Category: Blog

People know and love these top 15 landmarks and tourist spots in Egypt

This list will help you make sure you don’t miss out on anything in Egypt, which was once home to the pharaohs and had one of the most important cultures in history.
In Egypt, you can see and do things like the Pyramids and the Sphinx. On your trip, you’ll also go on a cruise down the Nile, look for Tutankhamun’s tomb, and cross the desert. You’ll be able to show what you did to your friends and family.

Now is the best time to go to Egypt, especially if you don’t want to go during the busiest summer months. You won’t be able to have as much fun as you should on the trip.

You can go to Egypt on your own, but it’s very important to hire a guide or driver when you get there or go on a trip. Booking one of the best-rated tours by other travellers is a cheaper, more comfortable, and safer option. For example, this 8-day all-inclusive tour has an expert guide and includes a cruise on the Nile that you will never forget.

Egypt is our favourite because it was our first trip together and it’s a place where we always think about going back.

1- The Giza Pyramids

People from all over the world love to go to Egypt to see the Pyramids of Giza, which are the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that is still standing.

The three great pyramids are close to people who live less than 20 kilometres from Cairo. They are made of limestone and hold the tombs of the three Egyptian kings Cheops, Chephren, and Khafre (and Mykerinos).

When it was built around 2500 BC, it was covered on the outside with big blocks of limestone that were put together to make white pyramids that let the sun shine through and made the pharaohs think they would live forever.

It is next to the Egyptian Pyramids. One of Egypt’s symbols is the Sphinx, which is more than 20 metres tall.

Try to see them first thing in the morning if you can. This way, you can avoid the organised groups and get one of the few tickets to see the inside of the Pyramid of Cheops or Chephren, which is not recommended for people who are afraid of being closed in.

From Cairo, you can get there by taxi, minibus, or bus. If you want to be more comfortable, you can book this tour with an English-speaking guide who will pick you up at your hotel when you arrive. The Step Pyramid of Zoser, which was the first pyramid to be built in Egypt, and Memphis, which was the ancient capital of Egypt, are also on this tour. Two of the most well-known statues there are the Sphinx made of alabaster and the Colossus of Ramses II.

2- Going to Abu Simbel is one of the best things to do and see in Egypt.

There is a place in Nubia, which is in southern Egypt, that looks better than the Pyramids of Egypt. Abu Simbel is the name of this place, and it looks nicer than the Pyramids.

This archaeological site is known for the two rock-cut temples that the great Pharaoh Ramses II built to celebrate a war victory in the thirteenth century BC. Because a dam was being built on the Nile River in 1968, the temples had to be moved. This made them even more well-known around the world.

Like with the Pyramids, you should go early in the morning to avoid the hottest and most crowded times of the day. You should also stay near the complex for one night to see the light show that happens every night.

From Cairo, you can get to Abu Simbel quickly by plane or bus. You can also join the groups that leave from Aswan. It will take about three hours to get to Aswan.

Both of these are great ways to get from Aswan to Abu Simbel. You can book this tour with an English-speaking guide who will pick you up at your hotel, or you can book this two-day tour in English, which includes entrance fees and a light show.

3- The Valley of the Kings.

The Valley of the Kings is a beautiful Landmark and tourist attraction in Egypt. It is 10 kilometres from Luxor and on the west bank of the Nile. It is one of the best places to visit in the country.
This valley is made up of two valleys: the East Valley and the West Valley, also called the Valley of the Queens. There have been more than 60 tombs found there.

The tombs were hidden in the limestone of the valley’s slopes to keep them safe, keep them from being desecrated, and keep their most valuable items from being stolen. When they found the tombs, they found that all of them had been robbed, except for the child pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb, which was still in good shape. In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter opened this tomb.

If you buy a ticket to Valley of the Kings, you can see three tombs. Keep in mind that the price doesn’t cover the tomb of Tutankhamun. You will have to pay more.

The Valley of the Kings is open at 6 a.m. and can be reached by taxi from Luxor. You could also walk. You can book this tour with a guide if you want to feel more at ease. You’ll also see the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

4- The Memnon Colossi and the Temple of Hatshepsut

On your way to the Valley of the Kings, you should also stop at some of Egypt’s most impressive temples. One of them is the Temple of Hatshepsut. Stop in front of the Colossi of Memnon as well.

The Temple of Hatshepsut is the only one in Egypt that is dedicated to a woman. This is more than just because of how it looks. Queen Hatshepsut was Egypt’s only female pharaoh. The architect Senemut made part of the building, and its three terraces make it stand out from other buildings in the country. It also has a part made of rock.

Reliefs on the walls of the temple tell the story of the queen, but her stepson, Thutmose III, was angry that he took her place as king and destroyed many of them.

We told you to visit the Memnon Colossi on the same day you went to the Valley of the Kings and Luxor. This is another place near both of the places above. Amenhotep III and four other giants who had died in battle stood guard over the entrance to the place where Amenhotep III would be buried forever. The pharaoh is shown by these two huge stone twins.

5- One of the best places to visit in Egypt is the Karnak temple.

Thebes was the capital of Egypt for more than a thousand years. There, more than 30 pharaohs competed to honour the great god Amun by building the best temples and statues. A group of temples in Thebes is called Karnak.

This area is made up of temples and obelisks. There are also statues, a large sacred lake, and a lot of other things. After the pyramid, this is the second most-visited place in Egypt.

The Great Hypostyle Hall is one of the most important buildings. It has huge columns with reliefs and hieroglyphs that are really cool. The Avenue of the Sphinxes was made up of ram-headed sphinxes that linked the temples of Kanar and Luxor. Some of these sphinxes are still at the entrance.

You can take a taxi from Luxor, or you can book a tour with an English-speaking guide that stops at these temples.

6- The Luxor Temple

In honour of the god Amun, Pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II built a temple. The Temple of Karnak, which was built by the same two pharaohs, is two kilometres away.

This is another one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. It is more than 3,500 years old and has a huge front, colossi, and obelisks. One of them can be seen every day in the middle of the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

If you don’t know much about Egypt, the best way to see all of the temples is to hire someone who knows a lot about the history and won’t forget anything.

Another popular tour in Luxor is a ride in a hot air balloon. This ride gives you a different view of the temples and the Valley of the Kings.

7- Cairo, City of

You can’t leave Egypt until you’ve seen Cairo, which is the biggest and most chaotic city in Africa. When you cross a street, you’ll quickly realise that the traffic lights are just for show and that you’ll need a lot of strength to get through.

Don’t think that Cairo is all chaos because of this. The city has a lot of history and good food, as well as many differences between Islamic tradition and modern life. People in the city always smile and talk to each other.

Before you leave the city, it’s also important to go to Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum. Also, the Grand Museum of Egypt, which will open in 2022, will be the largest archaeological museum in the world. It will be the biggest museum in the world, and it is only a few kilometres from the pyramids of Giza.

