17 Finest Places To Visit In Egypt On Your Next Holiday

A country that forms a link between Northeast Africa and the Middle-East, Egypt is a heaven on earth for archeological experts and history enthusiasts. From dazzling tombs and ancient temples to the finest of places to visit in Egypt, this is a land that has had everything you possibly ask for.

So, if you're a traveler planning your next potential holiday in Egypt, here are the top places that you can certainly mark in your travel diary today.

Top 17 Places To Visit In Egypt

Here are the top places that you can visit in Egypt while on your holiday in this part of the world.

1. Pyramids Of Giza

One of the finest examples of ancient architectural marvels in Egypt and the last remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza were built in ancient Egypt as tombs for the Pharaohs, who started ruling Egypt in 3000 B.C. The Pharaohs considered themselves as living gods during the initial days of their empire but later changed their view and started calling themselves representatives of God on Earth.

Standing as a remarkable example of the kind of ancient architectural marvels the Pharaohs have left behind, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the finest tourist attractions in Egypt. Guarded by Sphinx and viewable from far off, the Giza's Pyramids are a must-visit site in the country. In fact, archeologists from around the world scratch their heads even today about how exactly these structures were made.

Location - Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt

Opening Hours for Visit - 8 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee - INR 1700

2. Valley Of Kings, Luxor

Nestled on the east bank of the River Nile, Valley of Kings in Luxor is one of the finest places to visit in Egypt. It is based at a site that was once the ancient city of Thebes and boasts of its enchanting setting. The Valley of Kings is, in fact, the largest open-air museum in the world and is home to a number of rock-cut tombs of the Pharaohs.

Till date, there are a total of 63 ancient tombs that have been excavated at this site as archeologists and historical explorers continue to excavate even today. Interestingly, the Valley of Kings is the place where ancient kings Tutankhamun and Amenhotep were buried. Visitors coming to catch a glimpse of their tombs can see the tomb of Tutankhamun, which is also known as the KV62. However, there is a separate entry fee for the same.

As for the overall attractions, only a few tombs out of all the 63 excavated are open for the visitors to see. The best part? If you're an explorer who truly wishes to get a sight of the haunting and off-beat places in Egypt, then the Valley of Kings has to be on your travel list.

Location - Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Opening Hours for Visit - 6 AM to 5 PM (closes at 4 PM during winters)

Entry Fee - INR 380 for three tombs (visitors get to pick the tombs); INR 760 for KV62

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3. Islamic Cairo

Nestled in the capital and famed as one of the best places to visit in Egypt 2020, Islamic Cairo is an attraction that boasts of a number of medieval mosques, enchanting monuments, and so much more. One can find a wide range of attracting things about the walled city, if decides to venture deep into it. From impressive workshops to a number of artisan families (who have lived there for a millennium) that reside in the area, there's a lot to look forward to at the Islamic Cairo district.

Talking about the main highlights, the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan is one of the finest and most visible examples of the rich Islamic heritage in the city. While offering a sight to embrace in the gorgeous capital of Egypt, Islamic Cairo presents a living picture of how ancient Cairo looked before the city's modern expansion.

Location - Cairo Governorate, Egypt

4. Citadel Of Saladin

One of the most ancient places to visit in Egypt and declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadel of Saladin presents a stunning sight of the mosques, museum and so much more. Built by the widely famed Ayyubid ruler Saladin, the Citadel of Saladan served as a protection for cities like Cairo and Fustat from crusaders. Interestingly, Fustat was the first Egyptian capital under the Caliphate and carried huge importance at the time.

As for the site, the Citadel of Saladin is covered by a number of watchtowers and houses. There are remarkable mosques and the Well of Joseph inside the Citadel that add to the beauty of the place. Speaking of its main highlights, one can never afford to miss some stunning places like Sulayman, the Al-Naseer, and the palace museum of Al Gawhara. These are, in fact, some of the most famed tourist attractions in Cairo that are perfect for sightseeing tours.

Location - صلاح سالم، Al Abageyah, El-Khalifa, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Opening Hours for Visit - 9 AM to 4 PM

Entry Fee - INR 384

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5. Aswan

Nestled in the Southern side of the country and boasting of its soothing setting, Aswan is one of the most go-to Egypt holiday destinations today. The place boasts of its enthralling views of the Nile River and sand dunes that are a true delight to the travelers coming here on their holidays.

