Egypt stole a piece of my heart in the strangest ways. Maybe it was floating down the Nile with a cup of mint tea, watching ancient temples drift by. Or that moment I first swam through crystal clear Red Sea waters, with nothing but blue in every direction.
From the towering pyramids glowing gold at sunset to the hidden tombs of the Valley of Kings, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Egypt that left me spellbound. I can’t wait to go back!
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👉 My Favorite Tour in Egypt
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Egypt
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Egyptian adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last fall, I flew to Cairo for just $410 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by buying meals or ingredients from local markets and supermarkets like Carrefour and Metro Market. Street food is incredibly affordable – you’ll find delicious koshari, ta’meya (falafel), and shawarma for 10-30 EGP ($0.30-1).
- Transport: I recommend using Uber or Careem in Cairo – they’re reliable and eliminate haggling over prices. For intercity travel, book first-class train tickets in advance through 12Go. I’ve found this much more comfortable than buses and still very affordable. Within cities, the metro in Cairo costs just a few pounds per ride and is a great way to avoid traffic.
Egypt is already one of the world’s most budget-friendly destinations. With these money-saving strategies, you can explore this ancient land at an even better value. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Egypt:
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza and The Sphinx
- 📍 Location: Giza Plateau, just outside Cairo
- 🏆 Best For: Ancient history lovers 🏺, bucket list travelers 🌍, photo seekers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring inside the Great Pyramid, seeing the Sphinx up close, watching the Sound and Light Show
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler temperatures and clear skies 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Marriott Mena House – Iconic hotel with pyramid views and lush gardens
The Great Pyramids of Giza are Egypt’s most iconic attraction and one of the few remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Standing at the edge of the Sahara and overlooking the modern city of Cairo, they create a surreal contrast that feels like time travel. The largest of the three, the Pyramid of Khufu, towers over the plateau and invites curious minds to explore its narrow passages.
Just nearby, The Sphinx adds even more mystery. With the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, it guards the pyramids with a silent, timeless gaze. Visiting at sunrise or sunset gives you a golden light that makes everything feel more magical.
This site isn’t just about architecture. It’s about standing face to face with a civilization that mastered engineering thousands of years ago. For any first-time visitor to Egypt, Giza is the place where your adventure truly begins.
2. Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 📍 Location: Luxor, Upper Egypt
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, archaeology fans 🗺️, cultural travelers 🧳
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through the Karnak Hypostyle Hall, visiting Tutankhamun’s tomb, watching the Luxor Temple at night
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for pleasant weather and fewer crowds 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa – Riverside luxury hotel with Nile views and spa services
Luxor feels like an open-air museum, with ancient temples and tombs around every corner. The Karnak Temple complex is one of the most impressive ancient sites in the world. Walking among its towering columns and detailed hieroglyphs gives you a real sense of how powerful and advanced ancient Egypt once was.
Across the Nile, the Valley of the Kings is carved into the desert cliffs. It’s home to some of the most elaborate tombs ever created, including the famous resting place of King Tutankhamun. Many of the tombs are still decorated with vibrant wall paintings that have survived for thousands of years.
Luxor combines grand architecture with deep historical energy. Even a short visit offers a glimpse into a world that shaped human civilization. With its temples, tombs, and peaceful riverside setting, this is one of Egypt’s most unforgettable destinations.
- Read next: Unique Travel Experiences
3. The Underwater Paradise of Sharm El-Sheikh
- 📍 Location: Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea coast
- 🏆 Best For: Divers 🐠, beachgoers 🏖️, relaxation seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Diving at Ras Mohammed National Park, snorkeling the Blue Hole, sailing on a glass-bottom boat
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November for warm water and great visibility 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Rixos Sharm El Sheikh – All-inclusive beachfront resort with coral reef access
Sharm El-Sheikh is a Red Sea gem known for its vibrant coral reefs, turquoise waters, and relaxed coastal vibe. It’s a top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, thanks to clear visibility and colorful marine life. Even if you’re not a diver, boat tours and glass-bottom rides let you experience the reef without getting wet.
The city itself blends resort luxury with local charm. You’ll find beach clubs, lively markets, and plenty of seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood. It’s a great place to unwind, whether you’re lounging on the sand or booking a massage by the sea.
Beyond the beach, desert excursions offer a different kind of thrill. You can try quad biking, camel rides, or even stargazing far from city lights. Sharm El-Sheikh is a coastal escape that delivers both underwater adventure and peaceful downtime.
✈️ My #1 Hack for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel upgrade I’ve ever made.
- Read next: Best Luxury Hotels Worldwide
4. The Historical Charm of Alexandria
- 📍 Location: Mediterranean Coast, Northern Egypt
- 🏆 Best For: History fans 🏛️, architecture lovers 🏰, coastal city explorers 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Qaitbay Citadel, exploring the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, strolling Montaza Palace Gardens
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November for breezy, comfortable days 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Steigenberger Cecil Hotel – Historic hotel with sea views in the heart of downtown Alexandria
Alexandria offers a refreshing change from Egypt’s desert landscapes with its Mediterranean air, historic streets, and layered cultural past. The Qaitbay Citadel, built on the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, gives you sweeping views of the harbor and a strong sense of the city’s strategic importance.
The modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina is another must-see. This stunning structure honors the legendary ancient library and hosts exhibits, manuscripts, and a planetarium. It’s a peaceful place to dive into learning and history with a contemporary twist.
Beyond landmarks, Alexandria has a relaxed coastal vibe. You can enjoy sunset walks along the Corniche, dine at cafés overlooking the sea, and explore Roman amphitheaters tucked into busy neighborhoods. With its blend of past and present, Alexandria is one of Egypt’s most charming cities to slow down and explore.
5. The Spectacular White Desert
- 📍 Location: Farafra Depression, Western Desert
- 🏆 Best For: Adventure travelers 🏕️, photographers 📸, desert lovers 🏜️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Camping under the stars, exploring chalk rock formations, watching sunset over the desert
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler nights and tolerable daytime heat 🌙
- 🏨 Where to Stay: B & W Sahara Sky Camp – Elegant desert lodge with a swimming pool, sun terrace, and lush garden
The White Desert looks like a science fiction film set, with surreal chalk rock formations rising from the sand in ghostly shapes. Sculpted by wind over millennia, these natural monuments glow under the sun and take on even more magic when the sky turns pink at dusk.
Many visitors choose to camp overnight. The silence of the desert, the sight of stars stretching from one horizon to the other, and the eerie glow of white rocks in moonlight create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. It’s peaceful, strange, and unforgettable all at once.
During the day, guided tours take you through rock formations shaped like mushrooms, animals, and abstract towers. You might even spot desert fox tracks in the sand. The White Desert feels like Egypt’s most unexpected wonder, a quiet place that leaves a lasting impression through sheer natural beauty.
6. The Grandeur of Abu Simbel
- 📍 Location: Nubia, Southern Egypt near the Sudanese border
- 🏆 Best For: Ancient monument fans 🏛️, history lovers 📜, off-the-beaten-path explorers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the Great Temple of Ramses II, seeing the Small Temple of Nefertari, witnessing the sunrise alignment
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to February for cooler mornings and photo-friendly lighting 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge – Cozy lodge near Abu Simbel with Nubian-style architecture and lake views
Abu Simbel is one of the most jaw-dropping archaeological sites in Egypt. The twin temples of Ramses II and Nefertari were carved directly into a sandstone cliff over 3,000 years ago, and they still tower over visitors today. The scale alone is impressive, with four colossal statues guarding the entrance to the Great Temple.
What’s even more incredible is how the entire complex was relocated in the 1960s to prevent it from being submerged by the Aswan High Dam. This massive UNESCO-led effort preserved both temples stone by stone and kept their solar alignment intact. On two specific mornings each year, sunlight travels through the temple’s inner chamber to illuminate statues deep inside.
Abu Simbel combines art, science, and devotion in a way that very few monuments do. For travelers who love ancient marvels, this one belongs at the top of the list.
7. The Serene Beauty of Aswan
- 📍 Location: Southern Egypt along the Nile River
- 🏆 Best For: Culture seekers 🏺, river lovers 🚤, relaxing travelers 🌴
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Philae Temple, taking a felucca ride, exploring Elephantine Island
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for cooler days and pleasant evenings 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract – Historic luxury hotel with Nile views and elegant gardens
Aswan is the quieter, more laid-back side of Egypt, perfect for travelers looking to slow down. Its setting along the Nile is stunning, with palm trees, granite cliffs, and islands dotting the river. A felucca ride at sunset is one of the most peaceful ways to experience the city.
Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is perched on an island and accessible only by boat. Its carvings and columns are some of the most detailed in all of Egypt. Elephantine Island, just offshore, offers small museums and Nubian villages where you can see a different cultural rhythm.
Aswan is also a gateway to Nubian culture. You’ll find colorful homes, friendly locals, and a slower pace of life that makes it easy to unwind. Whether you’re sipping mint tea on a terrace or exploring ancient temples, Aswan feels timeless in the best possible way.
8. The Colorful City of Dahab
- 📍 Location: Southeast Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea
- 🏆 Best For: Backpackers 🎒, divers 🐠, laid-back travelers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Diving at the Blue Hole, shopping at Dahab’s promenade, dining by the sea at sunset
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November for perfect diving conditions 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Dahab Paradise – Beachfront boutique hotel with a pool and mountain views
Dahab is a refreshing blend of chill vibes and epic adventure. Once a sleepy Bedouin village, it has grown into one of Egypt’s top coastal escapes while still holding on to its relaxed spirit. Unlike the more developed Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab moves at a slower pace that appeals to independent travelers and creatives.
