21 Top Tourist Attractions in Egypt

The tourist attractions in Egypt are not limited to the famous Pyramids of Giza and its temples. This intriguing country, with its rich and preserved history, has varied attractions for the most diverse styles of travelers.

Throughout the country, there are everything from beautiful natural landscapes to impressive human constructions. Ancient temples and modern architectural constructions.

In Egypt, there is a desert and a beach. Contemplation and consumption. Culture and fun for all tastes. It’s a fantastic place that should always be on travelers’ bucket list. Check out everything you need to know to create the ideal itinerary for your trip to Egypt.

What to Do in Egypt

1. Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx

The Pyramids of Giza are, without a doubt, the most famous among Egypt’s tourist attractions. And yes, the pyramids are an unmissable attraction in the country. They are part of a complex called the Necropolis of Giza, which includes, in addition to the three Great Pyramids (Cheops, Chephren, Myquerinos), the Great Sphinx.

The pyramids are the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still exist today. They were erected for the burial of Kings Cheops, Chephren, Micherinos, grandfather, father, and son, respectively.

The ancient Egyptians believed in resurrection. Thus, the buildings were intended to store the pharaoh’s body and a large part of his treasures so that they could be used when he returned to life.

The entrance to the plateau that houses the pyramids gives access only to the external area. To enter any of the pyramids, it is necessary to purchase specific and more expensive tickets.

The simple entrance also entitles you to visit the Great Sphinx up close, also located nearby. It is the largest monolith statue in the world.

With its lion’s body and human head (in this case, the face of Pharaoh Khafre), its function is to protect the pyramids that can be seen from a short distance away.

At night, there is the option of watching a light show projected onto the Pyramids and the Sphinx. This attraction has a separate ticket for the light show at the Pyramids of Giza, which lasts about an hour. The entire complex is located in the city of Giza, about 20 kilometers from the center of Cairo, the country’s capital.

2. Egyptian Museum, One of the Best Places to Visit in Egypt

The Egyptian Museum is another must-see attraction among the tourist places in Egypt. Located in Cairo, its collection comprises more than 120 thousand pieces of antiquities, mostly extracted from excavations throughout the country.

Visitors can observe utensils, statues, sarcophagi, and even some mummies (there is an exclusive room dedicated to them that is accessible at an extra price, but there are also some on display for the public who purchase the general ticket).

However, the biggest attraction of the Egyptian Museum is the part dedicated to Pharaoh Tutankhamun, whose tomb was one of the few discovered intact.

Thus, it was possible to preserve and display the sumptuous funerary ornaments that guarded his body, in particular his beautiful gold death mask, which is displayed. Buy your ticket to the Egyptian Museum here.

3. Khan El Khalili Market

Anyone who enjoys popular fairs can’t miss the Khan El Khalili Market, the largest in Cairo. This is also one of the popular tourist spots in Egypt. Along several intersecting streets are hundreds of small shops selling trinkets in general and countless vendors eager for tourists’ money.

Fabrics, papyrus, crystals, jewelry, clothes, and all kinds of souvenirs are sold in its alleys. You can find that pyramid that will decorate your living room or that stuffed camel as a gift for your niece.

This is also a place to bargain. The prices offered are always inflated. So, if something is offered to you for the value of 100 (whatever the currency of negotiation), do not hesitate to offer to pay just 20.

After a lot of negotiation, there’s a good chance you’ll get what you want (plus some freebies) for 35. A golden rule that, by the way, applies to practically all Egyptian businesses aimed at tourists.

4. Coptic Quarter

Coptic is the name given to Christians in Egypt, who are a minority in this predominantly Muslim country, but which does not discriminate against any religion.

In this context, the Coptic Quarter is an interesting attraction in Cairo, where beautiful churches and synagogues are concentrated. So, it will be a shame if it misses out on this list of the top tourist attractions in Egypt.

The highlight is the Church of Santo Sergio, built on the spot where the Holy Family took refuge for around three months when Jesus Christ was still a baby.

Other attractions are the Cairo Hanging Church, St. George’s Church, St. Barbara’s Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. Be sure also to visit the Coptic Museum, which houses some of the oldest manuscripts in Egypt.

