Best Things to Do in Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza are the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu and the largest Egyptian pyramid, located in the Giza Plateau or Giza Complex. They are also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The plateau is a collection of 3 main pyramids and 6 other small pyramids and the Sphinx.

Located on the north side of Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum houses some of the rarest and most unique historical artifacts of the time. With a collection of roughly 120,000 items, it is one of the largest museums in the region. It also holds the record of owning the world's most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiques.

A Nile cruise is one of the most popular ways to explore all the major historical sites in Egypt. This cruise offers a 3-4 day all-inclusive stay to explore the major attractions of the route. These tours can be booked directly from the Nile cruise providers or online. They might also offer some extra experiences like hot ballon rides over Luxor or Felucca rides.

The Karnak temple complex is a UNESCO site and one of the largest religious sites in the world. It is known for its breathtaking architecture, massive columns, and intricate hieroglyphics that tell stories of ancient gods and pharaohs, especially, the Great Hypostyle Hall. Sunrises from this temple look extremely beautiful. It looks phenomenal after sunset when it is lit.

One of the biggest markets in the world, Khan al-Khalili, is located in Islamic Cairo. The local market is worth visiting With constant selling, bargaining, and purchasing. It is known for its semiprecious and expensive stone works and handicrafts, which range in size to simulated pyramids.

The Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located to the east of the Nile. It is famous for its arcades, statues, elaborate columns, images, and statues of Amenhotep III and Ramses II. It is considered one of the two primary temples on the East Bank. It is best visited after sunset when the lights are turned on, making Luxor temple seem even more magical.

Abu Simbel is a small village in southern Egypt, approximately 300 kilometers south of Aswan and just 20 kilometers north of the Sudanese border. Nestled on the western bank of Lake Nasser in the historical region of Nubia. Abu Simbel is primarily known and visited for its awe-inspiring temple complex which is a declared UNESCO world heritage site and features the Great Temple of Ramses and the Small Temple of Nefertari. It is usually visited on a day trip from Aswan.

Best Time: November - February

Scuba diving in the Red Sea is a mesmerizing experience, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. The coastal regions of Egypt are renowned for its excellent visibility and warm temperatures, making it a top destination for divers of all levels. Popular dive sites include Ras Mohammed National Park,  Thistlegorm Wreck, Blue Hole, St. John’s Reef and Elephantine Reef. The popular cities to go experience Scuba diving are, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Dahab.

Known For : Naama Bay Ras Mohammed National Park SOHO Square

Sharm El Sheikh is an Egyptian resort town nestled in the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, between Mount Sinai and the Red Sea, that has resorts spread all over. Known for its coral reefs, sheltered sandy beaches, and turquoise waters, Sharm El Sheikh is one of the best diving spots in the world. It is also regarded as the city of peace, owing to several International Peace Conferences hosted in town.

Best Time: Apr, May, Sep, Oct

26 Sharm El Sheikh Attractions

Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Valley of the Kings is nestled along the west bank of the Nile. It contains 63 exquisite royal tombs belonging to Pharaohs, queens, high priests, and many others. Out of these 12 are open to the public. Tomb of Tutankhamun. Seti I and Ramses VI tickets should be purchased separately.

Desert camel ride is a much-coveted activity in the Sinai Peninsula Desert. Mostly desert landscape, the Sinai Peninsula is known for famous for its stunning beaches. It can be reached from Sharm el Sheikh via Nuweiba. The tours can last anywhere from three hours to half a day depending on the package you choose.

Situated into a mountainside, in Hadaba, Farsha Cafe is a mountain club cum tea house that gives arabian nights like experience. Guests can lounge on floor cushions, under Bedouin tents, surrounded by swinging lamps, transporting them to another time and place. The cafe's location offers breathtaking views of the beach and sunset.

Hurghada is known for its majestic deserts, and a safari is the best way to explore them. The desert safaris include quad bikes and venture across hidden dunes, staying Bedouin villages, exploring ancient landmarks and the east Arabian desert hills, also known as Sahara Park. It also includes having beduin style cooked Egyptian food, under the stars.

Faiyum Oasis is a depression in desert situated approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Cairo, Egypt, between the Nile River and the Western Desert. It is renowned for its lush landscapes, picturesque lakes, waterfalls and rich historical significance dating back to ancient times.

Known For : Blue Hole of Dahab Kitesurfing in Dahab Blue Lagoon

The quaint coastal village of Dahab is located on the southeastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, 80 kms from Sharm el-Sheikh. This Egyptian town enjoys solitude in the form of isolated beaches and laid-back Bedouin hospitality, making it an ideal holiday destination for those who like simple-yet-luxurious vacations.

