Looking for the best Egyptian tourist places? We have just the list for you! Home to the ancient Pharaohs, Egypt is a remarkable country replete with various gems. From historic treasures to culturally rich sites, there are many places to visit in Egypt for a delightful sightseeing tour.
Whether you are a history buff, an adventurer, a family holidaymaker, or a honeymoon couple, there are plenty of safe places to visit in Egypt to make your holiday memorable. Egypt is a marvelous blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation that satiate the travel desires of people of all age groups.
Apart from pyramids, there are many awe-striking famous places in Egypt that you must add to your trip. You will see many museums, mesmerizing valleys, and incredible temples. Most interestingly, the unbelievable architecture of ancient Egypt still makes you think about the formation of these tourist attractions.
Tourist places in Egypt are connected with unanswered questions that still float in the air. And these questions are reasons behind all the curiosity that make Egypt a unique tourist destination in this world.
Take a look at these 20 Best Egypt tourist places that will give you enough reasons to love Egypt.
- Valley of the Kings
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- Al-Qasr Old Town
- Amun Temple Enclosure
- Medinet Habu
- White Desert National Park
- Mt. Sinai
- Luxor Museum
- Agricultural Museum
- Al-Azhar Mosque
- Cairo Tower
- Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
- Khan al-Khalili
- Coptic Museum
- The Red Pyramid of Dahshur
- Pyramids of Giza
- Nubian Village
- Abu Simbel Temples
- Hurghada
- Ras Mohammed National Park
1. Valley of the Kings
Lying on the western banks of the River Nile, The Valley of the Kings is also known as the Valley of the Tombs of the Kings and is one of the best places to visit in Egypt for history lovers. From the 11th century to the 16th century, this valley has been the burial site of the kings and important nobles of the New Kingdom.
It lies across from Thebes within the Theban Necropolis. The site is a combination of West Valley and East Valley. Most of the royal tombs are positioned in the second one. The graffiti on the walls are mainly in Greek and Latin.
The valley was used primarily for burials, between 1539 BC and 1075 BC, with a total of 60 tombs, beginning from Thutmose I up till Ramesses X or XI. One can also see tombs of wives and children of the kings and the nobles. One of the attractions of the Valley of the Kings is the tomb of Tutankhamun, A World Heritage Site.
The tombs were built by cutting through layers of limestone-comprising of 3 corridors, a sarcophagus chamber, and an antechamber. The valley has not only allured archaeologists but also tomb robbers, and treasure hunters. Exploring this place is a true delight.
- Timings: 6 am to 4 pm
- Tickets: INR 974 per person
Discover Egypt with Nile Cruise
Egyptian Explorer Tour
Exhilarating Egypt Family Tour
Historical Egypt Tour2. Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Located along the ancient harbor of Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has an 11-storeyed library with around 4 million volumes of books and can be stretched to 8 million. There are manuscripts, rare books, statues, lithographs, photographs, etc.
The mammoth complex also has various museums, conservation facilities, a school on information science, and a planetarium. Renovated in October 2002, it has a circular shape, in a tilting form. The building is 32 m in height and has a diameter of 160 m. It is connected to the University of Alexandria through a footbridge.
The building of Bibliotheca Alexandrina with sophisticated design is surrounded by a reflecting pool and an open plaza. The new building is a revival of the ancient library that was built centuries ago. Among the top tourist places of Ancient Egypt, it is also quite popular between students and researchers. If you wish to explore, audio guides are available in different languages.
- Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
- Tickets: INR 334 per person
[Start an Exhilarating Egypt tour with this package.]
3. Al-Qasr Old Town
Situated at the brink of a verdant oasis, at the foot of the limestone cliffs, Al-Qasr is a medieval Islamic town, which was established in the 12th century. Founded on the ruins of a Roman settlement, this peaceful town has narrow covered streets.
One of the oldest inhabited areas of Dakhla Oasis, the town has old houses belonging to the Ottoman and Mamluk periods. A part of this town has been kept intact to showcase the real representation of an oasis of those times.
A visit to Al-Qasr is pure magic. Not more than several hundred people live here in the town, which was once a thriving place. One of the main attractions here is the mosque, belonging to the Ayyubid period. The renovated madrassa, along with an old house, is also worth visiting.
- Highlights: Madinat Jumeirah, Qasr AlHosn, Qasr Al-Watan
Also Read:
The Best Time to visit Egypt
How to Reach Egypt
4. Amun Temple Enclosure
Amun Temple is the largest temple complex in Egypt and also the second-largest ancient complex after Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The Amun Temple enclosure in Karnak was the center of the worship of Amun.
Located in Karnak, present-day Luxor, this site is divided into four different temple complexes and one out of them has been brought down to pieces. The present complex sections have temples of Amun, Mut, and Montu.
During the old times, chapels for other deities were also built by priests in every complex, wherein each part had its own sacred pool. During its heyday, the temple owned 65 cities, 421,000 head of cattle, 83 ships, and 276,400 hectares of land along with 81,000 locals working for it. The temple spreads over an area of 247 hectares.
The precinct of Amun-Ra lies in the center and is the largest. The second-largest precinct is that of Mut and it is in the South. The smallest one is that of Montu and is in the North.
- Timings: 6 am to 4.30 pm
- Tickets:
Entry to the Karnak Temple + Karnak Open Air Museum: INR 930 per person
Karnak Sound and Light Show: INR 1396 per person
5. Medinet Habu
A huge temple complex, second in line to the one in Karnak, Medinet Habu is the Arabic name for the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III. A temple belonging to the New Kingdom period, it lies on the western banks of Luxor and is known for its size and architectural importance.
Another highlight is that the temple walls have carved reliefs showcasing the arrival and defeat of the Sea People during the rule of Ramesses III. This ancient site was known to be in connection with Amun, who was known to be the creator and fertility god.
One of the best Egypt tourist places, Medinet Habu is located just opposite the Nile from the Luxor Temple. It was also one of the main sites of a number of annual festivals. This sandstone structure is also considered to be the best-preserved temple complex of the New Kingdom. The complex also has a sacred lake.
- Timings: 6 am to 5 pm
- Tickets: INR 119 per person
6. White Desert National Park
Lying just a few hours away from the bustling Cairo city, White Desert National Park is among the best places to visit in Egypt in winter and has a remarkable surface just like the moon. The unique rock formations that were formed by centuries of sandstorms and erosions, making the surface look quite exquisite.
Some of them look like food and have been given names like ‘ice-cream cone’ and ‘mushroom’, the others have been named ‘Inselberg’, ‘tents’, ‘crickets’ and ‘Monolith’.
Night camping in White Desert National Park can also be planned. One of the most popular formations here is ‘Chicken and the atomic bomb’. As the sun sets or rises, the beauty of the place increases manifold. The site is also known as Sahra al-Beida. In the past, the White Desert was a seabed and when the ocean dried up, there were rock formations, which were made by marine life.
- Highlights: Naturally formed stones called ventifacts, barite and calcite crystals, black iron pyrites, fossils, and Crystal Mountain.
7. Mt. Sinai
Also known as Gabal Musa, Mount Moses, or Mount Horeb, Mount Sinai is a mountain that lies in the Sinai Peninsula. One of the four important sacred mountains in the Judeo-Christian region of the Middle East is the site where Prophet Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. At the summit, a few chapels have been built from where one can enjoy wonderful sunrise views. At the base of the mountain is St. Catherine’s Monastery.
Moses, who was the traditional founder of Judaism, was born here in Egypt. He was the son of a Hebrew slave. Mt. Sinai is visited by a huge number of pilgrims of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism every year. The mountain rises to 7,497 feet above sea level. All tourist facilities are available at al-Minya, a small town just at the entrance to the valley.
- Timings: 9 am to 11.30 am (closed on Fridays, Sundays, and religious holidays)
8. Luxor Museum
Resting on the eastern banks of the River Nile, Luxor Museum is sandwiched between Luxor Temple in the South and Karnak Temple in the North. One of the top museums in Egypt, it has a grand façade that faces the Nile.
Also, the building is 55 m in length and 29 m in width. Visitors can see a wonderful collection of important objects, a few items from the tomb of Tutankhamun, and statues from the Cachette found hidden in the Luxor temple. Another highlight is the reconstructed Talatat wall of the Aten temple.
The Luxor Museum has a brilliant display of antiques from the ending of the Old Kingdom, tracing the Mamluk period, collected from the Theban temples and necropolis. Another attraction here is the statue of The Napoleon of Ancient Egypt, Thutmose III.
Popular items from Tutankhamun’s treasure are the black and gold Hathor cow head, two of the kings’ funerary boat models, furniture, and Shabti figures.
- Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
- Tickets: INR 974 per person
4 Days Classical Cairo Tour9. Agricultural Museum
One of the largest museums in the world, the Agriculture Museum in Cairo was founded in 1930 in a British colonial-style structure. The complex has a number of buildings but presently only two of them are open as others are in a bit dilapidated condition. It helps the visitors in understanding the evolution of life in the countryside of Egypt.
Some of the displays include model representations of traditional weddings, models showing the wheat-threshing process, wax cucurbits in glass cases. There are 10 halls where objects are on display. The Agricultural Museum is located in the Giza governorate – northern Egypt and is one of the top places to see in Egypt on your trip. Other exclusive displays here are the extinct Barads plant, a sacred plant in the Pharaonic era.
- Timings: 9 am to 2 pm (closed on Monday)
10. Al-Azhar Mosque
Lying in the heart of the newly formed Fatimid city, the Al-Azhar mosque was founded in 970 AD. The mosque holds the highest theological authority for Egyptian Muslims. The current structure of the mosque is the result of additions that were done over a thousand years.
It is a wonderful amalgam of different styles of architecture. Head to the tomb chamber towards the left, right inside the doorway to have a look at the gorgeous mihrab. It is the place that points towards the direction of Mecca.
Al-Azhar Mosque currently belongs to the Sunni sect of Islam and is taken as the symbol of modern, Islamic Egypt. The mosque with Fatimid structure has hypostyle halls, keel-shaped arches, and an expansive courtyard with polished shiny marble floors.
Do not forget to carry a shawl or a scarf to cover your head. It is also connected to Al-Azhar University, which is one of the oldest universities in the world.
- Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
- Tickets: INR 744 per person
11. Cairo Tower
Located in one of the best cities in Egypt, Cairo Tower is the most famous landmark of Cairo after the Pyramids. Cairo Tower stands at a height of 187 m. It was erected in the year 1961 and looks like a stylish lotus plant that has beautiful latticework.
The 360-degree views from the top of the tower are breathtaking. The best time to climb up is late morning or late afternoon. Get ready to stand in a queue for the elevator at a dusk hour as this is a popular Egypt tourist place.
Located one floor below the observation deck at the Cairo Tower, the Sky Garden café is a place where you can enjoy drinks and snacks. Another classy option of the Revolving Restaurant, located on the ground below. The completion of the tower took a span of 5 years and was done between 1956 and 1961.
- Timings: 9 am to 12 pm
- Tickets: INR 716 per person
12. Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
One of the largest Islamic religious buildings in the world, the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is the best masterpiece of early-Mamluk architecture in Cairo city. This elegant structure was founded by Sultan Hassan, the grandson of Sultan Qalaun, between 1356 and 1363. As you walk past the remarkable entrance, you enter a dark passage, which leads to a serene courtyard enclosed by high walls.
The square-shaped courtyard is enveloped by 4 iwans or vaulted halls, which are dedicated to teachings of the 4 main schools of the Sunni sect of Islam. Spread in an area of 7906 sq m, the height of the mosque walls is 36 m and the tallest minaret is 68 m high. The mausoleum of Sultan Hassan also lies in the complex.
- Timings: 8 am to 4.30 pm
- Tickets: INR 286 per person
13. Khan al-Khalili
Known as the Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman period, Khan el-Khalili is one of the best shopping places in Egypt. It is a bustling market that was founded in 1382 by the Emir Djaharks el-Khalili and was located in the heart of Fatimid city.
Based on the concept of a caravansary, it is one of the best shopping areas of Cairo, along with the al-Muski market towards the west. The busy market is a delightful visit.
As you enter Khan el-Khalili, shop owners are going to call you to their stalls. The scent of spices fills your nostrils. You can get your hands on spices, statuettes, silver jewelry, souvenirs, belly dancing costumes, t-shirts, jalabiyas, and much more. After shopping, head to the popular Fishawi’s café for a cup of traditional tea. Your visit to Cairo is incomplete if you haven’t come here.
- Highlights: Souvenirs, traditional items, and traditional coffeehouses.
14. Coptic Museum
Established in the year 1908, Coptic Museum is a treasure house of Coptic art, that depicts the early days of Christianity in Egypt till Islam. The museum has beautifully detailed wood carvings in all its galleries, sculptures from the Ptolemaic period, walls of monastery frescoes, and rich textiles. There are around 1200 pieces on display.
The upstairs of the Coptic Museum has 2 huge rooms that showcase Coptic textiles with stunning embroidery from the 4th to 7th century, Nag Hammadi manuscripts- the main source of Gnosticism, world’s oldest book on psalms including 2 original wooden covers. There is a collection of 16,000 works of art, with 1,200 real treasures, and 6,000 papyrus manuscripts.
- Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
- Tickets: INR 191 per person
Book your Egypt trip with our customized Egypt tour packages.
15. The Red Pyramid of Dahshur
Also known as the North Pyramid in Dahshur, the Red pyramid derives its name from the pinkish limestone, which is made up of. It is Egypt’s third-largest pyramid, after those of Khufu and Khafra at Giza, and is one of those which are open for visitors.
It was erected by the father of Khufu, Pharaoh Sneferu (2575-2551 BC). According to the ancient graffiti, this structure was constructed in 10 years and 7 months.
The Red Pyramid has three chambers. The entrance of the pyramid is on the northern side. A downhill passage takes you to the chamber that has a corbelled roof. Other chambers are also connected through passages. The Mortuary temple is also placed on the eastern side of the pyramid.
- Timings: 8 am to 4 pm
- Tickets: INR 286 per person
16. Pyramids of Giza
One of the most notable Egypt tourist places, the Pyramids of Giza stands on the west bank of the Nile River, outskirts of Cairo. People from all around the world come to see the magnificent structures in Cairo and gain knowledge about the mystery behind them.
It tells you a lot about ancient Egyptian civilization. To reach the Pyramids, you can take a camel ride and ride on the hot sands of the desert. There are three pyramids and the oldest and largest one is called the Great Pyramid. It was built by Pharaoh Khufu and has an average base of 755.75 feet and a height of 481.4. It is the largest pyramid in the world.
The middle Pyramid of Giza is the second tallest and has the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. The pyramid complex has the Great Sphinx with the body of a lion and the head of a human. The last and third pyramid belongs to Khafre’s son Menkaure. Robbers have looted these pyramids resulting in the removal of mummies and food. Still, their grandeur continues to lure more and more tourists from all over the globe.
Timings: 8 am to 4 pm
Tickets:
Giza Plateau Entrance Ticket: INR 930 per adult, INR 465 per student (with valid ID)
Entry to the Great Pyramid: INR 1863
Entry to the Pyramid of Khafre: INR 465
Entry to the Pyramid of Menkaure: INR 465
Solar Boat: INR 465
Combined Ticket (Giza Plateau, Solar Boat & Great Pyramid): INR 2796
17. Nubian Village
Among the lesser-known places to visit in Egypt is Nubian Village. Located deep south of Egypt in Aswan city, a tour of the Nubian Village will give you a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and lifestyle. The village is a cheerful sight with houses painted with bright colors.
They are inhabited by Nubians who are approximately 100,000 in population. They have their own language and traditions. Among all the tourist places in Egypt, Nubian Villages offer a unique experience as you get to sit with the locals and learn about their customs.
You can visit Nubian Village and see the mummified crocodiles on their front door, which may sound a little odd but they believe it is what protects them from the evil eye. Women of this village keep their customs alive by teaching their kids the customs and language.
They wear traditional Nubian dresses, sing their songs, and marry within their own. Visit this tourist place and enjoy the culture and customs of the Nubians.
Highlight: The mummified crocodiles on the front door and local tea.
18. Abu Simbel Temples
Abu Simbel Temples are the most famous temples in Egypt. The history and legend behind this temple continue to attract tourists from all over the world. They gained popularity after being featured in the Hollywood blockbuster movie “The Mummy Returns”.
Constructed over 20 years in the 13th century, this gigantic temple is located in southern Egypt. The Great Temple has four colossal statues to whom this temple is dedicated – Ramesses II, Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. There is a Small Temple too, which is dedicated to the wife of Ramesses II, Queen Nefertari.
The larger temple of this complex is aligned with the sun, which shines brightly only twice a year in the temple’s deepest corners – on Feb 22 and Oct 22. Ptah, the god of darkness always stays in the dark. It has not seen sunlight in over 3,200 years. In 1964, Abu Simbel Temple was shifted from its site due to the construction of Aswan High Dam and this project of relocation took almost 5 years to complete.
Timings: 6 am to 5 pm
Tickets:
Entry Cost for Abu Simbel Temples: INR 1115
Entry Cost for Abu Simbel Temples During Sun Festival (Feb 22nd and Oct 22nd): INR 2323
19. Hurghada
A small fishing village set up in the late 20th century by the Egyptian Government, Hurghada is a huge success in Egypt Tourism. One of the vital Egypt tourist places to visit in summer, Hurghada welcomes families and honeymooners to enjoy the calm and peaceful environment.
