20-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Egypt
Egypt is a dream for the budget-conscious traveler. By embracing the local pace—trading private tours for microbuses and luxury hotels for vibrant hostels—you can experience the cradle of civilization for less than $14 a day. This itinerary prioritizes authentic street-level experiences, from the chaos of Cairo's markets to the tranquil shores of the Red Sea.
Prepare to feast on Koshary, navigate the Egyptian National Railways, and find beauty in the free vistas of the Nile. This is not just a sightseeing trip; it is an immersion into a land of timeless history and incredible hospitality.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - The Gateway to the Nile
Arrival at Cairo International
Navigate the arrivals hall and secure your visa on arrival for $25. Skip the expensive private taxis and look for the airport shuttle bus to Tahrir Square.
Check-in at Downtown Hostel
Settle into a budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Downtown Cairo, where colonial architecture meets modern bustle.
Tahrir Square Walk
Walk through the historic epicenter of the 2011 revolution and soak in the energy of the city center.
First Koshary Dinner
Head to Abou Tarek for the ultimate budget meal: Koshary. It is filling, delicious, and costs less than $2.
Day 2: Giza, Egypt - Ancient Wonders on a Budget
Great Pyramids of Giza
Take the Metro to Giza Station and catch a local microbus to the gates. This is much cheaper than a private driver.
The Sphinx Viewpoint
Avoid the camel ride scams and walk to the Sphinx. For a free 'luxury' view, grab a soda at the Pizza Hut balcony overlooking the site.
Village of Nazlet El Semman
Explore the local village at the foot of the pyramids to find authentic, non-tourist-priced snacks and tea.
Free Sound & Light Show (Partial)
Watch the lights of the pyramid show from a rooftop cafe in Giza for the price of a small coffee.
Day 3: Cairo, Egypt - Islamic and Coptic Heritage
Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)
Entry to the Hanging Church and the cavernous churches of Old Cairo is free. It is a peaceful escape from city noise.
Al-Azhar Park
For a small fee, enjoy the best greenery in Cairo with panoramic views of the Citadel of Saladin.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Wander the labyrinthine alleys of the 14th-century market. Window shopping and people watching are entirely free.
Muizz Street Night Walk
This 'open-air museum' comes alive at night with lit-up minarets and stunning Mamluk architecture.
Day 4: Alexandria, Egypt - The Mediterranean Breeze
Train to Alexandria
Head to Ramses Station and take the 2nd class local train to Alexandria for a fraction of the 1st class cost.
Corniche Walk
Walk along the Mediterranean sea wall, a favorite local pastime that costs nothing but offers great vibes.
Citadel of Qaitbay (Exterior)
Admire the massive fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria from the harbor.
Street Food Seashore Dinner
Grab a fresh falafel sandwich (Ta'ameya) for cents and watch the sunset over the sea.
Day 5: Alexandria, Egypt - Catacombs and Libraries
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Explore this unique blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman funeral art. It's one of the city's most affordable major sites.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Visit the stunning modern tribute to the ancient Great Library. Even the exterior architecture is a marvel.
Pompey's Pillar
A massive Roman column that serves as a great backdrop for photos without needing a whole day of exploration.
Overnight Bus to Aswan
Save on a night's accommodation by taking a long-haul overnight bus south to Aswan.
Day 6: Aswan, Egypt - The Soul of the South
Arrival and Nile Views
Check into a budget guesthouse on Elephantine Island, reachable by a very cheap local ferry (2-5 EGP).
Elephantine Island Exploration
Wander through the colorful Nubian villages on the island. The hospitality here is legendary and free.
Nile Felucca Ride
Bargain with a local captain for a sunset sail. If you share with other backpackers, the cost is minimal.
Aswan Souq
The market in Aswan is less aggressive than Cairo’s and perfect for buying cheap spices or hibiscus tea.
Day 7: Aswan, Egypt - Temples and Islands
Philae Temple
Take a local microbus to the marina and share a boat with other tourists to reach the island temple of Isis.
