Top 10 Famous Buildings In Egypt - Updated 2024

famous buildings in egypt
Cintya
Cintya 
Updated
| 5 min read

Egypt is a country known for its remarkable ancient wonders, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. With its numerous themed hotels and private pool villas, it’s no surprise that Egypt is a top-rated holiday destination! If you haven’t planned a trip to this remarkable country yet, you’re missing out on a great chance to see some of the world’s most amazing wonders. Blend in with the locals, learn about the interconnected culture and history of the Middle East nations, or just simply admire the views of the landscapes in this country – there is no right or wrong way to enjoy Egypt. However make sure that when you come here, you visit these top famous buildings in Egypt, so you have something to boast about once you go back to your home country!

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza (from USD 18.0)

The Great Pyramid of Giza (Pyramid of Cheops or Khufu)
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jorge Láscar used under CC BY 2.0

One of the most famous remnants of the ancient world is still as captivating as when it was first built 5,000 years ago. Unless you’ve been living under the rock, you know that this site needs no introduction. The Great Pyramid of Giza is just one among the hundreds found in Egypt. If you can imagine how it is just by seeing its picture, you’ll be amazed once you look at it standing tall right before you. The whole structure weighs 2.3 million cubic meters (812,237.3 tons) in total.

Your tour to this place is incomplete without going inside the pyramid to explore its small passageways. The inner part of the pyramid will send chills down your spine – not recommended for those who are claustrophobic, though.

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Pyramids: Skip-the-Line Tickets

6 reviews

2. Karnak Temple (from USD 48.0)

Karnak Temple
Source: Photo by Flickr user ccarlstead used under CC BY 2.0

Standing tall on the east side of the Nile River, the temple occupies an area of 100 hectares (1 km²) in the city of Luxor. For a unique experience, do make time to watch the light show at this temple, which is only available after the sun is down. The way the temple is lit up in the dark is quite remarkable and will make you forget for a moment that this monument comes from the ancient world. If you can’t make it at night, don’t worry, for the sight of the temple during the day is just as impressive.

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Luxor: Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple with Transfers

Duration: 2.0 hour

16 reviews

3. Abu Simbel Temples (from USD 69.0)

After the Great Pyramid, this site is the second most popular monument in Egypt. The temples were built around 1279 -13 BCE by king Ramses II. Prior to being relocated to its current location, the temples were located in close proximity to Lake Nesser. During the time of the construction of the dam, this historical place was in danger of being submerged, hence the decision to move the temples.

Perhaps, one of the most mind-blowing things about these temples is that they were constructed so that the morning sunlight naturally falls on the statues in a special way only twice a year, to coincide with events in Ramses II life.

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Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan

Duration: 9 hours

9 reviews

4. Qalawun Complex

Madrasa of Al Nassir Mohammed Ibn Qalawun (14609084629)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jorge Láscar used under CC BY 2.0

Located right in the center of Egypt’s capital, Cairo, the complex is a place of historical prominence, as well as a breathtaking sightseeing place. As you step inside the complex, you’ll find a madrassa on the left and, on your right, a mausoleum, which is considered to be the highlight of the complex.

Beautifully adorned and constructed, each area in the mausoleum is lavishly ornate, especially the main prayer area. There are also other monuments within the site. You can finish the entire tour around this area in less than a day, depending on how long you stop at each site.

Qalawun Complex

Address: El-Gamaleya, Qism El-Gamaleya, Cairo 11511

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Tip from tour guide

Located on Bayn al-Qasrayn on al-Mu'izz Street, it also includes a hospital along with the mausoleum and madrasa. The landmark was built by Sultan al-Mansur Qalawun between 1284 and 1285. Exploring the entire complex will require a lot of walking, so dress comfortably and wear shoes. See more of the attraction here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cWmR6IGQbnk

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5. The Great Sphinx of Giza

Giza Pyramids &  Sphinx - Egypt
Source: Photo by Flickr user Sam valadi used under CC BY 2.0

The Great Sphinx of Giza to Egypt is what Big Ben is to London. Indeed, there is nothing more iconic to Egypt than the Great Sphinx of Giza. This statue, which was listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is sculpted in the image of a lion but with a human head. It was estimated that the sculpture was constructed during the ruling of King Khafre. Go ahead and take as many pictures as you want at this site.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

Address: Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 5 USD

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6. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut Temple R02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marc Ryckaert used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This temple is built in dedication to one of the gods in ancient Egypt mythology, Amon-Ra. You can find this temple at Deir el Bahari, right beside the Mentuhotep II Temple. It is named one of the top monuments in Egypt. Most of the monuments in ancient Egypt are built by men, however, it was a woman who ordered the construction of the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. She is one of the very first female rulers of Egypt. Given that there weren’t many magnificent monuments built by women, the temple is quite impressive.

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Address: Kings Valley Rd, New Valley Governorate, Egypt

Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 9 USD

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7. Egyptian Museum

This century-old museum is overflowing with fascinating artifacts that come from the ancient Egyptian era. The newest addition to this museum is a 9-meter (29.5-foot) figure of King Psammetichus – one of the highest-ranked Egyptian rulers.

A word of advice before going here – come with a tour guide. Don’t underestimate the vastness of this museum. One could spend an entire day here and not come even close to exploring half of its entire collections. A local tour guide will help you to find the museum’s most interesting collections and explain the history behind those collections.

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Private Tour: Egyptian Museum

Duration: 3 hours

74 reviews

8. St. Catherine’s Monastery (from USD 128.0)

This monastery was named after a famous female Christian martyr, Catherine of Alexandria. It was constructed in the year 548 until 565 and still in operation until now, making it one of the oldest functioning Christian institutions in the world. Located at the bottom of Mount Sinai, the monastery takes approximately three hours to reach from nearby civilization. In order to preserve the sanctity and exclusivity of this site, visitors are prohibited from taking pictures of the monastery.

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St. Catherine's Monastery half-day Tour from Taba

Duration: 8 hours

2 reviews

9. Luxor Temple

Luxor temple, Egypt
Source: Photo by Flickr user cattan2011 used under CC BY 2.0

Constructed around 1400 BC by two different Egyptian kings, this magnificent temple is located right in the center of Luxor city. The temple, whose other name is the “southern sanctuary”, is best visited early in the morning, when the morning sun rays hit the marble floor, creating a spectacular view. However, if you can’t make it in the morning, make sure to visit it at night, when the temple is beautifully beaming with light.

Luxor Temple

Address: Luxor 23512, Egypt

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

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10. Al-Hakim Mosque

Inside Al Hakim mosque
Source: Photo by Flickr user Francisco Anzola used under CC BY 2.0

Just some distance away from Cairo’s infamous Northern Gate stands Al-Hakim Mosque – one of the most prominent places of worship for Muslims in the country. The plan to built the mosque was realized in the year 990 under the rule of Caliph Al-Aziz. Fast forward 22 years and the building was completed. The mosque itself is a structure of architectural magnificence, stunningly designed and adorned. It’s no surprise that many buildings in Europe have a similar style to those found here, as many architects from the continent were inspired by what they saw.

Al Hakim Mosque

Address: 154 Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

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Egypt, the city full of wonders

Why trouble yourself planning different trips to different countries in the world to see impressive centuries-old monuments, cultures rich in history and traditions, and splendid vast deserts, when you can just find them all in Egypt? There is no better time to visit Egypt than now. The best thing about Egypt is you can visit it any day of the year without having to check the season first. It’s always sunny, bright, and exciting here in Egypt! Anytime you arrive, the people of Egypt will welcome you with open arms! Even its accommodations, including adults-only hotels and green hotels, all offer a relaxing and memorable stay.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Cintya is a bilingual writer with a strong storytelling ability, equally passionate about current affairs and fiction. A dedicated reader, she enjoys her regular dose of tea and words. She resides...Read more

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