15 Best Places to Visit in Egypt
The Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, a Nile cruise, the Red Sea and the desert oases – the best places to visit in Egypt, with tips.
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Egypt has been welcoming travellers for thousands of years – and it still has the power to astonish. Few places let you stand beside a 4,500-year-old pyramid in the morning, sail the Nile at sunset and snorkel a coral reef a few days later. These are the 15 places that should be on every Egypt itinerary.
Cairo and Giza
1. The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
The last surviving wonder of the ancient world needs no introduction. Arrive at opening time to see the Great Pyramid before the crowds and the heat, and walk to the panoramic viewpoint for the classic shot of all three pyramids. Tickets to go inside the Great Pyramid are sold separately and are limited.
2. The Grand Egyptian Museum
Next to the pyramids, the vast Grand Egyptian Museum is now the world's largest museum devoted to a single civilisation. Its highlights include the complete treasures of Tutankhamun displayed together for the first time and a giant statue of Ramesses II in the atrium. Book timed tickets online.
3. Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili
Medieval mosques, madrasas and minarets fill the streets of historic Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along Al-Muizz Street, climb to the Citadel of Saladin and get lost in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, ending with mint tea at the historic El Fishawy café.
4. Saqqara and Dahshur
South of Giza, the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is the oldest pyramid in Egypt. At nearby Dahshur, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid are far quieter than Giza – and you can climb inside the Red Pyramid.
Upper Egypt and the Nile
5. Luxor's temples
Luxor is the world's greatest open-air museum. The forest of giant columns in the Hypostyle Hall at Karnak is unforgettable, and Luxor Temple is magical when it's lit up at night.
6. The Valley of the Kings
On Luxor's West Bank, the tombs of the pharaohs are carved deep into the desert hills, their walls still bright with paint. Your ticket covers several tombs; Tutankhamun's and Seti I's need extra tickets. Add the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, and consider a sunrise hot-air balloon flight.
7. A Nile cruise
Sailing between Luxor and Aswan is one of the world's classic journeys, stopping at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. Choose a comfortable cruise ship or a smaller traditional dahabiya for a slower, more intimate trip.
8. Aswan
Egypt's most relaxed city has granite islands, felucca sailboats and colourful Nubian villages. Visit the island temple of Philae, the botanical garden on Kitchener's Island and a Nubian village on the West Bank.
9. Abu Simbel
Ramesses II's colossal temples near the Sudanese border were moved block by block to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Most visitors make the trip from Aswan by road or air; staying overnight lets you see the sound-and-light show and the temples at dawn.
The Mediterranean and the desert
10. Alexandria
Founded by Alexander the Great, Egypt's Mediterranean city has a faded grandeur all its own. Visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Qaitbay Citadel on the site of the ancient lighthouse and the catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, then eat fresh seafood on the Corniche.
11. Siwa Oasis and the White Desert
In the Western Desert, Siwa is a remote oasis of palm groves, salt lakes and a mud-brick old town. Further east, the chalk formations of the White Desert are best seen on an overnight camping trip under the stars.
The Red Sea and Sinai
12. Hurghada and El Gouna
The Red Sea's busiest resort area offers warm water and easy access to coral reefs year-round. Spend your days on boat trips to the islands, snorkelling, diving and kitesurfing, and visit El Gouna, a car-light lagoon town with restaurants around a marina.
13. Marsa Alam
Further south, Marsa Alam is quieter and wilder, with some of the best house reefs in Egypt. At Abu Dabbab, green turtles graze on seagrass close to the shore, and lucky snorkellers may even spot a dugong.
14. Sharm el-Sheikh and Ras Mohammed
At the southern tip of Sinai, Sharm el-Sheikh is the gateway to Ras Mohammed National Park, one of the world's great dive and snorkel sites, with sheer coral walls and huge schools of fish.
15. Dahab and Mount Sinai
Laid-back Dahab is popular with divers and backpackers. From here, many travellers climb Mount Sinai overnight to watch the sunrise, then visit the ancient St Catherine's Monastery at the foot of the mountain.
Practical tips
- Visas: many nationalities can get an e-visa online or a visa on arrival. Visitors staying only in the Sinai resorts may be able to use a free Sinai-only entry stamp – check the rules before you fly.
- Money: the currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Carry small notes for tips (baksheesh), which are part of daily life.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees outside the beach resorts, and bring a scarf for mosques.
- Getting around: domestic flights and overnight sleeper trains link Cairo with Luxor and Aswan. On the Red Sea, book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Planning more of the region? Combine Egypt with our week-long trip to Jordan, and sort your mobile data before you fly with our guide to the best eSIMs for travel.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April is the most comfortable for sightseeing in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The Red Sea resorts are good all year, though summer is very hot inland. Winter evenings in the desert can be cold.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most visitors need a visa. Many nationalities can apply online through the official e-visa portal before travelling or buy a visa on arrival at the airport. Check the current rules for your passport before you fly.
How many days do you need in Egypt?
Ten days to two weeks lets you see Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel and add a few days on the Red Sea. With a week, focus on Cairo and Luxor, or combine a Nile cruise with Cairo.
Is Egypt safe for tourists?
Millions of visitors travel to Egypt every year without problems, and the main tourist areas are well protected. As anywhere, follow your government's travel advice, use licensed guides and drivers, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
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