7 Best Places to Visit in Egypt

#1 Cairo- The Cradle Of Ancient Civilization

Cairo is believed to be one of the most ancient places in the world. It is a city of great cultural and architectural significance. If you want to get a glimpse into Egypt's history and experience the culture first-hand, you need to add Cairo to your travel wish list. A visit to Cairo will put you deep into culture of Egypt. This includes learning and experiencing everything from their cuisine to hospitality to their arts and lifestyles first-hand.

The highlights of Cairo include but not limited to the followings:

The Pyramids of Giza
No trip to Cairo is complete without visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza. If you’ve never been to Cairo before, then you’ll be surprised just how close the pyramids are to the capital. Giza Pyramid Complex is located about 18 km away from Downtown Cairo across the Nile River.

The Great Pyramids of Giza date back to around 2500 BC, predating Cairo itself by several thousand years.

Next to the Pyramids, you’ll also find the iconic Sphinx, a huge monument carved into the likeness of an Ancient Egyptian deity.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
In the centre of Cairo, just outside Tahrir Square, is the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities – one of the many museums in the city exploring the glorious past of Egypt. The museum houses a collection of more than 120,000 Ancient Egyptian artifacts. Take time to browse the museum chambers, dedicated to some of the most prosperous Egyptian dynasties, and to discover what life was like during the reign of the pharaohs.

Al Azhar Mosque
Found within Islamic Cairo, the Al Azhar Mosque was built in 972 CE and was one of the first mosques to be established in what was then the new capital of a newly established Islamic Caliphate in Egypt. If you are passionate about the Islamic architecture, the Mosque of al-Azhar is a must see. You can admire the Fatimid, Mameluke and Ottoman architectural features blended together in majestic building.

The Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Overflowing into the narrow streets of Islamic Cairo, the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar serves as the go-to place for authentic Egyptian souvenirs. Its labyrinth of alleyways houses a treasure trove of Egyptian jewelry, hookah pipes and spices.

#2 Alexandria- Home of legendary Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Cleopatra

Founded by Alexander the Great, home of Cleopatra, Alexandria has a history that not many others can match.

Although today, there are few historic remnants of its illustrious past left to see, Alexandria's long seafront Corniche road leading to its fort (sitting on the site where its famous ancient lighthouse once sat) remains a favorite summer destination to capture cooling sea breezes for Egyptians and foreign visitors alike.

The city was the crown of many Empires in the region, from Greek and Roman, right through to British colonial days. There are so many incredible layers of history and culture that are just waiting to be peeled back in Alexandria.

Delve into the local souks, marvel at Pompey’s Column, and explore ancient ruins at every turn. It’s a fascinating place to visit, and to inspire your trip, here are the best things to do in Alexandria Egypt.

One of the best things to do in Alexandria Egypt is to visit the legendary Bibliotheca Alexandrina. This is the modern rendition of the ancient Library of Alexandria, which was said to have held more knowledge and books than anywhere else in the ancient world. The ancient library was lost however when the city was burnt to the ground by Julius Caesar during the wars with Rome. Although the scrolls and books were consigned to history and Alexandria fell from grace, the city’s reputation as a place for learning has never diminished.

#3 Sharm el-Sheikh- Gateway to the Red Sea

Sharm el-Sheikh is the Sinai Peninsula's major tourism center and one of the world's top diving destinations. It is also one of Egypt's best destinations if you just want to chill out on the beach. Non-divers will find plenty of land-based things to do, as Sharm is day-tripping distance to many of the Sinai Peninsula's historic and natural attractions. The top attractions to visit in Sharm El Sheikh are: Ras Mohammed National Park; SOHO Square; Old Market; Na'ama Bay and Ras Um Sid.

#4 Luxor- The World’s Largest Open-Air Museum

Luxor was the ancient city of Thebes, the great capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom ( c. 1539–1075 BCE), and the glorious city of the god Amon-Ra.

Cairo is synonymous with the Pyramids of Giza, but Luxor is where Tutankhamun and his burial chamber, and where many Pharaohs were laid to rest in the Valley of the Kings.
It has plenty to offer from breathtaking views of the Nile to ancient statues that tower over burial sites like guardians who never sleep. The following list will help you make the most out of your visit to Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Ramesseum(memorial temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II), Medinet Habu(The Mortuary Temple of Ramses III) and Valley of the Queens.

#5 Aswan- the Land of Gold

On the northern end of the First Cataract on the Nile River, marking ancient Egypt's southern frontier, Aswan has always been of great strategic importance. In ancient times it was a garrison town for the military campaigns against Nubia; its quarries provided the granite used for so many sculptures and obelisks. Now Aswan is a perfect base for exploring the temples, monuments, and other tourist attractions in the southern reaches of Upper Egypt and the area's distinctly different Nubian culture. The highlights of Aswan are: Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, Nubian Museum and the controversial Aswan's High Dam.

#6 Siwa-the definitive Egyptian oasis

Siwa is often described as the Sunset Oasis, and its sunsets are indeed unparalleled in Egypt. Whether you find a vantage point atop Dakrour Mountain or the ruined Shali Fortress, or take in the scenery and serenity of Taghaghien Island or Fatnas Island, you’re promised an unforgettable sunset. Siwa is the tranquil tonic to the hustle of Egypt's cities. This gorgeous little oasis, surrounded by date palm plantations and numerous hot-water springs, is one of the Western Desert's most picturesque spots.

Siwa town is centered around the ruins of a vast mud-brick citadel, known as the Fortress of Shali, which dominates the view, while various temple remnants, including the Temple of the Oracle where Alexander the Great is said to have come to receive advice, are scattered throughout the wider oasis area.

There are hundreds of salt pools/salt lakes spread throughout the Siwa Oasis region. Floating in these pools in the middle of the desert was a once in a lifetime experience.

#7 White Desert- Alien landscape of chalk-rock

More than 94 percent of Egypt consists of desert areas. A lot of travellers have been lured by the beauty and mesmerizing stillness of Egypt's deserts. The White Desert is a must if you want to explore desert in Egypt.

Located in the Farafra depression, a small section of Egypt’s vast Western Desert, the White Desert is located about 370 km south-west of Cairo. This area is known for having some of the rarest landscapes and geological formations in the whole country. The most characteristic of these peculiar natural formations is the famed “chicken and tree” set, also called “chicken and mushroom,” or, better yet, “chicken and atomic bomb.” It is a bizarre and awe-inspiring natural museum of chalk-rock.

Many people opt to spend a night camping in the desert with Bedouin guides, where they can observe the changing faces of chickens and mushrooms and monoliths as the bright sun of the afternoon sinks into a shadowy dusk. You'll experience the magnificent views of the starry desert sky in the night and desert sunrise in the morning.