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Cities in Egypt: A local’s guide on where to visit in 2026
Explore cities in Egypt through a local lens, from Giza and Luxor to coastal favorites and lesser-known cities locals truly love.
Egypt is world-renowned for its ancient landmarks, stealing the spotlight from its cities, which vary dramatically in culture, pace, and landscape. Whether you’re drawn to the Nile River, the Red Sea, or Mediterranean beaches, where you go shapes the entire experience.
To help you understand cities in Egypt beyond the basics, we asked our local Holafly expert, Fatima Aisel, who was born and raised in Egypt and currently lives there. Her insights will help you decide which city is best for you and why you might want to explore Egypt beyond the Pyramids of Giza. Consider using a travel eSIM on your trips abroad for ultimate peace of mind.
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The top eight cities in Egypt
Fatima explains it best, “Egypt is full of beautiful cities, and two weeks are not enough to truly experience everything the country has to offer.”
Giza is all about ancient wonders, landmarks, and history, with the pyramids and desert landscapes.
Marsa Alam is quieter and nature-led, known for the Red Sea and coral reefs.
The North Coast is beach-focused and seasonal, popular with locals for resorts, swimming, and summer nightlife.
Luxor is defined by ancient Egypt, with temples, tombs, and the Nile River.
Hurghada is more developed and resort-focused, offering family vacations and Red Sea experiences. It’s one of the most popular tourist cities in Egypt.
Alexandria is where Mediterranean views meet history and Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Nubia offers authenticity, with traditions, river life, and cultural identity deeply preserved.
1. Giza
Giza is one of the most popular cities in Egypt, and for good reason. As Fatima puts it, “Giza is home to the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. It also has traditional bazaars and unique desert activities.”
The Pyramids of Giza remain one of the world’s most famous places to visit in Egypt. Saqqara adds depth with older pyramids and tombs. The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the most important cultural hubs in the Middle East and definitely warrants a visit.
Top experiences in Giza:
- Ancient landmarks like the Pyramids of Gaza, the Great Sphinx, Boat Pits, Giza Plateau Tombs, and Temples
- Traditional bazaars and souvenir shopping (explore our guide to buying the best Egypt souvenirs)
- Desert landscapes
Local insight: Giza is flooded with tourists, so hiring a reputable local guide can help you navigate the area and avoid common tourist traps. Having reliable mobile internet in Egypt also helps.
2. Cairo
Cairo is the Egyptian capital and the largest city in Egypt. It’s busy, loud, and full of contrast with ancient history and modernity existing side by side.
Here, you’ll find the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo, and the Cairo Citadel, built under Muhammad Ali. Neighborhoods like Downtown, Zamalek, and Maadi are known for cafés, nightlife, and a lively social atmosphere.
Top experiences in Cairo:
- Museums, history, and cultural heritage (explore the Giza Plateau, Saqqara, and the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Vibrant street life and shopping at Khan el Khalili bazaar
- Nile River cruises at sunset
Local insight: Fatima informs that while“Cairo is a must-visit city because it is full of museums and historic sites, at times, it can feel overcrowded and overwhelming for some travelers.” You might also want to exercise extra caution here; large, crowded cities pose a higher risk of pickpocketing.
3. Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam shows a completely different side to Egypt than what most people know it for — deserts, tombs, and ancient pyramids. This resort city is a refreshing surprise. It’s located along the Red Sea and feels deeply connected to nature.
Fatima describes it as “crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and a peaceful atmosphere away from crowded areas”. It’s known for some of the best diving spots in Egypt cities, with coral reefs, dolphins, and dugongs. Unlike larger resort areas like Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, Marsa Alam is less developed and more natural.
Top experiences in Marsa Alam:
- Snorkeling and diving in the Red Sea, especially at Elphinstone Reef
- Quiet beaches such as Sharm El Louly
- Unique marine life experiences at Abu Dabbab Bay and Sataya Reef
Local insight: Marsa Alam is best for nature enthusiasts and travellers. Resorts are spread out, so planning transport in advance matters. You can learn more about getting around in this guide to transportation in Egypt.
