Best Places to Visit in Egypt: A Region-by-Region Guide

For a first trip, the best places to visit in Egypt are Cairo and Giza, Luxor and Aswan, usually joined by a Nile cruise, with Abu Simbel as an extra if time allows. Add a few days on the Red Sea for beaches and snorkeling, and consider Alexandria, Siwa, or the White Desert if you want something different from the classic route.

Egypt is large, and the sights are spread along a long river and across several deserts. The mistake first-time visitors make is trying to see everything. The better approach is to pick a region or two that match what you enjoy, understand how far apart they are, and give each enough time. This guide is organized by region and interest so you can see where each place fits. Throughout it we link to our detailed guides, because a short summary here cannot replace the practical advice they contain.

At a glance

Cairo and Giza: the starting point for most trips

Almost everyone arrives in Cairo, and it deserves more than a night. The city mixes ancient, medieval, and modern layers, and it is also the base for the pyramids.

The pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still stands, and the plateau also holds the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. Read our practical guide to the Pyramids of Giza and what time of day is best for the pyramids before you go, and see our Giza travel guide and the Giza destination page.

The Grand Egyptian Museum. Beside the plateau, this is among the largest museums in the world devoted to a single civilization. Allow a generous half day: our guide to how much time to allow is realistic, and our practical visitor guide explains what to see. The older Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square remains worth a visit for its atmosphere.

Medieval and Coptic Cairo. Islamic Cairo has hundreds of mosques, madrasas, and gates, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar is a well-known market. Start with our guide to Islamic Cairo, the Citadel of Saladin and Coptic Cairo, where some of Egypt's oldest churches stand.

Saqqara and Dahshur. South of Giza, the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is one of the oldest large stone buildings in the world, and Dahshur has the Bent and Red Pyramids, which are usually much quieter than Giza. See Saqqara vs Giza and the Saqqara and Dahshur destination page.

Plan Cairo with Cairo in two days or three days, and see the Cairo destination page and our Cairo travel guide.

Luxor: the great open-air museum

Luxor is built on the site of ancient Thebes, the New Kingdom capital, and it holds a very large number of major monuments. The Nile divides it into an East Bank of temples and a West Bank of tombs; our guide to understanding the two banks is a useful first read.

• Karnak Temple. A vast complex built and added to over many centuries. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with 134 columns, is its most famous space.
• Luxor Temple. Smaller and central, and especially atmospheric when lit in the evening. See our Luxor Temple visitor guide.
• Valley of the Kings. The rock-cut tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. There are more than 60 tombs, but only a selection is open at any time.
• Temple of Hatshepsut. A terraced mortuary temple set against the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari.
• Medinet Habu, Deir el-Medina, and the Valley of the Queens reward a third day.

Start with What to See in Luxor, decide how long to stay with how many days Luxor needs, and see the Luxor destination page and Luxor travel guide. If you want a sunrise balloon flight, read first whether a Luxor balloon is worth it.

Aswan and Abu Simbel: the quiet south

Aswan is smaller and calmer than Luxor. The Nile here is dotted with granite islands, and the city has a distinct Nubian culture. Highlights include the Philae temple of Isis, which was moved to a new island to save it from the rising waters behind the Aswan dams, Elephantine Island, a felucca sail at sunset and a visit to a Nubian village. See What to See in Aswan, Aswan in two days, felucca sailing in Aswan, visiting a Nubian village and the Aswan destination page.

Abu Simbel. Ramesses II had two temples cut into the cliff beside Lake Nasser. In the 1960s they were cut into blocks and rebuilt on higher ground to save them from the lake behind the new High Dam. The site is far south, so most visitors go on a long day trip from Aswan by road or fly. Our guide to whether Abu Simbel is worth the effort and how to visit from Aswan help you decide. The temple's inner sanctuary is lit by the sun on two days a year, in late February and late October; see the Abu Simbel sun festival guide if that interests you.

The Nile between Luxor and Aswan

Between the two cities, the temples of Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo sit on or near the river. Edfu is one of the best preserved temples in Egypt, and Kom Ombo is a double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Most visitors see them on a Nile cruise, which combines travel, accommodation and sightseeing and means you unpack only once. Start with our Nile cruise guide and how to choose a Nile cruise, then see which temples you will visit, and compare cruises on our Nile cruises page. If you prefer more time on land, Cairo, Luxor and Aswan by flight or train works well too.

North of Luxor, Dendera (the temple of Hathor) and Abydos (the temple of Seti I) make fine day trips: see Dendera from Luxor and Abydos and Dendera.

The Red Sea: beaches, reefs, and resorts

The Red Sea coast is where many travelers rest after the temples. It is warm for much of the year and has well-known coral reefs.

