Explore Top Attractions in Egypt - Discover Must-See Sites

• By Egypt Day Trips
• 23 December 2024
• Egypt Things to do

Can you believe it? You are standing in front of the magnificent Pyramids of Giza. It has held the minds of the human race for almost 4,000 years. People bring out their cameras with anticipation for a picture-perfect moment.

Being much more than a travel destination, however, Egypt is a journey to yesteryears, living cultures, and dotted lands. This trip to Egypt will take you on a track of the most exciting attractions across Egypt: the best among these will leave memories that cannot be erased. 

It doesn't matter how long you've been in Egypt, or whether it's your first visit; you will definitely feel the throbbing pulse of adventure. Egypt weighs heavily with stories and sights to behold.

Pyramids of Giza—A Timeless Wonder 

The Giza Pyramids stand as the prima facie evidence synonymous with Egypt. They are the last wonders built during ancient times. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest among these pyramids, rising to around 147 meters (481 feet) tall, and took about 20 years to complete with around 2 million limestone blocks. Millions visit the Giza Pyramids every year. They are important tourist sites in Egypt. 

Giza Pyramids can be covered in half a day to full-day visits. As of 2023, the entry fee is about 240 Egyptian pounds (approximately 7.8 dollars). Foreigners will pay an extra cost to enter the interior of the pyramids, where EGP 900 will be spent on the Great Pyramid and EGP 220 for the other pyramids. The visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The perfect time for visiting is between October and April, as it is relatively cool then. 

Do not overlook the nearby Sphinx. Local guiding is recommended for a better experience; they will give you an interesting story of what the monuments are all about. Make sure you don't wear very light clothing with a sturdy pair of shoes for accommodation during this visit.

Luxor—World's Great Open-Air Museum 

This leg of ancient Egyptian history has one of the most crucial magnitudes. The world's largest open-air museum is known as this. This is a historical city where more than 500,000 people spend their lives, holding over 4000 years of deep history. It is only 700 km from Cairo, which makes it a favorite destination for explorers of Egypt. 

Key places include:

1. The Temple of Karnak: an extraordinary structure of fantastic columns and inscriptions. And one of the top views in Egypt.

2. Luxor Temple: What more can be said of such a cultural edifice at the center of the city? This temple is known for its ancient design and spiritual significance.

3. Valley of the Kings: More than 36 royal tombs are hosted in it, including that of King Tut. The cost of entry is approximately $11.00 per head. Some tombs will require extra tickets. Luxor has an amazing layout. The east bank is for the living, the west part for the dead. You can get this present from the city's ancient and profound history. For a wonderful experience, go hot air ballooning over Luxor.

Exploring Luxor and its areas would take a few days. You are set to enjoy the best activities of Egypt and listen to every tale behind the monument.

Valley of the Kings—Resting Place of the Pharaohs

The Valley of the Kings is a part of the western bank of the Nile River that's very close to Luxor. It's a huge symbolic feature of ancient Egyptian civilization. It is in this area where 63 famous pharaohs, like Tutankhamun, chose to be buried. It was here for about 500 years where pharaohs were going to be buried.

Visiting this place shows you the amazing tombs. They all have beautiful art representing the afterlife. Tombs of the dead were adorned with furniture, jewelry, and food for the dead so that the dead person might feast on it in heaven. This shows how the person was considered to be important by Egyptians in the afterlife. It was from that tomb that Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922, which became a state affair, and evidence that the richest pharaohs didn't stand only on titles and pyramids.

The Valley of the Kings is a World Heritage site on the UNESCO list. It is the best place to visit in Egypt for history and arts. A ticket allows you to visit 3 tombs, but you will need to buy another particular ticket for the tomb of Tut-Ankh-Amen.

The Valley of the Kings is full of stories of the pharaohs, like Seti I and Ramses II, and it's one of the essential places to step into in Egypt.

Karnak Temple—A Sanctuary of Ancient Deities

Karnak Temple is an integral part of Egypt's history. In Luxor, you get to see one of the most beautiful places in Egypt. It is constructed gradually over the years. It became decadent between 2055 BC and 100 AD. It worships the theme triad.

The Great Hypostyle Hall is a monumental art piece. It measures 54,000 square feet. It has 134 columns, of which the tallest extends to 70 feet. Walking through, it feels to you as if you're near the ancient gods.

About 4,000 years ago, the White Chapel of Pharaoh Senusret I was erected. Most likely, this is the oldest building on the site.

