24 Best Tourist Attractions in Egypt

Use our list of the Best Tourist Attractions in Egypt to plan your trip. If you have finally decided to visit the country of the pharaohs, you are surely wondering what are the best things to see and do in Egypt. Well, in this post we are going to recommend the 20 essential places to visit in Egypt!

Egypt, where the ancient Pharaohs lived, is a place full of beautiful temples and tombs that amaze everyone who goes there. Not everything here is a historic treasure or a tourist attraction.
Cairo is the largest city, and city dwellers can’t beat it. The Siwa oasis and the town of Aswan in the south offer a taste of the slow pace of the countryside.

Egypt is a great place to visit because there is so much to see and do. Visitors can plan trips that include culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Check out the following items on our content list for information on the Best Tourist Attractions in Egypt:

*Best Tourist Attractions in Cairo 

(Giza pyramids, Islamic Cairo, Coptic Cairo, Saladin’s Citadel, Egyptian Museum, and Khan el Khalili)

*Best Tourist Attractions in Luxor and Aswan

(Abu Simbel Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Karnak Temple, Temple of Philae, Temple of Kom Ombo, Edfu Temple, and Nile Cruise)

*Best Tourist Attractions in the Red Sea

(Hurghada, El Gouna, Sharm El-Sheikh, dahab, and Marsa Alam)

*Best Tourist Attractions In the Mediterranean sea

(Alexandria,and El Alamein)

*Best Tourist Attractions in the Western Desert

(White Desert, Bahariya Oasis, and Siwa Oasis)

Best Tourist Attractions in Egypt

*In Cairo

1- The Giza Pyramids

One of the most magnificent destinations to visit in Egypt and throughout the globe is the Pyramids of Giza, the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that has been maintained.

The three huge pyramids, which are fewer than 20 kilometers from Cairo and include the tombs of the pharaohs Cheops, Khafre, and Micerinos, stand out among the rest of the country’s structures.

The fantastic Pyramids of Giza are the world’s oldest tourist attraction, having survived as the sole survivors of the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World. The three pyramids, known as Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus, had been standing for more than 2,000 years when Herodotus, the Greek historian, paid a visit to them (5th century BC).

The Pyramids were built by a highly competent corps of mathematicians, masons, surveyors, and stonecutters who worked together as a team. The backbreaking labor of lifting and setting the stones of the world’s most enormous pyramid, Cheops, was carried out by 100,000 enslaved people over many years. Even today, experts are divided on how they accomplished this incredible feat of architecture, given the prehistoric tools that were available to the Egyptians at the time.

Egypt has thus far been home to 138 pyramids that have been uncovered. During the Old and Middle Kingdom eras, most were constructed as tombs for the country’s Pharaohs and their consorts. According to Egyptian mythology, all of the pyramids were built on or near the west bank of the Nile, which, being the location of the sinking sun, was connected with the world of the dead. The Pyramids are a labyrinth of convoluted corridors that were built to keep the great Pharaohs in the afterlife, as well as their hordes of riches, from being discovered.

2- Islamic Cairo 

One of the top tourist destinations in Egypt is the Islamic Cairo neighborhood, which is home to several mosques, monuments, and madrassas from the medieval era. The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan serves as a striking illustration and outward symbol of the Islamic legacy of this lovely city. If you dig deep enough, the area close to the walled city is one of the greatest sites to visit in Egypt in 2022. You can also locate workshops and artisan families that have worked there for a century.

3- Coptic Cairo

One of Egypt’s most influential Christian places is the Coptic Cairo neighborhood.

This district was the Fortress of Babylon until the Achaemenid Empire took over Egypt in 525 BCE. It is now home to Cairo’s oldest church, synagogue, and mosque and the excellent Coptic Museum, which has the world’s most extensive collection of Coptic Christian art and antiquities.

A part of the Fortress of Babylon’s walls, which were fixed up and made bigger when the Romans were in charge, is still standing and serves as the entrance to the neighborhood.

