Things to do on a trip to Egypt

If you’re planning to visit the land of the pharaohs, you’ve come to the right place, as here are all the must-see sights in Egypt. Of course, the Pyramids of Giza are a must-see, with their imposing structures and iconic Sphinx. But while they may be the stars of most postcards of Egypt, other places such as the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt’s capital, Cairo, and the Temple of Abu Simbel, are equally must-see gems.

If you want to see these places and many others, stay tuned to read this post, as we describe the best destinations to see on a trip to Egypt. We will also give you some interesting tips, such as how to organise your trip in the most practical way. Read on and enjoy the magic of Egypt!

What are the best places to see in Egypt?

1. Cairo, what to see in the capital of Egypt

From the top of the Cairo Tower, you get a breathtaking view of this ancient city. Cairo is a labyrinth of lively streets that breathe history and mystery. Its bustling, crowded streets, the aromas of spices and the vibrant colours of the bazaars, such as Khan El Khalili, create a unique sensory experience. Cairo’s chaotic charm captivates its visitors at every turn, revealing endless wonders to be discovered.

The Nile River flows through the city, offering a tranquil respite where you can watch the traditional boats known as feluccas. As evening falls, the city is tinged with golden hues and the minarets of the mosques, including the Ibn Tulun Mosque and the Al-Azhar Mosque, soar into the sky, creating a mesmerising sight. Cairo awakens the senses and immerses its visitors in its chaotic vitality, inviting them to discover the hidden treasures of one of the most interesting cities to see in Egypt.

2. Guiza, where to see Egypt’s pyramids

Guiza is one of the must-see places to visit in Egypt, making it one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

Of the three majestic pyramids, Keops is undoubtedly the largest and most important. It was built by order of the pharaoh Cheops around 2570 BC. Today the summit has eroded away and its ancient white or pink limestone facing has also disappeared. Nevertheless, it remains an enigmatic and fascinating construction.

The Great Sphinx is believed to represent the lion-bodied Pharaoh Chephren. It could also be a lion-bodied guardian to represent strength and wisdom in Ancient Egypt. This 57-metre long and 21-metre high statue has become a recognisable symbol for everyone. It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive sights to see in Egypt.

It is interesting to know that all the monuments are within the same compound. Tickets to any part of the site must be purchased in advance at the ticket offices and entry to the site costs 200 EGP. There are packs with different prices depending on the monuments you want to access inside.

3. Luxor

Luxor, situated on the banks of the Nile and known as Thebes in antiquity,  was the capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom, and to this it owes its historical and archaeological importance. Among all the sights to see in Luxor, the most impressive are the temple complex of  Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, which we will explain below, but of course they are not the only things to see in this Egyptian city.

The Luxor Museum is the second most important museum in Egypt, after the Cairo Museum, for its impressive collection of artefacts found in the surrounding necropolises and temples.

Finally we would like to highlightLuxor Temple, an impressive temple complex built during the New Kingdom period, spanning the 14th-12th centuries BC. The central courtyard, which houses the obelisk and the Statue of Ramesses II, the Hall of Columns and the chapels and shrines are a must-see. The most impressive, however, is the Avenue of the Sphinxes, a sacred road flanked by numerous sphinx statues that connects the Temple of Luxor with the Temple of Karnak.

4. Temple of Karnak

The Temple of Karnak at Luxor is an impressive and iconic religious complex that is a must-see. It is one of Egypt’s greatest architectural achievements and is located about 3 kilometres from the centre of Luxor.

The complex covers a large area that includes several temples, obelisks, pylons, hypostyle halls and monumental columns. Among the most prominent buildings are the Great Temple of Amun-Ra and the Great Temple of Amun-Ra, but you should also set aside time to explore the Sacred Lake, the obelisks and the hypostyle hall. From the impressive pillared hall to the carved obelisks and detailed reliefs, every corner of the temple tells a unique story that will immerse you in the past.

5. Abu Simbel, the most famous temple to see in Egypt

Abu Simbel is a fascinating and impressive place to see in Egypt that you can’t miss. Located near the shores of Lake Nasser, close to the Sudanese border, it is home to two majestic temples built by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. The main temple is notable for its four colossi over 20 metres high at the entrance, representing Pharaoh Ramesses II on his throne. Inside, there are rooms adorned with reliefs narrating the victories and achievements of the ancient ruler. The second temple, dedicated to Queen Nefertari, is equally impressive, with its decorated façade and reliefs honouring the Egyptian gods.

6. Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt’s iconic coastal city, is a historical and cultural treasure that enchants all who visit. Known as the “Pearl of the Mediterranean”, Alexandria is home to a fascinating legacy that dates back to antiquity.

Its famous Library of Alexandria, though now reconstructed, evokes the grandeur of the past and celebrates knowledge and wisdom. It is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the majestic Lighthouse of Alexandria, a symbol of the city that offers unrivalled panoramic views of the sea. Strolling along the promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and exploring the historic El-Mansheya quarter are unforgettable experiences. Other must-see sights in this wonderful Egyptian city include the Pompey’s Column, the Catatombs of Kom El – Shoqafa.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to eat in Egypt?

During your trip to Egypt, you can’t miss out on the country’s mouth-watering and varied cuisine. Start by indulging in koshari, a signature dish that combines rice, lentils, pasta and fried onions, all topped with a flavoursome spicy tomato sauce. Accompany your meal with a falafel, delicious fried croquettes made from chickpeas, served with pita bread and a selection of sauces.

For fish lovers, you can’t miss the opportunity to try fresh fish from the Nile, prepared in a variety of ways depending on the region. If you prefer meat, don’t miss out on the tasty kebabs and kofta, which are served with rice and salad. And to sweeten your palate, try the delicious Egyptian desserts, such as baklava. Explore the local markets and sample traditional dishes that will immerse you in the culture and history of this fascinating country.

What should I know before a trip to Egypt?

• The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
• We recommend that you exchange your money before your trip to Egypt, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
• Be prepared to haggle when shopping in Egyptian markets and bazaars. Bargaining is a common practice and negotiating price is part of the experience
• The best months to travel to Egypt are October to April.
• Cairo is a fairly safe city for tourists, although it is always advisable to be careful with your belongings in crowded areas.
• Egypt has a rich cultural tradition, and it is important to be respectful of its customs. When visiting religious sites such as mosques, be sure to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and legs.
• To enter Egypt, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a visa.
• Always drink bottled water.
• Wear sunscreen, especially in the summer months, as well as light but sun-protective clothing and stay hydrated.
• Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Get yourself an eSIM card to have internet connection on your trip to Egypt.

How to organise what things to do in Egypt?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation.
• Make any modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience of what to see in Egypt with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own travel tips for Egypt.
• Enjoy your trip to Egypt!

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter

Frequently asked questions about travel to Egypt