Egypt During Ramadan: What Tourists Should Know (Hours, Food & Etiquette)

Are you planning a trip to the land of the Pharaohs this February or March? You might be arriving during the Holy Month. Visiting Egypt during Ramadan is a unique, spiritual, and incredibly vibrant experience, but it requires a little extra planning. Don’t worry—everything is still open, but the rhythm of the city changes completely!

In this guide, we will cover the essential Egypt during Ramadan travel tips you need to know to navigate the adjusted hours, respect local customs, and enjoy the festive nights like a local.

What is Ramadan in Egypt Like for Tourists?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. For tourists, this means two distinct "cities" in one day:

• The Quiet Day: From sunrise to sunset, the streets are quieter, and the pace is slower. Muslims fast (no food, water, or smoking), so public energy is reserved.
• The Festive Night: The moment the sun sets (Maghrib prayer), the cannon fires, and the city explodes with life! Streets light up with colorful lanterns (Fanous), shops reopen until late, and the smell of delicious food fills the air.

How to Plan Your Sightseeing Schedule

The most important adjustment you will make is to your daily clock. Tourist sites often close 1-2 hours earlier than usual to allow staff to get home for Iftar (the breaking of the fast). Here is a practical "How-to" schedule for a typical day:

1. Morning: Start Early (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM)

This is the golden hour. Because locals were up late for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), the streets are empty in the morning. You can have the Pyramids or Karnak Temple almost to yourself.

2. Mid-Day: Sightseeing Cut-Offs

Be aware of the adjusted hours for Ramadan 2026 (expected mid-February):

• Giza Pyramids: typically close at 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM (Last ticket sold at 3:00 PM) .
• Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) & GEM: usually close by 4:00 PM .
• Luxor & Aswan Temples: Most remain open, but ticket offices may close early. Aim to finish by 3:00 PM.

3. Late Afternoon: The Rush Hour Warning (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)

Avoid being on the road at this time. Everyone is rushing home to break their fast. Traffic can be chaotic. Plan to be back at your hotel or at your chosen dinner spot by 4:30 PM.

To fully immerse yourself in the festive "Fanous" atmosphere, we recommend staying near Downtown or Islamic Cairo where the streets stay alive until dawn. You can find excellent hotel deals with Nile views on Booking.com or Agoda, which often offer competitive rates for Asian travelers. For backpackers looking for a budget-friendly social vibe, check out the top-rated hostels in Cairo on Hostelworld.

Food & Drink Etiquette: The Golden Rules

One of the top Egypt during Ramadan travel tips concerns food. Can you eat? Yes. Can you buy alcohol? It depends.

Can tourists eat in public?

While you are not expected to fast, it is considered polite to not eat, drink water, or smoke openly in the streets during daylight hours .

• In Hotels: Business as usual. Breakfast and lunch are served normally.
• Tourist Restaurants: Many sit-down restaurants in tourist areas (like Zamalek, Maadi, or near the Pyramids) remain open with screened-off sections.
• On the Street: Avoid walking around with a coffee cup or snacking while walking. It’s a gesture of respect that Egyptians deeply appreciate.

Alcohol Availability

Egypt is "dry" for locals during Ramadan. However, foreign passport holders can still purchase alcohol in:

• Major hotels and resorts (served in bars/restaurants).
• Duty-free shops (usually within 48 hours of arrival).
• Note: Many local bars and liquor stores close completely for the entire month .

How to Experience the "Magic" of Ramadan

Don't just survive Ramadan; enjoy it! Here is how to join the celebration:

1. Book an Iftar Dinner: Around 6:00 PM (check local sunset time), join a "Iftar Buffet" at a hotel or a tent. The atmosphere is joyous. Try the traditional drink Qamar al-Din (apricot juice).
2. Walk Moez Street at Night: This is the heart of Islamic Cairo. After 8:00 PM, it is magical. The medieval mosques are lit up, and folk bands often play music .
3. Try "Suhoor" Late Night: If you are a night owl, go out at 1:00 AM or 2:00 AM for Suhoor (yogurt, foul beans, eggs). The city doesn't sleep!

Are you wondering if you can still see the Great Pyramids during Ramadan? Absolutely. In fact, visiting Giza during the Holy Month can be one of the most peaceful experiences you will have in Egypt—if you time it right. With locals resting in the mornings, you might just have the Sphinx to yourself!

