There is no lack of things to do in Egypt, as the country is brimming with ancient locations, beaches, landscapes, dive sites, and museums. Visitors can explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the ancient temples of Luxor, cruise along the Nile River, or head to Nefertaris’s tomb.
However, Egypt is not all about temples and ancient history; the country has a gorgeous coast and is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Its culture is a heady mix, and its influence across the world is, at times, surprising. Even the country’s cuisine will leave visitors wanting more. It all meant that tourism in the country has been ongoing for nearly a century, and despite recent hardships, the country still receives 15 million visitors annually.
Even after our nearly three-week trip to the country, we left wanting to explore the country’s desert landscapes, teeming coral reefs, and bustling streets. Of course, there is always another ancient site to visit, Abu Simbel or Karnak. This Egypt travel guide is here to help you plan a trip to Egypt and fill your days with what interests you most.
The Best Things to Do in Egypt
Cairo
It’s impossible to visit Egypt and skip its capital city. Cairo is the largest Arabic city and is famous for its Islamic architecture (and copious minarets). If you’re a photographer or a history buff, this is a must-see, mainly if you are interested in the history of the ancient world.
Cairo is associated with Ancient Egypt due to its proximity to the Nile Delta, the ancient city of Memphis, and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Some of the best things to do in Cairo are go to the Khan el-Khalili famous bazaar and step inside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Pyramids of Giza
You can’t visit Cairo and not head to the pyramids; they are among those unbelievable vacation spots in the world to visit. The Pyramids of Giza have been an icon for the country for hundreds of years, and everyone visiting the country will have visiting on their list.
It’s easy to visit the pyramids yourself, but to hear all the stories and get the information; it’s best to hire a guide for the day to share all the exciting news and facts about Egypt.
Camel rides are available, and you will 100% get asked if you want a camel ride. We declined the ride as the camels looked like they were in poor condition.
It’s possible to go inside the Pyramid of Kofu for an extra ticket. However, if you get claustrophobic, I would avoid it. It’s boiling, humid, and tight.
Make sure to see the Sphinx before leaving. It’s a long walk or a short drive away from the main pyramid complex, but well worth a stop and photo op. Our guide for the day brought us here, which was extremely helpful, and we were happy we had him guide us around the large site in the heat.
Luxor
Once again, this is a must-see for Egyptology enthusiasts or anyone who loves a good historical site. Luxor is a city on the banks of the Nile, known for being the site of the ancient city of Thebes—the pharaohs’ seat of power during their reign.
Karnak and Luxor Temples are the main sights to see here (two massive surviving structures from the golden age of Thebes). For those who like tombs, royal burial sites of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are also in the area. Visiting Luxor to tour the temple complexes is one of best things to do in Egypt and is on most visitors’ Egypt bucket lists. If you book a Egypt Tour, it will 100% take you to Luxor.
Aswan
Aswan is a city located in southern Egypt that is known for several things. The most famous attraction in Aswan is the Aswan High Dam, a large dam built in the 1960s to control the Nile River’s flow and generate hydroelectric power.
Aswan also has several ancient temples, including the Temple of Philae, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis and was built in the 4th century BC. Aswan is home to many Nubian communities, and visitors can experience Nubian culture and traditions by visiting traditional villages, trying Nubian cuisine, and shopping for Nubian handicrafts.
All in all, Aswan is a must-see in Egypt. Things to do in Aswan include seeing a massive (unfinished) obelisk, an open-air museum, a mausoleum, and Elephantine Island, which is chock full of archeological sites.
There’s even a monastery in the middle of the desert. Being located right on the banks of the Nile, consider taking a boat cruise up the river, whether just for the day or to sail to your next destination.
Nile River Cruise
One of the best things to do in Egypt is cruise up or down the Nile. There are many cruise companies in Egypt that will take visitors up and down the Nile with various price points. We booked the luxurious Steam Ship Sudan, and this five-day trip allowed us to check many of the sites on this best things to do in Egypt list.
A Nile River Cruise can be a great way to see all Egypt offers between Luxor and Aswan. There’s no better feeling than watching the sun go down on the banks of the Nile from the actual Nile River.
The ship we went on has to be the most unique in all of Egypt. The SS Sudan is the most luxurious way to cruise the Nile. This ship is over 100 years old, and between 1922 and 1935, it enjoyed the “golden age” of Nile River cruising. In 1933, Agatha Christie embarked on an archaeological mission and was inspired to write Death on the Nile, with people she met on the cruise becoming real-life characters in the book. We made an entire video to showcase this great ship!
From the Second World War to the 1990s, the SS Sudan sat docked until she was revitalized at the turn of the century. Now it sits as one of the last reminders of the golden era in Egypt. See our full review of our time on this ship here.
