Things to do in Egypt: 18 must-see attractions

Cairo is the largest city in Africa and a place where ancient history hits you from every angle. You can spend your days exploring the Giza Pyramids, wandering the historic architecture of the Islamic Quarter, or visiting the spiritual sites of the Coptic Quarter. Top off your trip with a stroll through the local souks or a cruise down the Nile for a perspective you just cannot get anywhere else.

Set along the right bank of the Nile, Aswan marks Egypt's southern limit, functioning as a green sanctuary against the surrounding desert backdrop. As the ancient gateway to Nubia, its history is deeply tied to old trade routes and caravans carrying goods from sub-Saharan Africa. Travelers often treat it merely as a jumping-off point for the temples of Abu Simbel, yet the city itself possesses a striking charm defined by lush gardens, quiet river islands, and significant historical sites.

An Essential Souk

Getting your bearings in Aswan is straightforward, as the corniche runs alongside the Nile for miles, serving as the main hub for waterfront cafes and restaurants. Nicely maintained, it makes for a pleasant stroll while the city expands into the grid of streets behind it. The souk stands out as one of its most lively spots. Day and night, this covered market bustles with vendors where stalls overflow with Egyptian and African goods, ranging from perfumes and spices to textiles, handicrafts, incense, fruit, and fresh flowers. It is a prime area for bargaining, and along the edges, Nubian culture is on display through traditional items like talismans, handmade jewelry, and basketry. The entire area is a sensory mix of bright colors and heavy aromas. Aswan's signature local dish is stuffed pigeon, often prepared with rice, served on skewers, or simply grilled across local menus. Alongside molokhia, eggplant dishes, mezzes, tahini, and fresh river fish, the local food scene is hearty and pairs well with traditional Egyptian flatbread, fresh juices, and Nubian cardamom coffee.

Island Hopping

Directly across from downtown, Elephantine Island is a standout spot reached by hopping on a felucca, the traditional wooden sailboats that remain the most common way to get around the river in Aswan. Siou and Koti, two Nubian villages, sit nestled between agricultural plots and date palm groves here, featuring brightly painted houses where the pace of daily life slows to a crawl. You can tour the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed deity, which features a well-known nilometer, an ancient stone staircase once used to measure the annual Nile flood levels. Carved colonnades with hieroglyphs complete the site, while views look out toward the elegant pink granite Aga Khan Mausoleum, built in 1959 atop the riverbank. A small museum dedicated to Nubian culture offers deeper context on local traditions and the community displacement caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which you can also tour alongside the nearby Nilometer Museum.

The neighboring island feels entirely different, as Kitchener's Island holds the sprawling Botanical Garden established in 1896, where the river's humidity creates a startling contrast with the dry desert surrounding it. Plants, flowers, and trees from equatorial Africa, India, and tropical Asia form a lush canopy. The contrast against the arid sand on the opposite bank is sharp, providing a quiet habitat filled with birdsong.

Across on the west bank of the Nile, the Tombs of the Nobles cut into the cliffs via long burial ramps, offering panoramic views from the heights above. A bit further inland, the Monastery of Saint Simeon sits atop a plateau; it once housed 300 monks until its abandonment in 1321, and its eight-meter-high stone walls give it the look of a remarkably preserved fortress. Located just 2 km from Aswan, an ancient granite quarry holds the Unfinished Obelisk, carved around 1500 BCE before a fracture in the stone forced Queen Hatshepsut's architects to abandon it in place. Roughly ten kilometers away on Philae Island, the 4th-century BCE Temple of Isis stands as another major landmark, proving Aswan is a destination that easily warrants an extended stay.

When to Go

The climate is arid and dry, making December through February the most comfortable window due to mild temperatures, whereas June through September brings intense desert heat.

How to Get There

No flights link Europe or North America directly to Aswan International Airport, 20 km from the center; you reach it on a domestic hop from Cairo, with local transit and taxis handling the final stretch. From Cairo, located 840 km to the north, visitors can take an overnight sleeper train, a bus, or a domestic flight lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Luxor holds the highest concentration of ancient pharaonic ruins on the planet. You can walk through the massive temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, explore the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, or visit the cliffside mortuary temple of Hatshepsut. Spanning both banks of the Nile, this former capital of ancient Egypt functions today as an open-air museum where three millennia of history appear around every corner.