5. Cairo Tower, One of the Best Things to See in Egypt

The Cairo Tower is the tallest building in the Egyptian capital, located in the modern region of Zamalek, in the center of the city. From the viewpoint located at the top of its 187 meters, it is possible to have a 360-degree view of the city.

The view of the Nile River and the surrounding buildings is impressive during the day, but it is even more beautiful at night. The Cairo Tower was designed to look similar to the shape of the lotus flower, one of Egypt’s symbolic plants.

6. Hurgada

Hurghada is a coastal city located about 460 kilometers south of Cairo, whose main attraction is being bathed by the beautiful waters of the Red Sea. Therefore, a visit here is definitely one of the best things to do in Egypt.

The beauty of its beaches and the blue tones of its crystal clear waters, suitable for diving, contrast with the desert image that most people have of Egypt.

From here, there are tours to the Giftun Islands, which have wonderful beaches. Another attraction is the quad bike ride in the desert near the city. Hurghada can be reached by plane (domestic flight) or by land, depending on the visitor’s convenience.

7. Nile River Cruise, Another of the Exciting Things to Do in Egypt

A practical way to see many cool tourist attractions in Egypt is to take a cruise along the Nile River.

The routes can be down the river, starting from the city of Aswan to the city of Luxor or in the opposite direction. Both locations can be accessed by plane (domestic flights) or train departing from Cairo.

If you opt for this type of attraction, combine the convenience of booking all at once, accommodation, meals, and some guided tours at various tourist attractions in the country visited during the journey.

It is possible to do the journey in four days (and three nights). But, since your time might be limited due to the abundance of attractions, you might miss out on some. Therefore, if you have more time available, choose tours with at least one more day of travel.

8. Temple of Philae

The Temple of Philae, built in honor of the goddess Isis, is on an island in the Nile River near the city of Aswan (about 860 kilometers south of Cairo).

This imposing construction dates back to the reign of Ptolemy II and has both Egyptian and Greek architectural features.

The main attraction of this temple is its various columns, in Greek style, which have representations of a lotus flower, typically Egyptian, at the tip. It is the only large temple in Egypt dedicated to a goddess, who for a long time was looked after by priestesses.

Furthermore, it was a temple much frequented by Cleopatra. All of this gives the place a much more feminine air than other temples in the country. There are countless inscriptions carved into its large walls, which fill the eyes of visitors.

To get to the island, you need to take a boat from the Shallal deck. This crossing is short but very beautiful. At night, the place also has a much-appreciated light show. Without a doubt, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Egypt.

9. Kom Ombo Temple

This temple is located in the city of Kom Ombo, about 830 km from Cairo. For tourists who choose to cruise on the Nile River, this place is certainly one of the ship’s stops.

This is the only large Egyptian temple dedicated to two gods: the crocodile god (deity of fertility and creator of the world) and the falcon god Horus (deity of the heavens and war). Each half of the temple bears inscriptions referring to one of these gods.

Very close to this temple is a curious Crocodile Museum, where visitors can see crocodile sarcophagi and mummies, something that most people are not even aware exists.

10. Abu Simbel, One of the Best Places to See in Egypt

Abu Simbel is a complex of two temples located in southern Egypt, close to the border with Sudan. Built during the reign of Ramesses II, the first was built in his honor and the second in honor of Nefertari, one of his wives.

Despite being built in the 13th century BC, they are not today in the same place they were made. This is because Abu Simbel would be submerged by the lake formed due to the construction of the great Aswan Dam on the Nile River.

Thus, in the 1960s, UNESCO raised funds and promoted the relocation of both temples to a higher region, safe from the waters of the dam to be formed. Departing from Aswan (about 860 kilometers south of Cairo), the journey to Abu Simbel takes about three hours. It is also possible to travel by plane.

Tours that take you to the site usually leave very early, and visits are made on a “round trip” basis. It can be a little tiring, but the beauty and grandeur of the place make the effort worth it.

11. Edfu Temple

The Edfu Temple is located in the city of Edfu, on the west bank of the Nile River. It is the right place to stop for anyone taking a cruise along the Nile River.

Leaving the ship, there is a short carriage ride to the location, lasting about 15 minutes. It is also possible to reach the city by train or taxi from Aswan (about 860 kilometers south of Cairo).

Built in the Ptolemaic kingdom (between 237 and 54 BC) in honor of the falcon god Horus, the Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved historical places in Egypt. This fact is because this imposing construction remained under the sand for centuries, being revealed again by excavations that began in 1860.

