10 Best Places to Visit in Egypt for History Ethusiast

Egypt, the cradle of civilization, has modern attractions and ancient relics. The best places to visit in Egypt are Cairo, Saqqara, Abu Simbel, Dahab, etc. Cairo is a popular place for visitors to begin their trip. The step pyramid is located near Saqqara, and Abu Simbel, with its enormous statues, symbolizes the grandeur of antiquity. In the Red Sea, Dahab is well-known for its diving locations and laid-back atmosphere. 

Rich cultural experiences may be had in Alexandria and Aswan, while historical exploration can be found at the Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple. Farafra's White Desert offers a distinctive natural environment. Combined, these sites provide a variety of experiences that blend history, adventure, and natural beauty.

List Of Best Places To Visit In Egypt

Use our list of Egypt's best places and destinations to help you plan your sightseeing.

1. Cairo
2. Saqqara
3. Abu Simbel
4. Dahab
5. diving the Red Sea
6. Aswan
7. Alexandria
8. Luxor Temple

9. Pyramid of Khafre

10. The white desert in Farafra 

1. Cairo

Location: Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Old Cairo:

Old Cairo

A historic neighborhood along the Nile River, Old Cairo is home to numerous old structures, including markets, churches, and mosques. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first mosque in Egypt, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, and the Mosque of Ibn Tulun are important locations. The Coptic Museum, which has the largest collection of Coptic Christian art, and the Hanging Church are examples of Christian sites. This ancient site is approached by the walls of the Babylon Fortress, which date back to the Roman era. The markets of Old Cairo, including Khan el-Khalili, sell spices and traditional crafts. November through March is the ideal time to go.

New Cairo:

New Cairo

Egypt's capital, Cairo, is a dynamic city that successfully combines modern attractions with a rich past. The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, which houses priceless items like Tutankhamun's gold death mask, is going to surpass the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, which is located downtown. Islamic Cairo is home to the medieval Khan el-Khalili bazaar and other examples of old architecture. The Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, located across the Nile, provide a breathtaking look into Egypt's prehistoric past.

2. Saqqara

Location: V698+9PP, Badrshein, Giza Governorate 3352001, Egypt

Although the  Saqqara Pyramids of Giza are the most well-known, there are other pyramids close to Cairo. A day's journey to Dahshur and Saqqara exposes older pyramids that show how Egyptian construction changed throughout time. Constructed in the 27th century BC, Saqqara's Step Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest known stone-cut pyramid and a component of a sizable necropolis that was utilized throughout Pharaonic history. 

Saqqara

Although their building methods had significant problems, the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur, which are nearby, represent important milestones towards the smooth-sided pyramids of Giza. You can examine early architectural advances at these pyramids—including the less frequented Djoser Pyramid—while avoiding the crowds that are usually present at Giza.

3. Abu Simbel

Location: Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate 1211501, Egypt

Abu Simbel is home to magnificent temples honoring Ramses II and his consort Nefertari, and it is located close to Egypt's border with Sudan. The Great Temple is well known for both its enormous statues and the yearly alignment of the sun that lights up its interior.

Abu Simbel

The temples were successfully moved by UNESCO in the 1960s to be out of the rising waters of the Aswan Dam. The majority of visitors come from Aswan on day trips, although spending the night enables a more sedate tour of the temples.

4. Dahab

Location: Saint Catherine, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt

Dahab is a famous destination for digital nomads, hipsters, and low-cost tourists in Egypt. It is well-known for its laid-back vibe and has quirky cafés by the waterfront where guests may sip coffee and observe snorkelers and divers.

Dahab

The town has some of the best places for snorkeling and diving, including the well-known  Dahab Blue Hole, a difficult dive spot with over 328 feet of depth and stunning underwater views. Dahab is an all-around destination for thrill-seekers and adventurers because, in addition to its sea-based activities, it's also a hub for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and desert experiences.

5. Diving the Red Sea

Location: Abu Galum? South Sinai Governorate 46617, Egypt

Renowned for its colorful underwater ecosystem, the Red Sea is home to a variety of aquatic creatures such as sharks, dolphins, and rich coral reefs. Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Sharm el-Sheikh are popular diving locations. 

