13-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Egypt
Egypt is a dream destination for budget backpackers. By leaning into the local lifestyle—eating street food like koshary and falafel, using the extensive train network, and staying in social hostels—you can experience world-class history for a fraction of the usual cost. This route balances the iconic 'must-sees' with slow travel to keep your wallet happy.
Expect vibrant markets, dusty desert roads, and the timeless flow of the Nile. While Egypt can be overwhelming at first, its hospitality and incredible affordability make it one of the most rewarding backpacking hubs in the Middle East. Get ready for 13 days of intense, beautiful, and budget-friendly exploration.
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - Arrival & Downtown Immersion
Arrival at Cairo International Airport
Clear customs and skip the expensive airport taxis. Head straight to the bus terminal or use the airport Wi-Fi to book a ride-share.
Check into a Downtown Hostel
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel in the Talaat Harb area. These historic buildings offer high ceilings and proximity to cheap eats.
Walk through Talaat Harb Square
Soak in the 'Paris on the Nile' architecture and the buzzing energy of Cairo’s central business district.
Dinner at Abou Tarek
Eat Egypt's national dish, Koshary, at this legendary multi-story restaurant. It is delicious, filling, and costs less than $2 USD.
Day 2: Cairo, Egypt - The Great Pyramids
Giza Plateau Expedition
Take the local metro to Giza station and then a microbus to the Pyramids. This costs cents compared to a private tour.
The Great Sphinx
Marvel at the limestone statue of the reclining sphinx. Walk around the complex to find free vantage points for photos.
Lunch in Giza Village
Find a local falafel (ta'ameya) stand near the entrance for a massive meal for pennies.
Sunset at Al-Azhar Park
Take a bus to this lush green space for the best panoramic sunset views of the Citadel and the city skyline.
Day 3: Cairo, Egypt - Coptic & Islamic History
Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)
Visit the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius. This area is free to enter and offers a peaceful respite from the city noise.
Saladin Citadel
Explore the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The entrance fee is one of the few big spends but offers incredible historical value.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of Cairo’s oldest market. Avoid the main tourist path to find authentic tea houses.
Muizz Street at Night
Walk this pedestrian-only street to see the beautifully lit medieval Islamic architecture for free.
Day 4: Alexandria, Egypt - Mediterranean Bound
Train to Alexandria
Board a morning train from Ramses Station. Second-class tickets are comfortable, cheap, and offer great views of the Nile Delta.
Corniche Walk
Drop your bags at a sea-view hostel and walk the 15km waterfront promenade where locals gather to socialise.
Roman Amphitheatre
Visit the Kom el-Dikka archaeological site to see the only Roman theatre in Egypt.
Gad Restaurant Dinner
Enjoy affordable Alexandrian-style fava beans and liver sandwiches at this local favorite chain.
Day 5: Alexandria, Egypt - Library & Citadels
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Explore this modern architectural marvel that commemorates the ancient Great Library of Alexandria.
Citadel of Qaitbay
Walk to the end of the Corniche to see this 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa
Descend into the multi-level necropolis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
Night Train Prep
Stock up on snacks and water for the long journey south towards Upper Egypt.
Day 6: Transit Day - The Journey to Aswan
Morning in Transit
Most of today is spent on the train heading south. Use this time to read about Nubian culture and relax as the landscape changes.
On-Board Lunch
Enjoy 'train food' or the packed meal you prepared yesterday. Watching the rural villages fly by is a highlight of Egyptian travel.
Arrival in Aswan
Step off the train into the warm, dry air of Aswan. Take a local ferry to Elephantine Island for the cheapest accommodation.
Dinner on Elephantine Island
Eat a home-cooked Nubian meal at a small guesthouse overlooking the Nile.
Day 7: Aswan, Egypt - Nubian Life & Temples
Philae Temple
Take a motorboat to the Island of Agilkia to see the Temple of Isis. Coordinate with other travelers at your hostel to share the boat cost.
Unfinished Obelisk
Visit the ancient granite quarry to see how the massive obelisks were carved directly from the bedrock.
Nubian Village Exploration
Take a local boat to the colorful Gharb Soheil village. Walk the backstreets to avoid the pushy souvenir vendors.
