Okay, let’s talk about Egypt. Not just the Sahel-coded version, and not just the one on your vision board, but the real one. The one that truly hits different when you’re standing in it. Yes, this is the country holding two of the seven wonders of the ancient world, but honestly? That’s the surface-level version of what makes it so special.
Egypt is layered. Loud and golden and ancient and impossibly alive, but the best parts are never the ones on the itinerary. It’s the cute little cafe down a random street that stops you completely. The way the light sits on the Nile at night. It’s the kind of place that rewards you for the art of noticing – and that’s exactly the kind of traveller you want to be here.
And here’s the thing – there is genuinely no better way to experience all of that than solo. Just you, your own place, your own curiosity, zero compromises, zero “but I wanted to go here” energy from anyone else. Solo travel as a woman is one of the most quietly radical things you can do for yourself. The freedom to change the plan completely because something more interesting came up? That becomes a whole shift in who you are.
Does it sound a little scary? Yeah, obviously. We’re not going to pretend it doesn’t. There’s a moment in every solo trip where you think, OMG, am I actually doing this?; and then you do it anyway, and it turns out your female intuition was right. So consider this your guide to the coolest, most deeply Egypt places that’ll make you feel the history, the relaxation, and all the beauty this country carries.
Aswan – This one’s for the history girls
Check into the Old Cataract Hotel and try not to completely lose your mind about the fact that Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile here. It’s a 19th-century Victorian hotel sitting right on the Nile, and the architecture alone is worth the stay; grand, historic, and genuinely atmospheric in a way that modern hotels just can’t replicate. For dinner, Mezze Restaurant is your spot – authentic Egyptian food with views that look directly onto the Nile, the botanical island, and a backdrop of historical monuments. It’s going to be the kind of meal you keep putting your fork down just to stare out the window.
For the actual history fix – and there is a lot of it here – Philae Temple is non-negotiable. It sits on its own island, and you get there by felucca boat on the Nile, which is already an experience within itself. The walls are covered in scenes from Egyptian mythology, and it’s the kind of place where you find yourself decoding every single panel. Abu Simbel is worth the trip too; those four colossal pharaoh statues dominating the entrance are one of those things you have to see in person to register the scale of.
And try to free up a day to do a Nubian Village day trip. The bright colours, the warmth, the whole visual of it, it’s jaw-dropping.
El Gouna – Sahel’s cooler, chiller sister
El Gouna is one of those towns that somehow has everything and still feels like a secret. Sitting right along the Red Sea, it manages to feel completely lived-in and real, and once you arrive, you’ll understand why people come for vacation and just… stay.
Start at Downtown El Gouna, which is the heart of it. Egyptian architecture, winding little streets, cafes that belong only on Pinterest, restaurants, shopping, the whole thing. It’s the kind of place you wander through with no real plan and end up having the best afternoon. Grab lunch at Seventh Star Cafe & Bakery while you’re there – a spot so good it becomes your twice-a-day habit by day two, just so you know.
If you’re even a little bit curious about what’s happening beneath the Red Sea, Orca Dive Club is your sign to just go for it. Colourful reefs, fascinating wrecks, and whether you’re a seasoned diver or a total beginner, this is one of those experiences that you’ll be talking about for ages. And for the adrenaline girlies, Sharm Air is a non-negotiable. An aerial tour over some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Egypt? I think yes. From up there, it all looks unreal, and your camera roll will be filled.
And for the next day, clear any other plans and head straight to Moods Restaurant and Beach Club for a relaxing escape that offers exceptional flavours and clear waters you can’t find anywhere else.
The Chedi El Gouna is where you need to stay for luxurious rooms and facilities you can’t refuse. Not just the pool, beach, spa, or gym, what makes it really special is the entertainment program they have that changes day-to-day. Want a lagoon trip? No? What about a cooking class? Kayaking and paddle? A lovely little boat trip? Maybe a facial skincare workshop? Babe, whatever you want, they have!
Fayoum – Egypt’s Best Kept Secret
Tunis Village is the kind of place you stumble into and suddenly can’t imagine leaving. It’s this whole little world of artists, potters, and makers – and it all traces back to one woman, Evelyne Porret, who set up her pottery school here and basically sparked an entire creative community around her. The ripple effect is everywhere.
Wander through, and you’ll find the most beautiful handcrafted pieces at boutique Skylark (fair warning: you’ll be rearranging your luggage for these), blown glass at Minerva Pottery, and local artists just doing their thing at every turn. End the walk at the Evelyne Porret Pottery School and take a class. You’ll leave with something you made with your own hands, and that’s the kind of souvenir that genuinely means something.
And when you need to just chill out for a bit, Wadi El-Rayan and its waterfalls are waiting. Honestly, otherworldly – bring a snack, lose track of time, no notes. After all of that, you deserve a proper sit-down at Ibis Restaurant for their waffles alone – yes, waffles in the middle of the Egyptian countryside, and yes, they are that good. For something more local, Kom El Dikka is your spot for the kind of authentic Egyptian food you absolutely need to try at least once on this trip.
Now, for where you’re staying? Lazib Inn Resort & Spa genuinely deserves its own day. It’s one of the most beautiful boutique luxury resorts in the world, not just in Egypt. A place that makes you want to do absolutely nothing and feel completely okay with that. Spa and wellness centre, outdoor pool for tanning, billiards in the game room if you want to be social, a gym if you’re keeping up your routine, and horse riding, because why wouldn’t you? It’s that kind of place.
Somabay – Full luxury getaway era
If one leg of this trip calls for pure, uninterrupted resort life, Somabay is exactly where you want to be. The Sheraton Somabay Resort is practically a movie set – luxurious renovated rooms, an 800-metre beachfront with every water activity you could want, and waterparks that are honestly unmatched anywhere else in Egypt. It’s the definition of switching off completely.
For your beach club day, S.Cape Beach Club is the one – the food, the views, the whole relaxed luxury atmosphere. You simply cannot compete with it. Lunch at Maison Thomas is a must at some point during your stay – it’s originally a Zamalek, Cairo restaurant and holds the title of oldest pizzeria in Egypt, and with that kind of history behind them, they absolutely know what they’re doing. And when you’re ready for something more active, Somabay Golf offers world-class facilities in perfect weather, or you can go full chaos and pick from the lineup of boat trips, a desert safari, or anything else. There is truly no version of this place that disappoints.
Here’s what nobody tells you about solo travel: the destination matters less than the decision. But when the destination is Egypt? You really can’t lose. Go for the pyramids, stay for everything else, and come back a little bit different. That’s the goal.
Check out Cosmo ME’s guide to the best lunch spots in Dubai here.