Egyptian cuisine, the Great Pyramids, Red Sea snorkelling and the precious Nile; these are just a few of the reasons travellers visit the incredible land of Egypt.
Home to mind-blowing landscapes, fascinating history and iconic landmarks; Egypt is brimming with dazzling beaches, hidden gems and mouthwatering cuisine (I think I ate my weight in hummus!)
There is definitely something for everyone in this enchanting land.
But one thing I found difficult during my trip was deciding where to stay in Egypt. With so many incredible places, I found having to research and decide where to stay was a bit of a headache.
Since I already did the work for myself, I thought – why not share it with my fellow globetrotters? So, here you have it – here is my ULTIMATE guide on the best places to stay in Egypt. I’ve categorised each by interest or budget to make things super easy for you!
Ready to uncover some of Egypt’s secrets with me? 😉
Quick Answers: Where is the Best Place to Stay in Egypt?
- Cairo – The Overall Best Place to Stay in Egypt
- Hurghada – Best Place to Stay in Egypt for Families
- El Gouna – Where to Stay in Egypt for Couples
- Aswan – Where to Stay in Egypt on a Budget
- Luxor – One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Egypt
- Marsa Alam – Where to Stay in Egypt for Adventure
- Abydos – Where To Stay in Egypt For Archeology Nerds
Map of Where to Stay in Egypt
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Cairo – The Overall Best Place to Stay in Egypt
As the country’s capital city, Cairo is Egypt’s nerve center. The metro area population of the city is around 20 million, so you can imagine what it feels like. Except no, you can’t.
We’re talking cities within cities, bubbles within bubbles. Cairo is chaotic, it’s messy, but it’s also fun and beautiful. It is set right on the famous Nile River, which winds through the sprawling city.
A lot of people stay to mainly see the site of the Great Pyramids, but there is actually a lot more in store for you.
Photo: Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Make sure you visit the old Egyptian Museum near Downtown (there’s a new one in Giza) to see Tutankhamun’s most precious remaining. Head over to the Civilization Museum for a 5000 year history lesson — and to see some of the best-kept mummies you’ll ever lay your eyes on.
Make sure to spend some time exploring the Khan el-Khalili bazaar too, and pick up all your favorite souvenirs, from lamps to jewellery to belly dancer outfits.
Best Places to Stay in Cairo
Cairo is truly a sprawling city, and it’s important to keep in mind that there are two different parts of Cairo, Central Cairo and Greater Cairo. As the name implies, Central Cairo is close to all the action with neighborhoods like Downtown Cairo, Giza, and Zamalek. Greater Cairo is comprised of new developments that have sprouted up over the years that can be best described as the suburbs.
Since Cairo covers so much ground, it’s better to stay close to the city center to easily explore the best that Cairo has to offer.
I recommend staying Downtown or Zamalek, which is much more beautiful in my opinion. If you’re here for a longer term, then my pick would definitely be Maadi, a little further from the chaos.
Pyramisa Suites Hotel Cairo | Best Hotel in Cairo
While there are certain hotels in that will make you feel like royalty as you soon you step foot through the door and Pyramisa Suites Hotel is one of those hotels. This hotel is affordable luxury with spacious suites, large swimming pools and four delicious restaurants, it’s hard to go back to dorm life after staying here.
You’re in a great location close to the centre with The Egyptian Museum being a five minute drive from the hotel and the Giza Pyramids are 30 minutes by car away.
Dahab Hostel | Best Hostel in Cairo
A beautiful rooftop hostel located in the heart of the city. The dorms are pretty good and they’ve got a bunch of private rooms (not so great imo). The spot itself is class. Only around a 10min walk to spots like Tahrir Square and the National Museum.
Cozy Room in City Center | Best Airbnb in Cairo
This Airbnb rental is for a beautiful room in an apartment sitting in the city center. The room has a view of the Nile below, which is certainly an incredible thing to wake up and see each morning! This stylish apartment has been lovingly decorated with a bevvy of handmade, Egyptian art pieces.
For more really cool hostels in Cairo, check our Best Hostels in Cairo guide!
