- What is Egypt famous for?
- When people think of a trip to Egypt, the Giza pyramid complex and the Great Sphinx of Giza probably come to mind, and well they should, but there is much more to explore in this incredible country.
- What makes a Nile River cruise special?
- These and other ancient monuments in the Nile River Valley make a cruise down the Nile River an excursion at the top of most travelers’ bucket lists.
- What historical sites can be explored in Egypt?
- The Valley of the Kings in Luxor, home to Tutankhamun’s tomb, Ramses II’s Abu Simbel Temples in the Aswan Governorate, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo’s famed Tahrir Square showcase a millennium of Egyptian history and culture.
- What can travelers see in Cairo?
- The city’s medieval architecture further opens travelers' eyes to the country’s rich heritage.
- What other experiences does Egypt offer?
- The beaches and diving and snorkeling spots of the Red Sea also yearn to be experienced.
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1. Al Badari
Al Badari is situated between Matmar and Qau in Upper Egypt, occupying just over 18 miles of land along the Nile River’s east bank. It’s most well-known for its Predynastic cemeteries with Mostageddan and Dier being the most popular sites. These cemeteries teach visitors about the social history and chronology of the Badarian Period. The 40 settlements and 600 graves that have been unearthed show that the Badarian economy thrived between 5500 BC and 4000 BC, with animal husbandry, fishing, and agriculture playing important roles in their economy. Each site contains a wealth of artifacts which give insights into the Badarians daily lives as well as their burial practices.
2. Alexandria
Alexandria was a city conceived of by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE after staying overnight in the Re-qdt village, situated between Lake of Marriott and the Mediterranean Sea. While there, he decided a great city should be built and put architect Dinocratis in charge of building it. The city thrived for decades until the Romans conquered the area and built a new city in 30 BC. During their rule, most of it was destroyed due to revolts, civil wars, and natural disasters. The city’s remains are seen through various cemeteries’ from the Ptolemic period to the Roman Period. Additional popular monuments include Pompeii’s Pillar, Quaitbay Citadel, and the Montazah Gardens.
3. Aswan
Aswan is the 3rd largest city in Egypt and the largest in Upper Egypt, located at the base of the Nile Valley. It is a popular destination for tourists since it’s a premier stop for cruise ships traveling along the Nile River and Lake Nasser. Its location slightly north of the Tropic of Cancer gives it a hot climate throughout the year, so visitors should wear hats and drink plenty of water. Some of the area’s most outstanding attractions are Abu Simbel, Pharaonic Temples, the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener Island, the Temple of Dakka, and the Tombs of the Nobles.
4. Bernice
Bernice is a small coastal town situated along the Red Sea, roughly 7.5 miles south of Marsa Alam. It is known for being very rich in fish, and it served as an important port during the Ptolemy times. Today, the city serves as an important therapeutic center and is considered a geological phenomenon brimming with semi-precious gems. The area is also home to numerous ruins such as an Ancient Ptolematic temple, and excavations still regularly occur here, particularly on Greco-Roman monuments. Visitors to this area are recommended to visit the nearby Marsa Alam, a port and resort town, and El-Quseir, great for camping and watersports.
5. Cairo
Cairo, the largest city in Africa and the capital of Egypt, is situated on both sides of the River Nile at the head of the river’s delta. Its name means the victorious city, and it has been settled for over 6000 years, featuring several river islands and containing several businesses, cultural institutions, universities, hotels, and government offices. The epicenter of downtown Cairo is Tahrir Square, an expansive and open square boasting various attractions such as the Arab League Headquarters and the Egyptian Museum. The main sights that should be seen when visiting Cairo are the Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx, the Step Pyramid at Sakkara, and the Castle of Saladin.
6. Dahab
Dahab is a beautiful tourist city famous for its gold sand beaches. It covers over 700 square miles and is situated in Southeastern Sinai on the Aqaba Bay, featuring two other major bays, Ghazala and Al Qora. Diving is the most popular activity in Dahab, and the protected area of Ras Abu Galuom is the premier spot for it. Al Masbat is the commercial and tourist center of the city offering various souvenir shops, Bedouin-style cafes, diving centers, and camps. The best beaches are the Blue Hole, a giant hole inside the sea created by a falling star that collided with the earth during ancient times, and the Lighthouse, which is excellent for diving.
7. Daraw
Daraw, situated south of Kom Ombo, is primarily known for its camel market, Souq al-gimmal, where visitors can see thousands of camels in one place brought from Modurman in Sudan, Abu Simbel from the north, and Wadi al-Alagi. Goats, cows, and other livestock are also sold here. Nubian men in tuk-tuks sell Egypt’s spinach, molokheya, and mint. After experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime attraction, there are a few places just outside of Daraw worth a visit. These include the ancient temple of Contra-Ombos, the quarries at Gebel el- hamman, and El-kubaniya, a quaint village with several early Egyption cemeteries.
8. Faqous
Faqous is a town located in the Ash Sharqiyah Governate that is just over 300 square miles and consists of numerous villages and small towns. It is a premier agricultural area comprised of farmer and Bedouin inhabitants. Textiles and food industries are the main contributors to the economy. It offers visitors a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity with various monuments and museums that showcase the area’s rich cultural past, as well as hotels, boutiques, and restaurants. Faquos is also well-known for its nearness to several popular and important cities such as Cairo, Port Said, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Tanda, Al Mahallah al Kubra, and Zagazig.
9. Girga
Girga is famous for its desert, sharing its boundaries with the River Nile’s west bank. It is classified as a hot desert and has extremely hot summers. The area has many iconic and well-known attractions such as el-Sini, which is believed to be the oldest Roman Catholic Monastery in Egypt; the ancient site Beit Khallaf where tombs made of mud brick reside; and the Porcelain Mosque. Girga is also famous for its sugar refinery, dairy, and cotton weaving industries. It sells some of the world’s finest pottery made of the highest quality. Just outside of the city are the remains of the ancient city of Abydos, a Catholic monastery.
10. Hurhada
Hurhada is a premier tourist destination, receiving over 2.5 million visitors each year and stretching just under 45 miles along the Red Sea coast. The weather is idyllically moderate throughout the year, making it the perfect locale for various watersport activities. These include deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, and sailing as well as snorkeling and diving in offshore underwater gardens to see colorful fish and some of the world’s finest coral reefs. There are more than 170 exquisite beach hotels and resorts featuring a wealth of amenities and six off-shore islands that are worth a visit: Gifton, Sheduan, Umm, Abu Ramada, Dishet El Dhaba, and Abu Minqar.
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Marriott Mena House, Cairo – A luxury hotel with views of the pyramids.
Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza – Arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and dry, best for Red Sea resorts.
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh – A beachfront luxury resort.
Go diving in the Red Sea – Explore coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler weather, ideal for sightseeing.
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Aswan – A historic hotel along the Nile.
Take a Nile River cruise – Visit Luxor, Aswan, and ancient temples along the way.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Al Badari
- 2. Alexandria
- 3. Aswan
- 4. Bernice
- 5. Cairo
- 6. Dahab
- 7. Daraw
- 8. Faqous
- 9. Girga
- 10. Hurhada