Egypt is one of those destinations that can make you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a history book. The pyramids, ancient temples and tombs are the obvious highlights, but there is much more to the country than its famous archaeological sites.
From the busy streets of Cairo and the banks of the Nile to the beaches and coral reefs of the Red Sea, Egypt has so many iconic places to explore. It is a destination that appeals to history enthusiasts, families, beach lovers and adventurous travellers alike.
Here are seven of the best places to visit in Egypt.
Cairo is the natural starting point for many trips to Egypt and one of the country's most fascinating cities. It is a busy, sprawling metropolis with a rich history, impressive Islamic architecture, museums, markets and easy access to some of Egypt's most famous ancient monuments.
The main attraction is the Giza pyramid complex, located just outside central Cairo. Here, you can see the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the famous Great Sphinx. The Great Pyramid is the only surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Be careful of the touts there, though. They were quite persistent with us.
Back in the city, the Grand Egyptian Museum offers an opportunity to see an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. We were especially fascinated by the Tutankhamen collection and the mummy of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs.
Cairo's historic Islamic quarter is also worth exploring, with its mosques, traditional architecture and bustling streets. Don't leave without visiting Khan el-Khalili, the city's famous bazaar. It is a lively place to browse for souvenirs, jewellery, spices and traditional crafts. We sat with locals here and sipped Egyptian tea.
Luxor is often described as the world's greatest open-air museum, and it is easy to understand why. The city and surrounding area contain an extraordinary concentration of ancient Egyptian temples and tombs.
On the east bank of the Nile, you can visit Karnak Temple, one of Egypt's largest ancient religious complexes. The nearby Luxor Temple is particularly impressive in the evening when it is illuminated.
Cross the Nile to the west bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial ground of numerous pharaohs. The tomb of Tutankhamun is among the most famous, although several other tombs offer spectacular wall paintings and hieroglyphics. The west bank is also home to the Colossi of Memnon and the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut.
I love hot-air balloon flights, and soaring over Luxor offers spectacular bird’s-eye views of the Nile Valley and its surrounding ancient sites.
Further south along the Nile, Aswan has a more relaxed atmosphere than Cairo and Luxor. Its location beside the river, surrounded by desert landscapes and islands, makes it particularly scenic.
One of the highlights is Philae Temple, which was relocated to Agilkia Island following the construction of the Aswan High Dam and can be reached by boat.
The Nubian villages around Aswan provide an opportunity to experience the region's distinctive culture, colourful architecture and traditions. A traditional felucca ride along the Nile is another popular experience. We joined locals on a felucca ride which was a fun way to experience the Nile and take in the scenery.
Aswan is also a gateway to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most remarkable ancient sites.
Located close to Egypt's southern border with Sudan, Abu Simbel is home to two enormous rock-cut temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II. The larger temple is dedicated to Ramses II and features four monumental, seated statues of the pharaoh at its entrance. The smaller temple was dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari.
The temples were moved to higher ground in the 1960s to save them from being submerged by the waters created by the Aswan High Dam. The relocation was a remarkable engineering achievement and helped preserve these ancient monuments for future generations.
Abu Simbel can be visited as a day trip from Aswan or incorporated into a longer itinerary.
Egypt isn't only about ancient monuments. On the Red Sea coast, Sharm El Sheikh is a popular resort destination known for its warm climate, clear waters and coral reefs. The area is particularly popular with visitors interested in snorkelling and diving. The surrounding Red Sea has abundant marine life, colourful coral and excellent underwater visibility.
For travellers who prefer to stay on land, Sharm El Sheikh offers beaches, resorts, restaurants and opportunities to explore the surrounding desert.
The nearby Ras Mohammed National Park is another major attraction, combining spectacular coastal scenery with some of the region's best-known marine environments.
Another popular Red Sea destination, Hurghada combines a beach holiday with opportunities for exploring Egypt's underwater world. The resort city has a long coastline lined with hotels and beaches, while boat excursions take visitors to offshore islands and coral reefs. Snorkelling and diving are among the area's most popular activities.
Hurghada also works well as a base for travellers who want to combine a Red Sea stay with visits to ancient sites. Luxor can be reached from Hurghada by road, making it possible to add a day trip to the temples and Valley of the Kings.
For a slower-paced part of an Egyptian itinerary, several days in Hurghada can provide a welcome change from sightseeing in the country's busy cities.
On Egypt's Mediterranean coast, Alexandria offers a different perspective on the country. Founded by Alexander the Great, the city has a fascinating Greek, Roman and Egyptian heritage. One of its best-known landmarks is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a striking modern library and cultural centre inspired by the ancient Library of Alexandria.
The Citadel of Qaitbay is another major attraction. Built on the site associated with the ancient Pharos Lighthouse, it overlooks the Mediterranean and provides excellent views of the coastline.
Alexandria is also known for its seafood, waterfront promenade and distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere. Its history and location make it a worthwhile addition to an itinerary focused mainly on ancient Egypt.
Egypt offers enough variety to fill several different types of holidays. The distances between some attractions can be considerable, so planning your itinerary carefully can make a big difference. For first-time visitors, Egypt Tours can be a convenient way to experience several of the country's major attractions in one trip. Guided tours can also provide useful historical context, particularly at ancient archaeological sites where there is a lot to see and learn.
*Images via DepositPhotos
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world on her blog "In Africa and Beyond". Although she has been to 53 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
I visited Egypt in 2018 for almost 2 weeks. Spend 3 days in Cairo. We went to the Black and White deserts and slept one night in a very cold White desert. I took a train of 9 hours to Aswan. From Aswan I took a cruise on the Nile river for 3 days to Luxor. From Luxor I took a bus to Hurghada. Had the most wonderful time in Egypt.
That sounds like a wonderful Egypt trip. Thanks for sharing!
These pictures are beautiful and thank you for the tips!
Woukd you recommend an Egyptian cruise for the first time visitor? If I don’t have a week to visit, what two cities should be on the top on my list?
The cruise is amazing. If you can only do two cities, I'd say Cairo and Luxor.