tourist attractions of egypt

20 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Egypt

Written by Jess Lee Updated Oct 16, 2023

Home of the ancient Pharaohs, Egypt is a destination full of dazzling temples and tombs that wow all who visit. It's not all historic treasures and tourist attractions, though. With vast tracts of desert for 4WD adventures, the Red Sea's world-class coral reefs and wrecks for divers, and cruising on the famed Nile River, there are plenty of things to do in Egypt for all types of travelers.

Beach lovers head to the Sinai or the Red Sea Coast to soak up the sun, while archaeology fans will have a field day in Luxor.

Cairo is the megalopolis that can't be beaten for city slickers, while Siwa oasis and the southern town of Aswan offer a slice of the slow pace of the countryside.

With so much to see and do, Egypt offers visitors a chance to create itineraries that combine culture, adventure, and relaxation all on one trip.

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top attractions and places to visit in Egypt.

1. Pyramids of Giza

2. luxor's temples & tombs, 3. cruising the nile, 5. abu simbel, 6. diving the red sea, 7. explore historic cairo, 8. south sinai's beach life, 10. egyptian museum, 11. white desert, 12. alexandria, 13. abydos temple, 14. siwa oasis, 15. st. catherine's monastery, 16. red sea beaches, 17. coptic cairo, 18. wadi al-hitan, 19. temple of hathor, 20. monastery of st. anthony.

The last surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.

Having awed travelers down through the ages, these tombs of the Pharaohs Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mycerinus), guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, are usually top of most visitor's lists of tourist attractions to see in Egypt and often the first sight they head to after landing.

Today, sitting on the desert edge of Cairo's sprawl, these megalithic memorials to dead pharaohs are still as wondrous a sight as they ever were and an undeniable highlight of any Egypt trip.

To beat the crowds , get here around 7:30am and enter through the main Pyramid of Khufu site entrance (rather than the Sphinx entrance). This means you can have finished exploring the interior tunnels and burial chambers of the Pyramid of Khufu by the time the tour buses start pulling in at 8:15am.

Most visitors limit their site visit to the three pyramids and the Sphinx, but there is plenty more to see on the Giza Plateau. If you can, reserve time to explore the funerary complexes of the eastern cemetery (on the east side of the Pyramid of Khufu). The tombs of 6th dynasty high officials Qar and Idu and the tomb of Meresankh III (who was one of Pharaoh Khafre's wives) are all open to the public.

• Read More: Pyramids of Giza: Attractions, Tips & Tours

Famed for the Valley of the Kings , Karnak Temple , and the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, the Nile-side town of Luxor in Upper Egypt has a glut of tourist attractions.

This is ancient Thebes, the power base of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and home to more sights than most can see on one visit.

Luxor's east bank is home to the modern city, with its vibrant souq; the two temples of Karnak and Luxor; and the museum. The west bank's lush farmland and barren cliffs are where the vast majority of Luxor's tourist attractions sit, with so many tomb and temple sights that it has been called the biggest open-air museum in the world.

Spend a few days here exploring the colorful wall art of the tombs and gazing in awe at the colossal columns in the temples, and you'll see why Luxor continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists.

The Valley of the Kings is one of Egypt's most visited sites but, if you are willing to get up extra early, you can beat the crowds . All of Luxor's archaeological sites open at 6am, but hardly any visitors (and no large tour operators) take advantage of this.

Kick off your sightseeing with a 6am start at the Valley of the Kings, and you'll get to experience the interiors of Luxor's famed New Kingdom tombs with hardly anyone else (except the handful of other wily early risers) there.

Egypt is defined by the Nile. For many visitors, a multi-day cruise upon this famed waterway that saw the rise of the Pharaonic era is a highlight of their Egypt trip.

Cruising the Nile is also the most relaxing way to see the temples that stud the banks of the river on the route between Luxor and Aswan, plus sunrise and sunset over the date-palm-studded river banks, backed by sand dunes, is one of Egypt's most tranquil vistas.

The two famous sights on a Nile Cruise are the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu's Temple of Horus , where all the big cruise boats stop.

If you'd prefer a less crowded and slower experience, though, and don't mind "roughing it" a bit, you can also cruise the Nile by felucca (Egypt's traditional lateen-sailed wooden boats), which also allows you to create your own itinerary.

The vast amount of cruise boat itineraries depart from either Luxor or Aswan, but feluccas can only be chartered for multi-day trips from Aswan.

Egypt's most tranquil town is Aswan, set upon the winding curves of the Nile. Backed by orange-hued dunes, this is the perfect place to stop and unwind for a few days and soak up the chilled-out atmosphere.

Take the river ferry across to Elephantine Island and stroll the colorful streets of the Nubian villages. Then ride a camel to the desert monastery of St. Simeon on Aswan's east bank. Afterwards, relax in one of the riverboat restaurants while watching the lateen-sailed feluccas drift past.

Make sure to jump aboard a felucca at sunset to sail around Aswan's islands. This is by far, Aswan's most popular activity and the most relaxing way to take in the local sights.

There are plenty of historic sites here and numerous temples nearby, including Philae Temple on its island, but one of Aswan's most popular things to do is simply kicking back and watching the river life go by.

Even in a country festooned with temples, Abu Simbel is something special. This is Ramses II's great temple, adorned with colossal statuary standing guard outside, and with an interior sumptuously decorated with wall paintings.

Justly famous for its megalithic proportions, Abu Simbel is also known for the incredible engineering feat carried out by UNESCO in the 1960s, which saw the entire temple moved from its original setting to save it from disappearing under the rising water of the Aswan Dam.

Today, exploring Abu Simbel is just as much about admiring the triumph of this international effort to save the temple complex as it is about gaping in wonder at Ramses II's awe-inspiring building works, itself.

Most people arrive in Abu Simbel on organized day trips from Aswan, which all have an early morning start to get to the temple complex at 8am or 9am.

After 11am, nearly everyone has cleared out and headed back to Aswan. To wander through Ramses II's colossal monument without the crowds, overnight in Abu Simbel village itself and visit the temples after midday.

Below the Red Sea's surface is another world as fascinating as the temples and tombs on land.

The coral reefs of the Red Sea are renowned among scuba divers for both the soft corals on display and the vast amount of sea life, ranging from colorful reef fish and nudibranchs to sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and even dugongs.

For divers, the most famous town to base yourself in is Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, closest to the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, as well as the reefs of the Straits of Tiran.

To dive the sites of the Straits of Gubal head to Hurghada or El Gouna on the Red Sea coast, while advanced divers should check out the resort of Marsa Alam, the nearest base for diving Egypt's "deep south" dive sites.

As well as fish life and coral, the Red Sea is a major wreck-diving destination. The most famous wreck is the Thistlegorm, a British WWII cargo ship that was on its way to resupply Allied troops when it was bombed by the Germans in 1941.

Today the site is regarded by divers as one of the top five wreck dives in the world due to the vast cargo of cars, motorbikes, and WWII memorabilia that can be seen both scattered on the sea bed around the wreck and inside the ship itself.

Dive boat trips to the wreck are organized from both Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.

The Red Sea offers year-round diving but for the calmest sea conditions and best underwater visibility, July and August are the best months . This is high summer in Egypt though with its accompanying sweltering on-land temperatures. If your Egypt trip doesn't solely revolve around diving, it's still best to avoid these months.

Read More: Diving in the Red Sea: Best Dive Sites

The atmospheric, narrow lanes of the capital's Historic Cairo district are crammed full of mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools of learning), and monuments dating from the Fatimid through to the Mameluke eras.

This is where you'll find the labyrinth shopping souq of Khan el-Khalili, where coppersmiths and artisans still have their tiny workshops, and stalls are laden with ceramics, textiles, spice, and perfume.

Surrounding the market is a muddle of roads, home to some of the most beautiful preserved architecture of the old Islamic empires.

There is a wealth of history here to explore. Visit Al-Azhar Mosque and the dazzling Sultan Hassan Mosque , and make sure to climb up to the roof of the ancient medieval gate of Bab Zuweila for the best minaret-speckled panoramas across the district.

Mornings are the best time to visit this district as the narrow lanes are at their quietest. If you're planning to visit the area's mosques though, avoid visiting on Fridays (the Muslim holy day) . If you want to enter mosques as a tourist, dress conservatively (covering arms and legs) and bring along a scarf to throw over your head if you're female.

Keen shoppers should head to Khan el-Khalili in the evening: the shops here are all open until late and the souq is at its most vibrant after dark.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Cairo & Easy Day Trips

Egypt's South Sinai region, on the Sinai Peninsula, offers a beach for every type of traveler.

Sharm el-Sheikh is a European-style resort town packed full of luxury hotels, international restaurants, and bags of entertainment options. A favorite with Europeans on winter-sun vacations, many of the resorts here cater to families on one- or two-week sun-and-sand breaks.

Dahab is a low-key beach town with a budget-traveler heart, which is just as much about desert excursions and adventures as the sea. It's particularly known for its cheap dive-package deals and for its lagoon beach area where windsurfing and kitesurfing are the top activity.

Up the coast, between the port town of Nuweiba and the border town of Taba are the bamboo hut retreats that offer complete get-away-from-it-all respites from life and back-to-basics beach life.

Everyone's heard of Giza's Pyramids, but they're not the only pyramids Egypt has up its sleeve. Day-tripping distance from Cairo , Saqqara is a vast necropolis of tombs and pyramids that was utilized during every era of Pharaonic rule.

It's best known for its Old Kingdom Step Pyramid, which shows how the architects of Ancient Egypt advanced their engineering knowledge to finally create a true pyramid shape.

There's much more to see beyond the Step Pyramid, though, with some of the surrounding tombs, such as the Mastaba of Ti, showcasing some of the finest tomb paintings you'll see in the country.

Nearby, the pyramid site of Dahshur is home to the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, which should be included on any Saqqara visit.

• Read More: Exploring Saqqara: A Visitor's Guide

A treasure trove of the Pharaonic world, Cairo's Egyptian Museum is one of the world's great museum collections . The faded pink mansion in downtown Cairo is home to a dazzling amount of exhibits.

The museum's exhibits cover the breadth of the Pharaonic era with highlights including its artifacts from pre-dynastic Egypt, the Old Kingdom galleries displaying the fine statuary from Egypt's period of pyramid builders, and the displays of glittering funerary goods unearthed from the country's most famous tomb finds.

Make sure to reserve enough time at the museum to fully view the galleries devoted to the grave goods of Yuya and Thuya and the royal tombs of Tanis (both upstairs).

Until Giza's much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opens, the Egyptian Museum is also where you come to see a selection of the riches from Tutankhamen's Valley of the Kings tomb. When the GEM finally does open, these will be moved there (and the entire Tutankhamen collection will be displayed in full for the first time).

Everything else though in the Egyptian Museum's collection will be staying in place.

Egypt's kookiest natural wonder is White Desert National Park, out in the Western Desert, just south of Bahariya Oasis. Here, surreally shaped chalk pinnacles and huge boulders loom over the desert plateau, creating a scene that looks like icebergs have found themselves stranded amid a landscape of sand.

This highly scenic environment looks like something out of a science fiction movie and is a favorite destination for 4WD desert trips and overnight camping , which are both easiest organized in Bahariya Oasis.

For desert fans and adventurers, this is the ultimate weird playground, while anybody who's had their fill of temples and tombs will enjoy this spectacular natural scenery.

Alexandria has a history that not many others can match.

Founded by Alexander the Great, home of Cleopatra, and razzmatazz renegade city of the Mediterranean for much of its life, this seafront city has an appealing days-gone-by atmosphere that can't be beaten.

Although today, there are few historic remnants of its illustrious past left to see, Alexandria's long seafront Corniche road leading to its fort (sitting on the site where its famous ancient lighthouse once sat) remains a favorite summer destination to capture cooling sea breezes for Egyptians and foreign visitors alike.

Underwater archaeological projects here have imbued Alexandria's museums with interesting exhibits. The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a contemporary interpretation of Alexandria's famed ancient library, and the handful of historic sights in town include an atmospheric catacombs site.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Alexandria

The Temple of Osiris in Abydos is one of Ancient Egypt's most fascinating artistic treasures.

The temple, begun by Seti I, sits amid a vast necropolis site where archaeological excavations are ongoing. There a various other temple remnants to see here but for most visitors, the Temple of Osiris is the main reason to visit.

Its hypostyle halls, graced by papyrus-headed columns, contain some of the finest relief-work in Egypt, with various scenes portraying the pharaoh and the gods of Ancient Egypt.

As the temple lies north of Luxor, it isn't on the main Nile cruise ship route, so it receives much fewer visitors than the temple sites in Luxor itself and the Nile-side temples to the south. This means you are often lucky enough to wander through the temple's halls with only a few other visitors on site.

• Read More: Exploring The Temples of Abydos: A Visitor's Guide

Sitting in isolation, in the western corner of the Western Desert, Siwa is the tranquil tonic to the hustle of Egypt's cities. This gorgeous little oasis, surrounded by date palm plantations and numerous hot-water springs, is one of the Western Desert's most picturesque spots.

Siwa town is centered around the ruins of a vast mud-brick citadel, known as the Fortress of Shali, which dominates the view, while various temple remnants, including the Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great is said to have come to receive advice, are scattered throughout the wider oasis area.

This is a top spot to wind down and go slow for a few days, as well as being an excellent base from which to plan adventures into the surrounding desert.

One of the oldest monasteries in the world, St. Catherine's stands at the foot of Mount Sinai, amid the desert mountains of the Sinai Peninsula, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.

This desert monastery is home to an incredible collection of religious iconography, art, and manuscripts (some of which can be seen in the on-site museum), as well as the burning bush.

For most visitors here, a trip to St. Catherine's also involves a hike up Mount Sinai to see sunrise or sunset. Take the camel path for the easy route, or climb the famous Steps of Repentance if you want better views.

Egypt's Red Sea coastline offers swaths of sand for travelers who want a time-out from temple viewing.

During winter, the resorts scattered along the shore surrounding Hurghada jump into life as European families arrive on package tourism breaks.

The big bonus of choosing a resort on the Red Sea coast over one on the Sinai Peninsula is that you are within day-tripping distance to Luxor, so this is the best place to visit for beach life if you still want to easily see some of Egypt's most famous monuments.

Hurghada and El Gouna are the two main resort towns, while the smaller, and still being-developed, town of Marsa Alam is much farther south.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Red Sea Region

The Cairo district known as Coptic Cairo is one of the most important Christian sites in the country.

Originally the Fortress of Babylon, dating back to the Achaemenid Empire's conquest of Egypt in 525 BCE, this district is home to Cairo's oldest surviving church, synagogue, and mosque, as well as the excellent Coptic Museum, which holds the world's largest collection of Coptic Christian art and antiquities.

A section of the Fortress of Babylon's walls, which were repaired and expanded under Roman rule, are also still standing and are the entrance into the district.

Make sure to visit the Hanging Church, which holds a fine collection of icons and was built half over the Roman-era water wheel (hence the church's name). Then thread your way down the narrow alley to the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus which, according to local tradition, was built atop the site where the Holy Family with the infant Jesus lived in refuge after fleeing King Herod.

Nearby, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is famous for being the site where the Geniza documents cache were discovered.

A short walk away is the Mosque of Amr Ibn Al As, built by the Arab Muslim army commander (and later, first governor of Egypt) after conquering Egypt.

Wadi Al-Hitan is in the Fayoum area, a lush and fertile depression fed by ancient canals and surrounded by desert.

The Fayoum itself, with Lake Quran, the pottery village of Tunis, and Pharaonic ruins scattered across the hinterland, is an interesting place to visit, but the main tourist attraction here, in the nearby desert, is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Al-Hitan.

Amid the orange dunes and jagged rocks of this desert valley, a vast fossil cache of the oldest prehistoric whales (the basilosaurus and dorodontus) were discovered, hugely aiding human understanding of the evolution of whales.

Some of the finds have been kept in situ, with walking tracks radiating out from the visitor's center to skeleton sites sitting amid the sand.

In the visitor center itself, a museum dedicated to the site does an excellent job of explaining Wadi Al-Hitan's importance, and displays many of the site's other finds, including a skeleton of a basilosaurus whale that measures 18 meters long.

The Temple of Hathor at Dendara was built in the late Pharaonic era and extended during the Roman period, though Dendara itself was an important cult center from early on in the period of Ancient Egypt.

A trip here is well worth a day trip from Luxor, as the temple's youth (in comparison to other Pharaonic temples) means that it is one of the most complete surviving temples in Egypt.

The reliefs and decoration here are in an excellently preserved state. In particular, while in the hypostyle hall, which was built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, note the columns topped by heads of the Egyptian god Hathor, and the wall reliefs of the emperor paying tribute to the Egyptian gods.

Dendara is just outside the city of Qena, 80 kilometers north from Luxor.

Secreted within the jagged northern mountains of the Red Sea coast, the Monastery of St. Anthony has been a working monastery since the 4th century, and today is still home to around 120 monks.

The Church of St. Anthony, within the fortress-like compound, has an interior of secco wall paintings that are considered one of the most important collections of Egyptian Coptic art in the world and date from around the 11th and 12th centuries. The church is also home to the tomb of St. Anthony (the father of monasticism) and is a major pilgrimage destination for Egyptian Coptic Christians.

Monks run tours of the monastery that include visiting the church and some of the monastery's gardens, as well as allowing you to head up and walk on top of the monastery's walls.

St. Anthony's Monastery is very isolated. If you don't have your own transport, the easiest way to get here is to hire a driver from Cairo or Hurghada.

More on Egypt

• South Korea
• Indonesia (Bali)
• Central Asia
• African Safari
• South Africa
• Itinerary Ideas

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Egypt (Can't-Miss for First-Timers)

A visit to Egypt is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you don't want to miss any of the top sights while you're there. From temples and tombs to museums and beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea , these are the top 10 tourist attractions to build your trip to Egypt around.

1. Giza Necropolis (Near Cairo)

2. the karnak temple complex (in luxor), 3. the egyptian museum (in cairo).

• 4. Nile River Cruise (Between Luxor and Aswan)

5. The Valley of the Kings (Near Luxor)

6. abu simbel (near aswan), 7. red sea reefs (in sharm el-sheikh), 8. the siwa oasis (east of the libyan border), 9. the step pyramid of djoser (in saqqara), 10. dahab (near sinai).

Probably one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the entire world , the Giza Necropolis is a must-see and tops the list easily. You'll want a full day to explore the site.

The Giza Necropolis consists of three main pyramids and the Sphinx . The three pyramids were built as tombs for three ancient Egyptian pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Khufu's pyramid is the one you can also enter at the moment . Only 300 visitors a day are allowed in though, so you'll have to plan ahead. Contact us to make appointment.

The Pyramid of Khufu is also the largest pyramid in Egypt , and is also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza or the Pyramid of Cheops. It was believed to have been built in 2560 BC, with construction allegedly taking between 10 and 20 years.

The second-biggest pyramid at Giza is the Pyramid of Khafre , often considered the sister structure of Khufu. It is sometimes seen as being bigger but it was built on a bedrock giving it some height advantage. Architecturally it is also steeper, giving it a more pointed top.

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a statue of a sphinx , a mythical creature combining a human head with a lion's body, and it represents the pharaoh Khafre. It is the oldest known sculpture in Egypt , having been built between approximately 2558 and 2532 BC.

Get to know more information about planning a trip to Egypt >>>

Located in Luxor, Karnak, known also as Ipet-isu, is the largest temple in the entire world . It took over 2,000 years to build, and has four different parts, only one of which is currently open to the public: the Temple of Amun .

Apart from the Temple of Amun there are a mix of decayed temples, pylons, chapels, and remains of other buildings, making for an impressive sight. A total of approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the complex, explaining the size and diversity not seen at any other religious complex in the world.

The most famous sight at the Temple of Amun encompasses 134 columns standing 21 meters high, part of the Great Hypostyle Hall, which is 4,600 square meters or 50,000 square feet large.

Karnak was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 alongside Thebes, the ancient city it is in, which is located in modern-day Luxor.

You could spend an entire day exploring Karnak.

Suggested read: How to Avoid Crowds When Traveling in Egypt

Nestled in Egypt's capital Cairo is the Egyptian Museum, probably one of the most incredible museums in the entire world . The museum is full of ancient Egyptian antiquities , storing over 120,000 items with descriptions of the items on display. You'll find items from many different time periods and of different origins.

There are plans to move this museum to Giza , to the new Grand Egyptian Museum around November 2022, but the date for this has already been pushed back multiple times as construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As for the time of writing this (August, 2022), the museum is still located in Cairo.

A visit to the museum can take most of the day depending on how much time you have available and how long you like to spend in museums!

Suggested read: Egypt Holidays 2024, A Full List is Here!

4. A Nile River Cruise (Between Luxor and Aswan)

A cruise on the Nile is an unforgettable experience, and a must-do when it comes to an Egypt trip given the Nile's role in Egypt's past as well as its future. The Nile is the longest river in the world, and is Egypt's primary water source , as well as an important economic river for agriculture and fishing.

Most routes on the Nile go between Luxor and Aswan , which is a scenic and safe route, and gets you between two of Egypt's most important towns.

When it comes to your trip, you can either take a Felucca , a sail boat that has been used on the Nile for a long time, or otherwise you can take a luxury cruise ship which is a bit more comfortable but perhaps less authentic. There are also various lengths that you can take your boat tour for, making it easy to fit a Nile River cruise into your itinerary.

Suggested read: Best of Luxor and Aswan: Short Tour Planner

In a valley near Luxor, you'll find the Valley of the Kings, a must-see on your trip. This is where, for approximately 500 years between the 16th and 11th century BC, kings and other privileged people were buried .

As of today, approximately 63 tombs and chambers have been unearthed , with the most famous one being the tomb of Tutankhamun . The most recent discoveries here were in 2008 and 2005, showing that there is likely more to be uncovered on the site.

Some tombs in the Valley of the Kings contain just one chamber, while others have constructions featuring over 120 separate chambers. Many of tombs that had previously been opened were robbed of their treasure and emptied out, but you'll still be able to visit and see the incredible artwork on the walls and their sometimes-complex constructions .

You can visit the Valley of the Kings and see a range of different tombs on your visit. The tombs that are open to the public sometimes rotate to maintain and conserve them by avoiding crowding them.

Approximately three hours from Aswan (300 kilometers or 190 miles), Abu Simbel, close to the border of Sudan, contains two massive temples cut into rocks . The temples are beautiful and unique because of the way that they are carved out of huge rocks, which was done in the 13th century BC during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. They are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Nubian Monuments .

These temples relocated in 1968 as part of a campaign ran by UNESCO , as they would have flooded after the creation of Lake Nasser, a massive water reservoir that was created after the Aswan High Dam Project. In order to relocate them they were very carefully taken apart and rebuilt over 4 years by engineers from many different countries, in what is known as one of the greatest challenges of archeological engineering in history. That story alone makes the visit worth the trip , regardless of time it takes to get there.

Egypt is home to some beautiful, colorful reefs, and rich marine life at the Red Sea reefs. If you are a diver, they are a must-see attraction, and there are also incredible sights to see for those who prefer to snorkel as the area is known for the clarity of its waters.

The Red Sea is home to just over five percent of the entire world's coral reefs , over 209 types of corals. Some of the fish you'll see on your dive or snorkel are some of the rarest in the world, and can only be seen in the Red Sea.

You can visit the Red Sea in Sharm el-Sheikh , a popular tourist destination with a lot of great resorts, beaches and restaurants. Another town at which you can start your sea adventures is Hurghada , which has long been a tourist destination.

The Siwa Oasis, located just 50 kilometers (30 mi) east of the Libyan border in the Libyan desert, is popular with tourists because of its vast, beautiful landscapes , freshwater springs , and historical significance . It has historically also been one of Egypt's most isolated settlements with mostly Berbers living here .

The oasis is home to an oracle of Ammon, the ruins which named the Siwa Oasis after Amun Ra, a major ancient Egyptian deity. These ruins of the Temple of Amun, which was believed to have been built in the 6th or 7th century BC originally, made the Siwa Oasis a destination for pilgrims . One famous person known to have sought wisdom here was Alexander the Great.

When visiting you'll find lots of hotels that are built using local materials that blend in with the unique surroundings.

A village close to Giza , Saqqara also covers vast ancient burial grounds for many Egyptian royalty, one of who's tombs was recently featured in the popular Netflix documentary Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb .

Within these grounds (which are actually the largest archeological site in Egypt , due to it being a site of importance for 3,000 years) there are also pyramids.

Apart from visiting tombs here, you absolutely must see the Step Pyramid of Djoser . Despite not being the most famous pyramid in Egypt, it is the oldest pyramid in Egypt , having been built in the 27th century BC. It is a huge 6-tier and 4-sided structure, and the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt.

In 2020 the Step Pyramid of Djoser was reopened for visitors after restoration that took approximately 14 years.

When visiting on-site you'll learn a lot more about how the plan of the construction of the pyramid changed while it was being built, as evidenced in the inner walls. It is also a great spot to get a beautiful view over the Nile from .

A Bedouin fishing village , Dahab, on the southern tip of Sinai, makes for a great stop to get a taste of life beside the Red Sea . It is a beautiful and laid-back town with only 15,000 residents, sporting some beautiful clear, blue water that has attracted tourists from all over the world, particularly since the 1980s.

Activities here include windsurfing , kitesurfing , snorkeling , scuba diving , camel riding and jeep trips . In fact, it is one of Egypt's most treasured diving destinations, and windsurfing is incredible due to strong winds further out at sea and flat-water conditions inside Dahab's sand spit.

Dahab is generally seen as the more "hippie" or "alternative" destination to Sharm el-Sheikh for those who want to enjoy Egypt's coast on a slightly lower budget .

From Dahab, you can get to Mount Sinai within just two hours , if you'd like to add that to your itinerary too!

Why Global Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 9-Day Essential Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise
• 9-Day Egypt Tour with Mount Sinai
• 10-Day Private Egypt Active Family Expedition Tour
• 12-Day Egypt Luxury Tour with Abu Simbel
• How to Plan a 7-Day Egypt Itinerary 2024/2025: Top 6 Options
• Top 6 Egypt Itineraries for 8 Days (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Egypt Itinerary (Best 4 in 2024/2025)
• Top 4 Egypt Itineraries for 12-Day Trips (2023/2024)
• Weather in Egypt in January 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in February 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in March 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in April 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in May 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in June 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in July 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in August 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in September: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in November 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in December 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Global Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Southeast Asia
• Japan, South Korea
• India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka

• Travel Agents
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

Must-See Ancient Sights

Guide to the Pyramids of Giza

Visiting the Nile Delta

Luxor Guide

Valley of the Kings

Visiting Alexandria

Traditional Food to Try

What to Drink in Egypt

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

One Week in Egypt

Things to Do in Egypt

25 Top Things to Do in Egypt

For centuries, tourists have flocked to Egypt to admire its ancient pyramids and temples, as well as its natural wonders. The River Nile is the longest in the world, and the Red Sea coast is a playground for resort-style relaxation and adventurous water sports. At the heart of Egypt’s cultural identity is Cairo, a cosmopolitan capital where historic churches, mosques, and museums rub shoulders with luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants. Discover all this and more with our helpful guide to Egypt’s top attractions.

Dive for Ancient Ruins Around Alexandria

Brad Rickerby / Getty Images

While many of Egypt's ancient ruins can be seen standing tall above ground or hidden in tombs throughout the landscape, there are also a sizable amount of ruins still hiding below the surface of the sea near Alexandria. Discoveries are constantly being made, such as the city of Thonis-Heracleion which was rediscovered by divers in the early 2000s.

Although the water is not known for its clarity, divers will still see some incredible sights, such as the Ruins of Cleopatra's palace and the ancient lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Look for a PADI-certified dive shop to arrange a tour.

Dine on the Nile

iStock / Getty Images

If you don't have the time for a multi-day journey down the Nile, you can still enjoy the water by booking a dinner cruise from Cairo. Cruises last about two hours, where you'll be able to enjoy views of the city at sunset and live music, belly-dancing, and Tanoura, a dazzling traditional style that employs the use of a dynamic skirt to dazzle audiences. The food is typically buffet style, but you'll have a lot of different cruise operators to choose from so it's best to do a little digging and read reviews.

Ride Quads in the Desert

Iana Chyrva / Getty Images

The desert is an incredible landscape to explore, but you'll find yourself quite overheated doing so just on two feet. Instead, opt for a tour by quad. These 4x4 vehicles are fun to drive and you can appreciate the sights as they whizz by you. Quad or ATV tours from Cairo can take you past the pyramids and the sphinx, and often include extras like trips to Memphis or Sahara City, as well as camel rides and sand-boarding experiences.

Venture Through the Valley of the Queens

Nomad Outing / Getty Images

While the pharaohs are memorialized in the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens is the designated burial site for the wives of pharaohs, as well as several of the few female pharaohs that served throughout history. Located near Luxor, the site has over 90 tombs, the most impressive of which is the Tomb of Nefertari, Ramesses II's favorite wife, which is very large and decorated with incredible paintings. Although it is not as famous as the Valley of the Kings, many royal princes and princesses were also buried in this location.

Chill Out in Dahab

A trip to Egypt doesn't have to just be about history and ancient ruins, it can also be about laying out on the beach. A resort town like Dahab offers plenty of opportunities to relax and reset with many laid-back and family-friendly resorts where you can dip your toes into the Gulf of Aqaba, located at the top of the Red Sea. When you crave adventure, you can look to the nearby mountains for hiking or check out the incredible dive sites for scuba and snorkeling, such as the famous Blue Hole, which is accessible from the shoreline.

Learn About Cairo’s Multicultural History

At one time or another, Cairo has been occupied by Romans, Byzantines, Coptic Christians, Islamic caliphs, Mamluks, Ottomans, and British colonialists. Its architecture reflects its multicultural heritage, as you’ll discover on a walking tour of medieval citadel or with a visit to landmark religious sites such as the Hanging Church or Al-Azhar Mosque . For an overview of the country’s ancient history, head to the Egyptian Museum.

Experience Contemporary Cairo in Zamalek

cinoby / Getty Images

Head to Cairo's trendy Zamalek neighborhood (located on Gezira Island in the middle of the River Nile) to discover contemporary art galleries, five-star hotels, and world-class restaurants. El Sawy Culture Wheel is a hub for concerts, plays, and lectures; while the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art and the Cairo Opera House are located nearby. Floating venue Le Pacha 1901 boasts no fewer than nine gourmet riverfront restaurants.

Shop for Souvenirs at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Little has changed at Khan El-Khalili Bazaar since its foundation in the 14th century. In Cairo's most authentic souk, narrow cobbled streets open into alcoves packed with fragrant spices and handcrafted silver jewelry. Come to stock up on souvenirs, remembering that haggling is expected. Afterward, unwind with a cup of mint tea or Arabic coffee at the famous marketplace café Fishawi’s. The bazaar is located in Islamic Cairo.

Marvel at the Ancient Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza lie on the outskirts of Cairo. The largest of the three pyramid complexes is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing today–an impressive feat, considering that the pyramids were built some 4,500 years ago. In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, a cat-like creature carved from a single block of stone. Tickets to view the Great Pyramid cost EGP 100.

Visit the Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara

Those with a passion for pyramids should also make sure to visit the Pyramid of Djoser, located just south of Cairo at Saqqara , the necropolis of ancient Memphis. The pyramid was built in the 27th century BC, using a unique stepped style that pre-dates the smooth-sided pyramids at Giza. It is the oldest stone-cut monument in the world. The best way to visit Saqqara is on a day tour from Cairo .

Walk Amongst Luxor's Ancient Monuments

The modern city of Luxor sits on the east bank of the River Nile, on top of the ancient pharaonic capital of Thebes. Its temples, statues, and monuments give a sense of the city’s past grandeur. The top attraction is Luxor Temple, which was commissioned by Amenhotep III in the late 14th century. Monumental statues of Ramesses II guard the temple gate, and walking in between them is a breathtaking experience.

Explore the Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak temple complex is located just north of Luxor. Karnak was a place of great religious importance for the pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty, and it became the main place of worship for the ancient Thebans. Today, you can walk amongst an astonishing collection of sanctuaries and temples dedicated to the Theban Triad. The largest is the Temple of Amun-Ra, which costs EGP 120 to enter.

View Ancient Tombs in the Valley of the Kings

Across the river from Luxor lies the Theban necropolis, the Valley of the Kings. There are more than 60 subterranean tombs here, built for the mummies of New Kingdom pharaohs from as early as the 16th century BC. The pharaohs were buried with their worldly treasures amidst spectacular hieroglyphs. You’ll have to pay an extra EGP 100 on top of the standard ticket price to visit the most famous tomb – that of boy-king Tutankhamun. 

Uncover Ancient and Modern History at Philae

The Philae temple complex was built by Nectanebo I and added to by Ptolemaic and Roman rulers up until the 3rd century AD. As such, it provides an architectural account of Egypt’s transition from paganism to Christianity. In modern times, it was moved brick by brick from its original location on Philae Island to nearby Agilkia Island after the former was flooded during the construction of the Aswan Dam. Learn more on a day tour from Aswan .

Admire Incredible Reliefs at the Temple of Horus

The Temple of Horus at Edfu may not be the oldest structure in Egypt, but it is one of the best-preserved. The sandstone structure was built between 237 and 57 BC by the Ptolemaic kings, who dedicated it to the cult of the falcon god Horus. When paganism was banished, the abandoned temple began to fill with desert sand which kept its fabulous reliefs and statues intact.

Discover the Symmetrical Temple of Kom Ombo

Xavierarnau / Getty Images

The Temple of Kom Ombo is unique in that it is divided into two symmetrical halves. One is dedicated to Horus the Elder, the other to the crocodile god Sobek. Each half contains an identical entrance, hypostyle hall, and sanctuary, and many of the temple’s reliefs show traces of their original color. Don’t miss the nearby Crocodile Museum with its collection of mummified crocodiles.

See it All on a Full Nile River Cruise

One of the most atmospheric ways to see the ancient sights between Luxor and Aswan is to sign up for a multi-day River Nile cruise . There are countless different options, from historic steamships like the S.S. Sudan to luxury cruisers like the Oberoi Zahra . The latter has its own on board spa and swimming pool. Budget travelers can explore with a no-frills tour on a traditional felucca.

Stand in Awe Before the Abu Simbel Temples

The two temples at Abu Simbel were built during the 13th century BC as monuments to Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari. They were also relocated to higher ground to prevent flood damage in the 1960s. The entrance of the Great Temple is guarded by four colossal statues of Ramesses II. Inside, eight more enormous statues represent the pharaoh in his deified form and can be viewed on an Abu Simbel tour .

Experience Berber Culture at Siwa Oasis

Experience the road less traveled at Siwa Oasis, a desert settlement located near the Libyan border. The town is known for its unique Berber culture, abundant date and olive plantations, and the ruined temple of the ancient Oracle of Ammon. The latter was once visited by Alexander the Great. Make sure to check current travel warnings before booking a trip to Siwa, as the Western Desert can be unsafe.

Make the Pilgrimage Up Mount Sinai

Robert Harding / Getty Images 

Located near Dahab on the Sinai Peninsula, Mount Sinai is a place of pilgrimage for Christians who believe that this is where Moses saw the Burning Bush and later received the Ten Commandments. At the foot of the mountain lies St. Catherine’s Monastery with its museum full of religious icons and relics. There are two routes to the summit: the challenging Steps of Repentance, or the more forgiving Camel Trail.

Soak Up the Atmosphere in Cosmopolitan Alexandria

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC and, as one of the most important cities of its time, was home to a wealth of iconic landmarks. These included the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After a period of decline, Alex is once again a thriving port with an enviable culinary scene and several excellent cultural venues including the amazing Bibliotheca Alexandrina .

Cross the Suez Canal in Port Said

The coastal city of Port Said marks the northern entry into the historic Suez Canal. Wander along the port’s waterfront boardwalk to view the supertankers preparing to make the journey from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea . To experience a crossing for yourself, hop aboard the free ferries that run from Port Said to Port Fuad. On the way across, you’ll traverse the border between Africa and Asia.

Learn to Scuba Dive in Sharm El-Sheikh

Egypt’s entire Red Sea coast is a treasure trove for scuba divers, and the peninsula resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh is a great place to learn. There are plenty of different dive schools to choose from, allowing you to shop around for the best course price. You’ll also have access to beginner-friendly shore diving sites as well as spectacular reefs in nearby Ras Mohammed National Park.

Dive the Wreck of the S.S. Thistlegorm

Experienced divers can explore the S.S. Thistlegorm , often ranked as one of the best wreck-diving sites in the world. The freighter was drafted into military service during the Second World War and arrived in the Red Sea in 1941. Shortly afterward it was sunk by German bombers with ammunition, armored vehicles, and military motorcycles on board. You can book the dive with a local operator like Eagle Divers .

Stay in a Luxury Hurghada Resort

Hurghada is a popular getaway for divers, watersports enthusiasts, and sun worshippers. It’s also home to several luxurious 5-star resorts including The Oberoi Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh and Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa . Expect landscaped grounds, sprawling swimming pools, fine-dining restaurants, and of course, excellent spa and water sports amenities. The offshore Giftun Islands are an idyllic day-trip destination.

One Week in Egypt: The Ultimate Itinerary

Cruise Destination Maps of Countries Around the Red Sea and in SW Asia

Your Trip to Egypt: The Complete Guide

The 12 Best Day Trips From Cairo

Egypt's Top 10 Ancient Sites

Luxor and Ancient Thebes, Egypt: The Complete Guide

How to Visit Saqqara, Egypt: The Complete Guide

Top 10 Destinations in North Africa

The Best Time to Visit Egypt

Philae Temple Complex, Egypt: The Complete Guide

Mediterranean Cruise Maps

The Valley of the Kings, Egypt: The Complete Guide

Abu Simbel, Egypt: The Complete Guide

The Top 7 Attractions of Egypt’s Nile Delta

Viking Announces New Nile River Cruise Ship for 2022

Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt: The Complete Guide

• Destinations
• Travel Guide
• Things to Do

Standing tall as a testament to the engineering marvels of ancient Egyptians, the Pyramids of Giza are more than just stone structures. They represent the aspirations, beliefs, and grandeur of the pharaohs. Visiting the pyramids during sunrise or sunset can provide a surreal experience. The play of colors against the backdrop of these ancient wonders is a sight to behold. While there, it’s essential to hire a knowledgeable guide who can shed light on the secrets and tales that are hidden within their chambers.

2. The Sphinx

Guarding the pyramids is the mysterious Sphinx , an architectural wonder with the body of a lion and the face of a king. The origins of the Sphinx remain debated among scholars, adding to its allure. Opt for a camel ride around the area to see the Sphinx from various angles, and you’ll be left pondering over the riddles this ancient guardian might pose.

3. Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings

Often referred to as the world’s largest open-air museum , Luxor is home to a plethora of temples, statues, and pharaoh tombs. Karnak Temple, with its giant pillars and intricate carvings, tells stories of gods and pharaohs that once graced these lands. The Valley of the Kings, on the other hand, offers a somber reflection into the grand burial rituals of the past. Remember to visit the tomb of Tutankhamun, which stands out with its dazzling treasures.

4. Abu Simbel

Carved out of solid rock, the temples of Abu Simbel are dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses II and his beloved queen, Nefertari. These colossal structures were relocated to prevent them from being submerged due to the Aswan High Dam’s construction. If you visit during the Sun Festival, you’ll witness a magical play of light and shadows inside the temple, illuminating the statues of Ramses and the gods.

5. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Housing a collection that spans over 5,000 years of history, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is where you can come face-to-face with the mummies of ancient pharaohs. The Tutankhamun exhibit, showcasing the young king’s golden death mask, is the star attraction. To make the most of your visit, consider hiring a guide who can lead you through the museum’s countless artifacts, each with its own tale.

6. Aswan Dam

An engineering marvel of the 20th century, the Aswan Dam not only provides irrigation and electricity but also offers stunning views of the Nile. The dam’s construction has led to the creation of Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. A boat ride on this vast water body, surrounded by golden sands, is an experience not to be missed.

7. Nile River Cruises

The lifeblood of Egypt, the Nile River flows through its heart, nourishing its lands and people for millennia. A cruise on this historic river isn’t just a journey through water but a voyage through time. As you sail, the banks of the Nile unfold stories of civilizations that once thrived here. From the ancient city ruins to the bustling markets of today, the ever-changing landscape captivates every traveler. We recommend embarking on a sunset cruise to witness the Nile bathed in golden hues, an experience that’s both serene and enchanting.

8. Red Sea Diving at Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh isn’t just another coastal city; it’s a diver’s paradise. The Red Sea here is teeming with vibrant marine life, colorful coral reefs, and clear blue waters. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a newbie, the underwater wonders of Sharm el Sheikh will leave you spellbound. We’ve witnessed firsthand the playful dance of the dolphins, the gentle glide of the manta rays, and the intricate beauty of the corals. And we believe that every dive here uncovers a new, mesmerizing world .

9. Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai, where it’s believed Moses received the Ten Commandments, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a blend of religious reverence and architectural splendor. The monastery is home to a collection of religious manuscripts, second only to the Vatican. Walking its ancient corridors and sacred chambers, you feel a profound sense of peace. The monastery also offers pilgrims the opportunity to climb Mount Sinai, a trek that many believe to be a spiritual journey of its own.

10. Alexandria’s Catacombs and Qaitbay Citadel

Alexandria, once the seat of learning and culture in the ancient world, is a city steeped in history. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa , a maze of tombs and chambers, is a testament to the city’s Greco-Roman past. These catacombs showcase a unique blend of Egyptian and Roman funerary art, painting a vivid picture of life and death in ancient Alexandria.

Not far from the catacombs stands the Qaitbay Citadel . Built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the citadel is a fortress of strategic and historical significance. As you walk its ramparts, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, reminding you of Alexandria’s maritime prowess.

11. Siwa Oasis

Imagine an island of green amidst a vast golden desert. That’s Siwa Oasis for you. This isolated paradise, with its natural springs and date palms, has been a respite for travelers since ancient times. But Siwa is more than just a pitstop; it’s a journey into ancient Berber cultures, with unique traditions and customs. The ruins of the Amun Oracle temple here speak of Alexander the Great’s visit, seeking prophecies about his divine status. As you wanderthrough Siwa, every whispering palm and gentle spring has tales of ancient legends and modern-day adventures.

12. Memphis and its Necropolis

The ancient city of Memphis , once the capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, serves as a silent sentinel to millennia of grandeur and decay. Today, the remnants of this ancient city are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The colossal statue of Ramses II, one of the most powerful and celebrated pharaohs, is a highlight that showcases the awe-inspiring artistry of ancient Egyptian sculptors. Nearby, the Necropolis stands as an enduring testament to Egypt’s reverence for the afterlife. The Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the earliest colossal stone-cut pyramid, is a must-visit, demonstrating the architectural evolution that led to the Pyramids of Giza.

13. White Desert National Park

Nothing quite prepares you for the surreal landscapes of the White Desert National Park . This vast expanse, with its chalk-white rock formations shaped by wind and sand over time, looks like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. The unique rock formations, resembling mushrooms, icebergs, and even surrealistic sculptures, change hues during sunrise and sunset, offering a visual spectacle. We recommend camping under the starlit desert sky for an unforgettable experience. The vastness of the desert, juxtaposed with the celestial dome, makes you realize the grandeur of the universe.

14. Abydos Temple

Abydos , a pilgrimage site dedicated to Osiris, the god of the afterlife, is one of Egypt’s most ancient cities. The Temple of Seti I, the primary attraction, is a marvel of artistry and symbolism. The temple walls are adorned with some of Egypt’s best-preserved hieroglyphs. The Abydos King List, a chronological list showcasing 76 kings, is invaluable for historians and archaeologists. This sacred temple complex transports visitors to an era where gods and pharaohs walked the earth, and myths were woven into the very fabric of existence.

15. The Temple of Horus at Edfu

Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, the Temple at Edfu is one of Egypt’s most well-preserved ancient temples. Its imposing sandstone walls narrate tales of Horus’s battle with his arch-nemesis, Seth, the god of chaos. The annual “Feast of the Beautiful Meeting”, a celebration of the union between Horus and his wife Hathor, was a significant event, traces of which can still be seen in the temple reliefs. As you navigate the grand courtyards, pylons, and chambers, the temple resonates with echoes of ancient rituals and ceremonies.

In this comprehensive journey through Egypt, we’ve traversed deserts, sailed the Nile, ventured into ancient temples, and gazed upon monuments that defy time. Egypt, a land where history and modernity converge, is not just a destination but a chronicle of human civilization.

We believe that every attraction, every stone, and every ripple in the Nile tells a story. And while we have endeavored to guide you through Egypt’s marvels, the true essence of this ancient land lies in the stories you will discover, the memories you will create, and the footprints you will leave behind.

Egypt awaits. Dive into its embrace, let its tales wrap around you, and embark on the most enchanting journey of your life.

Related Stories

10 most popular international destinations for americans this fall, 7 best warmest places to visit in europe this winter, top 5 destinations to visit in costa rica this winter, best places to visit in ireland – our top..., top tourist attractions in singapore, top tourist attractions & places to visit in bali, the best tourist attractions in spain: discover the rich..., beautiful lakes in new jersey: exploring the best lakes..., best beaches on anna maria island: a comprehensive guide, popular categories.

• Destinations 73
• Travel Guide 62
• Things to Do 29
• Activities 10
• Travel Tips & Hacks 9
• Travel Resources 6

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Quick Access

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Sponsored Posts
• Zero Forex Broker

Enjoying my content?

Make this choice and from now on, you will forever be a part of every adventure!

Egypt Tourist Attractions

– 163 amazing places to visit in egypt.

Egypt tourist attractions are like nothing you will find anywhere else in the world. Ancient Egypt, before its ultimate collapse some 1,700 years ago, was the Land of the Pharaohs, and monuments like the legendary Great Pyramids and Sphinx , and the many royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings  stand as a commemoration to all of the Egyptian pharaohs who once ruled this ancient land.

Design Your Custom Tour

Explore 163 Amazing Tourist Attractions in Egypt

Top 10 epic places you must visit in egypt, #10 – hurghada, red sea.

Hurghada is a Red Sea resort town and has become an incredibly popular tourist destination, particularly among diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. It also very popular as a family holiday destination, thanks to its many family-friendly resorts and hotels, and an abundance of fun activities, such as scuba diving, wind surfing, sailing, horse riding and deep sea fishing.

Not only is Hurghada the ideal place to relax, but it is also well known for its very vibrant nightlife and its extensive shopping opportunities. In short, Hurghada is a great place to visit in Egypt to relax and unwind for a few days following days of sightseeing tours, and for this reason, it is often included in the itineraries of Nile cruise package tours  – as well as the reason why we have listed it as one of the most important Egypt tourist attractions.

→ Find out more about Hurghada

#9 – Western Sahara Desert

The Western Desert is home to many popular Egypt tourist attractions, most of which are located in or near to the various oases. The best way to view these attractions is by booking an oases package tour or a Sahara desert adventure tour . Most good oases tours will include a visit to all the different oases, and you will often be taken to see the best sites found at each of them.

In addition to the oases and their historical monuments, the Western Desert is also home to several natural Egypt attractions, including the White Desert ; the Black Desert , and the Valley of the Whales , to name just a few.

→ Explore Sahara

→ Explore the Oases

#8 – Karnak Temple Complex

Nearly all Egypt tour packages that focus on Egypt tourist attractions will include a visit to Karnak Temple which is essentially the ruins of an ancient temple city. It is the largest place of worship ever discovered, and was constructed over the course of hundreds of years. According to records, construction first began during the time of the Middle Kingdom, and continued until the reign of the pharaohs ended. The most popular and most impressive structure at the site is the massive Hypostyle Hall which covers an area of 5000 square meters.

Be sure to visit the nearby Luxor Temple while you are in the area, which you can reach by way of the newly discovered Avenue of Sphinxes . There is also a daily sound and light show at Karnak Temple in the evenings, and considering the temple is only 2.5 km away from Luxor, Karnak Temple is definitely one of the most important places to visit in Egypt.

→ Find out more about Karnak

→ Explore Luxor

#7 – The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum , located right in the heart of Cairo is considered to be one of the top Egypt tourist attractions , and for this reason it is featured not only in most Cairo tour packages , but also in most Egypt tour packages . The museum currently houses around 120,000 Egyptian artifacts, although not all of these are on display. While the ground floor part of the museum is certainly fascinating, many visitors find the first floor to be the highlight of their visit.

As you ascend to the first floor, expect to be greeted by a vast display of artifacts documenting the history of the final two dynasties, along with countless artifacts recovered from the Valley of Kings in Luxor . The first floor is also home to the extremely popular Mummies Room which houses 27 mummies, although again, not all of these are on display.

→ Find out more about the Egyptian Museum

→ Explore other museums in Egypt

#6 – Temple of Philae

Constructed in 690 AD, Philae Temple is widely considered to be the last ancient temple built in true ancient Egyptian style. It is a truly remarkable structure that features prominently in virtually all Egypt tourism packages that include spending some time in and around Aswan . It is also one of the Egypt tourist attractions included in the itineraries of nearly all Nile cruise holidays .

Philae Temple which today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site was relocated in its entirety from its original location on Philae Island, to its present location on Agilkia Island.  Had the temple not been moved, it would have been lost forever to the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam .

According to legend, the temple, along with the island on which it stood, was so sacred that not even fish or birds would approach the island’s shores. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, Philae Temple remains one of the very best Egypt tourist attractions, and visitors are encouraged to visit this ancient marvel both during the day and in the evening to witness the spectacular Philae Temple Sound and Light Show .

