10 x Best Places to Visit in Egypt

Egypt is the world's oldest tourist destination, with an enthralling history going back to the dawn of civilization. For thousands of years, travelers have been attracted by this African kingdom's awe-inspiring temples and pyramids. Although most visitors to Egypt come to view the ancient monuments, the country's natural beauty also draws them in. Along the Red Sea shore, coral reefs and beach resorts are famous. A lovely freshwater spring oasis may be found on a trek through the Sahara.

Photo by Fynn schmidt on Unsplash

Following the 2011 revolution and ongoing counter-revolution, many tourists left Egypt. This has increased the possibility of enjoying unique experiences in Egypt away from the crowds. You can now find yourself alone within a pyramid.

1. Cairo

One of Africa's largest cities for decades, Cairo is one of the world's most densely populated cities. Nobody knows how many people live in Cairo, but estimates range from 12 to 16 million. Cairo has been the hub of Egypt for over 1000 years and contains five thousand years of civilization, from pharaonic pyramids to early Christian churches to Ottoman sultan mosques. 

It gives a rare opportunity to observe the medieval and modern worlds collide in a combination of mud-brick cottages, towering modern office buildings, minarets, and palm palms. Cairo is one of the must-see cities in Egypt. Take a day trip to the Giza Pyramids, just a short drive west of Cairo. The pyramids are the only remaining one of the original seven wonders of the world, and they are well worth a visit.

2. Hurghada

Hurghada, along with Sharm el Sheikh, is Egypt's main beach resort, the ideal place to cap off a cultural tour of Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and beyond. Hotels and upgraded infrastructure provide great aquatic amenities for vacationers for sailboarding, deep-sea fishing, yachting,  snorkeling, and SCUBA diving.

3. Alexandria

The legendary Alexander the Great founded this incredible metropolis on Egypt's north shore, lapped by the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria was formerly home to the Pharos, a lighthouse that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world (despite its collapse), is a big lure for visitors.

4. The Nile Valley

The Nile and its valley are the lifeblood of Egypt, and Egypt has relied on its abundant resources since ancient times. This lush and rich region is home to 90% of Egypt's people, who live in cities, towns, and villages around the Nile.

It grows many crops, including rice, maize, cotton, sugar cane, bean crops, and fruits. Traditional cotton cultivation practices can be seen, and Egyptian cotton is the greatest in the world. 

5. Siwa Oasis

The Siwa Oasis is well known as one of Egypt's most beautiful tourist destinations. It has its own unique Siwan culture that differs from mainstream Arabic culture. It is located off the beaten track between the Libyan Desert and , Qattara Depression.

6. Aswan

Aswan is a historic city on the Nile River's southern bank. It is located on the Nile and serves as the starting point for the felucca ride downstream to Kom Ombo and alternative Abu Simbel tours. Visitors will enjoy the laid-back Nubian town of Aswan, which is brimming with bright markets, spicy fragrances, Pharaonic and Roman memorials, and history from the ancient land of Nubia.

In addition to being located in a beautiful area of Egypt, the city itself is densely packed with lovely antique buildings that add to the city's fascinating atmosphere.

7. The White Desert

The White Desert, approximately 300 square kilometers east of the Sahara Desert, was designated a national park by Egypt in 2002. The desert's snow-white sands have a stunning gloss. Millions of years ago, the White Desert was an ocean bed where microorganism remains were deposited.

The sea dried up with time, and the wind deprived away the vast white coating. Today, near the park's entrance, you can see Crystal Mountain, where calcite crystals sparkle in the sun.

8. Pyramids of Giza

The incredible Pyramids of Giza are the world's oldest attraction and the only surviving of the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World. The pyramids, known as Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus, were more than 2,000 years old when Herodotus, the Greek historian, visited them.

The Pyramids were constructed by a highly competent corps of mathematicians, masons, surveyors, and stonecutters. It has long been assumed that 100,000 enslaved people were forced to move and place the stones of Egypt's most giant pyramid, Cheops. Recent evidence, including the discovery of "workers towns" and coffins packed with afterlife provisions, reveals that competent paid laborers truly erected the Pyramids. 

9. Luxor

Luxor boasts the most archaeological wonders of any city in the Western world. Luxor emerged from the remains of Thebes, which served as the capital of ancient Egypt's the New Kingdom from 1550 to 1069 BC. Walk through time, statues of gods and animals, and beneath pillars etched with lotus blooms and papyrus. Take a horse-drawn caleche ride, a felucca sail, a sunset cruise, or a hot-air balloon ride over the city.

10. Gezira Island

Gezira Island, located on the western edge of downtown Cairo and floating on the turquoise Nile River, is one of the most romantic Egypt destinations to visit. The Zamalek district is located in the northern portion of the island, while the Gezira district is located in the southern part.