While Cairo and Luxor tend to draw the most attention from international visitors planning their Egyptian adventures, the country holds countless historical sites and hidden corners that deserve equal recognition, offering both a glimpse into ancient civilizations and a chance to experience modern Egyptian life away from the main tourist paths.
From age-old temples along the Nile to lesser-known oases in the Western Desert, here are 20 places in Egypt that should make it onto your travel plans, whether you’re seeking archaeological wonders or authentic local experiences.
- Best tourist destination: The Great Pyramids of Giza
- Underrated hidden gem: Siwa Oasis
- Best for families: Sharm El Sheikh
- Best for couples: Luxor Temple
- Best for solo travelers: Islamic Cairo
- Best for history buffs: Valley of the Kings
The Great Pyramids of Giza
Step back in time to one of the world’s most famous ancient wonders at the Great Pyramids of Giza. These massive stone structures have stood guard over the Egyptian desert for over 4,500 years, drawing visitors from every corner of the globe. You can walk around the base of the pyramids to appreciate their massive scale, or venture inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu through narrow passageways to see the burial chamber. For a unique perspective, book a camel ride around the complex at sunset, when the golden light creates long shadows across the sand. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Great Sphinx, the mysterious limestone statue with the head of a human and body of a lion.
Valley of the Kings, Luxor
Of all the places I’ve visited in Egypt, none feel quite as powerful as the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. This ancient burial ground, carved deep into the desert hills, holds over 60 tombs of pharaohs and nobles who ruled Egypt thousands of years ago. Walking through these underground chambers feels like stepping into a time machine – the walls are covered with detailed paintings and hieroglyphics that tell stories of Egyptian gods and the journey to the afterlife. It’s not just about King Tut’s famous tomb – dozens of lesser-known burial sites offer an even more intimate look at ancient Egyptian beliefs and customs. The valley can get busy and hot, but visiting early in the morning lets you explore these remarkable tombs in relative peace.
The Egyptian Museum, Cairo
History buffs shouldn’t miss the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a true treasure trove of ancient wonders. Located in the heart of downtown, this sprawling museum houses over 120,000 artifacts, including the famous golden mask of Tutankhamun and countless mummies of pharaohs who ruled thousands of years ago. The museum’s two floors showcase everything from delicate jewelry to massive stone statues, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses over 120,000 ancient artifacts, including the famous golden mask of King Tutankhamun that weighs a whopping 24 pounds of pure gold. What many visitors don’t know is that the museum actually displays less than a third of its total collection – meaning there are still thousands of ancient Egyptian treasures sitting in storage rooms waiting to be exhibited.
Abu Simbel Temples
Many travelers journey to Abu Simbel to see the two massive rock temples carved into the mountainside, but this ancient Egyptian site offers more than just impressive architecture. The temples, built by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian engineering and artistry. While the main temple honors Ramesses II himself, the smaller temple celebrates his wife, Queen Nefertari – a rare tribute in ancient Egypt. In the 1960s, the entire temple complex was carefully moved to higher ground to prevent flooding from Lake Nasser, making the site an even more remarkable feat of both ancient and modern engineering. Visitors can explore the detailed wall carvings and statues year-round, but twice annually, on February 22 and October 22, the sun aligns perfectly to illuminate the inner sanctuary.
Khan el-Khalili, Cairo
I first wandered into Khan el-Khalili during a balmy evening in Cairo back in 2018. One of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East, this bustling marketplace has been a trading hub since the 14th century. Narrow alleyways and ancient stone archways lead to countless shops selling everything from aromatic spices and handmade carpets to gleaming copper lanterns. The heart of the market centers around El-Fishawi, Cairo’s oldest cafe, where locals gather to sip mint tea and smoke shisha pipes just as they have for centuries. The constant calls of vendors, rich scents of Egyptian coffee, and glint of gold in shopfront windows create an atmosphere that hasn’t changed much since the days of the Mamluks.
Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor
Located on the east bank of the Nile in ancient Thebes, the Karnak Temple Complex stands as Egypt’s largest religious site. Unlike other temple ruins in Egypt, Karnak feels more like a small city, stretching across 200 acres of pylons, obelisks, and sanctuaries. Built over 2,000 years by more than 30 pharaohs, each ruler added their own touch to this massive complex. When you walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 towering columns, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the heart of ancient Egyptian power. Because of its connection to the god Amun-Ra, Karnak became the most important place of worship in ancient Egypt, and you can still see traces of the original paint that once covered every surface in bright reds, blues, and golds.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that ancient Egyptians spent a mind-boggling 2,000 years continuously building and expanding the massive Karnak Temple Complex, making it the largest religious site ever built? Even more fascinating is the temple’s central Great Hypostyle Hall, which contains 134 towering columns arranged in 16 rows – a true feat of engineering that left such an impression on Napoleon’s troops when they first saw it that they spontaneously presented arms in salute.
