The 10 Best Places to Visit in Egypt
When people think of Egypt, it’s hard not to instantly think of the Pyramids of Giza. These ancient tombs are the country’s most iconic attraction and must be visited during any trip to Egypt.
Located on the Nile’s First Cataract, Aswan is a beguiling oasis with granite cliffs and picturesque waterfronts. It’s also the perfect base for excursions to the incredible temples of Abu Simbel.
1. The Pyramids of Giza
Giza’s three primary pyramids—the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure—form part of a royal necropolis that also includes the colossal Sphinx. The complex was completed in 30 years during the fourth dynasty of ancient Egypt and is one of the world’s Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The pyramid’s inner chamber, once home to the pharaoh’s sarcophagus and treasures, has been looted many times over, though 3D scanning and other noninvasive technologies are helping to reveal the tomb’s secrets.
We’ve all seen images of the pyramids in alluring photographs, but they’re even more striking in person. The site can be very crowded, especially during the high season when temperatures in Egypt rise. Consider joining a Culture Trip tour that visits the pyramids during the off-season for less crowds.
2. Luxor
With its grand temple complexes and tombs, Luxor is often referred to as the world’s biggest open-air museum. It is home to many ancient Egyptian treasures, including the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.
The city is split into two sections by the Nile River: the East Bank and the West Bank. A visit to the city is incomplete without exploring the famous Karnak Temple, which houses a series of shrines and blocks.
Also visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, which was dedicated to the only female pharaoh. The tombs are beautifully adorned and represent an excellent example of ancient Egyptian architecture. You can also explore the imposing Colossi of Memnon, which are a pair of statues of pharaohs standing with the head of a human and the body of a lion. During winter, you can enjoy a more relaxed visit to the city and experience its charm without the crowds.
3. Aswan
At the southernmost tip of Egypt where the Nile widens into the life-giving desert, Aswan is a relaxed river city of timeless beauty. Here you’ll find a rich heritage encapsulating the fusion of ancient Egyptian culture and modern life.
Highlights include the Old Cataract Hotel (now the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract) and the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis. The temple was rescued from oblivion when the Aswan dam was built in the 1960s, and is now perched on Agikia Island. A visit to the nearby Nubian Museum reveals an arc of Nubian civilizations from one of the world’s first advanced societies to today.
A quick drive out to the High Dam is another must-do experience in Aswan. The dam not only stops the annual flooding of the Nile, it is also a huge engineering feat to admire.
4. Bahariya Oasis
Bahariya Oasis, surrounded by black hills made of quartz and spanning over 2000 square km, is a lush haven that sets in the midst of a forgiving desert. It is one of the oldest and largest oases in Egypt and it is also home to some amazing monuments and Pharaonic temples.
One of the most famous monuments in Bahariya is the temple dedicated to Alexander the Great erected in the 4th century BC. The ruins of this temple are considered the most important monument to the Macedonian King in Western Egypt and a rare relief and cartouche have been saved.
Another top destination in Bahariya is Gebel al-Ingleez, a flat-topped mountain that was once used as a WWI lookout point from which Captain Williams monitored the movements of Libyan Senussi tribesmen. It is now a popular spot for picnicking, climbing and soaking in hot springs.
5. Saqqara
Saqqara (also spelled Sakkara or Saccara) is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt, and home to some of its most significant treasures. It’s best known for the Pyramid of Djoser, which was once considered the first complete stone pyramid to be built and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It also houses the earliest known example of Pyramid Texts, inscriptions detailing instructions for the afterlife that were added to tombs. The smallest pyramid in the complex, that of Djoser’s son Unas, was the first to include these inscriptions.
The necropolis also contains a number of mastaba tombs. The earliest noble burials at Saqqara date back to the First Dynasty, and in the Second Dynasty, king Khasekhemwy built a funerary monument that featured a large rectangular enclosure known as Gisr el-Mudir. This is thought to have inspired the enclosure walls of Djoser’s pyramid.
6. The Nile
The Nile, also known as Bahr Al-Nil or Nahr Al-Nil is the longest river in Africa and a critical lifeline that allows for rich agriculture. It is responsible for allowing the ancient Egyptians to build one of history’s great civilizations.
The river is characterized by its annual floods, depositing fertile black silt on its arid banks. The ancient Egyptians cultivated their crops according to a yearly cycle that was regulated by the Nile. This cycle included Akhet, a period of inundation, Peret, a growing season and Shemu, the harvest.
The Nile’s yearly flooding led to the growth of thick masses of aquatic vegetation, including tall grasses and sedges (notably papyrus) whose roots would break off and float downstream. The resulting barrier effectively blocked the Nile’s navigable channels. This is why the Egyptians invented a system of measurement called Nilometers to track and record the height of the inundation.
7. Cairo
The capital of Egypt is a traveller’s dream with a multitude of ancient temples, tombs and museums to visit. It is also a shopping paradise with numerous stalls and shops to explore such as the famous Khan el-Khalili souk.
Cairo is also home to some of the most incredible monuments including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World along with the Sphinx. Other must-see places include the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Mastabas of Kagemni and Ti and The Serapeum.
The Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh is the perfect place to relax after your adventure in Egypt with its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. It also boasts a variety of luxury resorts and restaurants. Also, don’t miss out on visiting the impressive Abu Simbel Temples which are carved into rock.
8. Alexandria
Egypt’s second city is a treasure trove of Islamic and Coptic heritage that reflects the country’s rich culture. It features a mixture of old and new, East and West. The Pyramids of Giza and an obelisk in the northeast mark the site of Heliopolis, where Plato studied, while modern landmarks like Western-style high-rise hotels overlook the Nile River.
The city is also home to some of the best mosques in the world including Al Azhar Mosque which is known as the “city of a thousand minarets.” It is the second-oldest continuously-run university in the world, teaches Sunni theology and Sharia law.
The city is also famous for the Lighthouse of Alexandria which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Besides that, the city is also home to several Eastern Orthodox churches including Agioi Anargyroi Church, Archangels Gabriel and Michael Church, St George Church and Taxiarchon Church among others.
9. Hurghada
Hurghada is a top pick for tourists seeking relaxation and adventure. This Red Sea resort city features pristine beaches, amazing snorkeling, and a lively culinary scene. It is also home to fascinating history and culture.
The Hurghada Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers. It houses 42 sand sculptures of iconic figures from different eras, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Cleopatra.
The Giftun Islands are a short trip from Hurghada. The largest island, Giftun Kebir, offers stunning beaches while the smaller Giftun Soraya is a mesmerizing dive spot with rare marine life. Hurghada also has a buzzing nightlife that caters to all tastes and preferences. The Marina is a hub of bars and restaurants, while the Old Town has cozy cafes and bars. Hurghada’s markets are also popular for buying local souvenirs and crafts. The city’s spectacular mosques are another must-see.
10. Marsa Matruh
Marsa Matruh has a reputation in the West as a crowded and littered city, but this perception is changing. The city is growing in popularity, and several fine hotels have opened recently. Its most famous beach is Ageeba, which is getting recognized on the same level as Naama Bay in Sharm el-Sheikh.
The beaches in the area are known for their crystal clear waters and soft sand. Some of them are said to have been bathed in by Cleopatra and Mark Antony. The Rommel Museum, a cave used by Erwin Rommel during World War II, is another attraction.
A visit to the nearby Siwa Oasis is also worth considering. This unique desert destination is full of natural springs, ancient ruins, and culture. You can even see the Temple of Ramses II, which dates back to the twenty-sixth dynasty.
