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Considered one of the world’s oldest travel destinations, Egypt satisfies the hunger of those filled with wanderlust. You cannot say you have travelled the world if you haven’t seen the majestic pyramids, cruised the River Nile, rode a camel, and shopped in a souk in Egypt. The important history and evidence of ancient human civilization embedded in this North African nation are enough to make you swoon and book your flights to Egypt. More than its historical structures, temples, and tombs, Egypt has a unique charm for beach lovers, cultural enthusiasts, pilgrims, and seekers of adventure. Here’s a list of the best places to visit in Egypt you must add to your travel itinerary.
Cost: $1.7 to $3.4
On top of the list is the Egyptian Museum in Cairo which every visitor to the country should not miss. A dream for many history buffs, the Egyptian Museum Cairo houses the famous archaeological treasures from Tutankhamen’s tomb. All sorts of jewelry, handicrafts, and ceramics which the ancient child ruler considered important are displayed inside the museum. Looking at the ageless golden face of the popular king, checking out the royal mummies exhibit, and admiring the artefacts which tell tales about Egyptian history are just some of the things to do while exploring the Egyptian Museum Cairo. In the second quarter of 2018, some displays were relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, so you can schedule a visit to both museums for a grander learning experience.
Location: 15 Meret Basha, Ismailia, Qasr an Nile, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Opening Hours: Daily, from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm on Saturdays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm. on Thursdays and Sundays
Contact Details: +20 2 25794596
Cost: $2.8
Egypt is known by everyone, child and adult alike, for its majestic pyramids. The country has a total of 120 pyramids which served as tombs for the pharaohs. While you can visit any of these pyramids, it is a must to go to the Pyramids of Giza as these are considered the largest and some of the oldest pyramids in the country. Built centuries ago, the Pyramids of Giza are part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the last surviving ones on the list. These pyramids are indeed a must-visit for travelers to Egypt. Today, going inside the pyramids to get a feel of what it is like inside an ancient structure is a possibility. Of course, it comes with an additional cost.
Many theories have already been formed about how these pyramids were made. In fact, part of the reason why this attraction is popular among tourists is the mystery surrounding them. Moreover, going to see the pyramids at the Giza complex is not complete without a trip to the Great Sphinx, a majestic sculpture of a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion.
It is best to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx in the late afternoon, so you can have a chance to experience the daily lights and sounds show around the complex.
Location: Giza Necropolis, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00 am to 05:00 pm from October to March, 07:00 am to 07:00 pm from April to December
Cost: $3
A temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, the Temple of Philae is considered by many as the most beautiful place in Egypt. It is also the most intact temple you can find in the country. Most historians regard the Temple of Philae to be the place where the last hydrographs were written. At night, you can witness the temple light up in charming colors. The Temple of Philae can be found on a small island near the front of Aswan High Dam.
Location: Philae, Egypt
Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00 am to 04:00 pm from October to May, 07:00 am to 05:00 pm from June to September
Cost: $7
We know deserts to be sandy. Our perception of going to a desert is going to explore vast lands filled with arid sand and under the scorching heat of the sun. In Egypt, there is a certain spot called the White Desert. Looking like a snowy wonderland in the middle of the endless sand, the White Desert is characterized by surreally shaped chalk mountains. A natural wonder that has awed tourists in Egypt for years, the White Desert is an out-of-the-box spot for adventurers looking for something unique and picturesque.
Location: Farafra, Al Farafrah, New Valley Governorate, Egypt
Opening Hours: Daily
Cost: $2.3
There are a lot of temples in Egypt that you would not even know where to start exploring. Most temples had been destroyed throughout time, but others still stay intact. One of best preserved temples in Egypt, which you can visit, is the temple in Dendera complex. The Dendera Temple Complex was established as a way to worship Hathor, the goddess of love, motherhood, fertility, dance, and music. You can climb to the roof of the temple and check out one of the earliest renditions of the zodiacs painted on the temple.
