Egypt is a fascinating country. You’ll find a deep history and a culture unlike any other there. Many travelers love to explore it. Indeed, there are many great tourist spots. You can find them in cities like Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria.
Exploring Cairo: The Capital City
Cairo is Egypt’s busy capital. Furthermore, it is the cultural, political, and social center. This city is a mix of modern and old. Consequently, it has many interesting tourist sites. These include world-famous museums. There are also ancient areas. And, of course, you’ll find bustling traditional markets. For most visitors from other countries, Cairo is the first stop. Thus, it serves as their introduction to the wonders of Egypt.
1. The Egyptian Museum
Almost every visitor to Cairo goes to the Egyptian Museum. It’s probably the most famous museum in Egypt. Here, you can see the best of ancient Egyptian civilization. Moreover, historical stories unfold through its many artifacts. These include iconic statues like the Sphinx.
2. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)
The NMEC is similar to the Egyptian Museum. However, it is a newer museum. Therefore, it has more space and modern facilities. Many travelers choose the NMEC. This is because it has over 20 royal mummies. Additionally, it holds many other valuable ancient items.
3. Old Cairo
Old Cairo is located in the city center. It is a place full of historical relics. You’ll also see traditional architecture there. For example, you can visit the Amr Ibn al-As Mosque. The impressive Ibn Tulun Mosque is also there. Besides these, there are many other important Islamic buildings. And don’t forget the lively Khan el-Khalili Market.
4. Khan el-Khalili Market
The Khan el-Khalili Market is in Old Cairo. Perhaps it’s Egypt’s most famous market. It offers an excellent opportunity to buy unique souvenirs. This market started in the 14th century. It is famous for its wide variety of goods. You can find spices, carpets, and beautiful jewelry. And naturally, there are many food stalls. Exploring Khan el-Khalili feels like entering a scene from Arabian Nights. Its shops are so colorful and lively.
5. The Saladin Citadel
The Saladin Citadel is also called the Citadel of Saladin. Salah ad-Din built it in the 12th century. It sits on a high hill in Cairo. First, it was a military fort. Later, it became a palace for many rulers. Today, the Saladin Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features amazing architecture. The Muhammad Ali Mosque is a highlight.
The Alabaster Mosque is another name for the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. It is the most noticeable building in the Saladin Citadel. Built in the early 1800s. Its courtyard has white alabaster floors. It is a respected place of worship in Cairo. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy great views of the city from up high.
6. Cairo Tower
The Cairo Tower is Egypt’s tallest TV tower. It’s a modern symbol of the capital. It’s similar to Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City. Going up this tower gives you amazing views. You can see almost 190 meters down. Watching the sunset over the whole city and the Nile River is an incredible experience.
7. Egypt Mall
Egypt Mall is a large and modern shopping center in Cairo. It has many international and local fashion stores. There are also various restaurants and modern cinemas. Plus, you can find other entertainment options. It’s a great place to shop and have fun.
Discovering Giza: The City of Pyramids
Giza is only 20 kilometers west of Cairo. It is a world-famous destination. This is mainly because it’s home to the Giza Pyramids. These are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Amazingly, they are the only ones still standing. Giza shows the incredible talent of the Pharaonic era. Although Giza has other things to see, the Pyramids are definitely the main attraction.
The Giza Pyramid Complex in Egypt is a well-known ancient wonder. It includes three main pyramids. These are the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Then there’s the Pyramid of Khafre. And finally, the Pyramid of Menkaure. The magnificent Great Sphinx of Giza is also here. It’s a limestone sculpture with a human head and a lion’s body. It stands guard before Khafre’s pyramid. This symbolizes the ancient Egyptians’ deep respect for the Pharaoh.
8. Giza Solar Boat Museum
The Giza Solar Boat Museum preserves the oldest complete wooden boat ever found. This is the Giza Solar Boat. It was discovered near the Giza Pyramids in the 1950s. People believe it was part of Pharaoh Khufu’s burial rituals around 2600 BC. The boat is made of ancient cedarwood. It is very well preserved. Now, everyone can see it on display.
9. Visiting Luxor: The City of Tombs and Temples
Luxor was once the ancient capital of Egypt, called Thebes. It’s known as “the city of temples and tombs.” Moreover, it’s a very important place for archaeology worldwide. Luxor is famous for its huge temples. You can also find the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens there. These valleys contain 63 tombs of pharaohs, queens, and nobles.
