Egypt is a country in Northeast Africa that also connects to the Middle East. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years to the time of the pharaohs. Along the Nile River, you can find ancient landmarks like the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx in Giza, as well as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. In Cairo, the capital, visitors can explore the Egyptian Museum, full of ancient treasures, and the beautiful Muhammad Ali Mosque. Alexandria, on the Mediterranean coast, has Roman and Greek sites like Pompey’s Pillar and the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. In the Sinai Peninsula, you’ll find Mount Sinai and beach resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh, famous for snorkeling and diving in Ras Mohammed National Park. In the far south, the temples of Abu Simbel, built for Pharaoh Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari, were moved to protect them from the Nile’s rising waters. Much of Egypt is desert, and visitors can go on safari tours into the Sahara by camel or jeep.
Places to visit in Egypt
Abu Simbel Temples
The Abu Simbel Temples are two large rock-cut temples located in southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. They were carved into a cliff during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC. These temples are part of the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments and were moved to their current spot to protect them from rising waters after Lake Nasser was created.
Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx of Giza is a huge limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a man, believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre. It faces east and is located on the Giza Plateau near the pyramids, on the west bank of the Nile River.
Karnak Temple
Karnak is a vast temple complex near Luxor, made up of temples, chapels, and other ancient structures. It was the main religious center during the reign of the Eighteenth Dynasty and is dedicated to the god Amun. It is one of Egypt’s most famous and visited historical sites.
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is a burial site for many pharaohs and nobles of ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom. It is located on the west side of the Nile near Luxor. The valley contains more than 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple is an ancient temple located in the center of Luxor city, on the east bank of the Nile. It was built around 1400 BC and is known as “the southern sanctuary.” It was used for religious ceremonies and is beautifully lit at night.
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai, also known as Jabal Musa, is located in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. It is believed to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. At its summit are a mosque and a small Greek Orthodox chapel. Nearby is the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery.
Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis is a remote and peaceful place in Egypt’s Western Desert, close to the Libyan border. It is famous for its natural springs and the ruins of the ancient Temple of the Oracle, which was once visited by Alexander the Great.
Lake Nasser
Lake Nasser is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, stretching across southern Egypt and northern Sudan. It was formed after the building of the Aswan High Dam. Tourists often take cruises on the lake to see ancient temples, especially the famous Abu Simbel.
Temple of Edfu
The Temple of Edfu is located on the Nile’s west bank in Edfu. It is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt, built between 237 and 57 BC during the Ptolemaic period. It is dedicated to the falcon god Horus and features detailed inscriptions.
Deir el-Bahari
Deir el-Bahari is a group of mortuary temples and tombs on the west bank of the Nile, near Luxor. It was built for pharaohs of the Middle and New Kingdoms, including the famous Temple of Hatshepsut. It is part of the Theban Necropolis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top destinations in Egypt
Cairo
Cairo is Egypt’s large and lively capital, located along the Nile River. It’s home to Tahrir Square and the famous Egyptian Museum, which holds ancient treasures like royal mummies and King Tutankhamun’s golden items. Just outside Cairo, you’ll find the famous Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The Cairo Tower, standing 187 meters tall, offers amazing views of the city from Zamalek on Gezira Island.
Luxor
Luxor is a city in southern Egypt, sitting on the east bank of the Nile River. It stands where the ancient city of Thebes once thrived during the time of the pharaohs. Two of Egypt’s most famous temples—Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple—are located here. Across the river, on the west bank, are the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, where many royal tombs are found.
Alexandria
Alexandria is a port city on the Mediterranean Sea in northern Egypt. In ancient times, it was known for its huge lighthouse and legendary library. Today, the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina honors that legacy. The city features Greco-Roman ruins, cozy old-style cafes, and sandy beaches. The 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel, built by the sea, now serves as a museum.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April when the weather is cooler and more pleasant.
Summer (May to September) can be extremely hot, especially in desert areas.
Winter months (December to February) offer mild days but chilly nights, particularly in the desert.
This season is perfect for exploring ancient sites and enjoying Nile cruises.
It’s also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds at major attractions.
