5 tourist attractions 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.

More on Egypt

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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16 Unmissable Things to do in Aswan, Egypt

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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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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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• How to Plan a 7-Day Egypt Itinerary 2024/2025: Top 6 Options
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• How to Plan a 10-Day Egypt Itinerary (Best 4 in 2024/2025)
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• How to Plan a 3-Week Egypt Itinerary (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a Trip to Egypt 2024/2025 & Itinerary Ideas
• How to Plan a Trip to Egypt and Jordan in 2024/2025
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• How to Plan a Luxury Trip to Egypt in 2024/2025
• Best and Worst Times to Visit Egypt 2024/2025
• Weather in Egypt in January 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in February 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in March 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in April 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in May 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in June 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in July 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in August 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Weather in Egypt in September: Travel Tips for First-Timers
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Standing tall as a testament to the engineering marvels of ancient Egyptians, the Pyramids of Giza are more than just stone structures. They represent the aspirations, beliefs, and grandeur of the pharaohs. Visiting the pyramids during sunrise or sunset can provide a surreal experience. The play of colors against the backdrop of these ancient wonders is a sight to behold. While there, it’s essential to hire a knowledgeable guide who can shed light on the secrets and tales that are hidden within their chambers.

2. The Sphinx

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

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

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

4. Abu Simbel

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

5. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo

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

6. Aswan Dam

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

7. Nile River Cruises

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

8. Red Sea Diving at Sharm el Sheikh

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

9. Saint Catherine’s Monastery

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

10. Alexandria’s Catacombs and Qaitbay Citadel

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

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

11. Siwa Oasis

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

12. Memphis and its Necropolis

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

13. White Desert National Park

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

14. Abydos Temple

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

15. The Temple of Horus at Edfu

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

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

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

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

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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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Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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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.

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

16 Best Places to Visit in Egypt

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

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

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

Map of Places to Visit in Egypt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Saint Catherine’s Monastery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. White Desert

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

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

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

11. Dahshur

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

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

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

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

10. Alexandria

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Hurghada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Siwa Oasis

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

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

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

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

6. Sharm el-Sheikh

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Abu Simbel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Giza Necropolis

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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The top 10 tourist attractions in Egypt (+map)

Written by Maartje

The famous tourist attractions in Egypt are probably on many travel bucket lists. The remnants of Ancient Egypt with its mummies, pharaohs and temples appeal to anyone’s imagination. I had been dreaming of visiting Egypt ever since I was a child and the ancient monuments did not disappoint. I’ll give you an overview in this blog of the top 10 tourist sights you shouldn’t miss when traveling around Egypt.

Tip: Check your eligibility to apply for an Egypt visa on arrival to save time on your trip.

Egypt’s tourist attractions on the map

10 best tourist attractions in Egypt

#1 the sphinx and pyramids at giza.

When you think of Egypt, you think of the pyramids and the Sphinx. You can easily visit the pyramids from Cairo, where they are located in the suburb of Giza. The three great pyramids are right on the edge of the city, where the city stops and the desert begins. But there is more than just the three famous large pyramids: there are smaller pyramids and many tombs of nobles. During our visit we were also able to enter such a smaller pyramid and see the hieroglyphs in a tomb of a nobleman. And did you know that you can also buy a ticket with access to the great pyramid? That is a unique experience that should definitely be on your Egypt wish list.

Read more: practical information for your visit to the pyramids of Egypt

#2 The Temple of Karnak

The largest and most beautiful temple in Egypt is the Temple of Karnak. Or rather: temples. This temple complex is located near Luxor, in the heart of Egypt. It is a huge open-air museum of hieroglyphs, pillars and gates. The temple area is the result of 1,500 years of extensions and improvements by the Pharaohs. Each one wanted to pay homage to the gods of ancient Egypt by constructing something dazzling. The enormous obelisks of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut and the columned forest of Pharaoh Seti I and his famous son Ramses II are particularly impressive. Hatshepsut’s obelisks are made from a single piece of granite, which must have been an immense achievement. The colonnaded forest consists 134 pillars in an immense hall of 5500 m².