Climb the Citadel of Saladin, where the Muhammad Ali Mosque or Alabaster Mosque is located. This is one of the most beautiful places in Cairo and has a great view.

This is a good way to find out more about its history and visit all the important places. This tour can be booked with an English-speaking guide.

8- Sharm el-Sheik

Many tours and trips in Egypt end with a few days of relaxing in the Red Sea, which is south of the Sinai Peninsula and in the Indian Ocean.

It is thought to be the warmest sea in the world, with clear waters and huge coral reefs full of strange fish. There are some of the best places in the world to dive and snorkel.

Sharm el-Sheikh is a very popular place for tourists to stay and have fun. Recently, Hurghada has also become popular, which we’ll talk about in another part of the text.

Sharm el-Sheikh used to be a small fishing village in the middle of the Sinai desert. Today, it is a city with great all-inclusive hotels where you can go diving and snorkelling, as well as enjoy its lively nightlife, great beaches, and quad trips through the desert.

We recommend this 11-day tour or this 15-day tour that goes to Lake Nasser if you want a comfortable, well-planned trip around the country. These tours take you to the most interesting places in Egypt and around the Red Sea.

9- The Temple of Kom Ombo

The second temple we saw on our Nile cruise, after the Temple of Philae, was the Temple of Kom Ombo, which is about 50 kilometres from Aswan. Ramses II built it, and there are two parts: one for Sobek and one for Haroeris.

Sobek and Horus were two gods who looked like people when they were young. Sobek had the body of a man and the head of an animal. Inside the temple, there is a mummy of a crocodile. On the outside of the temple, you can also see reliefs that show how surgical tools were used back then.

10- Take a trip down the Nile.

Most of Egypt’s most important places to see are near the Nile, which is the second-longest river in the world after the Amazon.

The Nile River is in one of the most empty places on Earth. Because of this, it has always been a source of life and resources that will never run out. This is why you can’t miss a few-day cruise on the Nile, whether you go on your own or with a tour company.

Most cruises take three or four days to go from Aswan to Luxor, stopping to see some of the most important temples and sailing at night.
There are two great cruises that can make a trip to Egypt even better:

11- The Horus Temple

The Temple of Horus or Edfu, which is the second largest temple after Karnak, is one of the most beautiful places in Egypt. It is also one of the most beautiful places to see. During Ptolemy III’s rule, the temple was built on the banks of the Nile in the Egyptian city of Edfu. In honour of the god Horus, it was built. Sand from the desert buried the temple for a long time. It was found by Auguste Mariette, who was a French Egyptologist.

Because it was underground for so long, some of the statues and reliefs there are in the best shape. It is a common stop for cruises on the Nile because it is right next to the river.

12- The Egyptian city of Alexandria

Get to Alexandria, which is in the north of the country, near the Nile Delta, and on the Mediterranean Sea. This is another great thing to do in Egypt.

In 332 BC, Alexander the Great built Alexandria. It was one of the most important trading cities in ancient times, and the 130-meter-tall Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was a famous landmark there.

The huge Library of Alexandria, which lost almost 1 million historical documents in a fire, was another thing that made it so great. In 2002, a new one was built, and it’s a must-see.

If you want to learn about Alexandria’s history and some of its most important places, book this English-speaking tour. You should go to the Quaitbay Fortress, the National Museum of Alexandria, and the Kom el Dekka site.

13- Philae’s Temple

Temple of Philae: Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple is on an island near Aswan. It has some of the last hieroglyphs that were made in Egypt. Right next to this temple is the Unfinished Obelisk.

This temple is for the goddess Hathor. You can see the original colours of the zodiac and other statues and reliefs because they have been buried in sand for so long.

The Temple of Sethy I is a little-known temple that is 3 hours from Luxor and has a lot to offer. The List of Kings of Abydos, which names 76 pharaohs from Egypt’s main dynasties, is one of the most interesting things about this temple.

It is called the Temple of Ramses III, and it is in front of the city of Luxor. This temple shows the full story of how the pharaoh beat the People of the Sea.

14- Lake Nasser

Lake Nasser is the largest man-made lake in the world. It was built in the middle of the 20th century to stop the Nile from flooding. It’s another one of Egypt’s valuable things.

You should take a cruise on this lake, which is surrounded by desert and is home to the last Nile crocodiles. You can watch beautiful sunsets, go to a Nubian village, and see some of the temples in the area.

All of these cruises end at the magnificent Abu Simbel, which is one of the most beautiful places in ancient Egypt.

15- Hurghada, the city

Hurghada is the last thing we have planned in Egypt. It’s a popular tourist town on the Red Sea, and Sharm el-Sheikh is only a short ferry ride away. There are lots of fun things to do there.

This city is a great place to spend the last few days of your trip because it has beautiful beaches with calm, clear water, a colourful seabed, and desert safaris. On this page, you can book some of the best things to do there.

Cairo Attractions

In this post, we will show you the best spots to visit in Cairo, Egypt’s capital and most populous city. It is also a far more interesting tourist destination than the Giza Pyramids’ long shadow suggests. There’s a lot to see in a few days. Amazing mosques, historical landmarks, neighbourhoods, art museums, and bazaars…

So we’ve devoted this section to showing you the finest of and how to explore this fast-paced city. On the other hand, Egypt Exclusive can plan your whole trip, including flights, lodgings, meals, and cultural excursions. [ Check our Egypt Vacation Packages ]

Cairo, Egypt’s Islamic heart

Cairo is Egypt’s heart. It connects Upper and Lower Egypt, the Delta, and the Nile Valley. Across the Arab globe.

As the mainstream Arabic dialect, its leaders have historically played an important role on this geopolitical chessboard. For these reasons, it is not surprising that events in Cairo affect the Arab globe.

Cairo’s people

It is statistically and symbolically important. More over 8 million people live in this megalopolis, including the metropolitan area. Population: almost 21 million according to census.
In Cairo, housing is limited, prompting many inhabitants to migrate. To be with their ancestors or simply because there is nowhere else to go, many Egyptians live in the City of the Dead.

The city’s population has risen from 2 million in the mid-20th century to 7 million in the early 21st.

There are proposals to build a new administrative and financial capital near Cairo in an undeveloped desert area. Heavily influenced by environmental concerns, it is likely to be renamed New Cairo or Wedian.

Atmospheric

The capital enjoys a Mediterranean climate, nestled between the desert and the Delta. As a desert climate (BWh), the temperature and rainfall are likely to be different than in your hometown: hotter days with low humidity or cloudiness. These are the city’s main weather features:

July’s highs vary from 35°C to 46°C.
It is 9oC on average in January but may drop to 1oC.
arid climates Day and night temperatures fluctuate by 15oC.

The Nile River’s influence raises relative humidity to about 65%, lower than Delta cities but higher than desert towns.
Protect your skin and eyes by wearing light clothing, keeping hydrated and packing a fan if you are travelling in the summer.

