20 Spellbinding Places To Discover In Egypt

2. Cairo

Once you get over the chaos, culture shock, and in-your-face touts, this city is a traveller’s dream! History fans will also be in their element here, with age-old traditions perfectly preserved in every city corner.

Of course, there is also an endless supply of ancient temples, tombs, churches, monuments, and museums to explore.

Don’t leave without visiting the famous Khan el-Khalili souk or other street markets, especially if you want to stock up on exotic-looking carpets and brass trinkets!

• Location: Northern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for comfortable weather and fewer crowds at major attractions).
• Activities on offer: Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, touring the Egyptian Museum, exploring Islamic and Coptic Cairo, and shopping in Khan El Khalili Bazaar​.
• Accommodation: Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah, and Fairmont Nile City Hotel.
• Map Location and Directions

3. The Red Sea Coast

A highlight of many travellers to Egypt is Sharm el Sheik, a holiday resort filled with luxury hotels, casinos, nightclubs, and tourists getting their sun, sea, and sand fixes. Sharm el-Sheikh holidays are very popular, although the real beauty of this area is the Red Sea.

The Red Sea’s clear azure waters and an incredible amount of exotic fish and coral are why it is so highly regarded as a diving destination.

It arguably offers some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling experiences. Grab some scuba gear (and an experienced instructor) and take a look for yourself!

• Location: Eastern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for warm waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling)​.
• Activities on offer: Scuba diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and beach relaxation​.
• Accommodation: Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, Baron Palms Sharm El Sheikh, and Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa.
• Map Location and Directions

4. Pyramids at Giza

A world-famous attraction, I think no visitor should leave without visiting the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza. They are the only remaining seven wonders of the world of the ancient world and over 4600 years old.

They’re an imposing sight, and the whole complex is still mysterious.

If time is an issue, you can see the main parts of the Pyramid site in around 2 hours, but if your schedule allows, you should spend a full day in this area.

• Location: Western outskirts of Cairo, in the northern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for pleasant weather without the extreme summer heat)​.
• Activities on offer: Exploring the Great Pyramid, visiting the Sphinx, camel rides, and guided historical tours​.
• Accommodation: Marriott Mena House, Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa, and Panorama Pyramids Inn.
• Map Location and Directions

5. Luxor

I personally think this is one of the best cities to explore in Egypt. Only a few places in the world could be called open-air museums, but the Egyptian city of Luxor is one of them.

The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world, and I think a trip here wouldn’t be complete without a visit.

Spend a day or two at the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, which each house over 60 carved underground tombs. I also recommend visiting the very impressive Luxor and Karnak temples!

• Location: Southern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Winter (for cooler temperatures, ideal for exploring temples and tombs).
• Activities on offer: Touring the Valley of the Kings, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and enjoying a sound and light show at Karnak.
• Accommodation: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa, Winter Palace Luxor, and Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel​.
• Map Location and Directions

6. The Nile River

The best way to explore one of the world’s most famous rivers is by a cruise lasting more than a few days. The stunning Nile is filled with interesting flora and fauna, and a trip to this Egyptian delight will give you an interesting insight into the rural parts of the country.

You’ll also get to stop at plenty of famous temples and other ancient sites of interest. However, if boats are not your thing, head for the banks of Aswan to watch the sunset on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Nile.

• Location: Runs from the southern to the northern part of the country, ending in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Best time to visit: Winter (for comfortable weather during river cruises)​
• Activities on offer: River cruises, felucca sailing, visiting riverside temples, and enjoying a sunset on the water.
• Accommodation: Mövenpick MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise, Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise, and Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise.
• Map Location and Directions

7. Dahab

Dahab is a laid-back resort town on the Sinai Peninsula’s Southeast coast. This beautiful town attracts hippies and travellers who want to stay in a peaceful location that isn’t packed with tourists year-round. I’m a huge fan of Dahab, mostly because of its laid-back boho vibe!

You will enjoy the golden sandy beaches with incredible ocean views that stretch across the Gulf to Saudi Arabia’s Hijaz Mountains.

There is plenty of beauty under the water, with corals and marine fauna, so Dahab is considered one of the best locations for scuba diving and snorkelling on the peninsula.