The Hanging Church has a great collection of icons and was built half over a Roman water wheel, which is how it got its name. Then, make your way down the narrow alley to the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, which, according to local legend, was built on the spot where the Holy Family and baby Jesus hid after fleeing King Herod.

The famous Geniza document cache was found close by at the Ben Ezra Synagogue.

The Mosque of Amr Ibn Al-As is just a short walk away. It was built by the Arab Muslim army commander who took control of Egypt and became the first governor of Egypt.

4-Saladin’s Citadel

The renowned Ayyubid monarch, Saladin, constructed the castle to defend Cairo and Fustat (the first Egyptian capital under the Caliphate) from the Crusaders. It is one of several historic Egyptian locations designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The enormous fortification’s perimeter is ringed with multiple watchtowers, and within are several magnificent mosques and the Well of Joseph. Three locations, the Al-Naseer, Sulayman Pasha, and the Al Gawhara Palace museum, are essential stops in Cairo, Egypt sightseeing excursions.

5- Egyptian Museum

You may be wondering where all the famed riches went after discovering temples, palaces, and tombs that date back thousands of years in the ancient Egyptian towns that have been found. The Egyptians were known for interring their deceased with various items, including gold, golden objects, literature, and other things. Fear not, because that desire has come true thanks to the Egyptian Museum. The pyramids only tell you a portion of the narrative; the other part is preserved in the world’s most extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, which includes the renowned Tutankhamun tomb excavation and is one of the most breathtaking tourist attractions in Egypt.

6- Khan el Khalili

Khan el Khalili market is one of Cairo’s numerous Egyptian tourist attractions. It is a former business district that resembles an absolute labyrinth with several streets and tents selling unique things. It’s fantastic for shopping and even for bringing gifts of mementos.

Everything from textiles to garments to handicrafts to decorations to teas and spices may be found there. The area is one that you could spend a lot of time investigating, and I recommend spending at least a whole day in the vast market.

Khan el Khalili and the Al-Muski market are crucial for making Cairo a location of tradition in commerce in the nation and the globe. This is especially true, given that we are talking about Egypt.

*In Luxor and Aswan

7- Abu Simbel Temple

This archaeological site is famous for the two rock-cut temples that the great pharaoh Ramses II had built to celebrate a war victory in the 13th century BC. Both temples, which were built in honor of the pharaoh and his favorite wife, Nefertari, had to be moved in 1968 because a dam was built on the Nile River, making them even more well-known worldwide.

Temples of Abu Simble Built in honor of the renowned King Ramses II of Egypt, the colossal Sun Temple of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel is considered to be the most impressive temple in all of ancient Egypt, because of its massive rock-cut façade and massive pillars. Four huge sculptures of the pharaoh himself stand guard at the entrance to the temple, which has been hewn into the mountainside to protect it. In a fit of architectural egotism and meticulous planning, Ramses II had the entire temple meticulously angled and oriented so that the sun’s rays would align twice a year on his ascension to the throne (21 February) and on his birthday (21 October) and illuminate the temple’s inner sanctum, as well as the surrounding areas. This remarkable natural occurrence creates a very stunning spectacle, which has come to be known as the Sun Festival of King Ramses II due to its dazzling nature. We suggest you go first thing in the morning to avoid the heat and most people. We also offer you to stay near the complex for one night to see the nightly light show.

8- Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings, which is located in the 4,000-year-old city of Luxor, is studded with tombs that are frequently lavishly painted, and which were built to hold the royal sarcophagi-enclosed mummies of the great pharaohs who were awaiting their passage into the afterlife. The tombs of Ramses II, Seti I, Amenhotep II, and, of course, the tomb of King Tutankhamun are among the most well-known of the city’s monuments.

In all, more than 60 magnificent and ornate tombs have been unearthed in this region. There are at least 75 tombs in Biban al-Harim, also known as the Valley of the Queens, with just around 4 of them being available to the public. The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, also known as Deir al- Bahri, rises out of the desert plain in a series of terraces and is one of the most renowned structures in the world. It is one of Egypt’s most beautiful and photographed monuments, and it is partially rock-cut and partly freestanding.

