Can You Drink Alcohol in Egypt? What to Expect

Travel Tips · 5 min read · Published 2025-06-22

Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, but alcohol is available. Here's the honest, practical picture for visitors.

It's a common question, and a fair one. Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, but alcohol is legal and available to tourists. Here's the practical reality so you know what to expect.

Where you can drink Most hotels, resorts, Nile cruisers and tourist-oriented restaurants and bars serve alcohol. In the Red Sea resorts like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, it flows freely. In Cairo and Luxor you'll find it in hotels and many restaurants, just less visibly than at the beach resorts.

Local options Egypt has its own beer, Stella being the best-known local lager, and a small domestic wine industry with a few decent labels. Imported spirits are available in hotels and bars but can be pricey. You can also buy alcohol from specific licensed shops in the cities.

Where it's limited In more local, everyday neighbourhoods and smaller towns, alcohol is much less common, and during the holy month of Ramadan availability can be more restricted out of respect. Public drunkenness is frowned upon everywhere, so keep it relaxed and discreet.

A note on etiquette Drinking within hotels, restaurants, bars and cruises is completely normal and nobody will bat an eye. Just be respectful: this isn't a destination for rowdy public drinking, and a little cultural awareness goes a long way.

On your trip Your Nile cruise and hotels will have bars, and we're happy to point you to good spots in the cities. For the wider cultural picture, see our guide to <a href="/blog/visiting-egypt-during-ramadan">visiting during Ramadan</a>. Browse our <a href="/tours">tours</a> to start planning.