Egypt Travel Notes
My El Gouna, Hurghada, Sheikh Zayed stops, real opinions and places to explore.
- Languages
- Arabic · Some English
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound · EGP
- Cash
- Essential. Small Notes For Tips.
- Cards
- Usually Yes At Larger Venues.
- Tap To Pay
- Usually Yes At Larger Venues.
- WiFi
- Available. Quality Varies.
- Mobile Data
- Local SIM · Bring Your Passport
- Small Shops
- Varies. Keep Cash Handy.
- Tipping
- Common. Keep Small Notes.
Hurghada
Koko & Koko Salon
Great at doing blow dry! And prices VERY fairly!
Lilly Apartments Agency
Beautiful furnished apartments in the best location! 5 minute walk to Sheraton st or the beaches, about 20 30 minute walk to the marina and the mosque. Gym is a 5 minute walk. Overall a very central location.
Juliana Golden Beach Resort
Mahmoud Abualwafa is the man and made sure my stay was PERFECT! This place is great! All inclusive, private clean beach, 2 pools, flavorful food, amazing staff. What more could you ask for? Only 1 downside, no wifi.
World Spa Beauty & Spa
Scammers! I messaged them on WhatsApp, (mind you my number is American) asked for a blow dry without a wash, asked for price they said 500LE… I said no that’s too much, as the most I pay with wash is 300. So they proceed to ask me how much
Scuba Diving Hurghada Diving School
Before checking out any other diving center, take a moment to read this review. You are not going to find the vibes you find here, ANYWHERE ELSE!
Hula Hula Beach Island
This is one of the only islands that accepts card payments and tap payments. The beach is actually really nice and clean. But the prices are a bit wild. Understandable but still wild. If they lowered it just a little bit they would probably
Old Sheraton Marina
Came here to get on a boat to do a overnight dive. The marina is so beautiful especially at sunset but since the Sheraton is shut down it has become a bit run down.
Apartment
This place can be tricky to locate, but once you get it its easy. The best way to het there is to go to golds gym, pass it and make a right as soon as you pass it. You end up on a sandy messed up road but dont worry thats correct. Not even
Gomla Market(El Kawther)
They have all types of stuff, even luggage, clothes, and anything you’d need for home.
Syake Sushi Hurghada
I ordered them using Talabat a few times… good ALWAYS came soooooooooo fast. Like truly unreal. Like 10 15 minutes it was to me. I was stunned, AND it tasted good. I’m from LA.. had sushi in Hawaii. And this.. for Egypt… wow. 🤯
Caribbean Bar
This place is hidden inside Bella Vista hotel, it’s in the back behind the pool.
Granada Restaurant & Pub Hurghada
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Koko Salon
A normal local Egyptian salon. $4 for a blow dry. Fair prices, great results! They offer anything you’d expect from a salon.
Gold's Gym Hurghada
Definitely one of the nicer gyms in the area. I posted a photo of prices I was given.
Little Buddha Hurghada
I didn’t eat here, I went for new years and it was 1500 to get in and included one drink. Water is 200
الكرم الشامي Elkaram El Shamy
Depends on the day but pretty decent shawarma. I wouldn’t say they are authentically Syrian though.
Jumbo Kids Store Hurghada
Nice place! Lots of options. All types of stuff. I tend to go here when I need gifts bags or boxes. They have a whole bunch of different sizes and colors to choose from
Flower Island
I didn’t go here for flowers but I came for the tissue to stuff the gift bag with.
Aqua Palms Resort Hurghada
It is far from the city, but that’s why I chose it! It has everything you need though, pool (not heated) little gym (decent
Nashmiya Restaurant مطعم نشمية
I found them on talabat! Amazing food! They deliver off the app (in case you’re out of reach) they accept card, and they are FROM JORDAN! so food is authentic which is why they have 5 stars!
Flaming Grill Aqua Palms Bar & Restaurant
Nice vibe in the middle of the pool. Good food, fair pricing. Pool table. Open from 10 10. No WiFi
Palm Inn Hotel
It’s decent for the price. The room was basic and small, no microwave, mini fridge, but there’s a balcony. Room was tight with the closet in there. AC was great though. Breakfast was decent. You can even get an omelette custom made. And of
Aquarium Cafe & Resturant
I always order delivery from this place on talabat and when I tell you, they are amazing that doesn’t understatement. I’ve had their fried shrimp. I’ve had their chicken, lemon butter platter, I’ve had their salmon kebab, I’ve had their
Asian Massage Hurghada
Not bad, and fair prices. But a little bit confused as to why an Egyptian lady was working on me when this is an Asian spot. It was nice and strong however, I didn’t really feel like there was a proper technique in place.
Davinci Hotel Beach
This place is trash. Old beach chairs. Nothing goin on. Don’t understand the hype.