Read more: our blog about the most beautiful temples in Luxor , including how to visit the Temple of Karnak at night after dark.

#3 The Valley of the Kings

For centuries, the Valley of the Kings was the place where dead Pharaohs were buried. The result is a maze of underground tombs and you can visit them on your Egypt trip. The most famous is that of Tutankhamun. It is a relatively small tomb of a fairly insignificant Pharaoh in history, but it is the only tomb in the Valley where all the splendor was preserved. These riches – from death mask to sarcophagus – can now be found in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Only the mummy is still in the tomb in the Valley of the Kings. But there are many more tombs to discover in the Valley of the Kings and they are even more beautiful than those of the famous King Tut. Think of passages deep underground, beautiful murals and endless hieroglyphs.

Read more: Read our practical tips for the Valley of the Kings , including a map and all the different tickets prices.

#4 The Egyptian Museum in Cairo

The most important museum in Egypt is the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Even though a new museum is being built on the outskirts of the city that will be even more impressive, for the time being this is the museum to see the riches of the ancient pharaohs. Here you can admire the famous death mask of pharaoh Tutankhamun and see pharaoh mummies. The other departments are also recommended and show the most beautiful archaeological finds from Egypt. Please note that you have to buy a separate ticket for the mummy rooms and that not one, but two rooms can be visited in the museum with a ticket.

Read more : we wrote an extensive city guide for Cairo and a blog about the best things to do in Cairo .

#5 Abu Simbel’s rock temples

One of Egypt’s most famous sights is located in the far south of the country. You can only visit them during a full-daytrip from the city of Aswan. We’re talking about the famous rock temples of Abu Simbel, located near the border with the southern neighboring country of Sudan. Pharaoh Ramses II had these impressive temples carved out of the rocks in honor of himself and his beloved wife Nefertari. The façades with meter-high pharaohs are a marvelous sight and you can enter the temples to see them from the inside.

Read more: our blog about visiting the Abu Simpel temples from Aswan .

#6 Mohammed Ali’s Mosque

As a variation between all Antiquities, the capital Cairo also has beautiful mosques with stunning architecture. The one of Mohammed Ali in the old citadel is definitely the most beautiful. With beautiful views of the city from the high citadel – you can even see the pyramids from here – the unique views and location is already enough reason to visit the mosque. But the building itself is worth the trip as well with its enclosed square, turrets and decorated ceiling.

Read more: these are the 8 must-visit highlights of Cairo .

#7 The Egyptian Nile

The Nile is the source of life in Egypt and a common element for every destination on your Egypt trip. Almost all sights in Egypt are located in a city on the Nile or at least nearby the river. A boat trip on the Nile is definitely a must-do on your Egypt trip. You can book sailing trips of several days or even a long Nile cruise, but you can also take a sunset boat trip with a fallouka around sunset at Aswan .

And would you like to spend the night on an island in the Nile? Then the picturesque Elephantine Island in the Nile at Aswan is a must. This oasis of tranquility is completely car-free and a place to relax after visiting the chaotic Egyptian cities.

Read more : our blog about Elephantine Island , telling you everything about its colored Nubian villages, how to get to the island, where to stay and which sights to see.

#8 The Temple of Hatshepsut

This temple at Luxor is very different from all other temples in Egypt. The desert temple has a sleek and almost modern design with three symmetrical terraces. If you think the temple looks extremely well preserved compared to others you’ve visited, then you’re right. The temple has been almost completely rebuilt and reconstructed. The temple was once built by Pharaoh Hatshepsut as her mortuary temple. Hatshepsut was quite controversial, as she was not a queen and “wife of” but ruled in her own name. To create a grand image of herself as pharao, you will also see many male-looking pharao statues with fake beards of Hatshepsut in the temple.

