Valentine’s Day in Egypt is a colourful mix of ancient customs and contemporary romantic gestures. Egypt celebrates two days of love, international Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 and a local version, Egyptian Love Day, on Nov. 4. This double celebration is a sign of Egypt’s sensual and romantic soul. This is an intrinsic nature that comes from a legacy that glorifies love through eternal monuments and myths. From the poetic murmurs of ancient papyri to contemporary avenues lined with red roses and heart-shaped balloons, the day is an ode to couples.
Top 10 Places For Valentine’s Day In Egypt
Visit the following places on Valentines Day in Egypt, combining sacred and secular, ancient and modern, to form the Egyptian blend of love and devotion:
1. Cairo Tower (Gezira Tower)
Photo: Faris knight / Wikimedia Commons
Begin your journey by heading up to the observation deck. Here you are greeted with a glorious 360-degree view of Cairo, the magnificent Nile River, and landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza. Plan to visit when the sun is low in the sky for a magical experience as the city turns over in the golden light of evening. Savour an intimate dinner at the revolving restaurant, where you get a never-ending eyeful of Cairo’s glimmering skyline. You can snap memorable photos from the deck or meander through the surrounding gardens. This is ideal for intimate moments to talk on Valentine’s day in Egypt.
Location: Zamalek, Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 12 AM
Entry Fees: £200 / ₹21,500 (foreigners), £50 / ₹5,400 (residents)
2. Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Photo: Francesco Gasparetti / Wikimedia Commons
Experience the bustling interactivity of Khan El Khalili, one of Cairo’s most popular bazaars. Stroll through the narrow streets where shops sell traditional jewellery, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs. Couples can browse for unique Valentine’s gifts, such as hand-engraved jewellery or customised items in Arabic calligraphy. Don’t leave without sitting at the historic El Fishawi Cafe. You can also savour mint tea while absorbing the market’s ageless vibes. Street musicians and artisans also often lend a sense of festivity, providing the chance to experience local culture. Take photos of the colourful stalls and intricate architecture of Old Cairo. With its vibrant lifestyle and heritage, the bazaar presents couples with a romantic, culturally immersive experience.
Location: El Gamaleya, Cairo
Timings: 10 AM – 11 PM
Entry Fees: Free; costs vary by purchase
3. Aswan Botanical Garden
Photo: Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Reached via a romantic felucca ride on the Nile, the Aswan Botanical Garden is a peaceful retreat into nature. Couples can amble hand-in-hand along its lush trails studded with exotic plants, palm trees and flowers. Set on Kitchener’s Island, the gardens have views of the river and a surrounding tranquillity. You can pack a picnic or perch on one of the benches to enjoy the cool shade of towering trees. In addition, birdwatching fans have the chance to catch sight of some of the feathered inhabitants of the garden. Take loads of pictures with the scenic greenery and the Nile.
Location: Kitchener’s Island, Aswan
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: £20 / ₹2,150 per person
4. Philae Temple
Photo: Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons
Sail on a beautiful boat to the Philae Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Isis of love and motherhood in ancient Egyptian religion. The temple’s impressive carvings and grand columns make for some romantic sightseeing. Imagine the romantic tales of the past that the temple honours by exploring its history and beauty. Return for its evening Sound and Light Show, which dramatises the temple’s history in a mesmerising way. This experience is particularly enchanting under a star-filled sky, so be sure to add it to your itinerary for Valentines Day in Egypt.
Location: Agilkia Island, Aswan
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: £180 / ₹19,400 (foreigners), £20 / ₹21,500 (residents)
5. Al Azhar Park
Photo: Djehouty / Wikimedia Commons
Al Azhar Park is one of the largest parks in Cairo, and the Islamic Garden is in Al Azhar Mosque. You and your partner can walk the landscaped gardens, pausing to take photos at scenic viewpoints. The park also has serene water fountains and charming walkways for romantic chitchat. With a romantic meal overlooking Cairo’s historic citadel, dine at one of the park’s upscale restaurants, like the Citadel View. Don’t forget to catch the sunset here and with its warm hues. This is perfect for couples looking for a peaceful but memorable experience on Valentine’s Day in Egypt.
