most visited tourist attraction in 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.

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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!

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The Best Things to do in Egypt: 25 Amazing Sights & Attractions

Have you ever wondered why Egypt attracts flocks of tourists, historians, and adventure-seekers? Well, buckle up and dive into this expert’s guide to the best things to do in Egypt – the sights and attractions you shouldn’t miss. 

If you’re planning (or even just dreaming of) a trip to Egypt – I have some sage advice for you… book it. 

We’ve all heard tell of this fabled land – one filled with pyramids, ancient tombs and stone-built temples, carved lengthways by the sinuous Nile. Well – it’s all true – Egypt really does live up to its reputation. 

Those of you following along here will know that I’ve recently spent a couple of brilliant weeks travelling around Egypt with a guide and – I don’t say this lightly – it was one of my favourite trips ever. 

Enough about me though, this guide is all about helping you plan a stellar Egypt trip and walking you through all the places you shouldn’t miss.

Let’s dive into the best attractions in Egypt – hold on to your hats! 

Looking for a place to stay? The Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo hotel offers jaw-dropping scenery of the nearby Pyramids of Giza. 

PS: Take a sneak peek at my full Egypt itinerary in this video!

Top 5 Things to Do in Egypt

Visit the pyramids of giza.

Undeniably at the top of any list of Egypt’s tourist attractions, Cairo’s mighty Pyramids of Giza are a symbol of the country’s ancient architectural prowess. 

As if the three aren’t stunning enough, The Great Pyramid is the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World – placing it front and centre as the best place to visit Egypt. 

I have to say – I almost burst with excitement seeing them up close and personal. 

PS: If I only give you one tip, it’s to pay extra to go inside the Great Pyramid. Here – I’ll even give you a sneak peek of what to expect. 

@thediscoveriesof Ever wondered what it looks like inside? 🤔 see the whole egypt itinerary 👉🏾 @thediscoveriesof #egypt #egypttravelguide #egyptrip #greatpyramid #cairotravel #travelbucketlist ♬ Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) – Kate Bush

But what’s the deal with the Pyramids of Giza? 

Built sometime between 2550 BC and 2490 BC with nothing but chisels, iron hammers, levers and, of course, lots of manpower, The Pyramids of Giza as they’re collectively known, stood as burial temples full of gold and other riches. 

Individually, the three pyramids – of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure – built in that order, are even more stunning up close.

Top Tip: Book a half-day guided tour to learn all about the pyramids too 

Explore The Valley of the Kings (And The Valley of the Queens)

The world’s best-known necropolis (wait, is that even a thing?) The Valley of the Kings (and the less well-known Valley of the Queens) boast a series of royal tombs. 

Not just any royal tombs either, but rather ones containing the creme de la creme of the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties (the New Kingdom). 

They’re aesthetically decorated with ornate murals and sculptures and, when they were built, would have been filled with treasures for the deceased to use in the afterlife. Now that’s one way to lay to rest.

For thousands of years, kings, queens, and other nobles of the earmarked these valleys as tomb sites. They hoped to prevent robbers and raiders alike from plunging their afterlife treasures.

There’s so much to see in each area that I’ve written individual guides to visiting The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens – but if you need a quick takeaway, don’t miss the tombs of Tutankhamun and Queen Neferteri. 

Top Tip: If you book a tour of the valleys , be sure to book the extra tickets to visit Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings and Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens . 

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor

Luxor is a modern Egyptian city nestled within the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes. There’s so much to discover in the region, which is dotted with historic temples, monuments, and royal burial valley – and, IMHO, t aking a hot air balloon ride is hands down the best way to see this intriguing metropolis. 

Experience one of the most stunning sunrises in the world, boasting an eyeful of Valley of the Kings and the Queens. 

That would be worth the experience alone – but then there’s the added bonus of views of the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and the stunning rolling dunes of the Egyptian desert thrown in for good measure. 

Top Tip: Ensure you book a hot air balloon at sunrise for the best views.  Read Next: Hot Air Ballooning Over the Valley of the Kings

Float Down the Nile on a Cruise

Perhaps the most visited tourist attraction in Egypt (after the Giza Pyramids), the 6,650 km-long Nile River is the lifeline of the nation. 

How better to explore it than onboard a Nile Cruise? 

Very few cruises ply the whole route of the Egyptian Nile, but the section between Aswan and Luxor is the most popular stretch for cruises. This is largely thanks to an abundance of sights from Philae Temple to the Temple of Kom Ombo to stop off along the way. 

Different types of boat ply the route – from basic (but peaceful) feluccas to all-out luxury cruises. 

Top Tip: Not sure which type of cruise to book? I’ve written all about them in this Nile Cruise guide

Marvel at Abu Simbel

Built by Ramses II in honour of himself and his favourite wife, Queen Nefertari, the temples of Abu Simbel are also a dedication to the sun gods, Amon-Ra, Ptah, and Ra-Horakhty.

Frankly speaking, the Pharaoh built the temples to intimidate his enemies and ordain himself as a god — what a brag! 

Still, you can’t quibble with the final result – two glorious temples, the main one and a smaller one dedicated to Ramses’ wife Nefertari, glinting in the sun overlooking the vast waters of Lake Nasser. 

Top Tip: Abu Simbel is best visited on a day trip from Aswan and you can choose to do it by car or by air. 

Brilliant Things to See & Do in Egypt

Delve into history at karnak temple.

Despite Egypt being full of temples, the wonders of each one never cease to amaze me. But Karnak Temple stands head and shoulders above the rest. 

Built over the course of 1,000 years, according to legend, this religious complex is where the sun god Amun-Ra lived with his wife Mut, and son, Khonsu.

You should set aside at least a couple of hours (preferably a half-day) to explore, but if you really shouldn’t miss the stunning Hypostyle Hall. 

Wander Around Coptic Cairo

As I mentioned earlier in this guide, Egypt is more than pyramids and deserts. The nation also has a profound Christian history dating as far back as the 1st century A.D – nowhere is this more visible than in Cairo’s Coptic Quarter – a maze of centuries-old churches and historical sights – as well as the understated Coptic Museum. 

In the Interfaith Complex, you’ll find the white-stone Roman-built fortress of Babylon. Synagogues and other places of worship predating the founding of modern-day Cairo are there as well. 

This stronghold of Christianity offers an exceptional Egypt sightseeing experience, making it one of the best things to do in Cairo — no pyramids involved.

Top Tip: The Coptic Quarter can be a bit of a maze – get the full lowdown on this tour of Old Cairo. 

Visit the Egyptian Museum (Or the Grand Egyptian Museum When it Opens)

The Egyptian Museum — not confused with the newly built Grand Egyptian Museum — is home to a collection of ancient artefacts and antiquities. If you want to see the country’s history in one place, this is where to go in Egypt. 

The Neoclassical French-designed building sits centrally in the heart of Tahrir Square, making a perfect stopover on a Cairo walking tour .

Top Tip: The Egyptian Museum will be replaced with the Grand Egyptian Museum when it opens later this year. The new museum promises to be one of the biggest in the world and will definitely be one not to miss. 

Explore Islamic Cairo

Among the several conquests of Egypt, the Islamic caliphate expanded its civilisation into the country in the 7th century, introducing the Muslim religion that now reigns. 

As a symbol of conquest, the caliphate built a new capital in an area now known as Islamic Cairo. 

Roam around the ancient city, full of dome-topped mosques, madrassas, and mediaeval fortifications like the Salah al-Din Citadel. 

A full-day private tour includes visiting famous places in Egypt like the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo, the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, and the Mosque of Muhammed Ali Pasha.

Top Tip: Want to see the best of Cairo in a short time? Read my two-day Cairo itinerary. 

Go Diving in the Red Sea

Still, think Egypt has nothing but pyramids? Let’s explore the salty Red Sea, and I’m not just referring to seawater. 

Named after its noticeable colour variations, this saline inlet is one of the most heavily travelled channels globally, often carrying maritime cargo between Asia and Europe.

Apart from its significance in global supply chains, the gulf is also home to over 1,200 species of fish and 250 species of gorgeous coral. So take a Red Sea cruise and discover magnificent scuba diving and snorkelling spots – it has some of the best dive sites in the world. 

See the Ancient Structures in Saqqara

Saqqara — also spelt as “Sakkara” — is hands down one of the richest architectural sites in Egypt. 

Prominent for being an ancient burial ground for nobles and a destination for many cultic pilgrims.

However, the highlight of Saqqara is the Step Pyramid of Djoser — this 4,700-year-old stone structure is the oldest in Egypt and, indeed, the world. 

Explore the fascinating interior on a full-day tour , and wander the bewildering series of tunnels and burial chambers of many royals, including Pharaoh Djoser.

Discover the Ancient Egyptian City of Memphis

Another noteworthy ancient capital and one of the most underrated of Egypt’s attractions, Memphis boasts an array of mastabas, pyramids, and temples. 

This millenia-old city has long lost its grandeur, but there’s an incredible story in its remains. 

The most intriguing sight in Memphis is the limestone Alabaster Sphinx. 

Embark on a day tour to Memphis , and stand in awe of one of the world’s biggest and oldest monolithic statues.

Marvel at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor

At this point, you’ve realised that Egypt isn’t shy of temples and tombs, but each is unique, carrying complexities that serve as a doorway to ancient civilisations. 

To put it quite bluntly, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor is exceptional.

Unlike many temples in Egypt, this one pays homage to Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of the few historically recorded female Pharaohs — can someone say “Girl Power?” 

Don’t go expecting a tomb – Hatshepsut wasn’t buried here. Instead, she lies in The Valley of the Kings, nearly 4 km away.

See the Beautiful Philae Temple in Aswan

Known as the “Pearl of Egypt”, Philae Temple illustrates the unimaginable beauty of the Aswan region. I hate to play favourites (OK – I kind of love it) but Philae really is one of the most beautiful temples you’ll find in Egypt. 

The tiny island has lush vegetation surrounding stone-carved structures with ancient hieroglyphs. The most striking is the giant carving of Isis, the goddess of the moon.