However, the schedule at the Giza Plateau changes slightly to accommodate fasting staff. Here is your step-by-step Egypt during Ramadan travel tips guide to planning the perfect day trip to the ancient wonders without getting stuck in the pre-Iftar traffic.

Step 1: Timing Your Arrival (The "Golden Window")

The most critical change during Ramadan is the closing time. While sites normally stay open until 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM, they often close a bit earlier during Ramadan. Here is the adjusted schedule you should plan for:

• Opening Time: 8:00 AM (Winter/Spring schedule) .
• Closing Time: Ticket windows often close by 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM to allow staff to leave before sunset .
• Best Time to Arrive: 8:00 AM sharp. The air is cool, the site is empty, and the lighting is perfect for photos. You will beat the tour buses that usually arrive around 10:00 AM .

Step 2: Getting There (Transport Tips)

Traffic in Cairo during Ramadan has a unique rhythm. To have a smooth trip to Giza (which is about 45-60 minutes from downtown Cairo), follow these rules:

Using Uber or Careem

This is the best option for tourists. Order your ride around 7:00 AM. The roads will be surprisingly clear because many locals are sleeping in after late-night Suhoor gatherings.

Avoiding the "Rush Hour"

Warning: Do not try to leave the Pyramids between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM. This is when everyone is rushing home for Iftar (sunset meal). The roads become gridlocked. Plan to leave the plateau by 3:00 PM to get back to your hotel or restaurant comfortably.

Finding an authentic spot for Iftar can be overwhelming for first-timers. Instead of guessing, we highly recommend booking a Cairo Food Tour or an Islamic Cairo Night Walk through GetYourGuide or Viator. These local experts take you to the best hidden gems for traditional savory dishes and Ramadan sweets like Kunafa, ensuring a safe and delicious experience.

Step 3: What to Wear & Etiquette at the Site

The Pyramids are an outdoor site, but modest dress is especially appreciated during Ramadan.

• For Women: Loose trousers or a long skirt and a t-shirt that covers shoulders are perfect. A scarf is handy but not mandatory unless you enter a mosque.
• For Men: Long pants are preferred over shorts, though not strictly enforced at the open-air sites.
• Public Drinking: It can get hot walking the plateau. Bring water, but try to drink it discreetly (turn away from crowds or find a quiet corner) out of respect for the fasting staff and drivers .

Step 4: Where to Eat Lunch?

Since you will be visiting during the day, you might get hungry while everything is "closed." Don't worry, tourist areas have exceptions:

• 9 Pyramids Lounge: Located inside the plateau, this famous wooden lounge remains open for tourists during the day. Reservations are a must!
• Hotel Restaurants: The Marriott Mena House and other nearby hotels serve food all day to foreigners.
• Tip: Pack light snacks (granola bars) in your bag just in case you stay longer than expected.

Bonus: The Sound & Light Show

If you miss the day slot or want a magical evening, the Sound & Light Show schedule often shifts in Ramadan. Instead of starting at 7:00 PM, it usually starts later, around 8:30 PM, to allow time for Iftar first . It’s a beautiful way to see the Sphinx illuminated under the stars after a delicious meal.

Are you ready to see Cairo never sleep? If you think Cairo is busy during the day, wait until you see it at night during Ramadan. The true heart of the celebration beats in Islamic Cairo. From the glowing lanterns (Fanous) to the mesmerizing Sufi dancers, this is the cultural highlight of your trip.

This Egypt during Ramadan travel tips guide will show you exactly how to navigate the medieval streets of Al-Moez and Khan el-Khalili for an unforgettable evening of food, history, and festivity.

How to Plan Your Night Tour? (The Perfect Timeline)

To experience the magic without the stress, follow this timeline. The streets come alive after Iftar.

1. The "Iftar" Goal (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)

Start your evening by breaking your fast with locals. You don't need to fast to join in!

• Where to go: Head to the Al-Hussein area or Al-Azhar Park. The park offers stunning views of the Citadel and lit-up mosques while you eat What to eat: Try a set menu of Mahshi (stuffed vegetables) and grilled meats. For dessert, Kunafa with mango or cream is non-negotiable!

