Best Places to Visit in Egypt
Best Places to Visit in Egypt
Thinking about a trip to Egypt? You’re in for a treat. Egypt mixes jaw-dropping ancient sites, sun-soaked beaches, and friendly chaos in its cities. Below I’ll walk you through the top places to visit in Egypt, with practical tips and a sample itinerary so you can make the most of your time.
Cairo & the Pyramids of Giza: Where it all begins
If you close your eyes and picture Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza probably pop up first. Standing in front of these ancient giants is surreal — the scale, the history, the stories. Spend a day exploring the plateau, then head into Cairo for the Egyptian Museum and bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar. For reliable background on the Giza site, see the UNESCO page.
Quick tips for Cairo
- Go early to the pyramids to beat the heat and the crowds.
- Bring a light scarf — dust and sun can be relentless.
- Hire a licensed guide for deeper context about the archaeology and history.
Luxor & the Valley of the Kings: Egypt’s open-air museum
Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum — and with good reason. On the east bank, you’ve got the Karnak and Luxor Temples; on the west bank, the Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun and many other pharaohs were buried. Walking through the painted tombs feels like stepping back in time.
Must-see spots in Luxor
- Karnak Temple complex — allow at least two hours.
- Valley of the Kings — pick 3–4 tombs to avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir el-Bahari — stunning architecture carved into cliffs.
Aswan & Philae: Relaxed and riverside
Aswan has a slower pace compared to Cairo and Luxor. It’s a great place to unwind, take a felucca boat on the Nile, and visit the beautiful Philae Temple dedicated to Isis. The Nile views at sunrise are something I never forget — coffee in hand, light dancing on the water.
Alexandria: Mediterranean flavor and history
Built by Alexander the Great, Alexandria offers a different vibe — breezy waterfronts, seafood, and Greco-Roman ruins like the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. Don’t miss the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern cultural hub built to echo the ancient library.
Red Sea & Sinai: Beaches, reefs, and diving
If you want sun, sand, and spectacular underwater life, head to the Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh. The snorkeling and diving are world-class. For a different flavor, Sinai’s Dahab is a laid-back backpacker town that’s perfect for relaxing after temple-hopping.
Activities to try
- Snorkeling or diving to see coral reefs and colorful fish.
- Glass-bottom boat tours if you prefer to stay dry.
- Desert jeep safaris and Bedouin dinners for a cultural twist.
Practical tips for first-time visitors
From planning when to go to what to pack, here are a few things I wish someone told me before my first trip:
- Best time to visit: October to April when temperatures are milder.
- What to pack: Lightweight layers, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, and a reusable water bottle.
- Safety: Stick to main tourist areas, use reputable guides, and keep copies of important documents.
- Money: Have some cash for small markets; cards work in hotels and bigger places.
Sample 7-day itinerary
If you only have a week, here’s a balanced plan I recommend:
- Day 1: Arrive in Cairo, explore Khan el-Khalili.
- Day 2: Giza Plateau and Egyptian Museum.
- Day 3: Fly to Luxor, evening temple visits.
- Day 4: Valley of the Kings and Karnak.
- Day 5: Travel to Aswan, relax by the Nile.
- Day 6: Philae Temple and felucca ride.
- Day 7: Fly back to Cairo or extend to the Red Sea for a beach finish.
Useful resources
For up-to-date travel advice and practical details, the Egypt Official Travel Site is a great place to start. And if you’re diving into the archaeological background, UNESCO has excellent material on many of the major sites.
Final thoughts
Egypt is one of those countries that sticks with you. The history is humbling, the people are warm, and there’s a real variety of experiences — from the hustle of Cairo to the quiet of a Nile sunset. Whether you’re chasing the iconic pyramids, exploring temples in Luxor, or diving the Red Sea, these best places to visit in Egypt will give you memories that last a lifetime.
Have specific dates or interests? Tell me what you like (history, beaches, diving, food), and I can tailor a suggested itinerary just for you.
