Egypt is a land of history, natural wonders, and culture. From the Pyramids of Giza to Luxor and the Red Sea, exploring this country allows you to journey through ancient civilizations and see many excellent sites.

Egypt has everything those interested in Ancient Egypt want to see, such as the pyramids, temples, tombs, modern cities, markets, and much more, showing that this country has something for everyone to see. This guide will detail the top 15 places to see in Egypt.

1. Pyramids of Giza

Home to one of seven wonders in the world, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the most iconic wonders in Cairo. These tombs of Pharaohs Khafre, Khufu, and Menkaure are protected by the Sphinx, which makes this site an even more fascinating and popular tourist site. To get past the crowds, get there early in the morning and explore the Pyramid’s tunnels and burial chambers before it gets busy.

2. The Temple and Tombs of Luxor

This city is famous for the Karnak and Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings and Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, and Mednet habu. Formerly known as Ancient Thebes, Luxor is home to many famous Pharaohs and ancient sites that all must be seen. The East Bank of Luxor contains a city with a vibrant marketplace, temples, and the Luxor Museum. The West bank has a lot of farmland and cliffs that comprise most of Luxor’s tourist attractions, making it an open museum.

It is essential to spend a few days here to get the chance to see all the fantastic attractions. Make sure to get to these sites early to beat the busy crowds. I recommend you get up early in the morning, and you will see the sites with barely any crowds!

3. Abu Simbel

This place is home to Ramses II’s temple, containing four large statues that guard it on the outside and an interior covered in wall paintings. It is crucial to visit early in the morning to beat the crowds. Make sure to explore Abu Simbel village and other temples within this town.

4. Aswan

This town on the Nile contains many sand dunes and is a great place to relax for a few days. Be sure to take a Nile ferry to Elephantine Island and visit the many Nubian villages, or take a camel ride to St. Simeon monastery in the desert. Sailing on a felucca at sunset is also a great way to enjoy the trip, as it is the perfect way to enjoy the evening and see the beauty of the Nile.

5. Exploring the Nile River

It is vital to get a chance to explore the Nile River through a cruise or a felucca ride. A Nile cruise allows you to see the temples and Nile riverbanks in many different cities by the river. While going on a Nile cruise, visit the Edfu Temple of Horus, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Abu Simbel. If you want a more peaceful Nile River sightseeing activity, go to Felucca at sunset. You simply can’t go to Egypt without a short trip on the Nile, one of the must-see places to see in Egypt!

6. Islamic Cairo

This part of Cairo contains many mosques that date back centuries, such as Al-Azhar Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Ibn Tulun Mosque, and more. This palace is also home to the Labyrinth shopping souq of Khan el-Khalili, where there are many spices, perfumes, and various artworks. The roads here are as old as the old Islamic empires and show how well-preserved the historical architecture from these empires is.

It is also essential to visit the Citadel of Saladin, which provides breathtaking views of Cairo and contains the Muhammad Ali Mosque. Note that if you are visiting a Mosque, you will have to dress appropriately and modestly.

7. Coptic Cairo

Coptic Cairo is home to many ancient churches that date back to early Christianity in Egypt and contains a lot of rich cultural heritage in the area, where even Mary, Joseph, and Jesus once resided. Some attractions are The Hanging Church (Built on what remains of a Roman fortress), Ben Ezra Synagogue (Where Moses was found floating on the Nile), and The Coptic Museum, which is an amazing Christian museum that contains many artifacts and manuscripts from early Christianity.

8. Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery

Saint Catherine’s monastery is located in the Sinai Peninsula and is home to Mount Sinai, where it is said Moses was given the Ten Commandments. This monastery contains religious art, manuscripts, artifacts, and the burning bush, where it is alleged Moses talked to God. When visiting, do an overnight sunrise hike to see the stunning view of Mount Sinai sunrise and then visit St. Catherine’s Monastery in the morning, making it one of the must-see places to see in Egypt. Rent a camel or donkey to make this journey up the mountain easier.