Take a walk around this monumental storybook and pay close attention to the tales it tells. Marvel at intricate  wall carvings depicting a captivating mythic narrative of Isis bringing her husband Osiris back to life and giving birth to their son Horus. Look closely and you’ll also see carvings depicting the mummification of Osiris. 

Spend Time Exploring Aswan

Don’t be surprised if Aswan becomes your favourite city in Egypt – you certainly won’t be the first person it’s happened to. 

This busy market city holds some of the most unique and historically rich places to see in Egypt. Spoiler alert — Philae Temple is just the beginning. 

Begin your trip at the Tombs of the Nobles, sitting majestically atop high cliffs overlooking the west bank with spectacular scenes of Aswan. 

Then make your way to the prehistoric Nubian Museum, and stroll through the impressive cultural hub full of antique exhibitions and artefact collections from various ages. 

Stop by the riveting Unfinished Obelisk before taking a boat trip to the colourful Nubian Village for a much-needed escape from the bustling city.

Top Tip : Want to know more? Read my guide to the best things to do in Aswan. 

Pop into the Temples at Edfu

Comfortably sitting along the west bank and tucked between the cities of Esna and Aswan, find a serene getaway in the ancient settlement of Edfu. 

With a population of fewer than 70,000 people, this preserved site houses the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus. If you’re looking for a less crowded place to go to in Egypt, Edfu should be at the top of your list. 

See the Double Temple at Kom Ombo

For more unusual sights of Egypt’s landmarks, the uniquely constructed double temple of Kom Ombo is one for the books. 

The ancient Greek-Roman temple is best-known for its mysterious mummified crocodiles – not content with just one or two – there are 40 of them!

Get (Not Too) Lost in the White Desert

You can’t go to Egypt and not go on a desert tour . But this one is like none other, boasting oddly-shaped dunes and the jaw-dropping Bahariya Oasis. 

Uncover the oddities of the Black and White Desert and marvel at the picturesque and sprawling views of sandy landscapes that stretch across the horizons.

The Tomb of Nefertari

As I mentioned, Queen Nefertari was Ramses II’s first and most beloved wife. Her tomb — also known as the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt — houses some of Egypt’s most ornate and well-preserved paintings.

Radiating with vivid colours and descriptive hieroglyphs, the murals in this tomb surpass the others in The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens by far — now that’s what I call a queen’s burial. Of all the best places to visit in Egypt, Nefertari’s tomb transports you to the peak of this great civilisation.

Unique Things to See & Do in Egypt: Hidden Gems That are Off the Beaten Track

Check out the city of the dead.

If you’re up for a spooky adventure — the City of the Dead is one of the world’s largest cemeteries. Boasting a sea of seemingly infinite white conical-shaped domes, this city, also called Cairo Necropolis, is where the dead genuinely live among the living.

What do I mean? Due to the high population congestion in Cairo, many low-income earners (about 500,000) built their homes here, filling the gaps between the 7th-century mausoleums.  

Tip : If you have a touch of necrophobia, perhaps it’s best to skip this attraction.

See the Nilometer

If you still don’t believe that modern mathematics has to do with the advancement of ancient Egyptian civilisations, here’s a place that will dispel your doubt. 

The Nilometer is an old instrument that farmers used to measure the waters of the Nile.

The Nile River’s behaviour could mean life or death for ancient Egyptians. Thus to know whether they should prepare for flood or famine, the citizens built this device to predict the most likely outcome.

Stand Beneath the Towering Colossi of Memnon

Ancient Egyptians strongly believed in the afterlife, so they would build temples and towering figures to protect their tombs from all kinds of evil. Colossi Of Memnon is one such temple.

Built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III, two towering seated statues of the king sit side by side, guarding his Mortuary Temple against unwanted raiders. These statues survived 3,400 years of changing climates, invasions, and even earthquakes.

See the Rainbow-Hued Coloured Canyon

One thing I bet you thought you’d never see in the arid Egyptian desert is a sprawling oasis of kaleidoscopic hills. Spanning over 800 metres long and 30 metres deep, these rainbow mountains are just 338 km away from Cairo.

With many not aware of this breathtaking geographical marvel, the Coloured Canyon boasts the perfect escape from typically crowded Egypt tourist attractions, giving you a serene visit and tonnes of stunning views. 

Delve into the Labyrinth of the Shali Fortress

Closing off this expansive list of places to visit in Egypt, the sensational Shali Fortress boasts a labyrinth of crowded buildings that were initially four storeys high and sheltered hundreds of people.

Get lost in this maze of mud buildings, built using kershef (a mixture of rock, salt, and clay), and witness the best-kept secret of Egypt’s Siwa Oasis.

Things to Do in Egypt: Practical Tips for Your Trip

How Long to Visit Egypt?

If you’re looking to explore all these attractions, you’ll need at least a week or two to get through just half of these listed excursions. 

Want more detail on how much time to spend at each location? Start with my 10 days in Egypt itinerary . 

Best Time to Visit Egypt

Egypt’s arid climate is dry, with hot summers and cool winters with rainfall along the coastal areas. 

However, the best time to visit Egypt is between October and April. During this time, temperatures are cooler, but you’re still guaranteed a lot of sun.

May to July is peak season, so flight tickets skyrocket. 

Top Tip: If you’re in the planning stage – check out my super-detailed guide on how much an Egypt trip costs to find out when to catch the best deals.

Where Should I Stay in Egypt?

With so many tourists visiting Egypt every year, the country has a sophisticated network of hotels and accommodation, from budget-friendly to mid-range and luxury. Also, check out this guide on where to stay in Cairo for more lodging options.

Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo Hotel (Mid-Range)

Boasting stunning scenes of the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile’s west bank, the  Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo hotel offers an ideal stay for a seasoned 2 Days in Cairo itinerary.  

Four Seasons Cairo At The First Residence (Luxury)

The Four Seasons Cairo At The First Residence offers exclusive Nile River sights and sweeping views of the greater Cairo skyline for a more luxurious stay. If you book the right room, you may also get glimpses of the Giza Pyramids as a stunning backdrop.

Recommended Tours in Egypt

• From Hurghada: Luxor Valley of the Kings Full-Day Trip
• Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: Half-Day Private Tour
• Cairo: Dinner Cruise on the Nile River with Entertainment

Things to Do in Egypt: Map

Places to Visit in Egypt: Read Next

• The Ultimate 10-Day Egypt Itinerary 
• What You Need to Know Before Travelling to Egypt 
• How (and what) to Pack for an Egypt Trip 
• Unmissable Things to do in Cairo 
• The Places You Have to See in Luxor 
• Your Go-To Guide for Visiting Aswan

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Must-see attractions in Egypt

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…

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…

Egyptian Museum

One of the world’s most important collections of ancient artefacts, the Egyptian Museum takes pride of place in Downtown Cairo, on the north side of Midan…

Cairo Outskirts & the Nile Delta

Covering a 7km stretch of the Western Desert, Saqqara, the huge cemetery of ancient Memphis, was an active burial ground for more than 3500 years and is…

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

Museum of Islamic Art

This museum, on the edge of Islamic Cairo, holds one of the world’s finest collections of Islamic art and is Egypt's (and one of the entire Middle East's)…

Temples of Abu Simbel

Overlooking Lake Nasser, the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, which together make up the Temples of Abu Simbel, are among the most…

As the main cult centre of Osiris, god of the dead, Abydos (known as Ibdju in ancient times) was the place to be buried in ancient Egypt. The tomb of Djer…

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…

Known locally as Gebel Musa, Mt Sinai is revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews, all of whom believe that God delivered his Ten Commandments to Moses at…

Dendara was an important administrative and religious centre as early as the 6th dynasty (c 2320 BC). Although built at the very end of the Pharaonic…

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Alexandria’s ancient library was one of the greatest of all classical institutions, and while replacing it might seem a Herculean task, the new…

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…

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…

Monastery of St Anthony

Red Sea Coast

This historic monastery traces its origins to the 4th century AD when monks began to settle at the foot of Gebel Al Galala Al Qibliya, where their…

Tomb of Ramses VI (KV 9)

With some of the broadest corridors, longest shafts (117m) and greatest variety of decoration, KV 9 is one of the most spectacular tombs in the valley…

Monastery of St Paul

Dating to the 4th century, the Monastery of St Paul began as a grouping of hermitages in the cliffs around the site where Paul had his cell. The complex's…

Alexandria National Museum

This excellent museum sets a high benchmark with its summary of Alexandria’s past. Housed in a beautifully restored Italianate villa, the small but…

Al Azhar Mosque

Founded in AD 970 as the centrepiece of the newly created Fatimid city, Al Azhar is one of Cairo’s earlier mosques, and its sheikh is considered the…

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…

Sharia Al Muizz Li Din Allah

Sharia Al Muizz, as it’s usually called, named after the Fatimid caliph who conquered Cairo in AD 969, was Cairo's grand thoroughfare, once chock-a-block…

Nubia Museum

The little-visited Nubia Museum, opposite Basma Hotel, is a treat, a showcase of the history, art and culture of Nubia. Established in 1997 in cooperation…

Coptic Museum

This museum, founded in 1908, houses Coptic art from the earliest days of Christianity in Egypt right through to early Islam. It is a beautiful place, as…

Red Monastery

The Red Monastery, 4km southeast of the White Monastery and hidden at the rear of a village, is one of the most remarkable Christian buildings in Egypt…

Tombs of the Nobles

These tombs are some of the best least-visited attractions on the west bank. Nestled in the foothills opposite the Ramesseum are more than 400 tombs…

Necropolis of Al Bagawat

It may not look like much from afar, but this necropolis is one of the earliest surviving and best-preserved Christian cemeteries in the world. About 1km…

Mastaba of Ti

The Mastaba of Ti was discovered by Auguste Mariette in 1865. This grand and detailed private tomb is not only Old Kingdom art at its best but also one of…

Aswan Botanical Gardens

Kitchener’s Island, to the west of Elephantine Island, was given to Lord Horatio Kitchener in the 1890s when he was commander of the Egyptian army…

Fortress of Shali

Central Siwa is dominated by the spectacular organic shapes of the remains of this 13th-century mud-brick fortress. Built from kershef (chunks of salt…

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…

Imhotep Museum

In the complex at the entrance to the Saqqara site is this beautiful collection of some of the best finds from Saqqara, and one of the finest small…

Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan

Massive yet elegant, this grand structure is regarded as the finest piece of early Mamluk architecture in Cairo. It was built between 1356 and 1363 by…

Tombs of Sennofer & Rekhmire

The most interesting parts of the tomb of Sennofer, overseer of the Garden of Amun under Amenhotep II, are to be found deep underground, in the main…

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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.

