12 Best Places to Visit in Egypt

Egypt is one of the most fascinating places to travel in the entire world! That’s coming from me, who’s traveled to over 50 countries. I am Egyptian by descent, but I’m not being biased at all! After visiting Egypt multiple times, there are still more and more beautiful places to discover. Read on to learn about the top 12 places to visit in Egypt.

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Before you go:
🚢 Don’t miss a Nile River Cruise in Cairo on a felucca! Book Online via Get Your Guide
🧷 Travel Insurance with SafetyWing in case of any accidents. Better safe than sorry!
📱Mobile esim card to stay connected while traveling without the hassle of changing out your sim card!
💛 Best time to visit Egypt: October to April is the best time to visit. I’d recommend October before the tourists roll in from November to December. January is also warm in Egypt!
🛂 You’ll need a visa to enter Egypt. You can get it online at iVisa here.
💧Do not drink the water in Egypt.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Egypt?

There’s so much to see in Egypt, so you really need a minimum of 10 days. 10 days gives you enough time to visit Cairo, do a Nile River cruise to Aswan and Luxor, and visit the Red Sea (Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh). However, if you want to go beyond that, you will

12 Best Places to Visit in Egypt

1. Cairo

⭐ Why go: It’s Egypt’s capital with so much to see
✈️ How to get there: Fly into Cairo International Airport and take a taxi into the city.
🏨 Where to stay: Guardian Guest House, a budget stay with unbeatable pyramid views. Four Seasons at Nile Plaza for Nile river views.

Cairo has to be at the top of everyone’s list when visiting Egypt. It’s home to the incredible Pyramids of Giza after all. There’s so much to do just in Cairo! The city is bustling and chaotic, but I still love it. Don’t miss my guide on how to spend 4 days in Cairo.

You’ll find some of the most insane museums in the world! I am not one for museums usually, but in Cairo, I could easily be convinced to visit them. The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the most impressive places I’ve ever been. They just finished building it, and its design and artifacts are just awe-inspiring. You can see real mummies in the Egyptian Civilisation Museum as well!

Plus, you can find many hidden gems in Cairo, too, like St. Simon’s Monastery and more. Coptic Cairo is one of my favorite places to visit, where you can see 3 religions come together – there are several churches clustered together, a synagogue, and a mosque too.

PS: Staying in a hotel with a view of the pyramids was one of my most memorable moments in Cairo.

2. Saqqara, Dahshur, & Memphis

⭐ Why go: Less crowded pyramids than Giza
✈️ How to get there: Fly into the Cairo Airport (CAI) and take a taxi.
🏨 Where to stay: Guardian Guest House, a budget stay with unbeatable pyramid views. Four Seasons at Nile Plaza for Nile river views.

Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur are technically three different sites, but to me, they belong together because this is where Egypt itself begins. Plus, they’re so close that most people explore them all in one trip.

Memphis is Egypt’s oldest capital, and Saqqara is the birthplace of the first pyramids ever built. Just down the road, Dahshur is home to the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. This is where ancient engineers finally perfected pyramid construction and created the blueprint for the Great Pyramid of Giza.

What’s honestly shocking is how quiet this entire area is. Despite being some of the most important archaeological sites on the planet, they’re way less visited than Giza, which is crazy. Even after four trips to Egypt, I only just made it here. And now, I’d say that this is truly one of the best places to visit in Egypt.

If you’re building your itinerary and debating what to include, don’t skip this. This is the foundation of everything.

3. Luxor

⭐ Why go: The world’s greatest open-air museum and unforgettable Nile sunrises.
✈️ How to get there: Fly from Cairo (about 1 hour) or take the overnight sleeper train.
🏨 Where to stay: Sofitel Winter Palace for luxury, or Nefertiti Hotel for an affordable stay with rooftop temple views.

Luxor is a must-visit on your trip to Egypt. It’s the world’s greatest open-air museum, and this city was once the ancient capital of Egypt. This is where you will find the most incredible temples.

Luxor is split into the East and West Banks. On the east bank of the Nile, you’ll find the jaw-dropping Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple. Luxor is home to the most impressive sites I’ve ever seen. The detail, the craftsmanship, and the grandeur of it had me truly in awe. You’ll find towering columns covered in handmade hieroglyphics.

Along the west bank lies the legendary Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were laid to rest in decorated tombs carved deep into the mountains. No amount of photos can prepare you for the scale, craftsmanship, and atmosphere of these sites.

Don’t miss the chance for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, where you can see some of the most beautiful views. I’ll admit it might feel nerve-racking, but it will be one of the most magical moments you can have in Egypt.

