17 Must-Visits Places in Egypt
Egypt is a country with a fascinating history that has captivated travelers for hundreds of years.
Many travelers dream of visiting the pyramids of Giza, taking a cruise on the Nile, and visiting archaeological sites.
Egypt has a lot to offer the visitor, from the typical 5 or 7-day cruise to diving in the Red Sea or trekking to Mount Sinai.
Modern Egypt is vibrant and chaotic, a mix of religions and cultures, and major cities like Cairo or Alexandria can either captivate or frustrate you.
But you can also retreat to the beauty and peace of a hidden oasis or a secluded beach on the Red Sea.
So, in this post, I want to tell you what places you can visit in Egypt. And organize yourself, depending on the number of days you want to spend in the country.
- Related: How to plan a trip to Egypt on your own.
- Travel insurance for Egypt. Is it mandatory?
Nile Cruise
Taking a Nile cruise is one of the quintessential things to do in Egypt, but you probably have doubts about how expensive this notoriously touristy experience can be.
But, believe it or not, this incredible adventure is totally accessible to those on a budget if you have a little flexibility in your schedule and don’t mind leaving things to the last minute.
Cruising the beautiful Nile during sunset or evening is one of the most exciting and relaxing things to do in Egypt.
In fact, the best way to see the ancient sights between the cities of Luxor and Aswan is to board a multi-day cruise on the Nile River that offers a splendid perspective of the famous attractions of these two cities and see them at night is a marvel.
You can choose from the historic steamboat to the luxury cruises of Oberoi Zahra to the economical and traditional options such as the charming Felucca to sail the Nile.
If you are looking for an all-included tour, check the Tours below
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
You can’t visit Egypt and not see the great pyramids of Giza. Named one of the world’s wonders, the pyramids are enormous and remarkable.
You can enter the Great Pyramid for an additional cost, but it is not in as good a condition as the pyramid at Sakkara, so keep that in mind.
You could spend a good hour just gazing at the pyramids, as they look unreal, and your eyes will easily absorb the sights.
A large lookout point is on the other side of the pyramids, just up a small hill. Here you can take the perfect picture of your trip.
Visiting Cairo
There are many amazing things to do in this city, and it can be overwhelming to decide exactly what to see and do in Cairo, so check this link.
Your time in Cairo depends entirely on your interests (and your vacation time). I recommend a minimum of three days, but you could easily spend a week in Cairo without running out of things to do.
My recommendations for the best things to do in Cairo, i.e., the must-see Cairo sights, are:
- the Pyramids of Giza,
- the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities,
- Khan-el-Khalili market,
- Al-Muizz Street
- and the Citadel.
But as I said, this great city has much to do and see, so the more time you have, the better.
Relaxing in Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm el-Sheikh is the main tourist center of the Sinai Peninsula and one of the world’s leading diving destinations.
This is also one of the best destinations in Egypt if you just want to relax on the beach.
Non-divers will find plenty to do on land, as Sharm is within day-trip distance of many of the Sinai Peninsula’s historical and natural attractions.
It is a favorite for family vacations due to its excellent facilities.
Whether you’re here for the sand or the sea life, Sharm el-Sheikh is an excellent choice for a beach getaway after exploring the temples and tombs of the rest of the country.
You may also be interested in visiting The Siwa Oasis and enjoying this marvel. After a journey through the desert, you will arrive at this oasis full of springs, leaving you with your mouth open.
Visiting Alexandria
Alexandria is a name that has been handed down through the centuries by generations of travelers and historians because it is a city that has long played an integral role in the Mediterranean.
Alexandria is named after the man who founded the city, Alexander the Great, and its origins date back to at least 331 BC, although there were smaller settlements here even before that date.
Alexandria is huge. It is home to over 5 million people and is a chaotic and intriguing center of Egyptian culture.
Visiting the Valley of the Kings
Undoubtedly, the Valley of the Kings is one of the most important historical sites in this country, making it a must-see and one of the best things to do in Egypt.
It is also easy to visit if you are on a tight budget, as most of the hostels in the city of Luxor (where the Valley of the Kings is located) offer tours at incredible prices (many at less than 10 €) and include everything:
- Transportation,
- a professional guide
- and many other places of interest in Luxor.
There are different entrances to visit the Valley of the Kings, depending on which tombs you want to visit. For example, you have a ticket for 80 E.L (about 5€) to visit 3 tombs.
See the tomb of Tutankhamun
In the Valley of the Kings, you can buy a ticket to visit the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Tutankhamun was not the ruler of Egypt for very long, but he is such a popular figure in Egyptian history because his tomb was the only one found with all his treasures still in the tomb.
He began ruling when he was only 9 years old and ruled alone for 10 years until he died at the early age of 19.
You can see his mummy in the tomb, but all his treasures can be seen in the Egyptian Museum.
His tomb is small compared to the others, but I think it is worth the visit.
Visiting the Temples of Luxor
Travel to southern Egypt to see one of the country’s most fascinating destinations. Visiting Luxor is one of the best things to do in Egypt because the area is literally bursting with Ancient Egyptian history.
Luxor founded thousands of years ago as the city of Thebes, a legendary place in the ancient world.
Located on the banks of the Nile, this is where the ancient Egyptians spent their golden age.
