It goes without saying that the Pyramids of Giza are the main attraction on any Egypt holiday. The sole surviving member of the Ancient Wonders of the World, the Pyramids have long withstood the test of time and continue to be one of the most visited tourist attractions on the planet. But there is more to Egypt than meets the eye. As well as a host of other ancient attractions, Egypt boasts pristine sandy beaches and world-class museums. Not to mention (but we will) one of the longest rivers in the world. Just because you’ve seen the Pyramids already, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing left for you to see in Egypt. In this article, we’ll show you the other Best Places to Visit in Egypt.
Ancient Wonders
Egypt offers a host of other fascinating attractions that simply have to be visited on any trip to the country. Perhaps the most impressive of these is the mighty Karnak Temple. The site was constructed over hundreds of years, and virtually every pharaoh was added to the temple in some way. From the giant columns of Hypostyle Hall to the imposing Avenue of Sphinxes, it’s well worth spending half a day at the mighty temple site.
Another impressive temple is Abu Simbel, located in the south of the country. Abu Simbel was commissioned by King Ramses II as a dedication to himself. In addition, four great statues of the ruler guard the entrance to the temple. Twice every year, on the 22 February and 22 October, the Abu Simbel Sun Festival takes place. In a geological marvel, the temple was constructed so that on both of these dates the rising sun will illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple in a dazzling display. Abu Simbel is one of the best places to visit in Egypt nearly any time of the year. However, if you can make it to the Sun Festival then you’re in for a real treat.
Other impressive ancient highlights include Cairo’s Saqqara necropolis, the well-preserved temple complex of Dendera, and the jaw-dropping Valley of the Kings in Luxor. There you can step inside some of the ornately decorated tombs of Egypt’s past rulers.
Fascinating Museums
It isn’t surprising that with its wealth of ancient treasures, Egypt is also home to some of the world’s best museums. The crowning jewel here is the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which is due to open its doors sometime in late 2022. The museum will display never-before-seen artifacts, host a giant Tutankhamun (King Tut) exhibition, and feature modern technology such as virtual reality in its exhibits.
While waiting for the museum to fully open, the existing Egyptian Museum remains one of the best places to visit in Egypt. Other attractions you’ll want to visit include the Nubian Museum and the Luxor Museum, home to a variety of mummified animals.
The River Nile
The Nile winds through eleven African countries, including Egypt, supporting millions of people. A luxury Nile river cruise from Aswan to Luxor is an enjoyable way to see the sights. Plus, get some relaxation time in. All in all, a perfect Egypt holiday. There are numerous cruise operators in the country. Each offers a variety of packages and comfort options. Please make sure to do your own research before you book.
For a cheaper and more traditional experience, why not hire a felucca and enjoy a day or two cruising the Nile powered only by the wind? Feluccas are traditional Egyptian sailboats, and many have been adapted to serve tourists to the country. Sit back on comfortable cushions with the wind in your hair as you float gently downstream. Some of Egypt’s best attractions, including Karnak and Kom Ombo are found Nile-side, so taking to the water for a few days is a must-do on any Egypt holiday.
Blissful Beaches
As well as a fascinating history, Egypt is also home to some of the world’s best beaches. Making it the perfect holiday destination for a spot of sun, sea, and sand. The Red Sea resort of Hurghada is a hub for water sports and shopping, whilst its tropical coral reef teems with colorful fish, turtles, and other marine life. Alternatively, you could head to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Here luxury resorts cater to your every need and a number of cultural experiences can be had. Why not spend a night camping in a Bedouin tent in the desert? Or venture to the impressive Al-Mustafa Mosque? Alternatively, there’s plenty of shopping to be done in the Old Market. Both resorts feature white sandy beaches, tropical waters, and warm, sunny climates. The perfect way to round off any Egypt holiday.
Best Places to Visit in Egypt Summary
In conclusion, whilst the Pyramids remain the best place to visit in Egypt, there are a plethora of other attractions to see and things to do. The best way to discover the sights of Egypt is on a package tour. Professional guides will take you from place to place, ensuring you see all of the highlights of this fascinating country.