→ Find out more about Philae Temple

→ Explore Aswan

#5 – Temple of Sobek and Horus

Also known as Kom Ombo Temple , this is one structure which has always fascinated historians because it was the only temple of its time that was built in honor of two Gods. This in itself presented the architects with a huge challenge. Because the structure was to be dedicated to two different Gods, Sobek and Horus, two identical temples had to be constructed within the framework of a single temple. This was necessary in order to avoid offending either Horus or Sobek.

To achieve this, one half of the temple complex was designed to be a mirror image of the other half. Each side has the same number of halls; rooms; sanctuaries, and even the same number of columns. The precision in terms of construction is something one needs to see in order to believe.

Unfortunately, several earthquakes have resulted in quite a lot of damage over the centuries, and the temple was further destroyed and defaced by the early Coptic Christians when they were attempting to stamp out all forms of paganism. Nonetheless, it is a remarkable site to visit, hence the reason why it’s featured in so many Egypt tour packages .

#4 – Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel temples are considered to be the second most recognizable Egyptian icon after the Giza pyramids and the Sphinx . These are two massive rock-cut temples constructed during the reign of Ramesses the Great. They were constructed not only to serve as places of worship, but also to serve as lasting monuments of him and his wife, Queen Nefertari.

Like several other points of interest in Egypt, the Abu Simbel temples where swallowed up by the desert and only rediscovered 2,000 years later, which explains why they are so well preserved. The entire structure also had to be relocated to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the completion of the Aswan High Dam . Today the temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one site you really don’t want to miss if you are in the area.

→ Explore Lake Nasser

#3 – Tomb of King Tut (Valley of the Kings)

One seasoned historian once wrote that in life, King Tutankhamen was the least esteemed of all the pharaohs who ruled before him, but in death he became the most esteemed of them all. People the world over have been fascinated by Tutankhamen ever since his tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, and most travelers touring the sites of ancient Egypt long to visit his tomb.

Today, Tutankhamen once again rests in his original sarcophagus inside the tomb, which only makes the site even more appealing to tourists. However, if you are planning on visiting his tomb, keep in mind that the vast amount of treasures recovered from the site are now on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo . Additionally, his tomb is not always open to the public, so to avoid any disappointment, it is best to discuss this with your travel agent before you book your tour.

The tomb of King Tutankhamen is located in the Valley of the Kings , home to 63 ancient royal tombs, so even if King Tutankhamen’s t isn’t open when you visit, there will still be plenty to see, bearing in mind that this site is one of the most visited sites in all of Egypt.

→ Find out more about King Tutankhamen

→ Explore the Valley of the Kings

#2 – Nile River Cruises

The Nile River which is the longest river in the world has been Egypt’s lifeline since antiquity, and there is no better way to experience the treasures and delights of Upper Egypt than with a Nile River cruise. Nile cruise vacations have long since been one of the major tourist attractions in Egypt, and as a result, Nile cruises  now come in all shapes and sizes.

The most popular and most affordable cruises tend to be those which are undertaken on the many luxury cruise ships that can be seen sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Other options include refurbished luxury paddle steamers and traditional Dahabiyas. These days some tourists are also making the journey on Feluccas, but trips from Luxor to Aswan on board one of these small sail boats is yet to catch on with mainstream tourists.

Practically all Nile cruise vacations include a tour of Aswan and Luxor, as well as tours of several other historical sites and points of interest along the route. Most people who have been on a Nile River cruise will say that you haven’t experienced Egypt until you have experienced a cruise through the Nile Valley

Egypt Tourist Attractions #1 – The Giza Necropolis

Not only is the Giza Necropolis the most visited of all Egypt tourist attractions, but it is also one of the most visited attractions in the world and by far the most important site to Egypt tourism, attracting thousands of tourists every single day. The Giza pyramids which are conveniently located on the outskirts of Cairo were built over a period of three generations, with the first one being the pyramid of Khufu. At 139 meters, it is the largest pyramid ever built. Alongside this impressive structure, visitors can see the pyramid of Khafre, Khufu’s second reigning son, and also the pyramid of Pharaoh Menkaure. In addition to the Pyramids of Giza, the site is also home to the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple.

→ Find out more about the Giza Necropolis

→ Explore more ancient Egyptian pyramids

→ Explore ALL Cairo, Egypt Tourist Attractions

→ Egypt Pyramids Tours

12-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise And Red Sea Stay

10-Day Luxury Nile Cruise and Cairo Tours

10-Day Egypt and Jordan Luxury Tours

8-Day Cairo to Abu Simbel Tour w/ Nile Cruise

8-Day Egypt Holiday Tour – Cairo and Nile Cruise [By Train]

8-Day Best of Egypt Tour – Cairo and Nile Cruise [By Air]

We don't just sell amazing tours, we make dreams come true, private tours since 1955.

Award-Winning Service

Create your dream trip.

Explore Egypt your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

16 Best Places to Visit in Egypt

With a fascinating history that reaches back to the dawn of civilization, Egypt is considered the oldest travel destination on earth. The African nation’s awe-inspiring temples and pyramids have captured the imagination of travelers for thousands of years.

Although most people come to Egypt to view its ancient monuments, natural attractions beckon travelers too. The Red Sea coast is known for its coral reefs and beach resorts. A trek through the Sahara can lead visitors to refreshing freshwater spring oasis.

Such is the nature of this country, its history and landscape that traveling here is an adventure. That’s whether you do it on a budget or surrounded by luxury comforts. The best places to visit in Egypt provide an exceptional mix of history, culture, and geography.

Map of Places to Visit in Egypt

Set between Aswan and Luxor on the West Bank of the Nile, Edfu is but a small river city. Yet among it stands one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Pharaonic history bursts to life at the Temple of Horus and seeps through every crevice of its sightly sandstone structure.

One of Egypt’s holiest sanctuaries, the Temple of Horus maintains much of its original structure. Those who designed it wasted no space with reliefs encrypted across the halls, showcasing stories from beyond the ancient world.

Statues representing the falcon god of Egypt, Horus guides you on a journey back to 3,000 BC and deep into the Ptolemaic era. Surrounding the temple are remnants of age-old villages, some of which once encased the temple, hiding it from plain sight.

Much has been both saved and lost in Edfu. Yet within the town’s communities is a diverse culture that has stood the test of time.

The scale of the story of Abydos is hard to grasp. A place of burial and religious significance as far back as 4000 BC, discoveries here have completely transformed the timeline of ancient Egypt. Tombs have been discovered here that existed before the 1st dynasty, including that of the earliest known pharaoh.

So why Abydos? It was here the original gods made themselves known along the desert’s edge and banks of the Nile. Those that stood here 6,000 years ago reveled in the evening light that shone from the heavens and imagined it as a staircase to the afterlife.

Between 3000 and 4000 BC, pilgrims arrived by the thousands alongside ancient leaders to leave tokens hoping to gain favor from those in command. Today, you can discover incredible burial grounds and memorials. The best being the stunning Great Temple of Seti I.

14. Saint Catherine’s Monastery

At the base of the jagged and fast-rising Sinai Mountains lays Saint Catherine’s Monastery. It’s one of the world’s oldest operating Christian monasteries. Marking the spot where Moses heard the words of God through a burning bush, telling him that he stood on holy ground.

Now over 1,400 years old, the colors of the beautiful monastery blend in with the spectacular backdrop. Its surrounding fortress walls and the main church are from the original construction, with the basilica design being a staple of the Byzantine era.

As you enter the monastery, you’ll follow centuries of the footsteps of worshipers who’ve wandered down the central nave and admired the brilliant apse mosaic. It’s one of the many samples of iconography here that dates back over a thousand years. These represent the real celebration here of art that seems immortal and with a touch of divinity.

Egypt’s premier seaside town, Dahab, attracts scuba divers the world over. Home to the famed Blue Hole along with Bells, Gabr El Bint, and Umm Sid, among others, it’s a diving destination to be revered.

Set along the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aqaba, the town of Dahab itself is a representation of those who visit most. A tourist town by definition, it’s utterly relaxing, with ample hippy charm and just enough Bedouin culture laid in to create a welcome balance.

Backed by the Sinai Desert, the colors of the Red Sea pop. The deep blues and turquoise mix with aplomb, providing just enough insight into the treasures below that you’ll wake up ready to dive.

Just north of Dahab is the Blue Hole. One of the most celebrated dive sites on earth. Just off the shore, the captivating and equally frightening sea shelf makes itself known. The reef-laden wall drops an incredible 120 meters into the abyss.

12. White Desert

Once a seabed, Egypt’s White Desert is today a postcard to the past. It’s a mesmerizing example that life never stays still. Like the seashells on the mountaintops in Yellowstone National Park, the White Desert is rich in sedimentary limestone, showcasing a time when its landscape was polar opposite.

When you first gaze upon the White Desert, you’d be forgiven for not trusting your eyes. In the morning light, the desert’s white chalk spires spin-out from the desert floor. The orange hues of the early day combine with the shades to create a spectacular dance that feels beyond surreal.

Iron pyrites and quartz dazzle within the limestone, often creating more than just stunning spires. Instead, craggy bluffs surge out of the desert floor to create mountains and thus canyons and valleys. Those made almost entirely of quartz crystals, like Crystal Mountain, take the experience in a more supernatural direction.

11. Dahshur

Dahshur is a little village south of Cairo that’s home to some lesser-known, less-crowded pyramids – you won’t find the massive queues that you’d expect at the Giza complex or Saqqara here. In fact, until 1996, it was a restricted military zone.

Like Saqqara, Dahshur was part of the ancient necropolis of Memphis. The same pharaoh behind the building of the Great Pyramid built two more complete pyramids in Dahshur. In the years after, many more pharaohs had their own pyramids built here to form a total of 11, but none of them could compete with the original ones.

Highlights include the unusually-shaped Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, both constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu (2613-2589 BC). The Red Pyramid (also known as the North Pyramid), is famously the oldest true pyramid in Egypt because it doesn’t have any steps or bends.

The Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III is another sight that can be enjoyed from the base of the Bent Pyramid. It cannot be visited, and it isn’t actually a pyramid at all; rather, a strange-looking mound of dark rock.

10. Alexandria

The second-largest city and leading seaport in Egypt, Alexandria has a prime location on the edge of the Mediterranean. Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, the city was once considered the crossroads of the world. Several of Egypt’s pharaohs, including Cleopatra, ruled the country from Alexandria until the nation fell to Rome in 30 BC.

Under Roman rule, the city earned a reputation as a center for arts and literature. The city’s Roman Theater, which features stunning mosaic flooring and marble seating, is a remnant of Alexandria’s Roman occupation.

Today’s Alexandria is a dusty seaside city with an over-inflated population of 5 million, that is badly in need of a lick of paint. It’s a faded shade of its former glorious cosmopolitan self, but still worth a visit for its many cultural attractions and glimpses of its past.

Many of Alexandria’s most famous historic sites, including a library that housed more than 500,000 books, were destroyed by devastating earthquakes in the 14th century. Completed in 2002, a new library stands near the site of the original Library of Alexandria.

Exhibits of Alexandria’s long history are on display at the Alexandria National Museum. The museum’s more than 1,800 artifacts are arranged chronologically, from the Greco-Roman period to the Coptic and Islamic eras.

In ancient Alexandria, the most prominent feature was the Lighthouse of Alexandria, a towering structure that was considered one the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The lighthouse crumbled into sea during an earthquake along with much of the ancient metropolis. Scuba divers can still view massive stones and statues lying on the seabed floor.

9. Hurghada

Hurghada is a resort town on the edge of the Red Sea, easily reached via a bumpy six-hour bus ride from Cairo. It offers a more popular alternative to Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab and is now one of Egypt’s most-visited tourist destinations. But that’s understandable, as there’s plenty to love about Hurghada with its many beaches and warm waters.

Once a simple fishing village, this famous resort town has hundreds of high-end hotels along the seafront, yet the focus is still mainly on relaxation. This section of the Red Sea is renowned for its excellent scuba diving opportunities, with gorgeous colorful coral reefs to discover just offshore. Other watersports, like snorkeling, windsurfing, and jet-skiing, are just as popular.

For those who prefer to admire the magical marine life from above the water, there are many places offering glass-bottom boat trips, so you can usually shop around to find the best offer.

Hurghada is extremely popular with Eastern Europeans and especially Russians, hundreds of thousands of whom visit each year. Many tourists choose to combine their holiday here with visits to other prominent locations along the Nile Valley, including the relatively nearby city of Luxor.

Egypt’s southernmost city, Aswan is another major city nestled along the banks of the Nile River. However, due to its location and size, it offers a much more relaxed alternative to big cities Luxor or Cairo.

Although its own monuments are minor compared to Luxor’s, Aswan is the base for excursions to the temples of Philae and Kabasha and to the Sun Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, to the south. It is also the best starting point for excursions to the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu, between Aswan and Luxor.

Aswan itself has one of the most beguiling settings in Egypt. Granite cliffs overlook the Nile’s First Cataract, the first of a series of shallow white water rapids broken by rocky islets that stretch north to Khartoum. Home to a large community of Nubian people, it was once the gateway to Africa in ancient Egypt. You can learn more about these people at the Nubian Museum, which is filled with treasures and relics that were kept safe from the flood of Nubia.

Aswan is famous for its granite quarries that were used to build Luxor’s many obelisks. Some of these unfinished obelisks can still be seen in the city today, such as the largest known ancient obelisk in the world located in the south of Aswan that was intended to be over 40 meters tall.

7. Siwa Oasis

Located near Egypt’s western border, Siwa Oasis remained culturally isolated from the rest of the country until late in the 19th century. Surrounded by the Egyptian Sand Sea, the Siwan people developed their own unique customs as well as their own language, Siwi, a Berber dialect.

The small community was not unknown to the outside world, however, even centuries ago. The famous Temple of the Oracle of Amun, believed to have been built in the 6th or 7th century B.C., made the oasis a place of pilgrimage. The most famous visitor to seek the oracle’s wisdom was Alexander the Great.

Today, Siwa Oasis is an increasingly popular travel destination. Vacationers come to the city to enjoy the town’s many freshwater springs, to stroll through acres of palm groves and to explore ancient mud-built fortresses and remnants of Siwa’s Greco-Roman past. Bubbling springs are in abundance here. One of the most popular is a stone pool known as Cleopatra’s Bath. A more secluded pool is located on an island in Lake Siwa. Visitors reach Fatnas Spring by navigating a narrow causeway.

Cafés in the small town of around 23,000 people are designed for relaxation as well. Local and visitors alike enjoy sipping tea and smoking from a communal hookah. A trip to the local marketplace gives visitors the opportunity to explore the city’s unique culture and to sample dates and olives grown in the region.

6. Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh is one of the most popular resort towns in Egypt, located at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. With its warm, deep blue water and great golden beaches , Sharm (as it’s affectionately called) is a popular package holiday destination with its own airport.

But this old fishing village has so much more to offer than simply sunbathing. Nicknamed the City of Peace after the countless international peace talks that have been hosted here, Sharm el Sheikh is one of the best scuba diving spots in the world. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel or dive the extraordinary reefs around Tiran Island and Ras Mohammed National Park, home to some astonishingly colorful marine life.

Despite being the perfect spot for a fly and flop holiday, those looking for adventure will find it here too. Sharm el Sheikh’s at the southern tip of the peninsula gives easy access into the desert, where you can visit Bedouin camps and climb Mount Sinai, an ancient biblical spot known for its spectacular view of the sunrise.

The name Saqqara refers to an Egyptian village, but more importantly, an age-old necropolis with a scattering of both large and smaller satellite pyramids spread across a dusty desert plateau. Buried beneath the sand overlooking the Nile Valley until the 19th-century, Saqqara has since been undergoing a significant restoration process.

Named after Sokar, the Memphite god of the dead, Saqqara served as a cemetery for the ancient city of Memphis for thousands of years and is the largest archeological site in Egypt. As such, it’s home to hundreds of fascinating tombs and burial sites for pharaohs and other Egyptian royals.

The highlight of Saqqara is the Step Pyramid of Djoser – the oldest pyramid on Earth. You’ll find some of the best views of the Nile from the top of this pyramid, accessible via a wooden ramp when the gate is open. Try one of the many doors and explore any that are unlocked – you never know what kind of mysteries lie behind them. The Pyramid of Teti with its fascinating Pyramid Texts and the Mastaba of Ti with its incredible reliefs are two more must-sees.

4. Abu Simbel

Set over a glistening Lake Nasser, the Temples of Abu Simbel are a collection of some of the most stunning monuments in Egypt. It’s an ancient engineering marvel that includes the Temple of Hathor and the Great Temples of Ramses II.

It took a stroke of genius to create such an incredible site, yet an even better one to save it. When the construction of the Aswan High Dam was completed in the 1960s the 3,200-year-old site lay in the path of the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The edifices and their temples were dismantled and reassembled brick by brick on a bank high above the reservoir.

Ramses, the larger of the two temples, boasts a quartet of colossal statues that tower over visitors at 21 meters tall. On the 22nd of October and February, the sun shines through the entrance and into the inner sanctuary where a statue of Ramses the II shimmers in the morning light.

The smaller Temple of Hathor honors the queen Nefertari and has six exterior statues each about 10 meters tall. About a 3 hours bus drive from Aswan, a day trip to view the massive temples is a can’t-miss activity.

This dusty capital city is one of the most sprawling cities on Earth, home to more than 17 million people. Built on the banks of the Nile River, Cairo is a medieval Islamic city with an eternally hazy horizon and beige-colored buildings topped with TV satellites.

Built near the ancient capital city of Memphis, modern Cairo is a popular starting point for cruises up the Nile and for explorations of the Pyramids at Giza just outside the city’s limits. But there is so much to do within this enormous city itself.

At the world-renowned Egyptian Museum of Tahrir Square, visitors can get a close-up view of the treasure of Tutankhamun as well as mummies and other artifacts from Egypt’s ancient past.

The city’s most historic mosques are worth a visit as well. Dating back to the 9th century when the Fatimids made the city their capital, the Ibn Tulun Mosque is the oldest in Cairo. The stunning Citadel and Mosque of Mohammed Ali Pasha, also known as the Alabaster Mosque for its gleaming white edifice, was named after the man who is regarded as the founder of modern Egypt.

When you’ve tired of Cairo’s historical sights, get a true taste of Egypt by immersing yourself in everyday life. Embrace the crowds while shopping at one of the city’s chaotic markets like the Khan al-Khalili bazaar, smoke some shisha amongst locals at a local Ahwaz or escape the heat of the inner city entirely with a breezy felucca trip along the Nile on a traditional Egyptian sailing boat.

One thousand years after the construction of the Great Pyramids , the New Kingdom arose in Egypt, and power shifted from the ancient capital of Memphis to Thebes in the south, the site of modern-day Luxor. Enriched by gold mined in the deserts of Nubia and transported to the city on the river Nile, Thebes became the country’s cultural and political hub.

Today, the mid-sized city Luxor is known as the “world’s largest open air museum” and is one of Egypt’s most popular travel destinations. There’s so much to see and do in Luxor – from temples to tombs and everything in between. You’ll need to allow a couple of days to do it all justice.

Most of the Luxor attractions are located either on the East Bank or the West Bank of the Nile. Famous highlights on the East Bank include Karnak Temple – also known as Ipet-isu (‘Most Select of Places’) – an extraordinary temple city that took over 2,000 years to build. Although the entire Karnak complex consists of four main parts, the main structure known as the Temple of Amun is the only one that is open to the general public.

The largest religious building ever built, the temple’s pillared hall is a breathtaking stone forest of 134 columns that stand as high as 21 meters (69 feet). Stroll.

The beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple is a particularly stunning temple to explore at night. On the other side of the Nile, the West Bank boasts the white-washed scenery of the Valley of the Kings, home to many elaborate and colorfully-muraled tombs, pits, and burial chambers. Some of the tombs are included in your ticket entrance, but prepare to pay more to visit King Tut’s tomb – the highlight – the final resting place of King Tutankhamun’s mummy.

1. Giza Necropolis

The Giza Plateau is probably one of the most recognizable destinations on Earth. Located on a desert plateau to the west of the capital of Cairo, Giza is its own city but in recent years it’s grown so much that it feels like another district of ever-expanding Cairo.

While once a humble carriage track, Giza is now one of the most touristy parts of Egypt, home to upmarket hotels, big-name restaurants, giant shopping malls, and pulsing nightclubs. But most famously, Giza is the closest part of the city to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, which is why most people center themselves around this neighborhood for at least a few days during their trip to Cairo.

The three main pyramids of Giza are an ancient necropolis that were built as tombs for three Egyptian pharaohs – Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. A scattering of satellite pyramids in the area were built as a place to bury their wives and royal family members.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is the one you can enter if you’re happy to pay extra. Alternatively, you can take a camel ride out into the desert and get a photo with all of the pyramids in the background before heading to the Sphinx for the stock standard Sphinx-kissing tourist photo.

If you happen to be staying close to Giza overnight, don’t miss the Pyramids Sound and Light Show. It’s exactly what it sounds like, but it’s a great way to appreciate the Great Pyramid a little differently. While you’ll have to pay for a seat at the official light show, if you have dinner on the balcony of the nearby Pizza Hut, you can watch both the sunset and the show for free.

Egypt Travel Video

Share this post:.

12 Most Fascinating Pyramids in Egypt

10 Best Beaches in Egypt

15 Best Cities to Visit in Egypt

10 Greatest Ancient Egyptian Monuments

6 Most Beautiful Regions in Egypt

18 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Egypt

23 Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

6 Best Day Trips from Cairo

10 Most Impressive Ancient Egyptian Temples

10 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

Reader interactions.

May 4, 2019 at 12:29 pm

We just came back from Egypt. It has been the best vacation we have had, very interesting history, beautiful sites, amazing culture. Two weeks were not enough to see everything. We are planning our next trip to see the north side of Egypt. It is an amazing place to visit! This is a country with more history than any another country.

July 12, 2016 at 9:45 am

Where is Marsa Allam, Marsa Matrouh, Newabaa, Saint Katherine and Taba

July 31, 2015 at 8:34 am

just visited Egypt this summer. What a tremendous culture they had so many centuries ago and well worth seeing. I highly recommend finding a good tour company for this one! Travel can be confusing, there are also some language barriers and safety concerns.

April 16, 2015 at 10:05 pm

There are so many places to travel to Egypt. This summer we might be able to go to Egypt.

July 30, 2014 at 7:29 am

Oh man, you can miss El gouna….It is like heaven!

March 22, 2014 at 1:53 am

they are very beautiful and nice pictures

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Egypt Packages
• Nile Cruises
• Shore Excursions

Top 35 Famous Landmarks in Egypt You Must Visit

What are the most famous landmarks in egypt.

Many wonders of historical landmarks in Egypt’s civilization are still standing after more than three millennia. These Egyptian monuments are some of the tourists’ most popular and enduring landmarks worldwide.

If you are planning a great vacation and are looking for the most famous places in Egypt to visit , this article is what you need to close your Egypt itinerary and prioritize the sights!

In this list, you will find the best tourist landmarks in Egypt , those historical sites that you cannot exclude from your plans for a super complete experience!

Let’s start with a tip: the best way to enjoy Egypt is to plan. To do this, compile and book your itinerary with a licensed travel agency that will be safer for you.

Get up to 10%Off when booking one of our Egypt Vacation Packages check then now!

In our article on the best places to visit during your vacation to Egypt , one of the important tips we are talking about is: to divide your itinerary into four main regions – Cairo / Alexandria, Egypt Oases, Nile Valley (Luxor / Aswan), and the Red Sea.

The country has quite a history, in addition to the famous landmarks . From the traditional Pyramids of Egypt to a balloon ride in Luxor and diving in the Red Sea, Egypt has a lot to offer! Depending on your interest and the time you have available for this trip, it is always possible to fit something a little off the main tourist route, like the White Desert.

Now let’s get down to business: the best Egypt tourist attractions for you to enjoy the best of what the country has to offer!

Top landmarks to visit in Egypt: Cairo and the surroundings

1- egypt’s famous landmarks: cairo.

Now you’re in the capital of Egypt. Cairo has many landmarks in Egypt like the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, one of the most important in the world, and this place houses the most extensive collection of objects from Ancient Egypt (more than 150,000!). And don’t miss getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of its Khan el-Khalili bazaar and haggle endlessly for that souvenir to take home.

Don’t miss reading some of our articles about Cairo attractions:

• Coptic Quarter: The Christian quarter of Cairo; in it, you can find the Church of Santa Barbara or the Hanging Church !
• Khan el-Khalili bazaar : A large market at the entrance of a mosque with many alleys full of souks.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
• The Citadel of Saladin and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali
• Bayt Al Suhaymi in Cairo
• Hanging Church in Cairo
• Cairo Tower

Try its rich Egyptian cuisine in one of its street stalls, smoke a hookah in one of its tea shops, and talk with the locals. Cairo is a city that never sleeps, and you will find activity in its streets whatever time it is.