Past Cairo

Cairo is a modern city, hence it has nothing to do with Ancient Egypt. Though near Giza, Memphis, and Heliopolis, this region was deserted until the Persian or Roman times. The city’s history must be understood before going on to the next section ‘Cairo: what to see, neighbourhood by neighbourhood’.

Iran & Rome founded Cairo

Cairo expanded considerably during Egyptian history. The Persian King Cambyses II (27th Dynasty) built the Babylon Fortress after conquering Egypt in the late 6th century BC. From then on, the Coptic and Byzantine empires depended on it. We recommend viewing this fortress in the Coptic Quarter, Old Cairo, under the section “Cairo: things to see”.

Arab conquest and Fustat

In 639 (year 17 of the Hegira), the Umayyad Arabs besieged and captured Babylon. A year later, between this fortress and the Nile, the commander Amr ibn al-As built the country’s and Africa’s first mosque, the Mosque of Amr. The ancient building is gone, but a new one built in the late 1800s remains in its stead. Egypt’s new Arab administration centred on Misr al-Fustat. So it is. Egypt’s Arabic name is Misr (), which may derive from the Akkadian word for “boundary”.

They’re all Qatta’i.

Earlier Egyptian dynasties built much in this area. From 750, the Abbasids built Al-Askar (‘The Army,’ with a governing palace.

One of Cairo’s most remarkable temples, Al-Qatta’i, includes a palace and a mosque. The caliphal-Muizz li-Din Allah of the new Fatimid dynasty of Shiites founded Al-Qahira (‘The Triumphant’) in late tenth century Tunisia.

In addition to Al-Askar and Al-Qatta’i, Many regard the al-Azhar Mosque to be the world’s first university.

Royal enclosure of al-Qahira, administrative centre of Misr al-Fustat till 12th century.

Cairo: things to see, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, describes what to see in this area.

Cairo’s Mamluk and Ottoman

Ayyubid dynasty ended with Saladin’s death in late 12th century, ending the Fatimid dynasty. This castle was erected in the Mokattam Highlands. Defensively, it was fascinating since it controlled the whole area. A governing and administrative headquarters, the Citadel was steadily expanded and reinforced.

Shawar had burnt Misr al-Fustat years before to deter the Crusaders from taking it. Hundreds of new mosques, public baths, madrasahs, and palaces arose from this restoration effort. His Mamluk military caste succeeded him in beautifying the city.

Mamluk Cairo remained a thriving city despite the 1348 epidemic and the Mediterranean ports becoming the new commercial epicentres in the 15th century. The Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, for example, originates from the late 14th century.

Cahors had been under Ottoman rule since the 16th century, but had kept considerable economic and cultural autonomy: it was a major coffee port, and Al-Azhar University had retained its enormous Arab prominence.

Napoleon to Today

A short mission, the Napoleonic expedition to Egypt (1798-1801) saw the revival of Ancient Egypt in Cairo. Destroyed artefacts and works, the military expedition’s Commission of Sciences and Arts helped build contemporary Egyptology.

In addition to the Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids are a must-see for tourists Then Mehmet Ali rekindled interest in Ancient Egypt, a win for Cairo. The Saladin Citadel, for example, was a priority for him, as was industrialising Egypt and its capital. Ismail Pasha aimed for a clean, modern city inspired by the period’s orthogonal plans. As a result, it became the upper classes’ preferred residential area, becoming part of the modern city core.

Its belle epoque beauty and commercial and leisure offerings have made it a must-see in Cairo. In the city’s earliest neighbourhoods (Old Cairo and Islamic Cairo), peasants migrated in droves. The British ruled the city in the early twentieth century, and it was an important command centre throughout WWII. They had little lasting impact on Cairo, hence there are no notable monuments from their era.

As previously said, the capital flourished swiftly in the second century, becoming Africa’s largest metropolis. They kept Zamalek and Gezira, two Nile islands with some of Cairo’s greatest cultural attractions, out of the chaos. Heliopolis, in the city’s east, had the same.

With less congestion and population pressure, it also brings the capital face to face with one of its biggest difficulties.

Organizing what to visit in Cairo is easy if you know its history: Giza for Ancient Egypt, the Coptic Quarter for pre-Arabic times, Islamic Cairo for mediaeval and contemporary eras, and other neighbourhoods for more recent times (Center, Zamalek, Gezira, etc.).

Historic Cairo includes the Coptic Quarter and Islamic Cairo.

The Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and other prominent relics of the Ancient Empire draw many visitors to Cairo.

They are 13 kilometres from the city (Tahrir Square), but are in Giza. This page of our website expands its content.

The Coptic Quarter and Al-Fustat

Coptic Quarter is Cairo’s oldest district. This area developed following Christ’s death, when Christianity supplanted Egypt’s dying religion. Until the Arab invasion in 639, when Islam took over. The Persians built the Babylon Fortress here in the sixth century BC, and the Romans expanded it, giving it its unique red and white brick appearance. Some of its walls remain today.

Babel’s Castle Ruins

Thus the largest Coptic Cairo buildings. Remember that the Holy Family fled to Egypt to avoid King Herod’s persecution. Their beliefs left them with a little town and a river port, whereas Alexandria was the big city. For example, St. George’s Church mentions it (of Greek Orthodox worship).

The three biblical characters drank water from this well. These include St. George’s relics, a warrior saint respected worldwide.

Cairo Cathdral

The Hanging Church is a famous site in Cairo. In the third century, it was connected to a Roman fortification gate. It received its name since it hung from it.

Its original hanging qualities have been lost because to erosion caused by Nile river silt. Inlaid 13th century ebony with ivory altars and mosaics from different eras decorates its interior. Visit the Coptic Museum in Cairo Coptic.

Iconography absorbed all earlier symbols. Understanding the shift from ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman paganism to modern Christian religion is vital. A few ancient Bibles and icons have been saved. The museum’s interior has latticework and wood ceilings.

The Coptic Quarter also has the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (fourth or fifth century). In memory of two Roman Christian martyrs buried here. The Holy Family supposedly spent three weeks there. So, if you are a Christian, you must visit this church in Cairo.

Its interior has an oak coffered ceiling and marble and red granite columns.

Monastery of St. Mercury:

three churches: St. Mercury (10th century), St. Shenute (10th century), and St. (all founded in the fourth century).

Another Old Cairo temple is Ben Ezra. Despite its heritage, no prayers are held here. The original was erected in the ninth century by Jerusalem’s rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra. He did so because a Jeremiah-built synagogue had been demolished by the Romans.

As the city’s oldest sector, the Coptic Quarter has Islamic architecture nearby. A military outpost became administrative centre in early Muslim Egypt, this place became Misr al-Fustat following the Arab conquest. The commander Amr ibn al-As built the Amr mosque in 640.

It helped spread the new Islamic doctrine, although in fragments. Its interior is also available to the public when not in use for worship.