Unfinished Obelisk
Walk to this ancient quarry to see how the massive stone monuments were actually made.
Kitchener's Island
Visit the botanical gardens for a small fee, or simply enjoy the greenery from across the water.
Nubian Coffee (Jabana)
Sit at a local riverside cafe and try Jabana, traditional coffee spiced with ginger.
Day 8: Aswan, Egypt - The High Dam
The Aswan High Dam
Take a local bus to see the engineering marvel that created Lake Nasser and changed modern Egypt.
Famine Stela
Located on Sehel Island, this is a lesser-visited and cheaper archaeological site with great river views.
Monastery of St. Simeon
Hike up the desert sands to this abandoned fortress-monastery. The walk itself is a desert adventure.
Local Fried Fish Dinner
Eat fresh Nile Tilapia at a local eatery near the train station for a authentic budget feast.
Day 9: Abu Simbel, Egypt - The Great Temple
Shared Microbus to Abu Simbel
Join a shared van early in the morning. This is the biggest expense of the trip, but essential for the Ramses II temples.
Exploring Abu Simbel
Marvel at the colossal statues saved from the rising waters of the Nile. It is one of the world's greatest heritage saves.
Return Journey
Nap on the way back across the desert plains of southern Egypt.
Aswan Waterfront Relaxation
Rest your feet by the Nile with a 10 EGP glass of tea after a long day of travel.
Day 10: Luxor, Egypt - Traveling North
Local Train to Luxor
Hop on the regional train. It’s a 3-hour journey through lush farmland and palm groves along the Nile.
Check-in West Bank
Stay on the West Bank of Luxor. It’s quieter, cheaper, and closer to the major tombs than the East Bank.
Colossi of Memnon
These two massive stone statues are free to visit and stand right on the side of the main road.
Luxor Temple at Night
Walk past the temple in the city center. It is beautifully illuminated and can be seen clearly from the street.
Day 11: Luxor, Egypt - Valley of the Kings
Cycling to the Valley
Rent a sturdy bicycle for the day. It’s a cheap way to reach the Valley of the Kings and keeps you away from taxi hagglers.
Tombs of the Pharaohs
Choose the three tombs included in your basic ticket wisely to maximize your budget.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Admire the unique tiered architecture of this temple carved directly into the limestone cliffs.
Medinet Habu
Often overlooked and cheaper than the Valley of the Kings, this temple has some of the best-preserved colors in Egypt.
Day 12: Luxor, Egypt - The Great Karnak
Karnak Temple Complex
The largest religious building ever constructed. Spend hours lost in the Great Hypostyle Hall.
Sphinx Avenue Walk
Walk the recently restored path that connects Karnak and Luxor temples across the city.
Mummification Museum
A small, affordable museum on the Corniche that explains the ancient Egyptian art of preservation.
Stuffed Pigeon (Hamam Mahshi)
Try this Egyptian delicacy at a local Luxor eatery. It’s an affordable luxury for your last night in the city.
Day 13: Hurghada, Egypt - Red Sea Bound
Bus to Hurghada
Catch a direct Go Bus from Luxor to the Red Sea coast. The route takes you through the stunning Eastern Desert.
Public Beach Access
Most beaches in Hurghada are private. Head to the 'Old Vic' or public beaches for a much smaller entrance fee.
Hurghada Marina
Walk the upscale marina for free to enjoy the sunset and the view of expensive yachts from a distance.
El Dahar Market
Eat where the locals eat in the old part of town. Prices are half of what you'll find in the resort areas.
Day 14: Hurghada, Egypt - Underwater Exploration
Snorkeling Boat Trip
Book a shared snorkeling boat at the harbor. It usually includes lunch and gear for a very low flat rate.
Giftun Island
Most boat trips stop here. Enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand.
Relaxing at a Beach Cafe
Sip on a cold Stella beer (the local favorite) while watching the tide come in.