Read more: our blog about the most beautiful temples in Luxor , including how to visit the Hatshepsut temple and practical tips.

#9 The Medinet Habu Temple

Our favorite temple at Luxor is the Medinet Habu, also known as the Ramses III Temple. This temple is much less visited than Luxor’s other sights, but is just as impressive. It is visited by tourist groups, but compared to the rest of Luxor it feels like an oasis. The Medinet Habu temple has been beautifully preserved: the murals still have many old colors and the statues and pillars are impressively high. The temple was largely built by Pharaoh Ramses III, so you see the temple indicated on many maps as the Ramses III Temple. The walls have many hieroglyphs of the pharao with chariots, severed hands and slain enemies to praise his war achievements.

#10 Luxor Temple

In the center of Luxor, near the Nile is the famous Luxor Temple. The temple once started as a small sanctuary of Hatshepsut and was expanded over the decades by pharaohs like Amenhotep III, warrior king Ramses II and even the famous Tutankhamun. These extensions make the temple easy to date: the deeper you get into the temple, the older the buildings.

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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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The 5 Top Tourist Attractions in Egypt

In the past, we have written very focused guides to visiting Egypt, such as our blog Touring Egypt’s Death on the Nile Film Locations and our First-time Visitor’s Guide to Visiting Karnak . With today’s guide, we thought we’d zoom out the lens a little, looking at Egypt as a whole.

We know that while many people are fascinated by Egypt, it can be a little overwhelming to look at the entire country — with its wealth of history, culture, and architecture — and then make an easy decision about what you’ll see on your big Egypt trip. That’s where this guide comes in!

Today, we’d like to offer what we believe to be the top 5 tourist attractions in Egypt. In our view, if anyone wants the best possible experience of Egypt, they have to see everything on this list — even if that means coming back for a second time!

Disclaimer: Everyone’s top attractions list might be a little different. This list is uniquely ours. At Literary Tours in Egypt, we have travelled the country many times, experiencing the best Egypt has to offer. Our list may differ from yours, but we hope you will still find our perspective interesting.

1. The Pyramids of Giza

Let’s get the biggest one out of the way first. While it’s perhaps trendy or enigmatic to decry the biggest or most popular attractions in your country, there’s no point in pretending that the Pyramids of Giza aren’t incredible. Yes, it’s a huge tourist attraction with large crowds of people, but there is good reason for this.

The Pyramids are even bigger and more impressive than many imagine, and no one leaves disappointed. That’s often what many guests remark upon when they arrive: this is every bit as impressive as they had always hoped it would be.

Due to the scepticism many modern travellers feel about the big “tourism traps” we decided to write a guide to whether the Pyramids of Giza are worth the trip . Spoiler alert: they absolutely are! Not only are the Pyramids the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, but they are also large enough and impressive enough to drop the jaw of even the most seasoned traveller.

If you’d like to explore the Pyramids of Giza and Cairo with us, following in the footsteps of great literature, take a look at our Noel Barber-inspired Egypt Tours and our Rosie Thomas-inspired tours . If you have a different book that visits the Pyramids and you’d like us to create a bespoke tour just for you, consider our personalised literary Egypt tours — tell us your book and we’ll do the rest!

2) The Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is one of the most important archaeological findings in human history. You’ll find this incredible network of tombs on the banks of the Nile, close to Luxor (known as Thebes in ancient times). What’s so striking about the Valley of the Kings is its staggering scale. Pharaohs for over 500 years (16th to 11th century BC) built their tombs here. There are 63 known tombs in the valley, but two new tombs were discovered as recently as 2005 and 2008, so there may be more there, waiting to be discovered. 

The most famous tomb in the valley is that of Tutankhamun, which was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. While the treasures from the tomb are in Egypt’s various museums, Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus and mummified body remains in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This is another utterly unmissable component of any full Egypt holiday.

