The home of the ancient pharaohs, Egypt is a dazzling destination of temples and tombs that wows all who visit. However, it is not all historical treasures. With vast desert areas, fantastic diving and the famous River Nile, there is something for everyone here. Beach lovers head to Sinai to soak up the sun, while archeology fans will have a field day in Luxor. Cairo is the megalopolis that can’t be beat for city folk, while the oasis of Siwa and the southern city of Aswan offer some of the slow pace of the countryside. Egypt has so much to see and do for travelers; it is the perfect country for a mix of activities that combine culture, adventure and relaxation.
1 Pyramids of Giza
The last remains of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Built as tombs for the mighty pharaohs and guarded by the mysterious Sphinx, Giza Pyramid Complex has awed travelers throughout the ages and had archaeologists (and a few honest conspiracy theorists) scratching their heads as to how they were built for centuries. Today, these megalithic memorials to dead kings are as wonderful a sight as they ever were. An undeniable highlight of any Egyptian trip, Giza’s pyramids should not be missed.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Giza
Read also: 14 top tourist attractions in Luxor
2 Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings
Famous for the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Templeand the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, the city on the Nile in Luxor in Upper Egypt has an abundance of tourist attractions. This is ancient Thebes, the power base of the New Kingdom pharaohs, and home to more sights than most can see in one visit. While the East Bank buzzing with lively souk action, the quieter West Bank is home to a cluster of tombs and temples that has been called the largest open-air museum in the world. Spend a few days here exploring the colorful murals of the tombs and admiring the colossal columns in the temples and you’ll see why Luxor continues to fascinate historians and archaeologists.
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Luxor
3 Islamic Cairo
The atmospheric, narrow streets of the capital’s Islamic capital Cairo are lined with mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools of learning) and monuments dating from the Fatimid to the Mameluke eras. Here you will find the labyrinth shopping souk Khan el-Khalili where coppersmiths and craftsmen still have their small workshops and stalls full of ceramics, textiles, spices and perfumes. Surrounding the market is a tangle of roads, home to some of the finest surviving architecture of the ancient Islamic empires. There is a wealth of history to discover. Visit Al-Azhar Mosque and the dazzling Sultan Hassan Mosqueand make sure you climb to the roof of the old medieval gate of Bab Zuweila for the best minaret-speckled panoramas in the district.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cairo
4 Aswan
Egypt’s most tranquil city is Aswan, located on the winding bends of the Nile. Backed by orange-hued dunes, this is the perfect place to stop for a few days and unwind and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Take the river ferry to Elephantine Island and take a stroll through the colorful streets of the Nubian villages. Ride a camel to the desert monastery of St. Simeon on the East Bank. Or just sip endless cups of tea in one of the riverboat restaurants while watching the late-sailed felucca wander by. There are plenty of historical sites and plenty of temples nearby, but one of the biggest highlights of Aswan is simply kicking back and watching the river life go by.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Aswan
5 Abu Simbel
Even in a country with temples, Abu Simbel is something special. This is the great temple of Ramesses II, decorated with colossal sculpture standing guard outside, and with an interior richly decorated with murals. Famous for its megalithic proportions, Abu Simbel is also known for the incredible feat where the entire temple was moved from its original setting – moved to disappear underwater due to the Aswan Dam – in a massive UNESCO operation in the 1960s . four years.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Abu Simbel
6 Egyptian Museum
A treasure trove of the pharaonic world, Cairo’s Egyptian Museum is one of the world’s largest museum collections. The faded pink mansion houses a stunning number of exhibitions. It’s a scottish place with little labeling and not much chronological order, but that’s half the charm of the old days. Above is the golden glory of King Tutankhamun and the fascinating royal mummies exhibitions, but really every corner you turn here is home to a beautiful piece of ancient art or sculpture that would be a highlight in any other museum.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cairo
7 White desert
Egypt’s most glorious natural wonder is the White Desert, where unsurpassed chalk mountains have created what looks like a snow wonderland in the middle of the arid sands. The landscapes here look like something out of a science fiction movie with blinding white boulders and iceberg-like peaks. For desert fans and adventure seekers, this is the ultimate weird playground, while anyone tired of temples and tombs will enjoy this spectacular natural landscape.
8 Siwa Oasis
To the west, Siwa is the quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Egyptian cities. This beautiful little oasis, surrounded by date palm plantations and numerous freshwater springs, is one of the most picturesque places in the Western Desert. The town is centered around the ruins of a huge mudbrick citadel that dominates the view. This is a top spot to relax and slow down for a few days, as well as a great base for planning adventures in the surrounding desert.
9 Alexandria
Alexandria, the most European city in Egypt, has a history that not many others can match. Founded by Alexander the Great, the birthplace of Cleopatra, and razzmatazz the renegade city of the Mediterranean for much of his life, this seaside city has an attractive days-gone-past atmosphere that can’t be beaten. Although few historical remains of its illustrious past remain today – fronted in songs and books – this is a place to stroll aimlessly along the coast. Cornichecafé hopping and souk shopping.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Alexandria
10 St. Catherine’s Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in the world, St. Catherine’s stands at the foot of Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. This desert monastery is home to an incredible collection of religious iconography, art and manuscripts (some of which can be seen in the onsite museum) and the home of the burning bush. For most visitors here, a trip to St. Catherine also involves a hike up Mount Sinai to see sunrise or sunset. Take the camel path for the easy route or climb the famous one Steps of repentance if you want a better view.
Accommodation: Where to Stay near St. Catherine’s Monastery
11 South Sinai
Egypt’s center for beach fun is the South Sinai region Sinai Peninsula. Sharm el-Sheikh is a European-style resort full of luxury hotels, international restaurants and many entertainment options. Dahab is a quiet seaside resort with a budget traveler’s heart, which is as much about desert excursions and adventures as the sea. On the coast, between the port city Nuweiba and the border town Taba are the bamboo hut retreats that provide complete escape for life. Wherever you choose, South Sinai is all about diving. The Red Sea is one of the top diving destinations in the world and the South Sinai region is home to many of the best diving spots.
12 Abydos Temple
The town of Dusty Abydos wouldn’t really be a figure on the tourist radar if it weren’t for the incredible temple on its doorstep. Abydos’ Temple of Osiris is one of the most fascinating art treasures from ancient Egypt. The rugged columns and walls, covered in beautiful hieroglyphs and intricate paintings, are enchanting sights, and even better, you can admire them without the crowds as despite its dazzling beauty it receives few visitors compared to the temples nearby Luxor.
Read also:
12 top tourist attractions in Aswan
