30+ Best Places to Visit in Egypt: Ultimate Egypt Bucket List

Planning a trip and looking for the best places to visit in Egypt? Here’s a list of the top things to see and what not to miss!

The secret is out – you’ve heard that now is the best time to visit Egypt! Don’t just take it from me – Forbes and CNN agree; a trip to Egypt (especially in 2020) is a MUST!

With your trip planning underway I’m sure, I’m glad you’ve found this ultimate bucket list. Included here are the BEST things to do in Egypt to consider adding to your itinerary.

There’s truly so much to be seen in Egypt and there’s so much more to the country than just beaches and ancient monuments. Not only that but it may be be interesting to discover that the infamous Great Pyramids of Egypt, are not the only pyramids to be seen!

I’ve consulted with many locals and fellow travel bloggers to put together this list of must-have experiences in Egypt – whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting, you are guaranteed to want to come back! As someone who has travelled to Egypt multiple times, you could spend a whole lifetime uncovering it – especially since they keep making new discoveries!

This list, while long, may not even be entirely comprehensive as there are new discoveries being made in Egypt all the time. You’ll see many of the top tourist attractions mentioned here, but also lesser known sites that are some of the best things to do in Egypt that only the locals and expats are familiar with!

We’ll include sights from all regions of Egypt including Upper, Lower, Western Desert and Sinai! Yalla, what are you waiting for, let’s go on a virtual journey of the best sights in Egypt!

Relax in Alexandria

Alexandria, or Alex as the locals call it, is the second largest city in Egypt. The city is often referred to as the Pearl of the Mediterranean and for good reason. Take a walk along the Corniche (the waterfront promenade) and you’ll see tranquility on the side of the Sea with local fishermen fishing, families and friends sitting along the boardwalk and to the other side, the infamous Egyptian traffic!

What attracts many to Alexandria is it’s mix of Greek, Roman and Egyptian history. Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay for unparalleled views of the city or the infamous Library of Alexandria for a dose of modern and ancient history. Whether you prefer historical sites, libraries, museums, diving or just laying back on the beach, this is the place to do them all!

If you spend 2 (or more) days in Alex, you won’t regret it!

Picnic at Al-Azhar Park

If you’re looking for a break from the chaos of Cairo then Al-Azhar park is the spot for you. In a previous life, the park was a dumping ground for garbage but in the last 15 years it has been completely transformed. The park is now truly an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Old Islamic Cairo. It’s unusual to see so much greenery but also stillness and calm in Cairo, life really seems to slow down a bit here – I mean you can still enjoy the car honking and traffic, just from a distance!

Take a seat at a local cafe and savour unobstructed views of the Cairo skyline with the silhouettes of the Mohamed Ali Mosque and Citadel in the background. Enjoy a leisurely walk as you people watch, seeing couples having their wedding photos done, families picnicking in the grass or children playing around the fountains. At Al-Azhar park you’ll see the collision of two design worlds, with modern landscaping and beautiful traditional Islamic architecture and gardens. It took me three trips to Cairo before I finally came to know the park and it’s now one of my favourite Cairo spots. For a small entrance fee of 20 EGP or about 1 USD you can discover this underrated gem. The park can be extremely busy on the weekends (Fridays and Saturdays), so keep that in mind when you plan your visit!

Rule over the city from the Citadel

At the top of Cairo, you’ll find a strategic fortress that was once built to protect the city. Today the Citadel is a preserved museum that also has three beautiful mosques on site, which includes the Mohamed Ali Mosque.

It’s arguably the most famous mosque in Egypt (and no, it’s not named after the boxer!). Not only is the architecture and history of the citadel and mosques worth a visit, but more uniquely it has one of the best vantage points of the city. Look down on all of Old Islamic Cairo and watch the hustle and bustle unfold at your feet!

Bargain at Khan El Khalili

This 500 year old bazaar is a maze, and will give you the feeling of a true Arabian experience. It’s a must-see not only for the souvenir shopping, but for the narrow alleyways and stunning traditional architecture. The Khan el-Khalili market for me, felt like a true Arabian experience. Explore the streets to find local artisans in the midst of their craft, the labyrinth of shops and narrow alleyways transports you back in time.

