Vacation season is sadly behind us, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take a break and travel, even if it’s for a day. day trips from cairo
We have gathered up 5 accessible and beautiful destinations in Egypt, perfect for a day trip, to help you escape the monotony and chaos of living in a big city without costing you too much and being easy to plan.
Get in the car, and let’s get away for the day.
By Aliaa Elsherbini
Alexandria
Alexandria is the best day trip destination during winter, thanks to its picturesque views of the beach, clear skies, and crisp architecture. Only 2 two hours away from the capital, Alex is lively, full of history, and great seafood.
You can go for a sightseeing tour of the Qaitbay Fort, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the Bibliotheca. Or you can just go for an enjoyable stroll on the Corniche, take a boat ride, have a nice seafood meal with a view, Gelati Azza, and then head back.
Food recommendations:
- Kadoura
- Greek Club
- Alban Swesra
- Gelati Azza
- Kebda El Fala7
Al Fayoum
Charming Fayoum is ideal for a camping trip not so far away from home, but it’s also an activity-filled destination around two hours by car from Cairo.
Al Fayoum is full of natural wonders like Wadi Rayyan Protectorate with soothing waterfalls, UNESCO World Heritage paleontological site Wadi Al Hitan and Lake Qarun. You can go sandboarding, treasure hunting, pottery making, and even swimming in the Magic Lake at Wadi El Hitan as the water changes colors throughout the day.
Be ready for fun in the sun, feet in the sand day, and then feast at one of the many modest and laid-back restaurants serving authentic Egyptian dishes just like your grandma makes them. day trips from cairo
Port Said
Port Said is not the first destination one thinks of for a getaway, but for a change, it should be. More industrial, Port Said is a complete change of scenery just over a couple of hours away. You can explore this city in a day, walk along the waterfront, see the Suez Canal, eat fresh fish, and buy cheap, good-quality products.
Because of its port, there is a lot of local merchandise there that you might not find anywhere else in Egypt with an affordable price, such as organic shower and hair products and accessories, bathroom gadgets, and small home decorations.
If you’re into history, visit the Port Said Military Museum to know more about the canal’s construction in 1859 and its important political and economic status.
Al-Ain Al Sokhna
Al Sokhna is a tranquil getaway by the Red Sea to help you break away from Cairo’s chaos for a day, or even better, a weekend. day trips from cairo
Al Sokhna is less vibrant than the previous cities, but it’s just as beautiful with its calmness, green resorts, and sea surrounded by mountain views. Go there to relax with friends or family by the beach, get card games, and go for seafood.
Or, if you are in the mood to be surrounded by more people, head to Porto Sokhna or the impressive Mount Galala. If the slow-paced life isn’t for you, don’t worry because there is Base Camp, an adventure park between the mountains for all ages.
*A personal tip, strangely enough, KFC there is the freshest and crispiest we have ever tried, so maybe get a bucket for the road back.
Fayed (Abu Sultan)
We saved the calmest place for last. Fayed is a small city in the Governorate of the Ismailia with a few villas and small resorts overlooking the Great Bitter Lake. Go to Fayed to completely chill and leave everything behind. day trips from cairo
Go with a big group of friends if you bore easily. Pack board games, a book, speakers, a swimming suit, and you’ll be all set.