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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

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Explore Egypt’s Top 10 Attractions & Wonders

Egypt, with its awe-inspiring historical sites and breathtaking landscapes, is a dream destination for travelers seeking a glimpse into the ancient world. From towering pyramids to majestic temples, Egypt offers an unforgettable experience filled with wonder and intrigue. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 attractions in Egypt, guiding you through the best places to visit and must-see tourist spots.

Discover the secrets of the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were laid to rest in grand tombs adorned with magnificent wall art. Marvel at the colossal pillars of Karnak Temple in Luxor, a reminder of the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Float along the Nile River, Egypt’s lifeline, and witness the echoes of a bygone era in the temples and ruins that line its banks.

Embark on a journey to Aswan, a gateway to serenity, where orange-hued sand dunes and the tranquil Nile River create a picturesque backdrop. Explore the Nubian villages and visit the Philae Temple to immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the region.

No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to Abu Simbel, an ancient temple complex of remarkable grandeur. Admire the intricate carvings and statues that adorn the temples, a testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient Egypt.

Lastly, venture into the bustling streets of Cairo, the world’s most remarkable destination. Immerse yourself in the Islamic heritage of Old Islamic Cairo, wander through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili market, and marvel at the grand mosques that dot the city.

Join us on this unforgettable journey as we uncover Egypt’s top 10 attractions and wonders, offering a glimpse into the rich history and breathtaking beauty of this extraordinary country.

Table of Contents

Karnak Temple at Luxor and the Valley of the Kings: Ancient Marvels of Egypt

The Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple at Luxor are among the top sights in Egypt, offering visitors the chance to delve into the captivating history of ancient Egypt. Formerly known as Thebes, Luxor served as the magnificent capital of the pharaohs and is intrinsically connected to the majestic Nile River. As you explore this mesmerizing region, you’ll be transported back in time to an era of unparalleled grandeur.

Valley of the Kings: A Glimpse into Ancient Royalty

The Valley of the Kings, situated on the west bank of the Nile, is a testament to the architectural brilliance and artistic mastery of ancient Egypt. This vast necropolis is home to the tombs of numerous pharaohs, including the legendary Tutankhamun. The colossal pillars and intricately decorated walls adorned with captivating wall art make this open-air museum one of the most famous landmarks in Egypt.

Karnak Temple: A Journey Through Millennia

Just north of Luxor’s modern city lies the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple complex, a true marvel of ancient Egypt’s top attractions. This sprawling site encompasses temples, ruins, and obelisks that bear witness to the incredible achievements of the pharaohs. As you wander through the colossal columns and intricate hieroglyphs, you’ll gain insight into the fascinating history and religious rituals that once took place within these hallowed grounds.

The Karnak Temple complex is dedicated to the powerful god Amun-Ra and has been continually expanded over centuries, making it a testament to the multi-layered history of Egypt. The Hypostyle Hall, with its forest of towering columns, is a particular highlight, capturing the imagination of all who visit.

Visiting the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the mystique of ancient Egypt and witness the enduring legacy of these extraordinary architectural wonders.

The Nile River: Egypt’s Lifeline and Premier Tourist Attraction

The Nile River holds a prominent position among the top tourist attractions in Egypt, captivating travelers with its historical significance and breathtaking scenery. A journey along the majestic Nile offers a unique opportunity to witness the remnants of ancient civilizations, while marveling at the temples and ruins that line its magnificent riverbanks.

The stretch of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan is particularly renowned for its collection of ancient temples, showcasing the rich history and architectural prowess of ancient Egypt. Among these must-visit attractions are the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of the best-preserved shrines in the country.

To truly immerse oneself in the spirit of the Nile, a felucca cruise is a must-try experience. These traditional wooden sailboats offer a more intimate connection with the river, allowing travelers to witness the splendor of the ancient temples from a unique vantage point.

Whether it’s exploring the captivating history of the temples or simply basking in the serene beauty of the river, the Nile remains a premier tourist destination in Egypt. Its significance as the lifeline of Egypt’s ancient civilization and its breathtaking landscapes make it a must-visit place for any traveler venturing to this remarkable country.

Aswan, Egypt’s Key Gateway to Serenity

Aswan, located along the majestic Nile River and surrounded by orange-hued sand dunes, is a tranquil destination that offers a serene retreat for travelers seeking peace and relaxation. This picturesque city is renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, making it one of the top places to visit in Egypt.

One of the most popular attractions in Aswan is the Nubian villages, where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture and experience the warm hospitality of the Nubian people. These traditional villages offer a unique glimpse into their way of life, with colorful houses and bustling markets.

Another must-visit attraction in Aswan is the iconic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This ancient temple is located on a picturesque island and boasts stunning architecture and intricate carvings, providing insights into the fascinating history of ancient Egypt.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Aswan, exploring the Nile River is a must. Take a leisurely trip on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery as you glide along the tranquil waters of the Nile. Throughout the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the peaceful ambiance and witness the timeless beauty of Egypt’s landscapes.

For a memorable dining experience, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the delectable cuisine offered by the riverboat restaurants in Aswan. These floating eateries not only serve delicious Egyptian dishes but also provide a unique perspective of the city as you dine overlooking the Nile.

Aswan is undeniably one of Egypt’s most popular destinations, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unparalleled tranquility. Whether you’re exploring the Nubian villages, marveling at the Philae Temple, or simply relaxing on a felucca, Aswan will captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories of your journey through Egypt.

Abu Simbel: An Ancient Temple Complex of Remarkable Grandeur

Abu Simbel is a magnificent testament to the architectural genius and artistic prowess of ancient Egypt. Built by Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, this temple complex is a sight to behold. Carved into mountainside rocks, the temples feature intricate inscriptions, paintings, and statues that offer a glimpse into the rich history of the civilization.

Abu Simbel consists of two main temples: the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor. The Great Temple is dedicated to the sun gods Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, while the Temple of Hathor honors Ramses II’s beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. The colossal statues guarding the entrance to the temples are awe-inspiring, standing at an impressive height of over 65 feet.

What makes Abu Simbel even more remarkable is its relocation in the 1960s, a feat of engineering and international cooperation. The temples were moved to higher ground to prevent them from being submerged by the rising waters of the Nile. This endeavor showcased the global effort to preserve Egypt’s ancient heritage and ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at its grandeur.

For travelers interested in ancient Egyptian architecture and history, a visit to Abu Simbel is an absolute must. The immense scale and intricate details of the temples, combined with their historical significance, make this site one of the most famous landmarks in Egypt. It is a testament to the greatness of a civilization that continues to captivate and inspire people from all over the world.

The Incredible Abu Simbel: Key Features

Cairo: the world’s most remarkable destination.

Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is a remarkable destination that offers a blend of history, culture, and modernity. With its rich heritage and iconic landmarks, Cairo is a top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

One of the highlights of Cairo is its Islamic heritage, which can be explored in the narrow winding lanes of Old Islamic Cairo. Here, ancient mosques and madrasas stand as testaments to the city’s medieval past. The Al Azhar Mosque, renowned for its architectural beauty and significance as one of the oldest Islamic universities, is a must-visit. Another architectural marvel is the Sultan Hassan Mosque, known for its intricate details and stunning minarets.

Beyond its historical treasures, Cairo also boasts the vibrant Khan el-Khalili market. This bustling marketplace offers a sensory delight for shopping enthusiasts, with its maze-like alleys filled with shops selling intricate handicrafts, colorful textiles, and aromatic spices.

While the pyramids are undoubtedly the most famous landmarks in Egypt, Cairo has its fair share of breathtaking attractions. From exploring the magnificent Egyptian Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, to strolling along the serene banks of the Nile River, Cairo has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the diverse heritage of Egypt and discover why Cairo is truly the world’s most remarkable destination.

What are the top attractions in Egypt?

Egypt is home to a myriad of top attractions, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, the Nile River, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Cairo, among others.

What is the Valley of the Kings?

The Valley of the Kings is a historic site in Luxor that features colossal pillars and tombs adorned with breathtaking wall art, making it one of the world’s largest open-air museums.

Why is Karnak Temple famous?

Karnak Temple is an impressive complex of temples, ruins, and obelisks in Luxor, Egypt. It tells the story of ancient Egypt’s past glory and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Why is the Nile River a popular tourist attraction?

The Nile River is known for its historical significance and scenic beauty. Cruising along the Nile provides a unique opportunity to witness the echoes of ancient civilization, with temples and ruins lining the riverbanks.

What can I see in Aswan, Egypt?

Aswan offers a tranquil retreat and is known for its picturesque setting along the Nile River. Must-see attractions in Aswan include the Nubian villages, the Philae Temple, and the opportunity to take a leisurely trip along the Nile.

What makes Abu Simbel famous?

Abu Simbel is a remarkable temple complex built by Ramesses II. Carved into mountainside rocks, it features intricate inscriptions, paintings, and statues, making it a must-visit for those interested in ancient Egyptian architecture and history.

Why should I visit Cairo?

Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. From ancient mosques and madrasas to bustling markets and diverse heritage, Cairo showcases the rich and vibrant soul of Egypt.

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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.

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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

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Amazing Places to Visit in Egypt

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: November 13, 2023

Who hasn’t dreamed of going to Egypt? An ancient and mystical land, Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations on earth. With a 5000-year history housing two of the world’s seven ancient wonders, Egypt offers the romance and intrigue of a bygone era of travel. What was once overly crowded with tourists, is seeing fewer foreigners these days offering intrepid travelers a chance to visit amazing places in Egypt without the crowds.

