Egypt is where you can step back in time and experience the ancient wonders and enjoy different activities. Understand the best of this country with this list of things to do in Egypt.

Egypt is one of the best countries to visit because of its rich culture, friendly people, diverse activities, and numerous attractions.

The country is best known for its pyramids, and it is fair to say many people visit Egypt for these attractions.

However, this ancient land has numerous other wonders and attractions that deserve attention and a visit.

So, check these top things to do in Egypt and start planning your Egypt itinerary.



Top Things To Do In Egypt


Take a Nile River Cruise


Just below a visit to the pyramids on many people’s lists of things to do in Egypt is a cruise on the Nile River.

There are so many things to do and places to see that you might have to use a roadmap template to create a plan on how to do it all.

The three best places to visit when you take a Nile River cruise are Luxor, Aswan, and the Valley of Kings.

Luxor is home to the Karnak and Luxor temples. The former is a massive temple complex that spans over 800 acres.

The Luxor temple is located on the east bank of the Nile River and is best known as an excellent showcase for Egyptian architecture.

Check this Luxor day trip itinerary for more details.

Aswan is well known for its granite mines responsible for the stones used to build the pyramids.

You can visit these mines to see the queries and also understand how the stones are extracted and transported to the building sites if that interests you.

The Valley of Kings is exactly what it sounds like. It is home to the tombs of numerous pharaohs and their families.

Perhaps the most popular of these is the Tomb of Tutankhamun. The tomb is popular for its treasures which include the boy king’s sarcophagus and the golden funerary.


cairo old town in egypt

Alexandria Qaetbay Castle

Visit the Islamic Cairo


The Islamic Cairo has been at the heart of Egyptian commerce since the 14th century, and its most popular attraction is the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

Like similar bazaars in the city, this market is punctuated with winding alleys lined with handwoven textiles, lanterns and aromatic spices.

Having stood for this long, you will be amazed at how little this area and the bazaar have remained unchanged over time.

Once you complete a visit to the bazaar, you should visit the nearby Sultan Hassan Mosque.

This masterpiece is a testament to Islamic architecture, and you will be taken in by the intricate calligraphy and high walls that seem to transport you to another place entirely.

These features have been repeatedly called the pinnacle of mediaeval craftsmanship, and a visit to the mosque will show you exactly why that is.


Coral Reef view of the local cafe, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Visit the Desert Oases


If you are looking for solitude, a relaxing experience, and rejuvenation, the Western Desert’s oasis will be the best option.

A popular option is Siwa Oasis, where you can swim in a crystal-clear oasis surrounded by palm groves.

You can also enjoy mud-brick fortresses and watch the sunset over an endless row of dunes.

Apart from the oases, the desert is also home to the White Desert National Park. Visitors can enjoy surreal rock formations sculpted by sand and wind over the centuries.

The effect is so breathtaking that some say visiting this park is better than seeing the inside of a pyramid.


Royal palace at Montaza public park, Alexandria, Egypt

Visit The City of Alexandria


The city of Alexandria is referenced in both ancient and modern texts, and visiting it makes it easy to see why this is the case.

The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a homage to the ancient library that once made the city and Egypt the world’s intellectual capital.

The city also has a network of catacombs that introduce visitors to the Greco-Roman heritage and architectural style.

A lesser-known and talked about attraction is the Alexandria corniche. This is a waterfront walkway along the harbour that is known for historic sights, markets and restaurants.

If you are looking for fresh seafood after visiting the city, this is the best place to get it.

The best thing is that you will enjoy the harbour and everything it has to offer while overlooking the harbour where Cleopatra’s palace once stood.


View of Alexandria harbor, Egypt

See The Red Sea Coast


Many people want to visit less frequented areas, and the Red Sea coast is the best option if this is what you like.

Once you are past the popular resort rooms, you will land where you can enjoy pristine coral reefs full of marine life.

The Ras Mohammed National Park is protected and features both snorkelling and diving opportunities.

If you decide to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, be prepared to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and rainbow-coloured fish.


The Colossi Of Memnon Giant Statues

Egypt is a magical place with so much to see and do, so it is unfortunate that most people only see a small part of it.

There is so much more to see and enjoy; all it takes is a willingness to visit less frequent areas and destinations. With this list of things to do in Egypt, get ready to explore the lesser-known parts of Egypt.



Lavinia Dsouza

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.


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