Browse our guide on the most famous attractions in Cairo

Only when you get to know Cairo in all its essence, will it be time to continue this journey through Egypt.

Book one of our Cairo Day Tours to discover its attractions.

2-landmarks Egypt: Pyramids of Giza

Who does not think about what to see in Egypt and automatically draws the pyramids of Giza in his head? They make up the most famous landmarks image of the country and, of course, they had to be on our list of must-haves.

Only 15 kilometers away from Cairo are the pyramids of Giza, which are one of the Famous historical landmarks in Egypt.

• Cheops pyramid : The Cheops pyramid is the largest, tallest, and most important pyramid in the world. A sarcophagus was found, but it was empty.
• Chephren pyramid : Chephren was the son of Cheops, his pyramid looks bigger to the untrained eye than that of his father. This is a fallacy since the Khafre pyramid is simply a little higher.
• Mykerinos pyramid : Menkaure, in turn, was the son of Khafre, he is the smallest of the three pyramids. Statues found in the Mykerinos pyramid can be seen today on display in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The last remaining of the ancient wonders of the world was built between 2620 and 2500 BC by around 10,000 workers.

The pyramids are located on a site previously used as a cemetery for pharaohs.

There are no records whatsoever about the construction of the pyramids, so scientists and archaeologists are still puzzling today about how the stone blocks, which weigh up to 2.5 tons, could be piled up in a relatively short time.

Also, the architecture has such precision that can only be achieved with the most modern technology and can therefore hardly be explained.

The myth of the pyramids also includes the fact that they are practically empty: neither the grave goods typical for systems of this type nor mummies could be recovered. so it considers the great ancient Egypt landmarks

Did you know there are more pyramids in the area than just the three famous Pyramids of Giza? Several other pyramids may be found in Saqqara , which is not far to the south of Giza. These pyramids include the “step” pyramid of Djoser and the “red” pyramid in Dahshur .

To enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the pyramids, check out our Camel Ride in the Pyramids of Giza , and if you want to enjoy exploring all the pyramids inside that area, check out our Memphis, Saqqara, and Pyramids of Giza Tour

Browse our guide and learn more about the Giza Necropolis .

Info & Tips: Location: Al Haram, Cairo, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 15 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 470 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 520 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 750 km

Fun Fact: Truly impressive and hardly explainable is that the pyramids are aligned exactly in the four cardinal directions and at right angles.

Book a half-day tour to the Pyramids of Giza to witness the majesty of the pharaohs.

3- landmarks in Egypt: Great Sphinx of Giza

The Great Sphinx of Giza is an imposing sculpture with a human head and a lion’s body located next to the Pyramids of Giza. It is one of the most historical and emblematic landmarks in Egypt and the whole world.

The enigmatic Sphinx has a height of about 20 meters and a little more than 70 meters long and is endowed with a human head and a lion’s body, something that ancient Egyptians gathered in the exact figure of intelligence and strength. Even so, it is almost wholly preserved as it was covered by sand most of the time.

Over the years, the Sphinx has been revised again and again and was last uncovered in 1818. Still, it is no longer allowed to be excavated because the Egyptian authorities are afraid of any damage to the monument.

Curious facts about Egyptian landmark” the Great Sphinx of Giza”: Why doesn’t it have a nose?

This is another mystery that has never been solved. The rock from which the sphinx was built varies according to its parts. The solid body is made of soft yellowish limestone and the head of hard gray limestone. So logic suggests that the nose should have been better preserved, as is the case with the rest of the sphinx’s head in relation to its body. But to this day, it has disappeared.

Some theories blame Napoleon for its destruction, but it is a hypothesis that was dismantled after the discovery of some drawings made by an explorer who visited long before the birth of the famous French emperor and in which the sphinx already appeared without his nose.

Other versions speak of a Muslim leader of the fifteenth century named Muhammad Sa’im al-Dahr who, offended by seeing so many people worshiping the sphinx, ordered to destroy his nose. But the mystery remains unsolved. It was full of colors.

Today the sphinx retains almost none of the vivid colors it once wore and to appreciate any remaining color you have to get very close (or as close as is allowed inside the enclosure). Its loss of colors is due to the erosion of the desert. It is believed that the body and head were red, and the headdress with an Egyptian garment that covered his head with white and blue stripes.

See our full guide about the Great Sphinx of Giza .

4-landmarks of Egypt: Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum has the largest collection of Pharaonic artifacts in the world and is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East. The museum has a lot of artifacts from the Predynastic Period to the Greco-Roman Period. so it considers one of the landmarks in Egypt

In 1895, the building’s architect was chosen through the first-ever international competition, which was won by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon. Khedive Abbas Helmy II opened the museum in 1902. It is now a historic landmark in downtown Cairo and is home to some of the world’s most beautiful ancient works of art.

The complete burials of Yuya and Thuya, Psusennes I and the treasures of Tanis, and the Narmer Palette, which shows that Upper and Lower Egypt were united under one king, are all part of the museum’s unbeatable collection. The Narmer Palette is also one of the museum’s most valuable artifacts. The great kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, built the pyramids on the Giza plateau. The museum also has beautiful statues of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. This huge museum also has an extensive collection of papyri, coffins, and jewelry, among other things.

Don’t miss to browse our article about the Cairo Museum .

Therefore, more museums are now being (expanded). What is special about the Egyptian Museum is that, in contrast to European museums, for example, it only shows Egyptian exhibits.

But this is also due to the incredible number of preserved exhibits.

Info & Tips: Address: Tahrir Square, Cairo Governorate, Egypt. Opening times: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thu & Sun: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fun Fact: In 2010 a section for children was also opened, there is child-friendly information about ancient Egypt, and the most important artifacts such as Tutankhamun’s death mask were made from Lego bricks.

Book a day tour to the Egyptian Museum to see wonderful artifacts.

5- Coptic Quarter of Cairo

The popularly called Coptic Quarter is located in one of the oldest areas of Cairo, known as Misr el-Qadima, where the oldest remains are those of a fortification from the time of Trajan, which was called Babylon by the Romans. The word Coptic derives from the ancient Egyptian language and is used as an appellative to designate the early Christian religion of Egypt. Despite the Arab invasion and the spread of the Islamic religion throughout the country, the Coptic Orthodox Church remained powerful and influential for many centuries and is now the second religion in Egypt.

Numerous churches and monasteries were built on this site, which is considered sacred by both Jews and Christians, whose tradition states that the Holy Family rested in a cave on the site when they arrived in Egypt.

Monuments in the Coptic Quarter include the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, considered the oldest church in Cairo, the Church of St. George, the Convent of St. George and the Church of St. Barbara among others. A Jewish synagogue, of great historical value but not currently used as a place of worship, can also be visited.

Among the many Coptic churches that can be visited, el-Moallaqa, also known as the “Hanging Church”, stands out. This is the nickname of the Metropolitan Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which was erected on the site of the ancient Roman colony of Babylon in the 4th century AD. The church is built just above the Roman fortifications, with its nave suspended over the passage of the entrance gate.

6- Historical landmarks in Egypt: Muhammad-Ali Mosque

The mosque is located inside the Citadel of Saladin, built by the sultan of Egypt, its purpose was to protect the city from the attacks of the Crusades. On top of Mount Muqatam, southeast of what was the ancient Fatimid capital, allowing it to be visible from anywhere in Old Cairo, and was the largest mosque built in the first half of the nineteenth century. makes it one of the primary ancient Egyptian landmarks.

Additionally, approaching it from anywhere in the city, it stands imposingly on the heights, which undoubtedly motivates you to visit it. Further, its location within the citadel is an escape from the bustling lifestyle of Cairo, as walking through its calm interiors allows you to enjoy it from a different perspective.

The plan of the mosque was modeled after Ottoman mosques, with a large central dome over 52 meters high bordered by smaller semi-domes and two stylized minarets at its corners. The Muhammad Ali Mosque is also known as the alabaster mosque because of its interior and exterior covering, made of this material.

The mosque has a rectangular shape and has two sections: the main “Beit al-Salah” to the east and the courtyard or “Al-Sahn” to the west. The eastern part is dedicated to prayer and has a unique decoration made partly with wood carvings and with style resulting from the French influence. It has 100 stained glass windows on the walls and domes that cause a beautiful effect inside—sitting calmly on its carpets while admiring the hundreds of lamps that are located on the ceiling.

Info & Tips: Location: Al Abageyah, Qism El-Khalifa, Al-Qahira Governorate, Egypt Entry: free of charge Visiting hours: The mosque can be visited outside of prayer times. Arrival: The journey from the tourist centers in Egypt is similar to the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum.

Tip: From the Muhammad-Ali mosque, provided the smog is not too strong, you have a great view over all of Cairo!

Check our article about the Muhammad Ali Mosque .

7- Major landmarks in Egypt: Khan el Khalili

Among the many Egypt landmarks attractions, you can explore in Cairo, be sure to include a tour of the Khan el Khalili market in your plans. It is an old commercial region that is a real maze with several streets and tents with incredible goods. It’s great for shopping and even taking souvenirs as a gift.

There you can find a little of everything: fabrics, clothing items, handicrafts, decoration, teas, spices… You can spend a lot of time exploring the region! I suggest at least an entire afternoon dedicated to the grand bazaar.

And as we are talking about Egypt, the important historical part could not be missing: along with the Al-Muski market, Khan el Khalili is super important for making Cairo a place of tradition in trade in the country and the world.

Read more about Khan El Khalili Bazaar

8-Cairo Tower

The Cairo Tower is one of Egypt’s most famous and modern landmarks. After seeing all the important ancient Egyptian sites, the Cairo Tower is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the city as it is now.

This observation tower is the tallest building in Egypt and North Africa. It is 187 meters high. The building is made in a modern style that makes it stand out from the older buildings in the city. It looks like a lotus plant.

When you go to the observation deck, you can see the whole city in every direction. You can see the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara, the Citadel, and a lot more from here. When you add a telescope, you can see farther and more clearly.

The tower also has a rotating bar and restaurant that serves expensive cocktails and Asian food.

9- Al Azhar Park

Al Azhar Park is near the Old City of Cairo. It has 30 hectares of green space where there used to be dust and rubble for more than 200 years. The spine has a modern design that was inspired by old Islamic gardens. It is a formal axis with a water channel that leads to a small lake and alleyways that lead to the Citadel. Gardens and pavilions make the lake’s edge a better place to meet.

10-The Monastery of St. Simon the Tanner and the Virgin Mary

The monastery is behind “Mansheiyet Nasser”, the Monastery of St. Simon. A vast expanse carved into the heart of the mountain welcomes the unsuspecting visitor. Colorful carvings and sculptures created by a Polish artist named Mario, who voluntarily devoted his life to this monastery, surround you as you make your entrance through the main gate. Ancient, hand-dug caves, replete with paintings, carpets, and antique furniture, lead you to an amphitheater that seats 10,000 people and a library that collects copies dating back to the third century. The walls of this mega-sculpture house seven churches, plus a fully equipped cafeteria and rooms available for rent and use by visitors and travelers. It is impossible to reproduce in words the splendor that emanates from this sacred precinct, so much so that even Marco Polo mentioned it in his “Book of the Wonders of the World.

Historical landmarks in Egypt: Alexandria

11-  egypt’s landmarks: alexandria”the mediterranean bride”.

We come to what is probably the second most famous destination in the country: the port city of Alexandria on the north coast of Egypt.

The city founded by Alexander the Great was next to Rome the most important city of antiquity and even if much of its former glory has been lost, this metropolis on the sea still has a certain charm.

One of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the famous lighthouse of Alexandria, is unfortunately no longer there and the formerly important Great Library of Alexandria was also destroyed.

Instead, the Qaitbay, an impressive fortress, now stands on the remains of the lighthouse and a new library has been opened, the Bibliotheca of Alexandria, contains writings from all over the world and has the largest reading room in the world.

Browse our guide on the most famous attractions in Alexandria

You should also pay a visit to the park around the Montazah Palace and enjoy the view of the sea from there. Alexandria is also known for its good and fresh fish, which you should try! Just be careful where you buy it, restaurants are usually more suitable for hygiene reasons than street stalls – especially if you don’t know your way around.

Info & Tips: Location: Alexandria, North Coast, Egypt. Distance from Cairo: approx. 215 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 680 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 735 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 960 km

Fun Fact: The north coast on the Mediterranean is very popular with the locals due to its dreamy, almost white sandy beaches, its turquoise sea, and a cool breeze in summer.

Book a day tour to Alexandria from Cairo to see its amazing attractions.

12- Egypt landmarks: Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria was once the largest library in the world. At its peak, it housed more than 900,000 manuscripts.

In later times, however, its importance declined and its collections were lost due to changes in power and successive invasions.

It is located in the city of Alexandria which was built by Alexander the Great, and the library faces the Mediterranean Sea.

It was founded at the beginning of the 3rd century B.C. by Ptolemy I Soter and enlarged by his son Ptolemy II.

The burning of the library has been attributed to different actors, but no version has been able to be preserved. The only certainty is that it finally disappeared.

In 1987 an international project was initiated to rescue the cultural significance of the site and the symbol that the mythical library represents in the collective imagination of humanity.

UNESCO coordinated the project and finally, under the name of Biblioteca Alexandrina, it was inaugurated in 1996.

In 2002 the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina was opened, which is close to the original location and has around eight million books.

About half of the building is filled with a huge reading room.

Info & Tips: Location: Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi, Qesm Bab Sharqi, al-Iskandariyya Governorate 21526, Egypt. Distance from Cairo: approx. 215 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 680 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 735 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 960 km

Good to know: The integrated Taha Hussein library also offers the visually impaired the opportunity to experience literature.

Know more about the history of the Library of Alexandria

13- Citadel of Qaitbay

The citadel is located at the entrance of the port of Alexandria in Egypt, on what was once the island that housed the famous Alexandria lighthouse, which now forms a peninsula that divides the port into its eastern and western parts.

The citadel was built on the orders of Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Alnasr Saif El Din Qaitibay, who came to Egypt as a slave when he was nearly 20 years old and rose to power during the Mamluk period.

It was built as an element for the defense of the city and the Mediterranean coast, during the 1480s. Sultan Quaitbay ordered its construction on the same site where the lighthouse once stood, and took advantage of its remains. Its defensive architecture and strategic position give it great relevance.

During the British invasion of 1882, it suffered severe damage due to the bombardment of British ships, but soon after it was rebuilt. Today it is a beautiful promenade that locals and tourists take advantage of to enjoy the sunsets, the sea breeze in the warmer months, and the views of the city. It houses a maritime museum and an aquarium.

Top Egyptian landmarks in Upper Egypt:  (Luxor & Aswan)

14- cruising the nile.

And what would the country be without that mythical and immense river that runs through it? Without a doubt, a cruise on the Nile is one of the essential experiences on a trip to Egypt.

You don’t have to have too much imagination to be able to visualize yourself contemplating wonderful sunsets on the deck while the call to prayer, coming from the speakers of the nearby mosques, becomes the perfect soundtrack.

The Nile, with its 6,600 kilometers in length (one of the longest in the world), invites you to discover the country from a completely different perspective. Many are the boats that make the typical journey from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa. So don’t think twice: include it in your list of activities to do in Egypt and enjoy a few days sailing through its waters.

Tip: Nile cruises start in Egypt from Luxor and Aswan, and the itinerary of the Nile cruise varies according to the place of departure of the trip, so if started from Luxor, the trip takes 5 days / 4 nights, but if started from Aswan, it takes 4 days / 3 nights.

Book one of our Egypt Nile Cruises to see a lot of Egypt tourist attractions in Upper Egypt.

15- Historical landmarks in Egypt:  Luxor

The city of Luxor is one of the most important and famous tourist landmarks in Egypt also all over the world, according the statistics made by the organizations dealing with tourism and archaeological monuments confirmed that the city of Luxor is located on the east bank of the Nile as it is a very famous city in tourism and ancient Egyptian history that represents the glory of our ancient Egyptian pharaohs and their history that proved the greatness of Egypt, includes more than 500.000 inhabitants who live in Luxor and is about 700 km from Cairo and has 4000 years of glory and development and one of the most famous temples is the temple of Luxor which is located in the center of the city and was linked to the temple of Karnak .

Even today, Luxor has a lot to offer tourists, because nearby are the Valley of the Kings and Queens as well as the Kar n ak temple complex and the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, the temple of the Egyptian queen, which was built in the 16th century BC. Ruled over Egypt.

In the city there is also the Luxor Temple, which is relatively “new” compared to Karnak, it was built in 1070 BC and is the god Amun and dedicated to his family.

In the evening hours, the light of the sun falls particularly beautifully on the columns and impressive statues, creating a mystical picture.

Discover the complete attractions of Luxor with our Luxor guide

Also, you shouldn’t miss the Luxor Museum when you visit, where you can learn everything about the background of the old city and the temples that you have viewed before and you can also take a look at old war weapons, mummies, and sarcophagi.

There is still a 13-day festival once a year at the beginning of Ramadan, which takes place in a boat procession from Luxor to the Karnak Temple and is an exciting, colorful experience.

Info & Tips: Address: Luxor, Egypt Note: To take pictures you need an additional permit. Distance from Cairo: approx. 660 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 300 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 404 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 360 km

Fun Fact: The Luxor Obelisk, which previously stood in the forecourt of the temple, was donated to France in 1836 and is now at the Louvre.

Discover the magic of Luxor with a one-day Luxor tour from Cairo

16- Ancient Egyptian landmarks: Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is located on the West bank of the Nile in Luxor, 25 km from the train station. It is one of the necropoleis that together with the city of Thebes is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

It is a necropolis of ancient Egypt, near Luxor, where are the tombs of most of the pharaohs of the New Empire (XVIII, XIX, and XX dynasties), as well as several queens, princes, nobles, and even some animals.

It was inaugurated by Thutmose I, the third pharaoh of the XVIII dynasty, who around 1500 BC ordered the royal architect Inani, the construct his tomb in the greatest secrecy. It is believed that it was originally intended to be used as a family tomb, but with the successive changes in power, and the construction of new tombs, the valley became a necropolis that remained in use for over 400 years.

The Valley of the Kings is made up of two parts: the Valley of the East and the Valley of the West. The first is one of the most visited places by tourists and is where most of the tombs are located. It includes 62 tombs that were originally numbered as they were discovered, but have now been renumbered according to their location within the valley.

The most known and visited tombs are those of King Thutmose I, Thutmose III, Ramses VI, Mrenptah, and Amenhotep II; however, the tomb of Tutankhamun (Tut-Anj-Amun) is the one that has deserved more fame, because until today is the only one to have been discovered with all its treasures, as it remained buried and therefore out of reach of looters until 1922.

Discover the complete guide to the Valley of the Kings

After Tutankhamun’s burial chamber was opened, the legend of the pharaoh’s curse spread quickly, according to which archaeologists would die a cruel death.

As a result, some of the people involved in the excavations died, many of them by suicide for fear of the curse.

Info & Tips: Location: Luxor, Al-Wadi al-Jadid, Egypt

Tip: To protect the important historical finds, there is a rule that each visitor is only allowed to visit three graves. So it’s best to think about what you want to see in advance. By the way, you have to buy an extra ticket for the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

Book a private tour to explore Luxor’s Valley of the Kings & Queens with us.

17-Egyptian landmark: Karnak Temple Complex

If you are planning what to do in Egypt and what places to visit in Egypt? the Karnak Temple is a place that cannot be left out of your itinerary!

The Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt, is also near Luxor and opposite the Valley of the Kings. Like parts of Luxor, Karnak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and Egypt famous landmarks

The largest ancient temples in the world include the temples of Ramses III, Chons, and Amun-Re. A gigantic stone hall and finely decorated columns make Karnak a very special experience.

Discover the complete guide to Karnak Temple Complex

The facility was used to hold sacrificial presentations and prayers to appease the gods. This had to be done by kings or specially trained high priests to maintain world order.

Therefore, the temples of ancient Egypt were of enormous importance, which explains why the temples, which were considered a small model of the world, were so carefully maintained and previously furnished.

Info & Tips: Location: Karnak, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Fun Fact: Unlike the pyramids, which are west of the River Nile, the Karnak Temple is on the east side, dedicated to the living and the living.

Book a private guided tour to explore the temples of Karnak and Luxor with us.

18- Ancient Egyptian landmarks: Aswan

Aswan is located on the cataract north of the Nile, Aswan marked the traditional southern border of Egypt with the enemy territory of Nubia, it had great importance in the ancient Pharaonic era on the historical and security side, when we read the ancient Egyptian history we can see that the city of Aswan has contributed a remarkable role in history and battles against enemies who wanted to conquer Egypt, the Nile River also played a very important role in the economy and politics.

 it is a popular Egypt famous landmark and sought after by tourists thanks to a large number of ancient monuments and statues that have written a great civilization to study and visit to discover the power of the Egyptian pharaohs and how they managed to build a history to study until the present time. These two civilizations contested each other’s territory and their respective areas of influence for centuries.

In the course of this conflictual relationship, Aswan always remained a border town between the two territories, not only politically, but as an economic and natural intersection, prosperous commercial city, and transit point between Egypt and the rest of Africa.

Read more about the attractions of Aswan .

This island was of vital importance both for the Egyptians and subsequently for the Romans. Inside you will find the Nilometer, an ancient well that was used to measure the height of the river’s waters.

But the most important archaeological site in the area is certainly the Temple of Philae, which preserves the beautiful Sanctuary of Isis and the cell that preserves the sacred figure of Horus.

We recommend that you visit the Nubian Village just outside the city of Aswan, then go to the High Dam built-in 1960, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Nasser.

Book a private guided tour to explore the Aswan with us.

19- Egypt historical sites: Temple of Philae

One of the most beautiful temples in Egypt – You have to take a small boat to get there, and you will have a view of Egyptian sites and monuments surrounded by water and palm trees. It is considered one of the most visited places in Egypt by tourists.

But, when you go, notice a curious aspect: Philae is, in a way, the most “feminine” temple in Egypt. That’s because it was built in honor of the goddess Isis, one of the strongest in Egyptian mythology, and was used as a venue for ceremonies in honor of her, performed by many priestesses.

Legend has it that Cleopatra traveled there more than once to make offerings, receive blessings and even seek spiritual and even loving guidance.

Fun Facts: One of the theories is that the Queen knew the power of the venom of a snake species and that she was instructed to keep secret and use it as a resource if necessary.

The tour can be done in half a day and is a great option to do and get a glimpse of what the two worlds were like (one extremely masculine and the other delicately feminine) millennia ago.

And, I must confess: it was by visiting this temple that I understood that a trip through Egypt is like this: outdoor history class!

Browse our article about the temples of Philae Island

20- Landmark in Egypt: Nubian Village (Aswan)

When you get to the village, you’ll see very colorful houses made of mud bricks made from clay, water, hay, and sand. This is typical Nubian architecture. All of these materials are natural, so they are less likely to spread diseases. They are also cheap, and the bricks’ clay texture is less affected by heat. Each house has a ceiling in the shape of a dome, which is meant to spread the sun’s heat evenly throughout the house. The Nubian people also love to decorate their homes with simple but beautiful colors. They also often draw shapes from their culture, like boats, camels, and palm trees, on the walls of their homes.

People know that Nubian villages are small and quiet. The same could be said about how a traditional Nubian home is set up inside. What is unusual, though, is the choice of a crocodile as a house pet. Don’t worry, though, because these crocodiles are kept in cages. In Nubian homes, both living and mummified crocodiles were hung and admired very much. The Nubian people like crocodiles because ancient Egyptians thought that having a crocodile around would protect them and their families from the “evil eye.” You could also find chickens and goats, which are more common.

Don’t miss to browse the Nubian Museum article to know more about Nubian Life.

For those who like to shop and take a souvenir of the places they pass, in Nubian Village you will find many options of super different and original crafts. A curiosity of this village is the presence of crocodiles, which were once used as a means of protection, and today are domestic animals.

Fun Fact: Nubian Village still retains the traditional houses of the Clouds, very colorful and with beautiful internal patios.

Book a private guided tour to explore the Nubian Village with us.

21-Ancient Egypt monuments: Edfu Temple

The temple of Edfu was dedicated to the Egyptian god Horus, who roughly corresponds to the Greek god of light Apollo.

Horus, the god with the falcon’s head, is said to have fought his important battle against Seth at this point, so the temple complex was a well-known sanctuary in ancient times.

In addition to the temple, a large part of the ancient city ​​of Edfu has also been preserved, which you should visit. Marvel at huge columns, wander through impressive halls, look at the artistically engraved reliefs, and dream of a bygone era!

Read more about Edfu temple .

This Egyptian temple on the west bank of the Nile is surprisingly well preserved, so it is hard to believe that it was built around 2,300 years ago. You are sure to be as impressed as I am when you visit!

