30 Top Things to Do in Egypt

What Are the Best Things to Do in Egypt?

If you’re planning a trip to Egypt soon, here are the top things to do that should be on your itinerary.

1. Explore Cairo

You can find Egypt’s capital city right on the Nile River. The first settlements are more than 2,500 years old, allowing you to see the first mosque built in Africa. You might also try the Hanging Church, then stroll al-Muizz before engaging in some retail therapy.

2. Visit Giza

When you explore the Giza necropolis, you’ll see the pyramids, the Sphinx, and several smaller tombs. It’s one of the most iconic places to visit in the world today.

These pyramids represent some of the first known structures at the beginning of recorded human history. The Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Cheops or Pyramid of Khufu) is the oldest of the three on the plateau. It’s the only ancient wonder that remains largely intact.

You’ll need at least 3-4 hours to explore Giza properly. That’ll give you enough time to see the iconic structures, take a camel ride, and visit Panoramic Point.

3. Cruise the Nile 

Drifting on the Nile River is one of the top things to do in Egypt. You can sail past ancient temples and tombs, traveling between Aswan and Luxor.

You can select a cruise ship, but a more authentic experience is available by choosing a dahabiya or felucca. 

4. Tour the Grand Egyptian Museum

The world’s most extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts is found in this museum. Thousands of treasures are there, waiting for you to see their beauty.

Some of the top artifacts you’ll see include the Royal Mummies, the golden sarcophagi of King Tut, and iconic hieroglyphics.

The Grand Egyptian Museum replaces the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square. It’s located right next to the Pyramids of Giza.

5. Linger in Alexandria

This city is on the Mediterranean and is the second-largest community in Egypt. You can base your stay here or try a day trip from Cairo to explore.

Some of the best things to do in Egypt are found in Alexandria, including the Corniche, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the Citadel of Qaitbay. 

6. Explore the Pyramids in Dahshur

Two of the oldest pyramids in Egypt are a short drive from Cairo. The Red and Bent Pyramids are where the ancients worked on honing their construction skills, creating the first smooth-sided structure of its type in the world.

You can descend steep, tight tunnels to explore the hidden chambers in each pyramid. Since it’s an interactive adventure, the visit tends to be one of the most thrilling stops when exploring Egypt.

7. Hike Mount Sinai

Moses receives the Ten Commandments at the top of Mount Sinai in the Old Testament. Pilgrims hike the trail throughout the year, often starting before dawn to reach the summit for a beautiful sunrise.

The trail starts at Saint Catherine’s Monastery if you take on this adventure. It’s one of the oldest working monasteries in the world today and is a beautiful place to visit in its own right. The hike is about four miles up and back. 

8. See the Gulf of Aqaba

Two small resort communities sit on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba in the Sinai Peninsula. Dahab is a former fishing village that offers incredible windsurfing opportunities. You can also take a dive into the Blue Hole.

You can also see Taba, which is a border community with Israel. You can scuba dive, swim in Fjord Bay, or enjoy a trip to the Colored Canyon.

9. See the Step Pyramid of Djoser

Saqqara (Sakkara) is the necropolis of the ancient city of Memphis. You’ll find numerous pyramids here during your visit, but none of them are as impressive as the Step Pyramid of Djoser.

It’s the oldest stone structure complex in the world. It reopened to the public in 2020 after 14 years of restoration work. Descending the narrow passages and stairs beneath the pyramid is an iconic experience you won’t want to miss.

10. Spend a Day in Sharm El-Sheikh

Sharm El-Sheikh is one of Egypt’s popular beach resort communities. If you want to relax, enjoy some sunshine, and listen to gentle waves coming to shore, you’ll want to add a stop here to your travel plans.

It’s also an excellent spot for those who enjoy natural landscapes and long hikes. You could spend your entire time in Egypt exploring Ras Mohammed National Park. 

11. See the Red Sea

The Red Sea is one of the world’s best scuba destinations. You’ll find several shipwrecks waiting there, warm waters to enjoy, and pristine reefs. The visibility is consistently excellent throughout the year.

12. Visit the Valley of the Kings

No list of the best things to do in Egypt is complete without a stop to see the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. It’s one of the most famous archaeological sites because the area served as the royal burial grounds for the ruling pharaohs more than 3,500 years ago.

More than 60 tombs are here, although only a few are available to see. You’ll have access to three sites with your entrance ticket, with the option to see more for a small added fee. 

13. Tour the Tomb of Nefertari

The Valley of the Queens is the companion site to where the pharaohs of ancient Egypt were honored. Although the tombs are smaller and lack a little grandeur, there is one exception.
Queen Nefertari’s tomb offers one of the most spectacular tours you can find in the country. The colors and detail are exquisite. 

14. Explore Luxor

You can find this destination in southern Egypt. It was founded thousands of years ago as Thebes. Numerous archaeological sites, including several beautiful temples, are part of a full-day tour. With its location on the Nile River, you’ll find plenty of markets and historic places to tour.