Alexandria Bibliotheca
Many travelers come to Bibliotheca Alexandrina to see Egypt’s modern take on the ancient Library of Alexandria, but this cultural hub offers much more than just books. The sleek building, with its distinctive tilted disc design, houses multiple museums, art galleries, and a planetarium that bring science and culture together under one roof. While the main library collection of over 8 million books draws researchers and book lovers, the regular rotation of exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs makes it a place where both locals and tourists spend entire afternoons. Whether you’re interested in ancient manuscripts, contemporary art, or scientific discoveries, you’ll find plenty to explore in this intellectual playground by the Mediterranean.
White Desert National Park
About four hours west of Cairo lies the otherworldly White Desert National Park. Like many of Egypt’s natural wonders, the park features plenty of sand and rock formations, but what sets it apart is its collection of bizarre chalk mountains and sculptures shaped by wind erosion over millions of years. As you walk through this lunar-like landscape, you’ll spot formations that look like giant mushrooms, chickens, and camels rising from the chalky ground. While most visitors come to Egypt for its ancient temples and pyramids, those who venture into this desert find themselves in what feels like another planet entirely. Because of its location far from city lights, the park has become a favorite spot for overnight camping, where travelers can watch the white rocks glow under the desert stars.
Siwa Oasis
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a real desert oasis, Siwa should be at the top of your list. Located deep in Egypt’s Western Desert near the Libyan border, this remote paradise features natural springs, ancient mud-brick fortresses, and endless sand dunes. The oasis is home to the ruins of the Temple of the Oracle, where Alexander the Great once traveled to consult the famous Oracle of Amun, and traditional Berber culture still thrives among the date palm groves and olive trees.
Aswan High Dam
The Aswan High Dam stands as one of Egypt’s most impressive modern achievements, stretching across the mighty Nile River like a massive guardian of water and power. This 3-mile-long engineering marvel, completed in 1970, does much more than just control the Nile’s annual floods – it’s basically Egypt’s powerhouse, generating enough electricity to reach even the smallest villages along the river. When you walk along its massive walls, you’ll see Lake Nasser stretching out behind it like an endless mirror in the desert, holding enough water to sustain Egyptian agriculture for years. It’s not your typical ancient Egyptian tourist spot, but seeing how this massive structure literally changed life along the Nile gives you a whole new perspective on modern Egypt’s story.
Philae Temple, Aswan
I always recommend visiting Philae Temple when you’re in Aswan. Located on Agilkia Island in the Nile River, this ancient Egyptian temple complex was carefully moved from its original home to save it from flooding. The temple honors the goddess Isis and features well-preserved hieroglyphics, grand columns, and detailed carvings that tell stories from Egyptian mythology.
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that the original Philae Temple was completely moved piece by piece from its original island location in the 1960s to save it from flooding when the Aswan High Dam was built? The temple now sits on Agilkia Island where visitors can explore the ancient Egyptian sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis, complete with towering pylons and intricate hieroglyphic carvings that have survived since 380 BC.
St. Catherine’s Monastery, Sinai
Step back in time at St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, this UNESCO World Heritage site houses an impressive collection of religious art and manuscripts, including some of the earliest known Christian icons. Inside, you can explore the Sacred Burning Bush Chapel, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, and visit the monastery’s museum filled with ancient religious texts. The monastery’s library contains over 3,000 manuscripts in various languages, making it a treasure trove for history buffs and religious scholars alike.
Hurghada Red Sea Resort
Looking for the perfect beach getaway in Egypt? Head to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast. This former fishing village has grown into one of Egypt’s most popular resort towns, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling. The coral reefs here are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins, while the sandy beaches provide a relaxing spot to soak up the sun.
