Top 20 Spellbinding Places to Discover in Egypt

One of the oldest tourist destinations in the world, Egypt, has a collection of world-famous ancient sites and legendary national treasures that have been wowing crowds for centuries. Beauty is subjective, but in my opinion, the country isn’t short on places that could be considered very beautiful!

From world-famous historical sites to hippy-dwelling laid-back beach resorts, here are my favourite places…

1. Alexandria

Sharing the same stretch of coast as Tunisia and Libya, Egypt’s second-largest city feels as Mediterranean and cosmopolitan as Marseille or Athens. It was once a very fashionable city known for its époque buildings and grand squares. Although its charms have faded a little, I still think it should be added to your list!

For peace, head to the regal Montazah Palace Gardens, or for your history and architecture fix, try the Citadel of Qaitbay, an impressive-looking 15th-century fortress.

Alternatively, choose one of the many antique coffee houses, sip coffee, and puff on a water pipe while looking out over the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Cairo

Once you get over the chaos, culture shock, and in-your-face touts, this city is a traveller’s dream! History fans will also be in their element here, with age-old traditions perfectly preserved in every city corner.

Of course, there is also an endless supply of ancient temples, tombs, churches, monuments, and museums to explore.

Don’t leave without visiting the famous Khan el-Khalili souk or other street markets, especially if you want to stock up on exotic-looking carpets and brass trinkets! 

3. The Red Sea Coast

A highlight of many travellers to Egypt is Sharm el Sheik, a holiday resort filled with luxury hotels, casinos, nightclubs, and tourists getting their sun, sea, and sand fixes. Sharm el-Sheikh holidays are very popular, although the real beauty of this area is the Red Sea.

The Red Sea’s clear azure waters and an incredible amount of exotic fish and coral are why it is so highly regarded as a diving destination.

It arguably offers some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling experiences. Grab some scuba gear (and an experienced instructor) and take a look for yourself! 

4. Pyramids at Giza

A world-famous attraction, I think no visitor should leave without visiting the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza. They are the only remaining seven wonders of the world of the ancient world and over 4600 years old.

They’re an imposing sight, and the whole complex is still mysterious.

If time is an issue, you can see the main parts of the Pyramid site in around 2 hours, but if your schedule allows, you should spend a full day in this area.

5. Luxor

I personally think this is one of the best cities to explore in Egypt. Only a few places in the world could be called open-air museums, but the Egyptian city of Luxor is one of them.

The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unparalleled anywhere else in the world, and I think a trip here wouldn’t be complete without a visit.

Spend a day or two at the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, which each house over 60 carved underground tombs. I also recommend visiting the very impressive Luxor and Karnak temples! 

6. The Nile River

The best way to explore one of the world’s most famous rivers is by a cruise lasting more than a few days. The stunning Nile is filled with interesting flora and fauna, and a trip to this Egyptian delight will give you an interesting insight into the rural parts of the country.

You’ll also get to stop at plenty of famous temples and other ancient sites of interest. However, if boats are not your thing, head for the banks of Aswan to watch the sunset on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Nile.

7. Dahab

Dahab is a laid-back resort town on the Sinai Peninsula’s Southeast coast. This beautiful town attracts hippies and travellers who want to stay in a peaceful location that isn’t packed with tourists year-round. I’m a huge fan of Dahab, mostly because of its laid-back boho vibe!

You will enjoy the golden sandy beaches with incredible ocean views that stretch across the Gulf to Saudi Arabia’s Hijaz Mountains.

There is plenty of beauty under the water, with corals and marine fauna, so Dahab is considered one of the best locations for scuba diving and snorkelling on the peninsula.

The famous Blue Hole is also located near Dahab — a gaping sinkhole carved into a reef. Its beautiful sparkling-blue water is an amazing sight. You can also venture into the Bedouin desert to the West of Dahab.

8. Mount Sinai

If you stay in the Cairo area, this will be a 1-2 day trip. However, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is definitely worth the journey and has a different feel from the rest of the country.

Mount Sinai is a popular attraction. It has huge religious significance and is mentioned many times in the Book of Exodus, the Bible, and the Quran.

In Christianity, it’s the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Hiking this holy mountain is a popular activity, and many even choose to hike through the night or stay in a lodge to wake up early (2 or 3 am) and watch a sunrise of biblical proportions.

9. Saint Catherine’s Monastery 

Saint Catherine’s Monastery is just below Mount Sinai. It’s an ancient and significant tourist site that has UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is, in fact, the oldest working monastery in the world. St.Catherine’s is an unusual and strangely beautiful building juxtaposed against acres of dry, arid landscapes.

You can find the water well where Moses met his wife, see the ancestor of the famous burning bush, and look at the cage of old monks’ skulls. Macabrely, you can also see what is said to be the preserved hand of the real Saint Catherine.

10. Siwa Oasis

Located off the beaten track between the Qattara Depression and the Egyptian Sand Sea (in the Libyan Desert) it has its own distinct Siwan culture which differs from the mainstream Arabic culture.

The Siwans speak their language, and this area is known for its hot springs, fine jewellery, and tasty dates and olives. Take a trip here and kick back for a while, swim, or try your luck at sandboarding.

11. White Desert

The fabled White Desert of Egypt is a very interesting area. It can be found 28 miles north of the town of Farafra. The desert has an otherworldly beauty with bizarre, ghost-white rock formations sprouting from the desert sands.

The strange structures are huge chalk formations created by occasional sandstorms in the area. For a surreal experience, take a four-wheel drive through the desert or stay overnight.

12. Hurghada

Hurghada is a stunning resort town located on the Northeast coast of Egypt, just below the Gulf of Suez. A better description of Hurghada would be the Hurghada Riviera, which stretches 40 miles along the Red Sea Coast and is home to many luxurious resorts.

