10-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Egypt
Egypt is a dream destination for budget backpackers. By utilizing the extensive network of public trains, staying in shared hostel dorms, and fueling your journey with delicious street food like Koshary and Ta'ameya, you can experience the land of the Pharaohs for a fraction of the typical cost.
This route takes you from the bustling streets of Cairo and the Mediterranean breeze of Alexandria down to the historic heart of Luxor and the serene Nile banks of Aswan. We focus on low-cost entry sites and authentic local experiences that capture the true spirit of Egypt without breaking the bank.
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - Arrival & Street Food
Arrival at Cairo International Airport
Clear customs and take the local airport bus or a shared shuttle to reach Downtown Cairo, the heart of the backpacker district.
Check-in at Downtown Hostel
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel in Downtown, like the famous Dahab Hostel, known for its rooftop community vibes.
Walk through Tahrir Square
Explore the historic square for free, observing the architecture and the bustling energy of the Egyptian capital.
Dinner at Koshary Abou Tarek
Eat Egypt's national dish—a mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas—at this legendary multi-story budget eatery.
Day 2: Giza, Egypt - Pyramids & The Great Sphinx
The Great Pyramids of Giza
Take the Metro to Giza station and a local microbus to the gates. Wander the plateau to see the last standing Wonder of the Ancient World.
The Great Sphinx
Walk down from the pyramids to the Sphinx. Entry is included in your general Giza plateau ticket.
Lunch in Giza Village
Avoid the tourist traps near the entrance; walk into the local village for cheap falafel sandwiches and fresh juice.
Pyramids Light Show (Free View)
Instead of paying for the official show, grab a cheap tea at a rooftop cafe in Giza to watch the pyramids light up at sunset.
Day 3: Cairo, Egypt - Islamic History & Bazaars
Al-Azhar Mosque
Visit one of the oldest and most prestigious mosques in the world. Entry is free, but remember to dress modestly.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Get lost in the narrow alleys of this 14th-century market. It's free to browse the spices, lanterns, and textiles.
Al-Azhar Park
A beautiful green space built over a former landfill. It offers the best panoramic views of Islamic Cairo and the Citadel for a small fee.
Street Food Crawl in Wust El Balad
Try 'Fiteer' (Egyptian pizza) or grilled meats from street vendors in the bustling downtown streets.
Day 4: Alexandria, Egypt - Mediterranean Vibes & Library
Train to Alexandria
Head to Ramses Station and take a local second-class train for a scenic 2.5-hour journey to the coast.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Visit the stunning modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria. The architecture alone is worth the small entry fee.
Walk the Corniche
Enjoy a free walk along the Mediterranean waterfront, watching the fishermen and soaking in the sea breeze.
Fresh Seafood at a Local Shack
Alexandria is famous for fish. Find a small, local 'fish fry' shop where you can pick your catch by weight.
Day 5: Alexandria, Egypt - Citadels & Coastal Walks
Citadel of Qaitbay
Explore the exterior of this 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Montaza Palace Gardens
Take a local bus to the far end of the city to wander through the extensive royal gardens and view the palace exterior.
Stanley Bridge
A great spot for photos and people-watching as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.
Night Train Prep
Take the train back to Cairo and prepare for the long southward journey.
Day 6: Luxor, Egypt - Ancient Capitals & Karnak
Arrival in Luxor
Arrive via the overnight train. Check into a hostel on the East Bank near the train station.
Karnak Temple Complex
Walk or take a cheap horse carriage (negotiate hard!) to this massive temple site, one of the largest religious complexes ever built.
Luxor Museum
A well-curated museum displaying artifacts found in the nearby tombs and temples. It is much quieter than Cairo's museums.
Avenue of Sphinxes
Walk the recently restored path that connects Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, illuminated beautifully at night.
Day 7: Luxor, Egypt - Tombs & Bicycles
Cycle the West Bank
Rent a bicycle for a few dollars and take the local ferry across the Nile. Cycling to the sites is the ultimate budget way to see the West Bank.
Colossi of Memnon
Stop for free at these two massive stone statues that once guarded the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.
Valley of the Kings
Choose the three tombs included in the basic ticket. To stay on budget, skip the extra-cost tombs of Tutankhamun or Seti I.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Admire the unique terraced architecture of this mortuary temple carved into the limestone cliffs.
Day 8: Aswan, Egypt - Nubian Culture & Nile Views
Local Train to Aswan
Take the 3-hour local train from Luxor. The views of the Nile and the lush agricultural land are spectacular.
Elephantine Island
Take a 5-EGP local ferry to the island. Wander through the Nubian villages with their colorful houses and narrow dirt paths.
Aswan Souq
Explore the long market street for spices, hibiscus (karkade), and local handicrafts at lower prices than in Cairo.
Dinner on the Nile
Find a small local eatery on the Aswan Corniche for fresh bread and tahini overlooking the river.
Day 9: Aswan, Egypt - Island Temples & Feluccas
Philae Temple
Take a local taxi to the boat landing and join other travelers to share a motorboat to Agilkia Island where this stunning temple sits.
Unfinished Obelisk
Visit the ancient granite quarry to see how the massive stone pillars were carved directly from the bedrock.
Shared Felucca Sail
Gather a group from your hostel and rent a traditional wooden sailboat (felucca) for an hour at sunset. It's the cheapest way to be on the water.
Ferial Garden
Visit this quiet, historic garden for a very small fee to enjoy one of the most famous views of the Nile and the Old Cataract Hotel.
Day 10: Aswan to Cairo, Egypt - The Long Train South to North
Aswan High Dam
Take a quick trip to see the engineering marvel that created Lake Nasser and provides power to all of Egypt.
Nubian Museum Garden
While the museum has a fee, the surrounding gardens and outdoor exhibits are often accessible and showcase Nubian architecture.
Board the Return Train
Board the long-distance train for the journey back to Cairo or to the airport.
Farewell Street Feast
Grab one last round of Hawawshi (spiced meat in pita) from a street vendor before your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
The ideal time to visit Egypt is during the winter months, from October to April, when the weather is pleasant for exploring outdoor ruins. June to August can be extremely hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, though prices for accommodation are at their lowest then for those who can handle the heat.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While credit cards are increasingly accepted in major hotels and upscale shops, Egypt remains a cash-heavy society. You will need small bills for tips (baksheesh), street food, and local transportation. ATMs are widely available in cities.
Getting Around Egypt
Intercity travel is best done via the Egyptian National Railways; second-class tickets are very affordable and offer a local experience. For long distances, Go Bus is a reliable and cheap private bus company. Within cities, the Cairo Metro is efficient, while microbuses and shared taxis are the cheapest options in smaller towns.
