Top 10 Attractions in Egypt

Egypt is such a fascinating country to visit owing to the fact that it was once the site of one of the greatest ancient civilizations in history. The country boasts many interesting ruins that demonstrate the great power of the ancient Egyptians. Moreover, the country is also a thriving state that offers many modern tourists destinations in Egypt like museums, resorts, and marketplaces.

The Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza

Located about 15 miles away from Cairo, the Giza Necropolis is possibly the most popular and most visited destination in Egypt. Among the three largest pyramids of Giza is the Great Pyramid, which is the oldest and largest pyramid in Egypt and the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Inside access is granted but even to just stand next to one of these pyramids is an awe-inspiring experience. On the eastern side of this vast necropolis stands the Great Sphinx of Giza, the largest monolith statue in the world.

Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel rock temples were constructed from 1244 BCE to 1224 BCE to celebrate Pharaoh Ramesses II’s victory over the Hittite Empire. The Great Temple, considered the grandest and most beautiful in Egypt, boasts a façade of four 20-meter statues of Ramesses himself; while the Small Temple boasts an entrance bordered by the statues of the Pharaoh and his queen Nefertari. Inside both temples are collections of hieroglyphics, statues, reliefs, and murals depicting Egyptian worship.

The Temples of Karnak

Karnak, located near the city of Luxor, is one of the largest early religious sites in the world. It has four main “precincts” but only the largest precinct, the Precinct of Amun-Re, is available to the public. Among its many features are the Ancient Cult Terrace, which is inscribed with Nile Level texts; the corridors of Sphinxes; the Temple of Ramesses III; the Great Hypostyle Hall; and the Obelisks of Thutmose III and Hatshepsut.

Valley of the Kings

West of the Nile near Luxor (modern Thebes) is a valley of tombs of Pharaohs and privileged nobles from the 18th – 20th century dynasties. There are at least 63 tombs in the Valley of the Kings; the most popular of which is King Tutankhamen’s tomb, notable because the great treasures within were intact when it was discovered.

Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is a massive Egyptian temple situated east of the Nile River. Dedicated chiefly to the creation god, Amun; the temple houses remarkable pylons (gateways), impressive stone statues, obelisks, and the Avenue of the Sphinxes.

Siwa Oasis

An epitome of a true oasis, this isolated town near the Egyptian-Libyan border east of Cairo boasts beautiful gardens and orchards of olives, bathing places, springs, and lakes. Famous for its nearby ancient ruins, this settlement has played small parts throughout history: it was a necropolis in 26th century Egypt, home to the oracle of Amun who allegedly proclaimed Alexander the Great as the rightful Pharaoh of Egypt, was used as a place of banishment by the Romans, and held several small battles during both world wars.

The City of Peace

Sharm el-Sheikh is known as the city of peace only because of the many peace conferences the city held in the past. The real attention-drawers of the city are its beautiful beaches, clear and calm waters, thriving coral reefs, and diverse aquatic life. Watersports enthusiasts and beach lovers visit this city to scuba dive, snorkel and just enjoy the beauty of nature.

Alexandria

Home of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Royal Library of Alexandria; Alexandria was and still is one of Egypt’s thriving cities. Both the lighthouse and the library are long gone but the city still houses several ruins and holds within its walls so much history as Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Persians made their own marks there. Today, Alexandria is Egypt’s major seaport and a chief resort city in the Mediterranean.

Aswan

Aswan (ancient Swenet) was Egypt’s first town. That fact alone is reason enough to visit this city in the Nile. Aswan today is a busy Egyptian market city but because of the many ancient ruins around it, it is also a major tourist destination. Historical sites and landmarks like the Tombs of the Nobles, the Philae Temple, the Elephantine Island (modern Yebu), and the Unfinished Obelisk draw many tourists in.

Museums

Museums can be dull to most people but because of this country’s ancient past, Egyptian museums are an adventure in their own right. The two museums that one should not miss when visiting in Egypt are the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo, which is home to the remains of many Pharaohs and many of the treasures found in King Tut’s tomb; and the Nubian Museum in Aswan.