Cairo islam

Ayyubids, Mamluks, and Ottomans were among the dynasties that controlled Islamic Cairo. A new settlement called Al-Qahira (‘The Triumphant’) was founded here in 969 by Calipha al-Muizz li-Din Allah. The Shiite dynasty that governed North Africa for almost two centuries had its ruins here. There are two additional ancient villages (Al-Askar and Al-Qatta’i) that travellers must see in Islamic Cairo. The Mamluks and Ottomans constructed new buildings and altered existing. So discussing Fatimid architecture is insufficient. Our adventure may begin in a late-10th century fortified city area. To accomplish so, we utilise Al-Muizz Street, named for Al-founding Qahira’s caliph. It has some of the most intriguing sites.

Muizz Street

The Bab al-Futuh gate is quadrangular in shape, while the Bab al-Nasr gate is semicircular. Nearby lies Al-Hakim, a notable mosque in Islamic Cairo. The temple was named after Egypt’s sixth Fatimid caliph, Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah.

Napoleon used it as a barracks for a long period. Renovated recently, it now features a vibrant marble courtyard. The minarets are its oldest and most recognisable features. A few hundred yards farther along Al-Muizz street lies Bayt al-Suhaymi (see ‘Museums to Visit in Cairo’ below) and Al-Aqmar mosque (meaning’moonlight’).

This early 12th century building was one of the first to have a major stone façade and intricate design. Inscriptions on numerous Fatimid caliphs and Koranic fragments. His interior has been substantially modified.

Sabil-Kuttab

Byzantium’s Sabil-Kuttab of Abdel Rahman Katkhuda combines the roles of a public drinking fountain and an elementary school. Bayn al-Qasrin (“Between two palaces”, although none are still standing). But it’s a great location with Mamluk buildings and a gorgeous facade.

For example, Sultan Barquq’s madrasa or Al-Nasir Muhammad’s madrasa-museum (late thirteenth and early fourteenth century). Sultan Qalawun’s late-13th century madrasa-museum follows.

It’s a large construction with plenty of marble panels and stones. A Mamluk-built duplicate of Jerusalem’s Mosque of the Rock.

El Khalili

You may travel left or straight. Traveling east, you’ll pass the Jan el-Jalili market and the Hussein Mosque. The brilliant colours of the fabrics, the sound of pounding brass, and the scent of spices from the food stalls all lure tourists to the Jan el-Jalili market. A place to practise bargaining, a requirement to buy here. The city’s oldest coffee shop located on Midan Hussein Square, one of the busiest in the old town.

The Al-Hussein Mosque is another must-see in Islamic Cairo. However, the current temple was built in the late nineteenth century. The Fatimid dynasty inherited the bones of Hussein ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson and Fatima’s son.

So it’s a holy place for Shiites, but also recognised by the Sunni majority. On the other side of Sultan Qalawun’s madrasa-museum, you’ll find Al-Azhar Street, a twentieth-century detour from the old axis. The Wekalet El Ghoury is across the street.

It has a madrasa, a mausoleum, and cultural and folkloric activities. Early 16th century Mamluk building before Ottoman control.

Ghuri Sultan’s

It also overlooks Midan Hussein Square, but from the other side of the busy street-road of Al-Azhar. As you can see from the content in this section, Cairo has hundreds of mosques. But it is for many visitors.

Built in 970, it swiftly became an Islamic reference point once the Fatimid dynasty and Al-Qahira were established. A prominent site of prayer and study, it attracts thousands of Muslim students from all over the world each year and is one of the world’s oldest institutions.

Its Grand Imam is a Muslim spiritual authority.

Al-Azhar Moschee

Its structure is beautiful, including elements from the Fatimid and later dynasties, since each emperor wanted to personalise it. Here we may say:

In particular, the famous Barbers’ Gate is notable for shaven students. Other inner doors, like the one to the Central Courtyard, are also noteworthy. The Central Courtyard is distinguished for its whiteness and cleanliness, as well as its eleventh-century Fatimid arches.

In the mid-18th century, Ottoman function Object() [native code] Abd-ar-Rahman Katkhuda demanded that the Ottoman minarets be erected in the style of other mosques in Istanbul Prayer Hall. It has survived. It has three Mamluk madrasas and a 60,000-volume library, much of them manuscripts.

From El Ghoury and Al-Azhar, go south to the third and last extant Fatimid wall gate: Bab Zuwayla (1092), the famous southern entryway. The Al-Muayyad mosque has twin minarets. Above the old Fatimid wall’s Bab Zuweila gate, they provide one of Cairo’s best panoramic views.

Mamluks built it in the 15th century. Its inside is remarkable, with Mamluk sultan relics and a zigzagging dome. Other attractions south of Bab-Zuwayla include: Another prominent and unusual market is Sharia al-Khayamiya (Street of the Tentmakers).

In contrast to Khan el-Khalili, you can see how many local craftsmen labour, particularly in textiles.

Hasan Madrasa

Other must-see Cairo mosques may be located south. Sultan Hassan’s mosque-madrasa is another of Cairo’s top-10 Islamic temples. This Mamluk ruler erected it in the mid-14th century and used it as a fortification to protect himself. Napoleon had it in his sights, easily accessible from the Citadel.

Its huge main entry courtyard contains a magnificent ablutions fountain under a domed shrine. The Al-Rifai mosque, erected in the early twentieth century in Mamluk style, is almost comparable. Notable tombs include Farouk (the last Egyptian pharaoh) and Mohammed Reza Pahlevi (the last Persian Shah).

Both are on Salah El-Deen Square, which also houses the Saladin Citadel. Ayyb ibn Al-Dn, the Crusader-hater, erected his massive headquarters and command hub here in the late twelfth century. Successive kings have refurbished and expanded it.

Built on a ridge above the city, Napoleon’s French army conquered it during their invasion. The Ayyubid king used Giza pyramid ashlars to create it.

Saladin’s Fort Mughal-e-A

Despite being a military barracks until the late twentieth century, and numerous rooms being shut, the complex is one of Cairo’s most beautiful. Here is a list of actions:

The western terraces and the Al-Muayyad Mosque’s minarets are popular among city tourists. Clear days reveal the Giza Pyramids!

Despite its age (19th century) and Ottoman style, the Mehmet Ali Mosque is possibly its most photographed building. Its the temple’s lower front is covered with alabaster gives the mosque that name. Within is the Egyptian wali’s tomb.

Outside is an iron clock presented by King Louis Philippe I of France in return for the obelisk from Luxor’s temple.

Mehmet Ali spared Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque from demolition to construct his mosque. The stunning green and blue mosaiced minarets of this smaller but older mosque originate from the 14th century. A lovely courtyard with Egyptian and Roman columns.

Suleymaniye Mosque: Constructed in 1530, this is Cairo’s oldest Ottoman mosque. Similar to Mehmet Ali’s and many others in Istanbul, it features a characteristic Turkish design of domes and semi-domes.

