The 5 best cities you should visit in Egypt.
The sleeper train was definitely an experience I won’t forget.. Especially after a full day of exploring the Pyramids..
A sleepless night wasn’t going to ruin an awesome day exploring some of the best temples in Egypt though!
Let me guess, you want to visit Pharaoh Land to learn about its fascinating ancient past, however, you don’t know which are the best cities in Egypt to visit?
This blog has everything you need so you can plan the perfect Egypt travel itinerary, following my solo trip around the ancient lands.
Whether it is the Pyramids near the capital, the temples and tombs in Luxor, or the charming Nubian villages in Aswan, Egypt has something to offer every type of traveller.
Even better yet, there are many different transport options, so you can visit multiple locations for an awesome trip!
Selfie time at the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Cairo - a chaotic capital city.
Where better to start than the Egyptian capital?
I had an awesome few days immersing in the culture, whether it be the good, or the bad. You are guaranteed an authentic travel experience, that's for sure!
Cairo has a population of 9.5 million people, which approx 95% are muslim, so you can expect to hear the Islam call to prayer ringing around the city several times a day.
The loud noises in the city are just one aspect of the sensory attack though.
I found there to be something capturing my attention on every corner, including armed police in armoured vehicles across various checkpoints in the city, along with a wide array of smells lingering through the market areas (not nice ones!).
The daily power cuts were also surprising!
However, Cairo has everything you need for a rewarding city break!
The famous Khan el Khalili Bazaar in Cairo.
Popular things to do.
Here are some notable places to visit:
Tahrir Square.
Home to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which homes over 120,000 artefacts, so should be a must on your Cairo itinerary. My favourite was King Tut’s dedicated room.
There is also a statue of nationalist hero ‘Umar Makram’, along with an obelisk of Ramses II located in the square.
I stayed in an awesome hotel nearby.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.
To feel the heartbeat of the city, an evening trip to the most famous souk in Egypt should be in your plans. You can experience the haggle culture and test your skills by trying to grab a bargain. You will also find somewhere to enjoy evening dinner in the vicinity.
An official tour is a good way of learning the history of the market.
Enjoying the Egyptian Museum.
Coptic Cairo & Ibn Tulun Mosque.
If you want to learn about the religious side of the Egyptian capital, you should head over to the Coptic Cairo area.
You will find many famous religious buildings for both Christianity and Islam. Here are the most famous sites which should be on your itinerary:
The Hanging Church.
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
The Church of St. George.
The Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Al-Azhar Mosque.
The Pyramids of Giza.
The Pyramids of Giza are a true highlight of any Egypt itinerary, and can be reached within 30 minutes from Cairo.
You can visit the Giza Plateau as part of an official tour, or without a guide, which was my preferred option. After entering the site, I was free to wander around all of the pyramids at my own pace.
I enjoyed a camel ride to the famous viewpoint which has an awesome backdrop of all three pyramids, which makes for a great Instagram picture!
This was followed by entering inside the third pyramid to try and uncover the secrets of yesteryear!
Don’t miss out on visiting the oldest pyramid in the world at Saqqara while you are in Cairo.
The Great Sphinx of Giza is also very popular with International tourists, who are fascinated by its unique structure, and fabled background.
The Sphinx is said to be 4500 years old, which is an awesome ancient Egyptian fact for you.
The Sphinx statue at Giza.
Cairo at a glance.
Population - 9.54 million.
Vibe - Chaotic.
Famous landmarks - Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara Necropolis, Coptic Cairo, Khan El Khalilli, Egyptian Museum.
Transport options - Taxis, Uber, Metro, Tuk Tuks, buses.
Best area to stay - Tahrir Square is central with good transport options.
Insider tip - Using Uber instead of taxis will save you being overcharged and potentially hassled.
Best tour - From Cairo: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis Tour.
Alexandria - a northern port city.
Once touted as the greatest city in the world, under the reign of Alexander the Great.
Alexandria doesn’t quite have that reputation now, however, it is an awesome city to explore with a unique vibe, which is a combination of a beautiful Mediterranean coastline, and historical gems dotted around the city.
The port city is not as popular as some other cities in Egypt, but there is still a significant amount of global tourists enjoying their stays in the popular beach resorts along the El Corniche.
Alexandria port.
Enjoy the history of the city.
Alexandria boasts a rich tapestry of historical sites reflecting its long and storied past. Here's a list of some must-sees in the city:
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa.
Explore these fascinating underground tombs, a blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman styles, offering a glimpse into ancient funerary practices. (See previous detailed description)
The Roman Amphitheatre.
Witness the remains of this once-grand entertainment venue, used for gladiatorial contests and chariot races.
Alexandria coastline.
Pompey's Pillar.
A towering granite column dedicated to the Roman emperor Diocletian, offering panoramic views from the top (sometimes accessible).
The Necropolis of Anfushi.