Table of Contents

Best Places To Visit In Egypt

Egypt is full of famous monuments, and remarkable landscapes. The fabled Sahara Desert and the legendary Nile River are top attractions to see, not to mention its world-class diving, and incredible beach vacations. Egypt has been the gateway to Africa for millennia. Many people know of the Pyramids of Giza but there are many other iconic places to visit in Egypt that will excite even the most seasoned travelers. Also, check out Fun Facts About Egypt

Off the Beaten Path Places to Visit in Egypt

Egypt has it all. Home to the only remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, countess UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and incredible pyramids it is a dream destination that will leave a lasting impression for years to come. We could start with the top tourist attractions in Cairo in this post, but we thought we’d introduce you to some lesser-known destinations before we get into the famous monuments of Egypt. So what are the best places to visit in Egypt? Let’s find out!

1. White Desert National Park

We arranged a three-day tour to the White Desert from Cairo. If there is one unique thing you should do in Egypt, it is to see the White Desert. Giant white chalky rock formations jut out of the desert landscape creating an incredible scene.

Brought on by erosion, these powdery mounds create the illusion of massive mushrooms, eagles and turkeys, and even one that looks like a camel. Having a true Bedouin experience, we camped out under the stars surrounded by standing stones. You can book an overnight to to the desert from Cairo.

2. Siwa Oasis

Siwa takes you far off the beaten path near the border of Libya. In the middle of the Siwa Oasis is an 13th century walled fortified town built by mud brick and rock salt. It is in ruins today, but a tour through the abandoned buildings is a highlight of any trip to Egypt. It is here that there is plenty of desert adventures from dune buggy rides to sand boarding.

3. Abu Simbel

Located on Lake Nassar Abut Simbel is Ramesses II’s imposing temple. It was built to show the power of Egypt. Originally located on The Nile, Abu Simbel needed to be moved when the Egyptians created the Aswan High Dam project. It would have been engulfed by water never to be seen again until the government came to its rescue.

Abu Simbel was taken apart piece by piece and rebuilt it high on the banks of the lake Nassar. We saw Abul Simbel en route to the Sudan where we crossed the border to Wadi Halfa. It is a truly remarkable place to visit, taking you off the beaten path in Egypt.

Places to Visit in Egypt – Cairo

4. pyramids of giza.

I know I said there are more places to visit in Egypt than the pyramids of Giza, but they must not be missed! Weaving through the back streets of Cairo on our hired camels we felt as if we stepped back in time a thousand years. Markets were in a flurry with customers and we could barely catch a glimpse of the ancient pyramids. But then we turned a corner and gasped at the view in front of us. Read more: 27 Amazing Historical Places In The World

The main pyramids of Giza are the Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the Great Pyramid), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. These structures are among the most iconic and enduring symbols of Ancient Egypt, representing the zenith of pyramid construction during the Old Kingdom.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and oldest of the three, originally standing at 146.6 meters (481 feet) tall. The Pyramid of Khafre, slightly smaller, includes the Sphinx nearby. The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main pyramids. Together, they form a complex that has fascinated people for millennia and remains a major archaeological and tourist site.

The Great Pyramid of Giza doesn’t seem real as it towers over the barren desert. This is the only remaining structure of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. From the Great Sphinx to

We have visited them two other times and hired a private guide to take us on a tour of the pyramids and the Sphinx. Each visit is just as exciting as the first. You can now book a guided camel and quad tour of the desert and pyramids.

5. Islamic Cairo

Islamic Cairo is known as the “City of Citadels” with many mosques to visit including the Sultan Hussan Mosque and the Alabaster Mosque aka, The Mosque of Muhammad Ali. It is the most visited mosque in all of Egypt and with good reason.

Get lost in the streets of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar and tour of the Cairo Citadel.

Where to Stay in Cairo

• We stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel Cairo and it was fabulous.
• If you want something cheaper, we also stayed at the Dahab Hostel and loved it.

6. Egyptian Museum

It took us three visits to finally enter the Egyptian Museum and it didn’t disappoint. Other museums around the world have Egyptian artifacts but this takes it to the next level.

It is worth touring the museum because when visiting the temples of Egypt, there is nothing inside they have all been moved to the safety of the museum where you can see them with your own eyes. See our list of the best ancient ruins in the world

Ancient Egypt Along The Nile

7. valley of the kings.

We all know about King Tut and it is here that you can visit his tomb. In fact, you can visit all of the Kings of the Pharaoh’s tombs. Ramesses, I-V, and everyone in between were entombed in extravagant tombs filled with riches and jewels on the West Bank of the Nile.

You won’t see the treasures in these tombs today, but you will see the paintings and hieroglyphics drawn on the walls of these massive chambers that are as big as a house. The tombs are impressive but the valley itself is even more incredible. I can see why the ancient Egyptians chose this as the resting place of their most important leaders.

The Tomb of Queen Nefertari

The Valley of the Queens is not as impressive as the Valley of the Kings, but The Tomb of Queen Nefertari is a standout. Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramesses II, was honored with one of the most beautiful tombs, indicative of her esteemed position.

Known for its vibrant colors and intricate detail, the tomb provides an awe-inspiring look at Egyptian artistry and offers a glimpse into the past, displaying what tombs looked like over 3,000 years ago? ?. The preservation efforts and the limited visitor capacity further emphasize its delicate grandeur and the importance of conservation? ?.

8. Egypt Bucket List – The Tomb of Tutankhamun

When visiting Egypt, you will check off many items on your travel bucket list. I know we did! For us, it was sleeping in the desert for the first time, sailing along the fabled Nile River, seeing the Great Pyramids with our own eyes, and visiting King Tut’s tomb. We felt like Indiana Jones!

9. Temple of Hatshepsut

This impressive temple is dedicated to the female King Hatshepsut. She was the leader of the Pharaohs for 27 years. Hatshepsut’s monument rivals even the greatest of kings.

Built between 1490-1460 BC it is one of the most impressive temples in Egypt. It is impossible to imagine that the Nile reached the grounds of this temple complex and that the area surrounding it was lush and green. Today the desert is dry, but the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is no less impressive.

10. Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is the star attraction of Luxor located on the banks of the Nile it is one of the best-preserved of all the temples in Egypt.

11. Karnak Temple

But the Karnak Temple is also a must-see. The massive site of ancient ruins is awe-inspiring. Walking through the Obelisks and columns will take your breath away. We took a Felucca cruise to see the city from the water. Sailing along the fabled Nile, I wondered exactly what bank Moses was left on. Read more: 10 Amazing Temples of Egypt – That We’ve Seen

12. The Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III

The Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu is a formidable New Kingdom structure on the West Bank of Luxor. It is celebrated for its grandeur, and extensive and well-preserved wall reliefs, including those depicting the defeat of the Sea Peoples during Ramesses III’s reign? ?.

The temple’s design is orthodox, resembling the Ramesseum, and it includes chapels of various Divine Adoratrices of Amun. The history etched into its walls and the connection to the royal palace via the “Window of Appearances” make it a profound visit for those interested in Egypt’s illustrious past.

13. The Nile River

Nothing is more magical than taking a Nile Cruise. The Nile River is the longest river in the world stretching  6,695km!

We also took a felucca along the Nile. Camels and goats walked along the river banks and the day was silent as we fulfilled yet another one of our dreams. Many one to three-day cruises set sail from Luxor to Aswan and Aswan is a great place to spend a couple of days.

14. Aswan Nile River Cruise

It is from Aswan that tours to Abu Simbel can be booked. Aswan is located on the Nile in the South of Egypt just before the journey over Lake Nassar. It’s a popular town with ships setting sail each day, but be sure to spend a few days exploring.

There is the Nubian Museum, day trips to Abu Simbel, The Temple of Isis, The Aswan Dam, and Elephant Island waiting to be explored.

15. Temple of Kom Ombo

The Temple of Kom Ombo stands out as a must-visit site in Egypt due to its unique double design, dedicated to two sets of deities: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility and creator of the world, and Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky.

This architectural marvel offers a rare glimpse into the religious duality of ancient Egyptian worship. Located on the banks of the Nile, it provides stunning views and an immersive experience into the historical world of pharaohs. The temple is also famed for its detailed carvings, including the only known depiction of ancient surgical instruments, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and culture vultures alike. Read more: 10 Amazing Temples of Egypt – That We’ve Seen

16. Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid is a lesser-known pyramid of Egypt, but it was our favorite. We crawled inside the pyramid to see the interior of the complex to see what it was like deep in the chamber. The Red Pyramid is far less visited than the Pyramids of Giza. While you are there, you can also visit the nearby Step Pyramid. Read more: The Red Pyramid of Egypt – Experience it Inside and Out

17. The Bent Pyramid of Egypt

Located in Saqqara near the Step Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, the Bent Pyramid is believed to be the first attempt at building a smooth-sided pyramid.

While it didn’t work, the large pyramid has lasted through the centuries with its curved sides rather than the straight points of the other Pyramids of Egypt.

Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea Coast

We cycled more than 500 km from Cairo to Safaga taking in the beauty of Egypt. It was a wonderful stop to sit by the Red Sea taking in the balmy breeze. Besides being famous for diving, there are plenty of things to do in Safaga with luxury resorts, fine dining, boutique shopping, and museums, it is a wonderful place to visit in Egypt. If you enjoy scuba diving, this is the place to do it, but there is also great snorkeling and even glass bottom boats.

18. Sharm El-Sheikh

Sharm El-Sheikh is Egypt’s most popular resort destination located on the Sinai Peninsula. It is yet another excellent spot for scuba diving, but with its convenient location, it is also a great spot for adventure.

19. Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park is an exceptional destination for visitors who seek both terrestrial and marine wonders. The park is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling and diving, especially from March to May, when sea conditions are perfect for encountering diverse marine life like dolphins, turtles, and sharks? ?.

Visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as hiking, bird watching, boat trips, and simply relaxing on the picturesque beaches? ?. With its vibrant coral reefs, abundant wildlife, and a plethora of activities, Ras Mohammed National Park provides an unparalleled experience in one of Egypt’s most beautiful natural settings, making it a compelling addition to any travel itinerary? ?.

20. Hurghada

Hurghada is taking over Sharm El-Sheikh as a popular spot for fun in the sun. Besides lounging on the beach, visitors can dive into a plethora of activities such as snorkeling in crystal clear waters, exploring the vibrant underwater life at sites like the Straits of Gubal and Gota Abu Ramada, and taking boat trips to the serene Giftun Islands? ?.

