When I started planning my trip to Egypt, I quickly realised it was going to be trickier than I initially thought.
Egypt is a massive country, and one that requires some thinking as to how you’ll move around!
You’ve got the hustle and bustle of Cairo in the north, the historical cities in the south, all of that Red Sea goodness in the east, and so much more in between!
I truly underestimated how much I should’ve planned ahead, and I made a few mistakes that not only forced me to change my route, but also made me question some of my decisions in the end.
But hey, the fact that you’re here means that you might not have to make the same mistakes I did 😉
Below you’ll find a handy list of some of the best places to stay in Egypt, as well as how to make the most of your time in them.
Arm yourself with knowledge, and you’ll have a great time in the country.
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Egypt City Guide
Cairo
Cairo is Egypt’s nerve center, and most trips to the country will start or end here.
Luxor
My stay in Luxor was unfortunately marked by a few unhappy incidents, but I still rate it as one of the most unbelievable places in all of the country.
Aswan
After an intense few days in Luxor, I can tell you I was very happy to bump into its sister city, Aswan.
Hurghada
Stretching for nearly 40 kilometres along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Hurghada is one of the country’s most popular beach resort towns.
El Gouna
El Gouna is nestled right next door to Hurghada, and much like its neighbour, it’s very resort-heavy.
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is where you go when you get tired of the hordes of tourists that roam around Egypt’s most popular towns.
Egypt’s Best Places to Stay in
This section will cover the best places to stay during your trip to Egypt.
Below, you’ll find The Broke Backpacker’s top picks for accommodation and things to do in each area, so you can be sure to pick an area that feels right for you.
Cairo – The Overall Best Place to Stay in Egypt
Cairo is Egypt’s nerve center, and most trips to the country will start or end here.
I was lucky enough to have an Egyptian friend to ease me into it, so it wasn’t as overwhelming as a city this big can be.
We’re talking cities within cities, bubbles within bubbles. Cairo is chaotic, it’s messy, but it’s also fun and beautiful. You should definitely give it a go.
A lot of people come just to see the Great Pyramids, which, to be fair, is one of the best things to do in Egypt, but there is actually a lot more in store.
- Best For: History lovers, culture seekers, and travellers wanting a unique experience.
- The Vibe: Chaotic, fascinating, loud, and endlessly layered.
- Proximity to Airport: Most places you’ll stay will be within 30-60 minutes from Cairo International Airport depending on traffic (which can be wild).
- Transport Level: City-centered but traffic-heavy. Metro is useful in central areas; taxis and ride-hailing apps are common but slow at peak times. Walkable only in pockets.
- Budget: $–$$. Extremely affordable food and transport. Things can get fancy if you desire, though.
- Crowds: Busy and buzzing. Quiet moments are rare but possible in leafier neighborhoods like Zamalek or Maadi.
Things to See and Do in Cairo:
- Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Explore the Egyptian Museum in Downtown to see Tutankhamun’s treasures (and experience some old-school museum chaos).
- Dive into 5,000 years of history at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
- Wander the maze-like Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and shop for lamps, spices, jewellery, and souvenirs.
- Take a day trip to the White Desert
Pyramisa Suites Hotel Cairo | Best Hotel
You’ll see the Pyramisa hotels pop out a few times throughout this piece. They’re a standard for quality, so if you wanna feel like royalty at an affordable price, this is where you should stay! Spacious suites, large swimming pools and four delicious restaurants, I must say it’s kinda hard to go back to dorm life after staying here…
Dahab Hostel | Best Hostel
A beautiful rooftop hostel located in the heart of the city. I moved a lot during my trip and stayed here on two different occasions. 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
This Airbnb rental is for a beautiful room in an apartment sitting in the city center, stylish and lovingly decorated with a bevvy of handmade, Egyptian art pieces. The room has a view of the Nile below, which is certainly an incredible thing to wake up and see each morning!
Luxor – One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Egypt
My stay in Luxor was unfortunately marked by a few unhappy incidents, but I still rate it as one of the most unbelievable places in all of the country.
Sitting on the banks of the Nile, it is built on top of the ancient city of Thebes, once the capital of the pharaohs, and it concentrates many of the most important historical sites of that time.
It is one of the country’s biggest tourist hubs, so big crowds are kind of unavoidable here… despite that, this is where you’ll see some of the most incredible landmarks.
- Best For: History lovers and archaeology nerds.
- The Vibe: Ancient, atmospheric, and deeply historic.
- Proximity to Airport: Luxor International Airport is around 20–30 minutes from most accommodations.
- Transport Level: Easy to navigate by taxi, bicycle, or boat. Distances are short, but navigating independently can feel intense for first-time visitors.
- Budget: $–$$. Accommodation, food, and transport are generally very affordable.
- Crowds: Busy during peak hours at major sites, especially early mornings.
