Rabat to Cairo on a Budget: Tips and Tricks to Explore Egypt's Capital

Morocco World

13-04-2025

Like Morocco, Egypt exists at the geographic and cultural crossroads of overlapping regions and identities that contribute to its complex socio-cultural makeup, making it an exciting adventure for anyone seeking to explore North Africa.
Where Morocco weaves together a rich tapestry of Amazigh, Arab, African and European influences, Egypt blends Arab, African and Mediterranean elements and both countries are shaped by ancient histories and unique locations. Mohammed Ali Mosque in the Cairo Citadel which commemorates the memory of Muhammad Ali and Egypt's independence from Ottoman influence. Photo Cred // Lizzie Jensen
Though these countries are 2,296 miles apart and located on opposite sides of North Africa, visiting Egypt does not have to break the bank. From flights to activities to dining, the Moroccan dirham can get you far in Egypt and even further if you are strategic with your spending.
Capital to Capital: Rabat to Cairo
Direct flights out of Rabat to Cairo are rarely inexpensive, so make SkyScanner.com your new best friend. This website compiles the cheapest flight combinations and connections across all airlines and presents you with a variety of options at different price points and travel times.
But don't book your flight directly through SkyScanner. The trick is to use the site to find the best combination of flights then book each individual flight directly through their respective airline's website. This way you can avoid SkyScanner's third-party service fees.
The further in advance you book, the better the price – so remember to plan ahead. Additionally, opt for a randomly selected seat to save a bit of cash.
To save even more money, don't pay to check a bag. Check out this backpack – I use this on all of my travels to avoid extra baggage fees. If you are traveling with a friend, consider sharing a carry-on or checked bag and splitting the cost.
Once you land in Cairo International Airport (CAI), it can be up to a 40 minute drive into the main city so I recommend booking a car in advance or using Uber or InDrive — both of which are legal in Egypt.
Where to stay: Hotels? Hostels? Rentals?
If you are traveling alone, it may be cheaper to stay in a hostel or rental home. Hotels can rack up a host of extra charges, but many also come with the benefit of a free breakfast.
Hostelworld has shared dorm options for MAD 100 ($10) per night and Airbnb has slightly more expensive, private options for around MAD 500 ($50) per night.
While you may be tempted to stay close to the pyramids in Giza, it is important to consider the safety of this area. Areas with high tourist traffic are usually less safe and prices tend to be higher. It is better to stay closer to Cairo's city center or New Cairo, the area around the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Nile.
What to do: Activities and Guides
The Pyramids
When traveling in Cairo, it is absolutely essential to book a guide for certain activities. No matter how independent or confident you are, Cairo is a bustling city that is extremely difficult to navigate alone, especially if you do not speak Maasri.
With a perfect 5 stars and over 2,000 reviews on Tripadvisor, A1 Egypt Tours offers Arabic, English, French and Spanish tours to every must-see spot in Cairo. Their prices are fair and they offer all-inclusive packages which include a driver, lunch, and water for your trip. Private tour with A1 Egypt Tours which includes Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx,a camel ride, lunch and entry inside a pyramid. Photo by Lizzie Jensen
The average cost of an all inclusive tour with this company is MAD 60 ($60) per person. While there are cheaper options, they do not provide the same accommodations.
The Grand Bazaar
Similar to the medinas of Morocco, the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo is your one-stop-shop for souvenirs, jewelry and clothing. Unless you speak the language and are skilled at the art of bargaining, it is also recommended that you book a guide to take you through the busy bazaar streets.
Most companies will charge upwards of MAD 400 ($40) per person for this tour, but A1 Egypt Tours offered my group MAD 200 ($20) per person with dinner included. Our guide Mo did all of the haggling for us and I never paid more than MAD 150 ($15) for an item. I went home with several beautiful pieces of jewelry, scarves and other souvenirs. Famous street in the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Photo by Lizzie Jensen
Mosques, Churches and Synagogues
Egypt is uniquely positioned as an extremely intersectional country, housing at one point or another all three Abrahamic religions. Today, Egypt's mosques, churches and synagogues are all well preserved and open for visitors.
A guide is not necessary for these visits, but will make transportation and entry easier, especially if you do not speak the language. There are several options on Booking.com that offer Coptic Cairo tours for MAD 400 ($40). The Hanging Church, named for its position atop a Babylon fortress, is said to have housed the holy family at one point. Photo Cred // Lizzie Jensen Interior of the Mohammed Ali Mosque. Photo Cred // Lizzie Jensen
Nile River Dinner Cruise
Another must-see while in Egypt, the Nile hosts numerous options for dinner cruises that allow you to see the water at night. Getyourguide.com has affordable options for MAD 200 ($20) that include the drive to the boat, a two hour cruise and buffet dinner.
Most cruises have entertainment on board including traditional folk dancers, belly dancers, and musicians. After you eat, make your way to the upper deck of the boat for some great photo ops and beautiful views. View from the Pharaoh of the Nile Boat. Photo by Lizzie Jensen
Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo is home to the world's largest archaeological museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum, with over 81,000 m 2 of floor space and over 100,000 artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization. It would be a crime to visit Cairo and not see this monumental attraction.
The Grand Egyptian Museum entrance. Photo by Lizzie Jensen
Tickets are 1200 EGP ($23) for adults and 600 EGP ($11) for children and students.
When you enter, take the escalator to the very top and work your way down for the best experience in chronological order. You will find an overwhelming accumulation of ancient artifacts that are incomprehensibly old including King Tut's famed mask. A painted royal tomb. Photo by Lizzie Jensen
After you make your way through the exhibits, take whatever leftover Egyptian pounds you have and buy some souvenirs. The museum's gift shop caters to a wide range of price points and offers a machine that will write your name in hieroglyphics.
Food
If you still aren't convinced to book the trip, let me introduce you to 'koshary'. If you eat one thing while in Egypt, it must be this national dish.
Koshary perfectly personifies Egypt's multicultural makeup. As a mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Italian cuisines koshary is typically made with rice, lentils, chickpeas and three types of pasta served in three different types of sauce — tomato, spicy and garlic — and topped with fried onions. Abou Tarek is a chain across Egypt famous for only serving koshary. Go here for a guaranteed perfect dish. Photo Cred // Nafia Lalani Abou Tarek is a chain across Egypt famous for only serving koshary. Go here for a guaranteed perfect dish. Photo Cred // Nafia Lalani
The price of food is probably the best part of traveling to Egypt. You can easily find a delicious, quality meal for under MAD 100 ($10).
If you've fallen in love with Morocco's vibrant culture, rich history and breathtaking landscapes, Egypt offers a natural next step for your travels. Like Morocco, Egypt is a country where one can find ancient traditions mingling with bustling city life, where every corner tells a story, and where hospitality and flavorful cuisine are at the heart of daily life.
From the lively markets of Cairo to the timeless beauty of the Nile, Egypt mirrors much of what makes Morocco so captivating while offering its own unique and unforgettable experiences. Best of all, it's budget-friendly, making it the perfect destination for travelers seeking depth, beauty and adventure without overspending. Tags: 'stability' in Egypt2019 tourism