Top 7 Best Things to Do in Egypt

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Red sea coastline in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Egypt boasts an impressive array of monuments and museums, and the number of ancient wonders to explore is endless.

Ancient heritage shapes contemporary life, and sweeping desert views lead to glistening seas that capture essential things to do during your Egypt trip.

Whether winding through the Pyramids of Giza, sampling traditional Nubian cuisine, scuba diving to find sunken ancient treasures, or searching for Coptic history, explore the essential things to do on your Egyptian vacation.

1. Uncover the Layers of Egyptian Heritage

Sphinx and pyramids at Giza in Egypt

The roots of Egypt’s cultural wealth runs deep as one of the oldest civilizations of the Mediterranean. The legends of pharaohs, the Sphinx, temples, and pyramids continue to capture the imaginations of people from all over the world. Many of these attractions remain preserved hidden in the desert landscapes, and on display in mesmerizing museums. The cultural heritage across the country reflects more than just the ancient life as it traces the timeline of the nation with alluring mysteries and continued traditions. From Coptic Christians and Muslim culture to the foundations of ancient kingdoms, heritage lays at your feet.

Best Places to Visit for Cultural History: Cairo | Luxor | Aswan | Abu Simbel | Alexandria

2. Enjoy New and Traditional Egyptian Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine of fettah with rice and crispy bread topped with garlic red sauce and veal

Egyptian cuisine surprises and delights you with its blend of preserved traditions, cultural representations, and diverse flavors captured with an array of herbs and spices. Delicacies can range from familiar dishes like mashed fava beans to unique specialties like Mish, a cheese fermented with milk and seasoning, which contrasts the elements of typical Nubian dishes that have incorporated accessible, local ingredients with mouthwatering, aromatic results.

Best Places to Visit for Food: Cairo | Alexandria | Aswan

3. Discover the Labyrinthine Marketplaces

Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo, Egypt

Shopping in Egypt is a mesmerizing experience in and of itself. What can feel like a chore at home becomes an exciting adventure on a grand scale taking you to new levels of browsing, bargaining, and cultural immersion as you experience a historic and traditional aspect of Egyptian life. Even if you are not a shopping fan, visiting the marketplaces around Egypt show you the true hustle and bustle of present-day daily life in the shadow of the past.

Best Places to Visit for Shopping: Cairo | Aswan | Sharm El Sheikh | Luxor

4. Plunge into the Red Sea

Scuba diving in Dahab, Egypt

Scuba diving and snorkeling are two of the best-kept secrets in Egypt but unveil some of the world’s most prized destinations along the Red and Mediterranean seas. The sensational reef systems in the Red Sea immerse you in the marine world of colorful fish, vibrant coral, and a unique vertical cavern. The Mediterranean possesses historic shipwrecks and treasures connected to ancient cities. Whether you are interested in seeing hammerhead sharks or hints of Cleopatra’s Alexandria, scuba and snorkeling is emblematic of Egypt’s draw.

5. Revel in a Surprising Beach Getaway

Taba beach on the Sinai peninsula, Egypt

The beaches in Egypt are more than a sun-drenched escape and instead combine the luxuries of lazy days on golden sands with the decadent heritage of ancient culture. Rugged and rolling desert terrain meets soaring mountains along the Sinai Peninsula for fabulous views over the water connecting to the surprising joys of hiking, camel trekking, sailing, or simply enjoying the sunlight washing over the coastline against the Red or the Mediterranean seas.

Best Places to Visit for Beaches: Naama Bay | Dahab Lagoon | El Gouna | Mamoura Beach | Marsa Matruh

6. Embrace Color and History

Carvings outside the Abu Simbel temple in Egypt

Tombs are scattered throughout Egypt with entire regions dedicated to laying the ancient nobility to rest. By visiting the tombs around Egypt, you dive into the depths of famous archeological sites and wander down halls draped in exquisite decoration dating as far back as 4,400 years ago. Whether following in the footsteps of excited archeologists or stepping away from the trodden path to visit a lesser-known tomb, Egypt is truly unique in its preservation, discovery, and display of its immersive history.

Best Places to Visit for Tombs: Valley of the Kings | Valley of the Queens | Giza | Abu Simbel

7. Indulge in the Scenery

Sinai, Egypt

While a scenic exploration of Egypt may not be the first thing you think of, the diversity of the landscapes and coastlines have a unique allure that adds to the luster of one of the world’s oldest tourist destinations. The monuments across the country are legendary but the landscape is absolutely dramatic ranging from azure waters to soaring mountains, pristine sand dunes to desert rock carved by wind. While the scenic views may not come to mind first, they are equally important to the culture, heritage, and beauty of Egypt.

More Travel Information & Tips

The Pyramids at Giza in Egypt

Egypt is an idyllic oasis that embraces the desert’s sparse splendor, the Nile’s elegant beauty, and preserved marvels of history. Whether you want a family-friendly adventure marveling at the pyramids or a vintage Nile Cruise as a couple’s getaway, Egypt reveals an enduring culture easily reached by a variety of transportation options. Our Egypt Travel Guide can give you more helpful tips for your perfect trip. If you would like to plan a trip, you can speak to an Egypt travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.

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