What To See and Where to Go in Egypt in 2025

Many tourists come to Egypt every day to observe mysterious ancient history, enjoy hot weather, rest at the white beaches, swim in the crystal clear sea, and have a wonderful time in North Africa. Check out this article to explore the list of places that are worth visiting in Egypt.

What are the best places to see in Egypt?

Egypt is well-known for its tourism, diversity, and cultural heritage. People around the world come to witness the greatest historical sites and monuments, enjoy delicious Egyptian cuisine, try many types of water sports, etc. There are many things to do and see in Egypt for any tourists, even those with the most peculiar preferences. We have prepared a list of the best places to visit in Egypt, so you can find out the most interesting things for you.

10 best places to visit in Egypt

If you want to look at the most popular places, here is a list of 10 best places to visit in Egypt and spend time with joy.

1. Cairo

Pixabay

Cairo is Egypt's capital and heart. While this city is full of modern buildings, there is much to see besides. It’s the historical cradle of Egypt, and many ancient mosques, churches, and fortresses are located there. The city has two unique areas: Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo.

Coptic Cairo refers to an area in Old Cairo that for many years has been a stronghold of Christianity. Some of the popular important places are the Fortress of Babylon, Hanging Church, Synagogue, Virgin Mary Nuptial Hall, and so on.

Islamic Cairo refers to the part of Old Cairo, full of mosques, and other good places. You should visit the mosque of Ahmed ibn Tulun, as well as Al-Rifa'i Mosque. There’s also The Museum of Islamic Art, where you can find many historical objects, and pieces of art. Lastly, you can visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar — the greatest open-air market.

2. Giza pyramids

Pixabay

One of the greatest historical sites in the world and the best places in Egypt to visit. Giza pyramids structure includes 3 pyramids, and they are open to tourists. You can take a trip to the pyramids and get in to explore ancient chambers, stairs, and halls. The Great Pyramid, constructed for Pharaoh Khafre, is one of the Seven Wonders of ancient times.

There are actually 9 pyramids in that area, so if you want to enjoy those views, you need to plan your trip as the pyramids are closed after 5 pm in summer, and 4 pm in winter. It’s better to rely on professional tour agents and book a trip, so you can have a guide and a driver. You can easily choose the best tour to pyramids with the best eSIM data plan for Egypt, no matter where you are.

Read also: What is eSIM: what is it for and how to use it

3. Luxor

Pixabay

Luxor is a great city in Egypt with a long history. It’s divided into two parts by the Nile River — West Bank and East Bank. These parts are absolutely different and contain many interesting sites. You can visit the East Bank and take a look at Karnak temple, the world's second-biggest temple complex, which includes many buildings and monuments. There also is the Luxor Temple, the place where many Egyptian Kings were crowned. Lastly, you can also visit the Luxor Museum and Mummification Museum to dive into some historical treasures.

Speaking of the West Bank, there’s much to do and see. Firstly, you should consider visiting the Valley of the Kings. It’s a burial ground for the kings of the New Kingdom of Egypt. You can visit 3 tombs at your ticket price and the rest 7 at an additional price. On the other hand, there is a Valley of the Queens, where are buried wives of pharaohs. You can find one of the greatest tombs in Egypt, the tomb of Queen Nefertari. Among others, you can visit the Colossi of Memnon, the Mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, The Ramesseum, and many other important places.

4. Aswan

Pixabay

You may need a couple of days to explore Aswan and enjoy its beauty. You can find the Nubian Museum there, and learn about the history of Nubian civilization. Also, you can book a boat trip — a felucca trip on the Nile, observe the city and enjoy its views. If you look for any historical sites, there are Abu Simbel Temples, two huge ancient temples of Ramesses II and his wife Nefertari.

You can also go to the Unfinished Obelisk, an abandoned obelisk that demonstrates professional stonework. For nature lovers, there’s the Aswan Botanical Garden. It’s a perfect place to look at exotic plants, take beautiful pictures, and learn more about nature. You can easily find the correct name for each plant there with Yesim virtual SIM cards.

5. Alexandria

Divergent travelers

A beautiful city with a great history and a fascinating list of things to see in Egypt. Alexandria shows tourists many wonders and historical sites. One of its great places is Bibliotheca Alexandrina. It has a concept of an ancient library that was in the city. Its interior and exterior are breathtaking and absolutely marvelous. You can find more than 1.8 million books available. But it’s not just a library, it contains 4 museums and 17 exhibitions.

Another popular sightseeing is the Serapeum, one of the biggest temples dedicated to the god Serapis. Fort Qaitbay is the next magnificent destination. Don’t forget to add St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral and Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi mosque to your list of to-do in Alexandria.

6. Sharm El Sheikh

Pixabay

Next place to visit in Egypt — Sharm El Sheikh. It offers many activities for tourists. It’s pretty hot here, so it may be the best place to visit in Egypt during winter.