Military towers ring the perimeter of this military enclosure. The Blacksmith and Sand Towers stand out. They defend the citadel’s inside.

Al-Fustat Mosque is located immediately south of the Citadel. The Ibn Tulun Mosque is a historical and artistic gem that is frequently cited as a great example of its style. The Tulunids built Egypt’s oldest mosque in 879, under Abbasid influence (from whom they broke away).

In the helical minaret evocative of Iraqi Samarra. Its ablutions fountain in the centre courtyard is also strange. The exterior wall enlarges the enclosure, as was customary at the time. The space between the wall and the mosque used to be a market! As you can see, we gave the city’s mosques a lot of attention.

Several of them are depicted on Egyptian pound banknotes.

Cairo

Most Cairo sites are in the Islamic or Coptic neighbourhoods, but the Center is the ancient marshland area northwest of both districts. Their architecture is evocative of French, Italian, and British cities.

Tahrir

Tahrir Square (Liberation Square) is the real heart of Cairo. The American University and the Egyptian Museum are close. The main boutiques are located in Talaat Harb Square and Qasr al-Nil Street.

To start the century, the Stock Exchange, founded by Italian-Slovenian Antonio Lascia, was one of the top 10 globally. There are renowned theatres and theatres on Shawarby Street that feature performances like belly dancing.

There are just a few remaining relics of the large Jewish community that contributed to the city’s early twentieth century boom but emigrated to Israel following that state’s creation.

Attractions in Cairo

Egypt’s Al-Azhar Park is a gem in a city not known for its greenery This new addition to the city was just opened in 2005. You may walk about and enjoy the views of the city from this park with palm trees and gardens.

Saladin’s 12th century Ayyubid fortifications have also been found. St. Simon the Tanner Church is one of Cairo’s must-see churches. It’s not in the Coptic Quarter since it’s 7 km distant. Its distinctiveness makes it perfect for a city-wide Coptic Christian path. Even though it is relatively young, its setting in the Mokattam Mountains sets it apart.

The Zabaleen, Cairo’s trash collectors, promoted the faith. In the rock, it forms an amphitheatre with an altar at its base. 10 000 people can fit inside! Middle East’s largest church. The rock has been carved with reliefs depicting the life of the Virgin and this local saint.

The Church of the Cave is one of Cairo’s most magnificent attractions. The Mamluk Necropolis, or City of the Dead, is located behind Al-Azhar Park, at the foot of Mokattam’s hills.

Thousands of people reside there, amid the numerous graves and mausoleums. But it is because it is the most severe effect of many citizens’ housing troubles in Cairo. So it draws many people, some on organised tours.

Heliopolis Quarter, Cairo

However, a Belgian businessman and Egyptologist developed Heliopolis (not to be confused with Ancient Egypt’s capital) (Baron Empain). The contemporary megalopolis swamped a northeastern Cairo neighbourhood.

The Baron’s Palace, the International Football Stadium (capacity 75,000), and 16 mosques and temples of all religions, notably the Coptic Cathedral of St. Mark, are located here. It’s also close Cairo Airport.

Egypt’s Museums

It is certainly the most important, a museum worth seeing. Though no Pharaonic antiquities exist near Cairo (Giza is an administrative city), Egyptologists will flock to this place. The Louvre in Paris, the British Museum in London, and the Egyptian Museum in Turin or Berlin house the best examples of that culture’s art.

But none can match the world-class offerings of this museum. And it still shrank! Many of its treasures have been moved to the Great Egyptian Museum of Giza, which we shall cover momentarily.

Please note that due to the move of items to the Great Egyptian Museum, several rooms may be totally reorganised. This is a must-see list for any trip:

Characters: queens, pharaohs, etc.

Sphinx of Hetepheres II, Dyedefra IV’s wife (Ancient Empire) Cheops, IV dynasty pharaoh (Ancient Empire) King Chephren (IV dynasty, Ancient Empire) from Giza’s Temple of the Valley Pharaoh Mycerinus (IVth dynasty, Ancient Empire), flanked by Hathor and Cinopolis’ nomo goddess.

A Vth Dynasty nobleman in wood (Old Empire) Pen I, 6th Dynasty, Cu (Old Empire) Bust of Akhenaton: portrait of the XVIIIth dynasty (New Empire) pharaoh, illustrating his aesthetic and iconographic modifications.

Slave masks

Psusenes I (XII dynasty) (Third Intermediate Period).

etchings and reliefs

Stele of Merenptah: sculpted in 1210 BC by Amenhotep III to commemorate his victory in Canaan. Historical significance derives from the first known Israelites.

In light of the new royal mummy display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (see below), some of the following may be relocated.

Sarcophagus from tomb KV55 of 18th dynasty pharaoh Akhenaton (New Empire) King Ramses II Mummy of 18th dynasty queen-pharaoh (New Empire) Mummy of Thutmose II (New Empire) Mummy of Seti I (New Empire)

Other:

Amenemhat III’s pyramidion topped the Black Pyramid of Dahshur (Middle Empire).

Since more Egyptian museums have emerged in recent years, they too deserve a place in this section of Cairo museums. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization opened in al-Fustat in 2017. He wants to educate the complete Egyptian civilization, not just Ancient Egypt.

It accomplishes so by employing over 50,000 artefacts from the Archaic, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Byzantine, Medieval, and Modern Islamic eras to do so. Add to this the opening of the Great Egyptian Museum, a global institution. It’s 2 km from Giza’s necropolis Giza gets its due.

OTHER MUSEUMS IN

Instead than spending a whole day at the Egyptian Museum, here are some other things to do in Cairo:

Museum of Islamic Art: near the Abdeen Palace, but off the beaten path. But take a look. Early twentieth century mosque artworks were concealed from European “treasure hunters.” Some of the materials used in the exhibit include bone and glass.

Gayer-Anderson In general, he was a fan of Egyptian culture. Intricately decorated and maintained interior of two typical sixteenth-century residences. Persia, Byzantium, Syria Egyptian artefacts, pottery and wooden furniture are on display.

Bayt al-Suhaymi: a typical Cairo residential house near the Al-Aqmar Mosque. So it’s another great place to go in Islamic Cairo for history buffs. It is currently a museum with period décor and everyday items.

Saladin Citadel Military Museum In addition to Egyptian army costumes and weaponry, it boasts lovely chambers. One of Saladin’s Citadel’s collections is dedicated to this security agency and its investigations. The National Railway Museum is near the main station.

Remembering the days when our nation had the first railway line in Africa is fun. For example, the Suez Canal Mokhtar Museum’s four-seater locomotive: This museum honours Mahmoud Mokhtar, the country’s father of modern sculpture. Nearly 100 marble, bronze, and granite sculptures are on show.

Modern Egyptian Art Museum in Gezira The avant-garde art lover’s mecca in Cairo, featuring hundreds of paintings and sculptures. They include Mahmoud Said and Inji Aflatoun.