9-Temple of Hatshepsut

It is advised to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most spectacular temples, on the day of the tour to the Valley of the Kings and to pause in front of the commanding Colossi of Memnon.

In addition to its distinctive style, the Temple of Hatshepsut is exceptional in Egypt because it honors Queen Hatshepsut, the only female pharaoh. It was created by the architect Senemut and stood apart from the rest of the nation’s monuments thanks to three terraces on an outside portion and an excavation in the rock. Although all of the references to the queen were destroyed by her stepson, Tutmosis III, as retaliation for stealing her reign from him, the temple’s reliefs explain her history.

The Colossi of Memnon is located near Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. These two twins and colossal stone sculptures stand in for Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who oversaw the entrance to his everlasting burial place, and four other fallen colossi.

10- Karnak temple

 The temples of Karnak and Luxor, which are second only to the famous pyramids in terms of attraction, are some of the most spectacular monuments of ancient history anywhere on the globe. Karnak is considered to be one of the world’s biggest temple complexes, and it has grown in size over hundreds of years as each pharaoh built on top of the previous one. The Karnak complex is divided into four different portions, only the Amun-Re precinct is available to the public. The rest of the complex is closed to visitors. The Amun-Re section of the complex comprises a slew of elaborate temples, columns, and an obelisk that are all worth seeing. They are as, if not more, spectacular as the Memphis temples, which were erected about 1,400 BC. The Luxor temples, which were built around the same time, represent an unusually vital chapter in Egyptian history since they were the place where many of the country’s monarchs were crowned. Among the many sandstone constructions on the site are sculptures of gods and pharaohs as well as paintings and friezes that are both magnificent. It should go without saying that no vacation to Egypt would be complete without taking in the ancient grounds on which these temples are located.

11- Temple of Philae

The magnificent town of Aswan, located on the banks of the River Nile, serves as the starting point for both the felucca ride downstream to Kom Ombo and the optional Abu Simbel excursions, which are all optional. Visiting Elephantine and Kitchener Islands is highly recommended, as is dining at one of the many eateries located along the corniche. Travel by boat to Agelika Island, where you will be able to see the Temple of Philae, which dates back to the Ptolemaic and Roman times. The temple of Isis, which occupies almost one-quarter of the island, is the most impressive structure on the island. Pictures of Ptolemaic and Roman rulers going about their everyday lives and conducting ceremonial rites adorn the walls of the temple. Later, when this temple was transformed into a church, Christians adorned the stones with crosses of their own. As well as being a tourist attraction in and of itself, the laid-back Nubian town itself is brimming with vibrant marketplaces, spicy fragrances, old Pharaonic and Roman ruins, and history dating back to the ancient country of Nubia.

12- The Temple of Kom Ombo

The second temple we visited on our Nile trip was the Temple of Kom Ombo, situated on the Nile’s banks, approximately 50 kilometers from Aswan. This temple, which Ramses II built, is unique because it is a twin temple with two symmetrical portions, one dedicated to the deity Sobek and the other to the god Haroeris.

Horus had the head of a falcon, but Sobek had a crocodile head on a human body. A crocodile mummy may be found within the temple as a curiosity, while reliefs made with historical medical tools can be seen outside.

You may read this article on the most stunning locations in Aswan for more details.

13- Edfu Temple

One of Egypt’s most stunning sights is the Temple of Edfu also known as Horus, the country’s second-largest temple after Karnak. Under Ptolemy III’s rule, work on the temple to the deity Horus started in the city of Edfu, which is situated on the banks of the Nile. The temple was submerged under the desert sand for many years before being uncovered by the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette.

Due to its underground location in this period, it is one of the best-preserved temples with beautiful sculptures and reliefs, and since it is close to the Nile, cruise ships that cross the river often stop here.

14- One of the things to do in Egypt is a Nile cruise

Most of Egypt’s most important tourist destinations are centered around the banks of the Nile, the world’s second-longest river after the Amazon. Being in one of the world’s most desolate regions, the river has always been an unending source of life and resources, ethereal for the creation and development of Ancient Egypt. If you go on a trip, whether it’s organized or unplanned, you must take a cruise on the Nile for a few days; we can assure you that it will be an experience you will never forget.

