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13 Most Worthwhile Things To Do In Egypt
Don't miss out on any of these adventure and fun things to do that Eygpt offers. It is the best tourist attraction that must figure on your bucket list.
Egypt has been a shining, ancient attraction for visitors and explorers from all over the world. It's ancient pyramids and temples have attracted people like magnets to dig down the hidden stories and treasures of the kings and queens who once lived here. There's a long list of best things to do in Egypt that we would be discussing here.
Well, apart from ancient treasures this place also boasts some great natural wonders. While you got to be at the banks of the longest river Nile there's plenty of adventure and relaxation waiting at the Red Sea coast. Read further to know what is best done in Egypt.
Cairo holds on to a history that was ruled by different kingdoms and has lived in varied cultures. The multicultured heritage reminiscing of the Romans, Coptic Christians, Islamic caliphs, Byzantines, Ottomans, Mamluks, and British Colonialists is worth a watch. Variation in cultures reflects well in the architecture here.
There are several landmarks and heritage sites that you can explore easily by taking up a walking tour here. These include the Hanging Church or Al-Azhar Mosque, the medieval Cairo Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, and many more.
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza sits on the outskirts of Cairo. Moreover, only the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three pyramid complexes, is still standing.
The pyramids were built around 4,500 years ago and this fact makes there existence even more interesting. The Sphinx lies right in front of the pyramids. It is a cat-like structure that is said to be carved out of one single stone.
The city of Luxor is established on the top of the ancient pharaonic capital pf Thebes, on the east bank of River Nile. The statues, temples, and monuments here are proof of the city's grandeur. Observing the magnificent Luxor temple is one of the top things to do in Egypt. It was commissioned in the late 14th century by Amenhotep III.
The temple is guarded by the monumental statues of Ramesses II. Walking in between them is a great experience and pleasure for a lifetime.
This extravagant Theban metropolis sits across the river from Luxor. The Valley Of Kings is home to over 60 subterranean tombs where the mummies of the New Kingdom Pharaohs sleep from the 16th century BC.
The pharaohs were said to be buried with some spectacular hieroglyphs and all of their worldly treasure. The tomb of the boy king, Tutankhamun is the most popular here. You may be required to pay an extra amount to take that tour though.
This is yet another among the most popular things to do in Egypt. These two temples at Abu Simbel were known to be built during the 13th century BC. They were dedicated to Ramesses II and Nefertari, his queen. In order to prevent any damages during floods, these monumental statues were relocated to another higher ground in the 1960s.
There are four colossal statues of Ramesses II at the entrance, guarding the temple. The Abu Simbel Tour lets you explore the other eight enormous statues that depict the pharaoh in some of his most defied forms.
Pyramid of Djoser is one of the worth visits for travelers who are passionate about exploring more of historical events. It is situated in Saqqara which was the necropolis of ancient Memphis to the south of Cairo.
Built-in the 27th century BC, this pyramid used the stepped style that pre-dates the smooth-sided pyramids of Giza. It is also the oldest stone-cut monument in the entire world. A day tour to Saqqara from Cairo would be a great decision.
The Karnak Temple is situated in the North of Luxor. Karnak was regarded as a place of great importance among the 18th Dynasty pharaohs. It later became the major place of worship for the ancient Thebans.
You can walk through the amazing temples and sanctuaries dedicated to the Theban Triad. The Temple of Amun-Ra is the largest here. Also, you may be asked for an extra payment to enter it.
The Philae temple complex was known to be built by Nectanebo I. Later there were a few additions brought in by Ptolemaic and Roman rulers till the 3rd century AD. This place offers an architectural depiction of Egypt's transition from paganism to Christianity.
In the modern times, the temple was relocated brick to brick to the Agilkia Island due to the flooding at Philae Island. This was during the construction of the Aswan Dam.
Most of the top things to do in Egypt include ancient historical and monumental explorations and this is one among them. The Temple of Kom Ombo is special for its symmetrical nature. One of the two symmetrical halves is dedicated to Horus the Elder and the other one is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god.
There's an identical entrance for both the halves. Most of the temples and sanctuaries here still have traces of their original color. The Crocodile Museum nearby is a worthwhile attraction with several mummified crocodiles inside.
Although not the oldest, the Temple of Horus is one of the best-preserved temples situated in Edfu. It is a sandstone structure built by the Ptolemaic kings between 237 and 57 BC. They dedicated this creation to the cult of the falcon god Horus.
Later when paganism abolished, the temple was filled with desert sand, being abandoned. This is how the fabulous statues and reliefs here, remained intact.
If you've wanted to enjoy the best of diving, water sports, and the sun, Hurghada is one of the best luxury getaways. It holds on to various luxurious, 5-star hotels and spas with sprawling pools, spectacular landscapes, and fine-dining experiences. The Giftun Islands offshore is an idyllic destination for a day-trip.
The Aswan Dam opens doorways to modern history in Egypt. It was built with the motive to control flooding in the River Nile and generate hydroelectricity. This dam made a huge impact on the Egyptian economy being the largest project by the post-revolution government.
The Unfinished Obelisk and Philae temple complex are some major attractions here. You may consider taking up a tour from Aswan City.
Quite surprisingly, Egypt offers great opportunities for underwater explorations. Read our blog: Underwater Adventure: 9 Best Scuba Diving Destinations In Egypt for more details and plan some of the best day trips. Beach lovers are probably going to love this. Undeniably it's one of the best things to do in Egypt.
Plan it well.
Keep Traveling!
