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Top things to do in Egypt
Visitors cannot run out of remarkable things to do in Egypt. The country is simply jam-packed with spectacular archaeological sites, picturesque desert scenes, relaxing oases and, of course, the Nile. With proud and hospitable local people, you will be welcomed to Egypt with open arms.
Read on for our selection of the best things to do in Egypt.
Cruise on the river Nile
On an Egypt holiday, cruising aboard a felucca sailboat helmed by local sailors is a must. These wooden boats have been used since the earliest times and offer the most traditional way to explore the Nile. Slowly meander along the river, taking in the colourful sights as you’re rocked gently by the current. You will feel closer to the water by being able to pause at the best spots for a swim.
Explore the Temples of Abu Simbel
Wonder at the sheer size of the temples of Abu Simbel, and take a fly in excursion from Aswan or arrive by boat with a Lake Nasser cruise.
Wander the Egyptian Museum
A tour of the Egyptian Museum is an essential part of an archaeology enthusiast’s visit to Cairo. It’s home to the greatest collection of perfectly preserved artefacts from Pharaonic times, which individually would have you stopping to stare. Aside from being able to see King Tutankhamun’s gleaming gold mask and sarcophagus, there are over 120,000 spectacular objects to see. You will feel yourself adventuring back in time as you’re exposed to such rich history. The Egyptian Museum is scheduled to be superseded by the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2024. Situated in Giza, it will be one of the largest museums in the world.
Visit Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is one of the most special excavation works of all time. It is worth entering to see the intricate, royal tombs of King Tutankhamun, Ramses II, Seti I, as well as many other leaders of the time. Their mummified remains were entombed along with a trove of personal treasures that they believed would be carried into the afterlife. Exploring these well-hidden tombs, one can imagine what it must have been like for Howard Carter, who famously discovered King Tut here in 1922.
Explore the pyramids of Giza
No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to the last standing of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Great Pyramid of Giza. Witness the remaining legacy of a fascinating early civilisation and absorb the sheer scale of the pyramids first-hand. You will marvel at the feat of their construction, which remains a mystery to this day. We recommend being guided around the pyramids by an Egyptologist, so all your burning questions can be answered. Nearby, you can also be astounded by the sight of the enigmatic Sphinx.
Explore Coptic Cairo
Coptic Cairo is the part of the capital city which is thought to have originated in the sixth century BC. The old town is full of exquisiteness, antiquity and spirituality. We recommend visiting the beautiful Coptic Museum. It was completed in 1910 using property belonging to the Coptic Church in Egypt. The museum displays a wonderful collection of sculptures dating from pre-Christian times up until the fifth century AD, as well as bone carvings, frescoes, icons, relics, colourful textiles and more.
Indulge in afternoon tea at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel has stood on the banks of the River Nile in Aswan since 1899. This is a place of pilgrimage for literature lovers, as Agatha Christie resided here for a year while writing Death on the Nile. Dressed in attractive interiors, this oasis of a hotel will give you a taste of why it was Christie’s muse and chosen base of exploration. We recommend the afternoon tea, where you can enjoy a picture-perfect view over the Nile whilst indulging in scones, fresh fruit and aromatic teas. The atmosphere of this outdoor terrace is unmatched; you will want to linger for hours.
See the oasis of Siwa
Step back in time with a visit to the oasis of Siwa, where the mudbrick houses and local way of life has remained relatively unchanged for centuries.
Stroll along the Avenue of Sphinxes
Encounter true ancient Egypt whilst walking through the Avenue of Sphinxes. This 3,400-year-old path, which connects the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak, is steeped in enchantment. Flanked by hundreds of stone sphinxes and ram-headed lions, the Avenue of Sphinxes is one of the greatest exposed museums in the world. It was discovered under sand in 1949, restored over 70 years, before finally opening to the public in 2021. During your visit, you will gain a glimpse into the Late Period of ancient Egypt, when this avenue was known as “The Path of God”.