The famous Blue Hole is also located near Dahab — a gaping sinkhole carved into a reef. Its beautiful sparkling-blue water is an amazing sight. You can also venture into the Bedouin desert to the West of Dahab.

• Location: Eastern part of the Sinai Peninsula, along the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for optimal diving conditions and fewer tourists).
• Activities on offer: Scuba diving at the Blue Hole, windsurfing, camel treks, and snorkeling​.
• Accommodation: Dahab Paradise Hotel, Le Meridien Dahab Resort, and Swiss Inn Resort Dahab.
• Map Location and Directions

8. Mount Sinai

If you stay in the Cairo area, this will be a 1-2 day trip. However, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is definitely worth the journey and has a different feel from the rest of the country.

Mount Sinai is a popular attraction. It has huge religious significance and is mentioned many times in the Book of Exodus, the Bible, and the Quran.

In Christianity, it’s the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Hiking this holy mountain is a popular activity, and many even choose to hike through the night or stay in a lodge to wake up early (2 or 3 am) and watch a sunrise of biblical proportions.

• Location: Southern part of the Sinai Peninsula.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for comfortable hiking conditions and to avoid extreme temperatures).
• Activities on offer: Hiking to the summit for sunrise, visiting Saint Catherine’s Monastery, and photography of panoramic views​.
• Accommodation: Catherine Plaza Hotel, Daniela Village St. Catherine, and Morgenland Village.
• Map Location and Directions

9. Saint Catherine’s Monastery

Saint Catherine’s Monastery is just below Mount Sinai. It’s an ancient and significant tourist site that has UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is, in fact, the oldest working monastery in the world. St.Catherine’s is an unusual and strangely beautiful building juxtaposed against acres of dry, arid landscapes.

You can find the water well where Moses met his wife, see the ancestor of the famous burning bush, and look at the cage of old monks’ skulls. Macabrely, you can also see what is said to be the preserved hand of the real Saint Catherine.

• Location: Southern part of the Sinai Peninsula, at the base of Mount Sinai.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for mild temperatures, perfect for exploration).
• Activities on offer: Touring the monastery, hiking nearby trails, and visiting historical artifacts.
• Accommodation: Bedouin Camp, St. Catherine’s Monastery Guesthouse, and Catherine Plaza Hotel.
• Map Location and Directions

10. Siwa Oasis

Located off the beaten track between the Qattara Depression and the Egyptian Sand Sea (in the Libyan Desert) it has its own distinct Siwan culture which differs from the mainstream Arabic culture.

The Siwans speak their language, and this area is known for its hot springs, fine jewellery, and tasty dates and olives. Take a trip here and kick back for a while, swim, or try your luck at sandboarding.

• Location: Western part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Winter (for comfortable weather, avoiding the intense desert heat).
• Activities on offer: Visiting the Temple of the Oracle, swimming in natural springs, exploring Shali Fortress, and desert safaris.
• Accommodation: Adrere Amellal Eco-Lodge, Siwa Shali Resort, and Taziry Ecolodge.
• Map Location and Directions

11. White Desert

The fabled White Desert of Egypt is a very interesting area. It can be found 28 miles north of the town of Farafra. The desert has an otherworldly beauty with bizarre, ghost-white rock formations sprouting from the desert sands.

The strange structures are huge chalk formations created by occasional sandstorms in the area. For a surreal experience, take a four-wheel drive through the desert or stay overnight.

• Location: Western part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Winter (for mild temperatures, ideal for camping and exploring unique rock formations).
• Activities on offer: Camping, exploring unique rock formations, guided desert tours, and photography.
• Accommodation: Al-Farafra Hotel, Desert Rose Lodge, and camping in traditional Bedouin tents.
• Map Location and Directions

12. Hurghada

Hurghada is a stunning resort town located on the Northeast coast of Egypt, just below the Gulf of Suez. A better description of Hurghada would be the Hurghada Riviera, which stretches 40 miles along the Red Sea Coast and is home to many luxurious resorts.

Originally a fishing town, Hurghada has grown quickly over the past few decades to become a tourist hotspot. The region offers many excellent restaurants, tourist attractions, and accommodation options.