4. North Coast (Sahel)
The North Coast is one of the most locally-loved places in Egypt, especially in the summer. It stretches along the Mediterranean and feels very different from the rest of the country. Here’s why locals keep coming back, according to Fatima:
“It has beautiful beaches, peaceful resorts, and nightlife in places like Marina and Almaza Bay.”
Areas like Marina, Sidi Abdel Rahman, and Almaza Bay are known for white sand, clear water, and stylish resorts. It is one of the biggest cities in Egypt by seasonal populations, and many locals flock here during the hotter months.
Top experiences in North Coast:
- Beautiful beaches and swimming in spots like Rat El Hekma and Almaza Bay
- Summer resorts and beach clubs like the Marassi and Hacienda
- Relaxed but holiday atmosphere
5. Luxor
Surprisingly, Giza isn’t the main destination for ancient Egypt enthusiasts. It’s Luxor. This city in Egypt is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum and captures the soul of ancient Egypt. It’s located in Upper Egypt along the River Nile.
Fatima believes Luxor reflects Egypt’s identity more than any other city: “It represents the roots of Egyptian identity and preserves the essence of the country’s ancient soul.”
Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple complex, including the Great Hypostyle Hall, showcase the power of the ancient kingdom. On the West Bank, in the Valley of the Kings, you’ll find royal tombs of pharaohs like Ramses II and Seth I.
Top experiences in Luxor:
- Ancient temples and tombs like the Karnak Temple complex (the largest in Egypt), the Luxor Temple, and the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramesses VI
- Nile River views and felucca rides
- Deep cultural heritage with monuments like the Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon
Local insight: Comfortable shoes and early mornings help with Luxor’s heat. For planning, our guide on the best time to visit Egypt is helpful.
6. Hurghada
Hurghada is one of the most well-known Egypt tourist cities, especially for families and first-time visitors. Here, the Red Sea is the star of the show and offers world-class scuba diving, snorkelling, and water sports. Fatima notes that, “There are activities for all ages, plus quiet beaches and scenic spots for relaxation.”
Hurghada offers coral reefs, glass-bottom boat tours, desert safaris, and water parks. Compared to Marsa Alam, it’s more developed and lively and is a popular tourist destination.
Top experiences in Hurghada:
- Family-friendly resorts and activities like Makadi Water World
- Red Sea diving and snorkeling to see coral reefs in places like the Giftun islands
- Relaxing beaches and spots such as Orange Bay
7. Alexandria
While Alexandria is often skipped by tourists, it is deeply loved by locals. Fatima highlights the balance between history and calm here, from structures like the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa to the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
The city’s seaside boardwalks, Mediterranean breeze, and beautiful beaches give it a slower feel than many other cities in Egypt. It is a beautiful place if you want culture without crowds and a strong sense of local life.
Top experiences in Alexandria:
- The Citadel of Qaitbay, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria
- The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern cultural landmark
- The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
8. Nubia
Nubia feels frozen in time. Despite modern development in other cities, Nubian villages near Aswan have preserved their traditions, language, and music for generations. Fatima describes it as “calm, authentic, and welcoming, with colorful houses, friendly locals, and peaceful Nile views”.
If you want to experience Egyptian cities and villages beyond the basic tourist experience, Nubia offers something truly different.
Top experiences in Nubia:
- Nearby islands such as Elephantine Island
- Abu Simbel Rock
- Nubian village near Aswan; walk through streets with vibrant houses
- Sit by the Nile River
Staying connected with Holalfy in Egypt’s cities
When exploring cities in Egypt, staying connected makes traveling easier and safer. Having reliable mobile internet helps with maps, transport, bookings, and staying in touch with locals or guides.
The first thing to check is where your phone will work in Egypt. Next, you could go for a local Egypt SIM card, but you will have to deal with the lengthy registration process and SIM card swapping.
Expensive roaming plans and insecure public WiFi aren’t such great alternatives. Consider Holafly’s eSIM for Egypt instead to get unlimited data as soon as you land, a daily hotspot allowance of up to 500 MB, 24/7 customer support, and flexible eSIM plans.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