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Hurghada – Best Place to Stay in Egypt for Families
Hurghada spans across nearly 40 kilometers of Egypt’s Red Sea Coast. This beach resort town is definitely where to stay in Egypt when traveling with your family. It’s famed for incredible scuba diving and snorkeling spots, with spectacular coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. The kids will love watching the parrotfish and clownfish swim under the turquoise blue waters!
Offering travelers more than just the beach and the Red Sea, there are a few fun water parks in Hurghada that the kids are sure to love. You can also do more unique things like taking a hot air balloon ride or visiting the outdoor Sand City museum, where you can witness awesome sand sculptures! The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is also a wonderful place to spend a few hours with the kiddos.
Best Places to Stay in Hurghada
Hurghada is a beach resort town that stretches a wide swath of sand. Since nearly all accommodation options are placed beachside, staying close to the shoreline won’t be a problem!
Golden Beach Resort | Best Hotel in Hurghada
Golden Beach Resort is a family-friendly beachfront hotel that even has claimed part of the beach as private— for hotel guests only! This is one fancy hotel that is definitely worth the price tag. It’s safe, secure, and has amazing amenities like tennis courts and it’s own mini-golf course! Plus, the onsite restaurant even offers themed dinners, which the kids are sure to love.
Bedcoin hostel | Best Guest House in Hurghada
If you’re solo travelling and heading to Eygpt buckle up Amigo as this hostel packs a punch. Enjoy a comfy bed with a privacy curtain and place to store your bags. They have some snazzy private rooms which is ideal if you need to recharge your social batteries. They have a nice common room for meeting fellow traveller and chilling out after a day exploring. For the price, location and comfort, this place is a steal, don’t miss out.
Luxury Villa with Pool | Best Airbnb in Hurghada
This lovely two-bedroom villa has enough room for six guests, which makes traveling with the family a breeze. This villa has everything you need, enjoy a spacious living room and fully equipped kitchen ideal for whipping up a feast for the whole family. Spend your days soaking up the sun around the pool and if you fancy getting and an exploring the hosts will help you book tours and day trips.
El Gouna – Where to Stay in Egypt for Couples
El Gouna is a resort town that is nestled right next door to Hurghada. While Hurghada is where to stay in Egypt with your family, El Gouna is definitely the best city in Egypt to stay in with your significant other. Geared more towards adults, El Gouna has a more vibrant nightlife.
Don’t worry though, there is still a long, sandy shoreline to relax on. El Gouna is known for having small islands just off the shore, and beautiful lagoons to explore. Not to mention the popular Mangroovy Beach, which is incredibly popular with the kitesurfers. Even if you and your significant other don’t feel like giving kitesurfing a whirl, it’s still incredible to watch those guys catch some epic air!
When in El Gouna, make sure to head to the Abu Tig Marina area to pick out your favorite restaurant and bar to hang out in. Also, the downtown area is called Tamr Henna Square and it has an abundance of chic cafes with lots of outdoor seating available so you never have to take your eyes off the water unless you’re getting lost in your lover’s eyes that is!
There is also plenty to do in El Gouna to keep you and your honey busy, from day biking, to jet skiing, horseback riding, to scuba diving, to golfing, you’re sure to make wonderful memories in El Gouna.
Best Places to Stay in El Gouna
El Gouna is a very small resort down that exists almost in a bubble. Since it is such a small beach town, there aren’t different neighborhoods to consider. It’s all tightly packed together on the beach!
Casa Cook | Best Hotel in El Gouna
Casa Cook sits just 1.7 miles away from Marina Beach, a little bit inland from the beach. It’s a hip, young hostel that looks like it’s right out of a famous person’s Instagram account. I’m serious— get ready to be impressed! This hotel has two restaurants, a pool, a fitness center, and a bar. There’s even a spa to get a couples massages at! So if you and your sweetheart are willing to splurge a little, Casa Cook will surely treat you well.
The Three Corners Ocean View | Best Resort in El Gouna
The Three Corners Ocean View is a stellar beachfront resort that is set in the Abu Tig Marina. It’s an all-inclusive resort that will truly knock your socks off. It’s an adults-only hotel, so you will be surrounded by fellow adults who are there to make beautiful Egyptian memories too. This resort really goes above and beyond— they offer boat trips, team games, and even yoga classes.
