23 Best Things to Do in Egypt by City [with Tickets]

Updated at  4. July 2025 from Gizem
Things to Do in Egypt

Egypt offers unforgettable experiences, from ancient wonders to vibrant culture.

This page breaks down the 23 best things to do in Egypt, organized by city: Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Aswan.

Discover top attractions, guided tours, and booking links to help you plan your trip with ease—whether you're exploring the pyramids, sailing the Nile, or relaxing on the Red Sea coast.

Let's start!

table of contents

Top 5 Things to Do in Cairo

Quick Tips for Visiting Cairo

  • Best Time: October–March (cooler, better for sightseeing)
  • Suggested Stay: 3–4 days
  • Must-Have: Comfortable shoes, filtered water, local cash
  • Best Views: Mokattam Hills, rooftop cafes in Downtown
  • Nearby Cities: Giza, Saqqara (great for day trips)

1. Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx

Top 5 Things to Do in Egypt - Cairo - Pyramdis of Giza

Standing tall for over 4,500 years, the Pyramids of Giza are the crown jewel of Egypt. Visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, explore the Pyramid of Khafre, and admire the mysterious Sphinx. You can also enter one of the pyramids (extra ticket), ride camels, or explore the Solar Boat Museum.

2. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza Egypt

Located just outside the Giza Plateau, the GEM is the most ambitious museum project in Egypt’s history. Already partially open, it showcases thousands of ancient artifacts in a modern, purpose-built space—including the colossal statue of Ramses II, massive galleries, and the Grand Staircase lined with monumental pieces. With direct views of the pyramids and state-of-the-art displays, it offers a next-level museum experience, blending ancient wonders with modern storytelling.

3. Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

This centuries-old souk is the heart of Old Cairo’s street life. Wander through narrow alleys filled with gold jewelry, handmade lamps, spices, perfumes, and artisan souvenirs. The bazaar is not just for shopping—it’s an experience of Cairo’s culture, noise, and colors. Historic cafés like El Fishawi offer the perfect break for mint tea and people-watching.

4. Nile Dinner Cruise

Enjoy an evening on the Nile with a buffet dinner, belly dancing, live music, and city views from a floating restaurant. These cruises offer a fun, relaxed atmosphere and showcase local entertainment and cuisine. Choose from traditional feluccas or larger dinner boats with decks for photography.

5. Citadel of Saladin & Muhammad Ali Mosque

Citadel of Saladin & Muhammad Ali Mosque

Overlooking Cairo from the Mokattam Hills, this medieval fortress once protected the city from Crusaders. The standout structure is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its large domes, slender minarets, and alabaster walls. Inside, you’ll find Ottoman-inspired architecture, grand chandeliers, and sweeping views over Cairo’s skyline.

Top 5 Things to Do in Luxor

Quick Tips for Visiting Luxor

  • Best Time: October–April
  • Suggested Stay: 2–3 days
  • Must-Have: Hat, sunscreen, cash
  • Nearby Cities: Aswan (3 hrs by train)

1. Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings

Explore the hidden tombs of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, richly decorated with scenes from the afterlife. Popular choices include KV2 (Ramses IV) with vivid ceilings, KV16 (Ramses I) with its short but colorful corridors, and KV6 (Ramses IX) featuring wide, decorated chambers.

The most famous, KV62 (Tutankhamun), still holds the boy king’s mummy and treasures—but requires a separate ticket. For the most stunning art, visit special tombs like KV17 (Seti I) or KV9 (Ramesses VI).

2. Karnak Temple

Explore the largest temple complex in Ancient Egypt, built and expanded over 2,000 years. Highlights include the Great Hypostyle Hall, where 134 massive sandstone columns reach toward the sky, as well as sacred lakes, obelisks, and intricate reliefs depicting gods and pharaohs. Once the spiritual center of Thebes, Karnak’s scale and beauty are truly unforgettable.

3. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Marvel at the stunning terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, the temple features grand colonnades, painted reliefs, and chapels dedicated to gods like Amun and Hathor. Its symmetry and location against the rugged limestone cliffs make it one of the most striking architectural achievements of Ancient Egypt.

4. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Float at sunrise above Luxor’s timeless landscape, where ancient temples, desert mountains, and the green Nile Valley stretch out below. Taking off from the West Bank, this peaceful flight lets you see iconic landmarks like the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and village farmlands from a breathtaking new angle. It’s one of Egypt’s most unforgettable travel experiences.

5. Luxor Temple

Located in the city center, Luxor Temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and is beautifully illuminated at night. Originally connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes, this temple was built by Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II and Alexander the Great. Admire the statues, towering columns, and preserved chapels in a peaceful setting just steps from the modern city.