Best Time: Apr-May, Sep-Oct

17 Dahab Attractions

Traditional felucca rides have been a constant on the river Nile. Take a felucca ride to Elephantine Islands and the Kitchener Islands. On this hour-long activity, you can enjoy the rapids of the river or soak in the vistas and unwind. For a fantastic experience, try booking a ride around sunset or sunrise. Feluccas are private tours, and you'll have to book an entire ride.

Right on the foot of the Mokattam hill, the fortress of the Saladin Citadel is a vast complex known for its mosque and the view of historic Cairo from its minarets. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of three mosques and three museums inside the fort walls.

Coptic Cairo is the most ancient part of Cairo, lined with Coptic churches and synagogues. This pedestrian-only part of Old Cairo is seen as the remainder of the Orthodox Christian Community that dominated Cairo before Muslim Invasions. It consists of several historic sites, museums, art galleries, book shops, souvenir shops, and pottery centers.

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is the second-largest temple in Egypt after Karnak. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. It consists of several grand columns and statues, including the famous statue of the goddess Hathor. Many tourism companies offer a day trip to Edfu from Luxor. Edfu is a usual pit stop on a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.

Located on the banks of the river Nile, the Temple of Kom Ombo is situated in a village that goes by a similar name. This unusual temple of ancient Egypt is dedicated to two deities, Haroeris – the falcon-headed god Horus the Elder and God Sobek –crocodile–headed god, who was also the first known god of the kingdom.

Tanoura is a traditional Egyptian Sufi dance that involves whirling dervishes performing to spiritual music. The dancers wear colorful skirts that flare out as they spin on spiritual music featuring flutes and Sufi chants. Tanoura has roots in the Egyptian Sufi tradition, practiced by millions of Sufi Muslims in Egypt. While inspired by Turkish whirling dervishes, Egyptian Tanoura is distinct in its colorful attire and specific musical rhythms.

Mount Sinai is one of the most renowned tourist spots in St Catherine town in Qesm. There are two trails en route to the mountain. The first is the Camel Trail, used for going up, and the second is used to travel back to the monastery by 3750 steps leading to the foot of the mountain. A local guide and Government clearance are mandatory to hike the sacred mountain.

Egyptian food is a delightful blend of flavors and traditions, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. Staples like fava beans, lentils, and bread are central to the diet, with dishes such as ful medames (stewed fava beans) and koshari (a mix of rice, pasta, and lentils topped with a spicy tomato sauce) being local favorites. Grilled meats, particularly lamb and chicken, are often enjoyed with a variety of dips and salads, such as tahini and baba ghanoush. Egyptian cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices, offering a culinary experience that is both hearty and flavorful.

Stargazing at Hurghada is the city’s prized possession and can be witnessed with the astronomical night tour. The tour begins at dusk and sets off into the calm deserts with the starry night sky. Away from the lights and noise of the city, the sky’s view is simply breathtaking and surreal.

Visiting a hookah or shisha lounge in Egypt is a quintessential cultural experience that offers a glimpse into the local way of life. These lounges are popular social hubs where people gather to relax, chat, and enjoy the aromatic flavors of shisha, a traditional water pipe. The lounges range from casual street-side spots to upscale establishments, each offering a unique atmosphere. Common flavors include apple, mint, and grape, but more adventurous options are also available. Many shisha lounges also serve tea, coffee, and snacks, enhancing the leisurely experience.

The Siwa Salt Lakes, situated to the east of Siwa, Egypt, are a fascinating man-made wonder drawing visitors from world wide. These salt plains and lakes offer a unique experience of floating effortlessly on water, similar to Dead Sea. Moreover, the area hosts an industrial salt production operation with towering mountains of salt.

Elephantine is one of the largest islands, located on the west bank of the Nile River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often visited for its enchanting beauty and archaeological heritage. Elephantine Island can be reached by ferry or via a felucca from the Aswan river bank. It is known for its colorful Nubian villages and is a cultural experience to meet Nubian people.

Hot air balloon rides in Luxor are an absolute must-do for any tourist visiting Egypt. Offering an unparalleled experience, these flights provide breathtaking views to cherish forever. Taking place early in the morning these rides offer a unique panoramic view of Luxor's ancient monuments and temples from up high. The best time to do these rides is during sunrise or sunset.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a recreation of the ancient library of Alexandria, located on the harbour of the Mediterranean sea in Alexandria, Egypt. The modern library and culture centre includes several libraries and a reading room. Its state-of-the-art tilted sun disk-shaped design is a modern architectural marvel.

Located in the Farafra Oasis in the Western Desert, the White Desert is a protected area renowned for its stunning chalk rock formations that have been shaped by centuries of wind and sand erosion. These formations, resembling giant mushrooms, animals, and other fantastical shapes, create a landscape that looks almost otherworldly. The desert's white, cream-colored sands stand in stark contrast to the typical golden dunes found elsewhere, adding to its unique charm.