3) Karnak Temple Complex

Karnak is often a surprise to visitors who perhaps didn’t know quite what to expect. While there is a lot of reading material about the Karnak Temple Complex, it doesn’t have the same kind of international fame as the Pyramids of Giza or the Valley of the Kings. However, most guests we’ve shown around Karnak are blown away — and there is often bafflement that more people in the tourism industry aren’t singing the praises of this incredible place.

Karnak is much harder to define than the other attractions as it isn’t a single, unified thing; instead, Karnak is a complex of temples, obelisks, and other structures, all split into four distinct precincts. Many of the structures here are better preserved than anything else that has survived from Egypt’s ancient history.

There is far too much to say about the complex here, so we’d like to recommend our Guide to Karnak Temple .

4) The Temple of Hatshepsut

Just a few kilometres from Karnak, you’ll find the sensational Temple of Hatshepsut. This temple is another incredible place that doesn’t get anywhere near the attention it deserves from the international tourism community.

For better and for worse, the Pyramids of Giza eclipse everything else. Pharaoh Hatshepsut is interesting in her own right, as she was one of the very few female pharaohs in Ancient Egypt, and there is even some evidence (although it is contested) that she was the first female pharaoh. 

In the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt, Pharaoh Hatshepsut built this temple to receive the barque of Amun-Re at the climax of the Beautiful Festival of the Valley. While the state of the temple isn’t pristine as her nephew who rose to the throne after her destroyed much of it, it is still in remarkable condition.

Often with ancient ruins we have to appreciate what remains and imagine how impressive the structure must have looked in ancient times, but the main structures of this temple are still intact and it gives visitors a great idea of the original structure.

There is a lot more to say about this remarkable structure; perhaps we can come back with a more detailed guide in the near future.

5) Abu Simbel Temple

Abu Simbel Temple is often visited from Aswan as it’s the nearest Egyptian city, but it is roughly 280km away.  Aswan was a large focus in Agatha Christie’s book Death on the Nile , which is why it features on many of our Agatha Christie Tours in Egypt .

The second you look out at these two impressive temples cut into the rock, you’ll understand exactly why the legendary author had to include Abu Simbel in her book.

What’s interesting is that we can’t quite see Abu Simbel as Christie will have seen it. The entire structure was relocated in 1968 due to the construction of the Aswan Dam causing water levels to rise. To the Egyptian government’s credit, they recognised the incalculable cultural and historical value of Abu Simbel and carried out a many-years-long project to relocate Abu Simbel to a safe location. The project was a success and we have an intact temple to appreciate — albeit in a slightly different location.

That’s it. That’s our list of the top 5 tourist attractions in Egypt. We adore everything on this list here at Literary Tours in Egypt and we hope we’ve conveyed at least a small portion of our passion. If you’d like to ask us some questions about our Egypt tours inspired by literature, please feel free to get in touch whenever you like. And if you’d like a completely bespoke experience, take a look at our Tailor-made Literary Egypt Vacations .

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5 Top Egypt Attractions For Tourists

5 top egypt attractions are:.

• Egyptian Museum
•  Abu Simbel
• Valley of the Kings
• River Nile Cruise
• Karnak Temple

1.   Egyptian Museum

Home to at least 120,000 items of ancient Egyptian antiquities, the Egyptian Museum is one of Cairo’s top attraction. There are two main floors of the museum, the ground floor, and the first floor. On the ground floor, there is an extensive collection of papyrus and coins used in by the ancient Egyptians. On the first floor, there are artifacts from the final two dynasties of Ancient Egypt and also many artifacts taken from the Valley of the Kings. Highlights include the objects from the Tomb of Tutankhamen and the Royal Mummy Room containing 27 royal mummies from pharaonic times.

2.   Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock-cut temples in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser. The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses The Great in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari. The complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s, when the temples were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Abu Simbel remains one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions.