Top 5 Things to Do in Hurghada

Quick Tips for Visiting Hurghada 

  • Best Time: March–June or September–November
  • Suggested Stay: 5–10 days (especially for all-inclusive beach holidays combined with a few day trips)
  • Must-Have: Snorkel gear, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen
  • Family Friendly? Yes – great resorts and waterparks
  • Popular Day Trips: Luxor, Desert Safari, Orange Bay

1. Giftun Island & Orange Bay Day Trip

Spend a relaxing day at Giftun Island, one of the Red Sea’s most beautiful marine parks. Swim in turquoise waters, snorkel above vibrant coral reefs, and sunbathe on soft white sands. Most tours include a stop at Orange Bay, a popular beach area known for its floating hammocks, beach swings, and shallow, crystal-clear waters—earning it the nickname "the Maldives of Egypt."

2. Snorkeling & Diving in the Red Sea

The Red Sea’s coral reefs are among the world’s finest, teeming with colorful fish, rays, and even sea turtles. Whether you’re a beginner or certified diver, sites like Abu Ramada Reef and Fanadir offer vibrant underwater scenery just a short boat ride from shore.

3. Luxor Day Tour from Hurghada

Visit the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor’s other highlights on a full-day guided trip. Most tours include hotel pickup, licensed guides, and enough time to explore Egypt’s ancient capital before heading back in the evening.

4. Desert Safari & Quad Biking

Feel the rush of riding a quad bike across golden dunes, then slow down to discover the desert’s quieter side. Most tours take you deep into the eastern desert outside Hurghada, where you’ll visit a traditional Bedouin camp, enjoy sweet tea, and learn about nomadic culture. Many experiences include a camel ride, sunset barbecue, and even stargazing far from city lights. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and cultural discovery.

5. Hurghada Marina & Old Town (El Dahar)

Spend an afternoon exploring Hurghada Marina, a lively waterfront filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops, perfect for a relaxing stroll by the yachts. In contrast, head to the Old Town (El Dahar) to experience local life—browse spice markets, visit the Abdulmoneim Riadh Mosque, and stop by a traditional Egyptian café. This is the best way to discover Hurghada beyond its beaches.

Top 4 Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh

Quick Tips for Visiting Sharm El Sheikh  

  • Best Time: October–May
  • Suggested Stay: 5–8 days (shorter for sightseeing, longer for beach holidays)
  • Must-Have: Sandals, beachwear, light jacket for evenings
  • Diving License Needed? Not for snorkeling—tours are beginner-friendly
  • Top Picks: Ras Mohammed, Mt. Sinai sunrise trek, spa resorts

1. Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park

This protected area offers pristine coral reefs, mangrove forests, and salt lakes—perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or simply enjoying unspoiled nature. Popular stops include Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef, and Hidden Bay.

2. Snorkeling & Diving

Sharm el-Sheikh is home to some of the world’s top dive sites, including Ras Mohammed National Park, the Blue Hole, and Tiran Island reefs. Expect vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life like parrotfish, rays, and sea turtles. Whether snorkeling or diving, the Red Sea’s crystal-clear waters never disappoint.

3. Desert Safari & Bedouin Experience

Ride quad bikes through the rugged Sinai desert, visit a Bedouin camp, and enjoy an evening of traditional tea, dinner, and music under the stars. Many tours include camel rides and an opportunity to watch the desert sunset.

4. Mount Sinai Sunrise Trek

Take an overnight journey to climb Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) in the footsteps of pilgrims and prophets. Reach the summit for an unforgettable sunrise, then visit the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. The peaceful desert scenery and spiritual history make this a memorable day trip.

Top 4 Things to do in Aswan

Quick Tips for Visiting Aswan

  • Best Time: November–February
  • Suggested Stay: 1–2 days
  • Must-Have: Sunglasses, water bottle, breathable clothing
  • Don't Miss: Sunset sail on the Nile
  • Nearby Sites: Abu Simbel (half-day tour)

1. Philae Temple

Accessible only by boat, this beautiful temple dedicated to Isis was saved from flooding and carefully relocated to Agilkia Island. Walk through its courtyards and colonnades, admire ancient reliefs, and enjoy the peaceful island setting surrounded by the Nile.

2. Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan

No trip to Aswan is complete without visiting Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most iconic sights. Abu Simbel features two massive temples carved into a mountainside, dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Famous for their colossal statues and detailed wall reliefs, these temples were relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding.

The early morning drive from Aswan (approx. 3 hours each way) is rewarded with an unforgettable view of ancient power and artistry on the edge of Lake Nasser.

3. Nubian Village Visit

Immerse yourself in Nubian culture by visiting colorful riverside villages. Discover traditional houses, learn about local crafts, and enjoy home-cooked meals. Many tours include opportunities to meet locals, explore spice shops, and even hold a baby crocodile.

4. Felucca Sailboat Ride

Glide quietly along the Nile on a traditional felucca, passing by Elephantine Island and the Aga Khan Mausoleum. A sunset sail is one of the most peaceful and scenic ways to experience the Nile’s beauty.


To make the most of your time in Egypt, we recommend staying connected with our Best eSIM Egypt Guide — it’s the easiest way to avoid roaming charges and stay online. And don’t forget to check our Egypt Ticket Shop for handpicked tours, skip-the-line entries, and top-rated experiences across all major cities.

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2-Day Luxor Tour from Hurghada: Balloon, Boat Ride & Hotel