Adventure enthusiasts can also indulge in desert safaris by jeep or quad bike, dine with picturesque views at Hurghada Marina, or immerse in local culture with Bedouin dinner tours. With such a wide array of activities set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty, Hurghada is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

21. El Gouna

For a luxury escape in Egypt, El Gouna is a popular holiday destination. It’s a popular spot for diving in the Red Sea, chilling out at the beach, and dolphin spotting. From five-star resorts to fine dining, it’s a wonderful escape after having an adventure in Egypt. Read more El Gouna, Egypt – the Perfect Beach Holiday

21. Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, a visit to Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a must-visit when in the Sinai Peninsula. It is the very place where God spoke to Moses as a burning bush. (If you believe in that sort of thing). Dating back to the 500s AD, this is the oldest continuously working Christian monastery in the world.

22. Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai, also known as Jebel Musa, is the biblical mountain in Egypt where it is believed that Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. It is a significant site in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

Many tourists and pilgrims trek to the summit of Mount Sinai, where they can enjoy stunning sunrise views and visit the small chapel and mosque located there. The hike is considered moderately challenging and is often done overnight to witness the sunrise from the peak.

23. Alexandria

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Alexandria is where East meets West. Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and is one of the top places to visit. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria housed one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the Alexandria Lighthouse. Psst: The Great Pyramids are another ancient wonder. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Alexandria, Egypt

One of our favorite places to see was the Alexandria Library. The new and modern building is located on the site of the original ancient library which was the largest collection of books in the ancient world.

And these are the best places to visit in Egypt. Egypt is a spectacular destination that everyone should visit once in their lifetime. For its ancient history and historical monuments, this is a trip you will never forget.

• Discovering Egypt: A Photo Story
• 10 Reasons Why El Gouna, Egypt is the Perfect Beach Holiday
• Everything You Need to Know About Alexandria, Egypt

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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11 thoughts on “Amazing Places to Visit in Egypt”

Awesome post! Its my child dream go to Pyramids of Giza. I watched a lot of movies with this place and its wonderful.

Egypt is one of my dream destinations! Great read and fabulous photos!

I’ve been there three times, and I’d go again tomorrow. There’s absolutely no sense of ‘been there; done that’ about it. Still have to see Alexandria, St Catherine’s Monastery and the Red Sea resorts.

And, although I’ve seen Cairo and the Pyramids, (twice) done a Luxor-Aswan AND an Aswan-Luxor cruise plus a Lake Nasser cruise, I’d still do any of these again.

It’s fascinating to see the juxtaposition between the pyramids and the city in the distance. What an incredible place, with so many layers of complexity.

….Ah, beautiful islands! I think we must be on the same wavelength, wanting to think of warm places this time of year………

I want to visit Egypt SO MUCH! I’m still convincing Kali, but I think I’m close. 😉

Its a shame we will miss you in Egypt by a day or 2. We are arriving on Sat afternoon for 10 days! Hopefully get some amazing photos like you guys.

Revisiting places in my mind is one of the most enjoyable parts of travelling!

Ahhhh these pictures make me want to book a ticket right now!

Wow! Great pictures!

The White Desert looks amazing – I haven’t heard of that before but will add it to the ever growing list of places to visit.

21 Top Tourist Attractions in Egypt

The tourist attractions in Egypt are not limited to the famous Pyramids of Giza and its temples. This intriguing country, with its rich and preserved history, has varied attractions for the most diverse styles of travelers.

Throughout the country, there are everything from beautiful natural landscapes to impressive human constructions. Ancient temples and modern architectural constructions.

In Egypt, there is a desert and a beach. Contemplation and consumption. Culture and fun for all tastes. It’s a fantastic place that should always be on travelers’ bucket list. Check out everything you need to know to create the ideal itinerary for your trip to Egypt.

What to Do in Egypt

1. pyramids of giza and great sphinx.

The Pyramids of Giza are, without a doubt, the most famous among Egypt’s tourist attractions. And yes, the pyramids are an unmissable attraction in the country. They are part of a complex called the  Necropolis of Giza , which includes, in addition to the three Great Pyramids (Cheops, Chephren, Myquerinos), the Great Sphinx.

The pyramids are the only  one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World  that still exist today. They were erected for the burial of Kings Cheops, Chephren, Micherinos, grandfather, father, and son, respectively.

The ancient Egyptians believed in resurrection. Thus, the buildings were intended to store the pharaoh’s body and a large part of his treasures so that they could be used when he returned to life.

The entrance to the plateau that houses the pyramids gives access only to the external area. To enter any of the pyramids, it is necessary to purchase specific and more expensive tickets.

The simple entrance also entitles you to visit the  Great Sphinx  up close, also located nearby. It is the largest monolith statue in the world.

With its lion’s body and human head (in this case, the face of Pharaoh Khafre), its function is to protect the pyramids that can be seen from a short distance away.

At night, there is the option of watching a light show projected onto the Pyramids and the Sphinx. This attraction has a separate  ticket for the light show at the Pyramids of Giza , which lasts about an hour. The entire complex is located in the city of Giza, about 20 kilometers from the center of  Cairo , the country’s capital.

2. Egyptian Museum, One of the Best Places to Visit in Egypt

The  Egyptian Museum  is another must-see attraction among the tourist places in Egypt. Located in Cairo,  its collection comprises more than 120 thousand pieces of antiquities , mostly extracted from excavations throughout the country.

Visitors can observe utensils, statues, sarcophagi, and even some mummies (there is an exclusive room dedicated to them that is accessible at an extra price, but there are also some on display for the public who purchase the general ticket).

However, the biggest attraction of the Egyptian Museum is the part dedicated to  Pharaoh Tutankhamun , whose tomb was one of the few discovered intact.

Thus, it was possible to preserve and display the sumptuous funerary ornaments that guarded his body, in particular his beautiful gold death mask, which is displayed. Buy your  ticket to the Egyptian Museum   here .

3. Khan El Khalili Market

Anyone who enjoys popular fairs can’t miss the Khan El Khalili Market, the largest in Cairo. This is also one of the popular tourist spots in Egypt. Along several intersecting streets are hundreds of small shops selling trinkets in general and countless vendors eager for tourists’ money.

Fabrics, papyrus, crystals, jewelry, clothes, and all kinds of souvenirs are sold in its alleys. You can find that pyramid that will decorate your living room or that stuffed camel as a gift for your niece.

This is also a place to bargain. The prices offered are always inflated. So, if something is offered to you for the value of 100 (whatever the currency of negotiation), do not hesitate to offer to pay just 20.

After a lot of negotiation, there’s a good chance you’ll get what you want (plus some freebies) for 35. A golden rule that, by the way, applies to practically all Egyptian businesses aimed at tourists.

4. Coptic Quarter

Coptic is the name given to Christians in Egypt, who are a minority in this predominantly Muslim country, but which does not discriminate against any religion.

In this context, the Coptic Quarter is an interesting attraction in Cairo, where beautiful churches and synagogues are concentrated. So, it will be a shame if it misses out on this list of the top tourist attractions in Egypt.

The highlight is the  Church of Santo Sergio , built on the spot where the Holy Family took refuge for around three months when Jesus Christ was still a baby.

Other attractions are the  Cairo Hanging Church, St. George’s Church, St. Barbara’s Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.  Be sure also to visit the  Coptic Museum , which houses some of the oldest manuscripts in Egypt.

5. Cairo Tower, One of the Best Things to See in Egypt

The Cairo Tower is the tallest building in the Egyptian capital, located in the modern region of Zamalek, in the center of the city. From the viewpoint located at the top of its 187 meters, it is possible to have a 360-degree view of the city.

The view of the Nile River and the surrounding buildings is impressive during the day, but it is even more beautiful at night. The Cairo Tower was designed to look similar to the shape of the lotus flower, one of Egypt’s symbolic plants.

Hurghada is a coastal city located about 460 kilometers south of Cairo, whose main attraction is being bathed by the beautiful waters of the Red Sea. Therefore, a visit here is definitely one of the best things to do in Egypt.

The beauty of its beaches and the blue tones of its crystal clear waters, suitable for diving, contrast with the desert image that most people have of Egypt.

From here, there are tours to the  Giftun Islands , which have wonderful beaches. Another attraction is the quad bike ride in the desert near the city. Hurghada can be reached by plane (domestic flight) or by land, depending on the visitor’s convenience.

7. Nile River Cruise, Another of the Exciting Things to Do in Egypt

A practical way to see many cool tourist attractions in Egypt is to take a  cruise along the Nile River.

The routes can be down the river, starting from the city of Aswan to the city of Luxor or in the opposite direction. Both locations can be accessed by plane (domestic flights) or train departing from Cairo.

If you opt for this type of attraction, combine the convenience of booking all at once, accommodation, meals, and some guided tours at various tourist attractions in the country visited during the journey.

It is possible to do the journey in four days (and three nights). But, since your time might be limited due to the abundance of attractions, you might miss out on some. Therefore, if you have more time available, choose tours with at least one more day of travel.

8. Temple of Philae

The Temple of Philae, built in honor of the goddess Isis, is on an island in the Nile River near the city of Aswan (about 860 kilometers south of Cairo).

This imposing construction dates back to the reign of Ptolemy II and has both Egyptian and Greek architectural features.

The main attraction of this temple is its various columns, in Greek style, which have representations of a lotus flower, typically Egyptian, at the tip. It is the only large temple in Egypt dedicated to a goddess, who for a long time was looked after by priestesses.

Furthermore, it was a temple much frequented by Cleopatra. All of this gives the place a much more feminine air than other temples in the country. There are countless inscriptions carved into its large walls, which fill the eyes of visitors.

To get to the island, you need to take a boat from the Shallal deck. This crossing is short but very beautiful. At night, the place also has a much-appreciated light show. Without a doubt, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Egypt.

9. Kom Ombo Temple

This temple is located in the city of Kom Ombo, about 830 km from Cairo. For tourists who choose to cruise on the Nile River, this place is certainly one of the ship’s stops.

