Egypt’s Top 10 Destinations You Can’t Skip

This guide shares my personal journeys, safety advice, budgets starting at $50 daily, and pro tips for an unforgettable trip.

Jump to Key Sections: Top Spots | Trip Planning | My Insights | FAQs

Essential Highlights

• Visit Giza first for the iconic pyramids, then Luxor for ancient temples; allocate 10-14 days total.
• Budget $50-150 per day, including mid-range stays and meals; save by eating street food and using local buses.
• Best time: October to April to dodge summer heat; fly into Cairo International Airport.
• Safety first: Stick to tourist police zones, use Uber for rides, and dial 122 for emergencies.

Egypt’s Leading 10 Visitor Attractions with Ratings

I’ve wandered Egypt’s sands for years, from dawn camel rides at Giza to sunset felucca sails on the Nile. Here’s my curated list of the top 10 spots, ranked by visitor ratings from sites like TripAdvisor, each with things to see and do and why they captivated me.

1. Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx

The Pyramids of Giza top every list at 5/5 stars, drawing 14 million visitors yearly. I remember my first sunrise there, the light hitting Khufu’s apex as the Sphinx gazed eternally.

Explore the three pyramids, enter Khufu’s interior for EGP 480 ($25), and ride a camel for EGP 150 ($8). Don’t miss the evening Sound and Light Show (EGP 800/$42).

2. Luxor Temple and Karnak Complex

Luxor earns 4.8/5 stars for its massive Karnak Temple, spanning 200 acres with towering hypostyle halls. I spent a full day tracing Ramses II’s victories carved in stone.

Walk the Avenue of Sphinxes to Luxor Temple at night when lit up. Entry: EGP 200 ($10) for Karnak, EGP 100 ($5) for Luxor.

3. Valley of the Kings

This 4.7/5-rated necropolis hides Tutankhamun’s tomb (EGP 300/$16 extra). My visit to KV62 felt like stepping into history; the colors on the walls are still vivid after 3,000 years. Open 6 AM-5 PM; go early.

4. Abu Simbel Temples

Ramses II’s rock-cut marvels rate 4.9/5. I flew in at dawn, watching sun rays illuminate the sanctuary twice yearly. Flights from Aswan: $100 roundtrip; entry EGP 240 ($13).

5. Hurghada Red Sea Beaches

4.6/5 for diving paradise. I snorkeled with turtles here; book via GetYourGuide. Resorts abound on Booking.com.

6. Philae Temple, Aswan

4.8/5 on its island, dedicated to Isis. Felucca ride over (EGP 100/$5); I loved the serene Nile views.

7. Alexandria’s Qaitbay Citadel

4.5/5 seaside fortress. Stroll the corniche; my favorite seafood lunch spot is nearby.

8. Siwa Oasis

4.7/5 remote gem with salt lakes. I camped under stars; 4×4 tours EGP 500 ($27).

9. Sharm El Sheikh

4.6/5 for Ras Mohammed diving. Stay at resorts via Agoda.

10. Mount Sinai and St. Catherine

4.8/5 spiritual hike. I climbed at 2 AM for sunrise; monastery entry is free.

Comprehensive Travel Planning Guide

Optimal Visiting Seasons

October to April offers mild 20-25°C weather; summers hit 40°C. I always time Nile cruises for November.

Arrival Methods

Fly to Cairo (CAI) or Luxor (LXR) via EgyptAir (egyptair.com). Visa on arrival: $25 USD.

Local Transportation Options

Use Uber/Careem in cities (EGP 50-100/ride), trains between Cairo and Luxor (EGP 200/$10 overnight sleeper), and feluccas on the Nile. Domestic flights via Kayak.

Cost Reduction Strategies

Haggle at souks (start 50% off), eat koshari for EGP 30 ($1.60), and book multi-day tours on TripAdvisor for discounts. Stay in hostels via Hostelworld.

Recommended Lodging Choices

Cairo: Mena House near pyramids (Expedia). Luxor: Nile-facing via Hotels.com. Hurghada: All-inclusive on Vrbo.

Must-Try Tours and Excursions

3-night Nile cruise ($300), hot air balloon over Luxor ($100), desert safaris. Book on GetYourGuide.

Suggested Stay Durations

10-14 days: 3 Cairo/Giza, 4 Luxor/Aswan, 3 Red Sea. I did 12 days and wished for more.

Local’s Personal Stories and Expert Advice

My Unforgettable Moments

“Waking before dawn at Giza, the call to prayer echoing as the pyramids glowed pink, felt magical,” I recall from my third visit. In Siwa, bathing in Cleopatra’s Pool under date palms was pure bliss.

Critical Safety Measures

Travel in groups, use licensed guides, avoid nights alone. Tourist police everywhere; emergency: 122 (police), 123 (ambulance). I never felt unsafe in designated zones. Water: Bottled only. UK FCO advice.

Emergency Contacts and Essentials

• Egyptian Tourism Police: 126
• US Embassy Cairo: +20 2 2797-3300, consularcairo@state.gov
• Egyptian Ministry: egypt.travel

Frequently Asked Questions on Egypt Trips