Hurghada
After spending time landlocked among temple and pyramid ruins, we can’t blame anyone for wanting to soak in a bit of sun by the sea. Hurghada is a beachside resort town along the Red Sea coast, famed for its world-renowned scuba diving (there are even many diving schools here to help you learn).
The Sekalla district is more modern, with nightclubs, restaurants, and bars. At the same time, the “old town” (El Dahar) is home to more traditional cultural ventures like souks and conventional Egyptian coffee shops (so there’s something for everyone).
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Soma Bay
Less than an hour away from Hurghada is Soma Bay. Soma Bay is a coastal resort area tucked away on its peninsula. It’s one of the best things to see in Egypt and where you’ll find honeymooners, families, and passionate divers.
It’s one of the best places in Egypt to have a completely relaxing holiday, go diving, or try your hand at golf. It has all the fun adventure things like windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and quad biking across the desert.
Marsa Alam
If long stretches of white sand, crystalline waters, and coral reefs are remotely up your alley, there’s a strong chance you will like Marsa Alam. And enjoying the Red Sea is one of the best things in Egypt!
Also located on the Red Sea coast, this is an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling, particularly if you want to see the sea turtles or dugongs (similar to manatees) that call the region home.
Among the other things to do, there are ancient gold mines, emerald mines, a shipping port, and nearby Karnak Temple (see below for more info) for those who can’t get their fill of historical sites.
Temple of Karnak
One of the main Egyptian points of interest is Karnak Temple. The most remarkable thing about the Temple of Karnak is that it’s less a single temple so much as it is an entire complex of temples, chapels, pillars, and other structures in varying states of decay. It’s not far from Luxor, so it could be worked into your time staying there as a day trip.
Construction on the temple began around 2055 BC, though much remains from slightly more modern times (11th century AD). The grounds of the temple are vast and even include an open-air museum. Of the four parts of the complex, the largest one (the Precinct of Amun-Re) is the only one open to travelers.
Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh is a resort town located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and one of the best things to do in Egypt for those after a bit of R&R. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for those interested in diving and snorkeling.
The town is surrounded by the Red Sea and the Sinai Mountains, offering stunning views while enjoying the clear waters of the Red Sea. Popular things to do here include taking a 4×4 jeep tour to explore the nearby desert, or go on a boat tour to discover the coral reefs and the abundant marine life that inhabit the Red Sea.
Sharm El-Sheikh is well known in the Arab world for its collection of luxury resorts, hotels, and fine restaurants. For those not looking to get out on the water or sandy in the desert there is ample shopping here at the Old Market.
For those interested in history and culture, Sharm El-Sheikh is also a gateway to several important ancient sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. Catherine’s Monastery, which is located at the foot of Mount Sinai, and the historic town of Dahab, which was once an important trading post on the ancient Spice Route
Alexandria
While many visitors to Egypt may opt to give Egypt’s second largest city a skip, there is plenty more to Alexandria than meets the eye. In addition to having coastal city beauty, and incredible cultural diversity, there is plenty of history here too. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE.
It was once the intellectual and cultural center of the ancient world, which can still be seen today. Visitors can explore the ancient city’s famous landmarks, such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, and the Roman Amphitheater.
Temple of Edfu
While many ruined temples in Egypt are just that (in ruins), the Temple of Edfu is one of the best-preserved structures in the country. The walls of this temple are inscribed with near-endless text that gives crucial historical context into life in the Hellenistic period in Egypt.
The site contains statues, busts, and wall carvings of Egyptian gods. There are even regional-specific structures such as a nilometer (a structure to measure the clarity and water level of the Nile River during its flooding season).
Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo is a must-visit in Egypt and as far as the historically unusual goes, the Temple of Kom Ombo is probably a front-runner. It is a double temple, for starters, meaning that all of a temple’s usual structures were built in double, in dedication to two sets of gods.
Since one of the gods revered here was Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, some 300 crocodile mummies were discovered at this site and housed in the nearby Crocodile Museum. This temple’s walls and enormous columns are inscribed with text and colored hieroglyphs.
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is a valley on the western bank of the Nile across from Luxor, where pharaohs and nobility were buried in rock-cut tombs. While the valley contains 63 graves, several have been discovered in the past decade, indicating that many more could exist.
Most of these are not open to the public. Time spent inside is limited and silent (guide lecturing happens outside, and tourists are instructed to travel single file quietly through the tombs to minimize potential damage from visitors over time). Despite this, it is a world-renowned site worth seeing.
Valley of the Queens
There can’t be a Valley of the Kings without having one for the Queens, too. The Valley of the Queens is where the wives of pharaohs from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties of ancient Egypt would be buried. This valley contains 91 known tombs in the central valley, most of which date back to the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt.