This is the only large Egyptian temple dedicated to two gods:  the crocodile god  (deity of fertility and creator of the world) and  the falcon god Horus  (deity of the heavens and war). Each half of the temple bears inscriptions referring to one of these gods.

Very close to this temple is a curious Crocodile Museum, where visitors can see crocodile sarcophagi and mummies, something that most people are not even aware exists.

10. Abu Simbel, One of the Best Places to See in Egypt

Abu Simbel  is a complex of two temples located in southern Egypt, close to the border with Sudan. Built during the reign of Ramesses II, the first was built in his honor and the second in honor of Nefertari, one of his wives.

Despite being built in the 13th century BC, they are not today in the same place they were made. This is because Abu Simbel would be submerged by the lake formed due to the construction of the great Aswan Dam on the Nile River.

Thus, in the 1960s, UNESCO raised funds and promoted the relocation of both temples to a higher region, safe from the waters of the dam to be formed. Departing from Aswan (about 860 kilometers south of Cairo), the journey to Abu Simbel takes about three hours. It is also possible to travel by plane.

Tours that take you to the site usually leave very early, and visits are made on a “round trip” basis. It can be a little tiring, but the beauty and grandeur of the place make the effort worth it.

11. Edfu Temple

The Edfu Temple is located in the city of Edfu, on the west bank of the Nile River. It is the right place to stop for anyone taking a cruise along the Nile River.

Leaving the ship, there is a short carriage ride to the location, lasting about 15 minutes. It is also possible to reach the city by train or taxi from Aswan (about 860 kilometers south of Cairo).

Built in the Ptolemaic kingdom  (between 237 and 54 BC) in honor of the falcon god Horus, the Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved historical places in Egypt. This fact is because this imposing construction remained under the sand for centuries, being revealed again by excavations that began in 1860.

The complex consists of a large open courtyard, a room with 18 columns, followed by another interior room with 12 columns. At the end, there is the sanctuary at the bottom of the temple.

Everywhere, there are large inscriptions and drawings on its high walls, which depict the mythological story of Horus, as well as various rituals and offerings.

As it is among the top Egyptian attractions, it is recommended to visit early in the morning in order to better enjoy the place without the competition of hundreds of other visitors around.

12. Luxor Temple

The  Luxor Temple  is located in the city of Luxor (ancient Thebes, 700 kilometers from Cairo) and was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.

The place  was built in honor of the god Amon-Ra,  but the image of Ramses II is everywhere.

Right at the entrance, there are several huge statues of the pharaoh, as well as a large obelisk (the other one that was paired with it is now in Paris, in Place de la Concorde). During the Roman occupation, parts of the buildings were adapted to be used as churches.

Some walls show classical Christian paintings that were made over ancient Egyptian inscriptions. Nowadays, there is also a functioning mosque right next to the complex. 

13. Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is the place near the city of Luxor (ancient Thebes) where several tombs of Egyptian pharaohs were found and today attracts tourists from all over the world.

Located on the western bank of the Nile, the place has several elevations, where paths were built to store the body of a pharaoh or members of his family.

When we talk about the burial of pharaohs in Egypt, the first image that comes to mind is the Pyramids of Giza, near Cairo.

However, over time, the use of pyramids for this purpose was abandoned. This began with Amontep I (1511 BC to 1524 BC), and since then, pharaohs have been buried in this valley. This makes it one of the most important points of interest in Egypt.

The region is desert, with dry air and almost no shadows. Therefore, the use of sunscreen and constant hydration is recommended. There are dozens of tombs that can be visited. Their interior is impressive, with many drawings on the walls.

But don’t worry about going into all of them, as  they are all very similar . Ticket prices vary depending on the number of tombs you intend to visit.

There are special places, like  Tutankhamun’s tomb , which require a specific ticket (and it’s not even worth it, as the cool stuff is in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo).

It is important to highlight that if you want to take photos inside the tombs,  you have to buy a permit  for an extra fee.

In all of them, there are inspectors to prevent photos from being taken by those who don’t have this pass, and their approach is not at all friendly.

14. Deir El-Bahari, Another of the Best Places to visit in Egypt

Deir El-Bahari is a beautiful complex of tombs and mortuary temples located near the city of Luxor. Its great highlight is the  mortuary temple of Hatexepsut , also known as Djeser-Djeseru (The Wonder of Wonders).

Located on the western bank of the Nile River, close to the Valley of the Kings, the site was built in honor of Amun-Ra, the sun god. Its wide staircase and columns mark this construction made at the foot of a large elevation, which can be seen from a long distance, including during a balloon ride in Luxor.

15. Balloon Ride in Luxor

The  balloon ride in Luxor  is one of the coolest things to do in Egypt for anyone visiting this ancient city. The balloon departure point is on the west bank of the Nile, and the tours always start very early.

Tours are, as a rule, booked with local guides in advance. They pick up the tourist at the hotel or ship where they are staying in the early hours of the morning.

Everyone is taken to a small pier from where boats leave for the other side of the river and where a small breakfast is served. The crossing is very short.

Those who arrive early can climb when the first rays of the sun appear. The view from up there is wonderful, whether looking down (you can see the city) or looking at the horizon (with several colorful balloons composing the landscape). It’s definitely worth getting up early to appreciate it all.

16. Aswan Dam, One of Egypt’s Top Attractions

The Aswan Dam is one of the largest dams in the world. This great work was made entirely of granite without the use of concrete.

Its construction represented greater control by the Egyptians of the waters of the Nile River, putting an end to the great seasonality of periods of drought and floods.

Furthermore, its turbines are responsible for generating a large amount of electricity in the country. The construction of the Aswan Dam,  between 1960 and 1970 , was responsible for the emergence of Lake Nasser, 500 kilometers long, on Egypt’s southern border with Sudan.

A concern at the time was the realization that the lake would cover a large number of archaeological sites, which motivated movements to preserve some of them.

This is how UNESCO obtained resources to save the Abu Simbel complex, moving it from its original location to a place safe from the waters that would cover it.

The Aswan Dam was built during the Cold War and was financed by the Soviet Union. For this reason, the Russian-Egyptian Friendship Monument was built in its surroundings, celebrating collaboration between governments. The monument can be visited for free, but you need to purchase a ticket sold separately to climb it.

17. Karnak Temple

The site known as Karnak Temple is, in fact, a huge complex with several buildings erected for Egyptian deities, which has been continuously expanded for more than 1,700 years. Located in the city of Luxor, it has more than 2 thousand m² and was considered the religious center of the kingdom until the end of Egyptian civilization. Today, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Egypt that boasts a rich history and grandeur.

Its main building is the temple dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, God of the Sun . The largest obelisk in Egypt is located there, measuring 27 meters high. Throughout the complex, there are also 134 huge papyrus-shaped columns, one of the country’s symbolic plants.

A large avenue connected Karnak with the Luxor Temple in the same city. Until the mid-18th century, the temple was still submerged in the sand, which explains its remarkable state of conservation to this day.

18. Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria was built in 2002 in the city of the same name (220 km north of Cairo) and is the largest in Egypt. And being one of the cool tourist spots in Egypt, I suggest you take a  tour to explore the history of Alexandria .

Its imposing building houses the largest collection of books on the entire African continent. Its main reading room extends over more than 20 thousand m² on 11 floors (four of them underground).

This space is covered by a 120-meter-diameter glass dome, which provides natural light to the environment. The organization of its shelves and a large number of study tables, many of them with computers connected to the Internet, are impressive.

Outside, the windowless walls are covered in granite and are encrusted with various symbols used by humanity to communicate in different eras and civilizations.

The entire structure includes, in addition to the main library, four specialized libraries, laboratories, a planetarium, a science museum, a calligraphy museum, and a congress and exhibition room.

In a country that has ancient buildings as its main tourist attractions, the grandeur and modernity of the Library of Alexandria stand out and show that Egypt is not just made of pyramids and tombs. For those who want to visit Alexandria but have little time, this is, without a doubt, the main attraction to visit.

19. Qaitbay Citadel (Fort of Alexandria)

The Qaitbay Citadel (also known as Alexandria Fort) is a fortress  built in the 15th century  on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It is in the exact location where the famous Lighthouse in the city of Alexandria once stood (220 km north of Cairo).

The legendary Lighthouse was destroyed in the 14th century after shocks suffered from several earthquakes. Currently, the site does not have a military function and houses a naval museum.

It’s worth a visit to see not only the beautiful construction but also to enjoy a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. If you love historical places, then a visit here is definitely one of the best things to do in Egypt.

20. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa is located in the city of Alexandria (220 km north of Cairo). It is one of the largest Egyptian Roman funerary sites. This tomb complex is considered one of the “Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages” and, of course, is among the main tourist sights in Egypt.

Descending a large circular staircase, you will arrive at a series of different rooms, where there is the burial site of hundreds of people.

The most worked parts show traces of Roman and Egyptian cultures, with drawings and paintings from both inspirations.

The lower levels of the complex were flooded until recently, and currently, there are more areas available for visiting in the various open rooms below ground.

21. Pompey’s Pillar

The last place among the top tourist attractions in Egypt is Pompey’s Pillar, located in the city of Alexandria (220 km north of Cairo), where the Temple of Serapeus (protector of the city) was located in ancient times.

It is an imposing column just over 20 meters high and 2.7 meters in diameter at its base. In front of you, there is also a sphinx, and the group formed by the two buildings is a great backdrop for photos at the location.

Also Read: 8 most Beautiful Cities in Italy for Tourists

Tips on Egypt’s Tourist Attractions

Egypt is a large country with the most varied attractions spread across its vast territory. Although it is known because of its imposing figure of the pyramids, there is much more to explore and discover in this captivating land.

The ideal is to book tickets for your tours in Egypt in advance to avoid queues at the entrance to attractions and guarantee presence in more popular activities, as they may be unavailable for last-minute purchases.

In addition,  traveling by train, bus, and ferry boat  is very practical and easy to plan routes around Egypt. My tip for finding the best and cheapest tickets is to use the  transport ticket search engine  that shows the most popular routes between two destinations and compares prices.

In this list, I brought the places that I consider to be more attractive among the tourist attractions in Egypt. But of course, you can find more tours or choose from these options that are more in line with your style of travel.

