The Top 10 Places to Visit in Egypt
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Egypt is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks of the ancient world, as well as stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Whether you are interested in exploring The pyramids, Temples, and Tombs of the pharaohs, cruising along the Nile River, diving in the Red Sea, or experiencing the modern life of Cairo, there is something for everyone in Egypt.
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Egypt that you should not miss.
The pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and they are guarded by the mysterious Sphinx, a half-human, half-lion statue. The pyramids are a marvel of engineering and architecture, and they offer a glimpse into the ancient civilization that created them.
2. Luxor
Luxor is often called the world’s largest open-air museum, as it is filled with ancient temples and tombs. Luxor was the capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom period, and it was the site of many religious ceremonies and festivals.
The most famous attractions in Luxor are the Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built, and the Luxor Temple, a magnificent example of ancient Egyptian art and architecture.
On the west bank of the Nile, you can visit the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs were buried in elaborate tombs, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the few female rulers of ancient Egypt.
3. Aswan
Aswan is a picturesque city on the Nile, known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic views. Aswan is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the river, as you can take a felucca (traditional sailboat) ride, visit the botanical gardens on Kitchener’s Island, or watch the sunset from the Old Cataract Hotel.
Aswan is also the gateway to some of the most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt, such as the Temples of Abu Simbel, carved out of the rock by the pharaoh Ramses II, and the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
4. Cairo
Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt, and it is a vibrant and chaotic metropolis that offers a contrast between the old and the new.
Cairo is the cultural, political, and economic center of the country, and it has a rich and diverse heritage. You can visit the Egyptian Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
You can also explore the Islamic Cairo, where you can admire the mosques, madrasas, and bazaars of the medieval era. Cairo is also a great base to visit the nearby attractions, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Saqqara Necropolis, and the Coptic Cairo.
Sharm El Sheikh is a popular resort town on the Sinai Peninsula, famous for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Sharm El Sheikh is a paradise for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts, as it offers some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world. You can explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life of the Ras Mohammed National Park, or visit the shipwrecks of the Thistlegorm and the Dunraven.
Sharm El Sheikh is also a great base to discover the natural and cultural attractions of the Sinai, such as the Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and the Saint Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world.
6. Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring sites of ancient Egypt. It consists of two massive temples carved out of the mountainside by the pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC.
The temples were built to commemorate his victory over the Hittites at the Battle of Kadesh, and to honor his wife Nefertari and the gods.
The temples are famous for their colossal statues of Ramses II and his wife, as well as their intricate reliefs and paintings. The temples are also remarkable for their engineering feat, as they were relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam.
7. Alexandria
Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt, and it was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC.
Alexandria was once the center of learning and culture in the ancient world, and it was home to the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Library of Alexandria, the largest and most prestigious library of its time.
Today, Alexandria is a modern and cosmopolitan city, with a Mediterranean flair and a rich history. You can visit the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the lighthouse, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a stunning modern library that pays tribute to the ancient one, and the Roman Amphitheater, the only one of its kind in Egypt.
8. Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis is a remote and beautiful oasis in the Western Desert, near the border with Libya. Siwa Oasis is one of the most unique and authentic places to visit in Egypt, as it has a distinct culture and language that differs from the rest of the country.
Siwa Oasis is known for its natural springs, palm groves, and salt lakes, as well as its ancient ruins and temples. You can visit the Temple of the Oracle, where Alexander the Great consulted the god Amun, the Mountain of the Dead, where the ancient Siwans buried their dead in rock-cut tombs, and the Shali Fortress, a mud-brick citadel that was the center of the oasis until the 20th century.
