Things to Do in Egypt: Top Attractions& Places to Visit

Egypt packs more world-famous landmarks into one country than almost anywhere on earth, so the hardest part of any trip is deciding what to leave out. The good news is that the best places to visit in Egypt cluster into a handful of regions, and once you understand that geography the itinerary almost writes itself.

Most first-time visitors begin in Cairo & Giza, home to the Pyramids, the Sphinx and the new Grand Egyptian Museum, before heading south to Luxor and Aswan for the great temples and the royal tombs — the stretch of the Nile that gives Egypt its reputation as an open-air museum. A short flight or a relaxing Nile cruise links the two, and many travellers add a few days on the Red Sea or in the calm of Siwa Oasis to balance the ancient monuments with sun, sea or silence.

When to go & how long to stay

The cooler months from October to April are ideal for the open-air temples and desert sites, while the Red Sea stays pleasant year-round. Allow a week to cover the headline ancient Egyptian monuments comfortably, and ten days or more if you want to weave in a cruise or a beach escape without rushing.

Tickets, guides and getting around

Each attraction below has its own visitor guide with opening details, ticket notes and the private tours that include it. On every Travel Joy Egypt experience a licensed Egyptologist handles the entry tickets and the logistics for you, so you can focus on the wonders in front of you rather than the queues.