This includes luxurious resorts like Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna, making it the perfect location to be pampered. However, the highlight of this destination is the stunning natural beauty of Hurghada.

There are many pristine beaches with bright white sand and crystal clear water. The coastline is also dotted with coral reefs, so Hurghada is one of the country’s most popular locations for diving and snorkelling.

If you intend to explore the reefs, check out Careless Reef, Giftun Islands, and Omo Gamaar. You can also swim with the dolphins off the coast of the Aden Beach Resort.

Finally, be sure to visit the Eastern Arabian Desert. Many tours are available, and activities include quad biking and visiting historical sites.

• Location: Northeastern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for warm waters and good conditions for beach activities).
• Activities on offer: Snorkeling at Giftun Island, scuba diving, windsurfing, and enjoying a desert safari by jeep​.
• Accommodation: Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel, Jaz Aquamarine Resort, and Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh​.
• Map Location and Directions

13. The Fjord Bay (Taba)

This colourful little town is located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Despite its small size, it can get busy because it is used as a border crossing into Israel.

Many attractions around Taba include Red Sea Water World Taba Heights, Castle Zaman, Canyon Motor Sports, and the stunning Salah El-Din Castle.

The landscape is gorgeous, and you will be constantly amazed by the scenic locations. Fjord Bay is a short drive from Taba.

It is a natural bay that has become a popular spot for swimming, diving, hiking, climbing, boating, and many other outdoor activities. The bay is surrounded by rolling hills which gently sweep down to the stunning aqua-blue water. It is a picturesque location that you won’t forget.

• Location: Northeastern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, near the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for optimal snorkeling and diving conditions).
• Activities on offer: Swimming, snorkeling, boat trips, and visiting Salah El-Din Castle​.
• Accommodation: Taba Hotel & Nelson Village, Strand Beach & Golf Resort Taba Heights, and Mövenpick Resort Taba.
• Map Location and Directions

14. Aswan

Aswan is a historic city on the southern end of the Nile River. It’s a gorgeous metropolis in an idyllic location with a pristine natural environment and scenic views.

In addition to being situated in a picturesque part of Egypt, the city is packed with many amazing ancient buildings that give it a delightful ambience.

Aswan is one of the oldest cities in the country and has a rich history dating back many thousands of years. It is a beautiful city with many locations, including the Aswan Botanical Gardens, Ruins of Abu, Tombs of the Nobles, and Elephantine Island.

It is the perfect location for learning more about Egypt’s rich culture and vast history.

• Location: Southern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Winter (for cooler weather, suitable for exploring historical sites)​
• Activities on offer: Visiting Philae Temple, sailing to Elephantine Island, touring the Nubian Museum, and seeing the High Dam.
• Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Mövenpick Resort Aswan, and Basma Hotel Aswan.
• Map Location and Directions

15. Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples are one of Egypt’s most instantly recognisable historical sights.

The ancient Egyptians built massive rock temples between 1264 BC and 1244 BC. Known as the Temple of Ramesses, beloved by Amun, they are one of six rock templates built in Nubia during the reign of Ramesses II.

The scale of the Abu Simbel Temples is incredible. They have a timeless beauty that continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

• Location: Southern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Winter (for comfortable temperatures and to coincide with the Abu Simbel Festival in February)​.
• Activities on offer: Exploring the temples, attending the Sun Festival, and guided historical tours.
• Accommodation: Nefertari Hotel Abu Simbel, Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge, and Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort.
• Map Location and Directions

16. Nuweiba

Nuweiba is a coastal town on the East coast of the Sinai peninsula. It’s an attractive city for holidays, surrounded by the pristine aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba and the bright red sands of Sinai.

There are many beautiful sights to see in Nuweiba, including the Coloured Canyon, a narrow trail surrounded by beautifully coloured rock formations.

You will be amazed by the colour variations in the rocks, which range from dark purple to bright yellow. Bedouin tour guides will help you through the canyons and explain the significance of the canyon in their culture.

Another must-see experience near Nuweiba is Ain Khudra, a natural oasis near the town. It is often used as a hiking destination and place to meditate.

The beautiful palm trees and tranquil water pool are stunning. Many incredible natural rock sculptures and carvings surround this area.