Shamandi Laundry
Got the job done!
Dream Beach
Very strict about cameras… they missed out of free marketing.
Elaria Hotel Hurgada
Ive come here once every year for the past 3 years. Wifi still sucks. And they gave me a small room last time i came. Idk why i keep going back. Maybe price for value? Breakfast isn’t bad wither.
McDonald's Sheraton Road
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Go Bus
This is the actual location that you can enter into 24 seven. They have a bathroom and a mini grocery store inside. Along with probably about 30 to 40 chairs in their waiting room. I’d like to say they’re fairly punctual.
ILash Studio | Lashes | Nails | Eyebrows | Waxing | Hair
I’ve been AROUND the world, and as I travel it’s so hard to find people that can do the things I ask for. Even when I stay in 1 city for months and find someone that I like; they don’t always do a good job….
Chicha Restaurant & Bar
I honestly don’t know what the hype is about this place. The food to me was pretty average. Nothing Mexican about it. The service was mediocre. Prices are expensive for the quality.. in my opinion.
Foot Work Thai Massage
The best prices for the quality that you are going to find in all of Hurghada I promise you that. I am currently in Thailand and I got a Thai massage here and it was extremely similar to what I received in Hurghada.
Zia Amelia Italian Restaurant
I never had a meal here I didn’t like. I never had bad service here. There’s a cat named Lucy that might come around and ask you for some food. Be careful she will steal your food and your heart.
Pasta E Basta Ristorante Pizzeria ITALIAN
I literally go here just to get the Panna Cotta! Why? Because it’s DELICIOUS! Make sure you get it the next time you’re around, and also if you’re up for the fun, take the pull boat to the other side of the lagoon .
مطعم اسماك سيتي فيش الكوثرCity Fish Fish Restaurant Al Kawthar
Great food! Finished all that shrimp on my own! And it was very reasonably priced. 650 LE for my shrimp!
Steigenberger ALDAU Beach Hotel
Saved on my Hurghada Accomodations list.
Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort
Saved on my Hurghada Accomodations list.
SUNRISE Holidays Resort (Adults Only)
Saved on my Hurghada Accomodations list.
Hilton Hurghada Plaza
Saved on my Hurghada Accomodations list.
Hurghada Marina
Saved on my Hurghada Views list.
The Yemenian Restaurant
Saved on my Best Food in Hurghada 🇪🇬 list.
Escaperoomhurghada
Saved on my What to do Hurghada 🇪🇬 list.
Hurghadahorses Riding At Mercure Hotel
Saved on my What to do Hurghada 🇪🇬 list.
El Gouna
El Gouna Central Station
I guess this is the new Go Bus stop location. I like it. A lot more organized and clean then when it used to be by downtown.
BESTWAY Supermarket Gouna
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Abu Tig Marina
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Sholan El Gouna
Nice place away from the city but inside of El gouna. Since you’re out of the way, keeping in mind that I can get a little bit more tricky, getting Ubers or finding tuktuks out that way. Make sure you get some phone numbers whenever you
Marina El Gouna
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
AlamShop (Alam Writing Materials)
They tried their best to help me!
G Cribs El Gouna
It’s very far from city, but thats why it’s cheaper.
Daily Dose Coffee Roasters
Im obsessed with the power boost smoothie!
Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna
One of the most beautiful and convenient locations to stay in El Gouna. It sits on 9 different mini islands, making it a massive place to explore. Of course theres a private beach but it is also connected via bridge to the popular Zeytouna
Sliders Cable & Aqua Parks El Gouna
Food wasn’t great but a cool place to come watch people practice
LA7 Gym
Not only is this a very nice and clean gym, but you’re also going to get stunning views and new equipment that syncs with your Smart Watch (most of the time)
Casa Cook El Gouna
Basically, the only problem with this place is how far away it is from everything.
Supermarket Ebaid عبيد
Employees working 24 seven to help you find anything you need throughout the store. They have all sorts of things here you’d really be surprised. They even have cigarettes and all other types of smoke products. One may need.
ZOUNI Lounge Bar
BEST place to go out at night in Gouna! Make sure to reserve! They have the best music (in my opinion) a mix or hip hop, commercial and Arabic! The weekends are wild here.
Cook's Club El Gouna
I can’t say enough things about this place. First of you are not a guest, you can get a day pass for 1000 Egyptian pounds.
El Gouna Check Point
I HATE this gate with a passion. As someone who LIVES inside, I’ve been stopped way too many times for way too long. Too be honest, Gouna is a nice place, but as an American there are many other places in the world that I can visit for a
Daily Dose By Cafe Younes
Saved on my Where to eat in El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Maritim Restaurant & Bar
Saved on my Where to eat in El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Boho Cafe
Saved on my Where to eat in El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Pier 88 El Gouna
Saved on my Where to eat in El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
The Chedi El Gouna
Saved on my Where to stay El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Captains Inn
Saved on my Where to stay El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Bali El Gouna
Saved on my Where to stay El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna
Saved on my Where to stay El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Motoclub Egypt Motoclub El Gouna Safari Quad…
Saved on my Where to stay El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Sultan Bey Hotel فندق سلطان بك
My downtown and lagoon option in my El Gouna accommodation guide.