Top Things To Do In Egypt
1. History And Cultural Mixes At Cairo
Cairo holds on to a history that was ruled by different kingdoms and has lived in varied cultures. The multicultured heritage reminiscing of the Romans, Coptic Christians, Islamic caliphs, Byzantines, Ottomans, Mamluks, and British Colonialists is worth a watch. Variation in cultures reflects well in the architecture here.
There are several landmarks and heritage sites that you can explore easily by taking up a walking tour here. These include the Hanging Church or Al-Azhar Mosque, the medieval Cairo Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, and many more.
Also Read: 5 Ancient Greek Theatres You Can Still Visit For A Show
2. The Ancient Pyramids Of Giza
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza sits on the outskirts of Cairo. Moreover, only the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three pyramid complexes, is still standing.
The pyramids were built around 4,500 years ago and this fact makes there existence even more interesting. The Sphinx lies right in front of the pyramids. It is a cat-like structure that is said to be carved out of one single stone.
3. The Ancient Monuments At Luxor
The city of Luxor is established on the top of the ancient pharaonic capital pf Thebes, on the east bank of River Nile. The statues, temples, and monuments here are proof of the city's grandeur. Observing the magnificent Luxor temple is one of the top things to do in Egypt. It was commissioned in the late 14th century by Amenhotep III.
The temple is guarded by the monumental statues of Ramesses II. Walking in between them is a great experience and pleasure for a lifetime.
4. The Valley Of Kings
This extravagant Theban metropolis sits across the river from Luxor. The Valley Of Kings is home to over 60 subterranean tombs where the mummies of the New Kingdom Pharaohs sleep from the 16th century BC.
The pharaohs were said to be buried with some spectacular hieroglyphs and all of their worldly treasure. The tomb of the boy king, Tutankhamun is the most popular here. You may be required to pay an extra amount to take that tour though.
5. Visit The Abu Simbel Temple
This is yet another among the most popular things to do in Egypt. These two temples at Abu Simbel were known to be built during the 13th century BC. They were dedicated to Ramesses II and Nefertari, his queen. In order to prevent any damages during floods, these monumental statues were relocated to another higher ground in the 1960s.
There are four colossal statues of Ramesses II at the entrance, guarding the temple. The Abu Simbel Tour lets you explore the other eight enormous statues that depict the pharaoh in some of his most defied forms.
6. The Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
Pyramid of Djoser is one of the worth visits for travelers who are passionate about exploring more of historical events. It is situated in Saqqara which was the necropolis of ancient Memphis to the south of Cairo.
Built-in the 27th century BC, this pyramid used the stepped style that pre-dates the smooth-sided pyramids of Giza. It is also the oldest stone-cut monument in the entire world. A day tour to Saqqara from Cairo would be a great decision.
7. The Ancient Karnak Temple
The Karnak Temple is situated in the North of Luxor. Karnak was regarded as a place of great importance among the 18th Dynasty pharaohs. It later became the major place of worship for the ancient Thebans.
You can walk through the amazing temples and sanctuaries dedicated to the Theban Triad. The Temple of Amun-Ra is the largest here. Also, you may be asked for an extra payment to enter it.
8. Observe The Modern And Ancient Events At Philae
The Philae temple complex was known to be built by Nectanebo I. Later there were a few additions brought in by Ptolemaic and Roman rulers till the 3rd century AD. This place offers an architectural depiction of Egypt's transition from paganism to Christianity.
In the modern times, the temple was relocated brick to brick to the Agilkia Island due to the flooding at Philae Island. This was during the construction of the Aswan Dam.
Also Read: 15 Exotic Summer Honeymoon Destinations In Asia
9. Visit The Temple Of Kom Ombo
Most of the top things to do in Egypt include ancient historical and monumental explorations and this is one among them. The Temple of Kom Ombo is special for its symmetrical nature. One of the two symmetrical halves is dedicated to Horus the Elder and the other one is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god.
There's an identical entrance for both the halves. Most of the temples and sanctuaries here still have traces of their original color. The Crocodile Museum nearby is a worthwhile attraction with several mummified crocodiles inside.
10. The Temple of Horus
Although not the oldest, the Temple of Horus is one of the best-preserved temples situated in Edfu. It is a sandstone structure built by the Ptolemaic kings between 237 and 57 BC. They dedicated this creation to the cult of the falcon god Horus.
Later when paganism abolished, the temple was filled with desert sand, being abandoned. This is how the fabulous statues and reliefs here, remained intact.
11. Seek A Luxury Stay At A Hurghada Resort
If you've wanted to enjoy the best of diving, water sports, and the sun, Hurghada is one of the best luxury getaways. It holds on to various luxurious, 5-star hotels and spas with sprawling pools, spectacular landscapes, and fine-dining experiences. The Giftun Islands offshore is an idyllic destination for a day-trip.
12. Visit The Aswan Dam
The Aswan Dam opens doorways to modern history in Egypt. It was built with the motive to control flooding in the River Nile and generate hydroelectricity. This dam made a huge impact on the Egyptian economy being the largest project by the post-revolution government.
The Unfinished Obelisk and Philae temple complex are some major attractions here. You may consider taking up a tour from Aswan City.
13. Scuba Diving And Watersports
Quite surprisingly, Egypt offers great opportunities for underwater explorations. Read our blog: Underwater Adventure: 9 Best Scuba Diving Destinations In Egypt for more details and plan some of the best day trips. Beach lovers are probably going to love this. Undeniably it's one of the best things to do in Egypt.
Plan it well.
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