Originally a fishing town, Hurghada has grown quickly over the past few decades to become a tourist hotspot. The region offers many excellent restaurants, tourist attractions, and accommodation options.

This includes luxurious resorts like Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna, making it the perfect location to be pampered. However, the highlight of this destination is the stunning natural beauty of Hurghada.

There are many pristine beaches with bright white sand and crystal clear water. The coastline is also dotted with coral reefs, so Hurghada is one of the country’s most popular locations for diving and snorkelling.

If you intend to explore the reefs, check out Careless Reef, Giftun Islands, and Omo Gamaar. You can also swim with the dolphins off the coast of the Aden Beach Resort.

Finally, be sure to visit the Eastern Arabian Desert. Many tours are available, and activities include quad biking and visiting historical sites.

13. The Fjord Bay (Taba)

This colourful little town is located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Despite its small size, it can get busy because it is used as a border crossing into Israel.

Many attractions around Taba include Red Sea Water World Taba Heights, Castle Zaman, Canyon Motor Sports, and the stunning Salah El-Din Castle.

The landscape is gorgeous, and you will be constantly amazed by the scenic locations. Fjord Bay is a short drive from Taba.

It is a natural bay that has become a popular spot for swimming, diving, hiking, climbing, boating, and many other outdoor activities. The bay is surrounded by rolling hills which gently sweep down to the stunning aqua-blue water. It is a picturesque location that you won’t forget.

14. Aswan

Aswan is a historic city on the southern end of the Nile River. It’s a gorgeous metropolis in an idyllic location with a pristine natural environment and scenic views.

In addition to being situated in a picturesque part of Egypt, the city is packed with many amazing ancient buildings that give it a delightful ambience.

Aswan is one of the oldest cities in the country and has a rich history dating back many thousands of years. It is a beautiful city with many locations, including the Aswan Botanical Gardens, Ruins of Abu, Tombs of the Nobles, and Elephantine Island.

It is the perfect location for learning more about Egypt’s rich culture and vast history.

15. Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples are one of Egypt’s most instantly recognisable historical sights.

The ancient Egyptians built massive rock temples between 1264 BC and 1244 BC. Known as the Temple of Ramesses, beloved by Amun, they are one of six rock templates built in Nubia during the reign of Ramesses II.

The scale of the Abu Simbel Temples is incredible. They have a timeless beauty that continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

16. Nuweiba

Nuweiba is a coastal town on the East coast of the Sinai peninsula. It’s an attractive city for holidays, surrounded by the pristine aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba and the bright red sands of Sinai.

There are many beautiful sights to see in Nuweiba, including the Coloured Canyon, a narrow trail surrounded by beautifully coloured rock formations.

You will be amazed by the colour variations in the rocks, which range from dark purple to bright yellow. Bedouin tour guides will help you through the canyons and explain the significance of the canyon in their culture.

Another must-see experience near Nuweiba is Ain Khudra, a natural oasis near the town. It is often used as a hiking destination and place to meditate.

The beautiful palm trees and tranquil water pool are stunning. Many incredible natural rock sculptures and carvings surround this area.

There are also plenty of locations to dive off the coast of Nuweiba, including Duna Reef and Coral Island. The coral is plentiful, and you will enjoy the diverse marine flora.

17. Berenice (Baranis)

Located in the Red Sea Governorate, Berenice was founded as a trading port in 275 BC and quickly became an important economic centre in the region.

One of the most exciting locations near Berenice is the Temple of Semiramis, built by Trajan and Tiberius. This large Roman temple is in excellent condition and is one of the most impressive sights in the region.

The temple’s outer walls are adorned with various artworks, including depictions of Emperor Tiberius before the god Min and the deity of the Green Mines (located nearby).

The coast of Berenice has many pristine natural bays and coves to enjoy. You can also explore the stunning island of Zabargad, previously mined for a semi-precious gem named olivine.

This area offers breathtaking views and plenty of marine life. It’s also a great place to go snorkelling, diving, or relaxing on one of the many beaches.

18. Marsa Alam 

Marsa Alam is another gorgeous resort town on the Red Sea. It’s renowned for its pristine beaches and numerous coral reefs. Abu Dabab Bay is one of the most popular locations for visitors to Marsa Alam.

It is a U-shaped natural bay with crystal clear water and plenty of wildlife, including turtles, dugongs, and dolphins.

The Wadi el-Gemal National Park is just south of the town. It is a large park with a varied landscape, including islands, deserts, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. You can spend many days exploring this national park and marvelling at its spectacular beauty.

19. Rosetta

Rosetta (also called Ar Rashid) is a city located on the western bank of the Nile River, 65km Northeast of Alexandria. Founded in the 9th century, Rosetta has an interesting history, incredible architecture and vibrant culture.

Rosetta is mostly known for being the birthplace of the Rosetta Stone, which was used to translate ancient Egyptian into Ancient Greek. Because of this—and its beauty, of course—it’s a top attraction in Egpyt.

Rosetta is a beautiful metropolis with amazing Islamic architecture and many lovely public spaces. You will enjoy wandering the winding streets and admiring the ancient mansions of Rosetta.

Many three or four-story homes lined the streets with beautiful rustic brickwork and detailed mouldings.

20. Al Badari

Al Badari, also known as El Badari, is located on the East bank of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. It is world-famous because the British discovered ancient cemeteries there in the 1920s.

The most popular cemeteries are Mostageddan and Dier, which contain incredible ancient Egyptian sculptures and architecture.

They also contain some very old gravesites, with archaeologists finding graves between 5500 BC and 4000 BC. 

It’s always a good idea to check up-to-date government travel safety advice before you travel.