Info & Tips: Location: Markaz Edfu, Aswan, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 750 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 400 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 500 km (car + ferry) Distance from Marsa Alam : approx. 225 km

Book a private guided tour to explore the Edfu temple with Kom Ombo .

22- Landmark in Egypt: Abu Simbel Temple

The Abu Simbel temples are a complex of two temples that were carved into the rock during the reign of Ramses II in the thirteenth century BC, as a memorial dedicated to him and his wife Nefertari and to memorialize his victory in the Battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC, consider one of the Aswan Egypt tourist attractions. it was built in (1279-1213 BC) and took a full 20 years. The large temple was dedicated to Ramses II and the small temple was dedicated to his wife Nefertari.

The small temple was built for two main reasons, to show his love for his wife, Nefertari. The temple was rediscovered after being buried under the sand for a long time in 1813. The sand was completely removed from the temple in 1909 to become one of the best tourist attractions in Egypt. The temple was saved from destruction through a project to save Egyptian antiquities by UNESCO in the sixties until the seventies.

Read more about Abu Simbel Temples .

The entire temple complex was laboriously removed and rebuilt piece by piece. By the way: On February 21st and October 21stthe sun miracle takes place every year.

Then the sun is at such a favorable angle that it can go straight into the temple and illuminate the statues of gods inside.

Info & Tips: Location: Aswan, Egypt Opening times: daily: 5 a.m. – 6 p.m. Distance from Cairo: approx. 1,110 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 770 km Distance from Sharm ُl Sheikh: approx. 870 km (ferry + car) Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 650 km

Book a private guided tour to explore Abu Simbel Temples .

23- The Temple of Abydos or The Temple of Seti I i

The temple was built in 1895 A.D. and is attributed to the kings of the first and second dynasties. It has some differences in its architectural design from the rest of Egyptian temples since the temple was built on two axes, the first part from east to west and the second axis from north to south.

The Temple of Abydos or The Temple of Seti I is located in Abydos, the eighth province of ancient Egypt. The area is considered one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. In ancient times it was called Abdu, and the Greeks called it Abydos. Many kings built temples at Abydos, including King Pepi I, King Ahmose I, King Seti I, and King Ramses II.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the tomb of Osiris, the “God of the dead and the underworld” was located at Abydos, and is where his head was buried. This temple was built during the reign of King Seti I and was completed by his son and grandson: Ramses II and Mern-Ptah.

This temple has a unique upside-down “L” shaped design. It also contains the most complete list of kings and gods in Egypt. The Temple contains 7 shrines dedicated to 7 Gods: Osiris, Isis, Horus, Amon Ra, Ra Hor Akhty and Ptah, and Seti I as a deified King. In this temple, you can also find the best-preserved reliefs and painted texts of the XVIII Dynasty. The earliest kings of Egypt, including those of the first dynasty of Egyptian history, were buried at Abydos.

The temple is entered through a largely destroyed pylon and two open courtyards, built by the son of Seti I, Ramses II. Then, the first hypostyle hall, was also completed by Ramses II. The reliefs represent the pharaoh making offerings to the gods and preparing the construction of the temple.

24-Dendera Temple complex

The Dendera Temple complex, considered one of the best preserved in Egypt, is located southeast of the city of Dendera, on the west bank of the Nile River, 60 km north of Luxor.

The entire complex covers an area of 40,000 square meters and is bounded by a mud-brick wall.

The cult temple, dedicated in 380 BC to Hathor, the goddess of love, joy, and beauty, was formerly known as the sistro castle or the house of Hathor.

This impressive temple is considered to be the largest and most impressive building in this religious complex.

However, the complex also includes the temple of the birth of Isis, the sacred lake, the sanatorium, the mammisi of Nectanebo II, a Christian basilica, a Roman mammisi, the monumental gates of Domitian and Trajan, the sanctuary of the boat and a Roman kiosk.

There are indications that the complex was originally erected at the hands of Pharaoh Pepi I (circa 2250 BC) in the 18th dynasty (circa 1500 BC), but the oldest building it houses is the mammisi of Nectanebo II, the last indigenous pharaoh of Egypt (360-343 BC).

The temple of Hathor referred to in earlier times as the Temple of Tentyra, has undergone several renovations beginning in the Middle Empire, although the present structure was built during the reign of Ptolemy XII and Cleopatra VII in the extinct Ptolemaic Empire. In fact, carved on the outer face of one of the walls of the temple we find a colossal relief of Cleopatra VII and her son Caesarion, heir of Julius Caesar.

Later some additions were made until the time of the Roman Empire, such as the Roman mammisi or “the house of birth”, attributed to the Roman emperor Trajan but built by Nero.

Also, since Hathor was also the goddess of healing, the city of Dendera has always been associated with the healing of travelers and pilgrims, who sought a remedy for their illnesses and the blessing of the gods.

25-The Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon, which are on the western side of Luxor, are some of the most famous and beautiful monuments that the Pharaohs left behind.

The Colossi of Memnon are the only visible parts of Amenhotep III’s tomb temple, which was near Medinet Habu.

The Colossi of Memnon were made during the reign of Amenhotep III (1386-1349 B.C.). These two large stone masses are big versions of this king, whose reign was a time of splendour and when the arts were at their best.

The king is shown sitting on a throne with his hands on his legs. He is wearing the Nemes headdress, which is typical of the Egyptian monarchy, and the shape of the protective cobra on his forehead can still be guessed.

Top Egypt landmarks: Egypt Oases (Siwa & Bahariya)

26- siwa oasis.

Siwa is a beautiful oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert that is full of greenery. It used to be called “Sekht-am,” which means “palm land” in ancient Egyptian. The name of the oasis is a perfect match for its famous palm trees. The oasis is also famous for its olive trees and clear salt lakes.

A wonderful, mind-blowing paradise. Siwa Oasis is located in the Libyan desert in the northwest of the country.

There you can marvel at olive trees and date palms in the middle of the desert. It was not without reason that Alexander the Great loved this unusual place, because the ruins of the Amun temple, where his familiar oracle is said to have stayed, still stand here.

Read and discover more about the oases of Egypt

You can also discover the remains of the old clay town of Siwa. Various Bedouin peoples still live in Siwa today, and their marketplace, mosque, and local museum should also be on your to-do list when you visit them.

Info & Tips: Location: Qesm Siwah, Matruh Governorate, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 750 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 1,200 km Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 1,270 km Distance from Marsa Alam : approx. 1,500 km

Fun Fact: Alexander the Great wanted to be buried in Siwa, but this request was not followed by the ruling Pharaoh.

27- The Salt Lake at Siwa Oasis

One of the best experiences you will have in Siwa. You don’t actually need to travel to the Dead Sea to float on the water instead of swimming, you can just go to Siwa.

Not to mention its beauty and curative effect. Due to its extreme salt, it has healing power for sinuses, skin, and eye infections.

Besides, Siwan’s use salts in building and their tools and also in making lamps because they have the power to heal the soul by eliminating negative energy.

Check & Book one of our Egypt Safari Tours to explore all Egypt deserts & Oasis.

28- Bahariya Oasis

Bahariya Oasis, one of the oases that are easiest to reach from Cairo, its landscape is enclosed by high ridges and is dotted with date plantations, as well as freshwater sources.

In recent years it has also been made famous for important archaeological finds such as the “golden mummies” found in 1996.

Read and discover more about the oasis of Bahariya

The administrative capital Bawiti hides other treasures: fertile palm groves that guard springs such as that of El-Beshmo, discovered in Roman times, or Bir Ramla which has sulfurous water at more than 40 degrees of temperature.

On the hillock of Qasr Salim, in the heart of the village of Bawti, the remains of two tombs of the ancient XXVI dynasty are visible. The Oasis Heritage Museum offers clay reproductions of rural life.

29- White Desert

It is capable of leaving you breathless: the Sahara El Beyda, or the white desert. It extends between the oasis of Farafra and that of Bahariya, on the border with Libya.

The magic is all in the immaculate color of the sand but not only. Even the extraordinary rock formations give an unusual aspect to the whole environment as well as the colors that the sky takes on at different hours of the day and night.

Where there is now the desert, once (5 thousand years ago) there were springs, rivers, lakes, and animals of every kind. Today traces of that distant past remain in the sand.

Read and discover more about the white desert .

Over 2 square kilometers of magic. Which includes the Mount of the Dead, an archaeological area with the Temple of Amun, and the famous Cleopatra’s pool with its emerald green waters.

Today the White Desert is a national park. Every August it is cleaned after the passage of tourists. A blinding glow characterizes it. The limestone forms areas similar to sea waves, where hundreds of fossil shells bear witness to the voice of the sea from millions of years ago.

Book amazing tour to Bahariya Oasis & White Desert

The Most famous landmarks in Egypt: The Red Sea (Hurghada, Marsa Alam & Shael El Sheikh)

30- the red sea.

What would Egypt’s sights be without the Red Sea? There is still much speculation about the name of the not-so-red Red Sea.

First of all, the name Eritrea is based on Greek and means something like red – the lighting conditions that make the land around the sea appear red also contribute to this.

There is also a large occurrence of a special type of algae that also makes the sea glow reddish. Regardless of the reasons, it has been called ” Mare Rubum “, or the Red Sea, since ancient times.

As in the national park, you can of course also enjoy the wonderful, clear water and colorful reefs at the beaches of the sea. You should only dive and snorkel under the supervision of a guide, as the currents can be very strong and sudden.

Read and discover more about the Red Sea Attractions .

Also for surfers, the Red Sea is an absolute highlight. Enjoy the water, regardless of whether it is just for relaxation or sports.

Info & Tips: In our Egypt travel guide, you will find articles about snorkeling in the Red Sea and diving in Egypt. Here you can find out everything you need to know about the Red Sea and its underwater diversity.

31- Hurghada

If you are looking for things to do in Egypt, you should include Hurghada in your planning! The marine life is very rich there, not to mention the wonderful turquoise beaches!

Hurghada is one of the cities on the Red Sea with the best structure for tourism. It is an excellent destination in Egypt to relax by the sea because, in addition to the paradisiacal beaches, there are many shopping options, restaurants, clubs, and resorts.

Check out our article about the Hurghada .

Diving in that turquoise water is one of those memorable trips you will have in Egypt. A great tip for you to include in your experiences in Egypt is to take a snorkel tour on the tour to the Giftun Islands .

Check all-day tours that you can do with our Hurghada Tours .

32- Marsa Alam

On the south coast of the Red Sea, there are other options of super cool beaches, each with a style. In the case of Marsa Alam, in addition to being outside the most traditional tourist route, it is the most trendy diving destination in Egypt today due to the rich marine nature, with incredibly colorful corals, manatees, and dolphins, for example.

This was, without a doubt, one of the top destinations in Egypt that I visited during my trip! It is always nice to visit a little-explored place and Marsa Alam is one of those places with an air of untouched paradise. I recommend it for those who want to venture out, either by discovering a new destination or by diving.

Check out our article about the Marsa Alam .

I am already a certified diver, but for those who just want to try this activity, it is possible to hire a diving experience in Marsa Alam.

If you want to know one of the paradisiacal beaches in Egypt and get all the details about going to Marsa Alam, check out this article here.

33- Sharm El Sheikh

The beauty of this well-known tourist destination on the southern tip of Sinai has a thousand facets not only related to the beaches and the blue-green sea with fish of a thousand colors. One is enchanted, for example, to admire the night sky full of stars.

In the evening, after a day of relaxation, you discover the old town and the Old Market, while inland the Bedouin fields scented with embers and hookahs.

Here the gray rock hides the cemeteries of the dromedaries against the backdrop of rugged mountains where jewels such as the Byzantine-style Monastery of St. Catherine are hidden.

The real surprise is to discover, in an arid landscape, gardens of olive trees and vines, thanks to the water from the wells.

Check out our article about the Sharm El Sheikh .

For centuries, the fortress built by Justinian has been the garrison of the monks in a place where the stories of the three monotheistic religions meet. Here where his fate was announced to Moses.

And then there is the seabed that attracts crowds of snorkelers and scuba divers. Thirty kilometers of rugged and rocky coastline that opens into beautiful beaches and sudden inlets.

From the north of El Nabq to the lively Sharm El Maya. From the quiet beaches of Ras Nasrani, you can enjoy the view over the island of Tiran.

The center of holiday tourism is in Naama Bay, full of night attractions, souvenirs, and a clear sea.

The most beautiful coral reef in the Red Sea is located in Ras Um Sid, where the desert with the colors of sunset and morning offers moments of absolute enchantment.

Check all-day tours that you can do with our Sharm El Sheikh Tours .

34- Ras-Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park is a place for conservation. It was Egypt’s first national park when it opened in 1989, and the country is very proud of it. It was made to protect the species that are representative of both plants and animals, as well as their natural growth.

The park is 480 square kilometers in size, and more than two-thirds of that is water. The park’s land is made up of two islands: Tiran and Sanafir.

Ras Mohammed National Park, also called “Cape of Mohammed,” is in the south of the Sinai Peninsula, about 25 km southwest of Sharm el-Sheikh. It is on the coast of the Red Sea. Some of the best places to snorkel in the world are in the southernmost part. Corals that are about two billion years old can be found in the park.

Lake of Desires and Salt Lake are two very different lakes in the park. The water in the first one is partially salt-free because it comes from fresh springs that bubble up from the ground. The second lake is fed by unique salt springs, so its water is twice as salty as the sea.

Check out our article about the Ras Mohammed National Park .

In this park, you get a lot on offer so that almost nothing is left to be desired in terms of outdoor activities. From mountain bike tours to swimming or snorkeling, everything is on offer. The underwater world can trump nature on land by a lot. Here you can marvel at exotic fish and marine animals amidst colorful coral reefs. Divers get their money’s worth in the Ras-Mohammed National Park.

Info & Tips: Location: Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 490 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 125 km (ferry) Distance from Sharm El Sheikh: approx. 40 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 420 km (car + ferry)

Fun Fact: The Yolanda Reef was named after the ship of the same name that sank on the spot in 1980. The remains of the ship may not be dived for conservation reasons, but parts of Yolanda’s former cargo can be found everywhere in the reef: toilet bowls and sinks. Curious!

Book a private tour to Ras Mohammed National Park

35- Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai

St. Catharine Monastery at the foot of the Sinai is the oldest, still living, Greek Orthodox monastery in the world.

It was completed in its current form in 560 and, according to legend, is said to house the bones of St. Catherine. Mount Sinai is due to the transfer of the Ten Commandments to Moses and his encounter with God in the burning bush known.

An offshoot of this legendary bush is said to still be found near the monastery. In 2002 the Katharinen Kloster was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Check out our article about the St. Catharine Monastery .

Ascent and sightseeing: The ascent to the monastery is a bit difficult, so you can book a guided hike at night, for which you will be rewarded with cooler temperatures and a breathtaking sunrise. If the hike is too strenuous for you, you can also ride a camel. After a break, you will visit the monastery together as a group.

There are some providers for these tours, but when planning your excursion, keep in mind the current travel warning for Egypt issued by the Foreign Office. This currently advises against trips away from the coastal strip such as to Mount Sinai and the St. Catherine’s Monastery.

Info & Tips: Location: Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh, Janub Sina, Egypt Distance from Cairo: approx. 450 km Distance from Hurghada: approx. 310 km (car + ferry) Distance from Sharm El Sheik: approx. 210 km Distance from Marsa Alam: approx. 980 km (car + ferry)

Book a private tour to St. Catharine Monastery from Cairo

What are you waiting for after knowing what to see in Egypt? If you have been seduced by the idea of ​​visiting one or more of these destinations, Egypt Time Travel will help you organize your vacation package to Egypt  without stress and at the most affordable prices. Book a dream trip now by discovering the top Egypt tourist attractions and all the places to visit in Egypt!

Related Things to Read.

Entry into Egypt – All Documents you need

Is it safe to travel to Egypt? Safety & Security in Egypt

Top 13 Holidays & Festivals in Egypt in 2023/2024

Easter traditions in Egypt – How to celebrate Easter in Egypt?

How to celebrate Christmas in Egypt?

Top 35 Traditional Egyptian Food To Try

Weather & Climate of Egypt | Temperature in Egypt

What to take on your trip to Egypt?

Tipping in Egypt: How to deal with it

Best Time to Travel to Egypt – Your Guide For 2023/2024

Honeymoon in Egypt: Best Places to Visit and Stay

Top 12 Things to do in Cairo with Family

A Journey to National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

Is Nile Cruise worth it? Travel tips about sailing the Nile

Egypt Itinerary: Your Best Guide to Assembling Your Route

Top 10 Cities Must Visit in Egypt

Things to do in Luxor and Aswan

Top 15 Egypt Museums you have to visit – Hidden Gems

Cairo At Night: A Practical Guide to Exploring the City at Night

Lakes in Egypt: Unwind At The Lakeside In The Land Of Pyramids

Egypt Tours for Seniors: Top Travel Tips, Sights & Tours

Your Guide to the Different Types of Tourism in Egypt

How to Enjoy A Luxury Vacation in Egypt

Egypt Tours for Solo Travellers: Top Tips for Traveling to Egypt

How to Enjoy Egypt Giza Pyramids Complex

Best Souks in Cairo: A Local Shopping Experience

How to Enjoy Egypt Desert Safari Tours: A Guide for Travelers

Egyptian Temples: Where History and Mythology Intersect

Travel To Egypt in August

How to Plan A Trip to Egypt

Hot Air Balloon Luxor: Floating Amongst Pharaohs

Small group Tours to Egypt: Discover Egypt Together

What to Pack for Egypt in October

Snorkeling in Egypt: Best 7 Places to Snorkel in Egypt

How to Enjoy a Classic Holiday in Egypt

How to Enjoy A Perfect Vacation in Egypt With Friends

Nile Cruise Itinerary

Egypt Nile Cruise Tips

Best 8 Sights in Old Cairo: Historic Landmarks and Attractions

Ancient Egyptian Festivals 

Beaches in Egypt: Your Ultimate Guide to Egyptian Beaches

Explore Top 5 Hidden Gems in Egypt

Full Guide For Visiting Egypt in January 2024/2025

Magdy Fattouh

Why book with us.

• No-hassle best price guarantee
• Customer care available 24/7
• Hand-picked Tours & Activities

Pay Safely With Us

The payment is encrypted and transmitted securely with an SSL protocol.

Hi! Need help? Chat via WhatsApp with one of our agents.

Chat via WhatsApp with one of our agents.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Check out this year's Best in Travel winners

Egypt welcomes you with its mighty Nile and magnificent monuments, the beguiling desert and lush delta, and with its long past and welcoming, story-loving people.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Egypt. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Amun Temple Enclosure

Amun-Ra was the local god of Karnak (Luxor) and during the New Kingdom, when the princes of Thebes ruled Egypt, he became the preeminent state god, with a…

St Catherine's Monastery

This ancient monastery traces its founding to about AD 330, when Byzantine empress Helena had a small chapel and a fortified refuge for local hermits…

Temple of Horus

Southern Nile Valley

This Ptolemaic temple, built between 237 and 57 BC, is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Egypt. Preserved by desert sand, which filled the…

Temple of Seti I

Northern Nile Valley

The first structure you’ll see at Abydos is the Great Temple of Seti I, which, after a certain amount of restoration work, is one of the most complete,…

Great Temple of Ramses II

Carved out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile between 1274 and 1244 BC, this imposing main temple of the Abu Simbel complex was as much…

Temple of Isis

Built to honour the goddess Isis, this was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Construction began around 690 BC, and it was one of the…

White Desert National Park

Western Desert

Upon first glimpse of the 300-sq-km national park of the White Desert, you’ll feel like Alice through the looking-glass. About 20km northeast of Farafra,…

Valley of the Kings

The west bank of Luxor had been the site of royal burials since around 2100 BC, but it was the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period (1550–1069 BC) who chose…

Top picks from our travel experts

15 best experiences in egypt for history, adventure and culture.

Luxor Temple

Largely built by the New Kingdom pharaohs Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BC) and Ramses II (1279–1213 BC), this temple is a strikingly graceful monument in the…

Tomb of Seti I (KV 17)

One of the great achievements of Egyptian art, this cathedral-like tomb is the finest in the Valley of the Kings. Long closed to visitors, it is now…

Carved into a reef, 8km north of Dahab, is Egypt’s most infamous dive site. The Blue Hole is a gaping sinkhole that drops straight down – some say…

Sataya Reef

Horseshoe-shaped Sataya, 50km north of Berenice, is the main reef of the Fury Shoals, and has steep walls leading down to a sandy slope scattered with a…

Wadi Al Hittan

This Unesco World Heritage Site is home to the earliest prehistoric whale fossils ever discovered. The more than 400 basilosaurus and dorodontus (both…

Karnak is an extraordinary complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Theban triad but also to the greater glory of pharaohs…

Khan Al Khalili

The skinny lanes of Khan Al Khalili are basically a medieval-style mall. This agglomeration of shops – many arranged around small courtyards – stocks…

Bab Zuweila

Built in the 11th century, beautiful Bab Zuweila was an execution site during Mamluk times, and today is the only remaining southern gate of the medieval…

Pyramids of Giza

The last remaining wonder of the ancient world; for nearly 4000 years, the extraordinary shape, impeccable geometry and sheer bulk of the Giza Pyramids…

Although only the burial chamber is decorated, this tomb, tucked away in the West Valley, is noted for its scenes of Ay hunting hippopotamus and fishing…

Tomb of Ramses III (KV 11)

One of the most popular tombs in the valley, KV 11 is also one of the most interesting and best preserved. Originally started by Sethnakht (1186–1184 BC),…

Valley of the Queens

At the southern end of the Theban hillside, the Valley of the Queens contains at least 75 tombs that belonged to queens of the 19th and 20th dynasties as…

Tomb of Nefertari

Nefertari's tomb is hailed as one of the finest in the Theban necropolis – and all of Egypt for that matter. Nefertari was one of five wives of Ramses II,…

Luxor Museum

This wonderful museum has a well-chosen and brilliantly displayed and explained collection of antiquities dating from the end of the Old Kingdom right…

Wadi Rayyan Protected Area

The 'waterfalls' in the Wadi Rayyan Protected Area are a major attraction for weekend picnickers from Cairo. The waterfalls, where one lake drains into…

Cleopatra’s Spring

Following the track that leads to the Temple of the Oracle and continuing past the Temple of Umm Ubayd will lead you to Siwa’s most famous spring. The…

Medinat Habu

Ramses III’s magnificent memorial temple of Medinat Habu, fronted by sleepy Kom Lolah village and backed by the Theban mountains, is one of the west bank…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

You might visit Egypt for the history, the adventure, the beaches or even just the pyramids - when it comes to things to do, you are spoiled for choice.

Things to Know

Plan the perfect trip to Egypt with these essential tips on etiquette, health and safety.

Transportation

Transport in Egypt is fairly efficient and reasonably priced. Here are the best ways to get around Egypt, from overnight trains to cruise boats on the Nile.

Visa Requirements

Before you set off on your Egypt adventure, check this handy guide to find out all the Egyptian visa information you need for your trip.

Money and Costs

Don't think a small budget will restrict your Egyptian adventure. With our top tips, you can explore the whole country without breaking the bank.

Traveling with Kids

Egypt can be a challenging destination to visit, but the country is a treasure trove of activities for families. Here's how to visit Egypt with kids.

Best Road Trips

Experience the best of Egypt with these spectacular road trip routes.

Plan with a local

Experience the real Egypt

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Egypt

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Destination Practicalities

Mar 12, 2024 • 4 min read

With tombs, pyramids and towering temples, Egypt brings out the explorer in all of us. This handy month-by-month guide shows the best time to visit Egypt.

Jan 26, 2024 • 6 min read

Oct 3, 2023 • 6 min read

Sep 4, 2023 • 5 min read

Sep 3, 2023 • 4 min read

Aug 23, 2023 • 7 min read

Aug 18, 2023 • 9 min read

Aug 18, 2023 • 8 min read

Aug 17, 2023 • 5 min read

Aug 16, 2023 • 9 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Egypt

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Egypt with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Egypt and beyond

40 Incredible Tourist Attractions in Egypt

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

There are so many incredible tourist attractions in Egypt. In this article I have provided a detailed guide about the major tourist attractions with plenty of helpful travel tips. Are you ready to learn more about the tourist attractions in Egypt? Read on…

Tourist attractions in Egypt

Where is aswan, what is the weather like in aswan, things to do in the city, easy trips from aswan, places to stay in aswan, what is the valley of the kings, who was buried there, where is the valley of the kings, visiting the site, valley of the kings map, west bank accommodation, luxor accommodation, what is karnak temple, where is karnak, visiting karnak temple, places to stay near karnak, other things to do near karnak temple, where are the pyramids of giza, why were the pyramids built, visiting the pyramids of giza, where to stay, what is lake nasser, visiting the lake, wildlife at lake nasser, lake nasser weather, where to stay near the lake, what is the tutankhamun tomb, where is the tomb, can i go inside the tutankhamun tomb, getting to the valley of the kings, other things to see near the tutankhamun tomb, where should you stay, tourist attractions in egypt: hatshepsut temple, hatshepsut temple entrance fees, what else can i see nearby, where to stay when visiting the hatshepsut temple, places to eat and drink in the area, where is memphis, getting to memphis, egypt, things to see in memphis, other things to do near memphis, places to eat and drink near memphis, egypt, places to stay near the city, where is the temple, what is luxor temple, visiting the temple, places to stay in luxor, what is the aswan dam, where is the dam, visiting the aswan dam, the nubian museum, elephantine island, the unfinished obelisk, the aga khan mausoleum, the tomb of the nobles, hotels near the aswan dam, what is abu simbel, facts about abu simbel, visiting the temple complex, where to stay when planning a visit to abu simbel, tourist attractions in egypt: colossi of memnon, getting to the statues, place to stay near the colossi of memnon, other things to see near the statues, where is the valley of the queens, what is the valley of the queens, visiting the valley, other sites to see near the valley of the queens, places to stay nearby, tourist attractions in egypt: to conclude.

