Budget Guide: Family Travel in Egypt Under $100 a Day
Traveling through Egypt with your family can be both affordable and enriching. With smart planning, families can comfortably explore Egypt’s top attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and stay in budget-friendly accommodations — all while keeping the daily spend under $100.
Egypt is a dream destination for families — from the mighty Pyramids of Giza to bustling bazaars and peaceful Nile cruises. But what many travelers don’t realize is that a family trip to Egypt doesn’t have to be expensive. With careful planning and smart choices, it’s entirely possible to experience the richness of Egypt while keeping your daily budget under $100 per family.
Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate Egypt on a family-friendly budget, ensuring you enjoy every iconic sight without overspending.
Daily Budget Breakdown for a Family of 3–4 Under $100
You can expect to spend around $90–$100 per day. This includes approximately $30–$40 for accommodation, $20–$25 for meals and snacks, $10–$15 for local transportation, $20–$25 for attractions and activities, and about $5 for miscellaneous expenses such as tips and bottled water.
Accommodation: Comfortable & Affordable Family Stays
Egypt offers plenty of budget hotels and guesthouses that are family-friendly, clean, and centrally located.
- Average Cost: $30–$40 per night for a family room.
- Where to Stay:
- Cairo: Budget hotels near Downtown or Giza with family suites.
- Luxor: Family-run guesthouses on the West Bank.
- Aswan: Nubian homestays offering authentic experiences.
- Pro Tip: Opt for accommodations that include free breakfast to save on meal costs.
Meals: Eating Well Without Overspending
Egyptian street food is delicious, filling, and extremely affordable.
- Breakfast: Most hotels provide complimentary Egyptian breakfast.
- Lunch/Dinner Options:
- Koshari, falafel sandwiches, and grilled chicken meals — $2–$5 per person.
- Small family-run restaurants and local eateries are budget-friendly and authentic.
- Snacks & Treats: Fresh juices, Egyptian sweets, and street snacks for under $1 each.
- Family Tip: Share larger platters at local restaurants for variety and cost savings.
Transportation: Getting Around Economically
Public transport and ride-sharing apps keep commuting costs low.
- Metro in Cairo: Reliable and costs less than $0.30 per ride.
- Ride-Sharing Apps (Careem, Uber): Ideal for family-sized vehicles with affordable rates.
- Local Taxis & Tuk-Tuks: Good for short rides in smaller towns like Luxor or Aswan.
- Daily Budget Estimate: $10–$15 depending on distance and city.
Attractions & Sightseeing: Maximizing Value
While some historical sites have entrance fees, many are affordable or even free.
Must-See Highlights Under Budget:
- Pyramids of Giza: Entry tickets for adults (~$10–$12); children often pay less or enter free.
- Egyptian Museum: Entry around $5–$6 per adult.
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Free to explore.
- Al-Azhar Park: Entry fee under $1.
- Luxor Temple & Karnak: Combo tickets for families can be negotiated with tour operators.
- Felucca Ride on the Nile: Group rides for $10–$15 for 30–45 minutes.
Free Activities:
- Walking tours through Old Cairo.
- Exploring Islamic Cairo’s historic mosques.
- Open-air strolls along the Nile Corniche.
Budget Tips for Affordable Family Adventures
- Travel Off-Season: Visit between March–May or September–November for lower prices.
- Use Family Passes or Group Discounts: Many sites offer discounted rates for families or children.
- Plan Self-Guided Tours: Use printed maps or offline apps to explore areas like Zamalek or the Old City.
- Negotiate Prices: Taxis, feluccas, and even some small shop purchases allow room for negotiation.
- Limit Paid Attractions Daily: Plan one paid activity per day and combine it with free explorations.
- Pack Snacks & Water: To avoid overpriced tourist-area refreshments.
Sample Budget-Friendly Family Day in Egypt
Morning:
- Free hotel breakfast.
- Visit the Pyramids of Giza ($20 for 2 adults).
- Explore the Sphinx Complex (included with Pyramid ticket).
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a local restaurant (~$10 for the family).
- Visit Khan El Khalili for free browsing.
- Juice break ($2).
Evening:
- Relax at Al-Azhar Park ($3 for the family).
- Dinner at a street food stall ($10).
- Uber back to hotel ($5).
Total Spend: Approximately $50–$60.
At Hi DMC, we specialize in curating budget-conscious family travel experiences across Egypt, without compromising on comfort or culture. From economical Nile cruises to affordable Cairo itineraries, we handle all the planning so you can focus on family moments that matter.