2. The "Moez Street" Walk (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Al-Moez Street is the world's largest open-air museum of Islamic art. At night, the medieval mosques are illuminated, creating a breathtaking atmosphere .

• Route: Start from Bab al-Futuh (North Gate) and walk south towards Al-Azhar.
• Atmosphere: You will see traditional bands, families strolling, and vibrant light decorations. It is safe, crowded, and incredibly joyful .

How to Watch the Famous "Tanoura" Show?

You cannot visit Islamic Cairo without seeing the whirling dervishes. The best authentic show is at Wekalet El Ghouri, a historic caravanserais.

• When: typically Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. During Ramadan, times may shift to start around 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM (check locally) .
• Tickets: Go early! Tickets are limited and often sell out 1-2 hours before the show starts. It costs around 47 USD for organized tours, but tickets at the door are much cheaper .

How to Survive the "Suhoor" Rush (Late Night)

The night doesn't end at midnight. In Ramadan, it's just beginning! Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal, and in Cairo, it's a social event.

Where to eat Suhoor in Old Cairo?

1. El Fishawy Cafe (Khan el-Khalili): The oldest café in Cairo. It will be packed, but squeezing in for a mint tea and shisha is a rite of passage .
2. Naguib Mahfouz Cafe: For a more upscale, air-conditioned experience with live lute (Oud) music. Reservations are essential.
3. Zeeyara (Le Riad Hotel): A rooftop spot on Moez Street with a view of the minarets—perfect for a quieter, magical meal .

Practical Tips for the Night

• Safety: The area is very safe due to the crowds and police presence, but watch your pockets in the tight squeezes of Khan el-Khalili .
• Traffic: Do not take a taxi to the gate of the market. Traffic will be at a standstill. Get dropped off at Al-Azhar Park or Bab al-Futuh and walk.
• Dress Code: Nights are cooler, and since this is a conservative area with many mosques, modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is respectful and appreciated.

Are you staying in Egypt until the end of Ramadan? If so, you are in for a massive celebration! Immediately following the Holy Month comes Eid al-Fitr (The Festival of Breaking the Fast), a 3-day national holiday where the entire country goes into vacation mode.

While this is a joyous time, it can be tricky for logistics. Banks close, ATMs run dry, and coastal roads get packed. Here is your survival guide to navigating Eid al-Fitr 2026 like a pro.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2026?

Dates rely on the moon, but for planning purposes, expect the holiday to fall around:

• Expected Dates: March 20 – March 22, 2026 .
• The "Bridge" Holiday: Often, if the holiday falls mid-week, the government extends it. Expect government offices and banks to be closed from roughly March 20th to March 23rd .

What Closes and What Stays Open?

The city doesn't shut down, but it changes gears.

• Banks: CLOSED for at least 3 days. Travel Tip: Withdraw enough cash (EGP) 2 days before Eid starts. ATMs often run out of money during the holiday rush .
• Shops & Bazaars: Many small shops in places like Khan el-Khalili may close for the first day of Eid so owners can visit family. They usually reopen by the evening or the second day .
• Malls & Restaurants: Open and very busy! Places like Mall of Arabia or Cairo Festival City will be packed with families .
• Tourist Sites: Open! The Pyramids and museums remain open, but expect them to be crowded with Egyptian families celebrating the holiday .

Transport Alert: The "Great Escape"

During Eid, millions of Cairenes travel to the beaches (Ain Sokhna, Alexandria, North Coast).

• Inter-City Travel: Trains and buses to Luxor, Aswan, or Hurghada book up weeks in advance. Do not rely on last-minute tickets.
• Inside Cairo: The streets of Cairo are actually surprisingly empty during the day because so many residents have left the city. Uber and Careem remain available and reliable .

How to Celebrate Like a Local?

If you are in Egypt during Eid, join the fun!

1. Eat "Kahk": These are sugar-dusted cookies filled with nuts or dates, made specifically for Eid. Buy a box from a bakery like El Abd or Tseppas to share.
2. Say "Eid Mubarak": This is the greeting everyone uses. It means "Blessed Festival." Smile and say it to your driver, hotel staff, or guide—it goes a long way.
3. Enjoy the "Empty" Cairo: With locals at the beach, it's actually a great time to walk downtown or visit the Citadel without the usual traffic noise .