Have you ever seen a living museum where history is not just fixed behind the glass? That’s exactly what Egypt is like. It is not just old rocks in the desert. It’s like a living history book where stories are carved into cliffs, hidden in tombs, and written on temple walls. If you’re into pharaohs or hidden ancient cities or just looking for a super fun trip, Egypt has what you need. In this guide, I’ll take you on a trip to Egypt, the land of pharaohs, where we are going to see some of the must-see landmarks in Egypt.
Top Landmarks to Visit in Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Now, if you are wondering where you should start, let’s start with the most famous place, the Pyramids of Giza. They are about 20 kilometres southwest of Cairo. You’ll see three main pyramids here. And did you know Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure are older than 4,500 years? The biggest one is Khufu’s Pyramid, which is also called the Great Pyramid. It was originally 146 meters tall. It’s also the only one still here from the very first list of the world’s seven greatest old buildings.
You’ll find the Great Sphinx next to the pyramids. It’s a really big stone statue. It has the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh. People who study history think it looks like King Khafre. If you are planning to visit and looking for a flight to Egypt from the UK, it’s best to go early in the morning so it’s not too hot and there aren’t too many people.
White Desert National Park
What if I tell you about a desert where the rocks are white and look like big mushrooms, sharp cones, or even animals, would you believe me? That’s the White Desert, which is about 500 kilometres (310 miles) southwest of Cairo. And do you know how these shapes are made? The wind made these cool shapes. And it feels like you’re on a different planet. If you love camping, hiking, or taking pictures, you’ll love this place. The best way to see it is to take a guided overnight trip from the nearby Bahariya Oasis. You’ll find a unique part of Egypt that is peaceful, far away, and full of amazing nature.
Luxor’s Karnak and Luxor Temples
Luxor is a city in southern Egypt, located right by the Nile River. Because it has so many old buildings, people often call it a huge open-air museum. The Karnak Temple complex is one of the biggest religious buildings ever built. You can find it there. It took over 2,000 years to build. It has giant pillars, tall stone monuments (obelisks), and big gates. You’ll find the Luxor Temple not too far away. It is mostly used for festivals and celebrations. You can watch a light and sound show at both temples in the evening. It’s like a story told with lights and voices, explaining their past. If you want to see the show, Karnak Temple costs about 220 EGP, and Luxor Temple costs about 180 EGP.
Abu Simbel Temples
A long time ago (in the 13th century BC), a very powerful Egyptian king named Ramses II built two special temples called Abu Simbel. The bigger temple is for him, and the smaller one is for his wife, Queen Nefertari. It’s close to Egypt’s border with Sudan. What makes Abu Simbel special is that it was moved. It was moved 65 meters up and 200 meters back in the 1960s to avoid being flooded by Lake Nasser, which came from the Aswan High Dam. It’s amazing how temples are built. Twice a year, a beam of sunlight goes all the way into the biggest temple’s deepest room. This trick still works, even after they moved the entire place. If you’re going to visit, make sure to bring important things like water, sunscreen, and a travel backpack. You’ll need them for the long walk from where you park.
Valley of the Kings
Do you know where old Egyptian kings, like King Tut, were buried? Well, if you go on the west side of the Nile River, there’s a spot called the Valley of the Kings. It is close to Luxor. They’ve found over 60 tombs there. Some of them are small and simple, but others are huge and decorated with beautiful art. You can go inside three tombs with a basic ticket. But if you want to see extra special tombs, like King Tut’s, you’ll have to pay a bit more for those (it’s 360 Egyptian Pounds for his). It’s smart to go early in the morning. That’s when it’s coolest and the best time to explore.
The Egyptian Museum (Cairo)
When you go in the middle of Tahrir Square (that’s a big open area), there’s a huge building called the Egyptian Museum. It is full of more than 12,000 old and cool things.
The most famous things you’ll see there are all the amazing items found with King Tut. You can see his shiny gold mask, all his pretty jewellery, and even the chariots he used long ago. But even with that new one coming, the original Egyptian Museum is still an amazing place to visit if you like history. You need a ticket for 200 Egyptian Pounds to get in.
Alexandria’s Roman Landmarks
Did you know Alexandria was built by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, and it was a really important place for Greek and Roman culture?. Even though its famous Library is no longer there, you can still visit the Roman Theatre, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. That’s one of the biggest Roman places where people were buried in Egypt. If you visit Alexandria now, you can see old places that tell you about its Greek and Roman history. You’ll find underground tunnels or tombs there. And they’re exciting because they combine Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art styles.
Islamic Cairo
Don’t forget that Cairo has more than just ancient sites. Islamic Cairo is a very old part of the city where you can see the Cairo Citadel, built by Saladin in the 12th century, and the amazing Mosque of Muhammad Ali. It’s a great place to see old Islamic buildings, from mosques built long ago to houses from Ottoman times. You’ll also find Khan El-Khalili here, one of the oldest big markets in the Middle East. The cost to enter the Citadel is about 200 EGP, and that includes seeing different mosques and museums there.
Final Thoughts
If you ever made a wish that you could step back in time, go to Egypt. Trust me, your wish will come true. You will realise that it feels the same. It’s like you are in the history book, seeing everything with your eyes. You will feel it in the air of Egypt. And these places are not just places where you take pictures and go, they tell the stories from thousands of years ago. If you’re planning a trip, many airlines can take you to Egypt easily. EgyptAir, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines are some of the top options, with good service. When you reach there, make sure these spots are at the very top of your list.