Location: Qism Qena, Dandarah, Qena, Qena Governorate, Egypt
Opening Hours: 07:00 am to 05:00 pm
Cost: $6 to $11
King Tutankhamen, probably the most well known ancient Egyptian ruler, is not the only pharaoh from the New Kingdom. At the Valley of Kings in Luxor, you can visit the tombs where the majority of pharaohs from the New Kingdom were buried 4,500 years ago. Relics and murals showcased in the Valley of Kings let you dive deeper into the history of Egypt. Thus, it is better to get the services of a tour guide to maximize the experience at the Valley of Kings. With a single admission ticket, you can visit three tombs. However, if you want to go to the tombs of Tutankhamen and Ramses VI, you will need separate tickets.
A side trip when visiting Luxor in Egypt is the Karnak Temple, which is the largest temple in the country with 134 massive columns measuring up to 21 meters. The Karnak Temple is dedicated to Amun-Re, a principal god of ancient Egypt. Although the temple had already undergone some reconstruction during the 18th century, it was first built around 2100 BC. The magnificence and the old charm of the Karnak Temple are still present and continue to lure tourists.
Location: Luxor, New Valley Governorate, Egypt
Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Cost: $35
The Red Sea is popular as a diving and snorkeling site because of the rich marine species found in its waters. Aside from this, the Red Sea is also home to several shipwrecks which have sunk in the Gulf of Gubal and the Gulf of Aqaba. Divers would especially love the Thistlegorm Dive Site. In 1941, Thistlegorm, an English World War II cargo ship for the British troops, was bombed by the Germans and sank into the Red Sea. Cars, motorbikes, and other memorabilia from World War II can be seen in the shipwreck. You can schedule a dive to the Thistlegorm from Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh.
Location: Red Sea
Opening Hours: Daily
Cost: $6.5
A UNESCO preserved site, Abu Simbel is definitely a must-visit place in Egypt. Even those not too keen on history will find Abu Simbel a stunning sight. More than three thousand years ago, the Abu Simbel was built through the efforts of Ramses II as a sign of his authority over the Nubians. From 1964 to 1968, in a relocation process which took almost four years, the UNESCO relocated the whole site for tourists to still enjoy its view. UNESCO carried out the relocation in order to avoid the Abu Simbel from disappearing under water due to the Aswan Dam. Visitors to the Abu Simbel can revel in the statues of Ramses II, the finely decorated interiors, and the painted walls. There is also a temple of Nefertari right next to the temple. All in all, the Abu Simbel will leave a lasting impression for every visitor keen on standing in front of this Ramses’ temple.
Location: Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Opening Hours: 05:00 am to 06:00 pm
An isolated oasis between the Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea, the Siwa Oasis is a little hidden paradise in Egypt. Travelers to the Siwa Oasis are in for a cultural treat as its tribes still managed to preserve their culture and language. Moreover, Siwa Oasis offers an unparalleled natural beauty which is in its glory during the winter. When in the Siwa Oasis, you can either rent a tricycle or a bicycle to explore the whole area. You can also experience swimming in Cleopatra’s bath, a warm spring along the path to the Temple of the Oracle. You can also eat local dishes, dates, and olives.
Location: Siwa Oasis, Qesm Siwah, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt
Opening Hours: Daily
Cost: $5.8
One last thing you should not leave behind in your Egypt itinerary is the Cairo Citadel or the Saladin Citadel of Cairo. Situated atop a hill in Cairo, the Cairo Citadel dates back to 1176 AD and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The citadel was commissioned by Salah al-Din and houses three mosques and four museums. Some of the highlights inside the citadel are the following: Mosque of Muhammad Ali (also known as the Alabaster Mosque for the materials used in its construction), Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala’un Mosque (which has an impressive courtyard and two ancient minarets), and the Egyptian Military Museum (dedicated to exhibits from the recent wars in Egyptian history).
Location: Al Abageyah, Qesm Al Khalifah, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Opening Hours: Daily, from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (until 03:00 pm during Ramadan)
Our list does not cover every place worth visiting in Egypt but provides you with a guide of the top 10 must-see spots. In fact, the country boasts of many souks, more temples, museums and galleries, as well as natural landscapes. If you’re travelling with kids, check out our list of Things to Do in Egypt with Kids.
See also: Places to Visit in Cairo
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