Sharm El Sheikh
I first visited Sharm El Sheikh in 2019, drawn to this sun-soaked paradise on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Nestled between the calm waters of the Red Sea and the rugged Sinai mountains, this former fishing village has grown into one of Egypt’s most popular coastal getaways. The warm, crystal-clear waters here are home to some of the world’s best coral reefs, making it a favorite among divers and snorkelers who come to explore sites like Ras Mohammed National Park. The old market in the heart of Old Sharm offers a glimpse into local life, while the modern Naama Bay area buzzes with beachfront resorts and cafes where visitors can watch the golden sun sink into the horizon each evening.
Dahab
Tucked away on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula, Dahab is a laid-back beach town that feels worlds apart from Egypt’s busy cities. This former Bedouin fishing village has evolved into a prime spot for diving and snorkeling, with the Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef drawing underwater enthusiasts from across the globe. Along the waterfront promenade, you’ll find cozy cafes and restaurants where you can relax on cushions while enjoying fresh seafood and watching the waves roll in.
Memphis Necropolis
For history buffs wondering where to start their Egyptian adventure, I’d point them straight to the Memphis Necropolis. Located just south of Cairo, this ancient burial ground includes the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara and the famous pyramids of Dahshur. It’s where the ancient Egyptians laid their pharaohs to rest for over 3,000 years, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.
Saqqara Step Pyramid
I first visited the Saqqara Step Pyramid back in 2018, and it left an unforgettable impression on me. Located about 20 miles south of Cairo, this ancient structure stands as Egypt’s oldest known pyramid, built during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser. The massive limestone complex rises in distinct tiers against the desert landscape, a testament to the architectural genius of its designer, Imhotep. What makes this site special is how it shows the evolution of ancient Egyptian burial practices – you can see the transition from simple tombs to the more familiar smooth-sided pyramids we know today. The surrounding necropolis complex includes carved reliefs, ancient tombs, and smaller pyramids that paint a rich picture of life and death in ancient Egypt.
Luxor Temple
Ever wonder what an ancient Egyptian temple looks like at night? You’ll find out at Luxor Temple, where dramatic lighting transforms the 3,400-year-old stone columns into a mesmerizing open-air museum after dark. Located right in the heart of modern Luxor city along the Nile River, this massive temple complex was built by pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramesses II to celebrate Egyptian religious festivals. You can walk among towering statues and obelisks covered in hieroglyphics, then follow the Avenue of Sphinxes that once connected this temple to the nearby Karnak Temple complex. Even more fascinating is the small 10th-century mosque built right on top of the temple walls – a unique snapshot of how this ancient sacred site has evolved through the ages.
This is interesting:
Built around 1400 BCE, Luxor Temple went on to serve as a place of worship for three different religions over its lifetime – first for the ancient Egyptian gods, then as a Christian church, and later as an active mosque that still stands today. What’s even wilder is that this massive temple complex spent centuries buried under sand, with an entire village unknowingly built on top of it before archaeologists rediscovered and excavated it in the 1880s.
Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo
Have you ever prayed in a mosque that’s been welcoming worshippers for over a thousand years? That’s exactly what you can do at Al-Azhar Mosque, the oldest functioning mosque in Cairo and a center of Islamic learning since 970 AD. This grand religious complex, with its distinctive minarets and open courtyard, has been teaching students from all over the Muslim world for centuries at its renowned university. You can walk across the same marble floors where countless scholars have studied, and peek into the prayer hall where intricate Arabic calligraphy adorns the walls. The mosque sits in the heart of Islamic Cairo, where the buzz of the nearby Khan el-Khalili bazaar adds to its authentic atmosphere.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Al-Azhar Mosque isn’t just Cairo’s oldest mosque, but it’s also home to the world’s second-oldest university, founded way back in 970 CE? The mosque has been a center of Islamic learning for over a thousand years, with its marble courtyard and minarets seeing generations of scholars pass through its doors, from medieval times right up to today’s modern students who still attend classes there.
Coptic Cairo
Ever wondered what it feels like to walk through 2,000 years of Christian history? That’s exactly what you’ll experience in Coptic Cairo, a maze-like district where ancient churches and monasteries tell stories from Egypt’s earliest Christian days. This peaceful corner of Cairo holds the famous Hanging Church, built on top of an old Roman fortress, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, where locals say baby Moses was found. As you wander through narrow stone alleyways, you’ll spot Egyptian Christians heading to Sunday mass, just as their ancestors did centuries ago. The Coptic Museum here houses the world’s largest collection of Coptic Christian artifacts, letting you piece together the fascinating story of Egypt’s Christian heritage.