You can enjoy many water activities and sports there, like diving and snorkeling. If you like deserts, you can book a quad ride and explore that unbelievable sand safari. For those who like cultural sites, there’s Al-Mustafa Mosque, constructed in 2008.

The other outdoor activity is to hike Mt. Sinai, it starts at night, so you can reach the top till sunrise and admire breathtaking views. Among others, you can go shopping at Old Town Market, and visit Naama Bay — the coolest place in Sharm El Sheikh.

7. Hurghada

Unsplash

You can find many things to do in Hurghada, so plan your trip to ensure you can visit all the best places. Firstly, there’s a great opportunity to take a boat trip. You can go to Big Griftun or Small Griftun Islands to enjoy snorkeling and a beautiful coral reef.

If you like water activities, there are several water parks in Hurghada, such as Jungle Aqua Park, Makadi Water World, and Sindbad Aqua Park.

On the other hand, you can book a trip to explore deserts. There are options to choose buggies, quads, or Jeeps. There’s also a great shopping place — El Dahar Bazaar, for those who seek authentic stuff and souvenirs.

Lastly, you can play golf at El Gouna Golf Club. Hurghada offers tourists any activities to have the best vacation with family or friends.

Read also: Mobile Internet in Egypt: How Much Does It Costs, How to Connect

8. Dahab

Pixabay

This is one of the most loved places in Egypt. Here, you can visit Coloured Canyon with its amazing views and 2.8 km way to explore this wonder of nature. Next, St. Catherine's Monastery is one of the oldest inhabited monasteries in the world.

There’s an ancient library as well, and a beautiful garden. The other amazing place is Blue Hole — one of the world’s most beautiful snorkeling and diving places.

Dahab also offers tourists an opportunity to try a camel ride with locals. Lastly, make sure to visit the Lagoon area and relax at the most beautiful beaches — the best place to swim in the warm water of the Red Sea.

9. Siwa Oasis

Pixabay

Siwa Oasis is full of surprises and unusual places for you to visit and make your trip unforgettable. First and foremost, you can go to the Salt Lakes and float in the water with 95% salinity. The views of numerous lakes are worth taking beautiful pictures.

Next, you can visit Shali Fortress, one of the best places to visit in Egypt for free. You can find a mosque there, as well as a labyrinth, and a pottery school. The other way to spend time in Siwa Oasis is to book a sandboard trip. The Great Sand Sea offers tourists the chance to explore the biggest dunes in the whole world, so you can experience unforgettable sandboarding.

10. White Desert

Pexels

One of the unique places in Egypt to visit. White Desert National Park is located 500 km away from Cairo, and it’s a part of the Sahara Desert.

This area is exotic because of its pure white sand, that’s rare to see. It’s been the depth of the sea in that area that existed more than 80 million years ago. Limestone and chalk figures are naturally formed and shaped as a result of erosion.

You can find there many figures that are shaped like animals, mushrooms, or pyramids. Tourists can have a safari there, moreover, they can try camping in one of the most exotic places in the world.

Best places to stay in Egypt

Pixabay

While planning your trip to Egypt, you may wonder «What is the best place to visit in Egypt and stay for some time?». Well, there are many great cities and resorts for tourists to spend their vacations with joy. Some of the most popular places offer visitors the best conditions.

Firstly, you can consider Cairo as the place to stay. There’s a wide variety of hotels for tourists with any budget. Living in Cairo, you can stay in the Centre of the Egyptian Heart, visit Islamic and Coptic Cairo, and take a trip to the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx. There are two parts of the city — Old City and modern Cairo, so you can find the best place exactly for you.

The other great option for visitors is Luxor. You can book a hotel on the West or East Bank of the city and live near the most popular sightseeing in the country. There are located many popular historical sites, so you can easily reach the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Karnak, and many others.

Lastly, you can consider Sharm El Sheikh to stay there and book a hotel. There’s a wonderful Red Sea coast, so you can relax at the white beaches, swim in the clear water, try many water activities, and it’s convenient to take trips to many cities from there.

Read also: How to book a hotel yourself: a complete guide

Best places for diving in Egypt

Pixabay

Diving is a great activity to explore the Egyptian Red Sea and look at the marvelous coral reefs as well as hundreds of colored fishes. One of the most famous diving places in Egypt is Maria Alam. There are bays and cool places for beginners and advanced divers.

You can see Abu Dabbab Bay, Elphinstone, Daedalus, and other diving sites. There are many fishes and creatures, so make sure you know all the diving rules and tips.

On the other hand, you can go to Sharm El Sheikh. There are shallow bays that are not too deep without any underwater currents, such as Ras Um el Sid. It’s a great way to explore coral reefs and the depth of the Red Sea.