The earliest tomb carved here is thought to be that of the wife of Ramses I, and perhaps the best-known tomb is Nefertari, Ramses III’s favorite queen. The Temple of Nefertari is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved tombs in all of Egypt and is beautifully decorated with colorful paintings that depict Nefertari in various scenes from her life and the afterlife.
Like the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 90s.
Temple of Abydos (Temple of Seti I)
While the one remaining structure is the Great Temple of Abydos, it is part of a larger complex called the Temple of Seti I. The temple was dedicated to Seti and early pharaohs, and there is a wall within the temple on which the names of kings and pharaohs recognized by Seti (known as the Abydos King List) are carved.
The temple grounds contained several chapels, most of which were in varying states of decay. Regardless of the temple’s condition, its ancient ruins are no less impressive and worth seeing.
Dendera Temple Complex
One of the country’s best-preserved temple complexes is located less than two miles from Dendera. A site of human habitation as far back as 1500 BC, this was likely an oasis owing to its location on the banks of the Nile river.
The Hathor temple is the largest structure in the 40,000-square-meter complex, but the area also includes several chapels, shrines, and basilicas throughout.
Temple of Isis, Agilkia (Temple of Philae)
Another one of the best places to visit in Egypt is the Temple of Isis, in Aswan. While Egypt’s endless ancient temples are all impressive, there’s something about a temple on an island that has a little extra something. The Temple of Isis is located on Agilkia Island, having been moved in the 1960s from its original location of Philae Island due to flooding in the region.
The temple is one of the last structures built in the classical Egyptian style and one of the last to worship Isis. You can take a river cruise with a stop here, and at night, there is a beautiful light and sound show on-site.
City of Memphis
When this city was at the height of its glory, it served as the capital of Ancient Egypt and the entrance into the Giza region, thanks to its location at the access to the Nile Valley. This was a site of everything from kings to commerce to religion.
Of its most famous events, Alexander the Great was crowned pharaoh, and the Rosetta Stone originated from the city. The city declined to almost nothing after being annexed by the Romans and becoming Christianized, and today is an impressive array of preserved ruins to explore.
You can also see a colossal statue of Ramesses II here.
Saqqara
Located near Cairo and the remains of the ancient city of Memphis, Saqqara served as a large cemetery complex for the latter. The area contains several pyramids and large tombs, the most famous of which is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is widely regarded as Egypt’s first large stone structure (a precursor to the Giza pyramids, built some 70 years earlier).
To this day, routine excavations are revealing discoveries, including animal mummies, rare burial masks, and, most recently, nearly 2000 mummies of noblemen.
Abu Simbel
Thanks to the rise of Instagram travel photography, this might be one of Egypt’s most recognizable structures and are among one the best places to go in Egypt. The temples of Abu Simbel include the Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari.
Most well-known is the facade of the temple structure—it consists of a single entrance door flanked by four 65-foot carvings of seated Ramesses.
The temple was designed so that on October 22 and February 22, the sun would light up the interior room and the sculptures on the far wall. Many people gather annually to witness this, as it is an awe-inspiring scene.
Deir el-Medina
Located just across the river from where the city of Luxor stands today, Deir el-Medina was where artisans who built the Valley of the Kings lived and worked.
It is some of the best and most detailed community documentation in Egyptian history, with a detailed account of everything from social interactions to living and working conditions spanning 400 years—all thanks to hundreds of surviving texts detailing day-to-day happenings. Notable sights when visiting include the wall around the city, housing foundations, and the pyramid tomb.
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple is a must-see in Egypt. Dating to 1400 BC, Luxor Temple stands in today’s city of Luxor and was, in ancient times, one of the country’s most important sites of religious worship.
Constructed throughout several reigns, including those of King Tutankhamen, Ramses II, and Amenhotep III, today what is left are partially reconstructed ruins (which include an impressive complex of nearly 30 20-foot high pillars complete with carvings) and the Great Colonnade Hall.
Hatshepsut Temple
Dedicated to the sun god Amon-Ra, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is built into the cliff face across from modern-day Luxor. Made in the classical style and somewhat modern-looking in its linearity, the structure includes a terrace complete with arcades, courts, a chapel, and a sanctuary.
While today it is primarily ruined and what remains has been dutifully reconstructed, in its day, it would have been quite a sight, with lush gardens and a causeway flanked by sphinxes. Visit in the morning, as this location is one of the hottest places in the world.
Colossi of Memnon
Still wondering what to do in Egypt? Don’t miss the Colossi of Memnon after visiting the Valley of the Kings nearby. The Colossi of Memnon are two enormous sandstone statues of a seated Amenhotep III, just east of Luxor, along the Nile. Though they appear freestanding today, they flanked the entrance to the king above’s mortuary grounds in their day.
This structure no longer exists, thanks to regular flooding and the practice of using existing structures as building materials for new ones, but the seated guardians have persisted and are marvel to see.
