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
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.
Book Tours : All Inclusive Full-day Amazing Tour of the Pyramids
2. Great Sphinx of Giza
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)
Tip from tour guide
The Sphinx's greatness lies not only in its monumental scale and artistic design but also in its enduring legacy as a symbol of ancient Egypt's grandeur and enigmatic past, The Sphinx has long been shrouded in mystery, with debates about its exact purpose, construction methods, and the reasons behind its erosion. This air of mystery adds to its allure and continues to inspire scholarly research and public interest. It's one of the most recognized monuments in the world and a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization. It has fascinated historians, archaeologists, and tourists for centuries, contributing significantly to our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and religion.
3. 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.
4. 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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Cairo Tour Guide
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... Read more
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Cairo Tour Guide
Anwaar
I'm Anwaar, your expert guide to Egypt, where every corner tells a tale! I craft adventures that mix history, culture, and pure fun. Join me on an immersive journey through its storied past and vibrant present. Let's wander through hidden gems and iconic landmarks, crafting memories that will last a lifetime. Adventure awaits—let's explore together!
Cairo Tour Guide
M Gomaa Hifny
Hello! I'm Mohamed Farrag Gomaa, and I’m proud to be a licensed professional tour guide in Egypt. issued in Cairo, my license number 17733 . My passion for being a tour guide stems from my deep love for Egyptian history, culture, and the stories that have shaped this incredible land over thousands of years. I find immense joy in sharing these stories with people from around the world, helping t... Read more
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Cairo Tour Guide
Elham Elhussieny
I'm Elham your professional and licenced tour guide to Hidden Treasures! With a keen eye for detail and a love for uncovering hidden gems, Elham is your ultimate guide to off-the-beaten-path adventures. With years of experience navigating diverse landscapes and cultures, Elham's tours are a blend of discovery, authenticity, and local flavor. Join Elham for a journey beyond the tourist traps, w... Read more
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5. Mummies
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.
Tip from tour guide
The Golden Boy, Tutankhamun, ascended to the throne at a very young age, around 8 or 9, and his reign lasted only about a decade. Tutankhamun is best known for the discovery of his nearly intact tomb in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings. The tomb's treasures, including the famous gold mask, provided an unprecedented glimpse into the wealth and art of ancient Egypt. Despite his relatively short and unremarkable reign, the discovery of his tomb made him one of the most famous Egyptian pharaohs. His early death at around 18 or 19 years old has been a subject of much speculation. Various theories suggest possible causes, including illness, accident, or even murder, though no definitive evidence supports any single theory. The tomb's treasures provided immense insight into Egyptian art, culture, and burial practices, solidifying his place in history despite his relatively minor role during his lifetime. The so-called "Curse of Tutankhamun" signifies that those who enter the tomb of Tutankhamun would suffer bad luck or death. This idea gained popularity following the discovery of the tomb.
6. 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.
7. Cleopatra
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.
8. Egyptian Hieroglyphs
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.
9. Fez
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.
10. Shisha
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.
11. Queen Nefertiti
Contributed by Tour Guide, Sama Nagy
Source: Sama Nagy
Queen Nefertiti was an Egyptian queen who lived during the 14th century BC. She was the wife of King Akhenaten, who ruled during the New Kingdom period. Nefertiti is known for her beauty and the prominent role she played in her husband’s religious revolution, which sought to replace the traditional polytheistic religion with the worship of one god, the Aten. She is also famous for her iconic bust, which was discovered in 1912 and is now housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin. Despite her significance, much of Nefertiti’s life and reign remains a mystery, and her ultimate fate after her husband’s death is still a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists.
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.
Tip from Content Creator
As you can see from this list, Egypt is not just about the pyramids. In fact, I think it has a lot to offer for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay in other highly rated destinations. Here's what I enjoyed during my trip:
- Sharm el Sheikh is a beautiful place to add to your Egypt trip if you want to enjoy the beach. There are many all-inclusive resorts there and it is one of the best places in the world for diving.
- Cairo has a very vibrant nightlife and amazing historical places and cute cafes to visit. I would recommend getting a tour guide for Cairo! It will make a huge difference in your experience from what I have heard. I personally booked my tours ahead of time and had a fantastic time in Egypt.
History
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