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Egypt is a country where ancient history, culture, and modern-day adventure merge into one. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the untouched beauty of the deserts and beaches, there are a lot of places for visitors to see all around the city. While Cairo often steals the spotlight, Egypt is much more than the capital. So, if you are ready to find out what else this fascinating country has to offer, here are 10 amazing things to do in Egypt.
Top Things To Do In Egypt
Egypt is famous not only for the Pyramids of Giza and the crowded streets of Cairo. The nation has all the old wonders, mesmerising landscapes, and rich cultures.
1. Explore The Pyramids of Giza
These colossal pyramids belong to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and are a manifestation of Egyptian architecture and history. It is dominated by the Great Pyramid, built for Pharaoh Khufu, towers over the rest of the region with the smaller pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure to its side. The world-famous Sphinx, a colossal limestone monument with a lion body and Pharaoh-head gives an enigmatic aura to the site. Rent a camel and ride across the desert to view the pyramids from a special vantage point at sunset, when the golden light casts a mirage upon the monuments.
Major Attractions: Great Pyramid, Great Sphinx, Camel rides
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Location: Giza Plateau, Central Cairo
2. Volunteer At Animal Care In Luxor
Photo: JavyGo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Luxor, known for its ancient tombs and temples, offers a unique opportunity for animal lovers. Animal Care Egypt (ACE) is an organisation dedicated to protecting Egypt’s working animals, such as horses, donkeys, and street dogs, all of whom are a vital part of the daily lives of Egyptians. ACE pays for medicine, food, and shelter for overworked and injured animals, and volunteers can lend their time to help with veterinary care, cleaning, feeding, and spending time with the animals.
Major Attractions: Luxor’s ancient tombs, volunteering with animals
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: Luxor, Upper Egypt
3. Visit The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is in the centre of Cairo and contains one of the largest private collections of ancient remains in the world, including Tutankhamun’s fabled treasures. It is a museum that allows us to see what it was like to be in Egypt’s former rulers’ lives and to understand the country’s history. There are more than 120,000 objects in the museum, from royal mummies to statues and jewellery. The most popular attraction is Tutankhamun’s gold mask, which captures the world’s fascination with the tomb of the young Pharaoh, who was discovered in 1922.
Major Attractions: Tutankhamun’s gold mask, royal mummies, ancient artefacts
Best Time To Visit: Morning
Location: Tahrir Square, Downtown Cairo
4. Scuba Dive In Hurghada’s Red Sea
Photo: bassel zaki / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Divers’ heaven, Hurghada, is located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The waters in Hurghada are clear, the coral reefs are colourful, and there is marine life everywhere; you can find some of the best diving spots on earth. Whether you are a seasoned diver or just a beginner, Hurghada has something for everyone, as there are dive centres that run courses and tours. You can visit Giftun Island, Ras Mohammed National Park, and the famous wreck known as Thistlegorm.
Major Attractions: Coral reefs, shipwrecks, vibrant marine life
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Location: Hurghada, Red Sea Coast
5. Take A Felucca Ride On The Nile In Aswan
Photo: Eszter Kisgyura / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
Cairo is also great for Nile cruises, but quieter and more picturesque southern Aswan is one of the few places you can experience it by cruising down the river in a felucca. These old wooden boats are great for a calm cruise on the Nile, whether it is a quiet afternoon cruise or a sunset cruise. The surrounding sights are beautiful, including the palm groves and desert sands of Aswan. Taking a felucca ride in Aswan, you can explore Elephantine Island and Nubian villages, which have incredible sights that most tourists miss.
Major Attractions: Nile views, felucca rides, Elephantine Island
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Location: Aswan Upper Egypt
6. Visit To The Abu Simbel Temples
Photo: AXP Photography / Unsplash
One of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world is the Abu Simbel Temples in the southernmost region of Egypt. These two temples, constructed by Pharaoh Ramses II, were originally carved into the mountainside to commemorate his reign and his queen, Nefertari. The gigantic statues and carvings of the temples are staggering. The temples were moved as the Aswan High Dam was constructed in the 1960s to avoid flooding. If you’re to visit Abu Simbel, you’re entering an ancient realm where the magnificence and worship of the deities were inscribed on stone forever.
