Planning a trip to Egypt? You're in for a timeless adventure.
From golden deserts to coral-rich coastlines and millennia-old monuments, Egypt continues to captivate travelers with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
In this guide, we cover the 8 best places to visit in Egypt — along with practical tips, cultural insights, and curated suggestions to help you plan the perfect itinerary.
Let's start!
Also read:
Best 23 Things to Do in Egypt
Guide to Nile Cruises in Egypt
eSIM for Egypt
Best Resorts in Egypt
🌍 Quick Overview: Egypt Destinations by Travel Style
- Cairo & Giza: For first-timers and culture lovers
- Luxor: For ancient history and temple tours
- Hurghada: For family beach vacations and snorkeling
- Sharm El Sheikh: For diving, luxury, and nightlife
- Aswan: For relaxed Nile views and Nubian culture
- Marsa Alam: For quiet, nature-focused getaways
- Siwa Oasis: For remote desert adventures
- Alexandria: For coastal charm and Greco-Roman history
1. Cairo & Giza – Ancient Wonders & Modern Buzz
🏷️ Best For: First-time visitors, history lovers, museum-goers
Why Visit: Home to the legendary Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo is a must for anyone exploring Egypt’s ancient past. The bustling capital also offers vibrant markets, Nile-side dining, and a peek into daily Egyptian life.
📍Highlights:
- Visit the Pyramids & Sphinx in Giza >> Read more: How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza
- Explore Egyptian artifacts at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
- Wander through Khan El-Khalili bazaar
- Cruise the Nile by traditional felucca
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to April for cooler weather
📌 Travel Tip: Use guided tours for pyramid visits to avoid scams, and try to visit early in the morning or in the evening before closure.
🎟️ Recommended Tickets & Tours:
Skip the line tickets for the Giza complex
From Cairo: Pyramids & Great Sphinx Private Tour with Camel Ride
Grand Egyptian Museum Skip the line ticket
Nile River Dinner Cruise with Entertainment in Cairo
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2. Luxor – The World’s Largest Open-Air Museum
🏷️ Best For: Archaeology buffs, cultural travelers, temple lovers
Why Visit: Luxor is a historical treasure trove. Once the ancient city of Thebes, it’s home to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, and Karnak Temple Complex—some of the most impressive Pharaonic landmarks in Egypt.
📍 Highlights:
- Tour the Valley of the Kings and enter Tutankhamun’s tomb
- Watch sunrise over Luxor in a hot air balloon
- Admire the impressive Karnak Temple; a highlight is the Sound and Light Show
- Stroll along the Avenue of Sphinxes
- Visit the majestic Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
📌 Travel Tip: Luxor is extremely hot in summer. Schedule temple visits early in the morning or late afternoon.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to April
🎟️ Recommended Tickets & Tours:
From Luxor: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Day Tour
From Hurghada: Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb Trip
Karnak Sound & Light Show
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor Relics
Luxor Temple Online Ticket
3. Hurghada – Red Sea Relaxation & Diving Paradise
🏷️ Best For: Families, beach lovers, snorkeling fans
Why Visit: Looking for sun, sea, and sand? Hurghada offers beach resorts, water sports, and access to coral reefs, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving holidays. It’s a family-friendly destination, popular with European tourists.
📍 Highlights:
- Snorkel or dive in Giftun Islands
- Try desert safaris and quad biking
- Visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium
- Enjoy beachfront resorts with all-inclusive options
- Take a day trip to Luxor to explore ancient temples and tombs
📌 Travel Tip: Choose all-inclusive resorts for the best value and amenities. >> See our list of the top-rated resorts in Egypt here.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
🎟️ Recommended Tickets & Tours:
Hurghada: Desert Quad Bike and Buggy Adventure with Transfer
Hurghada: Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch
Hurghada: Semi-Submarine Boat Tour w/ Snorkeling & Transfer
Hurghada or Makadi: Discover the Magic of Dolphin House
From Hurghada: Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb Trip
4. Sharm El Sheikh – Glamorous Beaches & Adventure
🏷️ Best For: Couples, divers, resort travelers
Why visit: Perfect for couples and adventure seekers, Sharm El Sheikh offers upscale resorts, vibrant nightlife, and access to the Ras Mohammed Marine Park: a top diving destination in the world.
📍 Highlights:
- Dive in Ras Mohammed or Tiran Island
- Hike Mount Sinai at sunrise
- Shop and dine at SOHO Square
- Relax at Naama Bay or Shark’s Bay
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to May
📌 Travel Tip: Many visitors use Sharm as a base for day trips to Mount Sinai, Ras Mohammed, or even Petra, Jordan via ferry. Plan your excursions in advance and check the current safety situation.
🎟️ Recommended Tickets & Tours:
Sharm El-Sheikh: Jeep Adventure to Blue Hole, Canyon & Dahab
From Sharm: White Island and Ras Mohamed Snorkeling Trip
Sharm El-Sheikh: Ultimate ATV Quad, Stargazing & BBQ Dinner
Sharm El-Sheikh: City Tour with Optional Seafood Meal
From Sharm: Mount Moses Trekking, Sunrise & Monastery Visit
5. Aswan – Tranquil Nile Beauty & Nubian Culture
🏷️ Best For: Slow travelers, cruise lovers, cultural explorers
Why Visit: Smaller and more relaxed than Cairo or Luxor, Aswan is known for its stunning Nile views, Philae Temple, and vibrant Nubian culture. It’s also the gateway to Abu Simbel, Egypt’s iconic rock-cut temples.