Most cruise ships go from Aswan to Luxor in three or four days, sailing at night and making stops at several of the most significant monuments.

Don’t miss to check out our Egypt Nile Cruise

*In the Red sea

15- Hurghada

The Red Sea resort of Hurghada, which was established in the early twentieth century, had a tremendous boom in the 1980s, owing to the influx of tourists. It is now possible to visit three major centers and a large number of self-contained tourist communities in Hurghada. Ed-Dahar is located to the north of Hurghada, and it is home to more than half of the city’s inhabitants, as well as some of the city’s most luxurious hotels, restaurants, and tourist marts. Sigala is a few km south of Ed-Dahar and is arguably less well-known than the former. The town of New Hurghada is even farther south, and here you will find a concentration of upmarket hotels and restaurants. As a result of all of this growth, Hurghada has emerged as one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations on the Red Sea coast. Holidaymakers may enjoy superb aquatic amenities such as sailing, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving, and snorkeling thanks to new hotels and improved infrastructure.

As a result of Hurghada’s central position, it is a gateway to some of the world’s most spectacular offshore reefs. Hurghada is also well-known for having a thriving nightlife scene. Shopping is easy in the town, which offers a variety of businesses offering knock-off bags and shirts, snorkeling gear, and other similar items. A little distance outside of Hurghada lies a historic Roman quarry known as Mons Porphyritic, as well as Port Safaga, which is renowned for being a windy location and an ideal area for windsurfing.

For further information, refer to this list of things to see and do in Hurghada.

16- El Gouna

El Gouna offers a variety of leisure activities that may provide both peace and an element of adventure. Diverse water sports and activities, including kite and windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving, are prevalent in the city. Along with several beaches, including Zeytuna, Mangroovy, and Moods Beach, El Gouna has more than 18 hotels, three enormous marinas, and two enormous golf courses. Additional amenities include Smokery Beach, Makani Beach Club, Element Watersports, Marina Beach, and DuPont Pool Club. The Silver Cable Park, swimming with dolphins in the dolphin house, boarding a fishing boat, and a submarine excursion through the belly of the red sea are some of the most fun things to do in El Gouna.

17- Sharm el-Sheikh

Numerous excursions and tours in Egypt conclude with a few days of rest at the Red Sea, located in the Indian Ocean south of the Sinai Peninsula. It is a paradisiacal location with vast coral reefs teeming with exotic species and crystal clear seas that are said to be the warmest sea on the globe. You can engage in some of the most incredible diving and snorkeling worldwide here.

Sharm el Sheikh stands out among the tourist destinations where you may base yourself and take advantage of its thrilling activities. At the same time, Hurghada has also recently gained popularity, which we shall cover at a later point.

In addition to diving and snorkeling trips, Sharm el Sheikh, a modest fishing hamlet in the center of the Sinai desert, has grown into a metropolis with a sizable all-inclusive hotel infrastructure. You can also enjoy its vibrant nightlife, excellent beaches, and quad excursions across the desert here. If you’d rather get a cozy guided tour of the nation that visits the top attractions in Egypt and the Red Sea.

18-Dahab

Dahab is one of the best tourist attractions in Egypt to go to the Red Sea, and the Blue Hole is the most dangerous place to dive in the world and is close to Dahab. There are many ways to have fun in the city, such as camel and horse rides, cycling, jeep and quad bike trips, safari trips into the desert, where you can have a magical time in a Bedouin village, the best hotels and restaurants, and the coolest nightclubs. Compared to Sharm El Sheikh and Ras Suder, the city is known for being the cheapest place to dive in Sinai.

19- Marsa Alam

There are more possibilities for excellent beaches on the southern Red Sea coast, each with a distinct flair. The rich marine environment in Marsa Alam, which includes incredible multicolored corals, manatees, and dolphins, makes it the most popular diving destination in Egypt today. Marsa Alam is also a part of one of the best tourist attractions in Egypt.

