Magnificent remnants of a prosperous civilization and powerful kings, unbelievable structures, and marvelous landscapes. Those are the reason why travelers are eager to visit Egypt. Everyone wants to witness the magnificent land with their own eyes, as well as immerse in its enigmatic history and culture. Thus, this North African country offers tons of wonders that will lead you to unforgettable experiences. From pyramids to crystal-clear sea, there are so many you should not miss in Egypt.
Moreover, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Egypt for you to create your perfect itinerary.
Things to Do in Egypt for an All-Over Amazing Trip
- Wander Around the Pyramid of Giza
- Climb to the Top of Mount Sinai
- Sail on the Nile
- See the Tombs in the Valley of the Kings
- Visit Karnak Temple
- Go for a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor
- Marvel at Abu Simbel Temple
- Explore Ras Mohammed National Park
- Chill on the Beaches in Hurghada
- Explore Historical Sites in Edfu and Kon Ombo
- Join Pottery Workshops in Fayoum
- Immerse the Local Daily Life in Khan El Khalili Bazaar
- Roam Around the Charming White Desert
- Head to the Royal Jewelry Museum
- See Bent Pyramid
Wander Around the Pyramid of Giza
Feel the desert wind caressing your face as you see this majestic structure. You have really visited Egypt as you reach the Pyramid of Giza. It is the icon of Egypt, as well as the only Seven Wonders of the World that still stands tall today. The complex also displays the iconic Sphinx, a mythical lion-like creature with the head of a man. Built around 4,000 years ago, the magnificent pyramid tells us about the great and timeless civilization that once existed.
Even though the Pyramid of Giza is always crowded with tourists, it is still worth visiting. Of course, it is a wonderful place that you should witness yourself. Moreover, the Pyramid of Giza has a relatively cheap entrance fee, starting from EGP 200 or €8. So, make sure to include the Pyramid of Giza in your itinerary. And don’t forget to bring a headscarf or a shawl to cover your face from the sand and heat.
Climb to the Top of Mount Sinai
Who could have thought that a sacred site can be intriguingly gorgeous? At first, Mount Sinai was the place where Moses received the ten commandments from God. For that reason, the mountain is considered a sacred location by three Abrahamic religions. Besides that, Mount Sinai offers a breathtaking view of a mountainous landscape, an unbelievable sunrise view, and a challenge for anyone who loves hiking.
Not just for pilgrimage and religious visits, the mountain is also open for everyone that would like to marvel at its beauty and enjoy the sunrise. You can start climbing to the top of Mount Sinai from St. Catherine, a century-old monastery that is situated between the rugged rocks of the mountain. Thus, there are two trails that lead you to the top of the mountain. You can choose either the Camel Path, which is gentler and longer or the Steps of Penitence, which has rocky trails but is shorter.
Sail on the Nile
One of the best things to do in Egypt is to explore its legendary river. Nowadays, you can see the 6,650 km long river by hopping on cruise ships or a felucca, a traditional sailboat. It is a great way to immerse in the beauty of the Nile River.
Thus, you can choose to take a short tour or spend your days on the Nile River. If you want to go for a short and sweet tour, you can hop on sailboats and cruise for an hour or two. Meanwhile, if you prefer spending the day and night in the Nile, you can book a sailing trip. You will stay in a dahabiya, a larger ship that can fit a group of eight people. It also comes with an impressive experience of eating local cuisines on the boat and visiting historical sites. Moreover, if you want to sail the Nile, you can start from cities like Luxor and Aswan.
See the Tombs in the Valley of the Kings
Mysterious, charming, and thrilling. Those are the three words that can describe the Valleys of the Kings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies in Thebes, on the west bank of the Nile River. Valley of the Kings is the burial site of the pharaohs of Egypt. Currently, there are eight tombs that you can see, including the tombs of Ramesses and Seti.
Get ready to be captivated by the glorious tombs. On the inside, you can find walls and ceilings that are decorated with multicolored hieroglyphs. The colorful artwork leads you to an idea of how dazzling the Ancient Egypt civilization was. Thus, a historical visit to the Valley of the Kings is one of the best things to do in Egypt.
Visit Karnak Temple
Make sure you put this extraordinary site in your itinerary. Karnak Temple is considerably the second-largest temple complex in the world. It has a remarkable history of being the major place of worship for Ancient Egyptian about 2,000 years ago. Thus, the complex consists of lots of temples, buildings, obelisks, and pylons dedicated to Egyptian gods.
As you enter the site, you will be greeted by a line of ram-headed sphinges. Then, you will see the infamous Hypostyle Hall, where towering pillars and gorgeous obelisks stand tall for thousands of years. Moreover, there are more magnificent structures that await your visit in this notable temple complex.
Go for a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor
See how beautiful the arid desert, gentle valleys, and sand-colored sites look from above. The hot balloon air in Luxor is an experience you must try in Egypt. Besides the unforgettable panoramic view, this experience is also affordable. It is much cheaper than other similar experiences, such as the balloon ride in Cappadocia and Bagan.
If you decided to hop on the hot air balloon, you will get a tour of famous places. See the Valley of the Kings and its surrounding desert from above. You can also take a peek at mortuary temples and other historical sites. So, if you are looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience, you must definitely try the hot air balloon ride!
Marvel at Abu Simbel Temple
This 13th-century BCE temple is something you should not miss when visiting Egypt. Abu Simbel Temple displays a splendid scene of twin rock temples, enormous statues, and fascinating carvings. Historically, the temple was built by Pharaoh Ramesses II. Moreover, the entire temple was dislocated and dismantled to avoid floods. It was then built on the banks of Lake Nasser after the Aswan Dam was finished.
