Best Places to Visit in Egypt: Top 5

Egypt is a bucket list adventure filled with historical treasures and insight into ancient civilizations. From crystal clear blue waters of the Red Sea to following in the footsteps of the pharaohs through the temples and the Nile River, there is so much to see, do, and experience. The difficult decision will be narrowing down all the choices to what fits in your travel time, at least that’s what was difficult for me. Continue below for my top 5 best places to visit in Egypt.

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

No visit to Egypt would be complete without a trip to the country’s capital, Cairo, and taking in the sights of the great Pyramids of Giza and the famous Sphinx. The captivating three tall pyramids were the tombs of ancient pharaohs and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the Pyramid of Khufu, the Great Pyramid, via the Robber’s Tunnel and enter inside the complex tunneling to the tomb. These two attractions are what capture and draw millions of visitors to Egypt each year.

Abu Simbel

It may not look like it but the temples of Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari were completely taken apart in the 1960s, moved to their location today, and put back together due to the rising waters in their original location. Today, they’re a popular sight receiving thousands of visitors each year. One of the main attractions is the Sun Temple where the sun’s rays align perfectly with the temple twice a year. By night, the complex turns into a light show offering the story of the temples from under the stars.

White Desert

Located in the south of Bahariya Oasis is this stunning white desert that contains unique white boulders that have been shaped by centuries of erosion. The sights will make you wonder if you’re still on Earth. Within this location are several attractions to explore in addition to the white sands such as sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea, the cliffs of the Farafra Depression, the White Desert National Park, the Fortress of Shali, and the Necropolis of Al Bagawat. Be sure to visit earlier in the day to avoid the extreme heat and brightness from the sun reflecting off of the white sand.

Ras Muhammad National Park

One of the most popular diving sites in the world and one of Egypt’s most famous national parks. Take a trip under the sea catch a glimpse of the colorful coral reefs abundant with sea life, and explore the mangroves of the Red Sea. During your visit, you can lounge on the beach or snorkeling from the shore. Different diving companies offer boat rides further out to the sea in the hopes of spotting dolphins or larger marine life.

Philae

On the small island of Philae, known as the “Pearl of Egypt,” is a temple complex in the middle of the Nile River. Sacred to the goddess Isis, Philae was built over the dynasties of several pharaohs to be the complex that it is today. This was another complex that was at risk of being submerged and damaged, this time due to the old Aswan Dam, it was taken apart, moved, and rebuilt to be where it is today. To visit this temple, you will need to take a short boat ride on the Nile River. The temple is a beautiful place to visit and not overly crowded with tourists.

Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through its rich history, stunning landscapes, and ancient wonders. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the majestic Sphinx to the mystical temples of Abu Simbel and the breathtaking White Desert, Egypt is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you’re diving into the vibrant marine life of Ras Muhammad National Park or discovering the sacred beauty of Philae Temple, each destination offers a glimpse into the extraordinary legacy of this ancient land. With so many incredible sights to see, Egypt truly deserves its place among the best places to visit in the world.

Planning a visit to Egypt? Check out my complete travel guide!