Top 10 Things Egypt Is Famous For - Updated 2024

Virginia Maryann Dcruz
Virginia Maryann Dcruz 
Updated
| 4 min read

Books, TV shows, and films about Egypt cannot capture its history and culture completely, and chances are that you do not know all that the country has to offer. Egypt is replete with ancient sites, tombs, and pyramids dating from the time of the Pharaohs but is also famously associated with Cleopatra who was part of the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty. The country also has its share of the Sahara Desert but the Nile River still brings life and water to the region and keeps its agriculture flourishing. Coexisting with the ancient wonders in the country are major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria. We have outlined the top 10 things Egypt is famous for below. So continue reading if you want a glimpse at the best that the country has to offer when you tour its historical sites, museums, and its town and cities.

1. Pyramids (from USD 94.0)

The pyramids of Egypt come in different sizes, and currently, it is thought that there are over a hundred of them in the country. The biggest is the Pyramid of Khufu which is one of several on the Giza plateau. Other pyramids are also present on the plateau and around Sakkara, and tourists can experience the mystery that surrounds them to this day. Much of the questions about these pyramids are still being answered, and visitors can experience the latest archeological findings in person.

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Aton

Aton
Cairo

Saqqara

Don't skip Saqqara if you love ancient history. It's full of treasures like the Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest stone monument, and many mastaba tombs, giving you a peek into ancient Egyptian life.

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All Inclusive Full-day Amazing Tour of the Pyramids

Duration: 8 hours

28 reviews

2. Great Sphinx of Giza

Great Sphinx of Giza
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jack Versloot used under CC BY 2.0

Featured in millions of photographs and famous worldwide the Sphinx of Giza is another popular stopover for tourists visiting the Giza plateau. The statue carved from limestone dates from around 2532 BC and has a lion’s body on which the head of man is imposed. Currently, the human head of the statue is thought to resemble Khafre who was the pharaoh during the time of its creation. The statue was covered by sand and was excavated several times by pharaohs and archeologists, and due to renovations, the structure is in good condition today.

Great Sphinx of Giza

Address: Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt

Website: Great Sphinx of Giza

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

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Sama

Sama
Cairo

Sphinx

The Egyptians believed that the sphinx was a representation of their Sun God, Horemakhet or (Horus of the Horizon). Historical records from the New Kingdom show that in Egyptian culture the sphinx symbolized royalty and sacred status.

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3. Luxor (from USD 48.0)

egypt is famous for | luxor

The modern city of Luxor is one of the must-see places in Egypt and it encloses ancient temples and has several historical sites in the vicinity. Among the temples that are within the city are Luxor and Karnak. The Luxor Temple is thought to have been the place where pharaohs were crowned. The Karnak Temple contains several striking buildings including the Hypostyle Hall which has towering columns. These temples are the focus of light and sound shows organized in the evenings.

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Luxor: Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple with Transfers

Duration: 2.0 hour

16 reviews

4. The River Nile (from USD 60.0)

egypt is famous for | the river nile

The wealth and history of Egypt and much of its ancient civilization is linked to the Nile River. The annual floods of the river caused silt to be left behind as the water receded. This resulted in the area becoming very fertile. With the construction of Aswan Dam, the annual floods caused by the Nile have now been contained but the river is still an important feature of the country. Tourists can head out on to the river on felucca boats and experience firsthand the plants and wildlife in the region.

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Sama

Sama
Cairo

Many boat tours on the Nile offer travelers a lovely evening of merrymaking. You will get to gaze at the charming cityscape while riding down this illustrious river and listening to Egyptian music played by local artists. Click here for a glimpse of the tour: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Q3Kcl1SiQ8k 

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Cairo: 2-Hour River Nile Cafelluca Cruise with Meals

Duration: 2.0 hour

96 reviews

Cairo Tour Guide

Sama Nagy

Sama Nagy

I’m Sama your tour guide for your pleasant stay, I am an active licensed professional tour guide, I have been working at it with great enthusiasm,I welcome you to Egypt and I will support you during the tour, and you are going to enjoy your stay here in Egypt . This is a beautiful city where you can relax-and enjoy Egypt’s powerful history civilization,It is extremely important for all guests to return home with experiences to remember.

