Top Sights to See in Egypt. Now Is a Great Time to Visit.

We’ve enjoyed two delightful trips in Egypt and can’t wait to return again. (Photo by John Roberts)

When you travel in Egypt, you can really see and feel history coming to life. This destination is packed with so many fascinating sights that tell the story of ancient civilizations and people who created scores of innovations and improvements in technology and architecture that continues to influence the modern world.

When you combine the culture, scenery, food and stories of the ancient societies, pharaohs and gods, Egypt is a can’t-miss destination for all true travelers.

The country is continuously improving its infrastructure and represents a highly affordable option for an enriching travel experience. I have been to Egypt twice and can’t wait to return. 

With its ancient attractions, it’s easily one of the world’s most thrilling destinations, offering visitors a rich tapestry of history, culture and breathtaking landscapes. 

Whether you go on a Nile River cruise — as I have twice with Viking — or on a land-based trip, here are some of the best sights and top tips for your trip to Egypt.

Compared to other major travel destinations, this is an affordable option. Flights, accommodations, and daily expenses are lower for Egypt than you can typically find for Europe or North America.

Also, now is an ideal time to explore Egypt because it’s still not as crowded as it was years ago. Popular sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings are still far less congested than in previous years, offering a more intimate and enjoyable experience.

Egypt has a warm and sunny climate year-round, but the best time to visit is between October and April when temperatures are mild. I went on a cruise one in the middle of summer, and it was brutally hot. A lot of people struggled in the high temps and we walked around outdoor to see the sights with the sun beating down on us.

I suggest going in the winter and spring seasons to enjoy pleasant weather conditions. This makes sightseeing and other outdoor activities much more enjoyable.

Here are My Top 5 Sights to See in Egypt

1. Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Crowds are lighter than usual in recent years at the Pyramids of Giza Complex. You can easily enjoy time at the pyramids and seeing the Great Sphinx up close. (Photo by John Roberts)

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world. Built more than 4,500 years ago, the pyramids are an awesome site. You can visit the pyramids, try a camel ride in the desert and see the nearby Great Sphinx all in one day.

You can negotiate a price for your camel ride. There are dozens of camel handlers there on-site with their animals, and they are all aggressive and eager to get you to ride.

2. The Egyptian Museum and Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

We have visited the Egyptian Museum (pictured here and below) during both of our trips to Egypt. This museum and the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza are good ways to spend a day during your visit to the country. (Photos by John Roberts)

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo’s Tahrir Square is another essential stop. The grand museum showcases mummies, statues, and relics from Egypt’s storied past. The new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is a point of pride for Egyptians, and it could soon earn a reputation as one of the best museums in the world. 

This is located at the Giza Pyramid Complex and it is home of more than 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of King Tut, with many pieces on display for the first time. 

Beyond museums, Cairo’s Islamic and Coptic districts offer stunning mosques, churches, and lively bazaars. 

Khan El Khalili, the city’s famous market, is perfect for shopping for souvenirs, spices, and handcrafted jewelry.

3. Luxor

Luxor was my favorite place to wander. The large columns and intricate etchings at the temples are fascinating. (Photo by John Roberts)

Luxor is known as the world’s greatest open-air museum. The city is home to an astonishing collection of ancient temples and monuments. The Temple of Karnak, with its towering columns and grand avenue of sphinxes, is one of the most impressive temple complexes in the world. The nearby Luxor Temple is another fantastic piece of history.

Across the Nile, the West Bank is home to the legendary Valley of the Kings, where the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered, as well as dozens of others within the mountainside. These ornate burial sites are incredible to view, with colorful art lining the walls. You’ll find the Valley of the Queens on the West Bank. The tombs here are for queens, princes, princesses and other esteemed members of Egyptian society.  

The sunrises are beautiful when viewed from the sky on the West Bank over the Valley of the Queens. (Photo by John Roberts)

Visitors can explore these ornately decorated tombs, learning about elaborate burial rituals and the treasures found within. I also recommend an early morning ballon ride over the valleys to see the sunrise. From the sky, you can gain an appreciation for the vastness and beauty of these sites.

4. Aswan

Abu Simbel is a spectacular temple complex that was created by Ramses II, a pharaoh during Egypt’s Golden Age. (Photo by John Roberts)

Aswan is located in southern Egypt and is where you find the Aswan Dam, which helped control the Nile River and provide stability to the region when it was built in the 1960s There are a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Aswan, including the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. 

This is also where you would begin a tour to see the incredible Abu Simbel temples, built by Ramses II. These colossal statues and intricate carvings are a marvel of ancient engineering, relocated in a huge undertaking in order to save them from flooding after the damming of the Nile River.

Aswan’s Nubian culture, colorful villages, and fun felucca boat rides on the Nile add to its charm, making it a must-visit destination.

5. The Nile River

I cruised on Viking’s luxurious Viking Osiris for a wonderful Nile River cruise on my second visit to Egypt. This was a hassle-free way to see all the highlights of Egypt in one week. (Photo by John Roberts)

Of course, I recommend a Nile River cruise as one of the best ways to explore Egypt’s historic sites in comfort. The voyages are hassle-free with delicious regional food, exclusive tours and passionate Egyptologists as your guides along the entire journey.

You can go with a company like Viking. I’ve cruised with Viking twice and enjoyed wonderful trips. The company has a newer fleet of luxurious Nile River ships that are just fantastic. 

Check out my trips reports and tours of the ship and cabins in a series of videos here:

AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways and Uniworld River Cruises also offer Nile River cruises.