3.   Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings near Luxor is a valley where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and privileged nobles of the New Kingdom. The valley contains 63 tombs and chambers, ranging in size from a simple pit to a complex tomb with over 120 chambers. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and give clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. All of the tombs seem have been opened and robbed in antiquity except for the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

4.   River Nile Cruise

Cruising the Nile is a popular way of visiting upper Egypt. The Nile River has been Egypt’s lifeline since ancient times and there is no better way to trace the passage of Egypt’s history than to follow the course of the Nile. Almost all Egyptian cruise ships travel the Luxor-Aswan route which is safe, scenic and terminates at two of Egypt’s most important towns. Taking a Felucca down the Nile is an adventurous option. Feluccas are sail boats that have been used on the Nile since antiquity. A Felucca is not quite as comfortable as a luxury cruise ship but nothing can beat sailing in a quiet rig that was designed thousands of years ago.

5.   Karnak

Although badly ruined, few sites in Egypt are more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest ancient religious site ever built, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of Egyptian builders. The Temple of Karnak actually consists of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples located about 2.5 kilometers north of Luxor. One of the most famous structures of Karnak is the Hypostyle Hall, a hall area of 5,000 m2 (50,000 sq ft) with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows.

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The entire country of Egypt deserves to be seen with its every divine detail but there are places that must be seen similar as the exciting Hurghada’s red ocean, The prodigies of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili, the sensations of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Hatshepsut temple and the marvels of Aswan like Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The phenomena of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey’s Pillar and Alexandria Library.

The entire country of Egypt deserves to be explored in its stunning detail, but there are places that must be seen above all else such as the breathtaking Red Sea of ​​Hurghada, the wonders of Cairo, the pyramids Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Khan El Khalili Market, the wonders of Luxor such as the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Karnak and Hatshepsut, and the wonders of Aswan such as the temple of Abu Simbel, the temple of Phileus, the Obelisk unfinished and wonders of Alexandria such as the Citadel of Qaitbat, the Pillar of Pompey, and the Library of Alexandria. Learn about the best places to visit in Egypt.

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.

Egypt is a big country with a rich civilization and always welcomes travelers from all over the globe at any time. Egypt is now one of the best tourist countries to have a great vacation, check Egypt’s last updates regarding the tourism sector and you will find great efforts in the last few years.

Our price cost for a vacation in Egypt starts from 350 USD   which is the lowest price you will find in the market.

Our Egypt packages vacation ideas include tours to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria. We offer 5 days Cairo and Luxor tour package, 6 days Cairo and Nile cruise tour, 6 days Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan package, and many more.

Keeping in mind that Egypt is a conservative society, dress moderately as you wich, but of course, light cotton clothes are preferred during the summer, and a cover for your head like a hat or scarf to protect you from the sun, a jacket for the winter nights will come in handy, and something comfortable for your feet like sneakers or a flip flop.

In a restaurant, it is good to give between 5 and 10% tips to the waiter. For a small favor, like carrying luggage or parking a car, a few Egyptian pounds would be appropriate. No less than five. Often times in Egypt you will find someone tending to the bathroom to keep it clean. Giving them a few Egyptian pounds is an appropriate amount. Tipping your tour guide and vehicle driver is completely optional but should be considered if you’re provided with great service. If you decide to tip feel free to give what you think your experience was worth.

There are many touristic areas in Egypt where special concerns are not necessary; however, in less touristic places, relatively modest dress is recommended. Women should avoid very tight clothing, dressing with relative modesty is a way of respecting the local culture.

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish, read more about The Best Traditional Egyptian Food

There are a lot of public  holidays  in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas, new years eve, and Easter.

There are many reasons to book your trip through EZ TOUR EGYPT. We are unique in the fact that we will customize your holiday to meet your needs. Having vast experience of the various Nile cruises available, single, couples and groups catered for, all tailored to suit your needs in Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, and the Red Sea Riviera. Each member of our team is experienced, qualified and knowledgeable in their field, providing you with accurate information on Egypt’s magnificent history and achievements that have captured the imagination of the world ever since.