9. Sharm El Sheikh

This seaside town on the Sinai Peninsula has world-class diving, snorkeling, crystal clear, golden sand beaches, perfect for relaxing and swimming. While here, visit Ras Mohammad National Park and the Straits of Tiran for the best snorkeling and scuba diving. Many beach resorts have access to beautiful coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving. If you want to go shipping, there is Duty-Free Shopping in Naama Bay and the old Market with artwork, textiles, spices, jewelry, and souvenirs.

10. Alexandria

This city was founded by Alexander the Great and was the home of Cleopatra. It is by the Mediterranean Sea and is a popular summer tourist destination. While some sites are no longer here, there is a pathway to the famous lighthouse of Alexandria and many underwater archaeological sites and museums. Be sure to visit Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which is a nod to the ancient Library of Alexandria and has many books, art galleries, and museums.

11. Siwa Oasis

Located on the Western corner of the desert in Egypt, this place is home to an ancient city surrounded by an oasis and contains many palm trees and hot springs. The central part of this town is Siwa, which is made of mudbrick and has Shali as its fortress. The Temple of Oracle is also here, where Alexander the Great allegedly came to get advice, making it one of the remarkable places to see in Egypt.

12. White Desert

This natural wonder is located in the Western Desert, south of Bahariya Oasis. There are many pinnacles and large boulders on this desert plateau, which makes this desert very unique. This environment seems like something you would see in a science fiction movie and has become a popular place for desert and overnight trips. If you are looking to explore the desert, this is the right place to go to see some amazing natural beauty.

13. Abydos Temple

Another amazing Temple to give is the Abydos Temple. This amazing plans is one of Ancient Egypt’s most spectacular temples. Seti I constructed this temple and, to this day, has many ongoing archaeological excavations. While there are other temples to visit, the Temple of Osiris is the best one to see. There are many grand halls, pillars, and well-preserved artwork in this temple. Since this place is more difficult to reach, it does not get as many visitors, making it one of the peaceful places to see in Egypt, so you do not have to wake up early to make exploring Abydos Temple easier.

14. St. Anthony Monastery

This monastery is located in the mountains of the Red Sea Coast and has been operating since the 4th century. This fortress-like compound has many wall paintings that are crucial parts of Egyptian Coptic art that goes back many centuries. The tomb of St. Anthony is also located here and this site has become an important pilgrimage site for Egyptian Coptic Christians. Monks will give you tours of this monastery, show you the gardens, and allow you to explore the monastery’s walls.

15. Temple of Hathor

The Temple of Hathor located in Dandarah, was built during the late part of the Pharaonic period and was expanded during Roman rule. This is one of the best preserved and nearly complete temples in Egypt. It is best to take a day trip from Luxor to see this great temple, and it will be worth the trip, with the artwork being very well preserved.

Some Final Thoughts for Future Trips to Egypt

Egypt gives travellers the chance to see many natural and iconic wonders of the world, giving travellers a journey they will never forget. From the great cities to the natural beauty and ancient sites, every part of Egypt has something interesting to see.

Whether you are here to visit the Pyramids, temples, monasteries, tombs, the Red Sea coast, the desert, or modern cities, or other remarkable places to see in Egypt, the country has it all, and this country will give you a diverse experience that will make you want to come back and explore more. Going on a trip to Egypt allows you to see one of the world’s most remarkable civilizations and history, which dates back thousands of years.

Before travelling to Egypt, purchase travel medical insurance coverage to avoid large medical bills. By purchasing this coverage, you will get all the proper medical services. This purchase allows you to have hospital stays, access essential health services, and visit the doctor without significantly impacting your income. Purchasing health coverage is the right step before travelling and will make you less anxious about running into a medical emergency.

Written by Mark T – A history student based in Vancouver who loves travelling and writing. He is going to Egypt in 2025!