4. Aswan

⭐ Why go: Peaceful atmosphere, Nubian culture, Philae Temple, and epic sunsets.
✈️ How to get there: Fly from Cairo (1h20) or take an overnight train; local taxis and feluccas make exploring easy.
🏨 Where to stay: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract for luxury | BenBen By Dhara Hotels | Anakato Hotel in the Nubian Village

Aswan is also one of the best places to visit in Egypt. It is set along the Nile in the far south, and is a lot less chaotic than Cairo or Luxor.

I’d highly recommend a visit to the Nubian Village, which I truly fell in love with. This colorful village is made of clay houses and painted brightly. Located off the Nile River, this village has artisanal shopping and the kindest individuals you’ll ever come across. It’s the perfect place to slow down after the intensity of Egypt’s bigger sites. It’s also worth visiting the beautiful Philae Temple rising from the water, and sailing the Nile at golden hour.

5. Abu Simbel

⭐ Why go: Colossal temples of Ramses II carved into a mountainside.
✈️ How to get there: Fly from Aswan (45 min) or join a guided 3–4 hour road trip.
🏨 Where to stay: Overnight in Abu Simbel is limited; most stay in Aswan and do a day trip.

Abu Simbel is one of the most impressive sights in Egypt and the world. Carved directly into a mountainside over 3,000 years ago are the colossal temples of Ramses II. The sheer scale is incredible, and, insanely enough, the entire complex was relocated stone by stone to save it from flooding! Tip: to see it without the crowds, you’ll want to avoid the waves of tour groups that come in. They leave towards the afternoon, and you’ll be able to have the place to yourself. Or, come early before they arrive. I’d recommend flying into Abu Simbel’s airport from Cairo, then hiring a driver to drive you 3 hours to Aswan. It is a bit out of the way to visit this one, but completely worth it!

6. Alexandria

⭐ Why go: Beautiful views of the Corniche + Vintage European style city
✈️ How to get there: 2.5–3 hours by car or train from Cairo
🏨 Where to stay: Grey Studios, Corniche (my top pick, I stayed here) | Four Seasons Alexandria at San Stefano | Steigenberger Cecil Hotel

I visited Egypt a handful of times before Alexandria made it on my list of places to visit in Egypt. It really surprised me in a good way!

Alexandria has a much slower pace than Cairo. Everything has such a vintage vibe, like the cute yellow taxis and the architecture.
Walk the Corniche along the sea, explore the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina built in honor of the ancient world’s greatest library, and wander through the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.

But, don’t just rush through this city as most tourists do! People visit on a day trip and only see the catacombs and corniche. I totally recommend spending a night or two here to discover some of Alexandria’s best hidden gems.

It will definitely remind you of Europe in a way! One of the highlights is the food scene. I was skeptical about trying the liver sandwich known in Alexandria, but I actually enjoyed it.

7. Siwa Oasis

⭐ Why go: Amazing salt lakes and to experience the desert
✈️ How to get there: long drive from Cairo (10 hours) or join a guided tour.
🏨 Where to stay: Albabenshal Lodge Siwa | Qasr El salam

Siwa is still a bit of a hidden gem in Egypt. It’s less frequented, also due to how hard it is to reach. You can only reach it by driving a long distance from another city in Egypt, such as Cairo or Alexandria.

From Cairo, many people take an overnight bus or private transfer. The drive is around 10 hours. It is located near the Libyan border and there are many security checkpoints along the way, but it is safe to visit.

And, after the long drive, you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning landscapes in all of Egypt. Siwas is full of palm trees, salt lakes, and mud-brick ruins. It’s one of the most peaceful places in Egypt.

The real highlight is effortlessly floating in crystal-clear blue salt pools. The climb to the ruins of the Shali Fortress at sunset was spectacular, too.

8. White Desert

⭐ Why go: Incredible chalk formations, the chance to camp in the desert with starry skies.
✈️ How to get there: 4–5 hour drive from Cairo to Bahariya Oasis, then join a guided 4×4 desert tour.
🏨 Where to stay: Desert campsites (most tours provide tents) or Bahariya Oasis Hotel.

The White Desert is another one of the best places to visit in Egypt that doesn’t make it to most tourists’ lists. 

It’s located in Egypt’s Western Desert, near the town of Bahariya Oasis. You cannot visit it independently, so to go you should book a tour or a private driver. It takes between 4 and 5 hours to get there, so it’s a bit more within reach than Siwa. All trips are done with licensed desert guides in 4×4 vehicles. 

