One of the many places to explore, Egypt should one on top as it has a unique history and architecture that has a story to tell the world. People from around the world have read so much about the country in books and have always wondered what the kings and queens who ruled the country were like and the places would be like. Apart from exploring cities like Cairo, Alexandria and Giza, there are several educational things to do in Egypt.
25 Fun Things To Do In Egypt
Egypt has been the one stop holiday destination for tourists around the world. People visiting the country for the 1st time will have several things to do in Egypt and wont have a dull moment.
1. Discover And Learn About Cairo’s Multicultural History
Romans, Byzantines, Copic Christians, Islamic Caliphs, Mamluks, Ottomans and British colonialists had once occupied Cairo. Tourists will discover the architecture that reflects Cairo’s multicultural heritage as they go on a walking tour of medieval Cairo Citadel. Hanging church or Al-Azhar Mosque are some of the religious sites that can be visited as well. To get an overview of the country’s ancient history, people should visit the Egyptian Museum, one of the most fun things to do in Egypt.
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Best Time: October- November, March- April
Famous for: Heritage
2. Experience Contemporary Cairo In Zamalek
Head to the trendy neighborhood of Zamalek which is situated on Gezira Island in the middle of the river Nile. Explore the modern art galleries, fancy hotels and restaurants in this trendy neighborhood. Sitting for concerts, plays and lectures at El Sawy Culture Wheel is one of the many fun things to do in Egypt. Tourists should get a sneak peek of the museum of modern Egyptian Art and Cairo Opera House. Le Pacha 1901 is known for no less than 9 gourmet, riverfront restaurants.
Location: Egypt
Timings: 9 am- 6 pm
Famous for: Cairo Opera House and Egyptian Art
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3. Shop For Mementos At Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
When it comes to shopping in Egypt, Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is the place to shop. Not much has changed since it was established in the 14th century. It is one of the most original souks, with narrow cobbled streets that has everything from alcoves packed with fragrant spices and handcrafted silver jewelry. Stock on some of the most precious mementos. After shopping at the Bazaar, unwind with a cup of mint tea at café Fishwai, a well-known marketplace.
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Timings: 9 am- 5 pm
Famous for: Spices and Jewelry
4. Gaze At The Ancient Pyramids Of Giza
The ancient pyramids of Giza is situated on the outskirts of Cairo. Great Pyramid of Khufu is one of the biggest three pyramids, the only 7 wonders of the world that is still standing today. It is an impressive feat and one of the best attractions in Egypt, that was built about 4,500 years ago. The Sphinx, a cat like creature was carved from a single stone and lies in front of the pyramids.
Location: Egypt
Best time: October- April
Famous for: One of the 7 wonders of the world
5. Visit The Pyramid Of Djoser At Saqqara
Those who are inquisitive about pyramids, should visit the Pyramid of Djoser, situated south of Cairo at Saqqara, the ancient Memphis. The 27th century pyramid is different from the rest as it was designed using a stepped style that showcases the smooth sided pyramids at Giza. It is one of the most ancient stone cut monument in the world. Tourists should go on a day tour from Cairo and see the Pyramid of Djoser.
Location: South of Cairo, Egypt
Best time: Nov- April, 6-7 days
Famous for: Old Kingdom Pyramids
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6. Walk Amongst Luxor's Ancient Monuments
Luxor, the modern city lies on the east bank of the River Nile, on top of the ancient pharaonic capital of Thebes. The city’s past grandeur is seen through its temples, statues and monuments. One of the best attractions in Egypt is the Luxor temple that commissioned by Amenhotep 111 in the late 14th century. Ramesses 11 monumental statues guard the temple gate and it is an absolute breathtaking experience walking between them.
Location: Egypt
Best time: March- April, October-November
Famous for: Temples, statues and monuments
7. Explore The Karnak Temple Complex
Located just north of Luxor, Karnak was a place of great religious importance for the 18th dynasty pharaohs. The Karnak temple complex become the main place of worship for the Thebans. One of the best activities in Egypt so far is gazing at the collection of sanctuaries and temples devoted to the Theban Triad. The largest temple is Amun- Ra.
Location: Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 10 am- 3 pm
Famous for: Main place of Worship for the Thebans
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8. View Ancient Tombs In The Valley Of The Kings
The valley of the kings, the Theban necropolis, likes across the river from Luxor. More than 60 subterranean tombs were built for the mummies of the New Kingdom pharaohs from the 16th century. The pharaohs with their treasures were buried amidst the amazing hieroglyphs. Every tourist has made visiting the ancient tombs one of the top things to do in Egypt.
