Things To Do
in Al Qays

Colorful stalls, piles of spices, breads and produce—great for candid street photography and portraits of vendors with proper permission.

Narrow lanes with textured walls, hanging laundry and local life that capture the town’s character in golden-hour light.

Local water channels, feluccas or irrigation scenes offer reflections, agriculture activity and birdlife — ideal at sunrise or sunset.

Architectural details, façades and doorway scenes—be mindful of religious sensitivity and avoid photographing people in prayer without permission.

A staple mashed fava bean dish served for breakfast or any meal; find it at markets, family eateries and street vendors.

Must-Try!

A popular Egyptian comfort food of rice, lentils, pasta and spicy tomato sauce; often available at local eateries or roadside stands.

Fried patties made from crushed fava beans and herbs—crispy and best at morning street stalls.

Simple charcoal-grilled lamb or chicken skewers available at small grills and family restaurants.

Morning markets sell fresh bread, vegetables, spices and ful; try warm baladi bread, freshly made ta'ameya and small sweet pastries.

Look for vendors selling ful sandwiches, koshari bowls and grilled corn—cleanliness varies, so choose busy stalls with high turnover.

Dress conservatively—cover shoulders and knees—especially for women; in religious areas cover hair if required and avoid revealing clothing.

Be mindful during prayer times, avoid disrupting services and ask before photographing people in religious contexts.

Use greetings like 'As-salamu alaykum' and accept offers of tea graciously—hosts value hospitality and politeness.

Bargaining at markets is normal—do so politely and with a smile; if you don’t want to buy, a gentle refusal preserves goodwill.

Tipping (baksheesh) is common for small services: rounding up, 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included, small amounts for porters, taxi drivers and guides; offer discreetly.

Cash in Egyptian pounds (EGP) is preferred in small towns; larger hotels or tourist operators may accept cards but always carry cash for markets and taxis. ATMs may be limited—withdraw in regional centers.

Expect very hot, dry days with strong sun—carry water, sun protection and schedule outdoor activity for early morning or late afternoon. Midday rest is advisable.

Temperatures begin to moderate; this is a pleasant time for outdoor exploration, markets remain lively and evenings are comfortable.

Mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights—layered clothing is recommended. Rain is uncommon but possible; heating in accommodations may be basic.

Comfortable days with occasional wind or dust (khamsin season usually in spring); wildflowers may appear in surrounding farmland after rains.

The main international gateway to Egypt; useful for international connections and domestic flights to regional airports.

Regional airport serving the Nile Valley—handy if traveling to Upper Egypt by air and then onward by road.

Another regional option in southern Egypt for accessing Upper Nile Valley destinations.

Coastal airport with seasonal international flights; an option if combining a trip with Red Sea resorts and then traveling inland.