12-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Egypt
Egypt is a dream destination for backpackers who want to stretch their dollars further than anywhere else in the Middle East. By embracing local transport like the 'Special' trains and indulging in hearty street food like Koshary, you can experience the full majesty of the ancient world for a fraction of the typical tour price.
This itinerary balances the iconic sights of the Nile Valley with the Mediterranean charm of Alexandria, all while keeping your daily spend under USD 13.50. Prepare for a fast-paced, high-reward journey through 5,000 years of history.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - Arrival & Downtown Immersion
Arrival at Cairo International
After landing, skip the expensive private taxis and take the public bus or use a ride-sharing app to reach Downtown Cairo, the heart of the city's budget hostel scene.
Downtown Walking Tour
Walk through the historic streets of Downtown Cairo, admiring the Belle Époque architecture. It is free to explore and offers a glimpse into the city's 19th-century grandeur.
Tahrir Square
Visit the symbolic center of modern Egypt. While the museum nearby has an entry fee, the square itself is a free landmark of immense historical importance.
Koshary Abou Tarek
Eat at this legendary establishment for less than $2. Koshary is the ultimate budget fuel, consisting of pasta, rice, lentils, and a spicy tomato sauce.
Day 2: Cairo, Egypt - Giza Plateau Wonders
Great Pyramids of Giza
Take a local microbus from Giza Metro station to the plateau. Spend the morning walking around the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khafre.
The Great Sphinx
Visit the iconic limestone statue. Arrive early to beat the crowds and the midday heat while capturing the classic Sphinx profile photos for free with your entry.
Panoramic Viewpoint
Hike to the higher plateau area behind the pyramids for the famous 'nine pyramids' view. It's a great spot for budget-friendly photography away from camel touts.
Sunsets at Pizza Hut Giza
For the price of a small drink, use the rooftop of the local fast-food chains opposite the Sphinx entrance for a world-class sunset view over the plateau.
Day 3: Cairo, Egypt - Islamic & Coptic Heritage
Coptic Cairo (Old Babylon)
Explore the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius. This area is free to enter and contains some of the oldest Christian sites in the world.
The Citadel of Saladin
Visit this medieval Islamic fortification. While the entry costs money, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali inside provides the best panoramic view of Cairo's skyline.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Wander the labyrinthine alleys of Cairo's oldest market. Window shopping and soaking in the atmosphere is free, and the street photography opportunities are endless.
Al-Azhar Park
A beautifully landscaped green space that offers a peaceful escape and stunning views of the Citadel illuminated at night for a very small entry fee.
Day 4: Cairo to Aswan, Egypt - The Long South
Sultan Hassan Mosque
Visit one of the largest mosques in the world, a masterpiece of Mamluk architecture located right at the foot of the Citadel.
Rifa'i Mosque
Located directly opposite Sultan Hassan, this mosque houses the tombs of the Egyptian Royal family and the last Shah of Iran.
Ramses Railway Station
Head to the station to catch the overnight train to Aswan. Opt for the 'Special' class or ordinary seated train to save significantly over the tourist sleeper train.
Overnight Train Journey
Settle in for the 12-hour journey south. This is the ultimate budget traveler's move, combining transport and a night's accommodation costs into one.
Day 5: Aswan, Egypt - Nubian Culture
Elephantine Island
Take a public ferry for a few pounds to this island. Walk through the traditional Nubian villages of Siou and Koti, where the colorful houses are free to admire.
Animalia Museum
A small, budget-friendly private museum on Elephantine Island that gives a deep insight into Nubian history and the ecology of the Nile.
West Bank Desert Hike
Cross to the West Bank and hike up the sand dunes to the Tombs of the Nobles for a spectacular view of the Nile's First Cataract.
Aswan Old Souq
Walk the length of the market. It is less aggressive than Cairo and is the best place to buy cheap hibiscus tea and local spices.
Day 6: Aswan, Egypt - Philae & Feluccas
Philae Temple
Take a shared taxi to the Marina. You will need to negotiate a boat to the island, so find other travelers at your hostel to split the cost.
Unfinished Obelisk
Visit the ancient stone quarry to see how the massive obelisks were carved directly out of the bedrock before they cracked.
Public Felucca Ride
Instead of a private tour, find a felucca captain at the Corniche willing to take you out for an hour at the local rate during the golden hour.
