Places to Visit in Egypt that will Take You Through Time!

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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When you hear "Egypt", your mind probably conjures images of pyramids, camels, and even the fascinating tales of the mummies' curse. But Egypt is far more than just ancient ruins and desert heat. It’s a place where mythology meets reality, and every ancient stone tells a story over 4,500 years old. It’s a delightful haven for travellers eager to explore breathtaking archaeological ruins and iconic landmarks from some of the world’s most ancient civilisations. With the magnificent Sahara Desert and the timeless River Nile as its backdrop, these attractions offer a captivating charm that makes visiting Egypt truly special.

So buckle up, as we explore 11 epic places to visit in Egypt, guaranteed to leave you in awe and your camera with stunning photos.

11 Best Places to Visit in Egypt!

When’s the best time to visit Egypt? While Egypt is a year-round destination, here’s a concise travel guide showcasing its fantastic tourist attractions, perfect for your next exciting adventure and exploring its rich ancient sites.

Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza, widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Egypt, is the largest Egyptian pyramid. It is the last remaining attraction from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has withstood the test of time. Built as Pharaoh Khufu's tomb during the Fourth Dynasty, it was the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years. The Giza pyramid complex stands as the jewel among Egypt's tourist attractions and one of the country’s most famous sightseeing locales.

Located in: Giza Necropolis

Unknown Fact: The Great Pyramid of Giza was originally covered in polished white Tura limestone, which provided a smooth, gleaming surface and a dazzling appearance in sunlight. Because of its reflective surface, the ancient Egyptians even called the pyramid "Ikhet," meaning "Glorious light."

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple served as a large and significant religious centre in ancient Egypt, constructed over hundreds of years by pharaohs including Amenhotep III, Ramses II, and Tutankhamun. This beautiful city boasts some of the world's most famous temples and tombs, a sprawling desert, and the renowned Western Valley Ruins.

Also known as the Southern Sanctuary, the temple has been modified over time by King Tutankhamun, the Romans, and Alexander the Great. Open until 10 PM for night explorations and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple features stunning sandstone walls that glow beautifully during sunset.

Location: Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Unknown Fact: Constructed from Nubian sandstone blocks, Luxor Temple's mud-brick walls signify the symbolic separation between the earth and the sacred realms of the gods.

Sharm El Sheikh

Looking for the best beach to visit in Egypt? Sharm el-Sheikh, an Egyptian resort town, is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, between Mount Sinai and the Red Sea. With resorts throughout, it’s renowned for its coral reefs, sheltered sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. It’s considered one of the world’s best diving spots.

It’s also known as the city of peace, owing to several International Peace Conferences held there. Sharm el-Sheikh boasts attractions such as Ras Mohammed and Tiran Island, renowned for their scuba diving experiences. Numerous historical sites also dot the area, including St. Catherine's Monastery, Sharm Old Market, and Al-Sahaba Mosque. With year-round warmth and sunshine, it is an ideal escape from the winter blues.

Location: South Sinai

Unknown Fact: Sharm El-Sheikh is one of the world’s renowned diving destinations, featuring crystal-clear waters and many amazing coral reefs to explore.

Hurghada

Stretching 40 km along Egypt’s Red Sea Coast, Hurghada is a resort town located 600 km from Cairo. It is known for its coral reefs and turquoise waters. Situated near the Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, the city has seen significant development. It offers numerous restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, while the old town, El Dahar, showcases traditional coffee shops and souks. Its sandy beach is lined with resorts.

Hurghada offers many things to do in Egypt, from adventure activities like cruising to Giftun Islands and quad biking in the Sahara to glass-bottom boat rides over vibrant corals. Renowned for watersports, it boasts some of the best diving and snorkelling sites at Abu Ramada Island. This beach town seamlessly blends modernism with traditions, featuring vintage places for tourists.

Location: Egypt Red Sea Coast

Unknown Fact: The city’s name, Hurghada, derives from the Arabic word “Ghardaga,” meaning “blazing heat,” which reflects its sunny and warm climate.

Valley of the Kings

Nestled on the west bank of the Nile, the Valley of the Kings, formerly known as the Place of Truth, served as the primary burial site of Pharaohs from the 11th to 16th century BC. It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt and one of the most famous landmarks from the ancient world.

It features sloping cliffs above the western floodplain where the bodies of the pharaohs were laid to rest in tombs cut deep into the rock. This site encompasses over 63 chambers, including those of Rameses II's sons and Tutankhamen. The tombs also held gilded wooden furniture and over 1,000 valuable gold, faience, and alabaster items, and are decorated with captivating artworks that reflect Egyptian mythology.

Location: Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Unknown Fact: The tomb of Nefertiti, the famous queen of Akhenaten, has yet to be discovered. Some Egyptologists believe it may be hidden somewhere within the Valley.

Nile River Cruise

A Nile River cruise is a popular and unique way to explore Egypt’s rich history and culture. Showcasing its true beauty, the Nile is also one of the most photogenic places to visit in Egypt. Its deep blue waters, breathtaking sunrises, and sunsets can leave any nature lover awestruck. The Nile offers visitors excellent cruising opportunities, including multi-day cruise tours. Travellers can explore many of the country’s iconic landmarks during their Nile River Cruise tour, including the Temple of Edfu’s Horus and the Temple of Kom Ombo. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won't want to miss when visiting Egypt.

Location: Luxor or Aswan

Unknown Fact: Every year, Egyptians honour the Nile River and its vital role through a festival known as Leylet en Nuktah. The river rises around the same time each year, flooding the Delta's soil with silt and encouraging crop growth. Families and friends frequently gather on the riverbank to enjoy picnics and celebrations. June is the best time to visit Egypt and experience this festival.