Ali Fahmy, nobleman and military leader, lived in Aisha Fahmy in Zamalek. On the other hand, the stunning interior décor is the major feature of the museum restored in 2017. Islamic Ceramics Museum in Prince Ibrahim’s Palace.

It is devoted to one of Islam’s greatest achievements. The Manial Palace, built in the early twentieth century, has themed rooms with Egyptian, Moroccan, Syrian, and Persian objects, decorations, and displays.

Information on Cairo

Final views on Cairo: getting there, getting about, and tourist information.

Cairo Arrival

It is only possible to fly to Cairo because of its peculiar position. Cairo is a major international gateway, as stated in ‘How to Get to Egypt’. They may go to Lower Egypt or take a Nile cruise.

Passengers arrive in Cairo regularly, either to begin their trip in Egypt or to make a layover at another airport. So many alternatives, all centred on Cairo International Airport. These are its main direct connections, which you may use to compare your options, however they may change with time or season:

Europe: Madrid, Athens, Bergamo, Milan, Rome, Paris, Malta, Moscow, Domodedovo, Vienna, London, Sofia, Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Geneva, Zurich, Larnaca, Bucharest, Kiev, Budapest (Ukraine) NY, DC, TO (Canada) Saudi Arabia: Aqaba (Jordan), Tel Aviv (Israel), Kuwait, Seoul (South Korea), Baku (Azerbaijan) (Yemen) Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Abuja (Nigeria), Lagos (Nigeria), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Asmara (Eritrea), Casablanca (Morocco), Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania), Douala (Cameroon), Entebbe (Uganda), Juba (South Sudan), Kigali (Rwanda) (Rwanda),

The Heliopolis airport is well connected to the city. Buses to Abbasia and Tahrir Square are available but unreliable. Preferably A, B, C, or D cabs or shuttle buses. The travel by car is uncomplicated through the El Orouba highway, but be patient as traffic congestion is possible. Metro station coming to the airport (Line 3).

Cairo travel guide

• Find out what to see and do in Cairo, how to get about, and what activities are scheduled during your stay. The primary three are:
• The Pyramids Office is in Giza, opposite the Mena House Hotel, but also in Cairo.
• It never hurts to have some Cairo emergency phone numbers ready (02). Them:
• 02122. There is a tourist police squad that works hard to assist guests.
• Hours vary by museum and establishment, but are generally 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, as Friday is a Muslim holy day.
• If your country requires a Covid test, you may locate one in Cairo here.

What can I do in Egypt

Tourists often want to know, “What can I do in Egypt?” Egypt is a unique, mysterious, and beautiful country. It has its own customs, laws, and ways of life, as well as a unique landscape and climate, a rich culture, and, of course, well-developed tourist infrastructure.

This country has beaches, a magical climate, the Red Sea, and historical sites like temples, sphinxes, statues, tombs, museums, and pyramids that bring in tourists all year long.

Egypt has activities for all kinds of travellers and all ages. Here is a list of the best things to do in Egypt that you can’t miss when you go to the land of the pharaohs.

1- What can you do in Cairo?

A great city in Egypt with a long history and many different cultures. Cairo, the capital of Egypt, has so many things to see and do that tourists can choose from a wide range of tours and activities. There are many things to see and do in the city, such as colourful markets, old religious buildings, historical monuments, and museums. Here are the city’s most interesting things to do:

Camel and horse rides are the most common thing to do in the country’s top tourist spots, “Giza Complex” and “Saqqara,” where you walk through the desert among huge historical buildings and learn about their stories and mysteries.

Light and Sound Show at the Giza Pyramids: A show under the night sky is a magical moment in the history of the country. The Great Sphinx, who watches over the necropolis, tells the story of itself and how the pyramids were built. It also tells about some of Egypt’s most famous kings, like Tutankhamun, Nefertari, and Akhenaton.

Dinner on a Nile Cruise or Falucca (a boat) on the Nile: watching the sun set over a city. In addition to cruises, Cairo has some of the best dinners with performances of traditional Egyptian dance that let you enjoy amazing moments in the middle of the Nile.

Walking in Old Cairo means going through the city’s old streets, where you can see the red-lit architecture of Middle Ages buildings like houses, palaces, mosques, bazaars, caravans, and other historical buildings like the area around the Street of Moez and the Al-Azhar Mosque.

Shopping at Khan El Khalili: a trip to one of the country’s best local markets, which is thought to be the best place for tourists to spend the night. It is the place where you can find anything you want.

Typical Egyptian Food: Try the traditional foods of the land of the pharaohs in Cairo, where there are hundreds of restaurants and cafes serving different kinds of food with different qualities and tastes. Foods like Fool, Taameya, Koshari, Kabab, Kofta, etc. are good to eat in Egypt.

The most important thing to see in Cairo is the Giza Plateau, which shows how great the ancient world was through the mysteries and enigmas that surround the Sphinx and the Pyramid of Cheops, two of its main attractions.

Also, the centre of the city is full of Coptic and Islamic sites. The most famous of these are the Hanging Church, the Mosque of Al-Azhar, the Mosque of Amr Ibn Alas, the Church of St. Sergius, etc.

2- What can you do in Luxor?

Luxor is a place where ancient ruins have been found. No other city in the world has as many historical sites from ancient times to the present day as Luxor. Along with important historical sites, this city has monuments that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. There aren’t many things to do in Luxor, but there is a lot to see there.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: This is the best thing to do in Luxor because it gives tourists a wide view of the city, which has so many temples and ancient tombs that it is called a “open-air museum.”

Visit the Temple of Luxor at Night: This is the best time to see the temple. The visit at night is very different and impressive. The statues, walls, and avenue of sphinxes at the Temple of Luxor are all lit up, making the whole place shine.

Horse Carriage Ride: Taking a horse carriage around this great open-air museum in Luxor is a different way to see it.

In the Light and Sound Show at Karnak, the ancient pharaohs who helped build the Karnak Complex tell interesting stories about their own lives and about gods like Amon-Ra.

What to see in Luxor: This city has many monuments that are unlike any others in the world. For example, the Mummification Museum is the only museum in the world that is only about the ancient process of mummification. The Karnak Temple is the largest religious building in the world. The Temple of Abydos is a temple with a lot of historical value. The Dendera Complex is the temple of the majestic goddess Hathor.

3- What can you do in Aswan?

Aswan’s best part is the Nubian city part. A big part of the city is full of the colours and designs of the Nubian culture. In Aswan, the Nile is very clean and surrounded by beautiful sights. Here are some things to do in Aswan:

Light and Sound Show at Abu Simbel: The great Giant of Ramses II tells the story of the original site of the Temple of Abu Simbel, how it was built, and other temples of ancient Nubia through music and magical lights.

In the Light and Sound Show at Philae, the ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses tell their stories and myths, including the most famous story about the goddess Isis and the god Osiris, which is said to have happened where the Temple of Philae used to be.

