Egypt has a rich history and sprawling landscape that can make planning a trip yourself feel overwhelming. There’s so much to do and see, that it’s almost impossible to decide which destinations to add to your itinerary. Luckily, we did the work for you and found the ten best places to visit in Egypt.  

1. Saqqara

One of the best places to visit in Egypt is Saqqara, Saqqara isn’t the most popular destination along the Nile River, but it nonetheless has staggering historical significance. This scattering of small pyramids served as a cemetery for the ancient city of Memphis for thousands of years and is the burial place of the famous pharaoh Djoser. 

The site’s most significant pyramid is the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Since he was the first pharaoh to create colossal stone structures, his pyramid is the oldest and very first pyramid ever built. Most of the city of Saqqara is buried under sand on the edge of the Nile River, and archaeologists are going to great lengths to restore the site to its former glory. 

2. Sharm el-Sheikh

Along with Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh (or simply Sharm) is the second destination that we recommend in places to visit in Egypt, also it's an old fishing village that has turned into a resort destination for those looking to take a break from the brutal heat of the desert. 

It has all the same resorts and watersports as Hurghada, but what sets this beautiful town apart is scuba diving. As the city sits on the edge of the Sinai Peninsula, it is known as the best sport in the entire world for scuba diving. 

Outside of the water, you can also experience the warm hospitality of nearby Bedouin camps and even experience a sunrise of biblical proportions from the top of Mount Sinai. 

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3. Pyramids of Giza

Since the Pyramids of Giza are right outside if Cairo, it is likely one of the most convenient excursions you will make during your entire trip. This great Wonder of the World is home to three separate tombs immortalizing three pharaohs; Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. 

The nearby worker’s village and the guardian sphinx statue are also not to be missed on your visit to Giza. The Sphinx is aligned with the pyramids via the stars and was said to guard the pharaohs in their final resting place.   

4.  Alexandria

Alexandria holds as the second-largest city in Egypt and is conveniently located on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It was founded by Alexander the Great back in 331 B.C. and was a powerful and influential city until Egypt fell under Roman rule in 30 B.C. The Romans then grew it into an epicenter of art and literature. 

Much of the older parts of the city such as the Library of Alexandra and the Lighthouse of Alexandria have been lost to time. Both sites were toppled by earthquakes, and the lighthouse fell into the sea. Fortunately, scuba divers can still view the lighthouse and other statues that rest down on the ocean floor. The Library of Alexandria has also been recreated, and many of its ancient books and artifacts are currently held in the Alexandria National Museum. 

 

5. Luxor 

Once called the City of Thebes in ancient times, Luxor is currently known as the “world’s largest open-air museum. There’s so many tombs and monuments to see that you might have to spend more than one day there. The largest of the temples complexes is Karnak, which is home to Hatshepsut’s obelisk and a labyrinth of 134 sandstone columns. 

Visitors can book a tour through their travel agency or once you arrive, If you get there early enough, you can even take a hot air balloon ride over the city to see the colossal expanse of the ancient site. 

6 . Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is perfect for travelers who want to spend a few days scuba diving and exploring Egypt’s beautiful national Parks. On the western banks of the Red Sea, one can bike, hike, or safari through the mountainous terrain of the Wadi el Gemal National Park. 

If you want to cool off in the crystal clear waters, the area is perfect for scuba diving and swimming with sea turtles, dolphins, and dugongs. 

7 . Cairo

Cairo stands as the largest city in all of Egypt and is home to more than 17 million people. Containing a mish-up of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish culture and architecture, travelers can wonder around Cairo and clearly see the handiwork of all the empires that ruled over it throughout history. 

Not only are there gorgeous mosques, churches, and synagogues to visit. Cairo is also home to the world’s largest museum of Egyptian artifacts, the Egyptian Museum. From there, you can walk through the many famous outdoor bazaars around the city and visit the Pyramids of Giza just outside city limits. 

8. Siwa Oasis

The Siwa Oasis is located near Egypt’s western border, and it is a popular travel destination for those wanting to dip in stone pools and hot springs. The city sits in the middle of the Egyptian Sand Sea and is largely secluded from the rest of the country. For those reasons, the Siwan people developed their own unique culture and language. 

The Siwa Oasis functions as a humbler and more old-world alternative to Hurghada. Visitors can hike acres of palm trees, swim in peaceful ponds, and explore the ancient houses and fortresses built during the Greco-Roman era. 

8. Hurghada

Hurghada was once a small fishing village on the coast of the Red Sea. However, due to an increase in tourism and the coastline’s crystalline blue waters, this small fishing village steadily grew into the popular resort town you see today. 

For those who like to explore underwater, there are scuba diving tours that will take you down to the vibrant coral reefs that line the coast just off the shoreline. The town also offers watersports, such as windsurfing, jet-skiing and snorkeling. 

9. Aswan

Aswan is the southernmost city in all of Egypt and a relaxing and more slow-paced alternative to Cairo. It was still a hub of culture and commerce back in the day, but it didn’t grow into the loud and bustling metropolis that is the capital city of Cairo. 

Aswan has all the charm of a port city without having to travel all the way to the coast. Many cruise ships and felucca boats start their journey to Luxor from this city, and some popular nearby excursions include Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, and the Temple of Kabasha. Sadly, Aswan was the last destination in the best places to visit in Egypt. Hope this blog helps you during your visit to Egypt.

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