Pro Tip: Egypt is full of surprises, some ancient and some unexpected. A missed flight, lost baggage, or sudden illness can turn an exciting trip into a stressful one. That's why having International Travel Insurance is always a smart idea before making travel plans. It gives you peace of mind to enjoy the pyramids, markets, and temples without worrying about anything. So travel smart and make your trip unforgettable.

Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Water Park

Aqua Blu Water Park, part of the Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Resort, is a fantastic place to visit Egypt Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It’s famous for its extensive water rides and themed pools. With 8 pools, 3 children's pools, and 64 water slides, it is ideal for families with children of all ages. It offers a range of attractions, including high-speed slides, free-fall water slides, and themed indoor and outdoor pools.

Additionally, it features spacious and well-maintained family rooms with lovely views and balconies. The park caters to adults and children with various activities, such as fitness classes and evening entertainment. It also has themed areas for younger children, such as an elephant slide and a mushroom pool. Pickalbatros Aqua Blu Sharm El Sheikh offers a delightful accommodation experience, combining warm hospitality with fantastic facilities that make you feel at home.

Location: Sharm El Sheikh 1, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt

Unknown Fact: The all-inclusive formula may vary depending on guests' nationality, particularly for Egyptians and residents who might not receive alcoholic drinks as part of the package. Additionally, this resort offers private beach access, which guests should be aware of and may involve a separate fee.

Egyptian Antiquities Museum

The Egyptian Antiquities Museum, located in downtown Cairo, is commonly known as the Museum of Cairo or the Egyptian Museum. This renowned museum features the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, with over 120,000 items on display. Among its wonderful treasures is the famous Tutankhamun collection, featuring the stunning gold death mask and sarcophagus. You'll also find the impressive royal Mummy room, which houses eleven Pharaonic dignitaries.

The museum remains a crucial gateway to ancient Egypt. A standout attraction in the main exhibition hall on the ground floor is the colossal, 7-meter-tall statue of ‘Amenhotep III’ and ‘Queen Tiye’,which truly captures visitors' attention. This centrepiece, discovered in Luxor, is said to be around 3000 years old, and is among the most highly recommended places to visit in Egypt for history buffs.

Location: El-Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate

Unknown Fact: The museum initially featured a library, conservation laboratories, and a small piece of land extending to the Nile bank. Later, it served as the headquarters of the National Democratic Party and was destroyed during the 2011 revolution, as stated by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Karnak Temple

Looking for the best Egypt tourist attraction? Look no further! The Karnak Temple complex, known simply as Karnak, consists of numerous temples, pylons, chapels, and other buildings near Luxor, Egypt. This temple complex is an astonishing tourist destination, featuring the Karnak Open Air Museum. It houses three other famous temples within its grounds, the Temple of Khons, the Great Temple of Amun, and the Festival Temple of Tuthmosis III. The best time to visit Karnak is either early morning or as the sun sets. It’s also regarded as the world’s second-largest ancient spiritual site.

Location: Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate

Unknown Fact: The temple was not constructed as a single project; its construction extended over 1,500 years, with various pharaohs making additions and renovations during the Middle and New Kingdoms.

Mosque of Mohamed Ali

Better known as the “Alabaster Mosque,” the Mosque of Mohamed Ali is an Islamic shrine located in the Citadel of Cairo. It’s the largest Ottoman mosque constructed in the first half of the 19th century, standing as one of Egypt’s top tourist attractions and highly prominent in Cairo’s skyline. This mosque is regarded as one of the best places to visit in Egypt, appealing to both spiritual enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.

The mosque features two sections: the western section, known as “The Courtyard”, and the eastern section, “The House of Prayer,” which has a square layout. The main prayer hall can accommodate up to 4,000 worshippers and is adorned with exquisite stained glass windows and marble floors. The mosque's stunning architecture and opulent interior make it an ideal location for capturing breathtaking photographs.

Location: Salah al-Din, al-Ayyubi, Saladin, Cairo Governorate

Unknown Fact: The clock tower in the western section of the Mosque of Mohamed Ali, The Courtyard, was presented as a gift from King Louis-Philippe of France to Muhammad Ali. While the clock may never have functioned, the tower remains an intriguing historical artefact.

SOHO Square Shopping Market

SOHO Square, the premier shopping destination in Sharm El Sheikh, offers the most extensive collection of retail outlets, souvenir shops, and an exciting bazaar in the region. It is particularly renowned for its nightlife and diverse range of shops and restaurants. Situated in the heart of the Savoy Resort, the SOHO Square Shopping Centre acts as a magnet for visitors, attracting them to various retail outlets, from fashion wear and accessories to art galleries and home goods.

In addition to the retail outlets, SOHO Square features the most unique bazaar in Sharm El Sheikh, providing an extraordinary shopping experience. The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is designed in the vintage Middle Eastern souk style. It is also among the most captivating bazaars, famous for its unusual oriental souvenirs and handmade crafts. You can also indulge in sweets from Kandy Sweets, the Perfume Maa El Dahb fragrance, or display a fun henna design from Henna & Tato.

Location: Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Unknown Fact: SOHO Square shopping centre also hosts delightful art exhibitions featuring the wondrous works of local and international artists. Additionally, you can be entertained by talented street performers showcasing music, magic, and much more.

Wrapped in Sun and Sand!

With its rich culture and diverse heritage, Egypt offers travellers a transformative experience, enriched by unforgettable landscapes and cultural vibrancy. Notable attractions include the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, the tranquil waters of the Nile, and the hidden gem of Siwa Oasis, among other remarkable destinations. These beautiful places to visit in Egypt should top your bucket list to make your trip memorable. Whether you're embarking on your first Egyptian adventure or returning for another, pack your bag with curiosity and let the magic begin.

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