Lower Egypt Travel Guide

Travel through the wonders of Lower Egypt and immerse yourself in the richness and culture. A guide to visiting its stunning attractions, experiencing its local specialties, and tips for a safe and memorable trip.


Introduction to Lower Egypt

Egypt, one of the cradles of civilization, is a land of contradictions that has an interesting history, fascinating culture, and ancient temples. Lower Egypt, located in the northern region of Egypt, is an embodiment of these traits. From the bustling city of Cairo to the Mediterranean coast, Lower Egypt is full of wonders that tourists can explore. It is a region known for its museums, ancient temples, natural wonders, and local cuisine. Here is a comprehensive guide to all that you can see, do, eat, and experience in Lower Egypt.

List of Places to Visit in Lower Egypt

Lower Egypt is home to:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
  • Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria
  • Catacombs of Alexandria
  • The Al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo
  • The Saladin Citadel in Cairo

Natural Attractions of Lower Egypt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Nile River Cruise
  • Wadi El Natrun desert
  • Siwa Oasis
  • Ras Mohammed National Park
  • Mount Sinai
  • White Desert

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lower Egypt

For the adventure and nature enthusiasts, Lower Egypt offers various biking and hiking routes:

  • The Sinai Trail
  • The Hassan Fathy Trail
  • The Wadi El Shatt El Riggie Trail
  • The Red Sea Mountain Trail

Best Things to Do in Lower Egypt: Activities and Tours

  • Shopping in Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo
  • Bedouin Desert Safari in Sinai
  • Alexandria Walking Tour
  • Felucca Sailing in Aswan
  • Hot-air balloon ride over Luxor
  • Snorkeling in Hurghada

Week-Long Itinerary for Lower Egypt

Day 1-2: Explore Cairo - The Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, The Egyptian Museum, and Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Day 3-4: Visit Alexandria - Qaitbay Citadel, The Catacombs of Alexandria, and The Greco-Roman Museum

Day 5: Take a Nile River Cruise

Day 6: Visit Sinai - Bedouin Desert Safari

Day 7: Visit Ras Mohammed National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Lower Egypt

Must-Try Dishes

Lower Egypt offers a variety of traditional and cultural dishes that visitors can try:

  • Koshari: A mix of macaroni, lentils, fried onions, and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce.
  • Shawarma: A wrap filled with slices of chicken or beef, salad, and tahini sauce.
  • Fatta: Bread pieces soaked in lamb broth, covered in tomato sauce, topped with rice and chickpeas.
  • Molokhia: A soup made of jute leaves and sometimes served with chicken or beef.

Local Beverages

  • Hibiscus Tea
  • Qamar El-Din: Apricot juice
  • Sahlab: Hot milk drink with orchid root

Where to Stay in Lower Egypt: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lower Egypt has a range of accommodation options suitable for all budgets:

  • Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah
  • Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort
  • Four Seasons Hotel Cairo Nile Plaza
  • Al Nabila Hotel
  • West Delta Hotel
  • Alexander the Great Hotel

What to Buy in Lower Egypt: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Perfume oils
  • Pashmina scarves
  • Tea blends
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Spices

Local Culture and Customs of Lower Egypt

Egypt has an ancient and deeply-rooted culture that reflects in its architecture, food, and customs. It is essential to be respectful of their culture when exploring the country. It’s best to dress modestly when visiting religious sites and remove shoes before entering mosques. Haggling is a common practice when shopping in the local markets.

Best Time to Visit Lower Egypt

The best time to visit Lower Egypt is between October to April when the temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. However, it can get crowded with tourists. The off-season period is from May to September when the weather is hot and dry.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lower Egypt

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Wear comfortable and modest clothing when visiting religious sites
  • Have loose change for tipping

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water
  • Touch or climb on ancient ruins and monuments
  • Photograph people without asking their permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Lower Egypt

Egypt is considered a safe country for tourists. However, it is essential to stay cautious in crowded areas and not to leave valuables unattended.

Health in Lower Egypt

Visitors are advised to take precautions before traveling to Egypt. Immunizations for hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. It is also essential to drink bottled water and avoid uncooked food or street food.

Getting to Lower Egypt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lower Egypt

  • Cairo International Airport (CAI)
  • Alexandria International Airport (HBE)

Bus Stations Near Lower Egypt

  • Cairo Turgoman Bus Station
  • Alexandria Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train - Egyptian National Railways
  • Ferry - between Sinai and Aqaba in Jordan

How to Get Around in Lower Egypt

Tourists can use a range of transportation options to get around in Lower Egypt:

  • Taxis
  • Trains
  • Buses
  • Metro

Where to Go Next from Lower Egypt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lower Egypt offers various destinations that visitors can explore, such as:

  • Upper Egypt
  • Sinai
  • The Red Sea

Conclusion

With its rich culture, ancient sites, scenic views, and delicious cuisine, Lower Egypt offers visitors a unique travel experience. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Lower Egypt. Be sure to experience it all for a safe, educational, and unforgettable trip.

Cairo's Coptic Cairo's Coptic "Hanging Church" teeters over a Roman fortress Alexandria's new library Alexandria's new library Whales in the Sahara desert - extinct, no wonder Whales in the Sahara desert - extinct, no wonder


    Abu Kabir
    Abusir
    Alexandria
    Banha
    Cairo
    Dahshur
    Lisht
    Mansoura
    Memphis
    Port Said
    Wadi El Natrun
    Zagazig