The main draw here is the diving. The Blue Hole is one of the world’s most famous dive spots, attracting divers with its dramatic drop and vibrant coral walls. If you prefer staying above water, the beaches are calm and the town’s seaside promenade is filled with cafés, smoothie bars, and gear shops.
Beyond the sea, Dahab has a tight-knit community vibe. From yoga classes and desert hikes to late-night music sessions by the shore, it’s a place where spontaneity rules.
9. The Timeless Beauty of Siwa Oasis
- 📍 Location: Western Desert, near the Libyan border
- 🏆 Best For: Off-grid explorers 🏜️, history fans 🏛️, nature lovers 🌴
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Oracle Temple of Amun, swimming in Cleopatra’s Spring, exploring Shali Fortress
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for cool days and stargazing nights ✨
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Taziry Ecolodge Siwa – Traditional-style lodge with views of the oasis and salt lake
Siwa Oasis feels like stepping into another world. Isolated by miles of sand dunes, it’s one of Egypt’s most remote and well-preserved cultural pockets. The town’s mudbrick buildings and palm groves create an atmosphere that is both peaceful and surreal.
The Oracle Temple of Amun adds a powerful layer of ancient history. Legend has it that Alexander the Great visited this site to confirm his divine status. Cleopatra’s Spring is another must-see, and swimming here is both relaxing and steeped in myth. Local salt lakes and natural pools make the oasis feel like a desert mirage.
Siwa’s distinct Berber culture, slower pace, and sustainable living practices make it unlike anywhere else in Egypt. You won’t find big resorts or chain restaurants, just quiet streets, starlit nights, and warm hospitality. It’s a perfect escape for travelers looking for beauty, culture, and connection far from the crowds.
10. The Seaside Splendor of Marsa Alam
- 📍 Location: Southern Red Sea Coast
- 🏆 Best For: Snorkelers 🐬, sunseekers ☀️, marine life lovers 🐢
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling at Abu Dabbab, diving at Elphinstone Reef, relaxing on quiet beaches
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November for warm weather and calm seas 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Three Corners Equinox Beach Resort – Family-friendly beach hotel with coral reef access
Marsa Alam is a rising star on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Less crowded than Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh, it offers unspoiled beaches and excellent access to coral reefs. If you’re into diving or snorkeling, this is one of the best spots in the country to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant fish.
Abu Dabbab Bay is famous for its clear water and chance encounters with dugongs, while Elphinstone Reef offers dramatic drop-offs for advanced divers. You don’t need to go far offshore to see marine life, just wade in with a mask and find yourself surrounded by color.
When you’re not in the water, the vibe is low-key. Resorts here focus on nature and relaxation, giving you plenty of space to unwind. Marsa Alam feels peaceful and pristine, perfect for travelers who want coastal beauty without the tourist crowds.
11. The Majestic Mount Sinai
- 📍 Location: South Sinai Peninsula
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, spiritual travelers 🙏, sunrise chasers 🌄
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the summit at dawn, visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery, watching the stars over the mountains
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler hiking temperatures and clear skies 🌌
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Morgenland Holly Village – Basic lodge near St. Catherine’s with mountain views and local tours
Mount Sinai is one of Egypt’s most sacred and scenic destinations. Revered as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments, the mountain draws pilgrims, history lovers, and outdoor adventurers alike. The hike to the summit is a popular challenge and rewards early risers with an unforgettable sunrise view.
The climb takes about two to three hours, with a series of stone steps and switchbacks. At the top, the sky slowly shifts from deep blue to fiery orange as the sun rises over the rugged desert. It’s a moment of stillness that stays with you long after your descent.
At the base, St. Catherine’s Monastery offers insight into centuries of faith and resilience. Its library, chapel, and olive trees are as much a part of the experience as the hike itself. Mount Sinai offers physical challenge and spiritual quiet in one powerful place.
12. The Unforgettable Nile River Cruise
- 📍 Location: Between Luxor and Aswan, Upper Egypt
- 🏆 Best For: Slow travelers 🚢, culture lovers 🏺, first-time visitors 🌍
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, watching the Nile sunset, relaxing on the boat deck
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable sightseeing weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: MS Alexander the Great Nile Cruise – Luxury cruise ship with spacious cabins, pool, sauna, and rooftop terrace
Cruising the Nile is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to explore Egypt. The river is the country’s lifeblood, and gliding along its calm waters connects you to both past and present. Most cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at ancient sites along the way.
Temples like Kom Ombo and Edfu rise right out of the riverbanks. Guided excursions help you appreciate their history without feeling rushed. Between stops, you can unwind on the sun deck, enjoy afternoon tea, or just watch daily life unfold along the shore.
A Nile cruise blends luxury with history in a way that few experiences do. You’ll cover a lot of ground while only unpacking once, making it ideal for those who like their adventure at a gentler pace. The views, the rhythm, and the mix of culture and comfort make it truly unforgettable.