Location: Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 10 am- 2 pm
Famous for: The tomb of Tutankhamun
9. Uncover The Ancient And Modern History At Philae
Nectanebo 1 built the Philae temple complex and was furthermore added to by the Ptolemaic and Roman rulers in the 3rd century AD. An architectural account of Egypt’s transition from paganism to Christianity is seen in the temple. The temple, one of the most beautiful attractions in Egypt, was moved brick by brick from its original location on Philae Island to Agilkia Island after it was flooded during Aswan Dam’s construction.
Location: Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Timings: Early morning to midnoon
Famous for: Architectural account of Egypt’s transition
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10. Admire The Incredible Reliefs At The Temple Of Horus
The temple of Horus at Edfu is one of the best-preserved structures in Egypt. The sandstone structure was built by the Ptolemaic kings between 237 and 57 BC, who dedicated it to the falcon God Horus. The temple after paganism was banished, it was filled with desert sand that kept its reliefs and statues intact.
Location: Adfo, Edfo, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 8 am- 5pm
Famous for: Reliefs and Statues
11. Discover The Symmetrical Temple Of Kom Ombo
The unique temple of Kom Ombo was divided into two symmetrical halves. One half was dedicated to Horus, the elder and the other half was to the crocodile God Sobek. One of the best things do in Egypt is visiting the crocodile Museum to see its collection of mummified crocodiles.
Location: Nagoa Ash Shatb, Markaz Kom Ombo, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 10 am- 4 pm
Famous for: Unique cravings of medical and surgical instruments
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12. See Everything On A Nile River Cruise
Going on Nile river cruise is the best way to see the ancient sights between Luxor and Aswan. There are several options like the historic steamships to the luxury cruisers like the Oberoi Zahra. The Oberoi Zahra has its own on-board spa and swimming pool.
Location: Egypt
Best time: October- April
Famous for: Ancient Sights between Luxor and Aswan
13. Stand In Awe Before The Abu Simbel Temples
The temples in Abu Simbel were built in the 13th century as monuments dedicated to Ramesses 11 and his queen Nefertari. The temples in the 1960 was shifted to higher ground to prevent flood damage. Great temple is guarded by 4 colossal statues of Ramesses 11 at the entrance. Eight statues inside the temple represent the pharaoh.
Location: Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Timings: 7 am- 11 am
Famous for: Ramesses 11 and Nefertari
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14. Experience Berber Culture At Siwa Oasis
Enjoy and experience the road less traveled to Siwa Oasis, one of the many fun things to do in Egypt; a desert situated close to the Libyan border. The town is popular for its Berber culture, abundant date and olive plantations and the ruined temple of Oracle of Ammon. Alexander the Great had once visited the Oracle of Ammon.
Location: Egypt
Best time: November- February
Famous for: Temple of Oracle
15. Make The Pilgrimage Up Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai is a place of pilgrimage for Christians located near Dahab on the Sinai Peninsula. The Christians believed that it was Mount Sinai where Moses witnessed the burning bush and received the ten commandments later. St Catherine’s Monastery, lies at the foot of the mountain with its museum filled with religious icons and relics.
Location: Egypt
Best time: December-February
Famous for: Jewish History
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16. Soak Up The Atmosphere In Cosmopolitan Alex
Alexander the Great had founded Alexandria in 332 BC and as an important city of its time, was home to several iconic landmarks. One of the iconic landmarks include the lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the world. Alex is one of the glorious tourist attractions in Egypt, even after a period of decline. It is known for its culinary scene and several cultural venues like Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Location: Egypt
Best time: September- November, March- April
Famous for: Its ancient past
17. Cross The Suez Canal In Port Said
Port Said, the coastal city marks the entry into the historic Suez Canal. Walk along the port’s waterfront boardwalk to see the supertankers starting their journey from the Mediterranean to the red sea. Hop aboard the ferries running from Port Said to Port Fuad to experience a crossing. Going on ferry is one of the fun activities to do in Egypt that should be experienced at least once in a life time.
Location: Egypt
Best time: March- June
Famous for: Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea
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18. Learn To Scuba Dive In Sharm El- Sheikh
The coast of the Red sea is an absolute treasure trove for scuba divers, the best adventure in Egypt and peninsula resort town Sharm el-Sheikh is the ideal place to learn. There are several diving schools to select, enabling you to do some shopping in Egypt. Tourists will have access to beginner friendly shore diving sites and amazing reefs close to the Ras Mohammed National Park.