• Hurghada is a large resort area, with a wide range of hotels and boat trips. See the Hurghada travel guide and is Hurghada worth adding?
• El Gouna is a planned, upmarket resort town built around lagoons. Compare it in El Gouna or Hurghada?
• Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay offer quieter resort stays south of Hurghada.
• Marsa Alam is a quieter coast with well-regarded reefs and a better chance of seeing sea turtles; see Marsa Alam or Hurghada?
• Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab are on the Sinai side. Sharm is a big resort area; Dahab is a relaxed town popular with divers and independent travelers. See the Sharm El Sheikh guide and the Dahab guide.

To decide between them, read Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?, and to see whether the coast belongs on your itinerary, read should you add the Red Sea? and how many Red Sea days to add.

Sinai: Saint Catherine and Mount Sinai

In the south Sinai mountains, Saint Catherine's Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world. Nearby Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) is traditionally linked with Moses receiving the Ten Commandments, and many visitors climb it before dawn for the sunrise view. Conditions are cold on the summit in winter, and the climb is demanding. Check current access and travel advice before planning, and see the Saint Catherine destination page.

The Mediterranean coast: Alexandria and El Alamein

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and has a very different feel from the rest of Egypt, with a seafront corniche, a rebuilt library and Greco-Roman and medieval sites. It works as a day trip from Cairo or an overnight stay. See What to See in Alexandria, is Alexandria worth it? and Cairo to Alexandria: day trip or overnight?. Further west, El Alamein is known for its World War II cemeteries and for summer beach resorts; see the El Alamein destination page.

The deserts and oases

For landscapes instead of temples:

• Siwa Oasis, near the Libyan border, has palm groves, salt lakes, hot springs, and a distinct Amazigh (Berber) culture. It is a long drive from the coast or Cairo; see the Siwa Oasis travel guide.
• The White Desert near Farafra is known for wind-sculpted chalk formations and for overnight camping under the stars; see the White Desert and Farafra guide and the White Desert and Bahariya.
• The Black Desert nearby has dark volcanic hills and is usually visited on the same trip.
• Fayoum is an easy escape from Cairo, with lakes, Wadi El Hitan's whale fossils and Tunis village; see Wadi El Hitan and the Fayoum.

Desert trips need an experienced local driver and a licensed operator. Do not attempt them independently.

How to combine the places

• First trip, one week: Cairo and Giza, a flight to Luxor, Luxor and Aswan sightseeing, or a short Nile cruise. See the 7-day Egypt itinerary and the 8-day itinerary.
• Two weeks: add Abu Simbel, a longer Nile cruise, and four or five days at the Red Sea. See the 12-day itinerary and how many days you need in Egypt.
• Short on time: Cairo and Luxor only, as discussed in Cairo and Luxor or Cairo and a Nile cruise?
• Second visit: Alexandria, the oases, Dahab, or Marsa Alam.

Order matters because of flights and cruise schedules; our guide to the best order for Cairo, Aswan and Luxor explains it.

When to go

The most comfortable season for sightseeing is October to April, when days are warm rather than hot. Summer temperatures in Luxor and Aswan regularly exceed 40°C, so visits then are planned for early morning and late afternoon. The Red Sea and the Mediterranean coast are popular in summer for exactly this reason. Our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Egypt has the detail.

Practical points

• Safety. Most visitors have trouble-free trips, and tourist areas are well supported. Read our honest Egypt safety guide and check your government's current travel advice before you book.
• Visas. Entry rules depend on your passport and can change, so please check the official source before you travel. See the Egypt visa guide.
• Tipping. Small tips are customary; see tipping in Egypt.
• Dress. Light, modest clothing is comfortable and respectful, particularly at mosques, churches, and in small towns.

Plan it with Nourbelle

Browse our Egypt tours and Nile cruises, or see the full list of destinations. If you would like a route tailored to your dates and interests, tell us about your trip and a Nourbelle specialist will reply with a plan.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best places to visit in Egypt for a first trip?

Cairo and Giza, Luxor and Aswan, usually linked by a Nile cruise or by domestic flights. Abu Simbel is a worthwhile extra if you have the time for a long day.

When is the best time to visit Egypt?

October to April is the most comfortable season for sightseeing. In summer, Upper Egypt is very hot, while the Red Sea and Mediterranean coast are popular.

How many days do I need in Egypt?

Seven to 10 days covers Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan comfortably. Add four or five days if you want a Red Sea beach stay.

Is a Nile cruise worth it?

For most first-time visitors, yes. It combines transport, accommodation, and sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan and saves repeated packing. Our Nile cruise guide explains how to choose.

Which Red Sea resort should I pick?

Hurghada has a wide choice, El Gouna is more upmarket, Marsa Alam is quieter with well-regarded reefs, and Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab suit the Sinai side. See the comparison guides above.

Is Egypt good for families and solo travelers?

Yes. Many families and solo travelers visit Egypt. Travelers who prefer support often choose a private guide or small group for sightseeing days; see traveling solo in Egypt.

Do I need a guide?

You can visit independently, but a licensed guide adds a great deal at sites such as Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, where the inscriptions and tombs are hard to interpret alone.