• Your ticket to Karnak includes entry to the Temple of Khonsu, which provides the transition from the New Kingdom to the Third Intermediate Period.

• Thutmose III's splendidly colored Festival Hall shows the pleasure of ancient Egyptian festivals.

• The Sacred Lake was used for sailing sacred boats and for rituals.

Karnak Temple is more than just a place of worship; it's a treasure of history. The text of the Treaty of Peace between the Egyptians and the Hittites is located here, the first by which history is known. This is the most important place in any travel guide to Egypt.

This is one of the most fantastic cultural journeys on a visit to Karnak Temple. This is why such a place keeps drawing people again and again to Egypt's best spots.

Things to see and do in Egypt

-Traveling around Egypt, you will discover much more than pyramids and temples. A cruise on the Nile features some of the best views of ancient sites. Explore the colorful bazaars, such as Khan el-Khalili, where you can find crafts and food.

-For fun activities, try diving in the transparent waters of Hurghada. It is home to spectacular coral reefs and aquatic life. Relax in Siwa Oasis, a sun-kissed little haven featuring palm trees and springs.

-Must-see religious sites in Egypt. The architecture and mosques in Islamic Cairo are stunning. One of the oldest Christian monasteries is located at St. Catherine, near Mount Sinai.

Have a unique experience with the Egypt Day Trips. Visit the Valley of the Kings and enjoy the beaches and sports of Sharm El-Sheikh.

Aswan: A Relaxing Getaway

-Aswan is a serene and composed place in Egypt, adorned with breathtaking scenic views and rich culture. Philae Temple is the prime must-see attraction, with tickets selling for 450 EGP for adults and 230 EGP for students. About 500 EGP is charged extra for taking another boat ride. 

-It is said that the city receives almost 4,000 hours of sunlight a year; think of the feluccas sailing on the Nile. The ride can last one hour and costs about $70 USD. Do not miss the Nubian Museum: adult tickets sell for 300 EGP and student tickets for 150 EGP.

-The Unfinished Obelisk is another must-see, and entrance fees are 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students. 

-The Nubian Village tours are a wonderful way to experience the local culture: try your hand at making mud bricks and enjoy dance performances. Aswan is easy to reach, with a 1 hour and 15 minutes flight coming from Cairo.

-From the Basma Aswan Hotel to the Old Cataract Hotel, there are many accommodations to choose from in Aswan. Each provides a one-of-a-kind vista of the area. A day trip to the Abu Simbel Temples is a must. This place is a popular hangout in Egypt to go for local customs and aesthetics.

Abu Simbel Temples—Ramses II's Architectural Marvel

Indeed, the Abu Simbel Temples go down in history as one of the marvels of ancient engineering: temples built in the time of Pharaoh Ramses II, in the 13th century BCE, and located about 280 kilometers southwest of Aswan. Man-made engineering of such proportions can obviously fake a 94-the-present state-of-the-art technology. In the structure, indeed, are four colossal figures of Ramses II, each measuring 20 meters.

The bigger temple is a giant in the landscape. The smaller one is devoted to Ramses' wife, Nefertari; her statues are over 10 meters high. In the 1960s, temples were transferred to higher land. This was because of the Aswan High Dam, which would cause flooding. The cost amounted to about 40 million dollars and took four years. A person can visit a special event twice in a year. Sunlight shines inside the temples on February 22nd and October 22nd. It is a sight that attracts people from everywhere.

Visiting these Abu Simbel temples is a memorable experience for you. It ranks at the top among several ancient sites of Egypt.

Red Sea Diving—An Underwater Paradise

-Divers, without a doubt, love the Red Sea. With clear waters and colorful marine life below, what more can any diver dream of? It is home to more than 300 coral species and 2,100 types of fish. It does not stop with Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada as the dive destinations. 

-The water temperature varies, with a minimum of 21 degrees Celsius in winter to a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius in the summer. Hammerhead sharks are often seen from June to September. Visibility can further go up to 40 meters underwater, making scenery breathtaking. 

-It's easy to access shore diving, with hundreds of dive sites all along 1,500 km of coastline. Diving within a day trip typically includes from 2 to 3 dives at such hallmark sites as Carlees Reef, SS Thistlegorm, and Ras Mohammad Marine Reserve. 

-Red Sea diving happens to be one of those things that you would miss if you ever set foot in Egypt. You get to enjoy and witness the lively world lying under the surface as well as the historical shipwrecks.

