Part of our Egypt guide.
Places and guides from our Travel Stories coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Secret Night Diving Gems Along Egypt's Dahab Coast and How To Pack For A 10-Day Trip To Egypt.
Egypt: The Pyramids Of Giza And The Dangers Of Travelling Myopically
The Pyramids of Giza sit on the outskirts of Cairo as a testament to ancient Egyptian architectural prowess. Visitors who rush between sites often miss the deeper context of how the pyramids relate to the surrounding plateau, so slow down and let the scale of the stones—some weighing several tons—sink in before moving on.
How Not To Get Scammed In Egypt
Egypt's tourist sites attract both wonder and opportunists, so know the common scams before you arrive. Touts may offer "free" guides, insist a Nile cruise price includes hidden fees, or pressure you into buying papyrus at triple the market rate. Agree on prices in writing before any service, use official taxis with meters, and verify your hotel's transfer driver holds a name board with your name spelled correctly.
Cairo Garbage City: A Suburb That Gives A New Meaning To Trash
On the outskirts of Cairo, the suburb known as Garbage City turns the city's waste into a livelihood and a way of life. The Zabbaleen community here collects, sorts, and recycles a significant portion of Cairo's trash, with entire families working in recycling workshops. Visitors can walk past alleys stacked with compressed paper, plastic, and metal, and see how a once-rural area transformed into a dense, resourceful hub that manages waste on a massive scale.
The Temples Of Egypt
Egypt's temples were more than stone monuments; they functioned as gateways between the mortal world and the divine realm. At sites like Karnak and Luxor, you can trace the rituals of ancient priests through hieroglyphs that line the hypostyle halls. Each temple followed a similar plan—a pylon gateway, an open court, and a dark sanctuary—but every one carries its own dedication to a different god or pharaoh.
The Long Revolution Of The Ultras Ahlawy
The Ultras Ahlawy began in the early 2000s as a football supporters' group for Al Ahly Sporting Club, but they quickly became a social and political force. Their choreographed displays, drumming, and chants transformed match days, but their influence extended beyond the stadium. During Egypt's 2011 uprising, the group's organizational skills and street presence placed them at the center of protests, and their history remains tied to the country's ongoing political shifts.
Curious Insights Into Egypt's Siwa Oasis Date Palm Groves
Siwa Oasis, nestled in the Western Desert, hides a network of date palm groves that sustain the local economy and culture. The date palms here are not just scenery; they provide shade for other crops, and the dates themselves are harvested and sold across Egypt. Walking through the groves, you'll see irrigation channels that have watered these trees for centuries, and you can taste fresh dates right off the branch in season.
Drinking In Cairo During The Holy Month Of Ramadan
During Ramadan, Cairo's daytime drinking habits shift as observant Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Cafés and juice stands close their shutters during daylight hours, but after iftar, the city comes alive with sweetened hibiscus tea, carob juice, and licorice drinks. Non-Muslim visitors should plan for fewer open restaurants during the day, but the evening atmosphere—with lanterns and street vendors—offers a different side of the city.
Pilgrims In The Sinai
The Sinai Peninsula has drawn pilgrims from Christianity, Islam, and Judaism for centuries, and its religious landmarks remain active destinations. Saint Catherine's Monastery, at the foot of Mount Sinai, holds a library of ancient manuscripts and icons, while Jebel Musa is revered by Muslims as the site where Prophet Moses received the Ten Commandments. Pilgrims often hike the mountain overnight to catch sunrise from the summit, a tradition that continues today.