EZ TOUR EGYPT is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive your booking inquiries via email, telephone, or live online chat. You can also submit a booking request form describing the trip you want to take, its length, and any other details you can provide and you will receive a reply promptly with a proposal from our representatives. -Our phone number, email, and a link to our chat service can be found at the bottom of our homepage.

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Discover Egypt with flexible & exclusive deals, EZ TOUR EGYPT offer the best tours in Egypt , we guarantee amazing journey to egypt , pyramids, temples, museums, a beautiful Nile cruise packages. The best cities to visit in Egypt  Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada , Luxor and Aswan we can organize your dream vacation in Egypt we provide ideal Egypt tours package on budget,

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Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Egypt

Egypt is a country of mystic and ancient times.

Egypt takes you back to the times of rulers, gigantically built pyramids, and amazingly flowing River Nile and Red Sea. With its ecstatically built cities dating back thousand of years to the great reclusive buildings alongside Easters Desert, Egypt is one of the most awaited countries to travel to in the world. Travelers come here to see the miraculous architecture and capture all these amazing memories forever.

Some of the top tourist attractions in Egypt are:

Egyptian museum.

It is one of the top most visited site in the city of Cairo, Egypt. It consists of more than 120,000 antiquates from the ancient Egyptian times. With two main floors, Egyptian museum is segregated in two sections. The ground floor consists of currency and coins used in the reign of Kings and the first floor has all the pieces taken from the Valley of King. It is a very intriguing tourist attraction and a must visit.

During the reign of Pharaoh Ramses the Great in the 13th century BC, Abu Simbel temples were carved out of the mountainside as an eternal symbol to himself and his queen Nefertiti. They are located on the western bank of Lake Nasser, encompassing two massive rock-cut temples in southern Egypt. Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions.

Valley of the King

Valley of the King is located near the Luxor. It contains 63 tombs with over 120 chambers. The royal tombs were decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and indicate the settlements of the kings of those times. They were built to honor the kingdom. The most fascinating part of these tombs is that they range from the size of a pit to a multifaceted tomb. It’s a must go site to visit for every traveler.

River Nile Cruise

If you want to visit Upper Egypt, then Cruising the Nile is the best way to enjoy the site. The Nile River is a trace to the passage of Egypt’s ancient history. In order to enjoy, the safe and most scenic travel is the Luxor- Aswan route on the River Nile cruise. Similarly, there are Feluccas, the sail boats that have been used on the Nile since ancient times. It gives you the experience of a thousand years old civilization.

Giza Pyramids

Located in the southwestern suburbs of Cairo, The Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly the top most visited attraction in Egypt. They were built over the period of three peers – by Khufu, his second reigning son Khafre, and Menkaure. Their gigantic size and incredible architecture make them a must visit.

by Egypt Eye Tour

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We are a team of professionals who specialize in tourism in Egypt with over 15 years of experience. With us you will discover Egypt, wander the Egyptian streets, ride a camel by the pyramids, watch the sunset over the Nile River from a luxury cruise, discover the tombs inside the Valley of the Kings, and much more. Experience the best tours in Egypt with Egypt Eye Tour.

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We are a team of professionals who specialize in tourism in Egypt with over 15 years of experience. With us you will discover Egypt, wander the Egyptian streets, ride a camel by the pyramids, watch the sunset over the Nile River from a luxury cruise, discover the tombs inside the Valley of the Kings, and much more.

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Top 5 unmissable tourist attractions in Egypt!

Ever wondered what the top tourist attractions in Egypt are? The ‘Land of the Pharoahs’, Egypt is an eternally popular travel destination. Not only is it the birthplace of one of the world’s most enigmatic and ancient civilisations, but Egypt is also a land of epic landscapes and captivating culture. On the one hand, you have jaw-dropping archaeological sites. On the other, you have the flowing waters of the Nile and the abundant beaches of the Red Sea. An all-round great destination, plan your trip to Egypt today and get inspired with these Egypt sightseeing highlights!