Wander at the Mosque of Ibn Tulun

When in Cairo, you can’t just visit one mosque, the city is after all known as the ‘city of a thousand minarets‘. While there are many others also worth visiting, the Ibn Tulun is lesser frequented by tourists, so you can often find enjoy it almost all to yourself. It’s also one of the oldest Mosques in all the city!

Take a stroll through history at the Egyptian Museum

While the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is being built and set to open later in 2020, there’s just something special about the current one that you’ve got to see. The current museum is located just off Tahrir Square, the heart of the 2011 Egyptian revolution.

While it’s crowded with monuments and treasures and you can often find spelling mistakes on the signs describing the pieces, you can’t help but be amazed by the grandeur and the history. The museum has over 120,000 artifacts including artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Explore the Pyramids of Dahshur

Contributed by Penny from GlobeTrove

A lot of people head to the Pyramids of Giza and that does not come as a surprise as they are one of the ancient wonders of the world. What many people however do not know is that Giza is not home to all the pyramids. In fact, a short drive away from the city lies a complex where pyramids are still being discovered and the unearthed ones are rather incredible. These are the ancient Pyramids of Dahshur.

It is here that you will see the Black Pyramid, the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid of Egypt. Each of these tells a tale of how the Pyramids of Giza came into being. In fact they are even older than the popular wonder. If you think you won’t get to see what the inside of pyramid looks a like, think again. You can enter one of the pyramids without the overwhelming crowds at Giza. You can see why I think it is pretty amazing.

Marvel at Saqqara

Contributed by Michael Turtle from Time Travel Turtle

While it’s the Pyramids of Giza that get the most attention, there’s another nearby pyramid that is just as important. It’s the Step Pyramid at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, about 14 kilometres away. This structure, also known as the Pyramid of Djoser, was the first attempt at a pyramid in Ancient Egypt and would lead to the enormous ones at Giza about 80 years later.

The Step Pyramid at Saqqara isn’t the only thing to see. This site was the necropolis for the ancient city of Memphis and there are a few pyramids that were used as burial monuments to pharaohs – you can even go down into their chambers. There are also elaborately-decorated tombs of nobles with vibrant paintings and intricate carvings that have survived for thousands of years.

It’s easy to spend at least half a day at Saqqara and it’s worth the short trip out from Cairo to see the birthplace of Ancient Egypt as we know it today.

Be in awe at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Contributed by Kamila from My Wander Lust

Visiting the Pyramids is probably the most iconic thing you can do in Egypt. All the pictures you’ve seen before can’t prepare you for what you are about to see. The famous landmark is spectacular and can take your breath away with its beauty and splendor.  In real life the Pyramids are much more impressive than you could ever expect and even if you are not interested in ancient history you surely will be in awe. 

You can visit Pyramids with the tour or independently – if you decide for the second option prepare yourself for lots of annoyances as the touts do wonders to get your attention and eventually ask for the tip. But it’s so worth all the trouble really. When buying the ticket you might skip the more expensive option to visit the inside of the Great Pyramid of Giza as it’s claustrophobic and not much is inside. Instead, you can just wander around the site and enjoy its beauty from every possible angle. Don’t forget to take the picture with the iconic Sphinx too!

360 degree views of Cairo at the Cairo Tower

While the Cairo Tower has been long outranked as the tallest building in Africa, it’s still worth a visit. The view from 187m up will give you an appreciation for just how sprawling (and busy) but also at the same time, how tranquil the city is. At the top of the tower you’ll be able to get a 360 degree view of the city and if it’s a clear day you may even be able to see as far as the pyramids! Here your eyes will go from traffic jams to feluccas camly floating down the Nile. It’s a very popular spot to come for sunset and rightfully so!

Explore the streets of Cairo

You never know where the streets may take you – no really, it’s quite the adventure, google maps in Egypt is crazy, you really may get lost, be careful! Taking a stroll in Islamic Cairo is particularly special, there are stunning mosques and charming cobblestone streets to discover.

Part of the adventure of Egypt is being able to go with the flow and not stressing, you’re on Egyptian time now! Allow yourself to find local cafes, beautiful artesian boutiques, a secret viewpoint of the Nile, or even stumble upon a monkey in a laundry machine.. anything is possible in Egypt!