Beachfront 2 BDR Apartment | Best Airbnb in El Gouna
Looking for a snazzy apartment steps away from the golden sand? Well look no further Ammigo. Enjoy a beachfront stay while still being in the heart of El Gouna and walking distance to the bustling nightlife and restaurants. This apartmenrt has two spacious bedrooms a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor terrace area, ideal for soaking up some up or enjoying an evening drink. This place offers some serious bang for your buck and is ideal for couples, families or groups of friends heading to Eygpt.
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View on Osprey View on REIAswan – Where to Stay in Egypt on a Budget
Aswan sits in the south of Egypt, right along the curves of the Nile River. Aswan is renowned for incredible archaeological sites, like the Philae Temple complex (which houses the incredible ruins of the Temple of Isis). The town is sprinkled on the peaceful islands dotting the majestic Nile River.
Photo: @monteiro.online
There is also Elephantine Island to visit on which the glorious Temple of Khnum sits. It’s the largest island in the Aswan area and is known for brightly painted houses and for having two traditional Nubian villages to visit— Koti and Siou.
Definitely visit the Spice Market for some of the best shopping in all of Aswan. Lastly, you’re going to want to spend some time meandering through the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener Island.
Best Places to Stay in Aswan
Staying along the bank of the Nile is a real treat here in Aswan. For a more expensive, but truly memorable experience, staying on Elephantine Island is a once in a lifetime experience!
Pyramisa Island Hotel Aswan | Best Hotel in Aswan
There’s luxury, and then there’s Pyramisa Island Hotel. Nestled on its own private island in the Nile, this five star retreat offers stunning river views, lush gardens, and the kind of peace and quiet that’s give you time to rest. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and so luxurious you’ll question ever staying in a dorm again. As for keeping busy, you won’t have a problem, enjoy two outdoor pools, unwinding at the spa and indulging in a different cuisine every night. If you’re looking for an escape that feels like royalty, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Go Inn Backpackers | Best Hostel in Aswan
Go Inn has everything you expect when you book a hostel. It was my favorite place I stayed in the entire trip. It is set on the Nile (with swimming access), it has super chill common areas and attracts some pretty interesting humans. The restaurant/bar is a little subpar, but everything else is pretty spot on. Decent falafel spot and a massive supermarket only a short walk away. Can’t go wrong.
Magic Guest House | Best Airbnb in Aswan
If you’re after a snazzy apartmenrt with sea views and eveything you need to feel at home, this palce has you covered.There’s a fully equipped kitchen ideal for cooking up a storm (or just make and a cosy living area perfect for unwinding. The bedroom is spacious and comfy, plus, its central location means you’re never far from the action. A solid pick for travellers who wants the luxury without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re working remotely, solo travelling, or justhere to relax this apartment is ideal for keeping costs low and enjoying the city.
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Grab an eSIM!Luxor – One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Egypt
Luxor dwells on the east bank of the magnificent Nile River in the south of Egypt. Luxor is the site of the ancient city of Thebes. Not ringing a bell? That was the pharaoh’s capital city during the 16th through 11th centuries BC. Take that for unique!
Luxor definitely is one of the top places to stay in Egypt given its incredible history and surviving monuments. The Karnak Temple Complex is a fortified village that contains an impressive amount of temples, pylons, and chapels.
Photo: Ana Pereira
The other most famous ancient site in Luxor is the Royal Tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. These tombs are true wonders of the ancient world.
Best Places to Stay in Luxor
Luxor is cut in half by the Nile River. Most of the famous sites and the best restaurants, cafes, and markets can be found on the West Bank side of the river. Stay on the West Bank to get the most out of your trip to Luxor!
El Mesala Hotel | Best Hotel in Luxor
El Mesala Hotel is a beautiful hotel that offers a panoramic view of the Nile. It sits directly opposite of the great obelisk of Luxor Temple. This hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a rooftop restaurant, as well as a vast garden. The restaurant serves both traditional Egyptian food as well as European food. Lastly, there is a free shuttle to the airport!
Happy Land Hotel | Best Hostel in Luxor
While this hostel uses the word hotel in its name, it is a blend of both types of lodging. With both dorm rooms and budget-friendly hotel rooms available, the Happy Land Hotel is truly a backpacker’s paradise. Situated in the middle of Luxor, you’ll be just a couple minutes walk to everything you need. You’ll even be just an eight-minute walk to the Luxor temple.
