12 Recommended Tourist Spots to Fully Enjoy Egypt | Narratives of Ancient Civilizations

Egypt, famous for its ancient civilization flourishing along the Nile River, still holds many remnants of ancient structures to this day. The country itself continues to pass on the stories of its ancient civilization to the modern world. The pyramids and the Sphinx are incredibly famous, so much so that they are mentioned in textbooks. Tourists flock to Egypt to catch a glimpse of these historical sites and experience the romance of history.
This time, we will introduce 12 carefully selected recommended tourist spots to fully enjoy Egypt.

1. The Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly one of Egypt's most famous tourist attractions. The sight of the three large pyramids and the Sphinx, along with numerous smaller pyramids surrounding them, is truly awe-inspiring. Among them, the Great Pyramid of Khufu stands at a height of 138.8 meters, making it the largest of the Giza pyramids.
This pyramid complex, symbolizing Egyptian civilization, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known worldwide. However, many mysteries remain unsolved, such as how these massive structures were built.
You can visit the interior of the pyramids, but since there is a limit to the number of visitors allowed per day, it is recommended to arrive early to secure tickets. In the evening, there is also a sound and light show, which is worth watching.

2. Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, and is home to the tombs of the pharaohs from the New Kingdom period. A total of 64 tombs, including 24 royal tombs, have been discovered, and excavation continues today. Visitors can even observe ongoing excavation work.
Due to centuries of tomb raiding, most tombs have been looted, but in 1922, the tomb of the famous King Tutankhamun was discovered almost intact, with many burial items found alongside his mummy.
While only a portion of the Valley of the Kings is open to the public, visitors can see stunning wall paintings and hieroglyphs left by the ancient Egyptians. The beauty of the ancient frescoes will leave you in awe.

3. Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the modern city of Luxor, was originally built as a subsidiary temple to the Karnak Temple, about 3 kilometers away. As visitors approach the temple, they are greeted by the grand obelisks at the first pylon. Originally, there were two obelisks, but one was donated to France and now stands in Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Inside the temple, intricate wall carvings remain, showcasing the delicate craftsmanship of the time. The rear of the temple was renovated during the Roman era and used as a military fortress, adding frescoes that distinguish it from the rest of the temple.
At night, the temple is illuminated, and the grand colonnades glow mysteriously in the dark. It is highly recommended to visit this site both during the day and at night if possible.

4. Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples, carved from a single rock, are the largest rock-cut temples in the world, located in southern Egypt. The temples are so massive that they seem almost unbelievable, with a height of about 33 meters at the front and four colossal statues of Ramses II, each towering at 20 meters. Additionally, the temples are near a dam lake, offering a stunning view where the lake and the statues of Ramses II can be seen together.
The Abu Simbel Temples were meticulously designed so that on the days of the spring and autumn equinoxes (now on the day after the original dates due to relocation), sunlight shines directly into the temple, illuminating the statues in order from the entrance to the innermost chamber. This rare phenomenon draws tourists from around the world.
Every night, there is also a sound and light show at the temple, which is a must-see experience. To reach Abu Simbel, you can take a flight to Abu Simbel Airport from within Egypt, and from there, a free shuttle bus takes you to the site in about 10 minutes.

5. Philae Temple

The Philae Temple, dedicated to the famous goddess Isis, was relocated to an island on the Nile River to protect it from submersion due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The relocation was such an immense undertaking that the shape of the new island was made to mirror the original island. The temple is said to be an important place in Egyptian mythology, where Isis gave birth to her son Horus. Even after Egypt came under Roman rule, this site remained a place where Egyptian beliefs were preserved.
The main highlight of the temple is the Isis Temple itself, which was repurposed as a Christian church under the Eastern Roman Empire. You can still see traces of its Christian use, including crosses. The temple is in excellent condition, allowing you to enjoy its magnificent reliefs.
To reach Philae Temple, you must take a boat from the nearest dock, which takes about 10 minutes. If you are prone to seasickness, remember to bring medication.

6. Cairo Tower

The Cairo Tower stands gracefully on Gezira Island in the Nile River, offering an observation deck at 187 meters above ground. From here, you can get a panoramic view of Cairo, spotting nearby attractions or enjoying the distant scenery. On days when the wind blows strong and clears the dust, you might even be able to see the Pyramids of Giza in the distance.
The design of the tower is inspired by a woven basket, making it highly visually striking. During the day, it's beautiful, but at night, the tower is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. The tower is open until midnight, making it a great spot to enjoy Cairo’s nighttime skyline.
There is also a restaurant on the observation deck, where you can enjoy delicious Egyptian cuisine while taking in the cityscape. The entry fee to the observation deck is 75 Egyptian Pounds.

7. Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization, many of which are of immense historical value. It displays renowned treasures such as King Tutankhamun's golden mask and the mummies of Ramses II, among a total of over 200,000 items. Given the large number of exhibits, visitors should plan to spend ample time exploring the museum.
However, due to the aging of the museum building, a new museum, the Grand Egyptian Museum, is under construction near the Giza Pyramids. This new facility will house some of the Egyptian Museum’s collection.
The entrance fee is 75 Egyptian Pounds. There are additional charges: 50 Pounds for photography and 100 Pounds to enter the mummy room (as of March 2016).

8. Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Khan El Khalili Bazaar, located in Cairo, is a vibrant market that retains the medieval Islamic atmosphere. The combination of historic streets and a variety of products displayed creates a sense of stepping back in time. As one of the largest markets in Egypt, it is a prime location for souvenir shopping and is visited by tourists from all over the world. Besides shops selling crafts, the market also has food stalls and restaurants, making it a popular spot for locals as well.
A unique feature of the bazaar is that prices are not displayed, and everything is negotiated. Tourists often find themselves haggling over prices, making shopping an interactive experience.

9. Mosque of Muhammad Ali

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, located on a hill in the Citadel area of Cairo, was built in 1857. It is heavily influenced by Istanbul's mosques and has a distinct architectural style compared to other mosques in Egypt. The mosque's tall, pencil-shaped minarets stand out, making it a prominent landmark for tourists visiting Cairo.
Both the exterior and interior of the mosque are stunning, with chandeliers and countless lamps that create a mystical ambiance, resembling the vastness of the cosmos.
The Citadel area, historically a military stronghold, also houses the Military Museum and other attractions. The entrance fee for the Citadel is 60 Egyptian Pounds.

10. White Desert

Located near the Farafra Oasis in central Egypt, the White Desert is a unique landscape of white limestone formations, created from ancient seabed deposits. These peculiar rock formations, shaped by wind erosion, resemble mushrooms or plants and offer an otherworldly atmosphere, akin to a different planet.
Close to the White Desert is the Black Desert, where black sand spreads across the land. This area was once an underwater volcano, and its volcanic remnants have left the desert with a distinctive black sand surface.
Tourists can embark on camping tours from nearby oases to explore both the White and Black Deserts.

11. Tiran Island

Tiran Island is located in the Red Sea and is technically under Saudi Arabian sovereignty, but it has been leased to Egypt, making its history a bit complex. The island is uninhabited, with only a military presence. However, the surrounding waters are world-renowned for diving. The clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are a major attraction, with sea turtles and dolphins also frequenting the area. These factors make it a popular destination for divers.
To dive at Tiran Island, you must join a diving tour from the resort town of Sharm El Sheikh, one of Egypt's premier tourist destinations. You can combine sightseeing in Sharm El Sheikh with diving excursions around Tiran Island.

12. Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple, one of the largest temples in Egypt, is located in Luxor. The famous Luxor Temple is actually a subsidiary of the Karnak Temple, and the two temples were historically connected by the Sphinx Avenue, some of which still exist today.
The highlight of Karnak Temple is the Hypostyle Hall, where 130 massive columns, each 23 meters tall, stand in a stunning array. Despite the ceiling having collapsed over time, the hall remains dark and mysterious even during the day due to the shadows of the columns.
A notable feature of the temple is the statue of a scarab beetle, believed to grant wishes when circled three times. Visitors often make a wish while touring the site.
At night, the temple is illuminated, and a sound and light show is held, offering a mystical view of the temple as it is bathed in light. Many tourists come to witness this enchanting spectacle.

Summary of Egypt’s Tourist Attractions

Exploring ancient Egyptian civilization is a key reason to visit Egypt, but the country offers much more, including desert landscapes, the beauty of the Red Sea, and other stunning destinations that rival the pyramids and historical temples in charm. Experience the wonders of Egypt yourself.

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12 Recommended Tourist Spots to Fully Enjoy Egypt | Narratives of Ancient Civilizations