In southern Egypt, Abu Simbel could have stayed a sleepy outpost known mainly to freight drivers for its proximity to the Sudanese border. Instead, ancient Nubia left two priceless treasures hidden beneath the sand: the grand Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari, discovered in 1813 and 1817 by Swiss and Italian explorers. Threatened by the rising waters of the Nile, they had to be moved in 1964, 65 meters higher and 200 meters back from the water. It took three and a half years and 3000 workers to clear and cut the blocks, a massive operation that captured global attention and forever changed the fate of a quiet regional town near Aswan. Sitting right on the edge of Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel now welcomes travelers from around the world.

A peaceful haven

Its desert surroundings give Abu Simbel a distinct personality, and while exploring the archaeological ruins is the main event, staying at least one night is well worth it. Some hotels pay true tribute to Nubian culture, featuring typical architecture and decor with real charm. At small local eateries, you will find bold flavors in specialties like sesame tahina, babaghanouj eggplant dip, and of course foul, a hearty fava bean stew. Food lovers and the curious flock to mehallabeyya, a rosewater and pistachio cream pudding. Nubian coffee is said to be among the best anywhere, though hibiscus tea gives it a run for its money.

Aside from desert excursions, another major draw in Abu Simbel is Lake Nasser, a stunning body of water that feels almost like an ocean in the middle of the desert. Papyrus reeds line the shores where countless birds, including many herons, have made their home. It is a wonderfully quiet spot far from city noise, bathed in exceptional light. Along the banks, the Pharaoh stands guard over his lands like an immutable master.

Ramses II, massive and eternal

In a country packed with remarkable ancient sites, Abu Simbel ranks among the most striking. On the ancient sacred hills of Meha and Ibshek, Ramses II launched a colossal construction project at the start of his reign, in 1279 BC, and standing in front of it today is genuinely dizzying. The temples are carved directly into sandstone cliffs, with the larger one dedicated to several deities including the falcon-headed Re-Horakhty and, naturally, Ramses himself. The 33m facade features four statues towering around twenty meters high that leave zero doubt about who rules here. Wearing a kilt, the nemes headcloth, and a fake beard, the Pharaoh sits in full splendor. Inside, a hypostyle hall with mesmerizingly fine carvings and ten side rooms leads to the statue hall, where the figures are massive as well. The walls recount military victories, including the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, along with campaigns against the Libyans and the Nubians. The genius of the builders who pulled off this outsized temple is hidden in a single detail: twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October, everything is engineered so a sunbeam slips inside to illuminate the statue of Ramses for his birthday.

Just a few steps away stands the temple dedicated to Nefertari, Ramses II's first and favorite wife, deified in the likeness of Hathor. It is a more intimate space featuring six 10m-tall statues on the facade, including four depicting the Pharaoh, alongside gorgeous bas-reliefs and sculptures of their children at their feet. The queen poses with her horned crown and tall plumes, exuding imperial beauty, while inside, texts and reliefs highlight the royal couple with surprising tenderness alongside various deities. In the evening, a sound and light show illuminates the site. Ramses II is gone, but he keeps on reigning and fascinating.

When to go

The hot season runs from May to October, bringing dry, arid, and sometimes blistering weather. January is the coolest month, and if you prefer to avoid intense heat, the period between February and April is ideal. To dodge the crowds, visiting the temples early in the morning is highly recommended.

How to get there

Most travelers fly via Cairo to Aswan to reach Abu Simbel, with Aswan located 280 km away. The road cuts straight through the desert, and buses handle the route, though some visitors prefer hiring a private driver. You can also book a cruise that stops at Abu Simbel. The town has its own airport, and the flight from Aswan takes 45 minutes.

Roughly twenty kilometres southwest of Cairo, Giza acts almost as a suburb of the metropolis. Sitting on the left bank of the Nile and connected to the capital by a bridge, the city is divided into neighborhoods that each possess a distinct identity. Millions of travelers arrive every year, eager to stand face to face with the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing: the Great Pyramid of Giza. Across the plateau and its necropolis, two additional pyramids complete a magnificent Old World complex guarded by the famous Great Sphinx. It is hard to rival such compelling echoes of the past, making Giza a must-see.