Cairo: A Blend of Ancient and Modern

It has a permanent population that exceeds 8 million in the city and more than 16 million in the area, making this the largest city in Africa and the Middle East.

There are many sights to see in Egypt. The Egyptian Museum is a major one, containing a ton of artifacts, including treasures from King Tut's tomb.

Another point of interest is Tahrir Square, adjacent to the museum. It is famous for the protests that took place during Egypt's great revolution. The Al-Azhar Mosque and Citadel of Saladin should never be missed; they are very historical.

• The impressive Giza Pyramids and Sphinx can be visited easily through guided tours.

• Stroll through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili night bazaar for local treats and unique mementos.

• Relish the culinary pleasures of koshary, the national dish of Egypt with an appeal to all diets.

• Have a lovely evening with a Nile Dinner River Cruise.

• Visit the Ibn Tulun Mosque; it's an architectural wonder and presumed to be very close to the area where Noah's Ark landed.

New Cairo is where the old and the new meet. When planning a trip to Egypt, there is no way to avoid Cairo. This is a city that speaks of both the ancient and the present.

Alexandria: The Mediterranean Gem

In 331 BC, Alexander the Great founded Alexandria, an enchanting city of Egypt's historical glory. Beautiful Mediterranean coastlines and fascinating Egyptian monuments adorn the city.

must-see in Alexandria:

-This city is an hour's ride for those who adore the beach and anything historic. There is a certain serenity to it in contrast to the hustle and bustle of Cairo. Ideal for beach lovers and history buffs.

-The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has as its aim a modern library in commemoration of the ancient Great Library of Alexandria. With a collection of millions of books and artifacts, one can find everything from antiquities to contemporary texts.

-The citadel is the Qaitbay Citadel, offering marvelous views of the Mediterranean Sea. The citadel portrays Alexandria's history as a military and naval power. 

-Pompey's Pillar, which is the highest monument of any kind in the city, is 26.85 meters high.

-And then there are the enigmas of the Catacombs of Kom El-Shuqqafa. They are underground tombs of Roman origin, and by some accounts, they are one of the seven wonders of the Middle Ages.

-Next to the Catacombs is Kom El Dekka, which has a Roman amphitheater that is fairly well preserved. Adding to the richness of Alexandria's ancient history.

-The Corniche is a beautiful promenade. It overlooks present-day Alexandria's bay. One can also see the subaqueous ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

-For diving lovers, Cleopatra's Underwater City comes with sphinxes and Roman columns—a whole lot of history underwater!

Alexandria is a celebration of stark contrasts. It is one of the brightest gems of Egypt. Whether you are basking in the secrets of ancient times or admiring the sea landscape, it will be a journey to be cherished forever.

Siwa Oasis—A Unique Desert Retreat

Siwa Oasis serves as a serene retreat amid the desert that embodies nature's charm intertwined with culture. It is one of the places you can go to calm the mind and seek quietness far away from busy spots.

Helpful information for Siwa Oasis includes:

• Tours to Siwa Oasis average about $100 per person, excluding luxury tour packages.

• Entrance fees for most attractions in Siwa vary from around 25 to 50 Egyptian pounds (approx. $1.50-$3).

• Bus tickets from Alexandria to Siwa Oasis cost between 150 and 300 Egyptian pounds (approximately $10 and $20).

• Tuk Tuk rental per day is approximately 400 Egyptian pounds ($25), which is ideal for touring around Siwa.

• Most things are free: the Salt Lakes, Shali Fortress, Mountain of the Dead, and Cleopatra's Pool; the Temple of Umm Ubayd is also worth a visit.

• Visiting from October to April is excellent, during which time you can enjoy events like the Siwa Date Festival, showcasing local music and dance.

For relaxation, try Cleopatra's Bath, the natural hot springs. Siwa Oasis is also environmentally friendly. It supports green hotels and nature conservation. There are donkey rides and bicycles for transport, with taxiing as well.

Coptic Cairo: A Tapestry of Beliefs

-Coptic Cairo is a top location in Egypt. There are more than 20 churches in a very small area. It is an interesting blend of faith and culture.

-The Hanging Church is one of the very first churches in Egypt. It is located on two ancient Roman fortifications. It is one of the main attractions for tourists. 

-The Coptic Museum is another must-see place. It contains 15,000 pieces of Coptic art and artifacts. The objects are testimony to the artisanship and customs of the community. Coptic Christmas is celebrated on January 7. This is also the day of Sham El Nessim, which marks the beginning of spring, a festival that goes back to Pharaonic times.