Unearth the remnants of an ancient Egyptian burial ground, showcasing tombs and catacombs from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Graeco-Roman Museum.
Delve deeper into Alexandria's Greco-Roman history through this museum's collection of statues, artefacts, and sarcophagi.
Citadel of Qaitbay.
Citadel of Qaitbay.
A majestic 15th-century fortress overlooking the Eastern Harbour, offering stunning views and housing a maritime museum.
El Mursi Abu Abbas Mosque.
The resting place of Abu Abbas al-Mursi, a revered Sufi saint, featuring beautiful Islamic architecture.
Attarine Mosque.
One of the oldest mosques in Alexandria, known for its intricate marble carvings and historical significance.
Alexandria at a glance.
Population - 5.2 million.
Vibe - Laidback.
Famous landmarks - Citadel of Qaitbay, Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Roman Amphitheater, Pompey’s Pillar.
Transport options - Taxis, trams, buses or microbuses.
Best area to stay - El Corniche is a great spot for sea views and popular beach resorts.
Insider tip - For Egyptology lovers, you should head to ‘Al-Muntazah Library’, which has a collection of over 50,000 books
Best tour - From Alexandria:- Highlights of Alexandria-full City Tour.
Luxor - an ancient treasure trove.
As you head down the Nile, your next stop is Luxor, home to some of ancient Egypt’s finest treasures!
Luxor is one of the best cities for archaeological sites, spread across both banks of the Nile.
As I headed south on the sleeper train from Cairo, I could not wait to explore the city, which was once known as ‘Thebes’, during its time as the capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom period.
The ancient city’s importance is showcased through the grand temples and tombs which are located in the city.
You can also enjoy some cultural experiences in the city by wandering through the Luxor Souk, which is located on the East Bank, near the authentic restaurants and Luxor Temple.
If you like mummies, then the mummification museum is a great place that showcases the art of mummification from ancient Egypt.
This will prepare you for when you visit King Tut’s mummy!
Entrance to the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple.
The city’s temples.
One of my favourite moments during my Egypt adventure, was walking in-between the Giant columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall inside the Karnak Temple.
They’re absolutely magnificent and created a magical moment, as the sun peeked through them, and presented a unique glow.
The original carvings were also very intricate and fun to read, however, the Medinet Habu Temple on the West Bank has the most impressive hieroglyphics.
Vivid colours, life scenes, and giant pylons illustrating the battle victories of Ramses III.
It is hard to believe that many tourists skip visiting Medinet Habu!
A walk along the avenue of sphinxes will take you on a 2.7km walk from Luxor Temple to Karnak, and you will have the opportunity to wander down the once elaborate walkway, as the pharaohs did thousands of years ago.
Although many of the sphinxes have now gone due to time damage, there are still some original statues to admire.
Luxor sign.
More West Bank treasures.
The West Bank of Luxor is home to some of the city’s most famous ancient relics, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri.
Most official tours will stop by the Colossi of Memnon statues, which are globally famed for emitting a musical sound, like a whistle, at sunrise.
This phenomenon, eventually was attributed to cracks in the stone and escaping moisture heated by the sun, however, there was once a belief that the statues sang.
The West Bank is home to the iconic Temple of Hatshepsut, which was built into the cliffs, and the three tiered templed showcases the life of Queen Hatshepsut.
My favourite parts of the site were the giant statues at the entrance, along with the colourful hieroglyphics. The knowledgeable tour guides in Luxor do an awesome job of explaining each section of the complex.
It is a special moment walking up the grand stairway towards the iconic temple, knowing that ancient Egyptians made the same walk thousands of years ago.
The tombs are the biggest draw to Luxor’s West Bank.
Hundreds of the most famous pharaohs and queens from ancient Egypt are buried across the two famous necropolises; the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.
The Valley of the Kings is the largest site with 63 discovered tombs so far!
Although you cannot visit them all, there are some notable ones which should be on your Egypt itinerary, such as King Tut, Seti I, and Ramses III.
To enjoy a special perspective of all of the West Bank sites, you can book a hot air balloon ride over them.
This is very popular with tourists.
Mummy shaped tomb entrance.
Walking through Karnak Temple.
Luxor at a glance.
Population - 1.32 million.
Vibe - Ancient tombs and temples.
Famous landmarks - Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, The Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu Temple.
Transport options - Tuk Tuks, Horse carriage, taxis, felucca boats.
Best area to stay - East Bank for nightlife and top restaurants.
Insider tip - Don’t book a full day tour for the day after travelling by sleeper train from Cairo. You will be too tired!
Best tour - Luxor: East & West Bank Temples Private Tour with Tickets.
Hurghada - a tranquil coastal city.
Do you want to escape the winter in your country?
I know I always do!
Hurghada is an awesome year round destination to consider for your Egypt adventure!