Culture in All Its Forms

Sandwiched between worn apartment blocks, upscale hotels, and Qorsaya Island where local fishermen and farmers live, Giza easily keeps visitors on their toes. This urban landscape illustrates the sheer challenge of blending an ancient archaeological site with the reality of a modern city. Divided into neighborhoods with strong individual characters, Giza hums with energy. Chic and trendy, Mohandessin leans into elegance and commerce, filled with restaurants and cafes. As the stronghold of the Ultras Ahlawy, match nights here run high on energy. Kit Kat is far more working-class, where you will find plenty of pottery workshops. Among the notable architecture, the massive Cairo University founded in 1908 commands attention with its striking design, while right nearby, the Al-Orman Botanical Garden serves as one of Giza's green lungs. Spanning 12 hectares, it showcases magnificent collections of cacti and trees. Though it suffered during the Arab Spring, it remains a tranquil sanctuary. Housed in a former mansion, the Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum brings together 19th-century artworks featuring a majority of French artists. Right in the heart of Egypt, works by Delacroix, Gauguin, Monet, and Van Gogh offer an unexpected pairing alongside Orientalist canvases. Culture also thrives inside the touching Taha Hussein Museum-House, an intimate yet essential stop for stepping into the world of one of the 20th century's most influential intellectuals and writers.

Local craftsmanship often borders on true art, and anyone lucky enough to tour the Ramses Wissa Wassef Arts Center will see why: weaving serves as the guiding thread of a unique learning hub that has earned numerous awards for both its execution and philosophy. Set in an unconventional compound designed by a professor who was also an architect, the visit is as instructive as it is memorable.

Right near Al Bahr Al Aazam Avenue, one of the most unusual attractions has opened its doors, bending time in the process. The Pharaonic Village plunges you into a fully reconstructed Ancient Egypt. Daily life scenes, traditional trades, historical clothing, and music bring major figures of the era to life amidst Nubian-inspired backdrops. Sports, games, shows, and playgrounds round out an entertaining site that sets the stage for the ultimate encounter with the real pyramids, built 4500 years ago.

Facing the Pyramids and the Sphinx

A few kilometres away on the desert plateau, the three pyramids of the Giza plateau loom ahead. The pyramid of Khufu occupies the northern corner of the funerary complex, serving as a tomb and standing as the oldest of the trio. Rising to 146 metres, it is also the most massive, constructed from limestone blocks weighing 2.5 tonnes each, making it a monument defined by sheer scale and mystery. The emotional impact is hard to put into words, and visitors can actually go inside, navigating very narrow passages all the way to the burial chamber. Right beside it stand the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, which are smaller, along with the smaller queen pyramids, the remains of funerary temples, and hidden mastabas, shafts, and subterranean tunnels. The setting is nothing short of monumental.

Dating back to 2590 BCE, the Sphinx, measuring 73 m long and 20 m high, keeps watch over the entire site. Carved directly out of a single block of bedrock, this unchanging guardian with a broken nose combines a human head with a lion's body, surpassing every other monument of its kind in scale. While the identity of the mortal ruler behind the monument remains a subject of debate, he sought to equal the gods, and through such sheer splendor, he undeniably achieved immortality.

When to Go

With spring and autumn temperatures hovering around 32°, the shoulder seasons offer the most comfortable weather for exploring Giza, especially out on the pyramid site where walking is constant. Summer brings frequent heatwaves alongside dry air. Winters stay mild with an average of 14°.

How to Get There

The pyramid complex sits 8 km from Giza itself, which lies roughly twenty kilometres from Cairo. Buses and taxis handle the connection. Flights to Cairo are readily available from Paris and numerous French cities.

Located on the strategic Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh has evolved into a purpose-built resort town. Travelers seeking an unfiltered, authentic look at Egypt may find the experience a bit sanitized.

In a country that is often intense and high-energy, this stop offers a familiar, Western-leaning pace. The natural environment is the main draw of this former fishing village, which still maintains an active port despite commercial shipping restrictions. With pristine beaches, the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, and world-class marine life, the setting is hard to beat.

A tourism-focused center

The city stretches across several miles of coastline, which is defined by a series of bays. Naama Bay is the largest and serves as the primary tourist hub. The white sand beach offers a striking contrast between the jagged, red-hued mountains and the vibrant blues of the sky and water. This is where the coastal appeal of the area is most concentrated.

Trendy restaurants and clubs

Things get lively after dark in this neighborhood, which is packed with nightclubs, bars, and attractions like Hollywood, a sprawling entertainment park. You will find plenty of restaurants to choose from, serving everything from fresh seafood and stuffed pigeon to reyash dani, which are lamb chops served with a mint-yogurt dipping sauce.