Here you’ll find unique chalk formations shaped by centuries of wind. Camping here is one of the most amazing experiences in Egypt! Imagine being in total silence, with campfires, and a sky so full of stars.

9. Fayoum

⭐ Why go: Lush landscapes, waterfalls, ancient pyramids, and the pottery village
✈️ How to get there: 2–3 hour drive from Cairo; arrive by private taxi or car rental; or take this day trip
🏨 Where to stay: Waterside Loft, Kom El Dikka | Lazib Inn

Fayoum is a creative little village just 3 hours from Cairo. It’s a total hidden gem. Here you’ll find the only waterfall in Egypt, located in Wadi El Rayan. You can discover ancient pyramids in Hawara, and even flamingos along Lake Qarun.

The highlight for me was the artist village of Tunis overlooking the water. This creative town is full of pottery shop after pottery shop. One of the best activities to do is take a pottery making workshop! You can even take your masterpiece home if you are in Egypt long enough, that is.

The other main thing to do here is to take a desert safari, which will take you not only to the desert but also to the Valley of the Whales. An incredible open-air museum full of the remains of whales swept away from the ocean, dating back 40 million years.

Read my full guide on Fayoum for more tips.

10. Sharm el Sheikh

⭐ Why go: Amazing snorkeling, diving, and desert adventures; gateway to Mount Sinai.
✈️ How to get there: Fly directly from Cairo (1.5h) or take a long road trip via Sinai.
🏨 Where to stay: Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh (luxury and you can find rooms for as little as $350 a night); Stella Di Mare for beachfront mid-range.

I urge you to visit one of Egypt’s beautiful beach destinations during your journey through the country. No, Egypt isn’t just about pyramids and deserts! 

Sharm El Sheikh is a great choice, especially if you’re into diving or snorkelling (here’s the perfect tour for that!). The coral reefs just offshore, crystal-clear water, and some of the best snorkeling and diving on the planet. 

You can also pay a visit to Mount Sinai (with this tour), where you can hike through the night to watch sunrise from one of the most sacred peaks on Earth.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Sharm el Sheikh, read my full guide, which has tips on what to do beyond just the beaches. The coolest cafe I’ve ever been to is located here. That’s, Farshah Cafe! It has several levels of seating and transforms from a day to the most fun atmosphere at night. There’s even a light switch on at sunset and lots of fun dancing.  

11. Dahab

⭐ Why go: Laid-back bohemian vibes, amazing diving at the Blue Hole, kite surfing, and desert.
✈️ How to get there: Fly to Sharm El Sheikh (1.5h from Cairo) then 1–1.5 hour drive to Dahab.
🏨 Where to stay: Dahab Paradise

Dahab is the place to be if you want a laid-back experience. There’s desert mountains and the glorious Red Sea. Once a small Bedouin fishing village, it’s now full of relaxed beaches, amazing diving, and a slower pace than Sharm El Sheikh.

I recommend snorkelling or diving the famous Blue Hole. You can also kite surf or simply unwind in a hammock by the shore. The town itself has a bohemian vibe, full of colorful cafes and restaurants with delicious fresh seafood.

12. Hurghada & El Gouna

⭐ Why go: To experience the incredible resorts and beaches of Egypt
✈️ How to get there: Fly from Cairo (1h) or take a long drive; taxis and resorts arrange local transfers.
🏨 Where to stay: Hurghada: Desert Rose Resort; El Gouna: Casa Cook El Gouna.

If you don’t choose Sharm el Sheikh for your beach adventure, then Hurghada and El Gouna are good choices, too. These two areas have different vibes, so you can either choose between one or the other or visit both; they’re only 30 minutes from one another.

Hurghada is lively and packed with affordable resorts, beach clubs, and easy access to snorkeling and island-hopping tours. It can feel a bit resorty, so if that’s not your style, you may prefer El Gouna. It’s just north of Hurghada, feels like a chic, more authentic version of Hurghada. Here, there are more boutique-style hotels, which is my preference over resorts. Seeing the sunsets is breathtaking in whichever area you choose.

You may also like these posts:
👩 Egypt Solo Travel Guide
🇪🇬 Best Places to Visit in Egypt
🇪🇬 Egypt 10 Day Itinerary
✨ Non-Touristy Things to do in Cairo
🌊 Things to do in Alexandria
🌴 Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh
🌈 Exploring Egypt’s colorful Nubian Village in Aswan
🐪 Pyramid View Hotels in Cairo, Egypt
🚢 The Best Luxor Aswan Nile River Cruises in Egypt