There are also plenty of locations to dive off the coast of Nuweiba, including Duna Reef and Coral Island. The coral is plentiful, and you will enjoy the diverse marine flora.

• Location: Eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, along the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for warm weather and beach activities without the summer heat).
• Activities on offer: Snorkeling, beach relaxation, and camel rides along the coast.
• Accommodation: Coral Resort Nuweiba, Elaria Beach Resort, and Habiba Beach Lodge.
• Map Location and Directions

17. Berenice (Baranis)

Located in the Red Sea Governorate, Berenice was founded as a trading port in 275 BC and quickly became an important economic centre in the region.

One of the most exciting locations near Berenice is the Temple of Semiramis, built by Trajan and Tiberius. This large Roman temple is in excellent condition and is one of the most impressive sights in the region.

The temple’s outer walls are adorned with various artworks, including depictions of Emperor Tiberius before the god Min and the deity of the Green Mines (located nearby).

The coast of Berenice has many pristine natural bays and coves to enjoy. You can also explore the stunning island of Zabargad, previously mined for a semi-precious gem named olivine.

This area offers breathtaking views and plenty of marine life. It’s also a great place to go snorkelling, diving, or relaxing on one of the many beaches.

• Location: Southeastern coast of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for optimal diving and fewer tourists).
• Activities on offer: Scuba diving, exploring coral reefs, and relaxing on the beach.
• Accommodation: Lahami Bay Beach Resort, Wadi Lahami Azur Resort, and camping in Bedouin-style accommodations.
• Map Location and Directions

18. Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is another gorgeous resort town on the Red Sea. It’s renowned for its pristine beaches and numerous coral reefs. Abu Dabab Bay is one of the most popular locations for visitors to Marsa Alam.

It is a U-shaped natural bay with crystal clear water and plenty of wildlife, including turtles, dugongs, and dolphins.

The Wadi el-Gemal National Park is just south of the town. It is a large park with a varied landscape, including islands, deserts, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. You can spend many days exploring this national park and marvelling at its spectacular beauty.

• Location: Southeastern coast of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for pleasant weather and marine activities like diving)​.
• Activities on offer: Diving with sea turtles at Abu Dabbab, snorkeling, visiting Wadi El Gemal National Park, and kitesurfing.
• Accommodation: Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort, The Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Beach Resort, and Gorgonia Beach Resort.
• Map Location and Directions

19. Rosetta

Rosetta (also called Ar Rashid) is a city located on the western bank of the Nile River, 65km Northeast of Alexandria. Founded in the 9th century, Rosetta has an interesting history, incredible architecture and vibrant culture.

Rosetta is mostly known for being the birthplace of the Rosetta Stone, which was used to translate ancient Egyptian into Ancient Greek. Because of this—and its beauty, of course—it’s a top attraction in this country. 

Rosetta is a beautiful metropolis with amazing Islamic architecture and many lovely public spaces. You will enjoy wandering the winding streets and admiring the ancient mansions of Rosetta.

Many three or four-story homes lined the streets with beautiful rustic brickwork and detailed mouldings.

• Location: Northern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn (for mild weather, ideal for exploring historical sites).
• Activities on offer: Visiting the Rosetta Museum, exploring Ottoman-era buildings, and boat trips along the Nile.
• Accommodation: Cleopatra Hotel Rosetta, local guesthouses, and Nile-view lodges.
• Map Location and Directions

20. Al Badari

Al Badari, also known as El Badari, is located on the East bank of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. It is world-famous because the British discovered ancient cemeteries there in the 1920s.

The most popular cemeteries are Mostageddan and Dier, which contain incredible ancient Egyptian sculptures and architecture.

They also contain some very old gravesites, with archaeologists finding graves between 5500 BC and 4000 BC.

• Location: Southern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Winter (for cooler temperatures, making it comfortable to explore the archaeological sites).
• Activities on offer: Exploring archaeological sites, visiting tombs, and learning about ancient Egyptian history.
• Accommodation: Camping near archaeological sites, local guesthouses, and budget lodges in nearby towns.
• Map Location and Directions

It’s always a good idea to check up-to-date government travel safety advice before you travel.