Often recognized for the amazing elephantine island that boasts of its mesmerizing Nubian villages at the center of the island and offers a sight you don't want to miss, Aswan is even home to some attractive archeological sites. Featuring in the best honeymoon places in Egypt, the city offers a number of tourist attractions like the Kitchener's island, Jazirat Aswan, Aga Khan Mausoleum, Qubbet el-Hawa, and so much more.

One can either head for an evening stroll at the Nubian Villages, or explore the ancient sites of the place, there is a lot to look forward to at Aswan.

Location - 424 Miles south of Cairo

6. Rock Temples Of Abu Simbel

Set on the western banks of the Nasser Lake and boasting of their fine rock impressions of the king and the queen, the Rock Temples of Abu Simbel are set in an amazing location overlooking the mesmerizing Egyptian mountains. While one temple is of Ramesses II, the other temple is of his Queen, Nefertari. The beauty of the twin temples is telling because of the fact that they are carved right into the mountains.

One of the most picturesque places to visit in Egypt, the Rock temples of Abu Simbel present an iconic image of ancient Egypt. The rock impressions at the temples show both the king and the queen sitting on their throne. These formations overlook the mountains which is a unique sight in itself.

Interestingly, during the 60s when the water level of Lake Nasser rose, the temples were moved from their original position in order to save them from getting submerged. Since then, this is one of those ancient sites in Egypt that receive thousands of visitors every year.

Location - Abu Simbel, Nubia

Opening Hours for Visit - 5 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee - INR 615

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7. Egyptian Museum

Boasting of its amazing Egyptian collection which is, in fact, the largest in the world, the Egyptian Museum is a heaven for history lovers. Over the years, excavations on a mass scale have taken place in Egypt. Interestingly, all these excavations have revealed some amazing things over time that are about a thousand years old. These things include books, old artifacts, gold, and so much more.

Now, in case you're wondering where these treasures have been kept, well, the Egyptian Museum is what you're looking for. As the experts themselves put it, the pyramids in Egypt tell you half the story while the other half lies at the museums, and most notably the Egyptian Museum.

With an amazing collection that comprises of precious treasures from ancient Egypt, the museum even boasts of its fine collection from the world-renowned excavation from the tomb of Tutankhamun. It is a place where one can find the rarest of things from the past of Egypt.

Location - Cairo, Egypt

Opening Hours for Visit - 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee - INR 460

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8. White Desert

One of the finest attractions that is, in fact, found in the Sahara Desert, the white desert boasts of its amazingly enormous formations which are white and cream in color. These chalk formations have been shaped by wind erosion and are visible from far off and are a major point of attraction for the visitors. In fact, the whole region boasts of some scintillating sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea along with the cliffs of the Farafra Depression, making the White Desert one of the most beautiful places to visit in Egypt. What's more? There is a national park nearby that is home to the Rhim and Dorcas gazelle. All this makes for a perfect setting to enjoy the never-ending splendor of Egypt.

Location - Farafra

9. Abydos

Another of those telling attractions to feature in our list of best places to visit in Egypt is Abydos, a city that is nothing short of an open-air museum that attracts visitors from a long way. Nestled 500 km from Cairo, the city is home to a wide range of ancient attractions, one of which is the Umm el-Qa’ab.

Famed by name the Mother of Pots, the area got its name from the shards of pots that were found in huge numbers here during excavations. As history has it, these pots were littered in the area in the honor of the kings. In fact, it is the very place where the first pharaohs were buried.

One can embrace the ancient surroundings of the area or explore the temples by paying a nominal fee.

Abydos is, in fact, the place where the temple of Seti I was found. The temple consists of the famous Abydos List which is basically a hieroglyphic inscription.

Location - El-Balyana, Governorate, Egypt

Opening Hours for Visit - 6 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee - INR 140 (Abydos Temple); INR 230 (Seti Temple)

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10. Alexandria

Last to feature in our list of 10 best places to visit in Egypt, Alexandria is a perfect city that boasts of its different holiday experience as compared to the rest of Egypt. The city was once the outpost for the Greco-Roman empires. However, not many ancient remains are now found here. In fact, Alexandria was once home to the world's biggest library too.

Today, visitors come here to find an escape from the desert terrains and dust of the country. From fine restaurants and cafés to huge skyscrapers, Alexandria has evolved as an urban city over time. One can visit the famous Pompey pillar square to hang out with friends savor the offerings of the chic cafés functioning on the streets. The cuisines that are found in Alexandria are hard to find anywhere else in Egypt.