Uncover desert paradise at Wadi El Rayan

Contributed by Dee from Vanilla Papers

Just a few hours from Cairo, Wadi El Rayan is a paradise of soft desert sand that blends seamlessly into blue water. It’s perfect for a long weekend of birdwatching or sandboarding, whether you’re seeking adventure sports or a quiet get-away from the city. 

The Wadi El Rayan Protected Area includes an Upper and Lower lake, which are connected by Egypt’s only waterfalls. You can take a long boat ride across the lake or enjoy a leisurely meal with views over the water. Or rip through the sand in an offroad vehicle and try sliding down the soft dunes on a board – the sand is soft and it won’t hurt if you fall. 

Home to 13 species of residential birds and 26 migrant birds, the protectorate often attracts groups of birdwatchers from the city. 

Wadi El Rayan has long been a favorite weekend destination for Cairenes, but I’ve never seen it too busy. It’s easy to find a quiet spot even on weekends.

I love relaxing in the sand over a long lunch and dipping my feet in the lake. It’s a glorious landscape that reminds you of nature’s majesty. And it feels worlds away from the city. 

Take a spa day at the Siwa Oasis

Within Egypt, Siwa is well known for it’s bounty of fresh springs. At the Siwa Oasis, you’ll find over 200 springs, both hot and cold. For a relaxing wellness retreat, there’s hotels and eco lodges to satisfy whatever spa experience you’re looking for. Whether it’s getting buried in the sand at a health spa in the desert, or bask in the mineral rich waters at one of the many hot springs (like Cleopatra’s bath!). This will truly be a unique experience to have in the midst of the desert and allow you time to unwind at night while you watch the sunset over the desert dunes.

Stargazing in the White Desert

Venture into the Sahara desert, the largest desert in the world! There are a variety of tours you can take through the deserts, depending on the length and types of activities you’d like to partake in. One desert experience that can’t be missed has to be camping under the stars. Fall asleep under one of the clearest skies in the world to take stars as far as the eyes can see!

Feel history from St .Catherine’s Monastery

Contributed by James Ian from Travel Collecting

A visit to Saint Catherine’s monastery should be on everyone’s Egypt bucket list. The monastery is impressive – towering walls form a massive square. Camels often shelter from the desert heat in the shade cast by the walls.

The monastery, which dates from 565 AD, is one of the oldest active Christian monasteries in the world.  Inside is the legendary burning bush.  The bush you see today is supposedly the original one seen by Moses in the Bible.  No matter what you believe, walking in the footsteps of characters from the Bible is an interesting experience.  St Catherine’s also has the oldest library in the world, so it is a fascinating place to explore.  

Don’t miss the view of the monastery from above.  This is the start/ end of the hike up Mount Sinai and if you do that hike, you’ll get great views of St. Catherine’s on your way down. Even if you don’t do this hike, it’s worth walking a little ways up into the hills to see the formidable fortress-like monastery from above.

Climb Mount Sinai

Many tours offer sunrise and/or sunset climbing experiences of Mount Sinai, the infamous site where Moses is said to have received the ten commandments. It’s no easy feat and some may find the climb physically difficult and it’s recommended you do it with a guide (private tours are ideal). The climb itself can take around 3-3.5 hours and because of the elevation of the mountain keep in mind it can get cold and ensure you prepare properly!

Luxury resort at the Red Sea

Contributed by Dave from Jones Around The World

Last year during my trip to Israel, I decided to hop across the border into Egypt for a visit to some of the luxury resorts in the Red Sea! It ended up being a highlight of my trip, because I was completely blown away by how affordable the luxury resorts are in Egypt!  It’s a super budget-friendly destination, and I stayed at 5* resorts for only $25 USD per night!  I spent my days relaxing by the pool, snorkelling in the Red Sea, and enjoying buffet meals!  I stayed at two different resorts in Taba Heights, and it’s one of my favourite tips now to give to people traveling to Egypt! The Red Sea is absolutely stunning, and there is just something really cool about being in Egypt, and being able to see Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia all at the same time!  Treat yourself to a bit of luxury for a fraction of the cost, and you’ll find yourself booking a return visit soon I’m sure!

