The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions “Egypt” is the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Nile. In any case, with over 7,000 years of unique history, legacy, and culture, there are numerous other amazing attractions in Egypt to justify its title as a tourist hotspot.
With an intriguing history that spans back to the beginning of human civilization, Egypt is known to be a very popular tourist destination. Pharaohs being synonymous with this destination, Egypt is an amazing country to visit to explore ancient tombs, pyramids and attractions which will leave you in awe. An ideal place for adventurers, explorers and history buffs alike. Egypt is an allrounder for travelers looking for a blend of activities rich in tradition, gaining memorable experiences, and simply looking to let loose.
Here are 10 Best Places to Visit in Egypt that should be on the top of your itinerary and bucket list when you finally decide to make a trip to this delightful nation.
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Giza is presently known as one of the most renowned spots in Egypt where tourists often visit. Giza is filled with leading hotel chains, famous boutiques, cafés and large shopping centers. Near the hustle and bustle of the city lies the famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. You can't say you have been to Egypt without visiting and seeing these monuments first-hand. The extraordinary Pyramids at Giza are famously known for being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and in addition to that, it is also undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Giza's pyramid complex has awed voyagers down through the ages. An unquestionable feature of any trip to Egypt, Giza's pyramids ought not to be missed.
A large portion of the touring destinations at Giza is situated on the plateau aptly named the Giza Plateau, where the Great Sphinx and Great Pyramid stand tall. Don’t forget to snap some pictures of you riding a camel while soaking in the magnificence of the ancient pyramids (Indiana Jones-esque). The pyramids of Giza will definitely be the gem in any trip to Egypt.
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Luxor, also known as Thebes in Ancient times, is situated on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt. At its peak, it was the ruling capital of the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom of Egypt. Luxor is also famously called the world’s greatest open-air museum. With iconic structures, temples, and historical museums, the city is a significant destination in Egypt. The essential touring destinations of the Luxor are not situated in the city itself but on the other side of the Nile in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. The Valley of the Kings is a burial spot of the Pharaohs of Thebes, this valley comprises of several burial places portraying the life of ancient Egyptians through the engravings inscribed on the walls and the roofs of the burial spots.
The Valley of the Queens is likewise a burial location that contains close to 57 tombs including the breathtaking and remarkable burial place of Queen Nefertari.
The vast majority of the Luxor attractions are found either on the East Bank or the West Bank of the Nile. Popular features on the East Bank incorporate Karnak Temple, an exceptional sanctuary city that took more than 2,000 years to develop and it is also known to be one of the largest religious places on the planet.
The flawlessly lit up Luxor Temple is a jaw-dropping temple to visit at night. Some other attractions to check out in Luxor are the Luxor Museum and the Colossi of Memnon.
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Cairo the capital of Egypt has a rich history of Islamic, Christian and Jewish culture. The 2000-year-old city is additionally the biggest city in Middle-East, Africa and the Arab world.
Do not miss out on the opportunity to shop at Khan el-Khalili bazaar where coppersmiths continue to craft their wares despite having small workshops. Vendors are loaded with a variety of products such as ceramics, textiles, spice, perfume, collectibles, souvenirs, and jewelry. Khan el-Khalili is one of Cairo's must-visits with eateries, cafés and street food merchants scattered around the market adding to the appeal of the bazaar.
The significant mosques in Cairo are the mosque of Amr Ibn Al-Aas (Al-Fustat), Mosque of Ahmed Ibn Tulun, Mosque of Al-Azhar, Mosque of Sultan Hassan (which is wonderfully lit up in the evening), Mosque of Al-Refai, The Blue Mosque and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Additionally, other Islamic sites are the Salah El-Din Citadel, House of Gamal-Al-Din and the Museum of Islamic Art (Bab Al-Khalq).
At the widely acclaimed Egyptian Museum of Tahrir Square, guests can get a better perspective on Tutankhamun along with mummies and different antiquities from Egypt's Ancient past.
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Aswan is the third biggest city in Egypt and is situated on the eastern bank of the Nile River. Aswan is the name given to this city by Arabs, the prior name of the city was "Suno" which translates to 'The Market'. Aswan gives one of the most delightful perspectives of Egypt with the eye-catching views of the town on the eastern bank. Aswan is likewise a bonus for guests as it is flooding with brilliant markets, aromas, Pharaonic and roman remains and artifacts from the ancient spot of Nubia. The two most amazing destinations of Aswan town are the two principle islands-Kitchener which is a botanical garden and Elephantine which is a site having vestiges of ancient structures and a museum. Elephantine and Kitchener Island are worth the time and money spent on exploring these islands. The Elephantine Islands are the ideal escape to loosen up. The vivid Nubian towns in the focal point of the island are unique Egypt vacation spots and make for an incredible night walk.
It is also recommended to take the boat to Angelika Island to study the Temple of Philae which is from the Ptolemaic and Roman era. The biggest landmark of the island is the sanctuary of Isis which takes up around one-fourth of the island. Aswan is currently known for its amazing views on the desert dunes and the Nile stream.
Some other essential attractions are Aga Khan Mausoleum, Tombs of the Nobles and the Temple of Philae.
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Abu Simbel comprises of two enormous stone temples made out of appreciation for the powerful King Ramses II. Cut out of the mountainside, the sanctuaries are enduring energy of Ramesses II and Nefertari. The temple is the most remarkable temple of all ancient Egypt.