Adventure lovers can visit Hurghada as there are many diving spots and Red Sea Beaches that keep you fascinated. Beaches, cultural places, shopping, nightlife, and more are the highlights of Hurghada that make it one of the top places to relax and rejuvenate on an Egypt holiday.
Hurghada is home to many tourist attractions like Hurghada Sand Museum, Gubal Strait, and Bedouin Village. It is one of the most favored tourist attractions in Egypt and offers a range of hotels to stay in for luxury travelers as well as budget travelers.
The nightlife here is spectacular and promises you a fun time with loved ones. Before you plan a visit, make sure to carry appropriate clothing, wear a lot of sunscreen lotion, and do not hesitate to bargain while shopping with the local vendors.
Highlights: Deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, camel ride, quad biking, and snorkeling.
20. Ras Mohammed National Park
Located on the southern extreme of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the best locations in Egypt for snorkeling and diving activities. Ras Mohammed Red Sea Cruise is quite famous among travelers too.
A full-day tour of the boat trip in the Ras Mohammed National Park involves snorkeling in the Red Sea, a buffet lunch, and drinks. Visit one of the best Egypt tourist places and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty and rich reefs underwater.
Ras Mohammed Marine Park has massive coral reef gardens and a variety of marine life where the waters of the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba meet. You can also opt for swimming and enjoy a peaceful time away from the hustle-bustle of the cities in Egypt. While snorkeling, you will also see angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, graceful rays, and turtles.
Tickets: Approx. INR 3000 per person for snorkeling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt Tourist Places
Q. What is the ideal time to visit Egypt? -
Ans: September to April is the best time to visit Egypt because the climate is most suitable to explore attractions. During these months, you will find that the weather is suitable, and also you can travel with ease without facing the harsh heat. But, the peak season to travel in Egypt is between January and February. And you may get the high price of hotels so, it is better to book in advance to skip the last moment disappointment. Moreover, you can visit in April month, the weather is still pleasant and bearable. Also, you can enjoy Egypt without a heavy crowd during this month.
Q. What are things that you should pack to visit Egypt? -
Ans: There is no doubt that there are many things that you should consider packing before visiting. Moreover, Egypt is so captivating that you don’t want to ruin your experience at any cost. Hence, it is better to pack some essential things such as sunscreen, a hat, glasses, a water bottle, comfortable footwear, and clothes. Apart from that, you must have a better quality camera to click pictures. However, some tourist attractions do not allow the camera inside the spot, and some will charge extra.
Q. Can I go inside the Pyramids of Egypt? -
Ans: Yes! You can explore the Pyramid from inside on your Egypt tour. But you will have to pay the entry fee to venture into the pyramids. The moment you enter Pyramids, you will realize that each penny is worth it. The architecture and natural air conditioned phenomena will blow your mind as you step in the pyramid.
Q. Is there any dress code to follow in Egypt? -
Ans: No! There is nothing as specific as the dress code for Egypt. However, you should wear full-length clothes to show respect to the custom and also save your skin from tanning. Most importantly, wearing light clothes and comfortable footwear help you to make your sightseeing in Egypt feasible.
Q. How many days are enough for a holiday tour in Egypt? -
Ans: The ancient time of Egypt seems more advanced than today’s modern science. You can experience this by exploring the best tourist attractions. In order to do that, 7 to 8 days are enough to explore the top tourist attractions of Egypt. You can explore different kinds of attractions and cities by booking a Historical Egypt Tour.
Q. Which places can I cover in a 7 days tour of Egypt? -
Ans: There are many beautiful and incredible Egyptian places that you can cover in your 7 days tour. Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Hurghada, and Luxor are some must-visit places of Egypt that you can cover in your one-week tour of Egypt.
Q. Why is Egypt one of the most desirable tourist places in the World? -
Ans: From rich history to impressive architecture, Egypt has the potential to leave visitors in awe. There are many centers of attractions in Egypt that will charm you surprisingly throughout your visit. The Great Pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple, The Valley of the Kings, and Old Cairo are some places where you can find a bundle of attractions that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Related Post:
Pyramids in Egypt: Know Ancient Pyramids of Egypt That Amaze Today Science
Geetika Handa
Geetika Handa is a travel writer who has an interest in sharing her experiences with all. She provides a detailed account of any travel topic she chooses to write on. You can get detailed information and tips about choosing the right kind of holiday packages in the country from her write-ups.
Thanks, it is very informative