The complex consists of a large open courtyard, a room with 18 columns, followed by another interior room with 12 columns. At the end, there is the sanctuary at the bottom of the temple.

Everywhere, there are large inscriptions and drawings on its high walls, which depict the mythological story of Horus, as well as various rituals and offerings.

As it is among the top Egyptian attractions, it is recommended to visit early in the morning in order to better enjoy the place without the competition of hundreds of other visitors around.

12. Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is located in the city of Luxor (ancient Thebes, 700 kilometers from Cairo) and was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.

The place was built in honor of the god Amon-Ra, but the image of Ramses II is everywhere.

Right at the entrance, there are several huge statues of the pharaoh, as well as a large obelisk (the other one that was paired with it is now in Paris, in Place de la Concorde). During the Roman occupation, parts of the buildings were adapted to be used as churches.

Some walls show classical Christian paintings that were made over ancient Egyptian inscriptions. Nowadays, there is also a functioning mosque right next to the complex. 

13. Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is the place near the city of Luxor (ancient Thebes) where several tombs of Egyptian pharaohs were found and today attracts tourists from all over the world.

Located on the western bank of the Nile, the place has several elevations, where paths were built to store the body of a pharaoh or members of his family.

When we talk about the burial of pharaohs in Egypt, the first image that comes to mind is the Pyramids of Giza, near Cairo.

However, over time, the use of pyramids for this purpose was abandoned. This began with Amontep I (1511 BC to 1524 BC), and since then, pharaohs have been buried in this valley. This makes it one of the most important points of interest in Egypt.

The region is desert, with dry air and almost no shadows. Therefore, the use of sunscreen and constant hydration is recommended. There are dozens of tombs that can be visited. Their interior is impressive, with many drawings on the walls.

But don’t worry about going into all of them, as they are all very similar. Ticket prices vary depending on the number of tombs you intend to visit.

There are special places, like Tutankhamun’s tomb, which require a specific ticket (and it’s not even worth it, as the cool stuff is in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo).

It is important to highlight that if you want to take photos inside the tombs, you have to buy a permit for an extra fee.

In all of them, there are inspectors to prevent photos from being taken by those who don’t have this pass, and their approach is not at all friendly.

14. Deir El-Bahari, Another of the Best Places to visit in Egypt

Deir El-Bahari is a beautiful complex of tombs and mortuary temples located near the city of Luxor. Its great highlight is the mortuary temple of Hatexepsut, also known as Djeser-Djeseru (The Wonder of Wonders).

Located on the western bank of the Nile River, close to the Valley of the Kings, the site was built in honor of Amun-Ra, the sun god. Its wide staircase and columns mark this construction made at the foot of a large elevation, which can be seen from a long distance, including during a balloon ride in Luxor.

15. Balloon Ride in Luxor

The balloon ride in Luxor is one of the coolest things to do in Egypt for anyone visiting this ancient city. The balloon departure point is on the west bank of the Nile, and the tours always start very early.

Tours are, as a rule, booked with local guides in advance. They pick up the tourist at the hotel or ship where they are staying in the early hours of the morning.

Everyone is taken to a small pier from where boats leave for the other side of the river and where a small breakfast is served. The crossing is very short.

Those who arrive early can climb when the first rays of the sun appear. The view from up there is wonderful, whether looking down (you can see the city) or looking at the horizon (with several colorful balloons composing the landscape). It’s definitely worth getting up early to appreciate it all.

16. Aswan Dam, One of Egypt’s Top Attractions

The Aswan Dam is one of the largest dams in the world. This great work was made entirely of granite without the use of concrete.

Its construction represented greater control by the Egyptians of the waters of the Nile River, putting an end to the great seasonality of periods of drought and floods.

Furthermore, its turbines are responsible for generating a large amount of electricity in the country. The construction of the Aswan Dam, between 1960 and 1970, was responsible for the emergence of Lake Nasser, 500 kilometers long, on Egypt’s southern border with Sudan.

A concern at the time was the realization that the lake would cover a large number of archaeological sites, which motivated movements to preserve some of them.

This is how UNESCO obtained resources to save the Abu Simbel complex, moving it from its original location to a place safe from the waters that would cover it.

