Travel to the land of the Pharaohs and discover the best Egypt tourist attractions
Egypt tourist attractions come in all varieties. The best things to see in Egypt range from the Pyramids to the white sand beaches of Sharm El Sheikh.
Egypt is a land shrouded in mystery. From the ancient pyramids of Giza to the meandering Nile River - Egypt is undeniably a place to be adding to your bucket list. This country has had a varied past. When the Romans set foot in Egypt over 2000 years ago, the pyramids were already considered to be historical ruins. Fast forward to today and layers upon layers of history have created a lively melting pot of cultures. But, if you are feeling a little green when it comes to the subject of Egyptian history, don’t worry. When visiting Egypt, a trip to the Egypt tourist attractions provides a whistle-stop tour of the country’s tumultuous past.
When is the best time to visit the Egypt tourist attractions?
Thanks to Egypt’s strategic location in Northern Africa, the country enjoys a mild climate. In the summer, the temperature skyrockets but during the winter, the daytime feels like spring and the nights are cold. The best time to see the Egypt tourist spots is between October and April. During these months the temperatures are cooler but it is still enjoyably warm to be able to sit on the beach or see all the key sites. The timeless and cinematic desert landscapes of Egypt have been left fairly untouched by the hands of time. Read on to discover the best things to see in Egypt.
Ancient Egypt attractions: Don’t miss the Grand Egyptian Museum
Would you like to say that you have travelled to the world’s largest archaeological museum? Well, now you can. The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the must see places in Egypt and it is home to over 100,000 artefacts. It is located on a 50-hectare plot of land outside the city of Cairo, next door to the pyramids. The creation of this 800-metre-long glass museum has been a long process that dates back to 2002. Finally, at the end of 2021, the doors will fling open and visitors can get up close to never seen before historical treasures. The entire treasure collection of Egypt’s most famous pharaoh, King Tutankhamun will be on display - all 3,500 pieces. Book your tickets early to be sure that you guarantee entry to one of the most anticipated Egypt tourist attractions of the year.
The Pyramids of Giza - Egypt landmarks
Now that you have had a quick history lesson it is time to travel to the most famous historical sites in Egypt - the pyramids. If you are visiting Cairo, bathe in the majestic glamour that these sands of time provide. The pyramids of Giza are a complex of three pyramidal ancient burial sites located in the middle of the desert. The pyramids are named after the pharaohs of whom they were built for Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The tallest of the three is the pyramid built for King Khufu which was the tallest building in the world for 3,800 years until the Lincoln Cathedral was built in 1311. Book a tour to visit this incredible site, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And, be sure to rest weary feet and enjoy a refreshing drink on the roof of one of the nearby luxury hotels. The views of the Cairo sights from above will be picture-postcard perfect.
Things to see in Cairo - Our highlights!
Of course, no trip to Egypt is complete without exploring the exotic city of Cairo. There is never a dull moment in the capital and to fully enjoy the top things to do in Cairo you may need a week or more. Worry not! If you plan to spend just a day or two there is still plenty to enjoy. Begin your time in Cairo in the Coptic neighbourhood, one of the oldest and most visually appealing areas to witness local life. This area is home of the Hanging Church - one of the highly recommended Egypt tourist attractions. Don’t miss the chance to shop at the famous bazaar and souk of Khan el-Khalili. Lose yourself amongst the overcrowded alleyways full of artisan produce and haggle with the stall holders like a true local. Then, admire the ancient architecture of Al-Nasir Mosque, a large 14th century place of worship right in the city centre.
Journey Along the Nile River and see the famous places that tourists like to visit in Egypt
Escape the crowded roads and enjoy Egypt sightseeing by boat. The Nile River is the longest river in the world. It stretches a whopping 4,160 miles long and has been the lifeline for Egypt since the Stone Age. Take a cruise along the river to witness the natural landmarks in Egypt as well as marvel at the daily goings on along this pivotal waterway. Many cruises also allow you to hop on and off when passing by the famous monuments and ruins such as the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the Hatshepsut Temple. Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan are just some of the cities that can be reached by river. There has never been a more leisurely form of transport than this.
The Red Sea - Best tourist places in Egypt
Love diving? Then the Red Sea in Egypt is one of the must visit Egypt tourist attractions for eco-travellers. Often mentioned among Egypt points of interest, the resort of Sharm El Sheikh is not to be missed. Those visiting Sharm El Sheikh should venture off the beaten path and discover the natural splendour of the Ras Muhammad National Park which stretches across 480 square kilometres of land. The crystal-clear waters are home to over 1000 species of fish, only found in the Red Sea. Grab your snorkel and dive into the refreshing waters to see some of the best coral reef formations in Africa. If diving is not for you, head to the popular sunbathing destinations of Ras Um Sid and Sharks Bay Beach. Here you can enjoy a day at the beach and cool off at one of the beachfront bars.