Pyramids of Giza

One of the 7 Wonders of the World , the Pyramids of Giza have inspired many of our imaginations since we were children! Standing on the Giza Plateau, not far from Cairo, these three pyramids hold the keys to our understanding of Ancient Egyptian civilisation. Of course, it’s simply unthinkable to travel to Egypt without visiting the Pyramids! Guarded by the mysterious Great Sphinx, the pyramids are the tombs of three famous Egyptian pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre and Mycerinus. Dating back to Egypt’s Old Kingdom era, the pyramids are around 4,500 years old.

Visiting the Pyramids from Cairo is simple, with a number of transport options linking the capital with this wonder of the world. Once there, visitors can even venture inside each of the pyramids. A vast network of tunnels, walkways and rooms can be found within the pyramids and a guided tour is a great way to understand the hidden meanings and history of these incredible monuments. Undoubtedly, an adventure of a lifetime and the best tourist attraction in Egypt!

Karnak Temple

Constructed between the Twelfth and Twentieth Egyptian Dynasties, Karnak Temple is a sight to behold! Situated in Luxor (once the capital city of Thebes ), Karnak Temple is thought to be the largest religious building ever constructed. Furthermore, it was a cult temple, in honour of the Egyptian gods of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Karnak Temple is in fact a collection of temple buildings. Today, the remains of this vast complex include decayed temples, pylons, chapels, and other buildings. A key Egyptian sightseeing spot, visiting Karnak is the first step in understanding the complex belief systems of Ancient Egypt.

Conveniently, the complex is divided into three sections: the precincts of Amun, Mur and Khonsu. In this way, the Ancient Egyptians would visit the section of the god that they particularly wanted to honour on any given day. Today, you’ll find the most spectacular sights within the Amun precinct, such as the famous Great Hypostyle Hall.

Valley of the Kings

Shrouded in mystery, the Valley of the Kings is famously the resting place of Tutankhamun. With the discovery of his tomb in the 1920s, the Valley of the Kings became a focal point for interest in Ancient Egypt. Sightseeing in Egypt would be incomplete without visiting this ancient necropolis. The burial location of various high-ranking nobles and pharaohs of the New Kingdom , the Valley of the Kings contains 62 known tombs at present. Explore these spooky tombs reveals the complex burial techniques and afterlife beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians. Decorated with impressive paintings and hieroglyphs, these ancient tombs are like a window into a lost world.

Located on the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings can be easily reached from nearby Luxor. Furthermore, if you take a tour of the Valley of the Kings, you’ll likely gain access to three tombs, more than enough to spark your imagination and transport you back to the days of Ancient Egypt. Alternatively, access to the famous tomb of Tutankhamun can also be arranged.

Built by Egyptian king Rameses II, the temples of Abu Simbel are located in Aswan. Dating back to the 13th-century BC, Abu Simbel is one of the most striking tourist attractions in Egypt. Originally carved out of the mountainside, towering figures of Rameses II guard the entrances, accompanied by smaller statues of his immediate family. Interestingly, it took around 20 years to complete these gigantic statues! In the interiors, you can admire the complex triangular layout of temple rooms and chambers. Furthermore, if you visit Abu Simbel in the evening you can watch the nightly sound and light show.

Egyptian Museum

One of the most famous museums in the world , the Egyptian Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Egypt. Located in Cairo, this extensive collection houses the largest treasure trove of Pharaonic antiquities in the world! Indeed, if you want to delve deeper into the beliefs, cultures and art of Ancient Egypt, this is the place to go! Of course, as the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, the Egyptian Museum contains many invaluable artefacts. Highlights include statues of the great kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure and extensive collections of papyri, sarcophagi and jewellery.

So, are you ready to discover the best tourist attractions in Egypt for yourself? Explore our best-selling trips to Egypt on our official website:

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