Location: Salah Salem Street, Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fees: £25 / ₹2,700 (residents), £30 / ₹3,200 (foreigners)
6. Siwa Oasis
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Couples seeking a little adventure on Valentines Day in Egypt can consider Siwa Oasis, a remote destination. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Cleopatra’s Spring, a natural spring pool. Enjoy a romantic bike ride through the olive and palm groves or climb the ruins of the ancient Shali Fortress for panoramic views of the oasis. For a more remote experience, head to the Great Sand Sea for a sunset dune safari complete with stargazing beneath the desert sky. Siwa’s leisurely pace and unspoiled natural beauty make for a distinctive and intimate getaway on Valentines Day in Egypt.
Location: Western Desert, near the Libyan border
Timings: Accessible year-round
Entry Fees: Free; costs vary for activities
7. Montaza Palace Gardens
Photo: Sherin.zayed / Wikimedia Commons
The Montaza Palace Gardens in Alexandria fuse royal architecture with verdant landscapes, a picturesque backdrop for Valentine’s Day. Couples can wander the sprawling gardens, lush with exotic plants, manicured lawns and meandering paths. In addition, the view of the Mediterranean Sea at this spot is lovely and is a very popular place for a romantic walk or a picnic. Take pictures while you and your partner pose on the Montaza Palace area or the seaside. Grab lunch at one of the nearby coastal cafés, relaxing in the serene atmosphere and views.
Location: Alexandria
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: £25 / ₹2,700 per person
8. White Desert National Park
Photo: Daniel Fafard / Wikimedia Commons
Be part of an adventurous and surreal White Desert Valentine’s Day with beautiful chalk rock formations. Go on a guided desert safari to see this otherworldly landscape, with natural sculptures that look like mushrooms and animals filling a dreamscape. Sleep beneath a blanket of stars and share a romantic supper by the fire. Couples looking for adventure in a tranquil yet serene environment can enjoy the perfect getaway. Take advantage of this stunning setting to snap glorious photographs together.
Location: Farafra Oasis, Western Desert
Timings: Tours are 2 to 3 days
Entry Fees: Guided tours start at £1,500 / ₹1,61,718 per person
9. The Nile
Photo: Shimoo Ahmed / Wikimedia Commons
A cruise on the Nile in a traditional boat is the most romantic thing to do in Egypt. Float on the river’s placid waters as you take in the city’s skyline, historic landmarks and verdant riverbanks. Bring your picnic or order a candlelit dinner on board for a truly special experience. Sunset rides are especially magical, with the horizon glowing in shades of orange and pink. Whether in frenetic Cairo or the more placid Aswan, a cruise is an intimate way to celebrate Valentines Day in Egypt.
Location: Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor
Timings: 10 AM – sunset; evening rides available
Entry Fees: £200 / ₹21,500 to £500 / ₹53,900 per hour
10. Temple Of Karnak
Photo: Hamerani / Wikimedia Commons
The Temple of Karnak, a magnificent example of ancient Egyptian architecture, is a romantic destination for history-loving couples. Stroll with your hands intertwined through the massive columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, marvelling at the detailed hieroglyphs. Head to the holy lake with the legend of devotion and rituals. Consider that most extraordinary evening experience, the Sound and Light Show, which recounts the temple’s history in a dazzling display. The magnificence and historic importance of the temple provide a strikingly personal backdrop for your Valentine’s Day extravaganza.
Location: Luxor
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: £240 / ₹25,800 (foreigners), £30 / ₹3,200 (residents)
With the mighty Nile River, ancient temples and beautiful oases, the country boasts endless backdrops for Valentine’s Day in Egypt. Whether wandering colourful marketplaces, meandering through verdant gardens, or indulging over candlelit dinners, Egypt adds to every romantic moment. This Valentine’s Day, do something out of the ordinary by exploring unparalleled destinations with your partner. Plan your adventures with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Ricardo Liberato / Wikimedia Commons