Blue Desert
The Blue Desert is what it sounds like: a Belgian artist, inspired by the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty of 1979, was permitted to paint rocks in the desert blue. This brightly-hued installation sits where many battles occurred between the two countries, as a testament to the peace made between them.
They make for an exciting photo due to the unusual and prominent coloring that differs drastically from the amber hues around them. Thanks to its proximity to Mount Sinai, this has become a revered site where God is believed to have spoken to Moses.
White Desert
One of the unique things to do in Egypt is visit the White Desert. Though the White Desert is a little less accessible than many sights in Egypt (it involves a five-hour drive to get to the region), it’s worth the visit if you have time.
The white calcite rocks have worn down finely enough to resemble sand, giving the entire landscape a bright, almost lunar-like appearance. It’s some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises you will ever see. If you brave the cold nighttime temperatures, you will see some of the starriest skies you may ever see in your lifetime.
Old Cataract Hotel
When we departed our Nile River Cruise, we were transferred by Felucca to the Old Cataract Hotel so that we could enjoy and explore Aswan.
The Old Cataract is the most iconic hotel in all of Egypt. It is over 100 years old and has had many notable guests, including Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Carter, Princess Diana, and Agatha Christie. It’s a dreamy place to stay and the perfect spot to start or end your journey between Aswan and Luxor.
When is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?
Egypt is visited year-round, but the high season is October and November, when things start to cool off. The best times to visit are between October and April when the weather is cooler. In the summer, temperatures in Egypt can get well over 35°C (95°F) and will have you constantly seeking heat relief.
Read all about the best time to visit Egypt here.
Is Egypt Safe to Visit?
Since the 1970s, tourism has been one of the leading drivers of Egypt’s economy. Tourism is crucial to employment, income levels, and the economy. In 2010, Egypt was a trendy place to visit, drawing in people worldwide. At its height, the country saw almost 15 million visitors a year.
During and after the Egyptian Revolution in 2011, tourism plummeted to less than 9 million visitors. More than a 30% drop in the country’s top sector hurt Egypt. What followed was a series of terrorist attacks that only crippled the country more. But now tourism is bouncing back.
So is Egypt a safe place to visit? Well, of course, I can’t say that because nothing happened to us that it is safe. But after our recent trip, I felt secure and well looked out for during my entire trip.
Tourism companies and the government have gone to great lengths to make their country more secure. We never entered a single site without having to pass through multiple security checkpoints; we got police escorts to certain temples in the middle of nowhere. When we flew from Cairo to Hurghada, we had to pass through three security checkpoints at the airport.
If you want to go to Egypt but are nervous about your safety, it’s best to book through an organized travel agent.
Our Best Egypt Travel Tips To Know Before You Go!
Should You Hire a Guide in Egypt?
We don’t typically hire guides when we travel. But in Egypt, we knew we needed one to take us to the fantastic sites and tell us all about the ancient history of what we saw.
There are no placards or pamphlets to inform you about ancient statutes and historical sites at most of these things to do in Egypt. Our guide was essential to our Egypt trip. The only place where we did not have a focus was on the coast of Hurghada, where we spent most of the time relaxing and diving.
We hired our guide in Cairo through our Airbnb, and our guide from Luxor to Aswan was all part of our Nile River Cruise tour.
If you’re on the fence, consider supporting the local economy and hiring a guide for your trip. Egypt is not expensive, and you can quickly get a guide for your whole group for under $100 a day. Please remember to tip at the end!
It’s also worth noting that any Nile River Cruise tour you book, will usually automatically come with a guide to bring you around to the destinations on your itinerary.
What to Wear in Egypt
One of my top travel Egypt tips is to dress appropriately. It gets HOT in Egypt, especially the further south you go. Peak tourist season in Egypt runs from mid-October to May, during winter and spring. You’ll constantly seek heat relief if you visit in the summer (June – September).
We visited in mid-October, and while Cairo and the Red Sea were pretty comfortable, once we got to Luxor, it was stifling hot until we departed Egypt. Our days started around 4:30 am, so we would sightsee before the heat of the day at noon. We generally stayed in the shade or AC from 12-4, then ventured back out in the evening.
It’s important to dress for hot temperatures while respecting that you’re in a conservative country. This means white and tan loose clothing. Dresses past the knee, light pants, and shirts that aren’t too revealing are ideal.
I prefer linen in hot temperatures like this. Also don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection! – See more Egypt packing tips here! You can check out our packing recommendations at the bottom of this post.
Best Things to Do in Egypt Map
Quick Egypt Travel Tips
Language in Egypt – Arabic. However, English has widely spoken thanks to a sound education system and a strong tourist industry.
Currency: Egyptian Pound
Visa: Most visitors can get a 30-day access on arrival for $25
What to Pack: Pack for desert temperatures. Light, loose, and conservative clothing works best here!
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