If you want to visit this gorgeous temple, you can start from Cairo or Aswan. The temple is situated quite remote from the city. However, the long journey is worth-it after you glance at the jaw-dropping temple!
Explore Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt is not only about gorgeous pyramids and astonishing deserts, but also about diverse marine life and pristine beaches. Witness the beauty of the Red Sea in Ras Mohammed National Park. It is a peninsula of Southern Sinai that is situated in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh. The national park offers a series of breathtaking beaches with light-colored sand, a brilliant blue sea, and marvelous underwater ecosystems.
Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the world’s best dive sites. It offers brilliant types of corals and reef ecosystems. Moreover, it is home to the Yolanda Reef Dive Site, one of the top ten diving sites in the world. So, get ready to see the best of the Red Sea as you arrive at this magnificent national park.
Chill on the Beaches in Hurghada
Dreaming of luscious sunbathing sessions on the beach in Egypt? Then, you must head to Hurghada! The beautiful city is located on the shores of the Red Sea. Thus, it has a series of sandy beaches and a breathtaking scene of the aquamarine ocean. Hurghada is one of the best places in the Middle East if you are looking for top-notch beaches.
Hurghada is also home to fancy hospitality and experiences. You can find seaside resorts line up on the beach, offering sumptuous and comfortable stays for travelers. Thus, you can also spend a day under the sun on its pristine beaches. Moreover, Hurghada is a town of lively parties. You can end the day by having an awesome drink and dancing the night away in beach clubs.
Explore Historical Sites in Edfu and Kon Ombo
Find two magnificent Ptelomaic temples standing on the banks of the Nile River. Edfu and Kom Ombo are small towns that keep two of Egypt’s most marvelous temples. In Edfu, you can see the Temple of Hours. It has a large entrance, enormous pylons, and falcon statues that represent the falcon-headed god Horus.
Then, you can also head to Kom Ombo and visit the Temple of Sobek. Though the temple has lost its ceilings, the grand pillars and carved walls can still make your jaw drop. The Temple of Sobek was built as the place of worship for the crocodile god, Sobek. That is why you can find crocodile mummies nearby the temple area, displayed nicely in a small museum.
If you want to visit Edfu and Kom Ombo, you can start from nearby Aswan. You can reach these historical sites by hopping on a boat and sailing down the Nile River.
Join Pottery Workshops in Fayoum
Head to Fayoum, a small city that is situated nearby Faiyoum Oasis, a desert depression on the west of the Nile River. You can find laidback Egyptian villages here, with their iconic cube-shaped houses and sand-colored buildings. Moreover, these buildings are made from environment-friendly materials, making them a hidden eco-friendly destination that you can discover.
As you arrive in Fayoum, you can head to Tunis Village. The small village is notable for its pottery. You can see colorful pottery art and join in pottery workshops for an out-of-the-box experience. Thus, the village started making pottery in 1980, when a Swiss potter named Evelyne Porret decided to stay in Tunis and build her pottery workshop. Now, the pottery workshop is the main attraction of Tunis Village, as well as the major economic source for the citizens.
Immerse the Local Daily Life in Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Soak up the real Egypt as you wander through this famous market. Khan El Khalili Bazaar is one of the most popular and busiest traditional markets in Egypt. Besides that, the market is also known as the oldest market in the Middle East. So, if you are looking for something authentic, you must see Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
Find lots of Middle Eastern wonders in the market. You can see old, sand-colored buildings lining the streets, strenuous alleys, and colorful vendors selling various goods. Thus, spot lots of Egyptian classic stuff in the market, from stained-glass lamps and handmade carpets. Besides that, dive deeper into the local atmosphere by trying out some local food. You can stop by El-Fishawi, the oldest cafe in Cairo which sells good coffee and various Egyptian food.
Roam Around the Charming White Desert
There are no limitations when it comes to magical places in Egypt. Catch a breath as you gaze into this wonderful landscape. White Desert is a land of pale sand and magnificent rock formations in the Farafra depression. Thus, it complements a vast land that stretches about 3.9 kilometers square wide.
To explore the area, you must hop on a jeep or camel. Then, you can enjoy every enchanting corner of the desert, from unique-shaped rocks to its magical snow-white sand.
Head to the Royal Jewelry Museum
See the collection of astonishing and luxurious jewelry in this unique museum. The Royal Jewelry Museum features a two-story building with classic European architecture, situated in the bustling city of Alexandria. The building was built by Muhammad Ali Pasha and was once the residence of Princess Fatema El Zahra, King Farouk of Egypt’s first wife.
As the name suggests, the Royal Jewelry Museum displays a massive collection of jewelry that belonged to the Egyptian Monarch. You can see jewelry made out of precious stones, like sapphire and diamond. Thus, it also displays the collection of jewelry from many eras, like Byzantine and classic Europe. Besides that, the facade and interior of the museum itself are very captivating. You can see the interior is decorated with colorful stained-glass windows and elegant furniture.
See Bent Pyramid
There are other charming pyramids in Egypt aside from the Pyramid of Giza. One of them includes the Bent Pyramid, which is located in the necropolis of Dahshrur. There is an interesting fact behind this oddly shaped pyramid. First, the pyramid was the first attempt by Ancient Egyptians to make a geometrical monument. Besides that, the pyramid was built by Pharaoh Sneferu, the father of Pharaoh Khufu. So, the Bent Pyramid is older than the Pyramid of Giza.
Another interesting thing about this pyramid is that you can enter it. Bent Pyramid has a 79-meter-long narrow tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, you can find a 4,000 years-old hidden chamber. Moreover, the pyramid is known to hide lots of secrets, from undiscovered chambers to an unearthed sarcophagus. So, if you are up for mysteries and adventures, you should head to this pyramid!
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