15. See the Temple of Karnak

This site is just outside of Luxor. It’s one of Egypt’s largest religious complexes, and the scope of the construction efforts that went into it is outstanding.

The initial complex was dedicated to the ancient gods, but additions were made to the site for thousands of years. Countless crypts, rooms, and statues are there to see, along with a massive open-air museum.

16. Admire Abu Simbel

Located on Egypt’s border with Sudan, this isolated archaeological wonder is a marvelous place to visit. The complex is more than 3,000 years old, built by Ramesses II. offering figures carved into the side of the rocky hill next to Lake Nasser. 

Egypt moved the temple in the 1960s to protect it from flooding after building the Aswan High Dam. Wait times can be long, but it’s worth the wait. 

17. Visit the Temple of Horus

You’ll find this stunning site on the drive between Luxor and Aswan. It’s one of the youngest top things to do in Egypt, built about 2,200 years ago. The first tower is in almost perfect condition, allowing you to appreciate the ingenuity of the ancient culture. 

18. Get to Know Kom Ombo

The Temple of Kom Ombo was constructed for two sets of gods, making it a unique Egyptian site to explore. Half of the complex is dedicated to Sobek, while the other honors Horus. 

19. See the Philae Temple

There aren’t many well-persevered Ptolemaic temples on lists of the top things to do in Egypt because only a handful exist. This complex offers a fantastic tour because over 70% of the surviving builds are in excellent condition. The location is dedicated to Isis, but the ancient cultures also honored Hathor and Osiris here. 

20. A Day in the White Desert

The White Desert is located in the western part of the country. You’ll find some beautiful limestone rock formations in this barren landscape. It’s possible to travel here by yourself, although most visitors invest in a guided tour to get the most out of their investment at this destination.

21. Rest at Siwa Oasis

You can find this beautiful oasis near the Libyan border. Siwa is often rated as the best thing to do in Egypt when visiting the western desert. Alexander the Great once came to this destination to consult with the oracle at the Temple of Jupiter-Amun.

22. Stop at the Valley of the Whales

Wadi al Hitan was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. You’ll see hundreds of fossils at this location, including some of the earliest species of whales. About 1,500 different skeletons have been counted so far at this site.

23. Day Trip to Dendera and Abydos

Since a trip to Dendera and Abydos can take about ten hours when driving, it’s a long day from Luxor to add these sites to your itinerary. It’s also an investment worth considering. You’ll see two spectacular temples with below-average crowds compared to other sites. You’ll have time to linger while visiting your favorite stops during the peak season.

24. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

One of the best things to do in Egypt is to take a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. When the sun rises as you’re getting aerial views of this site, it can deliver a unique and humbling experience.

You’ll get to fly over different farms and agricultural areas before receiving an unobstructed view of the valley. Depending on the tour, you can even spot the Temple of Hatshepsut from the air.

25. Order Koshari

Egypt’s national dish is a great way to start a culinary tour of the country. It uses a base of rice, lentils, and macaroni that gets covered with vinegar, garlic, and a spicy tomato sauce. You’ll top that with some crispy onions and a few chickpeas.

You can grab koshari and other local dishes at most street stalls and restaurants. Different versions are available, so it can be lots of fun to try them all!

26. Try Sandboarding

Egypt is a land filled with deserts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. The natural landscapes in the Sahara Desert, the Great Sand Sea, and the Nubian Desert all create the foundation for a unique activity: sandboarding.

You step onto a board and slide, but it’s not on snow. One of the best peaks to try is the Haduda dune, which stands over 150m tall.

27. Learn How to Sufi Dance

Sufi dancing uses flared dresses and circular movements to create an enthralling visual experience. It’s one of the most original forms of dance found in the region, designed to exhibit faithful communion. One of the best places to see and try it is Wikala al-Ghuri. 

28. Go Kite Surfing

The breezes along the Red Sea provide the perfect opportunity to jump some waves. If you don’t want to dive or snorkel, consider renting a board to skim along the shore. One of the best spots for this activity is Matarma Bay.

29. Haggle at Khan el Khalili 

This bustling bazaar is one of Egypt’s most famous markets. It’s a labyrinth filled with hundreds of stalls. You can find virtually anything in Khan el Khalili, from gold to apparel to spices. Make sure you negotiate for a better price!

When you’re ready for some refreshment, stop by the El-Fishawy café. It’s been serving customers for over 220 years.

30. Swim in the Waterfalls of Wadi El Rayan

This location is home to two flowing lakes in Faiyum. They’re connected by a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by blue waters and golden dunes. You can swim underneath the cascading waters for a truly unique experience.

The top things to do in Egypt allow you to create a customized itinerary while seeing some of the world’s best ancient cultural sites. What places do you plan to visit first?