Recently updated on May 8th, 2025 at 04:36 am
From exploring the millennia-old Great Pyramids to cruising the Nile, diving the Red Sea and treasure-hunting in Cairo’s lively markets, a journey through Egypt combines ancient history, outdoor adventure, and culture like nowhere else on Earth. So, to take the guesswork out of where to go, play and stay in the Land of the Pharaohs, consider this handy Egypt travel guide your ultimate hitlist of iconic hotspots and off-the-radar highlights.
Ancient Wonders That Defy Time
Visiting Egypt’s ancient sites is a chance to walk in the footsteps of pharaohs, connect with a civilisation that shaped much of human history, and step into mysteries that fascinate the modern world.
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza
Still standing strong after 4,500 years, the Great Pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs around 2589-2566BC, their massive size and precise stonework a true feat of engineering. The complex has three main pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and originally stood 146.6m tall, while the slightly smaller Pyramid of Khafre and Pyramid of Menkaure are equally impressive. A scarab’s throw away, Giza’s new Grand Egyptian Museum is set to become the world’s largest archaeological museum, housing over 100,000 ancient treasures including the complete collection of artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. While the museum won’t officially open until July 2025, limited access is now available to some of its areas; visit its official website for updates.
2. The Great Sphinx
Mere minutes from the Pyramids, the Great Sphinx of Giza is an imposing, 73m-long limestone monument believed to date back to around 2558BC. It’s thought to represent Pharaoh Khafre, and its mysterious lion’s body and human head – likely symbolising his wisdom and power – make it one of the most iconic symbols of Egypt.
3. Karnak and Luxor Temples
On the banks of the Nile, the Karnak and Luxor Temples date back approximately 4,000 and 3,400 years respectively, and are connected via the 3km Avenue of Sphinxes. Karnak is the larger of the two and was constructed over a period of 1,500 years, with the massive religious complex featuring a grand hypostyle hall, sacred lake, imposing obelisks, elaborate hieroglyphics, intricate carvings and colossal columns. Today, Karnak hosts an enthralling evening show that brings the temple’s ancient history to life through a combination of sound, light, and storytelling. Nearby, the spectacular Luxor ceremonial site was initiated around 1392BC during the reign of Amenhotep III, with subsequent additions by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Ramses II.
4. Valley of the Kings
A necropolis on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, and in use between 1539BC and 1075BC, the Valley of the Kings houses at least 63 intricately adorned tombs of high-ranking officials and celebrated pharaohs, including the boy king Tutankhamun and influential leaders like Ramses II, Amenhotep II and Thutmose III. Artistic and architectural styles vary from tomb to tomb, but each has paintings and carvings depicting the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife.
5. Abu Simbel
Built over 3,200 years ago during Pharaoh Ramses II’s reign, Abu Simbel is revered for its massive rock temples. The Great Temple is dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Ramses II himself. It features four 20m statues of the pharaoh to symbolise his divine strength and military prowess, while the smaller temple honours his wife Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October – believed to coincide with the king’s birthday and coronation – a remarkable solar alignment spotlights the inner sanctum, a phenomenon celebrated during the biannual Abu Simbel Sun Festival.
The Timeless Nile Experience
The world’s longest river, the Nile has played a vital role in shaping Egypt’s agriculture, trade, communities and spirituality. Whether you explore it on a cruise or overland adventure, you’ll find its ancient influence embedded in its landscapes, villages, architecture, and in the mythology of gods like Hapi, who personified its life-giving floods.
6. Nile cruises
Travelling from Luxor to Aswan over 3 to 7 days, Nile River cruises are an immersion in the region’s ancient history as well as its daily life. There’s a range of trip styles and vessels styles to choose from; but, for the most authentic experience, try a sailing journey aboard a traditional wooden felucca or on a larger dahabiya.
7. Historical sites by the water
Cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan brings unexpected perspectives of some of Egypt’s must-sees. Luxor Temple, Kom Ombo, Aswan’s Tombs of the Nobles and Elephantine Island are all at least partially visible from the vessel, and if you’re lucky, you may also catch distant glimpses of Karnak.