Fresh Seafood Feast
Pick your fish at a market stall in El Dahar and have them grill it for you on the spot.
Day 15: Dahab, Egypt - The Backpacker's Paradise
Ferry or Bus to Dahab
Take the ferry across to Sharm El Sheikh or the long bus around the Sinai peninsula to reach Dahab.
Check-in at a Camp
Dahab is famous for 'camps'—low-cost, communal guesthouses right on the water.
Lighthouse Reef Walk
Walk the boardwalk. Dahab has a unique 'mellow' vibe that is a world away from Cairo's chaos.
Bedouin Tea by the Fire
Many camps have nightly fires where you can drink sage tea and meet travelers from across the globe.
Day 16: Dahab, Egypt - The Blue Hole
Jeep to the Blue Hole
Share a Jeep with other backpackers to this world-famous dive site. Snorkeling the edge is free if you have your own gear.
Hike to Ras Abu Galum
From the Blue Hole, hike the coastal path for an hour to a remote Bedouin settlement for total seclusion.
Snorkeling the Canyon
Explore the vibrant coral reefs that are accessible right from the shore.
Cheap Eats on the Strip
Find the local falafel shops tucked behind the main waterfront restaurants for $1 meals.
Day 17: Dahab, Egypt - Desert and Mountains
Laguna Beach
A beautiful sandy spit of land perfect for swimming and watching windsurfers.
Wadi Gnai Hike
Walk into the desert canyons behind the town to see hidden oases and palm trees.
Sunset at Friday Market Site
If it's Friday, check out the local community market for handmade goods and cheap home-cooked food.
Midnight Departure for St. Catherine
Board a shared van for the night trip to the base of Mount Sinai.
Day 18: Mount Sinai, Egypt - The Holy Peak
Hiking Mount Sinai
Climb the 'Steps of Penitence' or the camel path to reach the summit where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.
Sunrise over Sinai
Experience one of the most spiritual and breathtaking sunrises in the world over the rugged desert peaks.
St. Catherine’s Monastery
Visit the oldest working Christian monastery in the world at the foot of the mountain before heading back to Dahab.
Nap and Recovery
After the night hike, spend the afternoon sleeping or resting by the Red Sea.
Day 19: Cairo, Egypt - The Return
Bus back to Cairo
Take the 9-hour bus back to the capital. Use the time to organize your photos and travel notes.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Return to the markets for any last-minute spices or papyrus at local prices.
Farewell Kushary
One last bowl of the national dish to celebrate a successful budget crossing of the country.
Hostel Social Hour
Swap stories and remaining local currency with travelers just starting their journey.
Day 20: Cairo, Egypt - Departure
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir)
Spend your last morning with the golden mask of Tutankhamun before heading to the airport.
Last Local Meal
Grab a final 'Ful Medames' (fava bean) sandwich from a street cart.
Airport Shuttle
Take the public bus back to CAI airport for your flight home.
Departure
Leave the land of the Pharaohs with memories of a lifetime and a wallet that isn't empty.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
The best time to visit Egypt on a budget is during the shoulder seasons: October to November and March to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant for exploring temples without the scorching summer heat (June-August) or the high-season price spikes of December and January. If you can handle the heat, summer offers the absolute lowest prices for hostels and tours.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While credit cards are increasingly accepted in major hotels and malls, Egypt remains a cash-heavy society, especially for budget travelers using microbuses and eating at street stalls. ATMs are plentiful in cities. Tipping (Baksheesh) is a standard part of the culture; keep small bills handy for minor services, but don't feel pressured by aggressive demands.
Getting Around Egypt
Public transport is your best friend. For long distances, the Egyptian National Railways (ENR) offers an affordable and scenic way to travel between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan. For shorter intercity hops, 'Go Bus' is a reliable and clean private bus company. Within cities, use the Cairo Metro (extremely cheap) or local microbuses, which follow set routes for a flat, very low fee.