The Aswan Dam was built during the Cold War and was financed by the Soviet Union. For this reason, the Russian-Egyptian Friendship Monument was built in its surroundings, celebrating collaboration between governments. The monument can be visited for free, but you need to purchase a ticket sold separately to climb it.

17. Karnak Temple

The site known as Karnak Temple is, in fact, a huge complex with several buildings erected for Egyptian deities, which has been continuously expanded for more than 1,700 years. Located in the city of Luxor, it has more than 2 thousand m² and was considered the religious center of the kingdom until the end of Egyptian civilization. Today, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Egypt that boasts a rich history and grandeur.

Its main building is the temple dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, God of the Sun. The largest obelisk in Egypt is located there, measuring 27 meters high. Throughout the complex, there are also 134 huge papyrus-shaped columns, one of the country’s symbolic plants.

A large avenue connected Karnak with the Luxor Temple in the same city. Until the mid-18th century, the temple was still submerged in the sand, which explains its remarkable state of conservation to this day.

18. Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria was built in 2002 in the city of the same name (220 km north of Cairo) and is the largest in Egypt. And being one of the cool tourist spots in Egypt, I suggest you take a tour to explore the history of Alexandria.

Its imposing building houses the largest collection of books on the entire African continent. Its main reading room extends over more than 20 thousand m² on 11 floors (four of them underground).

This space is covered by a 120-meter-diameter glass dome, which provides natural light to the environment. The organization of its shelves and a large number of study tables, many of them with computers connected to the Internet, are impressive.

Outside, the windowless walls are covered in granite and are encrusted with various symbols used by humanity to communicate in different eras and civilizations.

The entire structure includes, in addition to the main library, four specialized libraries, laboratories, a planetarium, a science museum, a calligraphy museum, and a congress and exhibition room.

In a country that has ancient buildings as its main tourist attractions, the grandeur and modernity of the Library of Alexandria stand out and show that Egypt is not just made of pyramids and tombs. For those who want to visit Alexandria but have little time, this is, without a doubt, the main attraction to visit.

19. Qaitbay Citadel (Fort of Alexandria)

The Qaitbay Citadel (also known as Alexandria Fort) is a fortress built in the 15th century on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It is in the exact location where the famous Lighthouse in the city of Alexandria once stood (220 km north of Cairo).

The legendary Lighthouse was destroyed in the 14th century after shocks suffered from several earthquakes. Currently, the site does not have a military function and houses a naval museum.

It’s worth a visit to see not only the beautiful construction but also to enjoy a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. If you love historical places, then a visit here is definitely one of the best things to do in Egypt.

20. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa is located in the city of Alexandria (220 km north of Cairo). It is one of the largest Egyptian Roman funerary sites. This tomb complex is considered one of the “Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages” and, of course, is among the main tourist sights in Egypt.

Descending a large circular staircase, you will arrive at a series of different rooms, where there is the burial site of hundreds of people.

The most worked parts show traces of Roman and Egyptian cultures, with drawings and paintings from both inspirations.

The lower levels of the complex were flooded until recently, and currently, there are more areas available for visiting in the various open rooms below ground.

21. Pompey’s Pillar

The last place among the top tourist attractions in Egypt is Pompey’s Pillar, located in the city of Alexandria (220 km north of Cairo), where the Temple of Serapeus (protector of the city) was located in ancient times.

It is an imposing column just over 20 meters high and 2.7 meters in diameter at its base. In front of you, there is also a sphinx, and the group formed by the two buildings is a great backdrop for photos at the location.

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Tips on Egypt’s Tourist Attractions

Egypt is a large country with the most varied attractions spread across its vast territory. Although it is known because of its imposing figure of the pyramids, there is much more to explore and discover in this captivating land.

The ideal is to book tickets for your tours in Egypt in advance to avoid queues at the entrance to attractions and guarantee presence in more popular activities, as they may be unavailable for last-minute purchases.

In addition, traveling by train, bus, and ferry boat is very practical and easy to plan routes around Egypt. My tip for finding the best and cheapest tickets is to use the transport ticket search engine that shows the most popular routes between two destinations and compares prices.

In this list, I brought the places that I consider to be more attractive among the tourist attractions in Egypt. But of course, you can find more tours or choose from these options that are more in line with your style of travel.