The Light and Sound Show in Edfu is not as well-known as some of the other shows. This sound and light show at the Edfu Temple tells the story of the temple, the legend of the god Horus, and his annual journey with the goddess Hathor.

Horse Carriage Ride: a unique way to walk along the Nile, through the markets of Aswan, and see the beauty of this country’s nature and culture.

Nile Walk-in Faluca: The Nile in Aswan is very different. The water crystals shine all day long, and the boat ride on the Nile between the islands in Aswan is a unique experience.

In Aswan, you can visit the Nubian Museum, the temples of Kalabsha, Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, and Edfu, and the temples of Kalabsha, Philae, Abu Simbel, and Abu Simbel.

4. Nile River Cruises

In Luxor, you can see the same-named ancient temple, the Karnak Temple Complex, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Temples of the Pharaohs Ramses II and III, the ruins of the Temple of Amenhotep III, and tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.

The city of Edfu is a stop between Aswan and Luxor so that tourists can see the temple of Horus, son of Osiris.

The boat usually gets to Kom Ombo on the same day it leaves.

An old temple was built for several Egyptian gods at the same time, including Horus (who has the head of a hawk), Sebek (who has the head of a crocodile), and his mother Hathor.

In the sanctuary of Sebek, you can see crocodile mummies.

When you get to Aswan, you can go on a trip to the Abu Simbel temples or the Isis temple, which used to be on the island of Philae.

We also went to see the High Dam.

5. What can you do in a coastal city?

The water in the Red Sea is very clean, which makes it stand out. Dive into the Red Sea to see the coral gardens, redfish, and turtles that live there. It means that you can swim and sunbathe all year long. The best resorts in Egypt are “Hurgada,” which is the oldest, “Sharm El Sheikh,” which is the most popular and closest to Sinai, “Sahl Hasheesh,” “Marsa Alam,” “Makadi Bay,” and “El Gouna,” which is known as “the Egyptian Venice.” All of these resorts have different ways to have fun, but water sports are the most popular:

Diving and snorkelling are popular activities because there are so many different kinds of colourful fish and beautiful reefs. Sharm El Sheikh is known for the beauty of its colourful underwater life.

Other things to do include windsurfing, banana rides, scuba diving, kite surfing, water skiing, fishing, and parasailing.

Beaches and Pools: The best way to calm down and relax at a Red Sea resort is to swim and lay out in the sun in the crystal clear water and pools.

6. What can you do in the Oasis and the Sinai Desert?

Egypt has many different kinds of desert landscapes, such as sand dunes, hills, and rocky mountains. About 96% of Egypt is covered by desert. Finding oases in the middle of a desert is also very interesting. There are lots of exciting things to do in the desert. One of them is:

Safari on a Quad and a Camel Ride: This is one of the more interesting trips he can take in his life. See the sand of the desert, different coloured mountains like the Black Desert and the White Desert, and hills.

Sunset and Bedouin Dinner: The sunset between the desert mountains and the quiet of the night sky is a unique and beautiful sight. All of this with a taste of a Bedouin dinner in between their traditional parties.

Pictures of a famous Egyptian building in Sinai taken in the Colorado Canyon The Canyon of Colors has walls that look like pastels, with layers of different colours. People think it’s very beautiful, and you can take some amazing pictures there.

Climb both Mount Moses and Mount Sinai.

Visit Egypt with Egypt via travel

With Egypt via travel, you can have all of these adventures in a more organised way with our Best Egypt vacation packages or the Nile cruise adventure between the historical passages and the Nile. Reserve now!

We are always moving, so we like it when you pack lightly. This is the best place to find travel tips and important information about Egypt.

• Egypt Vacation Packages
• Egypt Budget Travel
• Customize Your Tour
• Cairo Vacation Packages

There are limits on how much luggage you can bring on planes, and taxis only have so much room. Porters aren’t always easy to find like they are in the West. If you carry your bags, you’ll get some exercise. Smart casual is recommended, and this will guarantee a great photo op.

First, let’s talk about some important travel tips you need to know about Egypt.

When you arrive in Cairo: Visas
Payment in cash: If you want to buy an entry visa when you get there, you must pay in cash. You can pay in US Dollars (USD), British Pounds (GBP), or Euros (EUR).

The fee for a visa is $25 or the same amount in your currency.
You can figure out the daily rate with the help of the currency converter.

Many countries, like all of Western Europe and the Arab world, as well as the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, can get a one-month, single-entry visa when they arrive at Cairo International Airport or at the land border.
If you want to buy an entry visa when you get there, you must pay in cash. You can choose to pay in US Dollars (USD), British Pounds (GBP), or Euros (€). (EUR).

The cost of a visa is $25 USD or whatever your currency’s equivalent is.

TIPS for EGYPT Baksheesh:

This practise is known as “baksheesh” all over the Middle East. In Egypt, tipping is a big part of everyday life and is more than just a reward or a way to say “thank you” for a job well done.

In a country where wages are very low, it is an important way to make extra money, which helps families and gives extra care.

Go to Wikipedia to find out what “Baksheesh” means.

This is not something that only foreigners do. Egyptians also have to pay “Baksheesh” in exchange for being able to park their cars, get fresh food, and get their mail. You could say it’s a form of security and convenience.

If you’re happy with the service, a tip is appropriate and always appreciated, even if it’s not required. Even though it may not be normal for you, it is very important to the people who will help you on your trip.

This is one of the most important things to know before going to Egypt.

(Travel Tips for Egypt) The Must-Have Checklist for Egypt:

• Egypt only has summer and winter.
• Throughout the year, most days in Egypt are warm or hot, while nights are cool.
• Winter: from November to April, it’s not too cold.
• This happens from May to October.
• The main things that change during the seasons are the daytime temperatures and the winds that blow most of the time.
• In the coastal areas, the average minimum temperature in winter is 14 C.
• Summers have an AVERAGE MAXIMUM of 30 C.
• In the inland desert areas, temperatures vary a lot, especially in the summer, when they can go from 7 degrees Celsius at night to 43 degrees Celsius during the day.
• During the winter, the desert’s temperatures don’t change as much, but they can drop to 0 C at night and reach 18 C during the day.

