Enchanting tourist attractions of Egypt to ignite your wanderlust

Thanks to Egypt’s strategic location in Northern Africa, the country enjoys a mild climate. In the summer, the temperature skyrockets but during the winter, the daytime feels like spring and the nights are cold. The best time to see the tourist attractions of Egypt is between October and April. During these months the temperatures are cooler but still warm enough for sunbathing or sightseeing. The timeless and cinematic desert landscapes of Egypt have been left fairly untouched by the hands of time. Read on to discover the best places to visit in Egypt.

When looking for places to visit in Egypt, Cairo is a great place to start. Stay at the Barceló Cairo Pyramids to be a stone’s throw from the ancient Giza Necropolis as well as other top Cairo sightseeing attractions.

Dust off the history books and visit one of Cairo’s most famous places - the pyramids. The pyramids of Giza are a complex of three pyramidal ancient burial sites located in the middle of the desert. The pyramids are named after the pharaohs of whom they were built for Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. 

The tallest of the three is the pyramid built for King Khufu which was the tallest building in the world for 3,800 years until the Lincoln Cathedral was built in 1311. Book a tour to visit this incredible site, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. And, be sure to rest weary feet and enjoy a refreshing drink on the roof of one of the nearby luxury hotels. The views of the Cairo tourist attractions from above will be picture-postcard perfect. 

Would you like to say that you have travelled to the world’s largest archaeological museum? Well, now you can. The Grand Egyptian Museum is one of the top ancient Egypt tourist attractions and it is home to over 100,000 artefacts. It is located on a 50-hectare plot of land outside Cairo, next door to the pyramids. The creation of this 800-metre-long glass museum has been a long process that dates back to 2002. While work is still in progress, it is predicted that in early 2024 visitors can get up close to never-before-seen historical treasures. The entire collection dedicated to Egypt’s most famous pharaoh, King Tutankhamun will be on display - all 3,500 pieces. So, if you are curious to see the long-lost loot that has been hidden inside the pyramids for centuries, take note. This is an obligatory stop. 

Of course, no trip to Egypt is complete without exploring the exotic city of Cairo. There is never a dull moment in the capital. Begin your time in Cairo in the Coptic neighbourhood, one of the oldest and most visually appealing areas to witness local life. This corner of the city is also known as Old Cairo and wandering around its labyrinth of streets you will feel as though time stands still here. This area is a popular place to visit in Cairo and it is home to the Hanging Church- an architectural marvel dating back to the 3rd century. This church is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Egypt and is adorned with intricate Coptic art, steeped in religious significance.

Don’t miss the chance to shop at the famous bazaar and souk of Khan el-Khalili. Lose yourself amongst the overcrowded alleyways full of artisan produce and haggle with the stall holders like a true local. 

The Al-Nasir Mosque stands proudly in the heart of Cairo and is a testament to the city’s rich Islamic heritage. Dating back to the 14th century, this marvellous monument is one of the top things to visit in Cairo and it reflects the Mamluk era with its imposing minarets and intricate geometric patterns. Visitors to the mosque can admire its beautifully preserved structure, adorned with traditional Islamic art and design and get an insight into Egypt’s culture. While travellers to Cairo are allowed to admire the exterior of the mosque, entry rules may apply for visiting the interior spaces. 

Escape the crowded roads and enjoy Egypt sightseeing by boat. The Nile River is the longest in the world. It stretches a whopping 4,160 miles long and has been the lifeline for Egypt since the Stone Age. Take a boat tour along the river to witness the natural landmarks in Egypt as well as marvel at the daily goings on along this pivotal waterway. Many sightseeing boats also allow you to hop on and off when passing by the famous monuments and ruins. Yet, if you want to visit the emblematic landmarks such as the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the Hatshepsut Temple, it is best to fly due to their distance from the capital. 

Sharm El Sheikh is the perfect beachside bolthole for those looking to escape the world and enjoy a few days in nature. Surrounding by areas of protected, stunning natural beauty, this resort town is a restful spot to retreat to if you are looking to soak up the Egyptian sunshine. Are you ready to visit one of Egypt’s must-visit places? 

Love diving? Then the Red Sea in Egypt is one of the must-visit tourist attractions of Egypt for eco-travellers. Often mentioned among the top places to visit in Egypt, the resort of Sharm El Sheikh is not to be missed. Stay at the Barceló Tiran Sharm and use their diving school to brush up on the basics of scuba diving during your holidays. Look out for whales, sharks and hammerhead sharks during your dives as well as a wealth of tropical fish that love to swim in and out of the coral reefs. 

Jackson Reef is a popular dive spot close to the hotel and offers an exciting experience for all levels of divers. The wreck of the Cypriot cargo ship Lara is a highlight of Jackson Reef along with the remains of an old lighthouse. Be sure to keep your eyes open for magnificent coral gardens, sea anemones, clownfish, horse-eye jacks, eagle rays and tuna while swimming in these topaz waters.

Those visiting Sharm El Sheikh should venture off the beaten path and discover the natural splendour of the Ras Mohammed National Park which stretches across 480 square kilometres of land. Renowned for its stunning marine biodiversity, this protected area encompasses both the azure waters of the Red Sea and the arid beauty of the Sinai Peninsula. The crystal-clear waters are home to over 1000 species of fish, only found in the Red Sea. Grab your snorkel and dive into the refreshing waters to see some of the best coral reef formations in Africa, making it one of the unmissable tourist attractions of Egypt. Ras Mohammed National Park also serves as a sanctuary for various bird species and is a prime spot for birdwatching. So, whether you dive deep into the Ocean or stay on dry land, this area offers plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy.

Egypt is a destination full of surprises. Leave the sandy beaches of Sharm El Sheikh behind and journey into the heart of the Sinai Peninsula to visit different places in Egypt, like the Coloured Canyon - a testament to the Earth’s artistic prowess. This natural wonder is renowned for its swirly rock formations and painting the landscape in sunset hues of red, orange, ochre and purple. Formed by centuries of wind and water erosion, the labyrinth of passageways inside the canyon leads adventurous souls on a hike through spectacular scenery in the depths of the desert. It is best to book an organised tour for this excursion since there is no public transport access. Combine it with other out-of-town activities such as Mount Sinai - known for its religious significance. 

While the Barceló Tiran Sharm has its private beach, there are many sunbathing spots in Sharm El Sheikh for a lazy day in paradise. Sharks Bay Beach is a great place for enjoying a day at the beach and its beachfront bars are the perfect place to shelter from the heat. If you like to snorkel, head to Ras Um Sid Beach, one of the unique places in Egypt, where the coral reefs provide a kaleidoscope of colours to admire beneath the waves. For a quieter beach experience, Hadaba Beach is a secluded sandy bay known for its peace and tranquillity. With so many picture-perfect beaches to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to a day at the beach.

As daylight fades across Sharm El Sheikh, one of the famous sites in Egypt for travellers, Naama Bay, comes alive with its diverse range of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Sip sundowners while gazing at the hypnotic ebb and flow of the Red Sea before tucking into plates of traditional Egyptian delicacies. After dinner, the bay's nightlife scene is renowned for its lively atmosphere, perfect for dancing the night away. Whether you choose to savour exotic cocktails by the water's edge, dance under the stars, or explore the diverse culinary offerings, Naama Bay's nightlife is one of the top tourist attractions of Egypt if you are staying in Sharm El Sheikh.