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Egypt Landmarks: 20 Famous Landmarks in Egypt You Should Visit

Planning to travel to Egypt? Here are the most famous landmarks in Egypt that should be on your Egypt bucket list from the Giza pyramids to the ancient temples.

Home to the ancient Pharaohs and artifacts which are over 7,000 years old, Egypt is endowed with so much history and treasure that will fascinate anyone that travels to this great destination.

Other than the pyramids of Giza, there are so many Egyptian landmarks that have made Egypt a popular destination for history lovers.

From the famous tombs, countless temples, to the Giza pyramids, here is a detailed list of landmarks in Egypt that every traveler should visit on their trip to the land of the Pharaohs.

Disclaimer* All prices listed were accurate by the time this post was written but they can change any time. So please check the official websites for the current prices. Thank you!

Famous Landmarks in Egypt

1. pyramids of giza.

The pyramids of Giza are undeniably the most famous landmarks in Egypt that are top on almost every traveler’s bucket list.

Actually, when you mention Egypt , the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the pyramids of Giza .

Built over 4,500 years ago, the pyramids of Giza which feature The great pyramid of Giza also known as the pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure (which is the smallest of the three)  are the only remaining wonder from the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The pyramids of Giza were constructed on directives of Pharaoh Khufu, Pharaoh Khafre and Pharaoh Menkaure respectively in preparation for their next life as they believed that they would be gods in the afterlife.

Up to now, the pyramids of Giza are still a wonder that amazes everyone on how the ancient men were able to put together an estimated 2.3 million stone blocks each weighing an average of 2.5 to 15 tons.

It is something that even today’s scientists haven’t been able to find out after countless researches.

The Giza pyramids are approximately 1 hour from Cairo city and it costs 160 EGP (Egyptian pounds) for adults and 80 EGP for students to enter the site.

For an additional 360 EGP (180 EGP for students), you get to enter inside the great pyramid of Khufu, and 100 EGP to enter either the Pyramid of Khafre or the Pyramid of Menkaure.

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2. The Great Sphinx of Giza

Just in front of the Giza pyramids lies the Sphinx of Giza. Straddling at 240 feet(73 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high, the sphinx of Giza is not only one of the greatest and largest Egyptian monuments but also one of the largest in the world.

The sphinx is a mythological creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion.

In ancient Egypt, the sphinx was a spiritual guardian and it is believed that the great sphinx of Giza was constructed to guard the Pharaohs’ tombs.

Dating back in the 2603 BC, the sphinx was constructed by Pharaoh Khafre and it is also believed that the head and face of the sphinx resembles a life-size statue of Khafre which was found in the Valley Temple.

Since the sphinx is at the same place as the Giza pyramids, the entrance fee to the Giza pyramids gives you direct access to the great sphinx as well.

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3. Luxor Temple

Located on the banks of River Nile in the city of Luxor , Luxor Temple is one of the Egypt landmarks which was also one of the largest and most significant religious places in ancient Egypt.

The temple’s construction which was started by pharaoh Amenhotep III in 1390 BC and fully completed in 1279 BC by Rameses II is one one of the most preserved Egyptian monuments with large amounts of structure, statuary, and relief carvings still intact.

Luxor temple is just a few minutes walk from Luxor city center and it costs 140 EGP to enter the temple for adults and 70 EGP for children.

Check out some amazing tours in Luxor .

4. Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is one of the famous landmarks of Egypt and also an ancient complex temple comprising of two temples constructed during the reign of Ramesses II.

The two massive rock temples serve as lasting monuments to the king and his queen.

The bigger temple (which stands at 98 feet(30 meters) high and 115 feet (35 meters) long) represents King Ramesses and the smaller temple (which stands at 40 feet (12 meters) high and 92 feet (28 meters) long) represents his queen Nefertari.

The front entrance of the great temple is adorned with four seated colossi – 2 at each side showing Ramesses II on his throne.

And what makes the temple more interesting are the engravings on the interior walls that depict Ramesses and Nefertari making sacrifices to the gods.

Abu Simbel is located on the western bank of Lake Nasser in a small village of Nubia about 230km southwest of Aswan.

It costs 400 EGP to be granted access to both of the Abu Simbel temples.

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5. Valley of the Kings

Located on the West bank of the River Nile opposite Luxor, the valley of kings is one of the landmarks of ancient Egypt and also one of the historical places in Egypt.

Also known as the Valley of Gates of Kings, ancient Egyptians excavated rock cuts tombs for Pharaohs and great nobles at a time – something that took almost 500 years to realize from the 16th to the 11th century BC.

The valley consists of 2 valleys – the East valley which has the most number of royal tombs and the West valley which makes up the other tombs totaling up to 63.

During the period of 1539- 1075 BC, the valleys became a royal burial ground for the pharaohs and high priests.

It is also important to know that most of the famous Egyptian pharaohs like Tutankhamen, Seti I,  Ramesses II, and others were buried here which has made the valley of kings one of the major tourist spots in Egypt for individuals who want to learn more about Ancient Egypt and its Pharaohs.

The entrance fee to the Valley of the Kings is 200EGP which includes access to 3 tombs from any of these; Ramses I, IV, VII, IX, Seti II, Tawsert/ Sethnakhte, Tuthmosis III, IV, Saptah, Horemoheb, and Menttuherkhopshef.

Before you go, please note that only 18 out of the 63 tombs are open to the public and not all are open all the time and some of the treasures have been moved from the valley to the Egyptian museum.

This is done by the authorities to reduce the damaging effect of mass tourism.

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6. Egyptian Museum

Housing over 120,000 artifacts, (although not all of them are on display since they have to be kept in certain conditions not to be destroyed ) including but not limited to Mummies, Sarcophagi, jewelry, and Pharaoh Tutankhamen’s treasures, the Egyptian museum is one of the Egpyt landmarks that everyone should add to their African bucket list .

Located in Tahrir square in the heart of Cairo city , the Egyptian Museum houses the Royal mummy room which showcases 11 mummies including the recently discovered one – that of Hatshepsut.

The Museum also showcases thousands of sculptures that were recovered from Egypt’s famous archeological sites including the pyramids, temples, desert sands, and others.

The Egyptian museum also has an entire section dedicated to the boy king – Tutankhamen who is undeniably the most famous Pharaoh in Egypt including the Sarcophagus and golden death mask which are the most important items in the Museum.

The entrance fee to the Egyptian museum is 160EGP plus an extra 180EGP if you want to access the mummies room.

But to get the most of your Museum tour, I’d recommend booking a tour guide who will explain in details all the artifacts in the museum.

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7. Karnak Temple

Gradually built over centuries from the Middle Kingdom (20140- 1782 BCE) throughout the Ptolemaic Dynasty (323 – 30 BCE), Karnak (historically known as the Temple of Amun) is the largest religious building in the world covering over 200 acres of land making it one of the greatest landmarks of Egypt.

Karnak has a number of buildings but the Great Temple of Amun is the Temple’s main building with Karnak Open-Air Museum which is a collection of shrines lying directly north of the Temple of Amun’s Great court.

Some of the other sites to see in the Karnak temple complex include; Avenue of sphinxes, Kiosk of Sesostris which is one of the oldest structures in the temple complex, Temple of Ptah which was constructed by Tuthmosis III, Temple of Montu which is unfortunately so ruined that it’s hard to figure out the ground plan, Temple of Ramses II which is also badly ruined and a couple of other temples in the complex.

To get to the Karnak temple complex, you can walk from downtown Luxor along the Nile-side road or take a taxi.

The entrance fee to the Karnak Temple is 150 EGP, an additional 80EGP if you want to access the Karnak open-air museum and 250EGP more to enjoy the Karnak Sound and Light show .

8. Monastery of St Catherine

Located in Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, the Monastery of St Catherine is believed to enshrine the burning bushes from which God first revealed himself to Moses.

It is also believed to be the oldest Christian monastery in the world.

The monastery is surrounded by a huge wall which was constructed by Justinian in the 6th century as a way of protection from the Marauders since the location was rather too open.

Though the unburnt bush was transplanted a few meters away from its original location, it still lives on over a protective stone wall and being catered for by the monks from time to time.

Some of the places to see at the Monastery of St Catherine are;

• The Chapel of the burning bush which is the holiest part of the monastery though it is sometimes closed to the public and people who get a chance to enter are required to take off their shoes as Moses did.
• The well of Moses also known as the well of Jethro where Moses met his wife Zipporah which is up to now still the main source of water for the monastery.

The best way to get to St Catherine Monastery is by booking a tour .

This is one of the best tours from Sharm el sheikh to St Catherine monastery to opt for.

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9. Mt. Sinai

Although there is some controversy about where the “true Mt Sinai” is located, most scholars believe that Mt Sinai is located in South Sinai in Egypt and not Saudi Arabia as some suggested.

Mt Sinai (also known as Mount Moses) is a 2,285 meter (7,497 ft) high mountain in the Sinai region nex to St Catherine monastery.

It is a significant site and a place of pilgrimage to Christians as it is where Moses received the Ten commandments making it one of the Egypt landmarks that you should visit.

The summit of mt. Sinai has a mosque that is currently used by the Moslems and a Greek Orthodox chapel which was constructed in 1934 on the ruins of the 16th-century church although it is not open to the general public.

A hike to the mount summit is doable with 2 possible routes; the longer and the shallower route taking about 2 and half hours on foot but camels can also be used.

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10. Abydos Temple

Located in one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt, Abydos (162 km north of Luxor), Abydos Temple (also known as the Temple of the first city) is considered one of the most archeological sites in Egypt.

The sacred city of Abydos was a site of many ancient temples which later became the most important burial site for ancient Egypt.

One of the most fascinating temples in Abydos is the Temple of Osiris which showcases spectacular artistic treasures of ancient Egypt.

If you want to run away from the crowds but still experience one of Egypt’s historical places, then head to Abydos temple since it gets a few visitors compared to other nearby temples in Luxor.

To get to Abydos Temple, you can hire a private taxi from Luxor or join one of the popular tours. Entrance to Abydos Temple is 100EGP.

11. Saqqara

Though the Giza pyramids are the most common pyramids in Egypt, they are certainly not the only ones in the country.