When it’s cold:

• Wool shirts or sweaters with long sleeves.
• Scarf
• Warm mitts
• Cozy hat
• How to Carry Your Papers in Egypt:
• (Required) Flight information and printed copies of e-tickets
• (Required) Insurance information and photocopies.
• Passport is required, plus copies of it.
• Visas or proof of immunisation are needed (and photocopies).
• Tickets and information before departure (required)
• Long jeans or pants
• Money belt or a wallet with a zip
• T-shirts and button-downs ( both long and short-sleeved and please ensure that there are no offensive statements or visible prints that may offend in Sacred settings )

Things you need for daily comfort:

• Entertainment for oneself (Reading, writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• A small first-aid kit (should include lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, a whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandages/plasters, tape, antihistamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream,
• Imodium or similar tablets for mild diarrhoea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, a sewing kit, and any extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Today, most smartphones have great cameras that can take great pictures and record high-definition videos in HD (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash in US dollars, credit and debit cards, and a contact in case you need to use the WESTERN UNION money transfer system
• Backpack for the day (Used for daily excursions or short overnight stays)
• Foam-like Earplugs and several pairs that can be thrown away are suggested.
• Fleece sweater with a flashlight jumper or anorak
• Comfortable Shoes and extra socks
• A hat or sun visor that protects you from the sun or the cold.
• Bags with locks
• Outlet adapter that can do more than one thing
• Water bottle that can be used more than once
• Sleepwear is loose and easy to move in.
• Some Small towels for travelling that are easy to bring on a day trip
• Good sunglasses that help with glare and extra contact lenses and glasses.
• A travel pack full of toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Digital is good for a watch and alarm clock
• Backpack cover that won’t get wet
• A raincoat that doesn’t let wind in and comes with a hood

During warm weather

• Use sunblock to keep your skin from getting burned if you tend to do that.
• Sandals and a pair of other slip-on shoes with a rubber sole
• Shorts or skirts (It’s best to wear longer shorts or skirts)
• Bandanna/sun hat
• During the winter, it is very important to bring warmer clothes if you plan to spend the night on a felucca (Nov-Feb).

Travel Tips for Egypt:

• I’m glad you read the post. Before you booked your tour with us, we wanted to make sure you had all your questions answered. Do you have everything you need for your next adventure?I’d
• really like to hear from you. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you need any more help.

Find a simplified travel guide to the best things to see and do in Luxor, a city in Upper Egypt.

Find out where the best historical sites are and what the best things to do in Luxor are.

Luxor used to be a part of the ancient city of Thebes, which was the capital of ancient Egypt for 1,350 years.

Today, Luxor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt, especially for people who are interested in ancient Egyptian history and archaeology. It has a very rich history of tombs, temples, and monuments.

Around these relics of Egypt’s famous past are signs of a thriving modern industry: tourism. Luxor is now the most popular place to visit in Egypt, so let’s take a look at the best things to do there.

West and East Bank: The Best Things to See in Luxor

Here, we’ll tell you about the best places to see in Luxor:

1- Valley of the Kings

You can’t finish your tour of Luxor without going to the Valley of the Kings. This is where the great Pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried. The Valley began when King Thot-Mosis I separated his tomb from the normal burial temple. He also gave orders to bury his body in a secret, hard-to-reach place.

So, he told his Vizier (Inn) to dig the King’s tomb. After that, all of the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom dug their tombs in the Valley of the Kings. It has 62 tombs, the most famous of which is King Tutankhamun’s, and you can visit three of them during your trip.

2- The Madinat Habu or Temple of Habu.

This temple, which is one of the best in Egypt, still has the colors it had when it was built. The Temple of Madinat Habu is the great temple of King Ramses III, the last strong pharaoh.

It is thought to be one of the best things to do in Luxor.

The temple has 2 Pylons, which are also called the Triumph Gate because the walls have military scenes that show the Pharaoh sacrificing his enemy to the God Amun.

Then, if you go through this gate, you’ll be in an open court that was used for festivals. It has amazing inscriptions and very deep reliefs—the deepest of any Egyptian temple.

If you are in Luxor, you should go to this temple.

3- The Temple of Hatshepsut.

The temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the most powerful woman in ancient Egypt. This woman ruled Egypt for about 16 years. She took over after her brother-husband, Tot-Mosis 2nd, died.

She built this temple as a tomb, but she ruled Egypt as a man because women weren’t allowed to be kings. She married her brother to prove that she had the right to rule Egypt.

Also, queen Hatshepsut married her stepson Tutmosis the third and put him in the shadows for 16 years. When he was old enough, he killed her, became king of Egypt, and as an act of revenge, he destroyed everything that had to do with this queen, so if you go to her temple, you won’t be able to see anything related to her.

On the west bank, he took down all of her names from the walls.

The unique style of Queen Hatshepsut’s temple is made up of three floors cut into the cliffs of the Valley of the Kings mountain. Queen Hatshepsut was buried in the Valley of the Kings with the pharaohs. We found her mummy in the storage rooms of the Egyptian Museum. It is now on display in the Mummy room.

4- The West Bank is home to the Colossi of Memnon.

The famous colossi of Memnon are all that is left of the great king Amonphis the third’s tomb temple. Amonphis was the father of Ikhanaton and the grandfather of King Tutankhamun.

These 20-meter-tall statues must have stood at the entrance to the temple. (Top Things to Do in Luxor)

East Bank Temples and Museums are some of the best things to see and do in Luxor.

5- The Karnak temple is the oldest and largest temple still standing on Earth.

This temple took 2000 years to finish. It was built as a place of worship for the great god Amun. All of the Pharaohs of the new Kingdom helped build this great temple. (Top Things to Do in Luxor)

The big temple of Karnak

The Temple starts with the Avenue of Rams and the first and second Pylon. After that, you’ll find yourself in the open court, which was used for festivals. After that, you’ll find the Great Hypo-style Hall, which has 134 columns, each of which is 23 metres high. The columns still have their original colours, and only two of the temple’s seven obelisks are gone.

After that, you can see the Sacred Lake of the temple. There are many seats around this lake for the nightly sound and light show in the temple.

6- The Luxor Temple is the Amun-Ra Temple.

The only thing left of Luxor’s glorious past is the temple that the ancient Egyptians built to honour the god Amun-Ra. The temple is 260 metres long and was mostly built by Amon-Ofis III and Ramses the Great. A long stone connected the temple to the Karnak temple.

The large Pylon, which was decorated by King Ramses for his great military campaigns, stands at the entrance to the temple.
Before the Pylon, there were two Obelisks. Today, there is only one Obelisk left, which is 25 metres tall. The other was taken to Paris-Franc on October 25, 1836. The temple is marked by two statues of King Tutankhamun made of alabaster. It also has a large open court with 64 pillars that look like louts and papyrus, as well as a sanctuary.

7- The Luxor Museum

The Luxor Museum was just built, and it has a lot of interesting artefacts from ancient Thebes and Luxor. The most interesting piece is TALAT’S WALLS of king Ikhnaton, the head of HATHOR from King Tutankhamun’s treasure, and the Granite stone-head of king Amono-phis 3rd.

Top Night Activities in Luxor

Joining the Sound & Light show at Karnak temple is one of the best things to do in Luxor city at night.

Or, you can go to the Luxor temple after it gets dark and is lit up. It is open until 9:00 PM.

Or, take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Luxor at night. At night, Luxor is busy, but you should stay with your guide to avoid getting in trouble with carriage men and the Souks. Luxor is different at night.

Don’t forget to look at our Egypt vacation packages, Nile cruises, and day tours.