Major Attractions: Ramses II’s colossal statues, ancient temple complex
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Location: Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate
7. Visit The Valley Of The Kings In Luxor
Photo: Diego F. Parra / Pexels
One of the most well-known and notable archaeological sites in Egypt is Luxor’s Valley of the Kings. There’s an ancient cemetery on the west bank of the Nile where some of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, such as Tutankhamun, were buried. You can visit more than 60 tombs, some of which are carved with impressively surviving hieroglyphs and paintings of the pharaohs’ visits to the next life. When the tomb of Tutankhamun was found in 1922, the world was hooked, and the Valley of the Kings continued to be a centre for learning about Egypt’s long dynastic past.
Major Attractions: King Tutankhamun’s tomb, detailed frescoes, pharaonic history
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Location: West Bank, Luxor
8. Relax And Unwind At Siwa Oasis
Photo: Eslam Mohammed Abdelmaksoud / Pexels
Siwa Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert is a quiet getaway full of traditional Berber life and amazing natural landscape. The resort is surrounded by salt lakes and palm trees. Siwa is where you can experience the old way of life and unwind away from all the tumult. In the oasis, there is the ancient Temple of Amun, where Alexander the Great was made a God. There, you can swim in Siwa’s springs, such as Cleopatra’s Bath, walk sand dunes, and experience the rich culture of the Berber people.
Major Attractions: Cleopatra’s Bath, Temple of Amun, Berber Culture
Best Time To Visit: March to May, October to November
Location: Siwa Oasis, Western Desert
9. Tour The Citadel Of Saladin
Photo: Ahmed Al.Badawy / Wikimedia Commons
One of Cairo’s most iconic historical sites, the Citadel of Saladin is a fantastic vantage point over the city and a window into Egypt’s medieval history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a 12-century Ayyubid citadel constructed by Saladin, the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty. A few important shrines are situated within the citadel, among them the majestic Mosque of Muhammad Ali or Alabaster Mosque because of its glossy white walls. Its big interior and its massive dome and minarets can be seen by visitors to the mosque. There is also the Military Museum and other small mosques inside the Citadel, which is an absolute must-see place for any history buff.
Major Attractions: Alabaster Mosque, Military Museum, Panoramic Views
Best Time To Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Location: A-Qalaa District, Cairo
10. Wander Through The Dunes Of The White Desert
Photo: Myousry6666 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Farafra Oasis, Egypt’s White Desert is one of the most unique landscapes in the world. A blanket of pure white limestone rock sculptured by the wind feels otherworldly and magical. You can engage in desert safaris, go on a camel ride across the dunes, and hike through interesting rock formations. You can have a magical experience by camping under the stars in the tranquil desert.
Major Attractions: Limestone formations, desert Safaris, stargazing
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location: Farafra Oasis, Western Desert
11. Discover The Red Sea Beaches
Photo: Ahmed zaki / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sharm El Sheikh is one of the resort cities of Egypt, which is famous for its clean beaches and clear waters. The city is on the Sinai Peninsula, and you can enjoy different water sports, like snorkelling, scuba diving and kite surfing. Divers love diving at the coral reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park and Naama Bay, and sunbathing on the sandy beaches is perfect for relaxation. With lovely nightlife, malls, and luxury resorts, in addition to its beaches, Sharm El Sheikh offers relaxation as well as adventure.
Major Attractions: Diving spots, Ras Mohammed National Park, Beaches
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Location: Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai Peninsula
From the majestic Giza pyramids to the tranquil shores of the Red Sea, you can enjoy various things to do in Egypt. Whether you’re exploring ancient tombs in Luxor or diving into the depths of the Red Sea, each experience in Egypt will provide you with memorable experiences. With TripXL, you can remain to ensure that you make the most of your journey. Our team of experts is here to help you craft the perfect itinerary so you can explore the best of Egypt hassle-free. Start planning your dream trip today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Jeffry S.S / Pexels