Diving the Red Sea

Notable dive sites include the Thistlegorm wreck and the Blue Hole in Dahab. Mahmya Island is renowned for its stunning beaches and snorkeling, while Tiran Island offers marine flora and protected reefs. Despite the high summer temperatures on land, July and August offer the best diving conditions.

6. Aswan

Location: Nile River Valley, Egypt

Aswan, a peaceful town on the Nile, provides a calm getaway with its scenic surroundings and historical landmarks. The town is perfect for relaxing pursuits like trips to Nubian settlements like Gharb Soheil and felucca excursions around the Nile islands. The Temple of Isis on Philae Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historic temples and shrines, is one of the main attractions. 

Aswan

In addition, visitors can explore Elephantine Island, take a sunset felucca ride, in Aswan one of the hottest places on earth in July, and unwind at the storied Old Cataract Hotel. Aswan's easygoing charm makes it the ideal place to relax while taking in Egypt's breathtaking scenery and extensive historical legacy.

7. Alexandria

Location: Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria, which Alexander the Great established in 332 BC, was once recognized as a center of learning in antiquity and the location of the fabled Alexandrian Library. This heritage is still evident today in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which has more than 1.5 million artifacts and functions as an important educational hub. Historical relics like Pompey's Pillar, the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay, and the Roman-era Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa are open for exploration by tourists.

Alexandria

Alexandria's rich and varied past is reflected in the seafront Corniche and the Alexandria National Museum, which houses a varied collection of artifacts from many historical eras. Alexandria's blend of ancient heritage and modern renaissance continues to draw tourists from both domestic and foreign locations, despite the feeling of fade in some areas of the city.

8. Luxor 

Location: Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Thebes was previously called Luxor, and it is well-recognized for its enormous collection of ancient Egyptian structures. The vast Karnak and Luxor temples are located on the east bank of the Nile, which divides the city. The Avenue of Sphinxes connects these temples.

Luxor Temple

The Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings, a notable royal necropolis with elaborately decorated tombs, are located on the west bank. Luxor's magnificent temples and tombs, which are hailed as the "world's greatest open-air museum," provide a comprehensive look into Egypt's New Kingdom past. Luxor City has the best Luxor buffet.

9. Pyramid of Khafre

Location: Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt

The second-biggest pyramid at Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre was constructed by the Pharaoh Khafre, who ruled from 2558 to 2532 BC. The remaining portions of the original Tura limestone cladding cover its 136-meter height, which it originally reached at 143.9 meters. The Pyramid of Khafre is situated southwest of the Great Pyramid of Cheops and gives the impression of being taller because of its elevated elevation on the Giza plateau. 

Pyramids of Khafre

It has two entrances, an interior with one burial chamber, and fascinating limestone-carved chambers. The Great Sphinx, which is connected to Khafre and represents him as the god Horus and the Valley Temple of Khafre are both part of the pyramid complex. The Pyramid of Khafre is famous for its well-preserved funerary constructions and for having some of its original covering still present at the summit. 

10. The white desert in Farafra

Location: Farafra, Egypt

The White Desert National Park is well-known for its bizarre terrain of giant white rocks and chalk pinnacles. It is situated in Egypt's Western Desert, close to Bahariya Oasis. This surreal landscape, which resembles a snowy swath in the middle of the dry desert, is ideal for 4WD desert excursions and overnight camping. 

White Desert

The unusual landscape provides a welcome diversion from Egypt's historic monuments and temples, making it a must-see for lovers of the desert and anybody looking for a remarkable natural experience.

Conclusion

The colossal Pyramids of Giza, the historic temples and tombs of Luxor, and the bizarre chalk formations of the White Desert are just a few of Egypt's riches. The pyramids are the pinnacle of ancient engineering, especially Khafre's with its distinctive coating. Egypt's rich past is reflected in Luxor's attractions, such as the Pyramids of Khafre and the Karnak Temple. In contrast to the historic sites, the White Desert offers a breathtaking, surreal landscape.