Egypt: Top Places to Visit
1. Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx
Giza lies near Cairo with its famous pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Khufu stands tall. It’s the last Ancient Wonder still here. Built 4,500 years ago, it’s a marvel of stone. The Sphinx guards it with a lion’s body and pharaoh’s face. Visit at sunrise to avoid crowds. Camels or horses offer rides. A sound-and-light show tells tales at night. It’s Egypt’s grandest icon.
2. Cairo
Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital, pulses with chaos and charm along the Nile. The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square houses treasures like Tutankhamun’s golden mask, while the medieval Citadel of Saladin offers panoramic views and the grand Mohammed Ali Mosque. Bargain in Khan el-Khalili bazaar for spices, jewelry, and souvenirs, or sip tea in a historic café. It’s a city where ancient and modern collide in a symphony of horns and minarets.
3. Luxor: The World’s Largest Open-Air Museum
Luxor sits on the Nile as an ancient treasure. It’s called the world’s biggest open-air museum. Luxor Temple glows with sphinx-lined avenues at night. Karnak Temple has huge columns and a sacred lake. The Valley of the Kings hides royal tombs on the West Bank. Tutankhamun’s tomb is among them. The Valley of the Queens and Colossi of Memnon add more history. Balloon rides at dawn show it all from above.
4. Abu Simbel: The Grand Temples of Ramses II
Abu Simbel stuns near the Sudanese border. Its temples honor Ramses II and Nefertari. Four 20-meter Ramses statues guard the Great Temple. Twice yearly, sunlight hits inner statues—Feb 22 and Oct 22. UNESCO saved it from Lake Nasser’s rise. Reach it by flight or drive from Aswan. Photos and tours capture its grandeur. It’s a peek into pharaonic power.
5. Aswan & The Nubian Villages
Aswan offers a calm Nile setting in Egypt’s south. Nubian culture adds color. Felucca boats sail to Elephantine Island. Nubian villages there have mud-brick homes. Locals serve spiced tea and warm meals. The Philae Temple sits on Agilika Island. It moved after the Aswan High Dam was built. An unfinished obelisk lies in a quarry nearby. Aswan’s market sells alabaster and spices. It’s a peaceful spot with lively roots.
6. Alexandria
Alexandria blends Greco-Roman heritage with coastal charm. It’s Egypt’s Mediterranean pearl with added adventure. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina honors its ancient library. It holds millions of books and a planetarium. The Roman Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa are eerie tombs below ground. ATV tours start near the city’s edge. They race into the Western Desert over dunes. Guides lead through rugged trails with sea views. The Corniche offers seafood and breezes. Qaitbay Citadel marks the Pharos Lighthouse’s old site. It’s a historic port with excitement.
7. The Red Sea: Sharm El Sheikh & Hurghada
The Red Sea shines with Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Sharm El Sheikh sits on the Sinai Peninsula. Ras Mohammed Park has colorful reefs. Fish and turtles swim—great for snorkeling. Naama Bay hums with bars and shops. Safaris reach St. Catherine’s Monastery. Hurghada boasts beaches and Giftun Islands. Windsurfing thrives there. Quad bikes explore the Eastern Desert. It’s a sunny thrill spot.
Before You Go
- Best Time: October to April for cooler weather across places to visit in Egypt; summer (May-Sep) for Red Sea resorts despite the heat.
- Travel: Domestic flights (EgyptAir), trains (Cairo to Luxor), or buses connect cities; Cairo is the main hub.
- Language: Arabic is official; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP); cards work in cities, but cash is king in markets and rural spots.
Conclusion: Egypt’s Magic Awaits
From Giza’s towering pyramids to Luxor’s ancient expanse, Aswan’s Nubian warmth to the Red Sea’s vibrant depths, Egypt is a tapestry of wonders spanning millennia. Pack your curiosity—and sunscreen—and uncover the timeless allure of these places to visit in Egypt!