Be a beach bum in Dahab

Further south of Taba in the Sinai region, is the laid back city of Dahab. If you’re looking for a place to relax, a holiday by the Red Sea is ideal! Egypt has incredible beaches, if you don’t believe me, take it from National Geographic, they also agree Dahab has some of the best beaches in the Middle East. Other beaches in the Red Sea to consider hopping to are in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheik, Marsa Alam or Sahl Hasheesh.

The city is also famous for diving and snorkelling too for that matter. Whether you’re diving for the first time or already certified, there’s something for every experience level. There are many options for the types of dives as well, whether you’re looking for shipwrecks, colourful coral reefs or the infamous 300 ft deep Blue Hole.

Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan

With different length options; and start and end points, you can customize a cruise to fit your trip itinerary. Nile cruises can be anywhere from 3 to 10 days, but we found 4 to be a sufficient amount on the boat and we decided to stay an extra night on our own in Aswan. We took the Luxor to Aswan leg and without a doubt, boat is the best way to travel between these two cities. Consider yourself travelling the infamous Nile as the Ancient Egyptians themselves once did. There are options for a more laid back style on smaller boats all the way up to cruise ships that can accommodate a few hundred.

In four days we were immersed in over 2,000 years of history. With every stop, you see sights you had long dreamed of seeing and it’s a surreal experience. From the Luxor and Karnak temples, to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, to Kom Ombo and Philae Island each site is almost more impressive than the last.

Even after having travelled to many parts across Egypt, this excursion remains one of my favorites! I genuinely can’t wait to do this again one day and believe it’s one of those once (or maybe twice if I’m lucky!) in a lifetime bucket list experiences!

Stay in a Nubian Village

A unique experience only to be had in Egypt is the opportunity to visit a Nubian village. The Nubians are an ethnic minority group with a unique history, culture, traditions and even language of their own living in the southern regions of Egypt and into northern Sudan.

You’ll reach the Nubian village by traditional felucca ride down the Nile passing stunning landscapes and seeing local fisherman getting their catches of the day. As you approach the island you’ll notice a few things out of place, namely the colour palette. The homes throughout Egypt are often in sand coloured tones and there isn’t too much variety of colours, however here, the Nubians homes are showered in colours creating a feast for your eyes! Walking through the village you’ll notice many drawings and geometric patterns on the homes, said to represent the families that live inside.

If you have the time, stay in the heart of the Nubian village for a truly local experience at the Anakato Nubian homes. If you’re short on time, at least make time for a tea or a meal and enjoy the terrace while you relax and enjoy the Nile views!

Aswan Botanical Gardens

A must do when in Aswan, is a visit to the Botanical Gardens. Arrive to Kitchener Island where the gardens are located by my favorite Egyptian means of transportation – felucca! Take a relaxing ride on the Nile while as you approach you take in all the greenery that is so rare in the desert landscape.

The island is named after the former consul general, Lord Kitchener who first brought together unique trees and flowers from all over the world and created what today we know as the gardens. Currently the gardens have grown into a popular local spot for taking refuge from the heat and enjoying some tea at the islands local cafes.

Explore the island at your leisure and read the signs that show which specimen and country the flora are form. There’s even opportunities to grab some unique souvenirs if you are in the mood for some bargaining.

Philae Temple by night or day

If you’re travelling as part of a Nile cruise, it’s likely that you’ll be stopping by the Philae temple, and for good reason. The temple (also known as the Temple of Isis) was re-located onto an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Dam to prevent being overtaken by the waters of Lake Nasser.

The temple can be visited during the day, arriving by felucca or you can visit at dusk to take in the sound and light show that showcases the temples history.

Be surrounded by mummies in the Valley of the Kings

Contributed by Meredith from The Longest Weekend

The Valley of the Kings in Luxor is a cornerstone destination on any Egyptian itinerary. Contrary to popular belief, not all of Egypt’s pharaohs were buried in pyramids. After the tombs of their predecessors were raided, the pharaohs of the New Kingdom built their tombs deep into the ground. 

The Valley of the Kings is home to the tombs of more than sixty pharaohs, including the final resting place of the world’s most famous mummy – King Tutankhamun. Because the tombs were hidden from invaders for thousands of years, they are beautifully preserved and many are open for viewing. Spoiler alert – a few of the mummies still reside in the Valley of the Kings, including King Tut himself! When visiting  

Located on the West Bank of the Nile in the heart of the desert, the Valley of the Kings is not to be missed on your Egyptian itinerary.