8. Life along the river
While the historic highlights along the riverbank steal the show, the Nile itself is a worthy destination in itself. Cruises pass small villages, picturesque palm groves and farmlands, and the Aswan High Dam is also a highlight – an engineering marvel built between 1960 and 1970, to provide hydroelectric power, support local architecture and control the river’s flow to prevent flooding.
Natural Beauty & Desert Adventures
Along with some of Earth’s most fascinating historic and cultural attractions, Egypt’s varied landscapes set the scene for outdoor adventures aplenty, with the Sahara Desert and Red Sea headlining its unmissables.
9. Sahara adventures
The Sahara is the world’s largest desert, and Egypt has about 1 million kilometres² (or nearly 12%) of its total area, over three key regions (namely the Western, Eastern and Sinai sectors). While camping and sandboarding experiences are popular, 4WD drive tours venture beyond the paved roads to access vast dune systems, Bedouin camps, historic sites and hidden oases.
10. Oasis escapes
Siwa is home to the Indigenous Amazigh people – who speak the Siwi language and preserve their unique Berber cultural heritage – as well as the Temple of Amun. Bahariya features volcanic hills, chalk formations, and the famed Valley of the Golden Mummies, while tranquil Farafra is known for its artistic community. Each of these oases deserves a few days to fully explore and is too far from Cairo for day trips – but the Fayoum Oasis, just two hours from the city, has fossils, dunes, waterfalls, and lakes within easy reach.
11. Red Sea snorkelling and diving
With average ocean temperatures of 22-28°C in spring and autumn, Egypt’s Red Sea coast offers some of the world’s most inviting conditions for aquatic adventures. Plus, its clear waters contain more than 1,200 species of fish – 10% of which are found nowhere else on Earth – along with vibrant coral reefs, dolphins, turtles and endangered dugongs. Take the plunge in worthy marine playgrounds like Ras Muhammad National Park, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam, where guided dive excursions and snorkelling day trips are readily available.
Rich and Diverse Cultural Experiences
With its ancient sites, modern cityscapes, world-class museums, diverse communities, festivals and buzzing markets, Egypt’s cultural landscape is full of intrigues.
12. Cairo’s modern energy
It may be one of the world’s oldest cities, but Cairo puts a bold, contemporary spin on urban life while still celebrating its deep-rooted heritage. Historic districts like the downtown area, Al-Darb al-Ahmarand and Al-Khalifa are being transformed as heritage buildings are repurposed as hubs for art, business and residence. Plus, ongoing architectural projects like the 1km-tall Oblisco Capitale are drawing from ancient motifs to bring a futuristic flair to the skyline. This merging of old and new is also on show in the arts, with the Mahraganat music scene blending contemporary electronica with traditional folk beats, and fashion often pairing classical symbols life hieroglyphs with modern fabrics. To deepen your immersion in Egypt’s modern creativity, time your visit with a film, jazz or fashion festival.
13. Must-see museums
The local culture further unfurls in Cairo’s museums. Inside the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, for example, the Royal Mummies Gallery houses the ancient remains of 17 kings and three queens of Egypt, including Ramses II and Hatshepsut. The Coptic Museum and Museum of Islamic Art showcase the faith-based elements of Egyptian life, while contemporary art thrives in galleries like Darb 1718, Zamalek and Safarkhan.
14. Nubian heritage and villages
As you’ll see near Aswan in the lively villages of Gharb Soheil, Siou and Koti, the Indigenous Nubian people are renowned for their oral storytelling traditions, elaborate dance, music, vibrant handicrafts and brightly coloured homes, living in harmony with nature beside the Nile for some 5,000 years.
15. Local markets and bazaars
Established in 1382, the eclectic Khan El Khalili Market is one of the largest bazaar’s in the Middle East, with a labyrinth of colourful alleys peddling a kaleidoscope of wares including extravagant textiles, eye-catching handicrafts, antiques, jewellery, souvenirs and spices. Further afield, Aswan Old Souks and the Luxor Local Market are also great places to hone your treasure-hunting skills.