Location - 200 Kilometers from Cairo

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11. Karnak Temple

One of the top places in Egypt is definitely Karnak Temple which is known for its stunning architecture and Karnak Open Air Museum. Karnak along with Luxor was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1979. Since then, the attraction has gained immense popularity and has become a major tourist attraction that enriches tourists with its fetching history. Within the premises of Konark Temple, you will find three other temples as well which are Festival Temple of Tuthmosis III, Temple of Khons and Great Temple of Amun. The temple covers an area of around 200 acres and is one of the largest temples to be ever made in Egypt. The main temple complex is surrounded by many smaller temples and also by a sacred lake which is surrounded by an aviary for birds and many storerooms.

Location: Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Entry Fee:

Karnak Open Air Museum: 200 E£

Karnak Light & Sound Show: 300 E£

Timings: Monday to Sunday: 06:00 am to 05:30 pm

12. Tanis

The stone blocks that are found at Tanis holding the names of Pharaohs of Old Kingdom like Pepi I and Cheops states that Tanis belongs to the Old Kingdom of the ancient Egypt. It is one of the best places to visit in Egypt as it offers a number of attractions, which include the Tanis Egypt Ark of the Covenant. The wooden chest covered with gold is a tourist attraction as every year people from all over the world come to visit. Story has it that Tanis has several myths one would not believe until they see it before themselves. People should discover the city for their own experience and ensure that they enjoy whatever everything.

Location: Cairo

Entry Fee: NA

Timings:  9 AM – 9 PM

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13. Bahariya Oasis

When a huge burial site with several tombs was discovered in 1996, the Bahariya Oasis came into limelight. It has over 250 golden mummies that go back to various era throughout history. It also has ruins and remains of the Alexander temple. Bahariya acts as an agricultural center for Egypt apart from being a burial ground for mummies. It is also known for its wine production. It is one of the top places to visit in Egypt that has a few attractions like the white desert and crystal mountain, which known for its odd geological structures. Tourists should put in on their list of things to do in Egypt at least once when on vacation.

Location: El-Wahat el-Bahariya, Western Desert, Egypt

14. Ras Muhammad National Park

Ras Muhammad National Park is one of the most famous parks along with being the best diving sites in the world.  The park, one of the most beautiful places in Egypt, is tucked away into the coral reefs and mangroves of the red sea; and inland desert of Sinai. The waters are absolutely crystal clear as divers and snorkeling can spot the colorful corals, vertebrate and invertebrate marine species.  One will easily spot dolphins including the Risso Dolphin if they went by boat into the sea, which is one of the many things to do in Cairo. The park is home to several white storks along with rich marine creatures and corals.

Location: Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Entry fee: 73.95 E£
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM

15. Ramesseum

Have you ever seen the statue of Ramses 11? You are in luck. The great funerary temple of Ramses 11, Ramesseum is situated on the west bank of Luxor, which makes it the top places in Egypt. The temple is known for its large seated statue of Ramses 11 and is dedicated to the God Amon and the deceased king. The walls are designed with reliefs and scenes that represent the festival of Min, the Battle of Kadesh and the Syrian wars. If you want to explore a few interesting places then this is a must visit.  What more can one ask for when on vacation in Egypt?

Location: Luxor, New Valley Governorate

16. Zamalek

Have you ever enjoyed a nightlife in Egypt? If not, then you have no idea what you are missing out on. Zamalek has several attractions that allures a huge crowd from all over the world each year.  Tourists can visit some the best nightclubs to experience the ideal nightlife of the country. The most popular clubs have their special drinks that will energize people inside out. It is ideal place for shopping as well. People can visit shops and boutiques like AgroDolce, Amuse. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Egypt where people will never get bored and will always want more.

Location: Cairo
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

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17. Saqqara Necropolis

The huge burial ground in Egypt, Saqqara Necropolis is situated on the west bank of the Nile and is one of the most popular Egyptian historical sites.  It is also in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites as the pyramid of Saqqara is one of the best attractions. They say there are several myths and historical facts attached to this place. It is a once in a life time chance to visit a burial ground as who knows when the opportunity will arise again. People from all over the world are fascinated by the stories they’ve heard that they end up visiting the place at least once.

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

Entry Fee:  180 E£ (approximately)

A country where ancient history comes alive, Egypt has everything you possibly expect from your holiday. From archeological sites and ancient temples to some of the finest museums and landscapes, this is a country that offers it all. As for the tourist attractions in Egypt, the above list features the 10 best places to visit in Egypt on your next potential holiday. From ancient cities and the Egyptian Museum to some fine attractions that one cannot afford to miss, there is so much to look forward to in this part of the world. So, when are you planning your next holiday in Egypt?

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