Best places in Egypt to see pyramids

If you are looking for travels to see the pyramids and witness those great historical sites, you should definitely visit the Giza pyramids. We’ve already mentioned that ancient complex. However, there are many other pyramids to visit. For example, you can take a look at:

• Saqqara pyramids – the biggest historical site in Egypt.
• The pyramid of Djoser is the oldest pyramid to be built, and it reflects the authentic spirit of Egyptian ancestors.
• The Bent Pyramid is worth visiting for its unique shape. It was built by King Sneferu, the King of the 4th Dynasty.
• The Red Pyramid is the highest pyramid in the region and 3rd largest pyramid in Egypt.

Explore all these pyramids to truly immerse yourself in the world of ancient Egypt.

Best places for snorkeling in Egypt

Pixabay

There are hundreds of places for snorkeling in Egypt:

• Dahab is one of the best and most interesting snorkeling sites. There’s a Blue hole — a natural sinkhole in the water. Its depth is about 120 meters.
• Giftun Islands, Hurghada — is another great option to learn more about snorkeling and explore marine life. There are hundreds of marine inhabitants.

These places are truly amazing for tourists to snorkel around the reef.

Best places to stay in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Pixabay

If you plan your trip to Sharm El Sheikh, we have some tips for you to choose the best area and get the most appropriate vacation experience.

One of the most famous places to stay in Sharm El Sheikh is its northern area — Nabq Bay. Nabq Bay is a pretty diverse area, and it offers visitors almost any type of activity. There are hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, fast-food shops, etc. It has a wonderful beach that is appropriate for those who seek sunbathing, swimming, or any other water activities e.g. scuba diving, snorkeling, and so on.

The next destination is Naama Bay, which is also full of tourist places. It’s the heart of nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh, so if you like nighttime activities, bars, cafés, music, dances, etc, this place is definitely for you.

There’s Sharks Bay between Naama Bay and Nabq Bay. It’s a great option to spend time near the white coast and keep up with the nightlife of Sharm El Sheikh. You can visit Soho Square, where tourists like many bars, restaurants, outdoor activities, and others.

Best places to stay in Egypt with family

Pixabay

A family trip to Egypt must be something exciting and eventful. This country offers so many different activities for visitors, so you can look at the best places to visit in Egypt with family and choose the one you prefer the most to secure your wonderful vacation with your family.

• If your family wants to explore the historical sites of Egypt, you should go to Luxor and visit the heart of Ancient Egypt culture. It’s a place for family trips to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak temple, museums, The Ramesseum, and numerous fabulous archeological sites.
• If you want to live near the famous Giza pyramids and Sphinx, you can stay in Cairo. There are many fascinating things and activities for tourists, as well as the diversity of accommodation options. The city offers nightlife and modern vibes besides authentic Old Cairo with its religious and cultural sites.

Some families seek a peaceful time near the Red Sea, so then you should go to Sharm El Sheikh and enjoy white beaches, crystal-clear water, vibrant city life, and so on.

Best places to stay in Hurghada, Egypt

Pixabay

Speaking of Hurghada, we need to mention El Gouna as an amazing place to spend your vacation. It has a long coastline and offers visitors an opportunity to rest at the private beaches. You can try numerous activities, such as kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, and others.

The other well-known place to stay in Hurghada is Makadi Bay which combines Red Sea coasts and mountains. It’s a nice place for kids as you can take them to Makadi Bay Aquapark.

Lastly, if you want to experience luxury vacation time and seek unique views, and the highest service quality, you can stay in the Soma Bay area.

Read also: How to plan a trip yourself: 8 tips

Best places for honeymoon in Egypt

A romantic trip to spend your honeymoon in Egypt is something unforgettable. There are many beautiful places where you can spend time with your spouse or loved one.

• Dahab is a nice option for couples to spend time at the peaceful, amazing beaches. Also, you can take a trip to the canyon, and try camel riding.
• Aswan is a place, where you can spend time admiring beautiful views. It’s possible to book a boat trip and visit Elephantine Island.
• Siwa Oasis is a great alternative for those couples who seek some adventures, there you will have a chance to visit the desert, try sandboarding, stay in eco-lodges, and spend time in a quiet, romantic place.

No matter what option you will choose, you and your special one will surely share thousands of heart-warming moments in Egypt!

Must-see places in Egypt: plan your best trip

As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy the beauty of Egypt and get many positive emotions. You can find the best places to visit in Egypt that are most likely ideal for you. The diversity of tourist destinations and sites is incredible.

Visitors can try everything, including camel rides, quad rides, desert expeditions, scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, and many others.

Moreover, there are hundreds of archeological sites to visit and learn more about ancient times. If you want to go to Egypt, start planning your trip now and secure the best vacation for you and your family.

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price! Take away!

Take away!