Where to Stay: Egypt Accommodation Guide

Cairo

Zamalek — a leafy island neighbourhood with embassies, cafes and art galleries. Best for culture lovers and longer stays.
Maadi — a quiet, green suburb popular with expats. Best for families and those seeking calm.
Downtown (Wust al-Balad) — historic architecture, budget-friendly, central. Best for backpackers and history buffs.
New Cairo / 6th of October — modern, shopping malls, business district. Best for business travellers.

Luxor

East Bank — close to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the train station, with more hotels and restaurants.
West Bank — quieter, closer to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, with a more authentic village feel.

Aswan

Stay near the Nile Corniche for stunning river views and easy access to felucca rides. Elephantine Island offers Nubian guesthouses with a distinctive cultural experience. Aswan is more relaxed than Luxor — a good choice if you want to unwind after a few busy days of temple-hopping.

The Red Sea

• Hurghada — the largest resort city, with diving centres, nightlife and all-inclusive resorts. Best for families, divers, and party-goers.
• Sharm El Sheikh — Naama Bay nightlife and Ras Mohammed National Park diving. Best for luxury travellers and divers.
• El Gouna — a planned resort town with kite surfing, golf and upscale dining. Best for couples and water sports enthusiasts.
• Dahab — laid-back and bohemian, with Blue Hole diving and budget-friendly prices. Best for backpackers, digital nomads, and freedivers.
• Marsa Alam — pristine reefs, less developed, dolphin encounters. Best for serious divers and nature lovers.

Alexandria

Stay near the Corniche or in the Montaza area for sea views. Alexandria has a distinctly Mediterranean feel — cooler summers, excellent seafood, and Greco-Roman history that sets it apart from the rest of the country.