Three Corners Ocean View Hotel
My quieter marina option in my El Gouna accommodation guide.
Mangroovy Residence El Gouna Grovin
Saved on my Where to stay El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Downtown El Gouna وسط مدينة الجونة
Saved on my To do El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
El Gouna Padel
Saved on my To do El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
El Gouna Squash
Saved on my To do El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
El Gouna Golf Club
Saved on my To do El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
EL Gouna Fish Farm
Saved on my To do El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Aurora El Gouna
Saved on my Night Clubs El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Villa Coconut
Saved on my Night Clubs El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
MOODS Restaurant & Beach Club, El Gouna
Saved on my Beach Pool Clubs El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
ZOUNi Beach Mangroovy
Saved on my Beach Pool Clubs El Gouna 🇪🇬 list.
Cairo
Brass Monkey Cairo
Cool spot to play some games. Food wasn’t all that though.
اسماك النيل الاصلي
Decent for what it is. Very basic and old school. Grilled shrimp was the highlight
A One Beauty Salon
AMAZING! 🤩 Let’s start with the fact that this man really knows how to blow dry some hair!
Hagouga حجوجة
It’s like going to one big open wedding. They have over 100 tables if not more! Even if 200 people are ahead of you, wait time isn’t usually more than 30 min 🤯
Gold's Gym Sheraton
So I just walked all the way over here for apparently no reason. I noticed that they open at 6 AM which I would have preferred to be there at that time however, since I’m a new customer, I figured let me show up at 8 AM instead. Which is
Go Bus Main Station
This is the station that will get you all over egypt. Thats why its the MAIN one but it is in nasr city, so dont get it confused with the smaller nasr city station.
Cairo International Airport Mosque
So much searching, scams and at times, long immigration lines. Only decent part is the lounges and that’s a barely. WiFi is also trash just like most places in Egypt
Gad Restaurant
Casual egyptian spot and prices
Rehab Mall 2
Regular small mall
Andiamo Heliopolis
Nice place, good vibes. You can byob
The Villa
I enjoyed this spot. Very clean, nice location, great staff and free breakfast. (I didn’t try it though)
Pour Toi Beauty Salon
Best Salon ever! Alex is the best hands down. I’ve been going to him for three years and he’s never failed me. Being a blonde it is very hard to find someone who understands how to get you to the color your desire without ruining your hair
El Malahy
THEY DO HAVE AN ACTIVE ICE SKATING RINK! ⛸️ They also have a bunch of rides for all ages as you can see! And they have games
Go Bus (Tahrir) Office
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Your Gym Ladies New Cairo
If the environment matters to you. Do NOT come here. This place is very very nice, and has alot to offer. However, like other reviews
كوافير ندى
I got a blow dry and my hair curled in 15 minutes! Unreal! She also does nails, lashes; makeup & eyebrows 😍
Seagull Restaurant NewCairo
Saved on my Best Resturant’s in Cairo list.
Gingko
Saved on my Best Resturant’s in Cairo list.
Mokhito Restaurant And Cafe
Saved on my Best Resturant’s in Cairo list.
Cairo Vista Restaurant & Bar
Saved on my Best Resturant’s in Cairo list.
Pier88 Nile River
Saved on my Best Resturant’s in Cairo list.
Port Said
Go Bus Portsaid Downtown
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Central Perk Cafe
SO AMAZING! It’s crazy to me that something like this is in Egypt. Not that Egypt isn’t capable, just that how is there not even one in New York?? Come to found out the first 2 locations opened up on this side of Egypt and then expanded
Port Said Railway Station
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Chimney Cake
MUST TRY! So fresh! So good! So satisfying! Probably one of the best desserts I’ve had in
CAVIAR LOUNGE
Nice music, nice vibe, great location. Great fresh sushi and I say that as someone who has had sushi in Hawaii 😅
88 CUPs
Love the vibe, the aesthetic & the different photo opps set up around the place.
The Lighthouse Of Port Said
It doesn’t seem like you can even get close enough to see the base. It’s blocked off from every angle. But at least we can still enjoy a piece of history.
Ferial Garden
Beautiful little park. Kids playing all around. Teens taking photos. Couples holding hands. Adults yapping.
El.Nasr Floating Bridge
I thought this was a unique bridge, as there’s not many of its kind, and a “touristic” sort of place.
