Introduction
Egypt is a country with a long and rich history spanning over 5,000 years. It is home to some of the most famous and well-known monuments in the world, attracting travelers from all corners of the globe. From great pyramids and mysterious sphinxes to graceful Nile river cruises and vibrant bazaars, Egypt has a diverse range of attractions to suit any type of traveler. To help you plan your trip, here is a list of the top 10 best places to see in this impressive North African nation.
- The Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are likely the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Egypt. Located near the city of Cairo, these mysterious megastructures are the oldest and last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The three giant pyramids – Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaura – were built as tombs for Egyptian kings. A visit here allows you to stand in awe at their towering heights, explore their shadowy chambers, and learn the legends behind how they were made. The Great Sphinx, a half-man half-lion statue, guards the site. A camel ride over rolling desert dunes allows for beautiful photo opportunities.
- Temples of Luxor
The sprawling Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple Complex stand on the East Bank of the Nile River. Luxor temple consists of stunning opulent shrines, grand halls with towering stone columns, and avenues of sphinxes. The even larger Karnak complex has a staggering amount of temples, chapels, sphinxes, and giant pillars covering over 2 square kilometers! Wandering around these vast, ancient spaces gives you insight into the power and wealth of the Pharaohs who built them thousands of years ago. At night, the temples are beautifully illuminated.
- Valley of the Kings
Located on the West Bank near Luxor lies a hidden dry valley housing very important tombs. This is the Valley of the Kings, where New Kingdom pharaohs and other nobles were buried over a 500 year period from the 16th to 11th century BC. Descend into elaborately decorated burial chambers hewn deep inside the cliffs to see the sarcophagi and wall paintings. The most famous tomb found here belonged to the young King Tutankhamun – you can see his treasures in the Cairo Museum. Despite lootings over centuries, many rich artifacts remain undiscovered.
- Aswan
The relaxed city of Aswan sits on the southern end of Egypt close to the border of Sudan. One major highlight here is a tour to the Abu Simbel temples, built by Ramses II and relocated underwater after construction of the Aswan Dam. Sail a traditional felucca boat around Elephantine Island and other islets dotted on the Nile. See the towering granite Unfinished Obelisk and take a day trip to the mesmerizing Philae Temple – a complex relocated and restored by UNESCO engineers when it was nearly flooded. The Nubian bazaar offers excellent shopping and food.
- Red Sea Resorts
The crystal clear waters and colorful reefs of the Red Sea attract visitors who want to relax on beautiful beaches as well as scuba dive and snorkel. Popular beach resort towns like Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, and Hurghada offer a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, and cafes along coastal promenades. You can easily book boat trips to offshore reefs and islands for world-class diving and snorkeling. See diverse marine life like sea turtles, rays, dolphins and even the occasional shark! Many companies offer PADI certification courses for beginners.
- Siwa Oasis
In Egypt’s Western Desert near the Libyan border lies Siwa – a gorgeous, lush oasis. This isolated Berber settlement was an ancient oracle site for Alexander the Great. Ride in a 4x4 over huge sand dunes to discover natural springs, ancient ruins, and striking salt lakes. Unique local handicrafts like baskets and jewelry tempt many shoppers. Unwind at the end of the day at an eco-lodge built from mud brick – a more luxurious option than camping under sparkling desert skies. The slow pace of life and clear night skies are what draws adventurous travelers off the beaten track to Siwa.
- Alexandria
Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, Alexandria was once one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Today this seaside city retains a faded glamour and a few reminders of its past – namely the 15th century Qaitbay Citadel built on foundations of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria. The excellent Alexandria National Museum has ancient and modern treasures like mummies and Cleopatra’s artifacts. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina attempts to revive the ancient library’s scholarly status. Enjoy strolling the scenic Corniche boardwalk and trying Mediterranean seafood.
- Coptic Cairo
In the historic heart of Cairo lies Coptic Cairo which contains Egypt’s best-preserved Christian heritage. Follow winding alleyways to find beautifully decorated churches like the 9th century Hanging Church and the 4th century St. Sergius Church. Visit the old Jewish Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum housing rare religious artifacts. Learn how Egyptian Christians preserve ancient traditions passed down from the earliest converts. Shop the knowledgeable Khalili Bazaar antiques market for interesting souvenirs. Getting lost in this atmospheric neighborhood gives you a glimpse into Cairo’s multi-layered past.
- Abu Simbel
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Abu Simbel highlights saved ancient temples built by the warrior Pharoah Ramses II to vaunt his supposed divinity and fearsome power. In a Herculean effort in the 1960s, engineers cut the massive stone monuments into pieces and reassembled them piece by piece far from rising floodwaters after construction of the Aswan Dam. Gaze up at the imposing four 69 foot statues of Ramses II fronting the larger main temple. Nearby lies the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to his chief wife Queen Nefertari. This engineering marvel amazes architects and historians alike.
- White Desert National Park
Adventure into Egypt’s vast Sahara Desert landscape near Farafra Oasis to discover surreal wind-carved rock formations and pristine white chalk cliffs in the White Desert National Park. Most tours incorporate 4x4 jeep rides, sleeping in basic camps, visiting hot springs and the Crystal Mountain made of quartz, and climbing to the best viewpoints. If you get lucky, you may spot a fox or rare Barbary sheep. As the sun sets, watch in awe as white cliffs metamorphose in the fading golden light. Desert camping presents stunning stargazing opportunities in the clear night skies with little light pollution.
Conclusion This list covers the most important places and experiences worth including on your trip to Egypt to immerse yourself in its culture, nature, and history. Beyond ancient sites, Egypt offers adventures like desert safaris, beautiful beaches and reefs, and great shopping and hospitality. As one of the world’s oldest travel destinations, modern Egypt has refined how to share its heritage with visitors. With ancient wonders around every corner, you're guaranteed an unforgettable journey.