Shopping for every taste

While the waterfront is lined with shops, those in the Old Market feel a bit less commercial. The area features pedestrianized, cobblestone streets with Parisian-style lampposts, a strange aesthetic mix that defines much of Sharm el-Sheikh. You can browse for knick-knacks, lamps, ottomans, and spices in storefronts that feel like traditional souks.

Al Mustafa Mosque, a landmark of Sharm el-Sheikh

Rising above the local activity, Al Mustafa Mosque is an architectural standout. This place of worship is relatively modern, but its two 76-meter minarets make it an impressive example of Ottoman-style design. Visitors are welcome in designated areas, provided they observe local religious customs.

Things to see in the region

The Sinai Desert

At the edge of the Sinai Desert, you can sign up for camel treks, horseback riding, or quad bike excursions. Hiking Mount Sinai is a major draw, though it requires a guide and careful planning. It involves a three-hour drive and a challenging trek to the 2,285-meter summit. At the base, the 6th-century Saint Catherine's Monastery offers a deep look into the region's history.

Preserved nature and magical marine life

The water of the Red Sea is the region's greatest asset. It is warm and clear, hiding an incredibly rich marine ecosystem that attracts divers from around the world. While some of the more popular bays have seen coral degradation, the protected sites remain in excellent condition, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.

Ras Mohammed National Park

Sharm el-Sheikh is flanked by two national parks. To the south, Ras Mohammed is a protected paradise. Because construction is prohibited, the natural landscape remains untouched, featuring mangroves and salt marshes. It is home to some of the most vibrant pristine coral reefs you will find, teeming with a thousand colorful fish species, starfish, and mollusks.

Other natural reserves

Within the park itself, Shark Reef is a hotspot for larger marine life like barracuda, tuna, and sharks. Nabq Park, located about 25 km away, is another stunning reserve known for its birdlife and unique vegetation.

Ras Nasrani features a reef dotted with large bays and impressive coral formations. Taking a boat trip from the pier is a highlight, and swimming alongside dolphins is a common enough occurrence to make you forget the artificial feel of the resort areas.

Local culinary specialties to try

While Sharm el-Sheikh is famous for its fresh seafood, the city also serves a variety of classic Egyptian dishes that are worth seeking out.

Look for koshari, a hearty mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas topped with a spicy tomato sauce. Foul moudammas, which consists of slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and lemon, is another popular traditional dish.

If you have a sweet tooth, try basbousa, a semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup.

Where to eat?

• El Masrien Restaurant (Old Town): Located in the historic district, this spot serves authentic Egyptian cuisine in a traditional setting.
• Fares Seafood Restaurant (Il Mercato): Known for fresh catches and large portions, this is a go-to for anyone craving seafood.
• Rangoli (Naama Bay): An Indian restaurant that offers a panoramic view of Naama Bay.
• Pomodoro (Naama Bay): An Italian option that turns out solid fresh pasta, rich sauces, and well-executed pizzas.

Where to stay?

• Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh (Shark's Bay): A luxury property with a private white-sand beach, lagoon-style pools, and a variety of Mediterranean, Arabic, and Italian dining options.
• Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh (Soho Square): A five-star hotel that blends luxury with traditional Egyptian style, featuring private villas with pools and ocean views.
• SUNRISE Arabian Beach Resort (Sharks Bay): A beachfront resort with elegant rooms, multiple pools, and an international selection of restaurants.
• Rixos Sharm El Sheikh (Nabq Bay): An adults-only, all-inclusive resort with 7 pools, 9 bars, and 7 à la carte restaurants, all set among palm trees with views of the Red Sea.

When to go?

Autumn and spring are the best times to visit when the weather is dry and mild, and the tourist crowds are thinner. In the summer, temperatures can easily climb to 46°C (115°F).

How to get there?

There are no direct flights from North America; itineraries connect through Cairo or a European or Gulf hub. Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport is 17 km from the city, and you can reach your hotel via bus or taxi. It is the second-largest airport in the country, following Cairo.

How to get around?

Taxis and hotel shuttles are the most common ways to get around. Be sure to negotiate your taxi fare before starting your trip, as they generally do not use meters. For more freedom, car rental is an option, though local traffic can be chaotic.

In tourist areas like Naama Bay, it is pleasant to explore on foot to soak in the local atmosphere.