Without a doubt, this was among the best places to see in Egypt! A little-traveled location is always pleasant, and Marsa Alam feels like an unspoiled paradise. I recommend it to anybody looking to explore new territory, dive, or travel.

*In the Mediterranean sea

20- Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt’s historic capital, was built by the famous Alexander the Great and is a fascinating city located on the country’s northern coast, where the magnificent Mediterranean Sea laps at its shore. The city, which was built some 2,300 years ago, has gone a long way, but its old magnificence still shines through and is mingled with aspects of modernity, resulting in a distinct aura that needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Even though the Pharos, a lighthouse that was once considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was demolished long ago, the idea that Alexandria was formerly home to it is a significant attraction for tourists. Even if you won’t be able to see this magnificent monument anymore, the city is still infused with its importance, and a visit to the Alexandria National Museum will undoubtedly aid you in your quest to understand Alexandria’s rich cultural legacy and interesting past.

Discover the history of the area and its key attractions, including the Kom el Dekka site, the National Museum of Alexandria, the Qaitbay Fortress, Montazah Palace, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Catacombs of Kom El Shuqqafa.

21-El Alamein

El Alamein is best known as the location of some of the most terrible battles of the Second World War, and it has since become a place of pilgrimage for those who seek to pay their respects to those who perished during the fighting there. Allied leaders realized that if Germany set its sights on the Suez Canal, they would have no choice but to defeat their soldiers or face a significant setback in their capacity to get supplies. It was after the deaths of 80,000 troops that the combat came to a close, and the Allies were victorious, making it one of the most pivotal events of the war in its entirety. Even after more than seven decades, the rows of graves in the numerous war cemeteries serve as a constant reminder of the devastating loss that each of the countries engaged experience. But El Alamein is more than just a somber reminder of the past; it also has beautiful beaches, lapped by sparkling sea, that provide the ideal setting for appreciating life and its pleasures in the present and past.

*In the Western Desert

22- White Desert

Spending two days seeing the White Desert is another unusual activity in Egypt that is becoming increasingly popular among visitors traveling alone.

The White Desert is an area of Egypt’s great western desert that is 45 kilometers north of the city of Farafra, on the Libyan border, and about 400 kilometers southwest of Cairo. It is distinguished by its imposing white mountains, enormous dunes of golden-colored sand, and unusual limestone and chalk formations that create a landscape right at home in a Star Wars film.

Other attractions seen throughout the journey include the Bahariya Oasis, the Black Desert, the Agabat Valley, and the Crystal Mountain. You will also have a classic Bedouin supper and spend the night in a tent beneath a starry sky, in addition to seeing the fantastic formations of the White Desert.

23-Bahariya Oasis

In 1996, a large cemetery with more than thirty tombs was found in the Bahariya Oasis. This made the oasis famous. About 250 “golden mummies” were at the site, all from different times in history. There are also ruins and pieces of the Temple of Alexander on the site. Aside from being a place where mummies were found, Bahariya was also an important agricultural center in Egypt, and it is still known for making wine. Some of the most popular places to visit in and around Bahariya are the White Desert and Crystal Mountain. Both are known for their strange rock formations that tend to fascinate tourists.

24- Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis is a quiet place that sits alone in the western corner of the Western Desert, opposite Egypt’s busy cities. This beautiful oasis is one of the most beautiful places in the Western Desert; it is surrounded by date palm plantations and has many hot water springs.

Siwa town is centered around the ruins of the Fortress of Shali, a sizeable mud-brick citadel that dominates the view. Other temple ruins, such as the Temple of the Oracle, where Alexander the Great is said to have gone to get advice, are scattered around the oasis area.

This is a great place to relax and take it easy for a few days. It’s also a great place to plan trips into the desert that’s all around.

 

Now that you know what to see in Egypt, what are you waiting for? If the idea of going to one or more of these places has gotten you excited, “Egypt Trip Guides” can help you plan your trip to Egypt without stress and at the best price. Find out about the best tourist spots in Egypt and all the places to go in Egypt so you can book your dream trip right away. Check out our Egypt Vacation Packages with our qualified Egyptologist with the best Egypt travel guide in Egypt.