Aswan Corniche
Enjoy a long walk along the Nile banks. This is a favorite local pastime and completely free, offering great views of the desert meeting the river.
Day 7: Aswan to Luxor, Egypt - Into The Theban Capital
Local Train to Luxor
Take a morning regional train. The journey takes about 3 hours and is very cheap. The scenery of rural Egyptian life along the tracks is fascinating.
Luxor Market Street Food
Check into your hostel and head to the local market for a lunch of Ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel) sandwiches, which cost pennies.
Luxor Museum
Located on the Corniche, this museum is often overlooked but contains high-quality artifacts from the Theban era in a modern setting.
Luxor Temple
Visit this temple at night. It is beautifully lit and remains open late, offering a different atmosphere than the daytime heat.
Day 8: Luxor, Egypt - The West Bank by Bike
Valley of the Kings
Rent a bicycle and take the local ferry to the West Bank. Cycle to the Valley of the Kings early to avoid the tour buses. Your entry covers three tombs.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Marvel at the unique terraced design of this temple built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, dedicated to Egypt's most powerful female Pharaoh.
Colossi of Memnon
Stop for a free photo at these two massive stone statues that once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple.
Medinet Habu
Explore the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III. It features some of the best-preserved wall carvings and colors in all of Luxor.
Day 9: Luxor, Egypt - Karnak's Grandeur
Karnak Temple Complex
Spend several hours at the largest religious building ever constructed. The Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive columns is a highlight.
Avenue of Sphinxes
Walk the recently restored 2.7km path that connects Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple, flanked by hundreds of sphinx statues.
Banana Island (Gezira el-Moz)
Take a felucca to this small island north of Luxor. It’s a cheap way to enjoy a boat ride and eat fresh bananas directly from the trees.
Local Coffee House (Ahwa)
Sit with locals at a traditional cafe, smoke shisha, and drink mint tea while watching the world go by in Luxor's backstreets.
Day 10: Luxor to Alexandria, Egypt - The Mediterranean Trek
Travel to Alexandria
Board the long-distance train or a GoBus to Alexandria. This is a long travel day, so bring snacks and water to avoid high prices on the journey.
Check-in & Corniche Walk
Arrive in Alexandria and head straight to the Corniche. The sea breeze and Mediterranean atmosphere are a sharp contrast to the desert heat of Luxor.
Stanley Bridge
Walk across this iconic bridge for a great view of the Alexandria coastline. It is a popular spot for local students and families at sunset.
Seafood Street Feast
Alexandria is famous for seafood. Head to the Bahary district for a budget-friendly fish dinner at one of the local stalls.
Day 11: Alexandria, Egypt - Citadel & Library
Citadel of Qaitbay
Explore this 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. The views of the harbor are magnificent.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Visit the modern commemoration of the ancient Great Library. Even if you don't pay for the museums inside, the architecture is stunning from the outside.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Descend into this multi-level burial site which blends Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles into one fascinating complex.
Roman Amphitheatre
Visit the small but well-preserved Roman theater in the Kom el-Dikka area, right in the center of the city.
Day 12: Alexandria to Cairo, Egypt - Final Farewell
Montaza Palace Gardens
Spend your last morning walking through the extensive gardens of the former royal summer residence on the edge of the Mediterranean.
Return Train to Cairo
Take the frequent 'Turbini' train back to Cairo. It’s a 2.5-hour journey that drops you back in the heart of the capital.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Head back to the local markets to spend your remaining Egyptian Pounds on cotton shirts or local dates.
Departure
Head to Cairo International Airport via the public shuttle or ride-share for your flight home, concluding your epic budget adventure.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
The best time to visit Egypt is during the winter months from October to April. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool, making it ideal for exploring the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings without the sweltering 40°C heat of the summer. For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of October and March offer the best balance of lower prices and manageable temperatures.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While credit cards are increasingly accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants, Egypt remains a cash-heavy society, especially for budget travelers using local transport and eating street food. Tipping, known as 'Baksheesh', is part of the culture; keep small change handy for restrooms and small services. Always use official exchange offices or ATMs for the best rates.
Getting Around Egypt
For a budget backpacker, the train system is your best friend. The 'Special' and 'Spanish' trains are affordable and connect Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. For shorter distances or routes not covered by rail, GoBus is a reliable and cheap intercity bus service. Within cities, use the Cairo Metro when possible, or rely on ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem to avoid the stress of negotiating taxi fares.