Luxurious Royal Home with Pool | Best Airbnb in Luxor
This Airbnb truly does earn the right to have ‘luxurious’ in its name. It’s a two-bedroom and one bathroom royal villa, that is an impressive mix of modern and traditional architecture and decor. There is a spacious outdoor pool, rooftop deck to sunbathe on, and a beautiful garden to enjoy.
A daily housekeeper will also stop by to keep this Airbnb pristine clean. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the price per night is quite low. Don’t worry about breaking the piggy bank with this Airbnb.
No matter where you are in the world, problems can arise. Accidents can happen and petty crime is always a possibility.
Find out whether Egypt is safe or not before landing – you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful trip.A beautiful rooftop hostel located in the heart of the city. The dorms are pretty good and they’ve got a bunch of private rooms (not so great imo). The spot itself is class. Only around a 10min walk to spots like Tahrir Square and the National Museum.
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View on REI Read the ReviewMarsa Alam – Where to Stay in Egypt for Adventure
Marsa Alam is a stunningly beautiful resort town on the Red Sea. The crystal clear turquoise waters are incredibly fun to explore by snorkeling or scuba diving!
Marsa Alam has a U-shaped bay, called the Abu Dahab Bay, which is well frequented by sea turtles and manatees.
The El Naaba Lagoon is the perfect spot to learn how to kite-surf. If you’ve been eyeing that new adventure sport, Marsa Alam is definitely one of the best cities to stay in Egypt to learn.
Plus, the Wadi el-Gemal National Park sits just south of Marsa Alam and is an incredible place to explore. You might even spot rare species of wildlife like the Nubian Ibex and the Hyrax. On the other hand, it is almost guaranteed that you’ll see camels and gazelles!
When travelling to Egypt, it can feel like an adventure awaits you around every corner. However, if you are seeking a hefty dose of adventure, then head on over to Marsa Alam to get your adrenaline pumping!
Best Places to Stay in Marsa Alam
When visiting Marsa Alam, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be staying right along the shoreline. These beachfront Egypt accommodation options promise relaxation, rejuvenation, and plenty of beach vibes!
Hotelux Oriental Coast | Best Hotel in Marsa Alam
Take advantage of this opportunity to stay at a world-class five-star resort for a bargain price. This resort promises guests a truly luxurious stay with a spa, sauna, outdoor pool, and a private beach. There is also an Italian restaurant, seafood restaurant, bar, and cafe on-site.
Rihana Guest House | Best Hostel in Marsa Alam
Although the Rihana Guest House is listed on Hostelworld, it is run more like a bed and breakfast. No dorm rooms are available. However, there are plenty of affordable private rooms available. Situated just 100 meters from the beach, you’ll be within a few minutes walk to the Egla, Asalaya, and Samadai bays.
2 BDR Apartment Close to Private Beach | Best Airbnb in Marsa Alam
This apartment is simple, modern and minutes away from a private beach. It’s perfect for digital nomads, couples, or solo travelers who want a comfy base with all the home comforts. The kitchen has everything you need to whip up a meal and save a few bucks and a living space to chill out in after a busy day. The bedrooms are comfy, spacious and most importantly air conditioned. Plus, you’re within walking distance to local hotspots, cafes, and restaurants. For the price, location and comfort this place is an absolute steal, don’t miss out on this one Amigos.
Abydos – Where To Go in Egypt For Archeology Nerds
As one of the oldest cities in Egypt, Abydos is absolutely the best city in Egypt to visit if you are into archaeology. The earliest pharaohs of Egypt, during Egypt’s first dynasty from 3000-2890 BC were actually buried in Abydos.
In fact, archaeologists have even found evidence of royal tombs that predate the first dynasty! Also, the city of Abydos was actually the center of the cult for Osiris.
When visiting Abydos, expect to see ancient wall and ceiling paintings, plenty of ruins, as well as the famous sculpted column work at the Temple of Seti I. The Temple of Seti I actually has seven temples to visit. Other highlights include the First Hypostyle Hall, the First Courtyard, and the seven Sanctuaries. Truly, this is one enormous temple complex that will certainly spark awe in visitors. It’s very well preserved!