The tourist attractions in Egypt are like no other! Below I have outlined all of the major tourist attractions that should be on your Egypt travel itinerary- whether you are spending 8 days in Egypt or a month in the country, there is plenty to keep you occupied. I have organised the tourist attractions in Egypt by locations, where applicable.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Aswan

Aswan is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt. So what do you need to know about Aswan before you go?

Aswan is a city in southern Egypt. It lies on the Nile River, and it is the strategic and commercial gateway of southern Egypt. There are many tourist attractions in Egypt based in Aswan – with villages, gardens, markets and more, as well as the nearby Aswan Dam, you will have so much fun if you choose to visit Aswan as part of your trip to Egypt.

Aswan has its own airport. This is Aswan International Airport, also known as Daraw Airport, 16km from the city itself. It is classed as a ‘minor international airport’. Flights from Europe tend to go via Cairo and then on to Aswan itself.

Another great way of visiting the area and seeing the tourist attractions in Egypt is on a Nile cruise. See the incredible history of Egypt on a small, comfortable boat with gourmet dining, plenty of space to relax, and on-board entertainment. They are such a unique and fun way to travel!

Depending on your nationality and length of stay, you may need an Egypt visa . Fortunately, these are pretty easy to get and if you use a company like PassportVisa.org the process is simple and easy!

There’s one word for Aswan – warm. January is the coolest month which an average temperature of around 15.3°C and no rain , while June-August are the warmest months. They all have an average daily temperature of around 33°C. 

August and October are the two months when it is most likely to rain, but it’s never a lot! November through February are the most humid months – between 32 and 42% humidity. Make sure you pack your SPF and something to keep you cool, like a portable fan, and you’ll be good to go.

There is seriously SO many tourist attractions in Egypt based in Aswan. Like most of Egypt, it has a rich and colourful history as well as beautiful scenery and plenty of culture .

The Nubian Museum is listed as the best thing to do in Aswan according to Lonely Planet. You can learn all the history of a culture that was practically wiped out by the construction of the Aswan Dam, as well as how the Philae and Abu Simbel temples were saved.

Going to see the Aswan Dam itself is a must. The views are incredible and if you’re interested in engineering, then you’ll be fascinated. The dam creation was controversial, though. It caused the displacement that you’ll learn about in the Nubian Museum, and you can do a guided tour of the Aswan Dam .

No trip to Aswan is complete without visiting the spice market as this is one of the major tourist attractions in Egypt. Sharia al-Souq is the perfect place to pick up nutmeg, cloves, bergamot and cinnamon as well as plenty of souvenirs. You can take home fabric, jewellery and more.

There are some tourist attractions in Egypt that can be easily accessed from here too. You can visit Philae Temple, which stands alone on an island in the Nile. Most people don’t make the effort to see this stunning temple, so it is always a peaceful visit. You can hire a boatman to take you to the temple. There are Christian church ruins on the site, which is Philae Temple’s new home following the construction of the high dam. It is definitely worth making the trip!

TOP TIP: the return felucca journey to Philae Temple should cost 120 LE. Bear this in mind to avoid being overcharged!

Another little boat journey: Elephantine Island. It is beautiful, with traditional Nubian villages – you’ll find locals chatting on to their neighbours as children run away the streets of brightly painted buildings and walls. Love a bit of street photography, or just want some unexpected snaps for the ‘gram? Then visiting the island is ideal for you.

You can also head out to see Abu Simbel, around 280km from the city. One of Egypt’s greatest temples, you should not miss seeing Abu Simbel. It’s simply awe-inspiring. You can book a day trip out to the temple easily.

Basma Hotel Aswan is a lovely place to stay. Not far from the Nubian Museum, there is a pool, free WiFi and free parking. An airport shuttle can be arranged, family rooms are available and there is a bar & restaurant too. Special dietary requirements can be adhered to, and there are various activities on offer. A great place to stay in Aswan!

Ekadolli Nubian Guesthouse is on the other side of the Nile, offering the perfect view of Aswan in traditional Nubian accommodation. There is a restaurant, breakfast buffet and bar. With plenty of brightly decorated outdoor space and beautiful views, this is lovely if you’re looking for somewhere to relax while in Aswan.

Aragheed Nubian Guest House is another place for traditional-style accommodation. With BBQ facilities, free parking, live music and so much more as well as a friendly atmosphere, travellers love it here. Airport transfers can be arranged, the views and incredible and there is even a rooftop chill-out area!

If you want to stay on the aforementioned Elephantine Island, then the Mövenpick Resort is perfect. A stunning luxury hotel with a pool, tennis court and gym as well as free WiFi, BBQ facilities and romantic views, it is just incredible. If you are visiting Aswan for a special occasion or just fancy a bit of luxury, then this is ideal.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is home to many of the tourist attractions in Egypt. In fact, these tourist attractions in Egypt are some of the most impressive in the country! Lets take a closer look…

The Valley of the Kings is an Egyptian valley full of rock-cut tombs. As the name suggests, these tombs belonged to the various kings of Egypt and are some of the most incredible tourist attractions in Egypt. They were buried there between the 16th and 11th centuries BC – powerful people of the New Kingdom, royalty and more. There is an east valley and a west valley. Most of the royal tombs can be found in East Valley.

Probably the most famous Valley of the Kings burial was Tutankhamun . King Tut, The Boy King – whatever nickname you know him by, most people have heard of him. His gold mask, created circa 1323 BC, is one of the most well known pieces of art in the world. You can see it now at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo as part of your trip to Egypt.

The Valley of the Kings is now a popular tourist site and home to several tourist attractions in Egypt. Every year, history-lovers flock to the archaeological site to see what remains there and visit the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.

There were so many people buried at the Valley of the Kings. Here are just some of them…

• Ramesses VII
• Tia’a
• Amenhotep II
• Thutmose IV
• Tutankhamun

The site is located in modern day Luxor. This is a city in Upper Egypt (the south of the country) and it is the capital of the Luxor Governorate. Often labelled as the world’s best open-air museum, Luxor is jam packed with ancient ruins, incredible monuments and fascinating history.

Luxor lies on the River Nile, and can easily be visited as part of a Nile cruise . The Valley of the Kings is on the West Bank of the Nile, opposite the city itself – Luxor city is located where ancient Thebes was.

Luxor has its own international airport (LXR). It lies just 6 km away from the city, and you can fly here from Brussels, Heathrow, Paris CDG, Kuwait, Milan, Cairo and some other airports. The drive from the airport to the city takes just 15 minutes.

If you want to visit the Valley of the Kings, you just need to head to the West Bank. There is a ferry across the Nile from Luxor, and then you can hire a taxi to take you to the valley and to other sites on this side of the river. You can hire a taxi for the whole day, with a driver who will ensure you get to see everything you want. Ask at your hotel if they can recommend anyone, or at least what price you should expect to pay.

TOP TIP: you could also hire a bike on the West Bank, if you are looking to cut costs down and see this part of Egypt in a different way.

There are plenty of guided tours of the Valley of the Kings available. These tours generally include transport, and often combine this site with other famous locations that will likely also be on your list. This is a great way of ticking some things off, and not having to faff about with planning everything yourself. Always a good idea if you are on a short time frame!

The entrance fee for the Valley of the Kings is 240 EGP. There are various discounts available – under 5s get in free, while kids up to 12 get a 50% discount. If you have a student ID card, it is with taking it with you as this often qualifies you for a discount (if you’re under 30) too.

The site is open from 6 am daily, closing at 4 in the winter and 5 in the summer.

This map serves a guide to the most famous tombs located at the Valley of the Kings to help you plan your visit to the tourist attractions in Egypt. You will also be able to get paper maps when visiting. There are often tour guides who congregate near the entrance, so if you want someone to take you around the site then this is worth looking into. It will cost you, but it can be worth your while!

If you are looking to stay somewhere that is close to the Valley of the Kings and these magnificent tourist attractions in Egypt, choose accommodation on the West Bank itself. You can also choose to stay in Luxor, if you want more of a resort feel. There are plenty of options…

Villa Kaslan Apartments are a small group of apartments on the West Bank. The Valley of the Kings is just 2.2 miles away, and each apartment has its own kitchen, bathroom and outdoor space. There is a pool, free WiFi and free on-site parking; transfers to/from the airport can be arranged too. The apartments have air conditioning, a TV and dining space. Previous guests loved the friendly staff, cleanliness and the lovely food.

New Memnon Hotel , just 1.2 miles from the Valley of the Kings, is a great choice. With a rooftop bar and restaurant, air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free WiFi, you’ll have everything you need. Nearby parking is free, family rooms are available and housekeeping is daily. With outdoor space to enjoy and so much within easy reach, it’s no surprise this hotel has great reviews. Previous guests have raved about the food, and ambience and the staff.

Around 3 miles from the Valley of the Kings, on the other side of the river, is the Mercure Luxor Karnak . A well-known hotel brand, you know what you’re getting with a Mercure stay. There is a large pool as well as a kids pool, and there are 7 restaurants and bars here. Rooms are large with balconies, air conditioning and private bathrooms. WiFi and parking are free; there is plenty of entertainment and spa facilities are available too.

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is the one for you if you’re looking for luxury on your trip to Egypt. The Valley of the Kings is around 2.5 miles away (with a river crossing) and the hotel itself is gorgeous. With hammocks and two infinity pools, a luxurious spa and incredible Nile views, you will be in your element. For those wanting to combine history and exploration with a touch of glamour, look no further!

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Karnak

One of the most iconic tourist attractions in Egypt is Karnak Temple. In fact, Karnak temple was one of my favourite tourist attractions in Egypt!

Often simply referred to as Karnak, it is a temple complex that is actually made up of several tourist attractions in Egypt, namely temples, chapels, pylons and other buildings. Construction began in the Middle Kingdom. 

The surrounding area was known, in ancient times, as ‘Ipet-isut’ which translates as ‘ The most selected of places’. Therefore, it is clear that Karnak Temple was an incredibly important part of ancient Egypt worship and culture. It was the main place of worship during the 18th Dynasty, and was influenced by 30 different pharaohs over the years. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Egypt with significant history.

Did you know: ‘Karnak’ itself means ‘fortified settlement’ in Arabic.

What springs to mind when you think of Karnak Temple is probably the Precinct of Amun-Ra. This is the only part open to the general public. There are three other parts that make up the temple complex: the Precinct of Mut, the Precinct or Montu and the Temple to Amenhotep IV – which has been dismantled. These three sections are closed to the public.

Karnak Temple Complex is in Luxor. This is in the south of Egypt, which is also known as Upper Egypt. It is on the east bank of the Nile River, and actually lies on the site of the ancient city of Thebes.

Driving to the Karnak Temple complex from the centre of Luxor and other tourist attractions in Egypt takes around 15 minutes. It also only takes 6 minutes to drive between Luxor Temple and Karnak – so combining the two is simple and easy.

Luxor has a whole host of tourist attractions in Egypt, and is a real must-visit city in Egypt.

As mentioned, part of the Karnak Temple Complex is open to the public. Entry costs 150 EGP, though if you’re a student make sure you show your ID card as you can get in for a reduced fee!

Visiting Karnak independently is definitely possible, but given the vast size of the temple complex it might be worth hiring a guide when you arrive. This usually costs around 50-100 EGP, and they’ll stay with you for an hour and a half. They can show you the most important parts of Karnak Temple, explain exactly what everything is, and show you the very best photo spots.

If you are travelling independently, you can get a microbus to Karnak Temple. These are heralded as the easiest way to travel around Luxor, and they’re cheap too. You can flag them down while they’re en route, and if they’re heading your way you can jump in. It only costs 1EGP per journey! To get a microbus to Karnak, you can definitely grab one from behind Luxor Train Station or from Luxor Temple – if you don’t want to try your hand at flagging one down, that is…

Of course, there are guided tours that take you to Karnak Temple anyway. These tend to be full day trips around Luxor, highlighting the best parts of the city. You can fly in from Sharm El Sheikh , or hop on an air conditioned coach from Hurghada .

If you visit Karnak at night, you can catch the famous sound & light show at the temple complex. It is a 1.5 hour show which recounts the history of Thebes. For light show fans, this is certainly one. of the best tourist attractions in Egypt.

There are various places to stay that are fairly near to Karnak. Luxor has a huge variety of hotels, apartments, hostels and more – so there truly is an option for every type of traveller.

El Mesala Hotel is 1.9 miles from Karnak Temple. There are views of the Nile and Luxor Temple, and reviews praise the fantastic location and helpful staff here. The hotel offers single, double and triple rooms as well as family rooms, and there is free WiFi as well as free public on-street parking for those of you driving to Luxor. They can arrange airport pick-up/drop-off, and there is a pool, BBQ facilities, bar & restaurant and more.

Venus Hostel in Luxor is just 1.4 miles from the temple complex. Reviews cite the staff as being extremely helpful, and you’ll not find any dormitories here. Despite being a hostel, all rooms are private. There is a shared kitchen as well as free WiFi and parking; you can check in at any time, and there is a terrace area too for relaxing in the sunshine.

If it’s luxury you’re after, you’ll find it at the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa ; at just 0.9 miles from Karnak Temple, it is one of the closest hotels to the site. It has eight bars, a variety of stunning rooms (from family rooms to spa suites), BBQ facilities, an airport shuttle service and so much more. The spa offers plenty of facilities and treatments, and reviews say how good the food is too!

For a full list of accommodation options available on your travel dates, use the search box below.

As mentioned above, Luxor is home to a whole host of tourist attractions in Egypt. Karnak Temple is just one of them, so here are a few other things you can get up to in the area…

• The Valley of the Kings, and the Valley of the Queens – where royalty was buried, in mummified form.
• The Colossi of Memnon – two ginormous ancient statues.
• Luxor Temple – an incredible temple which presides over the area.
• Medinet Habu – an often overlooked temple that has some wonderfully intact decor and artwork.
• Carter’s house – if you’re interested in all things King Tut, the home of the archaeologist who discovered him is a must-see. There’s a replica tomb there, too.
• Banana Island – you can sail down the Nile on a felucca, and head to this palm-shaded island. Come back in the evening and catch the sunset as you travel!
• Hot air balloon – see Luxor from above, in the early hours of the day when it’s slightly cooler.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Pyramids of Giza

When you think of Egypt, you very likely think of the Pyramids of Giza and these are some of the most famous tourist attractions in Egypt. They are almost synonymous with the country, and they are absolutely breathtaking.

The pyramids of Giza are located in Egypt, on the outskirts of Cairo. Visiting the pyramids can easily be organised via a tour, with a private guide or independently upon arrival in Egypt. I recommend securing your visa for Egypt in advance of your trip. Prior to our trip, we decided to get our Egypt visa online . Getting the visa was super easy and convenient and helped to make fo a simple entry to Egypt when we arrived.

When you arrive in Cairo you will need to book a tour or a private car to take you to the pyramids. The pyramids are in the Al Giza Desert, and the complex is called the Giza Necropolis, home to these incredible tourist attractions in Egypt. There are three pyramids here: the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Pyramid of Khafre.

Giza is a city on the west bank of the Nile, near to Cairo. Alongside the Pyramids of Giza, there are other ancient monuments to behold. Giza has always been an important part of Egypt’s history, due to its close proximity to Memphis – the capital city of the first unified Egyptian state under Narmer, the first pharaoh.

These tourist attractions in Egypt were built as tombs for ancient Egyptian pharaohs and their queens. They contain chambers inside, and are surrounded by smaller pyramid structures, mastaba tombs and mortuary temples. While there are over 80 pyramids across Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza are the best preserved and most well-known.

The Great Pyramid, which is also the oldest, was built for a pharaoh named Khufu. He is referenced inside the pyramid. For almost 4,000 years this pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world, and it is believed that the architect was Hemiunu, Khufu’s highest ranking official. At the time of construction it was around 146.5 metres tall (480ft) but now stands at 138.8 metres (455ft) due to erosion and the loss of its pyramidion.

The second tallest of the Pyramids of Giza is the Pyramid of Khafre, also written as Chephren. He was a pharaoh who ruled from around 2558-2532 BC. It is 136.4 metres tall. The Pyramid of Khafre was first explored (in modern times) in 1818 by Giovanni Belzoni. An open sarcophagus was found inside, but no bones.

Last but not least is the Pyramid of Menkaure, which is the smallest of the three Pyramids of Giza. Menkaure was another fourth Dynasty pharaoh. This pyramid is 61 metres tall (204ft), and the pharaoh’s coffin was found within. However, the bones inside were likely not his – carbon dating placed them at less than 2,000 years old.

Without a doubt, these are some of the most amazing tourist attractions in Egypt and are the reason many people travel here.

As the complex is home to the only remaining ancient wonder of the world, as well as being utterly awe-inspiring, many tourists are keen to visit the Pyramids of Giza. And there are a variety of ways in which you can make sure you get to these tourist attractions in Egypt.

If you’re on a Mediterranean cruise, then Port Said or Alexandria might be one of your ports. Both are around 2.5 hours away by car or coach, and you will more than likely be able to book onto an excursion that takes you to see the Pyramids of Giza alongside the Sphinx and the Cairo Museum.

There are also river cruises that incorporate Cairo and Giza as well as Luxor and Aswan – these are often smaller and more intimate than Mediterranean cruises so depending on what you’re looking for, bear that in mind.

Did you know: there is often a light and sound show at the pyramids, and other sites around Egypt. You might want to plan your trip to coincide with this! These tourist attractions in Egypt looks especially incredible in the dark!

If you are staying in Cairo and prefer a DIY-style of travel, take a private taxi from the city to the Pyramids of Giza and surrounding complex. As of 2019, Uber is available in Cairo too. If you have hired a car, there is parking available near the pyramid complex.

There are also public buses that can take you from Cairo to Giza; there is a bus stand behind the Cairo Museum, and there are a few different buses to choose from.

You can also book an organised tour to the Pyramids of Giza . There are plenty of options available leaving from Cairo, and incorporating other sites into the day. They are typically inexpensive, and having a guide with you can be helpful when it comes to knowing what you’re looking at.

There are plenty of options when it comes to staying near to the Pyramids of Giza, ensuring that you are nearby these tourist attractions in Egypt. Some are even within walking distance of the plateau, if you can stand the heat. Here’s some picks…

Giza Pyramids Inn is literally across the street from the entrance gate of the complex. You can look out across the pyramids, so the view is an absolute win here. The hotel has air conditioning, free airport pick-up, free WiFi and parking as well as private bathrooms in all hotel rooms. There is a bar and restaurant, 24-hour check in and a tour desk – perfect for planning your visit to the Pyramids of Giza and beyond.

Pyramids Valley Boutique Hotel is 0.5 miles from the Pyramids of Giza. Again you can see the pyramids from your balcony or the rooftop terrace – there are single and double rooms, both standard and deluxe, and the property has free WiFi and parking available. There is a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk, too.

Slightly further out, although still less than a mile away from the Pyramids of Giza, is Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa . WiFi is free and there’s a pool, a separate kid’s pool, spa facilities such as a jacuzzi, massages and sauna and a fitness centre to boot. Rooms have a few of either the pyramids, or the pool area. There is a bar and restaurant as well as a snack bar and places to get coffee. For something more luxurious, this is definitely an option to consider.

For a full list accommodation and availability on your travel dates, use the map widget below.

Tourist attractions in Egypt :Lake Nasser

The most iconic waterway and one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Egypt is the River Nile – however, there is other water to explore in the country.

Lake Nasser, a vast reservoir, is one of the biggest man-made lakes anywhere on Earth, making it one of the most notable tourist attractions in Egypt. It is in the south of Egypt, as well as in northern Sudan. However, the Sudanese call their portion of water ‘Lake Nubia’. 

The main (much larger) part of the lake is in Egypt. Lake Nasser is 298 miles long (479 km) and at its widest point is 9.9 miles wide (16 km).

Did you know: There are small islands within Lake Nasser, such as Philae and Agilkia.

Lake Nasser is named after one of the leaders of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, Gamal Abdel Nasser. It was created by the impounding of water from the River Nile, because of the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The lake has brought a further 800,000 acres of land under irrigation, with another 700,000 acres being converted from flood to perennial irrigation.

When Lake Nasser was being created, it meant that a lot of significant historical sites in Egypt would be submerged. Therefore, temples like Abu Simbel had to be moved to new locations to avoid being lost forever, luckily because of the relocation we can still visit these tourist attractions in Egypt.

One way to visit Lake Nasser is to incorporate it into a Nile Cruise and combine it with visits to other tourist attractions in Egypt. Many cruise operators give you the option to extend your trip and spend a few nights sailing on Lake Nasser. Or, for a shorter trip, you can opt to just take a 4 night cruise around the lake. The views are incredible!

You can do day trips too if you are staying in Aswan or very nearby. For example, there are fishing trips to Lake Nasser available from Aswan – equipment and refreshments are provided, transport to and from the lake is included and you can spend the whole day on the water catching tiger fish, Nile perch and more.

Other day trips take you to Kalabsha Temple , which is right on the shores of Lake Nasser. It is often overlooked by tourists, meaning it’ll likely be quiet if you do visit and you’ll have the place to yourselves, able to soak everything it and admire Lake Nasser too. As you can see, there are a lot of tourist attractions in Egypt based here.

You can, of course, see the lake from the Aswan High Dam. Here you will find plenty of information boards with facts and statistics about Lake Nasser. At the centre of the dam there is parking, clean toilets and the opportunity to buy food, drinks and souvenirs. You can also see construction photos. It is incredible to look back at how the dam and the lake were made!

In and around the lake there is plenty of wildlife to be seen. Ecosafari boat trips are available to show you exactly what’s living in the water and on its shores, and if you’re lucky enough you might spot some of the 100 species of birds on the lake as well as the ones who are passing over on their annual migrations.

There are also mammals and reptiles. Crocodiles and monitor lizards and particularly common, and you might also spot gazelle, dorcas, desert fox, jackals and more. As expected, Lake Nasser is home to plenty of fish too, like the aforementioned tiger fisher and Nile perch.

Aswan and Lake Nasser have lows of 10-12°C between December and February, with the highest temperatures in June, July and August when it reaches as high as 42°C. It often goes years without raining near Lake Nasser, so it’s a very dry heat.

When travelling to this area, be sure to wear thin clothing that will keep you cool – linen and cheesecloth are good materials to consider. Sun protection is vastly important too! Pack a hat, portable fan and a cooling towel if you think the heat will get to you, and remember to stay hydrated at all times.

Given the location of the lake and the tourist attractions in Egypt, there is not too much choice when it comes to looking for somewhere to stay nearby. But the following accommodations are fairly near the lake!

Nefertari Hotel Abu Simbel overlooks the lake, which means the views are beautiful. The hotel has different room types as well as a pool, free WiFi and free parking. Rooms have private bathrooms, and the hotel has a bar and restaurant. 24-hour check in is available, and there are shops on site as well as a laundry service. Traditional decor and the lovely surroundings give this hotel an authentic look and feel.

In Aswan, a 15 minute drive from the High Dam, the Basma Hotel has free parking and free WiFi as well as a variety of air-conditioned rooms with minibars. There is a coffee house, snack bar, restaurant and bar on site as well as BBQ facilities. There is a pool and outdoor seating, and they can arrange packed lunches for your day trips as well as massages, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle service. The decor is colourful and reviews praise the staff, the breakfast and the location.

Star Abu Simbel is an apartment near the famous temple, meaning it is really close to Lake Nasser too. It sleeps six, and there is free WiFi as well as free parking. The entire apartment is on the ground floor, and the kitchen means guests have the freedom to eat when they want. Mosquito nets are present, there is an outdoor terrace to relax on as well as air conditioning.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Tutankhamun’s tomb

When heading to Egypt, high on everyone’s list of historical sites to see is the Tutankhamun tomb. We stopped here during our travels through Egypt and recommend that you do too!