Alfa Piatto
I came in for a quick dinner during sunset. For the steak cooked medium and it was actually pretty good. Coming from America I usually have a hard time with the steaks in Egypt. But this one tasted pretty good.
Panorama Portsaid Hotel
I really enjoyed this hotel. Very conveniently located, and fairly remodeled. Room comes with fridge and kettle but no microwave. 1 towel. Extra blankets in
Sheikh Zayed
TGI Friday's | Americana Plaza Mall
NEVER AGAIN. No flavor. No meat in the bones, shrimp undercooked, nasty cheese. America would be ashamed. Then the waiter had the audacity to say “I gave you the jalapeños for free”… like okay….
Premiere Americana Plaza Cinemas
The only place in Egypt with 4D experience. Yes chairs move, there’s wind (that smells bad) some light splashes of water and such things. Very cool and unique experience. You do need 3D glasses.
Walk Of Cairo (WOC)
Nice spot, home to the museum of illusions and the parrots in a cage!
Dolato Gelateria
I got the little ice cream balls. Cheesecake was so good!
Museum Of Illusions, Cairo
The fun starts right outside for free with the pool where it looks like you’re stuck underwater!
Specialty Būn (بُنْ) Market Street
Amazing staff! Great drinks! Good WiFi! Vibes! Keep in mind they only do basic and regular coffee options. (No frappes and such) No food only croissants and such.
Gracias Latin Kitchen
I came in here thinking I’d get some authentic Mexican tacos… 🤣🤣 I even had them customize it so it can actually be Mexican but unfortunately the
Crimson Bar&Grill Arkan Plaza
Nice spot on the top of Arkan Plaza. Great food! Prices are more on the expensive side naturally.
Koffee Kulture
A coffee shop with no WiFi? Ok.
ESCĀ CUEVA
UPDATED REVIEW: Let’s start off with the fact that you have to “apply” for a reservation. They ask for Instagram profiles of all the people in your party. (Such an annoying process, so don’t make any mistakes)
1980 Coffee
DELICIOUS! 🤤 honestly the food is made to perfection! Drinks don’t disappoint! Staff is very attentive. Good vibes overall.
Beyond Beauty Salon Zayed
Perfect and fair prices! Easy in and out! 250 for beautiful blow dry and wash! Definitely coming back!
Go Bus
Buses are for the most part on time. I gave 4 stars because this specific location is very small, and no bathrooms. Closest one requires you to walk a bit and with bags that’s not convenient.
Giza
Khufu's Restaurant
Accepts card, wifi wasn’t good when I went. This place usually requires a reservation.
EL&N London Giza Pyramids
Accepts card and has good wifi. I had no idea EL&N was out in Egypt and at the pyramids at that! Nice rooftop with pretty nice views. Pricing is more on the expensive side of course.
Sameh Sallam Salon Barber Shop Near Giza Pyramids
No WiFi. But accept card. Went in with my friend to get our hair blow dried. She has very thick curly hair
Le Petit Chef Cairo
Extremely unique experience. Perfect for a date or a birthday. These little chefs perform right on your plate and show you how they cook everything from scratch.
Pyramids Visitor Centre
Total game changer. The Great Gate is exactly what the pyramids needed. I visited the pyramids in June 2025 through the newly opened Great Gate entrance
Panoramic View Of The Giza Pyramids
The men at the end of the path RUIN it, but after some yelling… they finally go away.
9 Pyramids Lounge
Food was VERY basic for the price. I guess once again, “paying for the view” which I didn’t even really get from inside.
Alexandria
West & Middle Delta Bus
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
El Selsela Cafe
I reviewed this place on Google Maps. Open the listing to see the location and my rating.
Hyat Suites & Private Rooms
I stayed in both rooms that have a view. The one that’s full glass window and the one that has a balcony. The one with the balcony is a bit bigger and has a closet. But I still preferred the full glass, as it gives an elegant look to the
Skyroof Windsor Palace Hotel
Very nice view during sunset.
Royal Jewelry Museum Alexandria
The most beautiful thing I saw was the villa itself. The most unique thing I saw was the chess board that had unique characters and a
Port Fouad
Salt Mountain.
Costs 5 EGP to walk up. Cars and other vehicles have different pricing. 2 huge piles of salt that look like snow. ❄️ think white Himalayan salt, thick.
Caviar Lounge
Came here after a lovely experience at the Port Said location. However this time I wasn’t as impressed. The fried stuff was very oily. The steak was over cooked and dry. But with soy sauce everything tastes better.
Central Perk
Very unique spot. Theme based off of the show FRIENDS. Including the couches and portraits of the stars. They really brought New York to Port Said??!!
Marsa Matrouh
Cleopatra Bath
Okay, where do I begin?? This place is STUNNING! No wonder Cleopatra came here with her man, Mark
Zafarana
Zafarana Rest House
I like when we stop here. Nice new bathrooms, lots of food options!
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