Top 10 places to visit in Egypt

1. The Giza Plateau

The Pyramids and the Sphinx still stop first-timers mid-sentence. Go early, hire a licensed guide, and pair the plateau with the Grand Egyptian Museum when it fits your schedule.

2. Luxor’s East and West Banks

Karnak and Luxor Temple by day, the Valley of the Kings after a Nile crossing. One full day barely scratches it — two is better.

3. Aswan and Philae

Slower, warmer, and the gateway to Abu Simbel. Felucca sails at sunset are worth the small fee.

4. Abu Simbel

Ramses II’s temples carved into the rock. Fly or take the convoy from Aswan; the scale is hard to photograph and harder to forget.

5. Cairo’s Islamic quarter

Al-Azhar, Khan el-Khalili, and the Citadel sit in walking distance of each other. Go hungry and leave room for mint tea.

6. Alexandria

Mediterranean light, the modern Bibliotheca, and seafood. A day trip from Cairo works; an overnight is kinder.

7. Siwa Oasis

Desert quiet, salt lakes, and the Oracle of Amun. Better with a 4x4 and a local driver who knows the tracks.

8. White Desert

Chalk formations under a cold desert sky. Camp overnight if you can — the stars are the show.

9. Hurghada or Marsa Alam

Red Sea reefs for divers and snorkellers. Pick Marsa Alam for quieter boats; Hurghada for easier flights.

10. Dahab

Laid-back Sinai diving, Blue Hole day trips, and evenings on cushions by the Gulf of Aqaba.

Building a week around Luxor–Aswan plus one Red Sea stop is the classic first trip. Pair flights into Cairo with a Nile cruise or a short desert add-on.