As Egypt's second-largest metropolis, Alexandria balances energetic urban grit with coastal elegance. Its story kicks off with Alexander the Great in 331 BC, and the conqueror who envisioned a prosperous capital would likely approve of how it turned out today. Operating as a major industrial center, university hub, and seaport that has weathered wars and earthquakes without missing a beat, this urban sphinx in the northwest of the Nile Delta refuses to be kept down. Alexandria has seen Roman and Byzantine emperors, served as a stronghold of early Christianity, and answered to both Caliph Omar and General Bonaparte, eventually fueling its modern economic comeback through the Suez Canal. That layered history makes it a top-tier stop on any Egyptian itinerary. Ancient ruins sit right alongside Islamic heritage, and Greco-Roman treasures match the city's sheer momentum step for step.

A Waterfront with Endless Landmarks

A simple walk along the Corniche gets you oriented right away, serving as both the easiest starting point and one of the most scenic stretches in town. By day, fishermen and local merchants set up shop along the water. Once the sun goes down, the whole avenue comes alive with locals out for an evening stroll. Down at the port, the fishing boats put on a daily show, and while the legendary ancient lighthouse was lost in the earthquake of 1303, you can still catch echoes of that wonder of the ancient world at Qaitbay Citadel, built right on the old foundations using stones salvaged from the original structure. This defensive fortress dating to 1477 is a textbook example of medieval military architecture. Between the vaulted ceilings, carved stone gates, and the Mediterranean crashing in the background, this landmark is hard to beat. Underwater archaeological finds like sphinx statues and stone columns are on display nearby at the local Naval Museum. Right around the corner, Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi Mosque catches the eye with its domes and its soaring minaret.

In the same neighborhood, the Royal Jewelry Museum occupies the former palace of Princess Fatma al-Zahra, featuring striking stained glass and Renaissance-style interiors that house a massive collection of royal jewels dating back to the 19th century. Further down the coast, the ultra-modern, half-sphere architecture of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina comes into view, holding the world's largest reading room behind its granite walls, shelf space for eight million volumes and a museum wing filled with ancient manuscripts. Finally, the striking Stanley Bridge spans the water along the Corniche, acting as a grand link between eras and elements that lights up dramatically at night and ranks as one of the best spots to catch the sunset.

A Journey Through the Centuries

Alexandria's biggest surviving ancient monument is Pompey's Pillar, standing 30 meters high to give you a sense of the scale of the immense Temple of Serapis that once occupied the site, the pillar itself raised in the early 4th century. Three pink granite sphinxes guard the area, and the archaeological park includes a network of underground galleries. Artifacts recovered here, including a marble head of Serapis and the Apis bull, are housed in the Greco-Roman Museum, where thousands of relics dating back to the 3rd century BC make it one of the most important collections of its kind in the world. Over on the eastern side of the city in the El Mandara neighborhood, the Montazah Palace, completed in 1932, cuts an imposing figure with its Turkish-Florentine towers and symmetrical arched windows. While the interior is closed, you can wander the 150 hectares of landscaped gardens filled with towering palms and manicured flower beds. Mamoura Beach sits just a short distance away if you are looking for a place to swim.

The waterfront bars and restaurants are ideal for diving into local cuisine, starting with koshary, a carb-heavy mix of brown lentils, rice, pasta, and tomato sauce, alongside seafood specialties like balah el-bahr or garlic-butter clams known as gandofli. Street food stalls dish out fresh falafel and hawawshi, a spiced minced meat stuffed inside a baked pita. Alexandria is a treat from start to finish.

Getting There

There are no direct flights from North America, so you will connect through a hub such as Istanbul, Athens, Frankfurt or Cairo. Since Alexandria's primary international airport has been undergoing renovations, flights route through Borg el Arab Airport, located 48 km (about 30 miles) from downtown, with shuttle buses and taxis handling the final leg. Mediterranean cruises also call at the port. If you are already arriving from Cairo, domestic flights, long-distance buses, and rail lines make the trip straightforward.

When to Go

With average temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in August, the coastal climate stays comfortable year-round, though peak summer heat settles in between May and October.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Hurghada now stretches for miles along the Red Sea coast, backed by desert and fronted by world-class reefs. People come here for the water, a forty-minute boat ride takes you out to the Giftun Islands for pristine corals and white sand beaches. Up north, the historic El Dahar neighborhood keeps its traditional bazaars and street cafés.