Indeed, even in a nation brimming with temples and tombs, Abu Simbel is something uncommon. This is Ramses II's extraordinary sanctuary, embellished with enormous sculpture placed outside, and with an inside luxuriously finished with artistic creations on the wall. The stone impressions of the lord and the lady seated on their thrones is a notable aspect of ancient Egypt. The temple was shifted elsewhere as a result of the rising waters of the lake during the 60s and this attraction creates a flow of tourists throughout.
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Prepare to be stunned by the extraordinary white-hued rock arrangements of the White Desert, the Bedouin national park north of Farafra. This exceptional natural wonder consists of strangely molded chalk mountains with colossal arrangements of chalk running from snow white to cream in color, which likewise includes the sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea and the cliffs of the Farafra Depression. The white rocks have been molded by wind disintegration for a few centuries. The landscapes here look nothing short of magical, with white stones and chunks. For desert fans and travelers, this would be your ideal setting, while at the same time basking in the regular landscape. With its stunning natural beauty, it is among the most delightful spots to visit in Egypt.
PS – Lookout for the Rhim and Dorcas gazelle, the latter of which roams the landscape at the White Desert.
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This dazzling oasis, encompassed by date palm ranches and various freshwater springs, is one of the Western Desert's most pleasant spots. The town is based on the remnants of an immense mud-block fortress that ruled the view. This is the best spot to slow down and rejuvenate for a couple of days.
Vacationers go to the city to appreciate the town's numerous freshwater springs, walk around sections of land of palm forests and to explore antiquated mud-fabricated fortifications and leftovers of Siwa's Greco-Roman past. Gurgling springs are in bounty here. One of the most famous is a stone pool known as Cleopatra's Bath. A segregated and more private pool is situated on an island in Lake Siwa.
An outing to the nearby commercial center offers guests the chance to tour the city's rich culture and soak up the uniqueness the place has to offer.
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Situated on the Northern Coast of Egypt, Alexandria or known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" or the "Social Capital of Egypt" is an ancient city in Egypt which is viewed as a significant tourist point of Egypt, the second biggest city of Egypt and furthermore a bustling trade port. Alexandria is enhanced with numerous sublime Greek landmarks, offering incredible touring chances to all and worth a visit for its numerous social attractions which provides deeper insights into its past. The city is definitely a standout amongst other Egypt destinations which would allow you to unwind and relax stress-free.
Well known touring spots in Alexandria are Fort Qait Bey, Bibliotheca Alexandrina (one of the largest and most significant library in the ancient world) and Pompey's Pillar Alexandria which is a decent spot to chill with your friends and walk around the boulevards which are loaded up with cafés.
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Egypt's focal point for seashore fun is the South Sinai which is on the Sinai Peninsula. Sharm el-Sheik or, more than likely known as the City of Peace is a European-style resort brimming with lavish lodgings, universally known eateries, and a plethora of activities to offer. Sharm el-Sheik is one of the most well-known retreat towns in Egypt, situated at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. With its warm, dark blue waters and extraordinary brilliant seashores, it would be hard to eliminate such a spot from your itinerary. Try not to pass up on the opportunity to snorkel or dive into the phenomenal reefs around Tiran Island and Ras Mohammed National Park, home to some incredibly vivid marine life. Sharm el-Sheik gives access into the desert, where you can visit Bedouin camps and climb Mount Sinai, an ancient biblical spot famously known for its optimal view of the sunrise.
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Dahab is a serene budget beach town that goes easy on your bank account. Dahab, which implies gold in English, is one of the most-visited urban communities by travelers and Egyptians in Southeast Sinai. It is otherwise called Sinai's most-cherished diving spot, which makes it a go-to spot for diving or swimming enthusiasts.
Any place you pick in the South Sinai will have an association with diving. The Red Sea is one of the top diving destinations on the planet.
Apart from being the most celebrated national park inside Egypt, Ras Muhammad National Park also happens to be one of the most well-known diving sites. This attraction is tucked in the midst of the beautiful coral reefs and mangroves of the Red Sea just along with the inland desert of Sinai. It has completely clear waters that permit divers and swimming lovers to effectively view the dynamic corals and aquatic life. If you decide to take a boat for a ride further into the sea, you might even get to spot some dolphins, including Risso's Dolphin.
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You can never be finished with a trip to Egypt without going on a journey on the Nile River. Regardless of whether you take it toward the beginning of the day or around evening time, in a boat or a felucca, the appeal of the Nile will blow your mind. For some guests, a multi-day voyage upon this much-admired Nile is a noteworthy feature of their Egypt trip. Cruising the Nile is likewise the most loosening up approach to see the sanctuaries that stud the banks of the waterway on the course among Luxor and Aswan.
The two celebrated sights on a Nile Cruise are the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu's Temple of Horus, where all the large cruise ships make a halt. You can also opt to voyage the Nile by felucca which is Egypt's conventional wooden boat. Boats and cruises leave from both Luxor and Aswan, yet feluccas must be boarded for trips from Aswan.
Egypt offers the most intriguing encounters to tourists and such an experience that cannot be compared to any other place else on the planet. Everything about Egypt leaves its visitors in amazement.THE
PS – It is advisable to wear full-length clothing in Egypt, to regard the traditions and save yourself from some serious sunburn.