Known as King Tut or the boy king, Tutankhamun was an 18th Dynasty pharaoh. He was only 8 or 9 years old when he became king, and he reigned for a further 9 years. His death has been the subject of debates for years – it was thought he may have been murdered by a blow to the head, but x-rays and CT scans have disproved this. Cause of death remains a mystery for now, however.

His tomb was discovered by Howard Carter. In 1922, British archaeologist Carter and his team were in the Valley of the Kings when they discovered a step leading into a tomb that was remarkably intact. With four rooms and several thousand objects, it took Carter years to excavate the tomb.

Within the tomb, of course, was a stone sarcophagus. Three coffins nested inside of each other like Russian dolls, and the final one – made from solid gold – contained the mummy of Tutankhamun himself. It had been preserved for over 3000 years!

The Tutankhamun tomb is in the Valley of the Kings, which is home to some of the best tourist attractions in Egypt. This is on the west bank of the River Nile, opposite what we call Luxor today. It’s fairly remote, in order to deter thieves in days past. Sadly this didn’t really work, and a lot of the tombs were raided – the Tutankhamun tomb was not, though, which is part of what makes it so famous today.

YES this is one of the tourist attractions in Egypt that you can enter! The tomb is open for visitors, however you do have to pay extra. Tickets and packages for entry into the Valley of the Kings do not cover entry into the Tutankhamun tomb, however it is only a few pounds/dollars extra.

The tomb has recently been restored, making this one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Egypt. The project took a decade, and the Tutankhamun tomb was still open to visitors during this time. The Valley of the Kings has been a tourist trap for thousands of years – before it was rediscovered by modern day archaeologists, the Romans and Greeks of ancient times found it and visited the tombs. Because of this, and because interest doesn’t seem to be waning at all, something had to be done.

For the most part, the Tutankhamun tomb has been emptied. However, there’s one thing you will get to see if you visit: the king himself! That’s right, the mummy of the boy king remains in the tomb. When discovering and excavating the tomb, Howard Carter caused a little bit of accidental damage to the mummy. Because of this, it can’t be moved to Cairo with the rest of the goods. Doing so would damage it completely.

There are many ways to get to the Valley of the Kings. By using Luxor as a starting point when visiting the tourist attractions in Egypt based here, you can easily make your way to the Tutankhamun tomb and all of the other tombs in the valley…

First of all, you need to get to Luxor. The closest airport is Luxor International Airport (LXR) – it is 4 miles east of the city itself, and the drive from airport to city centre takes roughly 15 minutes. You can fly to Luxor from many major cities (London, Paris, Glasgow) but most flights are indirect.

• The ferry takes you across from Luxor to the west bank, and from here you can hire a taxi with a driver who will take you on a full day tour of the sites for the right price. 
• You can also hire a bike. This keeps costs down and allows you to do it all at your own pace.
• Another option is to hike to the Valley of the Kings. You can do this from Deir el-Bahari, or from Deir el-Medina. Be warned, it’s a hot and dusty hike!

There are organised day trips available too. These will take you to the Valley of the Kings as well as arranging access to the Tutankhamun tomb. Tours run from Luxor and Hurghada as well as other nearby locations.

While the tomb of the boy king is one of the most popular sites to see – the one on everybody’s bucket list – there is plenty else to have a look at nearby. Here are some of the best:

• The 64 other tombs at the Valley of the Kings
• Sunset river cruise
• Karnak 
• The Colossi of Memnon
• Luxor Temple

There are plenty of places to stay that will give you easy access to the tourist attractions in Egypt based in the Valley of the Kings and the Tutankhamun tomb. From apartments to hotels and hostels, you’ll be able to find something perfect for your needs…

For a bit of luxury, the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is only a few miles away. With pool and spa facilities, free WiFi, a dedicated airport shuttle, bar & restaurant and free parking, the hotel has everything you could ever need for a relaxing stay that still allows you to be well located for visiting historical sites. They can cater to special dietary requirements, and guests can check in or out 24 hours a day.

If you’re after something a bit more low key, Villa Bahri offers two apartments just a couple of miles from the Valley of the Kings. There is free WiFi and public parking as well as your own kitchen, an outdoor pool, air conditioning and more.

For a budget hotel, check out the Pharaoh’s Hotel . Offering twin, double and triple rooms as well as a terrace for eating meals and an on-site bar, this hotel is popular with long-term travellers. The Valley of the Kings is just a 10 minute walk away, and free WiFi is offered alongside air conditioning and somewhere to do your laundry.

For a complete list of available accommodation options on your travel dates, use the map below.

Whether Hatshepsut Temple is already on your list of tourist attractions in Egypt or not, here’s a complete guide to visiting.

What is Hatshepsut Temple

Located beneath the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile – close to modern day Luxor – the temple serves as just one of many incredible tourist attractions in Egypt to see in the area.

Its full name is The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and it is also know as Djeser-Djeseru which translates roughly as Holy of Holies. It was built for 18th Dynasty pharaoh Hatshepsut. She was only the second-ever female pharaoh, history tells us.

Construction of the Hatshepsut Temple was overseen by the royal architect Senenmut. There are layered terraces, porto-Doric columns and square piers as well as ramps that would once have been surrounded by gardens filled with plants. With the temple there is a sun court, chapel, sanctuary and more.

To get to Hatshepsut Temple there are various routes. You can take a half-hour walk from the Valley of the Kings over the mountain pass – there is a trail, and it isn’t as busy as other ways of getting to the temple. Of course, this involves getting to the Valley of the Kings. You can get here easily on foot or by taxi. If you are coming from Luxor on the other side of the Nile take the ferry.

DON’T FORGET! You can also visit the temple, and all of the other popular sites in the area, on a Nile Cruise .

It is best to visit Hatshepsut Temple with a guide. There are some fascinating stories about the temple as well as the pharaoh herself, and a guide will be able to tell you everything you want to know.

There is an entrance fee to visit Hatshepsut Temple. You may be on a tour that includes entry to the temple area, but if not the costs are as follows…

• Non-Egyptian tourist: 80 EGP
• Non-Egyptian student (with relevant ID): 40 EGP
• Egyptian national: 10 EGP
• Egyptian student (with relevant ID): 5 EGP

As mentioned, tours are available. These tend to be tours of the west bank as a whole, that incorporate Hatshepsut Temple as part of the day. These leave from the likes of Aswan and Hurghada . There are also different and slightly unique tours available, such as a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the temple and other sites.

Near to Hatshepsut Temple there are plenty of other tourist attractions in Egypt. If you are interested in Ancient Egyptian culture and history you will likely already have an idea of the tourist attractions in Egypt you want to visit – but here are the most popular sites near to the temple itself…

• The Valley of the Kings – home to over 60 tombs, the valley was the final resting place for many kings during the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties.
• The Temple of Karnak – one of the biggest temple complexes with plenty to see. Again it is advised that you visit with a guide to get the most out of your trip.
• Ramesseum – otherwise known as the Mortuary Temple of Ramses II, it was built on the site of Seti I’s ruined temple. It also inspired a Percy Bysshe Shelly verse, linked to its nickname of the tomb of Ozymandia.
• The Howard Carter House – home of the archaeologist who discovered the tomb of King Tut himself. The house still has his dark room as well as plenty of his possessions for visitors to see.

In order to be within easy reach of the temple and other tourist attractions in Egypt, it is best to stay in Luxor. This modern area lies on the site of the ancient city of Thebes. Luxor has plenty of accommodation to offer as well as museums, bars, restaurants, shops and more. Here are some options…

At just 1 mile from the Hatshepsut Temple, Nour El Gourna is perfectly located. The authentic-looking hotel offers single, twin, double and triple rooms for an affordable price. There is free parking available as well as an airport shuttle service; the rooms are non-smoking, and pets are allowed for any more-local tourists. Many of the west bank sites are within walking distance.

Memnon Hotel , located in Luxor, offers single and double rooms with free WiFi and free on-site private parking. No-smoking rooms, a 24-h front desk, bike rental service and more are available at this hotel which is approximately 1.3 miles from Hatshepsut Temple.

If you’re travelling with a larger group and are looking for a villa, Shahhat House sleeps six. With stunning views and huge outdoor seating area to take it all in, this is perfect for a short or long stay. There are three bedrooms – two with double beds and one with two singles – as well as a kitchen, free WiFi and free parking.

For more accommodation options, try Luxor- which isn’t far away. Type in your travel dates below to see what’s available.

Although there isn’t a lot in the immediate vicinity, there are some eateries and bars that aren’t too far from the Hatshepsut Temple. Here are some visitor favourites…

• Wenkie’s – a German coffee and ice cream parlour. They offer a wide variety of sorbet and ice cream flavours as well as hot drinks, waffles and more.
• Al-Sahaby Lane Restaurant – this traditional Middle Eastern restaurant comes highly recommended, offering vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten free options.
• Pizza Roma-it – if you’re looking for Italian food, their pizza is raved about by many. You can watch them being prepared, too.
• Hatshepsut Restaurant – this is a rooftop bar with views of the west bank, and the opportunity to watch some belly dancing on certain evenings.
• The King’s Head – if you’re visiting from England and want a bit of home, head here. It’s not tacky, but it is warm and welcoming if you want a nice drink away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the tourist traps.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Memphis

Memphis – your mind may immediately jump to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, but there is another Memphis. Located in Egypt, this Memphis is an ancient city that is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt.

It may not be the most well known area to visit, but it is well worth the trip if you are staying in or near Cairo. Here’s why!

You’ll find Memphis around 12 miles (20 km) south of Giza itself, and 15 miles (24 km) south of Cairo. The city lies on the west bank of the Nile. It was the ancient capital of Egypt, also know as Inebu-hedj. This translates as the white walls. It marked the boundary between upper and lower Egypt, and thus was sometimes referred to us as Ankh-Tawy, which means life of the two lands. 

Various modern towns and cities lie within the administrative borders of the historical city of Memphis, Egypt. These include:

• Zawyet el’Aryan

The city of Memphis, Egypt, is said to have rivalled Thebes at one point – both politically and architecturally. In 1979, Memphis and its necropolis were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The nearest big city to Memphis, Egypt is Cairo. To drive from Cairo to Memphis takes around 40 minutes – the suggested route is via Al Wosta. The short journey makes it a relatively easy day trip from Cairo, especially if you have hired a car for your trip.

Driving in Egypt, however, isn’t for the faint hearted so I would personally recommend booking an organised tour to take you to Memphis, Egypt. Many, like this one for example, will combine it with a visit to the Sakkara Step Pyramid. The pyramid is just north-west of the city of Memphis.

Memphis, Egypt is home to a lot of statues, constituting many of the tourist attractions in Egypt. The city is now what is known as an open museum. Visitors can wander around, feeling as though they’re stepping back in time without the confines of glass boxes and harsh lighting. There is an entrance fee of 80 EGP, which is roughly £4 (GBP) or almost $5 (USD).

Here are some the sites you can see in the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt…

• Limestone colossus of Ramses II – it’s over 10 metres (33 ft) long, and the king’s feet are missing.
• Giant alabaster Sphinx – this statue weighs more than 80 tonnes, and once stood outside the temple of the god Ptah.
• Stone beds – these are where the sacred Apis bulls were mummified before they were placed in the Serapeum at Sakkara, the step pyramid.
• Various other statues of Ramses II
• Granite coffins
• Commemorative tablets

It is often quiet at the museum. Many tourists skip Memphis on their tours and travels, but it is absolutely worth seeing the ancient city as there are some amazing tourist attractions in Egypt here.

One of the closest landmarks, as mentioned, is the Sakkara Step Pyramid. Its official name is the Pyramid of Djoser, and it lies just north-west of the city of Memphis. This is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Egypt when visiting the country, and you can easily combine this with a visit to the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt. There are other tourist attractions in Egypt to see and things to do nearby, too…

• Imhotep Museum – he was the architect behind the building of the step pyramid, and this museum is dedicated to him. Complete with sarcophagi and a mummy, there are plenty of interesting exhibits.
• Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep’s Mastaba – this is the tome of Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep, which looks plain from the outside but is home to hieroglyphs, carvings and paintings inside.
• Camel rides – many day trips include a camel ride, but it is possible to arrange your own should you be travelling DIY-style.

While there aren’t many places to eat and drink within walking distance of Memphis, there are some vendors around the ancient city to grab a quick drink or snack. However, go a little further afield and you’ll find plenty of nice places to eat and drink near Memphis, Egypt.

• Alfi Bek Restaurant is around 3 miles away, and serves traditional Egyptian dishes. The lamb comes highly recommended by previous visitors!
• Not too far away, just past the Sakkara Step Pyramid, is a restaurant called Roastery. It offers a variety of food for good value, and they do take-out too.
• Also near the step pyramid is Studio Masr; offering traditional Egyptian food with vegetarian options available, there’s a nice view too.
• Sedra offers beautiful-looking pastries and cakes, as well as hot drinks – and is highly recommended for breakfast.

While Cairo is your best bet in terms of hotels and hostels, there are a couple of places to stay that are closer to Memphis, Egypt, enabling easier access to these tourist attractions in Egypt. Here’s some of them…

Located near 1.2 miles from the Step Pyramid, the aptly named Sakkara View Guest House offers rooms of varying sizes, with free WiFi, an on-site coffee house and live music as well as free parking, an airport shuttle service and more. With traditional decor, beautiful outdoor spaces and stunning views, it’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to be near to Memphis.

Sakkara Inn is also nearby. There’s free parking and each room has a private bathroom; the hotel offers an airport shuttle service and there is plenty of outdoor seating space. Looking out from the terrace as the sun sets behind the Step Pyramid is bound to be a delightful experience, and it’s not far from Memphis either.

Snefru House is a holiday home located in Abu Sir, a few miles away form Memphis, Egypt. It has one bedroom but offers a sofa bed too; there is a large garden and traditional decor, with parking and your own kitchen. The views are amazing, too!

For a full list of accommodation options and availability on your travel dates, use the map below.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Luxor Temple

High on the list of things to see and do in Egypt is the Luxor Temple. In fact, Luxor Temple was one of my favourites tourist attractions in Egypt!

As the name suggests, Luxor Temple is in the city of Luxor, Egypt. The city is on the east bank of the Nile, in the south of Egypt and is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt. Luxor lies on the site of the ancient city of Thebes – this was the pharaoh’s capital, at the height of their power.

You can fly to Luxor from around the world, but be prepared to fly indirectly. Some direct flights are available, from Heathrow, Istanbul and a few other airports. However, most tourists choose to fly into Cairo or Hurghada. There are plenty of flights to these two airports, from various places around the world.

Getting to Luxor from Cairo or Hurghada is fairly straightforward. It is a 3 hour drive from Hurghada, and around 7.5 hours in the car from Cairo. Some public transport is available too. For more information about train travel in Egypt, click here – and to see the bus timetables for getting to and from Luxor, click here .

This is one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in Egypt. Constructed in approximately 1400 BCE, the temple is also known as ipet resyt which translates as “The Southern Sanctuary”. Luxor Temple is dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship – most temples are dedicated to the life and death of a specific pharaoh, but this one is said to be where many Egyptian pharaohs were crowned.

The temple is built from sandstone. This specific sandstone is from the Gebel el-Silsila area in the south-west of Egypt, and is referred to as Nubian Sandstone. Most of Luxor Temple is still intact today! It is surrounded by mud-brick walls, which is symbolic of the separation between our world and the of the sacred realm of the gods.

Luxor Temple was originally built by Amenhotep III, but was added to over the years by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Rameses II.

Did you know: there was once a pair of 80ft obelisks at the Luxor Temple, but one was removed and now stands in Paris, France .

There are various shrines and chapels within the temple, making for some of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Egypt. These are dedicated to different gods and extraordinary people: Amun, Serapis, Isis, Alexander the Great. As well as these, visitors can see statues of Rameses II, the sun court of Amenhotep III, the avenue of sphinxes and more!

Above all, walking around Luxor Temple is breathtaking. To see the sheer size of it, and marvel at the history that has taken place there over thousands of years, is fascinating to any visitor or tourist.

Depending on what kind of holiday you are on, there are different ways in which you might visit Luxor Temple. If you are on a Nile cruise , for example, it is a given that the temple will be included on the list of sites you visit during your trip.

If you are staying in Luxor, simply walk to the temple. It costs 140EGP to enter the Luxor Temple grounds; this is less than £7 sterling, around $8.60 USD. You can hire a guide. This is recommended as the temple is so large, it helps to have someone with you who know the history of it and can point out all the important monuments and artwork that you may otherwise miss.

Top tip: there is little shade at Luxor Temple, so consider bringing a portable fan and wearing cooler clothing .

There are also many organised tours that visit Luxor alongside other tourist attractions in Egypt and include seeing the temple. These depart from Luxor itself as well as from Cairo .

Other things to see near Luxor Temple

There are plenty of other things to see and do in the area. Some of these include:

• Karnak Temple
• The Valley of the Kings
• Temple of Deir al-Bahri
• Medinet Habu (a small temple)
• Luxor Museum
• The Valley of the Queens
• Mortuary Temple of Seti I
• Replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb/Howard Carter’s house

It’s no wonder that so many people flock to Luxor, with all of these tourist attractions in Egypt and more within easy reach!

There are plenty of places to stay that offer easy access to Luxor Temple. Here are some of them…

We stayed at the Pavillon Winter Luxor , famously known as the ‘Princess Diana hotel’, because she stayed here many years ago. It is a luxury hotel with a pool, multiple restaurants and bars as well as free WiFi, the option to have breakfast in your room, and a 24-hour front desk.

It is 0.2 miles from the temple, and the decor is stunning – royal reds, palm trees outside and chandeliers everywhere. For something a bit special, this is definitely a great option (and you can get some AMAZING deals too- we stayed here for just £30 a night!!).

If you’re on a budget, there are hostels in Luxor. Bob Marley House is a firm favourite among travellers, and offers a mixture of private rooms and dormitories. Luxor Temple is 0.4 miles away, and the hostel has free WiFi and free parking available on site. There is a cash machine, 24-hour check in, a shared kitchen and BBQ facilities – plus reviews say that the staff are absolutely incredible.

For those travelling as a family, there are some apartments in Luxor too. Consider this penthouse apartment overlooking the Nile which sleeps four – you have your own kitchen, granting you the freedom to eat when you want, and there’s a hot tub as well as plenty of seating areas, stunning views and bikes available to use free of charge. There is a TV and free WiFi as well as plenty of other facilities.

For a full list of hotel availability on your travel dates use the map below.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Aswan Dam

A slightly lesser known of the tourist attractions in Egypt to see in Egypt is the Aswan Dam. While it might not appear on every tour itinerary, it’s still worth seeing, especially if you’re in the area anyway visiting Abu Simbel.

Otherwise known as the Aswan High Dam, it is exactly what it says it is – an embankment dam that was built across the Nile river in Aswan, Egypt. There was previously a low dam, completed in 1902, but the current high dam has been there since the 1960s.

The dam came from the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. There was the need for better flooding-control, increased water storage and the generation of hydroelectricity. It had a significant effect on the country’s economy.

The Aswan Dam is 111 metres tall, and 3,830 metres long. The base width is 980 metres. The spillway of the Aswan Dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 11,000m³ per second. It was designed by the Hydroproject Institute, based in Moscow.

The Aswan Dam is located at the northern border between Egypt and Sudan. It is fed by the River Nile, and the reservoir forms Lake Nasser. The lake is 550 km long, and 35 km wide at it’s widest point.

Many archaeological sites and tourist attractions in Egypt- such as the Abu Simbel temple complex – were submerged due to the conception of the Aswan Dam. Other sites were relocated. 100,000 people had to be relocated too.

You can visit the dam on a trip to Egypt. Aswan is a city in the south of Egypt; it is a busy tourist city and a market centre. There are plenty of archaeological sites nearby, making it a popular destination for people travelling to and around the country.

The Aswan Dam is hailed as an engineering marvel and one of the most incredible tourist attractions in Egypt. It contains 18 times the amount of material used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza! It also allows you to see Lake Nasser up close – it was once the world’s largest artificial lake, meaning it’s high on some people’s bucket lists.

Because of how high the dam is, it provides incredible views up and down the Nile River. I recommend that you take one of the various tours from the city , which will take you to see the Aswan Dam, often combining a visit with other sites in the area.

Other sites to see in the area

There are so many tourist attractions in Egypt based in Aswan and the surrounding areas. From archaeological sites and snippets of day to day life, combine the Aswan Dam with any of these to make your trip an amazing one.

This museum showcases a lot of lost culture. The Aswan Dam wiped out a lot of Nubian culture, and you can see documents and artefacts that bring it back to life. Lonely Planet rates it as the best thing to do in Aswan!

This is the largest island in the Nile and a lovely place to walk around, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a travel photographer’s dream, with two traditional Nubian villages that are known for their bright wall paintings. Have a chat with the locals while you’re there, too.

Located in the Northern Quarry, not far from Aswan and the Aswan Dam, is an obelisk that is (as the name suggests) unfinished. Not much is known about who commissioned it and why, or where/when it was going to be placed. But it was abandoned, and you can see it at the quarry. It provides an insight into ancient Egyptian architecture techniques, too.

This one of the lesser-known things to do near the Aswan Dam. On top of a hill that overlooks the Nile, the Aga Khan was buried here following his death in 1957, and to this day the tradition of placing a red rose on his sarcophagus is continued.

While it doesn’t exactly rival the Valley of the Kings, The Tomb of the Noblesis the place to go if you want to see tombs without being entirely surrounded by tourists. It contains tombs of Egyptian princes. Most date back to the Old Kingdom, with others from the Middle and New Kingdoms. 

There are no hotels particularly close to the dam itself. However, there are plenty in the surrounding area. Here are some good options to choose from…

Located around 10 miles from the Aswan Dam is the stunning Ibiza Nubian House . A combination of white walls and bright artwork sets it apart from other hotels, and it offers a variety of different room sizes with free WiFi and its own restaurant. It even has a river view. There is an outdoor dining area, an airport shuttle can be arranged and the hotel offers a wake up service too!

Eight and a half miles from the Aswan Dam, you’ll find Baba Dool . It has single and double rooms, with the options of shared and private bathrooms. There is a shared kitchen, and the entire property is on the ground floor which is great in terms of accessibility. WiFi is free, too.

If there’s slightly more of you, opt for a guest house apartment. Awi Guest House sleeps four, and has its own kitchen so you’re not restricted in terms of meal times. The dam is 8.3 miles away, and the apartment comes with WiFi and excellent views!

For a full list of accommodation options available on your travel dates use the map below.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Abu Simbel

Egypt is packed with incredible locations and tourist attractions in Egypt. One that’s near the top of everybody’s bucket list is Abu Simbel, and it’s easy to see why. We loved Abu Simbel! Whilst it wasn’t the easiest attraction in Egypt to reach, I would highly recommend it.

Also known as Abu Simbal, Ebsambul or Isambul, Abu Simbel is a village located in the south of Egypt. It is near the Sudan border. The area was, once upon a time, known as Nubia. The village is home to just under 3000 people, and falls under the Aswan Governate. The entire population of Abu Simbel relies on tourism driven to the area.

So what exactly is it that drives tourists to a humble village in southern Egypt? The village is the location of the Abu Simbel temples: two ginormous rock temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 19th Dynasty. 

The temple complex is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Nubian Monuments. In the ‘60s, the entire Abu Simbel temple complex was cut into large blocks, dismantled, moved and reassembled further away from the Nile to avoid it being submerged during the creation of Lake Nasser.

There are actually two temples. The Grand Temple, which is 30 metres high, feature 4 seated statues at the entrance (all of King Ramesses II on his throne) as well as various paths and rooms. The smaller temple is dedicated to one of his wives, said to be his favourite: Queen Nefertari. It also features four seated statues, two of her and two of the pharaoh himself.

Abu Simbel was rediscovered in 1813. It was Swiss researcher Johann Ludwig Burckhardt who located them. The temple complex was properly explored a few years later, by prolific Venetian Egyptologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni in 1817. 

Did you know: Burckhardt is well known for his discovery of Petra in Jordan , and also for accustoming to Muslim life. He wore traditional Muslim dress and even took a Muslim name: Ibrāhīm Ibn abd Allāh.

Like other Egyptian tourist attractions in Egypt, Abu Simbel has a particular solar alignment. It is an Ancient Egyptian phenomenon! Twice a year, the sun penetrates the temple in a particular way to light up statues in the inner sanctuary. This happens on February 22nd, as well as October 22nd. The February date is to celebrate the season of agriculture and cultivation, while the October date celebrates flooding season. The dates also coincide with the birth and coronation of Ramesses II.

The nearest city to Abu Simbel is nearby Aswan. There are many ways to travel to the area, such as flying from Aswan (it’s a 45 minute flight) or driving there. The drive takes roughly 3.5 hours and because of unrest in the area you must be escorted by police.

The only way, therefore, to visit Abu Simbel is by organised tour. There are plenty of organised tours and day trips which visit Abu Simbel. I recommend taking a tour from Aswan , but there are also longer trips available from Luxor too.