Things to See and Do in Luxor:
- Explore the Karnak Temple Complex (I suggest going as EARLY in the morning as possible)
- Visit Luxor Temple at sunset
- Tour the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens
- See Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple
- Cross the Nile by local ferry or take a felucca ride
El Mesala Hotel | Best Hotel
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. Its got 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. Good thing to know also, there is a free shuttle to the airport!
Happy Land Hotel | Best Hostel
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, including a short ten-minute walk to the Luxor temple.
Luxurious Royal Home with Pool | Best Airbnb
Sometimes you wanna treat yourself… and if you’re gonna splurge, you better do it right! 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, and a beautiful garden to enjoy. Did I mention a daily housekeeper too? Better stop here.
Aswan – Where to Stay in Egypt on a Budget
After an intense few days in Luxor, I can tell you I was very happy to bump into its sister city, Aswan.
Aswan’s got a much more relaxed vibe, and whilst also filled with incredible archaelogical sites, the town is sprinkled with peaceful islands and that just gives you a lot more room to breath.
If you’re not rushed on time, I suggest you base yourself here for a few days. You can also visit the Abu Simbel temples from here, which was a higlight of my trip.
- Best For: Budget travellers, slow travel, and Nubian culture.
- The Vibe: Laid-back, friendly, and peaceful with a strong local feel.
- Proximity to Airport: Around 25–40 minutes from Aswan Airport
- Transport Level: Easy to get around by foot, taxi, and boat. Ferries and feluccas are part of daily life.
- Budget: $–$$. Very affordable accommodation, food, and transport.
- Crowds: Generally quiet, with light crowds around major sights and markets.
Things to See and Do in Aswan:
- Chill in the banks of the Nile
- Visit the Nubian villages
- Check out the Philae temple complex
- Relax in the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener Island
- Take a day trip to see the Abu Simbel temples
Pyramisa Island Hotel Aswan | Best Hotel
Nestled on its own private island in the Nile, the Pyramisa here is like a five star retreat with stunning river views. Lush gardens, spacious comfortable rooms, and the kind of peace and quiet that you don’t get to feel often. If you’re looking for an escape that feels like royalty, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Go Inn Backpackers | Best Hostel
Go Inn was my favorite place I stayed in the entire trip, and it’s got everything you expect when you book a hostel. It 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 with that.
Magic Guest House | Best Airbnb
If you’re after a snazzy apartment with sea views, this place has got everything you need to feel at home. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy living area, and a pretty sick balcony! There’s 3 bedrooms and space for 6-8 guests, so it’s a great option if you’re travelling with the family or a bigger group.
Hurghada – Best Place to Stay in Egypt for Families
Stretching for nearly 40 kilometres along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Hurghada is one of the country’s most popular beach resort towns. Not really my vibe, and very different from the rest of Egypt, but it might be what you’re after.
Calm waters, colourful coral reefs, and family-friendly resorts are the name of the game here. The backpacker scene is not as strong, but there’s definitely room for us too (mostly people after the world-class diving).
- Best For: Families, beach holidays, snorkelling and scuba diving.
- The Vibe: Relaxed, resort-focused, sunny and easygoing.
- Proximity to Airport: Very close. Around 15–30 minutes from Hurghada International Airport.
- Transport Level: Easy to get around if using taxi or hotel transfers.
- Budget: $$–$$$. Mid-range to luxury resort pricing.
- Crowds: Popular. Busy during school holidays and peak travel seasons.
Things to See and Do in Hurghada:
- Go snorkelling or scuba diving in the Red Sea coral reefs
- Visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium
- Spend a day at one of the water parks
- Take a boat trip to nearby islands
- Try a glass-bottom boat tour
Golden Beach Resort | Best Hotel
Golden Beach Resort is a family-friendly beachfront hotel that’ll give you the peace of mind you need if you’re travelling with the fam. 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
If you’re solo travelling and would much rather stay in a hostel, then I’d recommend this one. Comfy beds, privacy curtains and a place to store your bags. They have some snazzy private rooms too which is ideal if you need to recharge your social batteries. Common room is nice for meeting fellow travellers and chilling out after a day exploring. Great bang for your buck.
Luxury Villa with Pool | Best Airbnb
If you’re travelling with a group and would much rather have your own place, do check out this lovely two-bedroom villa. Its got a spacious living room and fully equipped kitchen ideal for whipping up a feast for the whole pack. Spend your days soaking up the sun around the pool and, if you fancy getting out and exploring, the hosts can also help sort things out 🙂
El Gouna – Where to Stay in Egypt for Couples
El Gouna is nestled right next door to Hurghada, and much like its neighbour, it’s very resort-heavy. While I would suggest the latter for families, El Gouna would be where you’d go to chill with your significant other, as it’s geared more towards adults and also has a more vibrant nightlife.
- Best For: Couples, romantic getaways, adults-only trips, nightlife by the sea.