365 days of sunshine, beautiful beaches, and the crystal clear Red Sea.
What was once a quiet fishing village, has turned into a diver’s paradise, due to its abundance of reefs, coral and beautiful fish.
Visitors flock to Hurghada from all over the world to enjoy the world renowned deep sea diving scene.
Hurghada is now catching up with the other hotspots in Egypt, following serious development projects over the last couple of decades.
It has something for every type of traveller!
Relax in the resorts.
Hurghada isn't just about ancient wonders and captivating history; it's also a beautiful spot to relax under the Egyptian sun.
Luxury resorts line the stunning Red Sea coast, offering everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Most resorts cater to all-inclusive packages, so you can ditch your wallet and focus on pure enjoyment. Delectable buffets and a la carte restaurants cater to every palate, while poolside bars keep your favourite refreshments flowing.
Many resorts offer a variety of activities, from water sports like snorkelling and diving to tennis courts and fitness centres.
In the evenings, live music and themed entertainment provide options for post-dinner fun.
Hurghada's resorts offer an idyllic escape, perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sunshine. Whether you crave family fun, a romantic getaway, or simply a chance to recharge, you'll find your perfect slice of paradise on the shores of the Red Sea.
So, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sense of adventure - Hurghada awaits!
Some of the top rated resorts which will offer you a stunning week of five-star living are:
Hurghada at a glance.
Population - 500,000.
Vibe - Lively nightlife.
Famous landmarks - Mini Egypt Park, Giftun island, Makadi Bay, El Quseir Fort.
Transport options - Taxis, buses, boat, bicycle rental.
Best area to stay - El Mamsha and Village Road is fun for tourists.
Insider tip - Venture beyond the all-inclusive resorts and explore the vibrant local scene in El Gouna.
Best tour - Hurghada: Quad, Jeep, Camel and Buggy Safari with BBQ Dinner.
Aswan - a taste of Nubia.
Aswan is a unique city in Egypt.
Egypt’s most southern city is home to the Nubian people, who are one of the oldest civilisations in the world.
I felt a completely different vibe in Aswan, to the other cities I visited, not quite as hectic, and a lot more peaceful.
Especially if you base yourself on Elephantine Island and stay in one of the Nubian Guest Houses.
The locals at Bob Marley Guest House looked after me and made my stay extra special.
Its terrace views of the Nile are amazing!
To increase your knowledge of the history of the locals, you should head to the Nubian Museum, which is located at the end of the main corniche, and close to the world famous Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel.
The Nubian Museum is expertly laid out with exhibitions, artefacts and replica models of famous Nubian landmarks
You can still enjoy some famous landmarks in Aswan, with Philae Temple and the unfinished Obelisk both providing some key insights into ancient life.
Graffiti art is abundant in Aswan.
Nubian Villages.
To feel the essence of Nubia, you should head to the Gharb Soheil Village.
The most famous Nubian Village offers a look into the daily life of a Nubian person, although it is a little touristy, but all good fun!
My favourite part of my time in the village was the abundance of colourful graffiti murals, which cover the homes, walls and schools.
I also enjoyed shopping in the bazaars, and sharing some tea with the locals inside a Nubian home.
It is around a 30 minute boat ride up the Nile from Aswan to reach the village.
The lively market in the Gharb Soheil Nubian Village in Aswan.
Sailing on a felucca on the Nile.
Where better to experience a famous felucca ride than the city which was once a gateway for transporting treasures to the Mediterranean through the river Nile.
The traditional felucca boat is made from wood, with a triangular lateen sail, which makes the boats simple and efficient. They have been very effective throughout Egypt’s history, and can be navigated by a very small crew.
After arriving from Luxor, I headed down the main corniche as I had to cross the river Nile to arrive at my accommodation on Elephantine Island.
This was the perfect chance to tick the boat ride off my Egypt bucket list.
It is pretty awesome watching the skills of the local sailors, knowing that these skills have been passed down generations for thousands of years.
A felucca sailing on the river Nile in Aswan.
Aswan at a glance.
Population - 1.568 million.
Vibe - Smiling locals and some tranquillity.
Famous landmarks - Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, Nubian Museum, Aswan High Dam.
Transport options - Felucca, taxi boats, horse carriage, taxis.
Best area to stay - Elephantine Island in a Nubian Guest House.
Insider tip - There is a ferry across to Elephantine Island for 5 EGP each way. This is much cheaper than other options.
Best tour - Aswan: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, & Philae Private Tour.
My favourite Egyptian city.
If I have to pick one city, it is Aswan!
My time in the southern city was tranquil and far more relaxed than the other cities.
Maybe it was the Nubian people on Elephantine Island bringing some much needed peace into my trip, after hectic stays in Luxor and Cairo.
It does get very hot in summer months though, so plan accordingly!
There was something magical about approaching the Island Temple of Philae that finished my Egypt trip off beautifully.
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