Egypt is the land of mysteries, past and wonders. Egypt has the most beautiful historic structures, from the Pyramids of Giza to the Temples of Abu Simbel. Egypt has something for everyone, whether you are a history lover, nature enthusiast or adventure tourist. The places to visit in Egypt include monuments, cities and scenic nature of the region. These make it a destination of choice to observe a civilisation that has existed for millennia and counts for an unforgettable trip.
12 Best Places To Visit In Egypt
Here are the best places to visit in Egypt during your trip, reflecting its historical significance and its natural beauty:
1. Pyramids Of Giza
Photo: Chloekwak / Wikimedia Commons
The Pyramids of Giza are one of Egypt’s most recognisable monuments. These are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The 138-meter Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids, the only one in a very good state. You can also see the limestone Sphinx that has guarded the pyramids for centuries. The complex lies just outside Cairo and offers a window into the burial culture and the architecture of ancient Egypt. This place possesses a kind of mystique and awe that one can only get from these immense buildings.
Location: Giza
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
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2. Valley Of The Kings
Photo: Francisco Anzola / Wikimedia Commons
The Valley of the Kings is a burial site of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, such as Tutankhamun. It is situated on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor. It is one of Egypt’s most valuable archaeological sites. There are more than 60 tombs embedded into the rock. The archaeological site is open to visitors. They can wander through the preserved tombs decorated with colourful paintings and writings that are devoted to scenes from Egyptian mythology. Some tombs, such as Tutankhamun’s tomb and KV62, require an extra entrance fee. The Valley of the Kings provides a view of the royal afterlife and Egypt’s ancient grave practices.
Location: Luxor
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
3. Islamic Cairo
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Islamic Cairo has great medieval architecture and history. It’s a place filled with mosques, madrasas and Islamic Golden Age monuments. One of the highlights is the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture in Cairo. There are lots of markets that sell traditional crafts. A visit to the culture of Islamic Cairo is a chance to stroll the streets and explore the vibrant culture. It is a good place to explore where you can immerse yourself in Egypt’s Islamic past.
Location: Cairo
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4. Citadel Of Saladin
Photo: Chemist.wael / Wikimedia Commons
The Citadel of Saladin is one of the most well-known monuments in Cairo. It was founded by the Ayyubid emperor Saladin around the 12th century. The fortress was built to defend Cairo from Crusaders and sits on a hill with an unrivalled view of the city. Within the Citadel, you’ll find a number of beautiful mosques. One of them is the largest mosque in Cairo, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The Citadel also has museums like the Military Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art. If you are a history enthusiast, a trip to the Citadel of Saladin is an introduction to Egypt’s medieval culture and military architecture.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
5. Aswan
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Full of scenic beauty and historical significance, Aswan is a peaceful city located in southern Egypt. It was once an important centre of trade and culture, particularly for the Nubian civilisation. Aswan offers stunning views of the Nile and is home to the famous Elephantine Island, where visitors can experience the colourful Nubian villages. One of the highlights of Aswan is its proximity to the magnificent Abu Simbel temples. Aswan also serves as the gateway to Lake Nasser, where tourists can explore ancient temples like Philae.
Location: 900 km from Cairo
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6. Abu Simbel Temples
Photo: Olaf Tausch / Wikimedia Commons
Abu Simbel temples, located in Nubia near the Sudanese border, are some of the most interesting ancient sites in Egypt. Built by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, these massive rock temples were carved into the mountainside to honour Ramesses and his queen, Nefertari. The grandeur of the temples is matched only by the fact that they were relocated in the 1960s. It is done so as to avoid being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser. One of the temples is dedicated to Ramesses and the other to Nefertari, which features colossal statues and intricate carvings.
Location: Abu Simbel, Nubia
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
7. Egyptian Museum
Photo: Bs0u10e01 / Wikimedia Commons
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the house of the world’s most extensive collection. This is of ancient Egyptian artefacts that tells about Egypt’s rich history. There are more than 120,000 objects in the museum’s collection, such as Tutankhamun’s treasures, the royal mummies, and a collection of statues, ceramics and jewellery. The highlight of the museum is the King Tutankhamun exhibit, including his famous golden mask and other remains from his tomb. The Egyptian Museum, displaying Egypt’s premodern civilisation, is one of the places to visit in Egypt related to Egyptology and history.
Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
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8. White Desert
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
The White Desert in the Farafra Oasis is a dreamlike stretch of Egypt’s Sahara Desert. It is known for its white chalk mountains, carved from the rock by the wind over thousands of years. The snowy stones, boulders and golden sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea offer a mesmerising view. It can be a dream-like vacation, far from the crowds of Egypt’s more well-known destinations. There are also geological wonders in the region, such as Crystal Mountain and Black Desert. It is a very isolated, quiet place and gives a different side to the Egyptian landscape.
Location: Farafra
9. Abydos
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
One of Egypt’s best archaeological remains, Abydos, is about 500 km outside Cairo. The city was a key site of worship, and the location of the Temple of Seti I. Here you will find the Abydos List, the chronology of Egypt’s rulers. The ancient Egyptian pharaohs had been buried at Abydos, too. Its ruin is home to temples, tombs and statues that give a window into the ancient Egyptian faith and funeral practices. Abydos is a hidden place, not the most well-known one, a more personal and ancient trip for those wanting to get a sense of Egypt’s ancient culture.
Location: Abydos, 500 km from Cairo
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
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10. Alexandria
Photo: David Evers / Wikimedia Commons
One of the culturally richest cities in Egypt is Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Alexandria, once the epicentre of the Hellenistic world, had the Library of Alexandria, one of the largest and most influential libraries in the ancient world. At present, you can visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a tribute to the ancient library. There are Mediterranean beaches, old forts such as the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Alexandria. It is a unique and beautiful city in Egypt with its mix of antiquity and civilisation as well as an attractive coastline.
Location: 200 km from Cairo
11. Ras Muhammad National Park
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Dive and snorkel at Ras Muhammad National Park, Sinai Peninsula, which is among the world’s best places. The park is rich in coral reefs, with turquoise water and marine creatures, ranging from dolphins to sea turtles. Ras Muhammad has some really unique deserts that contrast brilliantly with the colourful underwater scenery. One can take a boat tour to explore mangroves and indulge in underwater photography to discover the park’s ecosystems. The Ras Muhammad National Park is a place to visit if you’re an adventure traveller or water sports freak.
Location: Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Cairo
12. Karnak Temple
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Karnak Temple complex at Luxor is one of Egypt’s biggest and most stunning temple complexes. The complex was built in dedication to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut and Khonsu and was built over many centuries (subtle changes by successive pharaohs). There are obelisks, statues and the Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 giant columns in its vast open-air courtyard. Karnak Temple is a religious site and a work of ancient Egyptian architecture. You can visit Karnak to feel a connection to God and enjoy one of the most spectacular religious locations in the world.
Location: Luxor
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Egypt is a land that has its own traditions, cultures, and wonders. It has attracted travellers for centuries, and there are lots of places to visit in Egypt. Whether you’re looking for pyramids or serene Aswan, Egypt is an unmatched trip back in time. Whether it is in the Valley of the Kings’ high tombs or the salt-water pool of Ras Muhammad National Park, every corner of Egypt is a tale of pre-historic civilisation. Plan your visit to Egypt, an irresistible destination, with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Ricardo Liberato / Wikimedia Commons