-Churches like St. George and Abu Serga Church exemplify early Christian architectural style rather than late Byzantine. Thus, they emphasize the historical importance of the area. Churches such as Saints Sergius and Bacchus tell their own stories. 

A tour in Coptic Cairo would expose one to another type of culture. This can be further augmented with a guided tour from Egypt Day Trips. Visiting Coptic Cairo enriches one's sightseeing in Egypt and ties one into its history.

White Desert National Park—Nature's Wonder

The White Desert National Park is vast, covering an area of 300 square kilometers. It lies about 500 kilometers to the southwest of Cairo. It has gained fame for its extraordinary chalk rock formations that appear to belong to another world. Visitors can partake in several fun activities, making it a prime destination in Egypt. 

When planning your tour, think about these incredible sites worth seeing and activities to do in Egypt:

• Camping underneath a starry sky in designated camping grounds.

• Going on exciting jeep safari rides over the peculiar landscape.

• Enjoying exceptional sandboarding over the sandy dunes.

The park gained status as a nationally protected area in 2002. Animal conservation also takes a high priority, including animals like the rhim gazelle and desert foxes. Being able to see these animals in their natural habitat contributes greatly to its attraction.

November to February is the best time to visit in order to get the most out of weather conditions. Summer can be exceedingly hot, with temperatures reaching an all-time high of 38°C. With convenient buses plying between Cairo and Bahariya Oasis, reaching there is a piece of cake.

Several attractions in the park, such as Crystal Mountain and Mushroom Rock, were carved by wind and water millions of years ago. But one thing truly enhances the experience-the meeting of the local Bedouin. Camping, rock-watching, or wildlife- White Desert's great for all nature lovers.

St. Catherine's Monastery—A Spiritual Landmark

-The Monastery of St. Catherine lies at the foot of Mount Sinai, being one of the oldest Christian monasteries that have ever existed in constant activity. This edifice was built between 548 and 565 AD by Emperor Justinian I. The very importance of all things ancient and religious in Egypt is represented by this place.

-The monastery has over 4,500 manuscripts. Mostly Greek, but also Arabic, Coptic, and others. Truly, this collection is amazing.

-Visiting St. Catherine Monastery gives one the opportunity to view ancient manuscripts. Codex Sinaiticus is an ancient 4th-century manuscript. It is famous for being one of the greatest of all collections of old texts, second only to the Vatican Library. Also displayed are early icons from the 5th and 6th centuries. With this, you get more knowledge about Christian history in Egypt.

-Let's join a guided tour to learn the great history of the monastery. Discover a panoramic view from the scenic terrain adjoining the site. Engage in discovering the Ashtiname of Muhammad, an invaluable document highlighting the historical significance of the monastery. 

-Visiting St. Catherine Monastery ranks among the top-notch things to do in Egypt. The best time to tour this part is between September and March, as the weather is mild during these months. This is a holy and educational site, a testimony to the very rich religious and cultural history of Egypt, and serves as a place for spiritual reflection or historical learning.

Egyptian Museum—Treasures of the Ancients

There is perhaps no other point of interest in Egypt that eclipses the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. With over 120,000 artifacts, it includes such highlights as the collection from the tomb of Tutankhamun. This museum presents an in-depth picture of ancient Egyptian life, embracing the periods from the Predynastic time up until the Old Kingdom. 

Countless tours to learn more about the museum find their end in the guided tour through Egypt Day Trips, which provides the traveler an insight into the many artifacts as much as the history behind them. One can also visit the Royal Mummy Room, where the 11 royal mummies, including Ramses II and Hatshepsut, can be viewed. 

• It is open to the public between 9 AM and 7 PM every day.

• Photographic cost is EGP 50 for foreigners and EGP 20 for Egyptians/Arabs.

• Video recording would be paid for EGP 300.

• There is a prohibition of baggage exceeding the dimensions of 40 cm x 40 cm.

• Opening hours during Ramadan are from 9 AM to 4 PM with the last ticket sold at 3 PM. 

The museum in Egypt is featured in every travel guide. It attracts tourists and scholars alike. A visit to the museum is indeed a journey through time, revealing wonders of ancient Egypt. 

You will find a plethora of wonderful sights in Egypt as you finish the trip.

Experience Egypt with history and culture through Egypt Day Trips. Choose among the tours that truly interest you, and then you can tour freely and at your own time within the best attractions. The security has improved for tourists, and now is the best time to visit.