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Cairo Tour Guide

Aton

Aton

With this private arrival transfer you will save your time, effort and avoid any hassle or trouble dealing and bargaining with cab drivers. No more rip-off or cheats with this punctual, smooth transfer.Save time and avoid hassle by pre-booking your transportation between Cairo Airport and your hotel in Cairo or Giza. you will need to get your luggages, go through the final security check, and then you will see your driver outside.

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Cairo Tour Guide

Monem Madbouly

Monem Madbouly

5. Mummies

Golden mummy mask
Source: Photo by Flickr user Thomas Quine used under CC BY 2.0

Egypt has several museums that exhibit mummies of pharaohs, royal families, and priests. Many of the tombs of the pharaohs were robbed and so their mummies and wealth were lost too. However, the mummy of Tutankhamun is the most famous and it was found in an intact tomb located in the Valley of the Kings. Visitors to museums can see the contents of the tomb of Tutankhamun which contains several thousand pieces. Importantly, the mummification procedure was also used to preserve the bodies of sacred bulls, and some animals and some of these are present in museums too.

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6. Cairo (from USD 95.0)

egypt is famous for | cairo

The city of Cairo is the capital of the country and is an important stopover for tourists heading to the Giza Plateau and the ruins of Memphis. With a population of around 20 million in the city and its metropolitan area, it is ranked among the 10 largest in the world. Cairo was founded in 969 AD but the area around the city was important even when the pharaohs were ruling Ancient Egypt. Currently, the city is famous for its Old Cairo area, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar which is a major attraction for tourists who want to shop for souvenirs.

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Cairo Citadel, Old Cairo and Khan El Khalili: Private Tour

Duration: 8.0 hour

205 reviews

7. Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jon Callas used under CC BY 2.0

Even though she is linked to Egypt, she was a ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom that was based in the country. Established after the death of Alexander the Great who invaded and took over Egypt, the Ptolemaic Kingdom was created by Ptolemy I Soter who was one of his generals. As a Hellenistic monarch of Egypt, Cleopatra was a major force in politics and cultivated relationships with Julius Caesar and then Mark Antony. The death of Cleopatra and her missing tomb are topics that continue to capture the imagination in Egypt and abroad.

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8. Egyptian Hieroglyphs

Hieroglyphs
Source: Photo by Flickr user Andrea used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Hieroglyphs, the writing system that was used in Ancient Egypt and even during the time of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, are present in several areas of the country. Importantly, the knowledge of deciphering Egyptian Hieroglyphs which were considered “lost” was rediscovered after the Rosetta stone was found in 1801. When visiting historical sites in Egypt tourists get a chance to see Egyptian Hieroglyphs that are thousands of years old and guides sometimes provide translations of them.

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9. Fez

Fez
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user EdouardHue used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Fez headdress is popular in Egypt and the traditional version is made from red felt and has a black tassel attached to the top that flows down over the side. The name of the headdress is derived from the Moroccan city with the same name. The origins of the Fez are not clear but it was adopted by the ruling class of the Ottoman Empire and was worn by the elite Janissaries. Currently, tourists in Egypt can buy a Fez otherwise known as the Tarboosh in many souqs and shops and take it back with them as a souvenir. The modern Fez is offered in several colors and some even have prints on them and are considered fashionable accessories.

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10. Shisha

Shisha in Cairo
Source: Pikist

Women and men smoke the Egyptian hookah known locally as shisha. Many who smoke these water pipes view them as a mild alternative to cigarettes, but tobacco is still used in them. Smoking shisha is often an activity that happens in cafes and locals often indulge in it while in the company of friends. Tourists also head to cafes to smoke shisha and view it as an important element of their visit to Egypt.

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The many wonders of Egypt

Egypt is a country that continues to transform and modernize, but its rich history is not far away from the surface. Touring the large cities such as Cairo and Alexandria and important historical sites gives you a glimpse of the culture and heritage of the country.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Virginia, a dedicated writer, calls Tamil Nadu, India, her home. She nurtures a profound passion for both travel and indulging in diverse global cuisines. She fondly recalls savoring local sweets...Read more

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