- The Vibe: Chic, relaxed, social, and resort-polished.
- Proximity to Airport: Around 40 minutes from Hurghada International Airport.
- Transport Level: Very easy. Small, compact resort town with taxis, bikes, and tuk-tuks.
- Budget: $$–$$$. More expensive than Hurghada, but still good value for what you get.
- Crowds: Lively but not overwhelming. Busy around marinas and nightlife spots in the evenings.
Things to See and Do in El Gouna:
- Relax or kitesurf at Mangroovy Beach
- Take a boat trip between islands
- Dine and drink around Abu Tig Marina
- Hang out at Tamr Henna Square
- Go snorkelling or scuba diving
Casa Cook | Best Hotel
Casa Cook sits just under 2 miles away from Marina Beach, a little bit inland from the beach. It’s a hip, young hotel with a big focus on aesthetics. There’s in-house restaurants, a beautiful pool, a fitness center, spa… you know the drill. It’s not the cheapest you can find, but it’s a seriously snazzy option if you wanna splurge on a treat with a partner.
The Three Corners Ocean View | Best Resort
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 the sweet silence that can only be created by the absence of children. This resort really goes above and beyond— they offer boat trips, team games, and even yoga classes.
Beachfront 2 BDR Apartment | Best Airbnb
Enjoy a beachfront stay while still being in the heart of El Gouna and walking distance to the bustling nightlife and restaurants. This apartment has two spacious bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and an outdoor terrace area, ideal for soaking up some up or enjoying an evening drink.
Marsa Alam – Where to Stay in Egypt for Adventure
Marsa Alam is where you go when you get tired of the hordes of tourists that roam around Egypt’s most popular towns.
It’s remote and built for adventure lovers, with easy access to uncrowded reefs, the desert and national parks
- Best For: Adventure travellers, divers, snorkellers, and nature lovers.
- The Vibe: Wild, outdoorsy, quiet.
- Proximity to Airport: Around 45–60 minutes from Marsa Alam International Airport.
- Transport Level: Limited.
- Budget: $$–$$$. Activities are rather affordable, accommodation varies, but there’s budget options.
- Crowds: Quiet. One of the least crowded Red Sea destinations.
Things to See and Do in Marsa Alam:
- Snorkel or dive the Red Sea reefs
- Visit Abu Dabbab Bay
- Spot wildlife in Wadi el-Gemal National Park
- Learn kitesurfing at El Naaba Lagoon
- Relax on remote beaches and explore desert landscapes
Rihana Guest House | Best Hostel
Although the Rihana Guest House is listed on Hostelworld, it is run more like a bed and breakfast. No dorm rooms are available. However, there are plenty of affordable private rooms available. Situated just 100 meters from the beach, you’ll be within a few minutes walk to the Egla, Asalaya, and Samadai bays.
2 BDR Apartment Close to Private Beach | Best Airbnb
This apartment is simple, modern and minutes away from a private beach. It’s perfect for digital nomads, as it’s got a dedicated workspace, but also couples, or solo travelers who want a comfy base with all the home comforts. The kitchen has everything you need to whip up a meal and save a few bucks and a living space to chill out in after a busy day. The bedrooms are comfy, spacious and most importantly air conditioned.
Abydos – Where To Go in Egypt For Archeology Nerds
Abydos is one of Egypt’s oldest and most sacred cities, and a dream destination for archaeology lovers.
I personally wouldn’t suggest it to my friends if I knew they weren’t that much into Egyptology, as you can get quite a lot of history fed into your brain in other main cities already.
Access rules can change, so most travellers still visit via organised transport.
- Best For: Archaeology enthusiasts, history lovers, serious Egypt nerds.
- The Vibe: Ancient, sacred, quiet, and awe-inspiring.
- Proximity to Airport: No airport nearby; accessed most easily from Luxor.
- Transport Level: Visited as a day trip via organised tour or private transport.
- Budget: $–$$. Site entry and transport are affordable.
- Crowds: Very light compared to major tourist hubs.
Things to See and Do in Abydos:
- Explore the Temple of Seti I
- Walk through the Seven Sanctuaries
- Visit the First Hypostyle Hall
- Learn about the cult of Osiris
Map of Where to Stay in Egypt
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!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Which Part of Egypt Should You Choose?
As you’ve probably realised, Egypt is quite a large piece of land and one that requires some strategical thinking.
If you’ve got some flexibility, my suggestion is that you spend a few days in Cairo soaking in all of its hot mess. It’s a mandatory stop to understand what Egypt is all about.
After that, move on southwards to visit Luxor and Aswan. Both are worthy of a stay, but knowing what I know now, I’d definitely prioritise the latter and do a day trip or shorter stint in the former.
If you’re looking to add a Red Sea escapade into your trip, my go-to would be Marsa Alam as that will give you the most unique experience out of all the options 🙂
Enjoy your trip!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Egypt.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