As one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Egypt, getting to bear witness to this truly ancient remains, ruins, and sites is an unforgettable experience to anybody who considers himself or herself a history lover or archaeology nerd!
Best Places to Stay in Abydos
As Abydos is a sacred historical site, there are not actually any accommodation options available inside the town itself. That being said, the closest city to Abydos is Luxor. Luxor lies just 162 kilometers away and makes for an easy day trip. There are lots of organized tour options to Abydos from Luxor, so you don’t have to worry about renting a car if you don’t want to!
Pyramisa Hotel | Best Hotel in Abydos
When planning on taking a day trip up to Abydos, the Pyramisa Hotel is the perfect place to base yourself. It’s a big, bright, beautiful hotel right on the banks of the Nile. It has a tropical garden and outdoor pool and serves enormous international buffet meals at their onsite restaurant.
VIP View Apartment | Best Airbnb in Abydos
This VIP apartment is a spectacular find in Luxor. It’s a one-bedroom and one bathroom apartment that has an outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, and garden. From the terrace, you can bask in beautiful views of the Nile River. Several restaurants and coffee shops surround this charming Airbnb.
Al Salam Camp | Best Hostel in Abydos
Al Salam Camp sits on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor. It is a fabulous hostel to stay at a very affordable price tag. Favorite aspects of this hostel are that they offer home-cooked meals out of their family kitchen and have evening campfires at night time. They even arrange special activities like concerts and movies nights.
The Top Places To Stay in Egypt
When staying in Egypt, travelers have truly incredible choices to choose from. From fancy resorts with private beaches to charming Airbnbs right on the Nile River, there are many unique places to stay in Egypt that mostly come at budget-friendly prices!
Photo: Vincent Brown (Flickr)
El Mesala Hotel – Luxor | Best Hotel in Egypt
This hotel is a true shining star, perched right on the West Bank of Luxor. It is actually directly across from the great obelisk of the Luxor Temple. Coming in at an incredibly low rate, you will be dazzled at all the amenities you will receive. From an outdoor pool to views of the Nile river, to a rooftop restaurant, to a free shuttle to and from the airport you are sure to appreciate staying here at one of the best hotels in Egypt!
Madina Hostel | Best Hostel in Egypt
If you’re flying solo and looking for a budget stay without sacrificing your comforts then Madina Hostel is perfect for you. Enjoy a comfy dorm room with beds you’ll actually be able to get a good nights sleep on. Plus, they’ve got a shared kitchen if you fancy cooking up a feast or instant noodles. They’ve got plenty of spaces to meet fellow travellers and a fun and social vibe without the pressure of crazy pub crawls and wild nights out. Overall a solid option if you’re backing in Eygpt and looking for a base that’s not going to break the bank
Beachfront 2 BDR Apartment | Best Airbnb in Egypt
Looking for a snazzy apartment steps away from the golden sand? Well look no further Ammigo. Enjoy a beachfront stay while still being in the heart of El Gouna and walking distance to the bustling nightlife and restaurants. This apartmenrt has two spacious bedrooms a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor terrace area, ideal for soaking up some up or enjoying an evening drink. This place offers some serious bang for your buck and is ideal for couples, families or groups of friends heading to Eygpt.
Books to Read While Visiting in Egypt
Here are some of my favorite books set in Egypt:
Death on the Nile – The mystery book set in Egypt tells the tale of betrayal among newlywed couple on honeymoon in Egypt.
Sinai: Linchpin, Gaza’s Lifeline, Israel’s Nightmare – This book was just released in the US in November 2015, but it’s not easy to get. This book covers the controversial area of North Sinai, the Egyptian headquarters of ISIS. This area is off-limits to reporters, civilians, etc.
Cairo: The City Victorious – This book covers Cairo’s history from its early beginnings of Pharaonic power to the urban jungle it is today.
Walls of Freedom: Street Art of the Egyptian Revolution – This book contains essays by Egyptian political analysts and graffiti artists, as well as plenty of graffiti pieces about the revolutionary events. This is a great record of what the people felt about the Egyptian revolution.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Egypt
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Egypt
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Egypt
I hope that my guide of the top places to stay in Egypt was helpful and helped you make your decision on where you will be staying in Egypt!
Let me know if you have any questions or any stories to share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Egypt.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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