Curious about the top spots to visit in Egypt? Egypt is quite the gem in the Middle East, where the ancient and modern worlds coexist beautifully. Even though many people visit Egypt on package tours for the sun and sea, there’s so much more to discover. You’ll encounter bustling cities, magnificent monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, grand tombs, the desert, and amazing beaches with clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling.
So, what should you definitely see in Egypt? To help plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of some of the best places to visit.
Cairo is often referred to as “Paris on the Nile” because of its grand 19th-century palaces and wide avenues. Known for its iconic pyramids, Cairo is perhaps the most popular destination in Egypt. Even travelers on package holidays make it a point to see the ancient Pyramids of Giza, which are the ultimate symbol of Egypt. Besides the Pyramids, Cairo has plenty more to offer. Visit the Egyptian Museum to admire its treasures, and explore the bustling Khan al-Khalili market in the historic center. Wander through the winding alleyways and admire the beautiful mosques in Islamic Cairo’s medieval quarters, and relax in the area’s traditional coffeehouses. While the city can be chaotic, noisy, and dirty, it’s also incredibly vibrant, colorful, and fascinating.
Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, Alexandria is Egypt’s second-largest city and a major economic hub. It’s also one of the oldest cities in Egypt and one of the biggest cities along the Mediterranean. Alexandria offers great shopping and delicious local cuisine. You’ll also find ancient Roman ruins here. Kom el-Dikka, discovered in 1947, contains a small Roman theatre among other ruins. The Serapeum of Alexandria is the remains of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Serapis, the protector of Alexandria. The Catacombs of Kom el-Shuqqafa is another fascinating historic site, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages and the largest-known Roman burial site in Egypt. Don’t miss the Montazah Palace, a beautiful palace and garden complex overlooking the sea, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a striking modern library with shelf space for eight million books.
Luxor is often described as the “world’s greatest open-air museum” and is one of Egypt’s most unique cities. This is because the ancient city of Thebes, which lies within modern-day Luxor, was once the city of the god Amon and the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom era. The Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple are among the most popular sites in the old city, featuring a vast array of ancient temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings. Across the Nile river, on the West Bank, you’ll find the Valley of the Kings with its lavish tombs, and the Valley of the Queens, where the wives of pharaohs were buried. This entire area, including the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Karnak and Luxor temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For a nice climate, warm sea, and thousands of kilometers of shoreline, head to the Red Sea Riviera. Known for its popularity among scuba divers and snorkelers, the Red Sea is also famous for affordable package holidays. Hurghada is one of the most popular Red Sea resorts, and what’s great about Hurghada is that it’s an actual city, not just a tourist enclave. Stroll along the Hurghada Marina and dine at one of its many cafes or restaurants. Take a trip to the Giftun Islands, famous for their beautiful beaches and clear waters great for snorkeling, with easy access to coral reefs. For adventure, go on a half-day quad bike tour from Hurghada to visit a traditional Bedouin village. If diving is your thing, there are several fantastic dive sites near Hurghada.
The White Desert, established as a protected area in 2002, lies in the Farafra depression, 45 km north of Farafra town. It’s known for its unique white chalk rock formations created by erosion, offering a surreal landscape that’s definitely worth seeing. The desert is home to various animals, including some endangered species.
Abu Simbel is famous for its two massive rock temples carved out of sandstone rock, perched on the edge of Lake Nasser. These temples are some of the grandest Pharaonic monuments and among the most recognized symbols of ancient Egypt. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it hosts a sound-and-light show every night.
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, Dahab is an excellent choice. Considered one of the best diving spots in Africa, Dahab, with its relaxed vibe, has been a haven for hippies for decades and remains a popular hangout for backpackers due to its cheap food and affordable accommodations. The area offers several amazing sites to visit. Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, offers a great spot for hiking with its stark, lunar landscape. Don’t miss the SS Thistlegorm dive site, one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks. Thanks to the windy weather almost all year round, Dahab is also a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers.