There is hardly a person in the world who has not dreamed of seeing the pyramids and exploring the mystical past of Ancient Egypt. With a civilisation dating back thousands of years and epic tales of pharaohs, Egypt is a fascinating country that everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. Besides the pyramids of Giza and the temple complex at Luxor, tourists should also spare time to visit the bustling bazaars of old Cairo, admire the beautiful architecture of Islamic Cairo, and explore the underwater wonders of the Red Sea. During your trip, you can consider staying in a beach resort to leisurely enjoy the Egyptian heat. Meanwhile, luxury hotels will come in handy for those looking to splurge. But before you plan your trip to this mesmerising country, come and take a look at our suggestions for all the things to do in Egypt.
1. Take a chartered cruise along the beautiful Nile River (from USD 57.0)
Set sail on the legendary Nile River, and take in the sights of Cairo in style on a chartered cruise boat. From the top deck of the boat, be mesmerised by the tranquil beauty of Egypt as you glide past illuminated mosques, bridges, historic buildings, and more. Enjoy live entertainment including belly dancing and traditional tannoura dancing, and sample food from a delicious buffet. A dinner cruise on the beautiful Nile River is truly one of the best ways to experience Egypt.
Nile River Dinner Cruise with Cultural Show, Private Transfers
Duration: 4 hours
2. Go snorkeling in the Red Sea off Dahab's coast
A hidden gem on the Red Sea coastline, Dahab is a beautiful beach with sand the colour of gold. But the true charm of Dahab lies under the water, where a mind-boggling variety of marine life abounds. Explore the coral reefs teeming with a variety of fish, like the puffer, unicorn, butterfly, anemones, eel, stingrays, etc, during a snorkelling trip. There are several great places to snorkel here including The Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, Napoleon Reef and more. With a year-round moderate water temperature, snorkelling off the Dahab coast in the Red Sea can be done any time of the year.
3. Enjoy a breathtaking hot air balloon ride (from USD 75.0)
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the ancient Egyptian city of Luxor by experiencing a hot air balloon ride. This activity offers an unparalleled perspective of the region’s timeless landmarks, including the Nile River and the Valley of the Kings, where many of Egypt’s pharaohs were buried. You’ll also enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and more.
This fun thing to do in Egypt begins early morning. Witness in awe as the balloon slowly ascends into the air, unveiling the magnificent landscapes of Luxor.
Luxor: Hot Air Balloon Ride before Sunrise
Duration: 3.0 hour
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4. Snorkel at Hurghada (from USD 33.01)
Located on Egypt’s stunning Red Sea coast, Hurghada is a sun-soaked paradise with a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its gorgeous beaches, clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life, it’s a haven for scuba divers, snorkelers, and sun-seekers alike.
The town is packed with various restaurants, bars, and cafes. Whether you’re looking to indulge in local Egyptian cuisine or sample international flavors, Hurghada has something for everyone.
Hurghada is also a hub for water sports, with activities ranging from parasailing and kite surfing to banana boat rides and jet skiing. For those who prefer to stay on land, there’s still plenty to do, including horseback riding, desert safaris, and camel treks.
Hurghada: Paradise Island Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch
Duration: 8.0 hour
5. Marvel at the towering Great Pyramid of Giza
As the biggest and the oldest pyramid in the Giza Pyramid Complex, the Great Pyramid of Giza is a must-visit site in Egypt. It was built around 2500 BC and stands tall at 138.8 metres (455 feet). This towering pyramid is truly breathtaking, and visitors can even go inside the pyramid to explore the chambers.
Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, this wonder of the ancient world is a testament to ancient Egypt’s advanced architectural techniques. Should you decide to jump on this unique thing to do in Egypt, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and if possible, try to visit in the early hours of the morning to beat the heat.
Great Pyramid of Giza
Address: Al Haram, Nazlet El-Semman, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: from 4.84 USD
6. Take a camel ride around Giza's pyramids
The Giza Pyramid Complex, also known as the Giza Necropolis, is vast and difficult to cover on foot. One of the most convenient ways to see the entire complex is via a camel ride. And finding a camel ride is not at all difficult for many vendors will approach you at the entrance of the complex; bargaining is recommended. During the camel ride, you will get to see all the pyramids and the sphinx, as well as have opportunities to take memorable pictures against the backdrop of Giza’s pyramids.
Giza Necropolis
Address: Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: from 9 USD
7. Tour the magnificent Abu Simbel rock temples
In Aswan, Egypt, visit the magnificent Abu Simbel temples that are part of the Nubian Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These massive rock temples are carved out of a mountain and have giant imposing statues of the pharaoh, Ramesses II, and other smaller statues of the royal family. Built around 1264 BCE, the temples have beautiful carvings that are intact and very well-preserved. You can also visit the interior of the temples to admire the various chambers, more beautiful carvings and learn about the history of the temples.
Abu Simbel Temples
Address: Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Opening hours: 5am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 13 USD
8. Admire intricate hieroglyphs in the temple of Luxor
Located on the banks of the Nile, the Luxor Temple Complex was constructed in approximately 1400 BCE. It contains a number of temples built by various kings of Ancient Egypt, like Amenhotep III, Ramesses II, Tutankhamun, etc. The beauty of the Luxor Temple lies in its intricate hieroglyphs that have stood the test of time and are still intact. Visitors are welcomed by an imposing obelisk at the entrance of the temple complex and inside; one can admire the colourful ceilings, well-preserved reliefs, and an amazing array of hieroglyphs.
Luxor Temple
Address: Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 9 USD
9. Visit the historic Islamic District of Cairo
A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, the Islamic District of Cairo, more commonly known as Islamic Cairo, is one of the oldest Islamic cities in the world. As you wander through the streets of historic Islamic Cairo, take in the beauty of the centuries-old traditional Arab-Islamic style architecture of the many mosques, mansions, tombs, inns, tombs, etc. The district still retains its old-world charm, and there are many quaint shops and cafes to explore here.
Islamic District of Cairo
Address: Kirdadah Al Gamaleyah Qesm Gamaleyah, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Opening hours: open 24 hours
10. Haggle for treasures in Cairo's bustling Khan el-Khalili souk
Located in the historic centre of Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili souk is a bustling market lined with shops and stalls selling all kinds of traditional handicrafts, textiles, and goods. This outdoor market is quite large and is a good place to pick up souvenirs and traditional Egyptian trinkets. From carpets through lamps to clothes, there are myriad treasures that you can haggle for at this busy market. Or you can simply pick a table at a local cafeteria and enjoy the liveliness with a cup of tea or coffee in hand.
Khan el-Khalili souk
Address: El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm
Mesmerising Egypt!
Home to many ancient wonders of the world, Egypt is a must-visit destination on any traveller’s bucket list. From the pyramids of Giza through the Islamic architecture of Cairo to the beauty of the Nile River, Egypt offers an amazing array of attractions to visitors. On your visit to this enchanting country, arm yourself with our list of the best things to do in Egypt to make the most of your time there.
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