Egypt, one of the world’s oldest civilizations is a land of ancient wonders, pharaohs and pyramids. The captivating tapestry of natural beauty, history and culture has made Egypt a haven for tourists. From enigmatic monuments to iconic pyramids, from hot deserts to long rivers, this mystical country offers an incredible mix of all. If Egypt is on your mind and don’t know where to start from, our guide to the best places to visit in Egypt offers a comprehensive view of Egypt’s past and present. Read on to know what the land of the pharaohs has in store for you.
Key Information About Egypt
Geography And Location – Egypt is located majorly in northeastern Africa with only a small portion in southwest Asia.
Climatic Conditions – Hot summers and mild winters.
History – Dates back to approximately 3100 BCE. Egypt was ruled by the pharaohs for nearly 3000 years.
Language – Official language is Arabic
Major Cities – Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh
Weather At A Glance In Egypt
Months between Oct-Apr is the high season as the weather is very mild and pleasant during this time. It is also the ideal time for sightseeing. You can expect a lot of tourists during this time with prices of accommodation and flight charges going up.
Months between May-Sep is the shoulder season with temperature being hot and dry. If you can handle the heat, exploring will be easy due to fewer crowds. Fewer crowds also means better deals.
Months between Jun-Aug is the low season as the place gets extremely hot and unbearable. Many attractions remain close during this time.
Keeping all the above points in mind, the months between October to April is the best time to visit Egypt.
8 Best Places To Visit In Egypt
The many places to visit in Egypt have a mix of both ancient and modern attractions. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones that deserve a place in your travel itinerary.
1. Pyramids Of Giza
Located on the west bank of the Nile is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza. The three main pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure) were built somewhere between 2550 and 2490 BC. It also has eight smaller pyramids surrounding the big pyramids. Its exterior views and perfect geometry of the Egypt pyramids are truly awe-inspiring. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and hence no trip to Egypt would be complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza.
Top Attractions: the Sphinx, Saqqara, Dahshur Pyramids and camel rides
2. Temples And Tombs Of Luxor
Luxor, the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Egypt is famous for its temples and tombs. With over 70 major archaeological sites, countless smaller sites, tombs, and ruins, this place has been declared the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. The rock-cut tombs of ancient pharaohs is a stunning example of the New Kingdom architecture. The whole place looks breathtakingly beautiful when it is lit up at night.
Top Attractions: Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings and Luxor cruise.
3. Historic And Modern Cairo
Egypt is not all about pyramids, the capital city Cairo has skyscrapers, bustling streets, cultural institutions, great Islamic architecture and delicious food too. There are numerous mosques, castles and churches, hence Cairo is called the “city of a thousand minarets”. The three distinct parts of Cairo (Downtown Cairo, Islamic Cairo and Croptic Cairo) is a perfect blend of modernity and older culture. If you are looking to experience both the historical and the new Islamic world, Cairo in Egypt is one of the best places to visit in Egypt.
Top Attractions: museums, Khan Al-Khalili, Coptic Cairo, Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Click Here To Book Your Cairo City Tour
4. Alexandria
It is the second-largest city in Egypt and was discovered by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Visitors can see a mix of Greco-Roman heritage and Mediterranean ambiance while touring Alexandria. The largest port in the country is also located here. The city is home to breath-taking beaches, great historical sites, and ruins of the bygone era. Alexandria’s bustling cafés and waterfront promenade makes for a great escape from the busy city life. It’s a place that has culture, history and beauty in abundance.
Top Attractions: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Lighthouse, Citadel of Qaitbay, Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
5. Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel, a UNESCO world heritage site is most popular for its awe-inspiring temple complex. It features the Great twin Temples of Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari carved into solid rock. Huge impressions of the king and the queen sitting on their thrones is an iconic image of ancient Egypt. The incredible carvings and hieroglyphics that adorn the walls of the temple are also breathtaking. The entire setting of the temples in a remote desert region along the banks of the Nile River adds more mystery to the place. Without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Egypt.
Top Attractions: Temple complex, intricate wall carvings and hieroglyphics, Lake Nasser
6. White Desert
The White Desert is a surreal Egypt attraction which you have to see to believe it. Bizarre white rock formations shaped like giant rabbits, mushrooms and other figures can be seen emerging from the ground. The white boulders take bizarre shapes due to wind erosion for several decades. This stunning natural wonder is best observed during sunset as everything around turns into a golden hue from the rays of the sun. This spectacular White Desert is among the most otherworldly places to visit in Egypt.
Top Attractions: Sunrise/Sunset, Rock formations, Wildlife
7. Dahab
If you are a beach lover and an outdoor enthusiast, Dahab, a quaint coastal village is one of the best places to visit in Egypt. Some of the world’s most spectacular marine life and coral reefs can be seen here. Dahab is home to one of the most challenging and rewarding diving sites in the world. It is also the perfect place to experience other adventure sports like surfing, scuba diving, free diving, rock climbing and desert trekking. Its laid-back atmosphere and chill vibe is what attracts digital nomads from all over the world.
Top Attractions: White Canyon, Blue Hole, and Ras Abu Galum National Park
8. Nile River
The best way to soak in Egypt’s natural beauty and to experience its lifeline is by taking a cruise through the Nile River. There is a multi-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan that sails through deep blue waters while viewing historical sites and catching breath-taking sunsets along the way. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, this is one of the best things to do in Egypt.
Top Attractions: Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and Philae Temples.
Also Read: Beyond The Pyramids Into Ancient Egypt
These beautiful places to visit in Egypt are sure to linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home. So now that you know it all, book a trip to Egypt soon. Do let us know which place made you stuck in awe out of admiration in the comments section below. Happy Exploring!
FAQs
The official language spoken by the people of Egypt is Arabic, however one can also see people speaking in Coptic, and Nubian.
Yes, places like the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Pyramid of Khufu in Egypt allow visitors to go inside by purchasing a ticket. The inside of the Pyramids is mostly made of solid stone with very little open space that requires one to navigate through claustrophobic staircases and tunnels.
There are around 118 identified pyramids in Egypt, however the exact number is always debated because some pyramids were not completed and some were buried by desert storms.
