Egypt Things To Do

This enclosed, 12th-century fortress city easily takes a day to explore. It encompasses both the massive Muhammed ‘Ali Mosque (an integral part of the city skyline) and the National Military Museum.

The three Great Pyramids: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure as well as the mythical Great Sphinx, await visitors to this desert area just outside Cairo.

Explore significant artifacts – organized in chronological order – from Egypt’s history, particularly the Pharaonic age. Most notable is the collection from the interior of King Tut’s tomb on the upper floor.

Built by Ahmad Ibn Tulum in 885, this six-acre mosque has a large courtyard and a minaret which visitors can climb courtesy of the zig-zag stairs.

One of the most breathtaking churches in Cairo, this 4th-century masterpiece has eight Corinthian columns, a pulpit surrounded by 15 marble columns, and a screen made of ebony and ivory.

Boasting one of the finest collections of Islamic art in the world, this museum displays ceramics, metal, textiles, and paintings from different periods in Islamic history.

Rise early and beat the crowds to tour the iconic Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, built over 4,000 years ago. On the south side of the Great Pyramid, don’t miss the Solar Barque Museum, which showcases a reconstructed funerary boat.

A short drive outside of Cairo, this family-friendly theme park has reproductions of ancient Egyptian monuments, complete with actors playing the part of a Pharaoh and his court.

One could easily spend a day trekking through this famous necropolis. For 500 years, between the 16th and 11th centuries BC, Egyptian kings were buried in this hot and arid valley. Pick your tombs carefully as a ticket is only valid for three tombs (62 to choose from, but Tuthmosis III, Seti and Ramses VI are three of the best). A separate ticket is needed for the tomb of Tutankhamen.

Located in Luxor and buried under the sands of the Sahara for over 1,000 years, Karnak is still being excavated. The astounding complex includes the Temple to Amun, Great Hypostyle Hall with its famed gigantic columns, and the colorful festival temple.