Located 30km south of Cairo, Saqqara covers an area of over 6km with a number of pyramids and tombs scattered around.

Saqqara features numerous pyramids including the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser,(also referred to as the step Tomb), the Bent Pyramids, and the Red pyramids. Saqqara was also an important burial ground for ancient Egypt featuring various tombs of court administrators, nobles whose tombs can be traced at the northern side of the Saqqara plateau.

The Saqqara can be reached by taking a private taxi from Cairo city center and the entrance fee is 150EGP.

12. Temple of Kom Ombo

Built during the Graeco-Roman period of 180–47 BC during the Ptolemaic dynasty, Kom Ombo is a double temple located in Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt.

The temple, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god in the southern half and Horus the falcon-headed god in the northern half, is a double temple with each side having its own entrance making the temple unique and worth a visit.

Since the temple is dedicated to two gods, everything in the temple is in twos; two identical entrances, two linked hypostyle halls, two courts, two sanctuaries, and two rooms for the two gods.

The best way to get to the Temple of Kom Ombo is by booking a day trip with a tour operator and if you book a Nile cruise, chances a high that a stop at the temple of Kom Ombo will be included in the itinerary. The entrance fee to the temple is 100EGP.

13. White Dessert

Located just a few hours away in the megalopolis city of Cairo in Western Egypt (in Farafra to be exact), this white desert is a natural wonder where chalk shaped mountains have been formed due to centuries of erosion and sandstorms.

The snow-white chalk rocks have been given names due to how they were formed with the most characteristic one being the “chicken and tree ” set.

Other rocks that resemble food have been given names like “Icecream cone”, Mushroom and many others.

While a visit to the white desert can be treated as a day trip, most people opt for camping to be able to experience the awe moments at sunrise and sunset when the sun lights them up with the orangey-pink hues or under a full moon proving that the white desert is one of the ultimate picturesque Egypt landmarks.

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14. Cairo Tower

Standing at 187 meters (614 ft) with 90 floors, Cairo tower is a free-standing concrete tower in Cairo city.

It was the tallest structure in Africa for ten years until 1971 when it was surpassed by Hillbrow Tower in South Africa.

The Cairo tower is one of the most recognizable modern monuments in Cairo and hence becoming a popular tourist attraction in Egypt.

The tower offers 360 degrees views of the entire city of Cairo – it is actually the best spot for the best views in the entire city.

The tower also has a 360 revolving restaurant at the top  (for an amazing dining experience) whose full revolution takes 70 minutes for a single rotation.

Cairo tower can be reached by taking a taxi or even by walking if you want to explore the city more. The entrance to the tower is 60EGP.

15.  Cairo Citadel

Built by Salah ad-Din and further developed by other subsequent leaders, the Citadel of Cairo also known as the Citadel of Saladin is a medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo that should not miss on the list of landmarks to visit in Egypt.

Dating back in the 12th century, the Citadel provides a glimpse into Islamic Cairo.

It is also home to 4 museums and 3 mosques with the highlight being the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.

The mosque of Mohammad Ali is an architectural marvel that was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha between 1830 and 1848  to rival the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul .

The mosque has a huge chandelier hanging from the domed ceiling – a feature that leaves visitors in awe.

The other mosque to visit at the Citadel is the Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala’un mosque which was originally built in the 14th century for Sultan al-Nasir for his daily prayers.

Just in front of the mosque, there is a grand terrace which offers panoramic views of Cairo city, the old Islamic Cairo which is just below the Citadel, the Nile and partial views of the Great Pyramid of Giza on very clear days.

The Citadel of Cairo can be accessed from Cairo downtown by taking a taxi and it costs only 140EGP to enter this amazing place.

16. Dendera Temple Complex

Located 2.5 Kilometers southeast of Dendera, Dendera Temple complex is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt and one of the famous landmarks in Egypt.

Built around 54 BC, the temple depicts signs of Roman, Greek, and European influence that makes it stand out from the rest.

Though the temple complex has 2 temples (Hathor temple and the temple of the birth of Isis) and other various features, the most dominant one is the temple of Hathor which was dedicated to Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love and fertility.

The architectural design of the Hathor temple is a masterpiece with the Hypostyle hall being probably the most captivating as twenty-four massive columns, each with the head of Hathor, support the stunning blue ceiling.

It is believed that the modern Archaeologists took years of meticulous time to clean out the dust to show the ceiling’s original colors because it was being covered with 2,000 years of uncountable dust particles.

With the history attached to the Dendera Temple Complex and the significance it plays in the country’s history, it’s so clear that it’s one of Egypt’s famous landmarks.

To visit this Egyptian landmark, you only need to part with 120 EGP.

17. Philae Temple Complex

Philae Temple Complex is one of the interesting ancient Egypt landmarks.

It was originally situated on Philae Island, a small island in the Nile River but due to floods, the temples were transferred to Agilika Island, 12 kilometers south of Aswan where tourists can still admire it from. 

Though the complex has a number of buildings, the most notable one is the Temple of Isis .

The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris, and mother of Horus who played a very important figure in the ancient Egyptian world.   

To take in all the wonders of Philae Temple Complex, you’ll need 75 EGP.

18. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

If you are looking for unusual but famous landmarks of Egypt to visit, then visiting the Catacombs will definitely give you a thrilling experience.

Located in Alexandria, the Catacomb of Kom EI Shoqafa is one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

Though it is believed that the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa were initially built for a single affluent family, they were later expanded into a public burial site acting as the main burial site in Alexandria between the 2 nd and the 4 th centuries A.D.

Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alexandria and also a famous landmark in Egypt at large.

Though the Catacombs of Kom EI Shoqafa have a close resemblance to the Valley of Kings in design, they portray a mix of Egyptian, Roman, and Greek design creating an amazing style that all architectural lovers appreciate.

The entrance fee to the Catacombs of Kom EI Shoqafa is 35 EGP with opening hours starting from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily.

19. Suez Canal

Suez Canal is one of Egypt’s greatest engineering marvels standing at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.

A trip to Cairo would be incomplete without discovering this beautiful masterpiece opened in 1869 by the French explorer and engineer “ Linant de Bellefonds”.

Since its inception, this 193.30 km waterway that connects Asia and Europe became a very important Egyptian landmark, especially to world trade.

Each year, around 12% of the world’s trade passes through this canal which means that without the Suez Canal, European companies would have to travel an extra 6,000 miles to Africa to deliver crude oil which would add up to almost $300,000 in their fuel cost. All this goes to show how important the Suez Canal is.

And besides being an important trade landmark, the Suez Canal is a beautiful spot offering spectacular views to its visitors.

While cruising on this beautiful human-made marvel, you will witness the scenic beauty of the Nile Delta to your west, and the arid landscape of the Sinai Peninsula to the East.

20. Khan El-Khalili Market

Located in the Islamic district of Cairo and near Al-Azhar, Khan EI-Khalili market is a famous open bazaar in Cairo that has become increasingly popular among tourists.

Being the best place in Cairo for shopping bees, this place offers countless shopping opportunities. From basic market items, souvenirs, food spices, to unique antiques, you will find everything here.

The best part about visiting Khan El-Khalili Market is that it’s absolutely free to enter! All you need is to carry enough money to buy all the souvenirs you need.

So if you were looking for places to visit, make sure that you add Khan El-Khalili market to the list of Egyptian famous landmarks not to miss.

Final Thoughts on the Famous Landmarks in Egypt

There you have it, friends, those were some of the famous landmarks in Egypt that make this North African country an ultimate bucket list destination.

With all the history, culture, and beauty that lives in Egypt, it would be a shame not to visit! So don’t wait up, start planning your trip and I guarantee that you’ll have a trip of a lifetime.

Have you been to any of these Egyptian landmarks? Which one did you love the most? If not, which one are you most excited about visiting? Either way, let me know in the comments below!

More posts to inspire your wanderlust

• Best places to visit in Cairo
• How to spend 2 days in Cairo
• Best tips for backpacking Africa
• Things to do in Dahab, Egypt
• Things to know before traveling to Egypt

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• Egypt Tourist Attractions

Explore the Top Tourist Attractions in Egypt

There are a massive number of Egypt tourist attractions which gives it the privilege to be a renowned country around the whole world. It is famous for its climate as it is cool in summer and moderates in winter “ Not so Cold ” that suits everyone. That is not all about  Egypt as is also known for the best historical countries on earth as its history dates back to the period of the great ancient Egyptians who were terrific in having an extraordinary genius mind. So start discovering the best attractions in Egypt that you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Egypt

Egyptian Pyramids

Egyptian Museums

Egyptian Tombs

Egyptian Temples

Egyptian Islamic Sites

Egyptian Coptic Sites

Egyptian Oases

Egyptian Deserts

The Most Visited Tourist Attractions in Egypt

Egypt has many wonderful tourist attractions, some of which are crowded with visitors every year more than others due to its rich-historical nature. So if you visit Egypt for the first time, then here are unmissable attractions in Egypt that you should explore.

Queen Hatshepsut Temple

• by Trips In Egypt Team
• Nov 13, 2018

Khan El-Khalili

• Oct 4, 2018

Karnak Temple

Giza Pyramids Complex

The Two Temples of Abu Simbel

• Sep 29, 2018

Philae Temple

• Sep 20, 2018

Qaitbay Citadel

• Sep 16, 2018

Valley of the Kings

• Sep 6, 2018

The Egyptian Museum

Ancient egypt destinations contains mesmerizing attractions.

It is truly unbelievable that Egypt is the home of an infinite quantity of magical destinations such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria that stood the test of time for countless generations.

Cairo Tourist Attractions

Alexandria Tourist Attractions

Luxor Tourist Attractions

Aswan Tourist Attractions

Faiyum Tourist Attractions

Sinai Tourist Attractions

Enjoy the best egypt tour packages.

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Looking for customizing your holiday to Egypt, just click on the big button and you will be in touch with us as soon as possible

What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?

You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?

Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.

Why book Trips in Egypt?

We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.

What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?

It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.

Should I Give Tips in Egypt?

It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.

Can I Enter the Pyramids?

Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.

How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.

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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

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