Egyptian men do not often wear shorts, but they are perfectly fine for a male tourist to wear. Aside from beachside resort cities, it is not recommended for female tourists to ever wear shorts in Egypt.
Lower Body Clothing
Tourists are not required to follow any particular dress code to visit the pyramids in Egypt. Although many online sources say that female travellers should not wear short pants, many female tourists do, and nobody bats an eyelid.
Pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts are acceptable as clothes to wear in Egypt. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts to fit in with local customs. Men do not need a head-covering scarf to enter mosques.
Light fabrics like linen, cotton and athletic gear made to take the heat are best. Just remember to cover up from your shoulders to below the knee. While women are expected to dress more conservatively than men, even the fellas should leave the short shorts and tight singlets at home.
There are no restrictions as to what to wear when you visit the pyramids of Giza. Basically, wear comfortable clothing and a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Egypt is a conservative country, so we recommend keeping your shoulders covered and not wearing very short shorts.
In the touristy areas of Luxor and Aswan, you don't have to dress as modestly as you might in the more local parts of these cities. For example, while visiting Philae Temple in Aswan you might wear a sleeveless shirt and a pair of shorts.
For men, it's not acceptable to wear shorts so trousers and a t-shirt is a standard option, although there are some resorts which are more relaxed about this. For ladies, it's important to be modest and keep legs covered. Low cut tops, tight clothing or see-through clothing should generally be avoided.
Aside from beachside resort cities, it is not recommended for female tourists to ever wear shorts in Egypt. Before traveling to Egypt for the first time, many travelers ask us what clothes to bring.
You'll find many people wearing sandals in Egypt, and they are great for beach destinations. You don't want to live in your shoes your whole trip, and sandals are perfect for letting your feet breathe. A good pair of sandals are great for being comfortable on long travel days and under the hot sun of Northern Africa.
As Egypt is a majority Muslim country, many locals abstain from alcohol completely. However, it is possible to find liquor stores and bars in some upmarket neighborhoods, and many hotels and resorts serve alcohol.
Trousers and pants are perfectly acceptable for both men and women to wear in Egypt.
You can wear what you would typically wear for a night out as long as it is conservative. There is no dress code per se in Egypt. Egyptian women wear the same things we do including fitted clothing like skinny jeans and leggings. They typically wear loose, long sleeved tops with high necklines (no cleavage showing).
The interiors of all three pyramids of Giza are open to visitors, but each requires the purchase of a separate ticket. Although tourists were once able to freely climb the pyramids, that is now illegal. Offenders face up to three years in prison as penalty.
Keep clothing loose – it will keep you cooler and you'll get less unwanted attention. Although the dress code is more relaxed in hotels and tourist resorts like Sharm el Sheikh, you will find that you will get more respect if you dress modestly – a pashmina or wrap can be useful for times when you need to cover up.
Egypt is conservative. Very conservative. You won't find couples cuddling and kissing in public, as any type of public affection is a big no-no (even handholding isn't really approved of).
Basic Etiquette
It is considered impolite to point the toe, heel or any part of the foot toward another person. Showing the sole of one's shoe is also impolite. Modest dress and presentation is highly valued in Egyptian culture.
Key things to keep in mind about the 'dress code' in the city: Cover your shoulders and wear skirts past the knees. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, clothing that is too revealing (esp cleavage), and shorts. Short sleeve t-shirts are fine.
Knee-length or longer dresses are fine to wear during the day. The flowy material of a maxi dress can help keep you cool in the desert heat, too. You could also try a midi dress or skirt.
The ideal of beauty in Ancient Egypt was considered a tall, slender brunette with a small chest and wide shoulders; not thin, with a muscular body, narrow hips, and long legs. Ancient frescoes depict women with smooth skin without a single hair.
The access to the tombs has a special tickets that costs between 100-400 LE. The only necropolis that include a pyramid access is Dashur. In the necropolis of Saqqara you can enter for free in the smallest of the pyramids.
Conclusion. Visiting the Pyramids of Giza independently allows you to explore at your own pace, which is something we love. We think it's easily doable on your own. Especially for photographers like us, going on a tour is never an option.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Photos with cellphones are permitted inside of the pyramids, for free, no photography pass necessary. However, I could not use my DSLR camera. I kept it inside of my camera bag and did not have to leave it with a guard, as I have read that others have had to do in the past.