, but they’re priced like gold—$50 for a tiny bottle! If you want oils, shop around and don’t trust the first “expert” you meet.
📶 Wifi Woes? Grab an eSIM
Wifi is spotty at best, even in nice hotels. I grabbed an eSIM from Airalo, and while it wasn’t blazing fast, it was good enough for:
Google Maps
Posting to Instagram
Messaging friends
Definitely worth it if you want to stay connected without frustration.
Flying from Cairo to Luxor: Security Overload & Boarding Madness
Prepare for three separate security checkpoints just to get to your gate! And when flying with Air Cairo, expect boarding to happen last-minute with zero communication. My 3 PM flight started boarding at 3:50, and no one said a word until then. Patience is key.
A Journey to Remember
Egypt is stunning and full of unforgettable experiences, but it requires patience and a bit of savvy. Keep your wits about you, plan ahead, and you’ll have a trip full of magic moments—and fewer surprises. Egypt is truly a destination for every traveler, offering a remarkable blend of history, culture, and adventure.
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