10. The Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings was the main burial place for most pharaohs of Egypt’s New Kingdom. Although many artifacts from here are now in Cairo’s museums, seeing the actual tombs is powerful. It gives you a real sense of ancient Egypt’s greatness. Standing inside a room that is three or four thousand years old is truly an amazing feeling.
11. Karnak Temple Complex
Karnak is the most important temple complex from ancient Egypt. Its size and detailed decorations are stunning. Therefore, it should be a top priority when you visit Luxor.
12. Luxor Temple
This temple is in the center of Luxor city. It was built to honor the god Amun-Ra. It is known for its tall columns and large halls. Luxor Temple was important for festivals and ceremonies in ancient Egypt.
13. The Temple of Hatshepsut
The Temple of Hatshepsut is in the Valley of the Queens. It was built to remember and honor Queen Hatshepsut. The temple’s unique design is impressive. It has terraces and a special front. Plus, there are beautiful statues and decorated walls.
14. Relaxing in Aswan: The Upscale Resort City
Aswan is a city with many islands in the upper Nile River. It is famous for its luxury resorts. As a result, staying here can be more expensive than in Luxor. Aswan has two main areas to stay. These are the city center and the Nubian village. Staying in the Nubian village is highly recommended. It has a relaxed feel. You can easily take walks, ride camels, or enjoy a felucca ride to watch the sunset on the Nile.
15. Nubian Village
This charming village is against the hills. It overlooks the Nile River. You could call it the Santorini of Egypt because of its colorful houses. They look a bit like Mexican styles. The desert, the Nile, and the natural scenery create a very peaceful atmosphere. If you visit on a Friday, you can enjoy traditional Nubian music and dances.
16. Philae Temple
Philae Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its origins from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. It honors Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of love and marriage. Originally, the temple was on Philae Island. However, it was moved to Agilkia Island in the 1970s. This was due to the building of the Aswan Dam.
17. Abu Simbel Temple
Abu Simbel Temple was built in the 13th century BC. It is an important UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes two grand temples. They are surrounded by an artificial lake. Although it’s a six-hour trip from central Aswan, many people consider Abu Simbel a must-see in Egypt.
The main temple here is the Temple of Ramses II. It has four huge statues of Ramses II at the entrance and inside. Interestingly, on February 22nd and October 22nd, sunlight shines on three of the four statues. This creates the famous “Sun Festival.” Next to the Temple of Ramses II is a smaller temple. This is the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to Ramses II’s beloved wife.
18. Edfu Temple
The Edfu Temple is also known as the Temple of Horus at Edfu.This is one of Egypt’s most well-maintained temples. Inside, there are many wall carvings. These provide important information about the language, myths, and religion of the Greco-Roman period in ancient Egypt.
Construction of the temple started in the 2nd century BC. It was finished in the 1st century AD. A key feature of the Edfu Temple is that it’s made of sandstone. It beautifully combines Ptolemaic and Roman architectural styles. Many people think this temple has some of the best architecture in all of Egypt.
19. Exploring Alexandria: The Port City
Alexandria is on the Mediterranean coast. It is Egypt’s second-largest city. It has the largest seaport in the region. This makes it Egypt’s main link for international trade. Besides its economic importance, Alexandria has beautiful beaches. It also has historical sites. These include the Lighthouse of Alexandria (an ancient wonder). You can also visit the Montazah Palace Gardens. The Museion and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (a modern version of the Royal Library of Alexandria) are also worth seeing.
20. Discovering Siwa Oasis
Siwa is often called Egypt’s most beautiful oasis. It’s in the heart of the Sahara Desert. It’s about 560 kilometers northwest of Cairo. For many centuries, it stood apart from the rest of the world. This gave it an untouched and mysterious feel. Siwa Oasis has lovely natural scenery. You’ll see palm groves, salt lakes, and natural freshwater springs. There are also several historical sites. The unique culture of the Siwa people is also very interesting. Many travelers choose to visit Siwa. They want to explore the special culture and landscapes of this large desert region.
In conclusion, Egypt has always been a mysterious land. Millions of people around the world are drawn to it. Ancient tombs, the life-giving Nile River, sacred temples, and the hot deserts are just some of the things that attract so many visitors.