Top 10 Attractions to Visit in Egypt

Egypt, house of the pharaohs' pyramids, a veritable open-air museum of gigantic sculptures and enchanting frescoes, home of the Red Sea and the resplendent Nile, is a destination full of landscapes straight out of an Aladdin count. Plan your itinerary with this list of the top 10 attractions to visit in Egypt.

Tourist Attractions Map of Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx

Pyramids of Giza

Counting the must-see attractions in Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx should be in the top 1 position. They are Egypt's most iconic landmarks.

Built over 4,500 years ago, the three pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure rise from the desert plateau on the west bank of the Nile and form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and most impressive, once standing 147 meters tall. The Pyramid of Khafre looks almost as big thanks to its higher position and still shows traces of its original smooth casing. The smallest, the Pyramid of Menkaure, is thought to be built for a queen.

Watching over them is the Great Sphinx, a colossal statue with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, symbolizing strength and wisdom. Known locally as Abu al-Hol (“Father of Terror”), it has guarded the plateau for millennia.

Tips:

• Visit early morning or at sunset for cooler weather and fewer crowds.
• All three pyramids in Giza allow visitors to go inside with extra spending. However, it's a physically demanding activity with a lot of bending. Take it into consideration before purchasing the tickets. (For detailed tips, please check out our guide about going inside the Giza pyramids.)

The Grand Egyptian Museum(GEM Complex)

Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum has an attractive exterior whose design takes the pyramid as its theme, with a huge triangular cone front gate and multiple glasses in the shape of a triangle, just like a modern pyramid located in Giza, which could be one of the best choices to go to when finished visiting of the Giza Pyramid Complex.

With 100,000+ exhibits gathered from almost all of the museums in Egypt, the GEM allows you to travel the long history through prehistory, the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, the New Kingdom and the Late and Roman period. The most important is the first exhibition of the Tutankhamun galleries and Khufu's Solar Boat are all allow to see now.

The Temple of Karnak

Karnak Temple is the most beautiful of all the sites you'll discover in Luxor, with an avenue of human-headed sphinxes, the Luxor dromos, a colossal statue of Ramses II, open papyrus umbel capitals of the Hypostyle Hall, and the obelisk of Thutmosis I at Karnak.

Its construction took more than 1000 years, between the 12th and 20th dynasties. This national treasure of Egypt is the result of the confrontation between many rulers who, during the different successions, each in turn wanted to mark their era and adorn the magnificent sanctuary. The temple of Amun-Ra, the temple of Khonsu, and the temple of the Feast of Thutmosis III are also located within the Karnak temple complex.

Temple of Karnak

Valley of the Kings

The ancient Egyptians not only constructed massive pyramids but also built elaborate, hidden underground tombs. On the west bank of Luxor, you will find the most majestic of these burial sites, the Valley of the Kings.

Pharaohs of the New Kingdom were mummified and buried here as early as the 16th century BC. More than 60 tombs have been discovered in the valley so far. Visiting the interiors of these richly decorated tombs is an experience not to be missed. You can see vivid paintings, gold-covered wood, and hieroglyphics depicting funerary rites.

Tips:

• To help preserve the tombs, only a limited number are open to visitors at any one time, while others remain closed for restoration.
• Smartphones are usually allowed for photography inside the tombs, but make sure to turn off the flash, as it is strictly prohibited. If you bring a camera, you may need to purchase an additional photo ticket.

Valley of Kings

The Nile River

The Nile River is unlike any typical attraction in Egypt. As the longest river in the world, it flows through the entire country and has shaped Egypt's civilization for thousands of years. You've probably heard that many of Egypt’s most famous landmarks sit along its banks, but the river itself is a highlight worth seeing.

For some of the most beautiful views, head to Aswan. A sunset felucca ride there is especially magical. Another unforgettable way to experience the Nile is by taking a river cruise. Far from the noise of the cities, cruising along the Nile offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. As you travel between destinations, you will pass rural scenes that have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.

The most popular cruise routes run between Luxor and Aswan, covering those must-see ancient sites such as the Temple of Philae, Temple of Kom Ombo, Karnak Temple Complex, and Valley of the Kings.

Luxor Temple

The Temple of Luxor, or "Sanctuary of the South" in Egyptian, was built on the east bank of the Nile in 1400 BC on the orders of Amenhotep III. Located in the modern part of the Luxor city center, it is quite easy to get there.

As you arrive at the temple, you will immediately be struck by its massive columns, towering pylons, and especially the imposing statues of Ramesses II guarding the entrance.

For the best experience, plan your visit around sunset. As the golden light washes over the temple, the atmosphere becomes truly magical. Stay a little longer until the temple is illuminated after dark. You will then see a completely different mood, more dramatic compared to other temples.

Luxor Temple at Sunset

Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples were carved directly into a sandstone cliff during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II (13th century BC). The main temple is guarded by four colossal statues of the pharaoh, each over 20 meters tall, making it one of the most iconic images of ancient Egypt.

Next to it stands the smaller yet equally stunning Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari, Ramses II's beloved wife.

A unique phenomenon occurs here twice a year, on February 22 and October 22. It is called the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, when the sun's rays go through over 40 meters of passageway and illuminate the sanctuary's inner statues.

Red Sea

After exploring Egypt's ancient wonders, it is highly recommended to head to the Red Sea coast for a relaxing and adventure-filled escape. Stretching over 1,000 km (620 miles) from Suez to the Sudanese border, this coastline offers pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and world-class diving spots.

Top diving destinations include Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, where you can explore vibrant coral reefs and fascinating sea creatures. Most hotels offer diving excursions, even for beginners, with professional instructors to guide you.

The ideal time to dive in the Red Sea is March to May and September to November. During these months, water temperatures are pleasant, visibility is excellent, and marine life is thriving.

Philae Temple

Located on Agilkia Island near Aswan, the Temple of Philae is one of Egypt's most beautiful ancient sites. As most Egyptian temples are in the desert, Philae Temple is surrounded by clear blue waters. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it was a major center of worship during the Greco-Roman period. The temple complex is admired for its elegant courtyards, towering colonnades, and finely carved reliefs that depict scenes of gods and pharaohs.

In the 1960s, when the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge it, UNESCO launched an ambitious project to dismantle and move the entire temple to higher ground on Agilkia Island. This feat of engineering allows visitors to see nowadays' well-preserved complex.

Khan El-Khalili Market

Khan El-Khalili Market

Khan el-Khalili is a historic open-air bazaar dating back to the 14th century, located in the heart of Cairo. You may have come across mixed reviews online: some describing it as crowded, loud, and filled with persistent vendors, while others praise its beautiful atmosphere, authentic charm, stunning historic architecture, and endless selection of affordable souvenirs.

In recent years, the market has become increasingly popular with visitors, yet it remains a place where locals still come to shop and socialize. The feeling of both excitement and occasional overwhelm is part of what makes it feel so real. This is everyday life in Egypt.

If you're worried about potential scams or uncomfortable interactions, just visit with a professional tour guide. Directing you between the alleys, providing advice on nice shops or cafes, telling you the stories of the market, etc., a tour guide can shift your experience in Khan El-Khalili.

This is Egypt, whether it is the temples and pyramids full of historical mystery, or the golden sands of the great desert reaching down to the beaches and enchanting underwater world, there are always many attractions to see during your trip to Egypt. Start planning your trip with odynovo and take full advantage of this enchanting country.