Authentic Cuisine and Culinary Delights
Egyptian cuisine is known for its balance of vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients, often enhanced by olive oil, tahini, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and garlic. Common meal bases include fava beans, lentils, chickpeas, beef, lamb, chicken, zucchini, eggplant, cucumber, rice, and wheat, while fruits like dates, pomegranates and figs star in sweet treats.
16. Traditional dishes to try
Whether you’re dining in contemporary restaurant or in a local’s home, Egypt’s food is as moreish and varied as its cultural heritage. Koshari, the national dish, is a layered mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy onions topped with tangy tomato sauce. Foul medames, a slow-cooked fava bean staple, is a breakfast dish served with warm bread, tahini or boiled eggs. Ta’ameya, Egypt’s take on the falafel, is made from fava beans and fresh herbs, while mahshi – vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or capsicums stuffed with rice – is another highlight for vegetarians. For meat lovers, shawarma consists of marinated chicken, beef, or lamb wrapped in pita, while molokhia is a garlicky, jute-leaf stew served with meat and rice. Got a sweet tooth? It’ll thank you for konafa and basbousa – both syrup-soaked classics.
17. Street-food culture
Sampling the street-food is an essential ingredient of Travel with Purpose – it enables us to literally dig into cultural traditions and is a deliciously simple way to directly support communities. In Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan, street-food is central to everyday life with vendors peddling their affordable, grab-and-go offerings, like ta’ameyas, kosharis and shawarmas, near markets and popular attractions. To bite on the safe side, stick with foods you can peel, boil or watch being cooked.
18. Dining With a View
Egypt has several outstanding restaurants serving tantalising views and fine-dining fare. In Giza, the 139 Pavilion Restaurant at the Marriott Mena House hotel has a front-row seat to the Great Pyramids, while revolving restaurants like those at Cairo Tower and the Cairo Grand Nile gently spin to reveal dazzling panoramas across Cairo, the winding Nile and, on clear days, the distant Pyramids.
Visiting is easy – and excellent value
With its efficient combination of taxis, buses, trains, chauffeured vehicles, ferries and domestic flights, Egypt’s transportation system is affordable, extensive and fairly easy to navigate. Meals and entrance fees to sites like the Pyramids and museums are generally inexpensive compared to many other destinations, and Nile cruises are a savvy option as they’ll include accommodation, sightseeing and many meals.
19. Affordable luxury
Five-star hotels and resorts along the Red Sea and Cairo are reasonably priced when compared to other destinations, especially if you book with a Destination Expert who has exclusive access to special rates. Fine-dining eateries serve gourmet meals at a fraction of the price, particularly in rooftop restaurants. Plus, the Egyptian pound’s exchange rate can often be quite favourable for travellers; click here to see the current currency values.
20. Warm weather year-round
With 300 days of sunshine per year, Egypt is known for its dry climate and minimal rainfall. During the summer months (June to August) the temperatures may soar above 40°C in the Sahara, while Cairo and the Nile Valley swelter in the mid-thirties. The best time to visit is from October to April where an average temperature of 20º degrees keeps things comfortable, although nights will be cooler. Visit the Egyptian Meteorological Authority for more detailed forecasts.
21. Expert local guides
With Adventure World, exclusive Egyptologist-guided experiences are the difference between a simple sightseeing holiday and a truly immersive adventure, filled with discoveries tailored to your interests. That’s because an Egyptologist is more than a guide – they’re an accredited expert or scholar who has studied the history, culture, literature, archaeology and mythology of ancient Egypt, and they’re at the frontline of decoding its mysteries. So, when you’re exploring sites like the Pyramids, temples and museums with an Egyptologist, they’ll share their in-depth knowledge, enrich your experience with storytelling, optimise your schedule to sidestep crowds, navigate local customs, and tailor touring to your interests.
Meet one of our Egyptologist Guides, Mr. Mohamed Abd Elaal.