Aswan Souq
Walk through the spice-scented market. This is the best place to buy high-quality hibiscus (karkadeh) and peanuts.
Day 8: Aswan, Egypt - Abu Simbel Adventure
Abu Simbel Shared Van
Join a shared early-morning convoy to the border of Sudan to see the colossal temples of Ramses II.
Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari
Marvel at the massive statues that were moved block-by-block in the 1960s to save them from the rising Nile.
Return to Aswan
Rest after the long drive and enjoy a quiet afternoon by the river.
Felucca Sunset Sail
Negotiate a 1-hour sail on a traditional wooden felucca. It’s the most iconic and peaceful way to see the Nile cataracts.
Day 9: Luxor, Egypt - Transition to the East Bank
Local Train to Luxor
Catch the frequent regional train for the 3-hour journey to Luxor. It is very cheap and usually has plenty of space.
Check into East Bank Hostel
Stay on the East Bank for easy access to the main temples and the local food scene.
Luxor Museum
Visit this well-curated museum on the Corniche, featuring artifacts specifically from the Theban temples and tombs.
Luxor Temple by Night
Walk to Luxor Temple at sunset. The temple stays open late and looks magnificent when illuminated against the dark sky.
Day 10: Luxor, Egypt - The Great Karnak
Karnak Temple Complex
Spend several hours exploring one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Don't miss the Hypostyle Hall.
Avenue of Sphinxes
Walk the newly restored 2.7km path that connects Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple.
Local Lunch: Fiteer
Try 'Egyptian Pizza' (Fiteer) at a local bakery near the train station for a filling budget meal.
Nile Side Walk
Enjoy a stroll along the Luxor Corniche and watch the local ferries crossing back and forth.
Day 11: Luxor, Egypt - West Bank Wonders
Cycle the West Bank
Rent a bicycle and take the local ferry (pennies) across the Nile. Cycling is the best way to see the West Bank on a budget.
Valley of the Kings
Explore three tombs included in the standard ticket. Choose carefully (Tuthmosis III and Ramses IV are usually favorites).
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Marvel at the unique terraced design of this temple built into the limestone cliffs.
Colossi of Memnon
Stop for a quick, free photo op at these two massive stone statues on the way back to the ferry.
Day 12: Transit Day - The Long Road Back to Cairo
Free Morning in Luxor
Revisit your favorite food stall or relax at a rooftop cafe overlooking the Nile.
Board the GoBus
Take the luxury bus back to Cairo. While longer than a flight, it is significantly cheaper and drops you in the city center.
Arrive in Cairo
Check into a hostel near Tahrir Square for your final night.
Late Night Falafel
Grab a final cheap meal from a street vendor in the buzzing Downtown district.
Day 13: Cairo, Egypt - Final Treasures & Departure
The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir
Visit the iconic red building to see the treasures of Tutankhamun before you head home.
Last-Minute Souvenirs
Head to the local markets for dates, spices, or small papyrus prints to take home.
Departure Transfer
Allow plenty of time to reach the airport via public bus or ride-share during Cairo's famous rush hour.
Final Egyptian Tea
Enjoy one last glass of mint tea at the airport as you reflect on your 13-day adventure.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
The best time to visit Egypt is during the winter months from October to April. Temperatures are pleasant for exploring temples and wandering through cities. Avoid the peak summer (June to August) as Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan) can reach a scorching 45°C, making midday sightseeing almost impossible for budget travelers who rely on walking and public transport.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While cards are increasingly accepted in major hotels and upscale shops, Egypt remains a cash-heavy society. Always carry small bills for tipping (baksheesh) and street food. ATMs are widely available in cities, but it's wise to have a backup card. Tipping is a standard part of the culture for almost every service provided.
Getting Around Egypt
For budget travelers, the train system is the lifeline of the country, connecting Cairo to Alexandria and the southern Nile cities. Second-class tickets offer the best balance of price and comfort. For shorter intercity hops or routes not covered by rail, GoBus is a reliable and affordable private bus company. Within cities, use the Cairo Metro or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem to ensure fair, transparent pricing.