Top tip: wear something comfortable and breathable when visiting the tourist attractions in Egypt, as you will likely have a long day getting to and from Abu Simbel as well as spending time in the hot sun while you’re there. In terms of shoes, there are paved paths for walking so you’ll get away with wearing sandals or flip flops – again just make sure they are comfortable enough!

You will also have the opportunity to visit Abu Simbel on many Nile cruise trips, although this will also be in the form of a day trip from Aswan. Viator has some brilliant cruise options. We booked a mid range Nile cruise and LOVED it. In my opinion this is the best and easiest way to see all of the sights that Egypt has to offer.

There isn’t a huge amount of options if you are looking to stay in the village of Abu Simbel itself. Most tourists stay in the nearby city of Aswan. You can see hotel availability for your travel dates below.

For something a little closer to the temple complex and tourist attractions in Egypt, there are a couple of places you could opt for…

Applicators Hotel is 1.2 miles from the Abu Simbel temples. There is free WiFi and free public parking, a restaurant and plenty of outdoor seating as well as stunning views and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel offers single, double and triple rooms as well as suites all with private bathrooms. Rooms are basic but clean and spacious, and it takes just half an hour to walk to the temple complex.

Nefertari Hotel overlooks Lake Nasser, which is where the temple complex would be today had it not been moved. Free WiFi and free private parking are both available, and the hotel has a pool. It boasts garden and lake views, and has double/twin/triple rooms as well as suites. With air conditioning and en suite bathrooms, an airport shuttle and a 24-hour front desk, the hotel is ideal – what’s more, it is only 500 yards from the temple complex and other tourist attractions in Egypt!

Mariette Amon is a budget hotel that offers single and double rooms. Pets are allowed at the hotel,and there is free WiFi and free parking. It is entirely on one floor, meaning it’s more accessible than other hotels, and you can choose between private and shared bathrooms depending on what you’re after. With city, river, lake and mountain views, the area is stunning and there is an outdoor dining area too. Located just 0.7 miles from the Abu Simbel temples, it isn’t difficult to get there by car or on foot.

Egypt is home to hundreds of ancient monuments and tourist attractions in Egypt, and the Colossi of Memnon are high on the list of things to see.

What are the Colossi of Memnon?

Located just west of Luxor, the Colossi of Memnon are two statues that are over 3,400 years old. These fascinating tourist attractions in Egypt used to be identical, both representing the Pharaoh Amenhotep III – originally flanking his mortuary temple, which was lost through flooding. He reigned in Egypt during the Dynasty XVIII.

In 27 BC there was an earthquake in the area, causing damage to the tourist attractions in Egypt. The northern colossus was shattered – its top collapsed and its lower half was cracked. But as well as being damaged, it also began to sing. Each day at dawn the statue would emit a powerful tune that attracted tourists from all over the Greco-Roman world. However, in the third century AD the singing had stopped. Emperor Septimius Severus wanted to gain some popularity so he had got the statue repaired. Sadly, this actually meant the singing voice was lost forever – and the two statues no longer looked like twins.

The singing is actually how the Colossi of Memnon got their name, which comes from ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, the story goes that Memnon (mortal son of Eos, who was the goddess of Dawn) was slain by Achilles. The sound that came from the northern colossus every morning was said to be him crying to his mother.

Fun fact: modern scientists say that the singing was actually dew trapped within the cracks in the statue, evaporating due to the early morning heat and causing a series of vibrations echoing through the air!

The statues depict the pharaoh in a seated position. Two shorter figures are carved into the front – his wife Tiye, and his mother Mutemwiya. The side panels show Hapy, the god of the Nile. The Colossi of Memnon are made from quartzite sandstone which was quarried at el-Gabel el-Ahmar. This is near Cairo. The colossi are 18 metres (60 ft) tall, and each weigh approximately 720 tons!

The nearest city to the Colossi of Memnon is Luxor, where many tourist attractions in Egypt are found. It takes around 36 minutes to drive to the statues from the city, or you can walk and take a ferry across the Nile – this takes around an hour from the city centre. You don’t need a guide, but they are readily available.

To get to Luxor, the nearest airport is Luxor International Airport (LXR). The airport is 4 miles east of the city, and it generally takes just under 20 minutes to drive the centre. Car hire is available from the airport.

If you are already in Egypt and want to travel to Luxor, here’s how you can do so…

From Cairo to Luxor, it is a 7 hour drive via the Asyuit Desert. Flights from Cairo to Luxor take just over an hour and cost anywhere between £50 and £300. There are multiple options for taking the train from Cairo to Luxor: the train journey takes between 8 and 10 hours and can be done during the day or on a sleeper train. Here is some more information about routes, times and trains.

From Alexandria, slightly further north than Cairo, it takes 9.5 hours to drive to Luxor. If you’re a total DIY traveller, you can get the bus from Alexandria to Hurghada, and then from there to Luxor. This will take you almost 13 hours, but only costs around £5. You can also take a train to Cairo, and join the route mentioned above.

To get to Luxor from Aswan, it takes just over 3 hours by car. A 3.5 hour train journey is available a few times each day.

There are also day trips that will take you to Luxor to see the Colossi of Memnon and other sites. You can find out more about that here .

There are many private villas and apartments to stay in near the statues and other tourist attractions in Egypt. The Queen Valley Apartment on the West Bank is just 0.3 miles from the Colossi of Memnon, and 6.1 miles from LXR airport. It is a whole apartment with a large double bed, a balcony, patio & garden, air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. There is a kitchen and dining area, laundry facilities and bright modern decor.

There is another private villa available which has more traditional decor: dark wood, patterned rugs and curved balconies. It sleeps four, with a double room and a second bedroom with two single beds. There is a kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning and free private parking. It is 0.2 miles from the Colossi of Memnon.

New Memnon Hotel is a mere 100 metre walk from the Colossi of Memnon. With a 24 hour front desk, airport transfers, a laundry service and bike hire, everything is convenient. There are single, double and king rooms available with free WiFi and public parking as well as outdoor seating, breakfast and lovely views.

The stunning Thebes Hotel is 0.5 miles from the Colossi of Memnon. It has free WiFi and private parking, stunning Ancient Egyptian art painted on the walls, a pool and bright, spacious rooms. There are coffee shops, supermarkets and restaurants nearby, and the hotel itself boasts a bar and restaurant too.

There is so much to see in Luxor and many tourist attractions in Egypt, which are probably already on your list. However, specifically near to the Colossi of Memnon you can see all sorts…

• Habiba Hand Weaving (0.6 miles away) – see fabric and scarves being weaved in front of you. Can be purchased at a fair price.
• Temple of Medinat Habu (0.6 miles away) – lesser visited ancient temple. Tranquil in comparison to other sites, with some shade.
• Ramesseum, the Mortuary Temple of Ramses II (0.5 miles away) – another quieter temple site; the perfect place to soak up some ancient history.

Tourist attractions in Egypt: Valley of the Queens

Everyone’s heard of the Valley of the Kings in Egypt – but there’s another site you should add to your bucket list: The Valley of the Queens.

We loved visiting the Valley of the Queens on our travels through Egypt so today I will share with you what we learnt from our visit.

You’ll find the Valley of the Queens on the Nile’s western bank, in Upper Egypt. It is close to the modern city of Luxor, and not far from the Valley of the Kings. It is an isolated valley, likely chosen because of its proximity to Thebes as well as the Valley of the Kings and the workers’ village of Deir el-Medina. There are several tourist attractions in Egypt located here.

Simply, the Valley of the Queens is where the wives of the pharaohs were buried. In ancient times it was known as Ta-Set-Neferu, which translates as the place of beauty.  Nowadays it is home to several tourist attractions in Egypt.

The main wadi contains the majority of the tombs and tourist attractions in Egypt. There are 91 tombs in total. The Valley of the Queens is also home to the Valley of Prince Ahmose, the Valley of the Rope, the Valley of the Three Pits and the Valley of the Dolmen. These extra valleys add another 19 tombs, all dating back to the 18th Dynasty.

There is also a sacred grotto at the entrance of the Valley of the Queens. It is dedicated to Hathor, and is said to have been associated with rejuvenation of the dead.

There many tombs. They date from between 18th and 20th Dynasties, and a wide variety of women are buried there. They included…

• Princess Ahmose
• Queen Sitre
• Hebiri (head of the stables)
• Queen Nefertari
• Princess-Queen Tyti
• King Amenhotep’s wife, Henut, and daughter Ti
• Queen Iset Ta-Hemdjert
• Princess Merytre
• Two of Ramesses II’s daughters, who he also went on to marry: Nebettawy and Meritamun, both known by the title of Princess-Queen

There are many other tombs, and many other women – princesses and queens for the most part – were buried at the Valley of the Queens.

There are a variety of ways to visit the Valley of the Queens and other tourist attractions in Egypt nearby. If you are staying in Luxor, you can easily get the ferry across the Nile to the western bank and jump in a taxi, or head there by foot if you’re up to the walk.

It costs 35 EGP to visit the Valley of the Queens, or 20 EGP if you are a student. Extra fees are applicable for certain tombs such as Nefertari, Ay and more.

Most guided tours around the area will include the Valley of the Queens and other nearby tourist attractions in Egypt. These tend to be available from Luxor or Hurghada . If you are on a Nile Cruise, chances are you will be able to pick an excursion that includes the Valley of the Queens.

If you are staying in the Cairo area, consider a few-day trip to the west bank to see the valley and all of the other sites in the area. It is a 7 hour drive via the Asyuit Desert. You can also fly from Cairo to Luxor in around one hour, which is much quicker but can be pricey. Trains are another option – sleeper trains bring you into the city overnight, so you don’t feel as though you’re wasting too much travel time. You can find out more about train travel in Egypt here .

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Egypt in the surrounding area. A huge majority of Ancient Egyptian history is near the Valley of the Queens. Some sites include…

• The Valley of the Kings – where the pharaohs themselves were buried.
• Valley of the Artisans
• Ramesseum – the mortuary temple of Ramses.
• Temple of Karnak
• Medinet Habu – 18th Dynasty temple and the great Temple of Ramses III.
• Colossi of Memnon – two enormous twin statues.

You can also visit the Luxor Museum, which is home to many Ancient Egyptian artefacts and tourist attractions in Egypt. Also in the area is Howard Carter’s house, where the archaeologist lived during his time in Egypt, complete with a replica of King Tut’s tomb. As well as this, consider visiting Habiba Hand Weaving, to see fabric being hand-woven in front of you. You can purchase any that takes your fancy, too.

Luxor has a multitude of places to stay, and it’s not too far from the Valley of the Queens and other major tourist attractions in Egypt. Here are some of the best options…

For a bit of luxury, there’s a Hilton Resort & Spa in Luxor. It has a pool and spa facilities, a bar and restaurant as well as other places to get food, with a variety of different sized rooms depending on your needs. There is free WiFi and free parking, as well as the opportunity for airport transfers. The hotel is a short ferry ride from the west bank, with easy access to the Valley of the Queens from there.

Memnon Hotel is on the west bank itself; it is only 10 yards from the viewpoint for the aforementioned Colossi of Memon, and free WiFi and parking are available on site. There is daily housekeeping, a bar and restaurant, and the rooms are non-smoking.

If there’s a large group of you, it might be worth looking into hiring a villa. Shahhat House is a traditionally decorated villa that sleeps six, located on the west bank of the Nile which means it is within easy reach of the Valley of the Queens and other historical sites. Parking and WiFi are free, the kitchen means you are free to eat whenever you want, and there is plenty of outdoor area to relax in.

For a full range of accommodation options for your travels dates, use the map below.

There are many tourist attractions in Egypt that are absolutely fascinating. These tourist attractions in Egypt are historical and cultural in nature and make for the perfect educational tourism experience. People come from all over the world to visit these tourist attractions in Egypt.

If you enjoyed this article about the tourist attractions in Egypt, I am sure that you will enjoy these too:

• 10 fascinating Egyptian pyramid facts
• 25 Fascinating Facts About Egypt
• Climbing the Great Pyramid of Giza- why you should NOT do it
• 35 Amazing Tourist Attractions in Israel To Visit
• 12 surprising facts about the Dead Sea

Liked this article? Click to share!

Explore Egypt

Plan Your Trip to Egypt: Best of Egypt Tourism

Essential egypt.

Trending in the forums

Egypt Is Great For

High-octane.

The great outdoors

Art & history

Historic sites

Enchanting tourist attractions of Egypt to ignite your wanderlust

Travel to the land of the pharaohs and discover the eternal charm of these tourist attractions of Egypt

From the ancient, windswept pyramids of Giza to the meandering Nile River, Egypt knows just how to ignite our wanderlust. It is a land steeped in mystery and its storied past beckons curious minds, year after year, to uncover the tourist attractions of Egypt. Today, Egypt is a melting pot of different cultures and an ideal place for curious minds to enjoy a winter sun escape. Whether you are ready to explore ancient landmarks or just fancy a few days relaxing on the beach, holidays to Egypt are an ideal way to discover what lies beyond the history books. 

When is the best time to visit the tourist attractions of Egypt?

Thanks to Egypt’s strategic location in Northern Africa, the country enjoys a mild climate. In the summer, the temperature skyrockets but during the winter, the daytime feels like spring and the nights are cold. The best time to see the tourist attractions of Egypt is between October and April. During these months the temperatures are cooler but still warm enough for sunbathing or sightseeing. The timeless and cinematic desert landscapes of Egypt have been left fairly untouched by the hands of time. Read on to discover the best places to visit in Egypt.

Uncover Cairo’s main attractions

When looking for places to visit in Egypt , Cairo is a great place to start. Stay at the Barceló Cairo Pyramids to be a stone’s throw from the ancient Giza Necropolis as well as other top Cairo sightseeing attractions.

The Pyramids of Giza - one of the must-see places in Egypt

Dust off the history books and visit one of Cairo’s most famous places - t he pyramids . The pyramids of Giza are a complex of three pyramidal ancient burial sites located in the middle of the desert. The pyramids are named after the pharaohs of whom they were built for Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. 

The tallest of the three is the pyramid built for King Khufu which was the tallest building in the world for 3,800 years until the Lincoln Cathedral was built in 1311

The tallest of the three is the pyramid built for King Khufu which was the tallest building in the world for 3,800 years until the Lincoln Cathedral was built in 1311. Book a tour to visit this incredible site, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. And, be sure to rest weary feet and enjoy a refreshing drink on the roof of one of the nearby luxury hotels. The views of the Cairo tourist attractions from above will be picture-postcard perfect. 

A Sphinx and pyramids of the Giza Necropolis

Don’t miss the Grand Egyptian Museum

Would you like to say that you have travelled to the world’s largest archaeological museum? Well, now you can. The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the top ancient Egypt tourist attractions and it is home to over 100,000 artefacts. It is located on a 50-hectare plot of land outside Cairo, next door to the pyramids. The creation of this 800-metre-long glass museum has been a long process that dates back to 2002. While work is still in progress, it is predicted that in early 2024 visitors can get up close to never-before-seen historical treasures. The entire collection dedicated to Egypt’s most famous pharaoh, King Tutankhamun will be on display - all 3,500 pieces. So, if you are curious to see the long-lost loot that has been hidden inside the pyramids for centuries, take note. This is an obligatory stop. 

The Grand Egyptian Museum

Visit the Coptic neighbourhood, also known as Old Cairo

Of course, no trip to Egypt is complete without exploring the exotic city of Cairo. There is never a dull moment in the capital. Begin your time in Cairo in the Coptic neighbourhood , one of the oldest and most visually appealing areas to witness local life. This corner of the city is also known as Old Cairo and wandering around its labyrinth of streets you will feel as though time stands still here. This area is a popular place to visit in Cairo and it is home to the Hanging Church - an architectural marvel dating back to the 3rd century. This church is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Egypt and is adorned with intricate Coptic art, steeped in religious significance.

Don’t miss the chance to shop at the famous bazaar and souk of Khan el-Khalili . Lose yourself amongst the overcrowded alleyways full of artisan produce and haggle with the stall holders like a true local. 

Hanging Church, Cairo

Admire the architecture of the Al-Nasir Mosque

The Al-Nasir Mosque stands proudly in the heart of Cairo and is a testament to the city’s rich Islamic heritage. Dating back to the 14th century, this marvellous monument is one of the top things to visit in Cairo and it reflects the Mamluk era with its imposing minarets and intricate geometric patterns. Visitors to the mosque can admire its beautifully preserved structure, adorned with traditional Islamic art and design and get an insight into Egypt’s culture . While travellers to Cairo are allowed to admire the exterior of the mosque, entry rules may apply for visiting the interior spaces. 

Al Nasir Mosque

Enjoy a day trip and journey along the Nile River

Escape the crowded roads and enjoy Egypt sightseeing by boat. The Nile River is the longest in the world. It stretches a whopping 4,160 miles long and has been the lifeline for Egypt since the Stone Age. Take a boat tour along the river to witness the natural landmarks in Egypt as well as marvel at the daily goings on along this pivotal waterway. Many sightseeing boats also allow you to hop on and off when passing by the famous monuments and ruins. Yet, if you want to visit the emblematic landmarks such as the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the Hatshepsut Temple, it is best to fly due to their distance from the capital. 

The River Nile

Enjoy the wealth of tourist attractions in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect beachside bolthole for those looking to escape the world and enjoy a few days in nature. Surrounding by areas of protected, stunning natural beauty , this resort town is a restful spot to retreat to if you are looking to soak up the Egyptian sunshine. Are you ready to visit one of Egypt’s must-visit places? 

Admire marine life and scuba dive in the Red Sea

Love diving? Then the Red Sea in Egypt is one of the must-visit tourist attractions of Egypt for eco-travellers . Often mentioned among the top places to visit in Egypt , the resort of Sharm El Sheikh is not to be missed. Stay at the Barceló Tiran Sharm and use their diving school to brush up on the basics of scuba diving during your holidays. Look out for whales, sharks and hammerhead sharks during your dives as well as a wealth of tropical fish that love to swim in and out of the coral reefs. 

Look out for whales, sharks and hammerhead sharks during your dives as well as a wealth of tropical fish that love to swim in and out of the coral reefs

Jackson Reef is a popular dive spot close to the hotel and offers an exciting experience for all levels of divers. The wreck of the Cypriot cargo ship Lara is a highlight of Jackson Reef along with the remains of an old lighthouse. Be sure to keep your eyes open for magnificent coral gardens, sea anemones, clownfish, horse-eye jacks, eagle rays and tuna while swimming in these topaz waters.

Diving at Barceló Tiran Sharm

Explore the Ras Mohammed National Park

Those visiting Sharm El Sheikh should venture off the beaten path and discover the natural splendour of the Ras Mohammed National Park which stretches across 480 square kilometres of land. Renowned for its stunning marine biodiversity, this protected area encompasses both the azure waters of the Red Sea and the arid beauty of the Sinai Peninsula . The crystal-clear waters are home to over 1000 species of fish , only found in the Red Sea. Grab your snorkel and dive into the refreshing waters to see some of the best coral reef formations in Africa, making it one of the unmissable tourist attractions of Egypt. Ras Mohammed National Park also serves as a sanctuary for various bird species and is a prime spot for birdwatching . So, whether you dive deep into the Ocean or stay on dry land, this area offers plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy.

The Allah Door in the Ras Mohammed National Park

Coloured Canyon: One of the unique places to visit in Egypt

Egypt is a destination full of surprises. Leave the sandy beaches of Sharm El Sheikh behind and journey into the heart of the Sinai Peninsula to visit different places in Egypt, like the Coloured Canyon - a testament to the Earth’s artistic prowess. This natural wonder is renowned for its swirly rock formations and painting the landscape in sunset hues of red, orange, ochre and purple. Formed by centuries of wind and water erosion, the labyrinth of passageways inside the canyon leads adventurous souls on a hike through spectacular scenery in the depths of the desert. It is best to book an organised tour for this excursion since there is no public transport access. Combine it with other out-of-town activities such as Mount Sinai - known for its religious significance. 

The Coloured Canyon

Hit the beach

While the Barceló Tiran Sharm has its private beach, there are many sunbathing spots in Sharm El Sheikh for a lazy day in paradise. Sharks Bay Beach is a great place for enjoying a day at the beach and its beachfront bars are the perfect place to shelter from the heat. If you like to snorkel, head to Ras Um Sid Beach , one of the unique places in Egypt, where the coral reefs provide a kaleidoscope of colours to admire beneath the waves. For a quieter beach experience, Hadaba Beach is a secluded sandy bay known for its peace and tranquillity. With so many picture-perfect beaches to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to a day at the beach.

Barceló Tiran Sharm beach

Soak up Sharm El Sheikh nightlife at Naama Bay

As daylight fades across Sharm El Sheikh, one of the famous sites in Egypt for travellers, Naama Bay , comes alive with its diverse range of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Sip sundowners while gazing at the hypnotic ebb and flow of the Red Sea before tucking into plates of traditional Egyptian delicacies . After dinner, the bay's nightlife scene is renowned for its lively atmosphere, perfect for dancing the night away. Whether you choose to savour exotic cocktails by the water's edge, dance under the stars, or explore the diverse culinary offerings, Naama Bay's nightlife is one of the top tourist attractions of Egypt if you are staying in Sharm El Sheikh.

Naama Bay at sunset

‘We saw an immediate drop’: Jordan’s tourism industry is suffering amid the Israel-Hamas war

Jordan’s economy relies heavily on tourism but since Hamas’ attack on Israel in October and the ongoing war in Gaza, tourism in the country has slowed down. This is also the case in other countries in the region, including Israel itself, Lebanon and Egypt.

• By Shirin Jaafari

A general view of the ancient city of Jerash, north of the capital Amman, Jordan, Dec. 6, 2023. Jerash is one of the most popular attractions in Jordan behind Petra. It is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside of Italy, and its history goes back more than 6,500 years.

The ancient Roman ruins of Jerash, on the outskirts of Amman, Jordan, represent one of the best-preserved Roman cities.

Here, gladiators once competed in chariot-racing contests as spectators watched from the stone seats.

Dhirar Atmeh grew up in the area.

“When I used to come, and you know, see people come in as tourists, I said ‘this is my thing. This is where I should go,’” he said.

Atmeh has been working as a tour guide in Jordan for the past two decades. He said that nothing brings him more joy than telling foreign visitors about the long history and the splendor of this site.

But these are tough times for Atmeh and the thousands of others who work in the tourism industry in Jordan and neighboring countries. The war in Gaza has brought his business to a near standstill, he said: “I lost 80% of my job. I mean 80% of my reservations were canceled.”

Tours from the US, Europe and Australia were canceled one after another. People stopped coming.

Atmeh has five kids and he said he’s struggling to provide for them. For him, what’s happening now brings back difficult memories of the early days of the pandemic, when he lost most of his assets.

“I had a car. I had to sell it. I had a house, I sold it. Many things … I had a piece of land also I sold. So, it wasn’t easy.”

Atmeh said that he’s worried about the weeks and months ahead, as there seems to be no end to the fighting.

Already, Jordan’s unemployment rate, as of last year, was about 23%, according to the World Bank.

If tourists don’t come back, he said, it’s not like he can just find another job.

Tours here are typically part of a package that includes Jordan, Israel and Egypt. Conflict in one of them means that people cancel their whole trip.

Ben Julius is the founder of Tourist Israel, one of the largest tour agencies in Israel.

“From the beginning of the war, we saw an immediate drop, close to zero, from what was expected to be one of the best and busiest periods ever.”

In Israel, flights have been canceled, tourist sites have been closed and hotels have been empty .

“It’s been very difficult for us. Around 70% of our team — we immediately had to send to furlough again. Many of them only came back into the tourism industry and back into the company in the last year because of the recovery from COVID.”

Julius operates tours in Egypt as well, and he said that they’ve had many cancellations there, too.

In Lebanon, the Christmas season is also shaping up to be a loss this year .

Juliuis is seeing signs of improvement for next year. He said that people are booking their trips in advance.

“That’s giving us a little bit of hope going into next year.”

Meanwhile, back in Jordan, the minister of tourism, Makram Mustafa Queisi, predicts an even bigger drop in the number of tourists in the coming months if the war doesn’t stop.

“The problem is that people in the West and elsewhere, actually, when they look at the map, they don’t differentiate between Jordan and the neighboring countries. People don’t understand that we are not in a war zone.”

He said he wants to change that perception and help people understand that Jordan is a safe place to visit. When tourists don’t come, he said, that affects a wide swath of the economy.

“We talk about the bus drivers for example, we speak about restaurants, we speak about hotels, we speak about the tour operators, and the people who work with the tour operators.”

For tourism to survive, he said, this region needs stability and security.

“This aggression has to stop because at the end of the day there’s no winner.”

In the meantime, Jordan is using this unexpected break in tourism to renovate some of its historical sites.

Sign up for The Top of the World, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.