Location: Egypt
Best time: May-October
Famous for: Scuba Diving
19. Dive The Wreck Of the S.S Thistelgorm
Professional divers should explore the S.S Thistelgorm, ranked as the best wreck diving places in the world. During the second world war, the freighter was drafted into military service and in 1941 arrived at the Red Sea. It was sunk by German Bombers with ammunition, armored vehicles and military motorcycles on board.
Location: Egypt
Best time: All year round
Famous for: Scuba Diving
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20. Stay At The Luxury Hurghada Resort
One of the most popular getaway and attractions in Egypt for divers, watersports adventurists and sun worshippers, Hurghada is the place. It is home to several luxury hotels including the Oberoi Beach, Salh Hasheesh Resort and Premier Le Reve Hotel and Spa. The resort is known for its landscaped grounds, sprawling swimming pools, fine dining restaurants and spa and water facilities. The best day trip destination is the offshore Giftun.
Location: Egypt
Best time: April- June, September- November
Famous for: Landscaped grounds, sprawling swimming pools; and spa and water facilities
21. Swim With The Dolphins At Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is one of the best places to visit in Egypt as tourists get to swim with the dolphins. Known as the Dolphin House, the tours depart from the marine and head to Samadai Reef. The horseshoe shaped reef is home to the dolphins who happily interact with the snorkelers.
Location: Egypt
Best time: March- May, October- November
Famous for: Snorkeling
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22. Go Kite Surfing At El Gouna
Kite surfing is the adventure in Egypt for all Adrenalin junkies at El Gouna, ideal Red Sea resort town. Excellent conditions include pumping across the shore winds and shallow water for all experience levels. Buzzha and Mangroovy are the 2 main kite surfing beaches and the best seasons are April to October. Tourists should experience kite surfing at least once when visiting Egypt.
Location: Egypt
Best time: April- October
Famous for: Kite Surfing
23. Tour The Aswan High Dam
All those history buffs should visit the Aswan High Dam to learn about Egypt’s modern history. The dam was built to control the River Nile’s flooding and to generate hydroelectricity. The construction of the dam was the biggest projects post revolution and has a huge effect on the Egyptian economy.
Location: Qism Aswan, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Best time: October- April
Famous for: Egyptian History
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24. Book A Lake Nasser Cruise
Lake Nasser situated on the Sudanese border, was created by the Aswan High Dam. It is one the biggest manmade lakes in the world. The cruise is one of the most fun things to do in Egypt as tourists are given the chance to admire the scenery and wildlife, fish for Nile perch and tigerfish and visit ancient sights of the lake.
Location: Egypt
Best time: October- April
Famous for: Scenery and Wildlife
25. Go Off The Beaten Track In The Nile Delta
To experience a different Egyptian experience, go north east into the vast arable land called the Nile Delta. Tourists will find a green patchwork of paddies intersected by the peaceful waterways. Tourists get to see ancient sights at Tanis and Bubastis and the Ottoman architecture at Rosetta.
Location: Egypt
Best time: October- April
Famous for: Paddies and ancient sights at Tanis and Bubastis
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Make a list of all the things you have dreamt of all the things to do in Egypt and have the best Egyptian experience. The cruises, kite surfing and scuba diving have attracted tourists from all over the world. Egypt is one of the most holiday destinations in the world and so, book your flights to Egypt and have the best holiday of a life time.
FAQs
- Laser Nasser Cruise
- Visit the Aswan High Dam
- Kite surfing
- Scuba Diving
- Ancient tombs in the valley of the kings
Some of the adventure activities in Egypt for all the adventure enthusiasts are kite surfing, swimming with the dolphins and scuba diving.
There are several things to do in Egypt while on a holiday. Tourists can plan their holiday by going on a cruise, scuba diving, going on a pilgrimage and visiting some of the temples.
Apart from visiting some of the best monumental sites, tourists can enjoy their day shopping and enjoying a day on the beaches.
The best way to see some of the ancient sights between Luxor and Aswan is on the Nile river cruise. It is one of the most luxurious cruises tourists will experience once in a lifetime.
Yes, Scuba diving is the one water sport that is completely safe. In case a tourist wants to learn how to scuba dive, then they can at one of the best schools in Egypt.
Tourists learn about Egypt’s modern history by taking a tour of the Aswan High Dam.
October- April is an ideal time to visit the ancient pyramids of Giza.