Be in the presence of a true queen at the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Contributed by Meredith from The Longest Weekend

The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a mandatory stop on any Egyptian adventures. Tucked into the striking desert landscape on Luxor’s West Bank, Hatshepsut’s temple takes funerary extravagance to another level. The temple was buried in the desert until the 20^th century but is pristinely preserved and photogenic from all angles. 

After visiting the Valley of the Kings around the corner, head here to wander the grounds, admire the architecture and learn about the drama that ensued when Queen Hatshepsut crowned herself pharaoh. As legend goes, she shipped her stepson – Thutmose III, the actual pharaoh – off to military school then took the throne for herself.

Visiting the temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a truly spectacular experience and one of the many reasons not to miss Luxor on your trip to Egypt.

Cruise the Nile on a Felucca

Contributed by Kenny from Knycx Journeying

A Felucca is a traditional wooden sailboat of Egypt. Now they are the best way for tourists to cruise the Nile in Luxor. We had an enjoyable felucca ride during sunset. The boat ride was perfect to enjoy the view of the ancient city, catch the comforting breeze on a hot summer day, and watch the glorious sunset.

The trip usually began nearby Karnak, where the Karnak Temple is the largest temple in Luxor and one of the most important archeological sites in the country. The Hypostyle Hall was truly impressive and the grand stretch a 3-kilometer long avenue lined with sphinxes and linked to another historic landmark, the Luxor Temple.

As the felucca sail along the Nile, we had a great view of the city’s coastline and it was nice to temporarily stay away from the bustling traffic and watch the city from a different perspective. The sailboat turned as we reached the Luxor Temple, which is located on the river bank and we caught a good look of the temple’s outline. After the boat ride, hop on a horse carriage to explore the city, or sit down in a hookah bar and try the water pipe!  

Stand in awe at Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel, without a doubt has to be one of the most impressive Ancient Egyptian monuments to see in all of Egypt. It’s jaw dropping because of the grandeur of the four 20 meter tall statues of Ramesses II that flank the entrance to the temple. What’s also remarkable about Abu Simbel, is the site it currently sits on is not where it was originally built. In the 1960’s the temple was dismantled and rebuilt to avoid being submerged with the creation of the Aswan dam.

Get up close with hieroglyphs at Karnak Temple

A massive complex, the Temple of Amun Thebes or what today is known as Karnak, is the largest religious building ever built. The site is over 2km squared and has sanctuaries, obelisks and pylons. This stunning vastness has to be seen to be believed.

See Luxor from above in a Hot Air Balloon

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A post shared by Experience Egypt (@experienceegypt) on May 16, 2019 at 2:49am PDT

See the best that Luxor has to offer from a birds eye view! Fly over the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepshut’s temple as well as the villages below taking in both desert and green valley landscapes. Get out of your comfort zone and go for a hot air balloon experience in one of the most majestic places in the world!

Stuff your face with Egyptian Food!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how delicious Egyptian food is and how much you’ll miss the taste when you leave. Ta’ameya, koshary, baladi, oh my! For some of the top traditional foods to try take a look at this food guide. It’s one thing to experience all there is to see in Egypt, but it’s another to taste it! Get a feel for the local culture through it’s food, yum!

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Egypt tourism is on the rebound! Many of these incredible historic sites are now become busier and busier with tourists from all over coming to see the best sites in Egypt! So if you’re eager to come visit and wondering…

What places should I visit in Egypt?

What are the underrated places to visit in Egypt?

What are the most surreal places to visit in Egypt?

My hope is this list gives you a solid starting point for your Egyptian adventure!

Some additional guides that may help with your trip planning:

• Egypt travel tips for first-timers
• 10 reasons to travel to Egypt – this is the year!
• Where to stay in Cairo, advice on the best neighbourhoods
• 10 photos that will make you want to travel to Egypt
• Amazing pyramid view hotels you should consider staying at
• The best 15 spots in Cairo for instagram photos
• What to wear in Egypt a guide for women
• Movies to watch to inspire your travel to Egypt
• Looking for a unique honeymoon destination, try Egypt!

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