📍 Highlights:
- Visit Philae Temple by boat
- Take a day trip to Abu Simbel
- Explore Elephantine Island and Nubian villages
- See the unfinished obelisk in Aswan’s granite quarries
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
📌 Travel Tip: Consider staying on a traditional felucca boat for a slow and scenic Nile experience.
🎟️ Recommended Tickets & Tours:
From Aswan: Abu Simbel Temple Day Trip with Hotel Pickup
Aswan: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, & Philae Private Tour
Aswan: Day Trip to Nubian Village with Camel Tour
Felucca Ride on The Nile River with an Egyptian Meal
4 Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Guide
6. Marsa Alam – Egypt’s Hidden Red Sea Gem
🏷️ Best For: Nature lovers, eco-travelers, peaceful getaways
Why Visit: Farther south on the Red Sea coast, Marsa Alam is quieter than Hurghada or Sharm, but just as stunning. It's known for pristine beaches, eco-resorts, and unique marine life including sea turtles and dugongs.
📍Highlights:
- Dive at Elphinstone Reef
- Visit Wadi El Gemal National Park
- Enjoy stargazing in a tranquil desert setting
- Explore the Emerald Mines and ancient Roman ruins nearby
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to November
📌 Travel Tip: Bring water shoes and sun protection for coastal excursions.
🎟️ Recommended Tickets & Tours:
Marsa Alam: Sea and Desert Horse Riding Tour
Marsa Alam: Elite VIP Turtle bay snorkeling with BBQ Lunch
Marsa Alam: Royal Seascope Submarine Cruise with Pickup
7. Siwa Oasis – Desert Magic & Salt Lakes
🏷️ Best For: Off-the-beaten-path adventurers, nature seekers
Why Visit: For a truly unique experience, travel west into the Siwa Oasis, a remote desert haven rich in Berber culture, natural springs, and otherworldly landscapes.
📍Highlights:
- Float in salt lakes and natural hot springs
- Visit the Temple of the Oracle of Amun
- Explore the ruins of Shali Fortress
- Try traditional Siwan cuisine
📌 Travel Tip: Due to its remote location, consider traveling with a guide and bring cash; ATMs are scarce.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: October to March
🎟️ Recommended Tickets & Tours:
From Cairo: 3-Day Siwa Oasis Tour, Safari, Camp & Historical Site
8. Alexandria – Coastal Charm & Greco-Roman Legacy
🏷️ Best For: History fans, coastal travelers, cultural explorers
Why Visit: Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria blends ancient history with Mediterranean flair. Once home to the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria and the ancient Library, today it offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere, Greco-Roman ruins, and cultural treasures. With seaside cafés, historic forts, and vibrant street life, it’s a refreshing contrast to Egypt’s inland cities
📍 Highlights:
- Visit the Citadel of Qaitbay
- Explore Pompey’s Pillar and catacombs
- Tour the Roman Amphitheater
- Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
📌 Travel Tip: Alexandria is just 2.5 hours from Cairo by train – great for a short stay.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
🎟️ Recommended Tickets & Tours:
From Alexandria: Full-Day Guided Tour of Historical Sights
Sound & Light Show at Qaitbay Citadel: Skip-the-Line Entry Tickets
Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Egypt
Best Time to Visit Egypt:
- October to April: Best for sightseeing and desert tours
- May to September: Ideal for Red Sea beach holidays
Getting Around:
- Domestic flights are available between major cities (e.g. Cairo–Aswan, Cairo–Sharm)
- Trains and buses connect Cairo, Luxor, and Alexandria
- Use taxis, Uber, and private transfers instead of public transport in cities
Is Egypt Safe for Tourists? Egypt remains safe for tourists, especially in well-traveled areas like Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea resorts. Follow local advice, avoid protests, and register with your embassy. >> Read our dedicated article for detailed safety tips.
Local Customs & Dress Code:
- Dress modestly in rural areas and at religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered. Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for the climate.
- Women travelers should bring a scarf to cover their hair when visiting mosques.
- Swimwear is fine at beaches and resort pools, but not appropriate outside tourist zones.
- Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially women or in traditional settings.
- Friday is the main prayer day in Egypt — expect reduced hours or later openings at some museums, mosques, and government-run sites.
- Tipping (baksheesh) is a common and expected practice — keep small bills handy for service staff, drivers, and guides.
FAQ - Places to Visit in Egypt
Egypt offers a rich mix of ancient history, natural beauty, and coastal charm. Must-see highlights include the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s temples and tombs, and Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. For something unique, consider the Siwa Oasis or Aswan and Abu Simbel. >> See our list of the 23 top things to do in Egypt, divided by city.
Don’t miss the Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Khan El-Khalili, Islamic Cairo, and a Nile cruise. Add the Citadel and Coptic Cairo if time allows.
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are great for families. Kids love snorkeling, aquariums, and desert adventures. Many resorts are child-friendly. >> See our handpicked list of the best resorts in Egypt here.
Egypt is generally affordable. Budget travelers can manage on $40–$70/day, while mid-range and luxury options are widely available.
From world-famous ancient landmarks to serene desert escapes and reef-rich shores, Egypt is filled with wonders for every kind of traveler. To make the most of your trip, read our Best eSIM Egypt Guide and take a look at our Egypt Ticket Shop for handpicked tours, skip-the-line entries, and top-rated experiences across all major destinations.