Luxor has been ruled by some of the most famous and important pharaohs. Today, most of its tombs, monuments, and temples still remain remarkably well preserved, including the tomb of the world-famous Tutankhamun.
Explore the beautiful temples, discover amazing archaeological sites and cruise the Nile River.
Mount Sinai trekking
Mount Sinai is famous for being the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.
The hike is relatively easy and offers beautiful views of the southern Sinai mountain range. The steep hills stretching to the horizon make this hike a great experience.
It is best to reach the summit during sunrise or sunset to enjoy the views.
Visiting Abu Simbel
Built by Ramses II, the impressive construction of Abu Simbel is a 3-hour drive from the city of Aswan in southern Egypt, but let me tell you that it is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Egypt.
Transportation to this unique temple complex is inexpensive and readily available from Aswan.
The entrance fee to the temple includes a guide, which means you can get great historical information about this place from a professional.
Abu Simbel is a fantastic site featuring 2 of Egypt’s most famous temples overlooking Lake Nasser, and they are HUGE!
The four statues that welcome you outside the main temple are the most famous.
Diving in the Red Sea
As one of the seven wonders of the underwater world, the Red Sea and Egypt offer divers some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs, abundant marine life, and a wide variety of dive sites.
You will find excellent diving both north and south of the Red Sea. When we took the PADI course, we were told that the visibility in the Red Sea was impressive.
Here you can see incredible shipwrecks, including the world-famous SS Thistlegorm.
In the south, you can enjoy the islands of Big Brother, Little Brother, and Daedalus, with fabulous encounters with manta rays and various species of sharks.
Visiting the Tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens
The Great Royal Wife of Ramses II, Nefertari, was buried in one of the most spectacular tombs in the Valley of the Queens of Egypt.
Well-educated and well-traveled, Nefertari played a crucial role in the political life of the pharaoh, and her importance was reflected in her magnificently decorated tomb.
Visiting the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III
Usermaatre-Meryamun, or Ramses III, was the second ruler of the 20th Dynasty and was considered one of the last great pharaohs of the New Kingdom before Egypt descended into chaos.
Located in the Valley of the Kings, the Tomb of Ramses III presents several corridors covered with scenes depicting the passage of the soul of the living to the world of the dead.
Visitors reach the burial chamber through a passage supported by decorated pillars, which present images of the goddess Hathor.
Elaborately painted, this chamber represents a history lesson that is hard to beat when visiting museums and art galleries.
Visiting the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in Cairo
Currently located in downtown Cairo, though soon to be moved to a new specially designed site in Giza, the Egyptian Museum is the country’s flagship exhibition space and is packed with ancient treasures.
In short, it is absolutely mind-blowing and a must-see.
Virtually everything salvaged from a tomb, temple or pyramid was taken to Cairo and is now stored in room after room full of treasures.
From the golden funerary mask of Tutankhamun to the mummified bodies of several pharaohs, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Egypt, and you’ll want to spend at least 2 hours here.
Entrance tickets to the Egyptian Museum can be purchased at the museum or online, with different prices for foreign visitors.
Please note that the Mummy Room has an additional entrance fee.
If you go on a tour, the entrance fees may be included. Confirm with your operator if your ticket includes the mummy room.
Fly over Luxor in a Hot Air Balloon
When you visit Luxor, be sure to experience this beautiful city by air!
You will see the beautiful nature this country offers, historical sites, and mountains.
It is an incredible experience and not to be missed. This is one of my favorite things to do in Egypt!
Visit the temple of Philae
The Temple of Philae is located on an island and has a strange and incestuous history to go with it.
It was one of the quieter temples we visited in Egypt, but it is a must-see regardless.
It was nice to visit a temple that was not so crowded because you could look at the carvings and drawings and really appreciate the work that goes into these ancient temples.
Visit the Khan El Khalili Bazaar
If you thought the traffic in Cairo was crazy, then wait until you experience the market! It is full of people, stalls, food, and much more. Just keep your poker face on and be ready to haggle hard.
This is one of the most adventurous things to do in Cairo by far!
Since its beginnings in the 14th century, this bazaar has been called the most authentic souk in Cairo, and rightly so!
It’s mainly some narrow cobblestone streets that open up into niches filled with everything from aromatic spices to handmade silver jewelry, and it’s one of the best things to do in Cairo.
You will see travelers buying souvenirs and bargaining with merchants. Once you have finished shopping, you can have a drink at the famous Fishawi cafe, and you have to try mint tea or an Arabic coffee.
As you can see, Egypt has a lot to offer. This list could go on growing up to 50 things to do in Egypt or more, but I think that with these must-see places, you have enough to start planning your trip to this beautiful and fantastic country.
Tell us in the comments your recommendations for travel to Egypt, what your favorite places and which ones you liked the least.
Plan Your Trip to Egypt
Last Updated on 12 February, 2024 by Veronica
Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Author: Veronica
Vero, a seasoned traveler, has explored 25 countries and lived in five, gaining a rich perspective and fostering an infectious passion for travel. With a heart full of wanderlust, Vero uncovers the world’s hidden gems and shares insights, tips, and planning advice to inspire and assist fellow adventurers. Join Vero and let the shared passion for travel create unforgettable memories.
