Africa

10 Best Places to Visit in Egypt

1 January, 2022

The awe-inspiring pyramids and famous waters of the Nile have inspired so many people. Wandering the vibrant streets of Cairo is an essential and expected stop on every tourist’s agenda.

As much as everybody adores the Egyptian capital, however, it’s far from the only place worth exploring in Egypt. From the shores of the Mediterranean to the sun-soaked desert towns, this North African gem has so much to offer.

Ready to explore the greatest wonders of the ancient and modern world? Here are 10 places to add to your Egypt itinerary.

Aswan

Aswan has been a cultural and trade hub since camel caravans transported Egyptian gold and spices. The area is also a prime base for exploring the nearby Nubian ruins.

Sharm el-Sheikh

Egypt’s most famous resort town, this city by the sea is home to some of the most beautiful coral you’ll ever see and it’s easily one of the most impressive diving destinations in the world.

The Ras Mohammed National Park, is considered to be amongst the most beautiful marine parks in the world just after the Great Barrier Reefs of Australia. When you’re ready to dry off, head out to Colorful Canyon.

Alexandria

Far from the chaos of Cairo, you’ll find this quieter city by the sea. It’s home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Library of Alexandria, as well as Necropolis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.

A world away from the typical tourist traps, the sites of Alexandria are the kind of places that simply take your breath away.

Saqqara

Just 17 miles (27 kilometers) of central Cairo, Saqqara is worth the detour. Home to the Memphis necropolis in the capital of Ancient Egypt, this place will transport you back in time.

You will need at least one day to explore the archaeological wonders of the Pyramid of Teti, Mastabas of Kagemni and Ti, as well as The Serapeum. Once you’ve seen it all, pay a visit to the Imhotep Museum to get a deeper understanding of the history and culture.

Luxor

Luxor is the starting point for countless travelers looking to set sail during the world’s most famous river. It’s also the entry point into the Valley of the Kings, where history buffs can lay eyes on the tombs of Tutankhamen and Nefertari.

While there was fierce competition, the iconic sites of Luxor and Giza are a couple of the places that remain at the top of any Ultimate Africa Travel Bucket List.

Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai is a popular attraction in Egypt due to its huge religious significance having been 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 early (2 or 3 am) and watch a sunrise of biblical proportions.

Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis is a breath of fresh air. Wander amongst the sand dunes and soak in the beauty of the turquoise hot springs and lakes.

Plan time to dig deeper into the culture. As you explore the desert, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the wonders of the traditional local Berber culture of the region.

The Fjord Bay (Taba)

Taba is one of the most spectacular locations to pay a visit to in Egypt. It is a colorful little town positioned at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. There are many attractions to enjoy in-and-around Taba including Red Sea Water World Taba Heights, Castle Zaman, Canyon Motor Sports, and the stunning Salah El-Din Castle.

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.

Marsa Matruh

A beautiful Mediterranean city built by Alexander the Great, Marsa Matruh is a perfect pick for beach lovers. Soak in the sun, splash in the shores, and take in the gorgeous view.

Sitting at the frontier of the Western Desert of Egypt, you can get rare desert herbs here that are famous for curing anything. Located on the Egyptian-Libyan border, you’ll also find a range of trinkets from across the border.

White Desert

White Desert of Egypt is an interesting area in Egypt that 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.