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With an ancient history, impressive temples, and fascinating culture, Egypt is a country where you’ll be in awe at every corner.
We can all agree that it’s a fantastic travel destination that fills us with fascination and wonder and will undoubtedly leave you astounded, whether you’re a die-hard history enthusiast or you’re just fascinated by treasures like the Egyptian Pyramids or the ancient hieroglyphs at the Kom Ombo Temple.
This travel guide includes the most famous Egypt landmarks and historical sites that absolutely can’t be missed and should be on your Egypt itinerary.
READ ALSO: The perfect 2 weeks in Egypt itinerary
FLIGHTS TO EGYPT
Flying to Cairo, Hurghada, or Sharm El Sheik is the most convenient way to get to Egypt. As part of my trip around the Middle East, I flew from Istanbul to Cairo.
However, depending on where you depart, a return flight will cost between €300 and €600. I paid €110 per person for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Cairo. If you plan to buy a one-way ticket, keep in mind that you will need a ticket out of the country.
I discovered another flight with Etihad from Cairo to Bali to continue my journey and paid €290 for this flight on Skyscanner because I needed a ticket to leave the country (which was ridiculously cheap)
The most unique landmarks of Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza
When visiting Egypt, specifically Cairo, you will undoubtedly visit the Pyramids of Giza, which are one of the seven ancient world wonders that still exist today. The complex includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Pyramid of Khafre, as well as several tombs and the Great Sphinx.
However, the camel rides offered by the locals around the pyramids may seem genuine at first glance, but they are actually just another tourist trap. Instead, you can easily explore this location on your own, as I did, and if you purchase an additional ticket at the entrance, you can even explore the rooms inside the pyramids.
When you explore on your own have more, you flexibility but if you want to learn more about the construction, history, and stories from the ancient Egyptian era, it is best to go with a guide, which can be done privately or in a group.
I’ve been to the pyramids twice and each time I’m blown away by this magnificent structure at the Giza Plateau. Even though I had a guide the first time, the experience was not pleasant as the guide went through everything quickly, with poor to basic explanations, and he asked for extra money to take a photo of me in front of the Pyramids.
So the second time, I decided to explore the area on my own and I walked from the entrance, past the Great Sphinx, between the Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khaphre across the sand plain to the 9 Pyramid Lounge.
ENTRANCE FEE: The price to enter the Giza Plateau is EGP 240 (€8.5) per person and an additional EGP 440 (€16,8) to go inside the pyramids
READ ALSO: Visit The Pyramids of Giza without a guide + the 7 best viewpoints
The Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx, which stands directly in front of the Pyramid of Khafre, is one of the most famous landmarks in Egypt and the largest ancient statue still in existence, which you can admire after purchasing an entrance ticket to the Giza Plateau.
This colossal monument, which represents a reclining sphinx with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, is created from a single piece of stone and dedicated to the king.
The Great Sphinx is one of the world’s most famous ancient structures, and for good reason. Archaeologists and anthropologists have estimated its age at 4000 years and no one knows for sure when it was constructed, by whom, or for what purpose.
TIP: Obviously come here as early as possible or in the late afternoon to make beautiful photos in front of the Great Sphinx and avoid the group tours
READ ALSO: Visit The Pyramids of Giza without a guide + the 7 best viewpoints
The Egyptian Museum
Visiting the Egyptian Museum is highly recommended as one of the top things to do in Egypt. You will find some of the most historical artefacts from ancient times here and you also will learn a lot about the rich history of the country.
This museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Egypt, if not in the entire world as it’s home to well-preserved mummies and tombs and the hidden chamber that contains Tutankhamun’s mask.
ENTRANCE: The entrance ticket to the Egyptian Museum is EGP 200 (€ 8) per person
BOOK: Explore the Egyptian Museum during a guided tour around the Pyramids of Giza and Cairo
READ ALSO: How much does a trip to Egypt cost? Budget for 2 weeks in Egypt
The Karnak Temple
As one of the largest religious sites in the world, the Karnak Temple in Luxor should be the first place to visit during your trip in Egypt. To know more about the history of the temple, I recommend hiring a guide.
You will walk through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes before entering the massive gate of the religious site and once inside the temple, you will be astonished by the hundred columns and gigantic statues of the Pharaohs.
The best time to visit the complex is in the early morning at 6 AM to avoid the big groups, however, I came in the afternoon and the sun was shining perfectly through the massive pillars and columns which created a stunning setting for photos.
ENTRANCE: The price to enter the Karnak Temple is EGP 220 (€ 8,5) per person
BOOK: A private guided tour in Luxor that includes a visit to the Karnak Temple
READ ALSO: 8 best things to do in Luxor Egypt
The Luxor Temple
One of the most impressive temples of Egypt is the Luxor Temple, which is right in the middle of the city on the East Bank and is easy to recognize by the 6 massive statues of King Ramses II. There used to be 2 huge obelisks but one of them is removed and donated to Paris.
It is also believed that the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple were once connected by the Avenue of the Sphinx which is about 2.5km long.
The best time to visit the Luxor Temple is in the early morning around 7 AM before it gets too hot, however, another great recommendation of our guide is to visit the temple before sunset and stay until it becomes dark as the temple will be illuminated, giving a unique experience to your visit.
Visiting the temple at sunset and admiring the changing atmosphere after dark is a truly unique experience.
ENTRANCE: The entrance ticket is EGP 180 (€ 7) per person
BOOK: Visit the Luxor Temple with a private guided tour in Luxor at the end of the day to enjoy the sunset and illuminated temple
Valley of the Kings
Discover the tombs of the Valley of the Kings yourself as there are about 60 tombs across the site and to find them you’ll have to walk into the corridors. These corridors are painted with beautiful and colourful hieroglyphs on the walls that lead you down the tombs deep into the mountain.
A visit to this extraordinary landmark in Egypt is a unique experience and during my visit, I explored 3 tombs in the Valley of the Kings, The tombs of Merenptah, the shared tomb of Tausert and Setnakht (the father of Ramses III), and the tomb of Ramses III itself.
With an entrance ticket, you can only discover 3 different tombs at a time, so if you wish to explore more tombs you’ll need to buy an extra ticket to see more tombs.
TIP: Buy or bring water before entering the Valley of the Kings site as it is quite expensive if you have to buy it inside the site.
ENTRANCE: With one entrance ticket you can visit up to 3 tombs and it costs EGP 260 (€ 10) per person. to explore more tombs, you’ll need to buy an additional entrance ticket.
BOOK: Discover the tombs at the Valley of the Kings with a private guided tour in Luxor
The Queen Hatshepsut Temple
The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is located on the West Bank of the Nile River and is worth visiting during your time in Luxor. The Temple has different levels and beautiful hieroglyphs that reveal the history of the only female pharaoh that ruled in ancient Egypt.
The best time to visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is in the early morning to avoid the group tours, however, as I explored Luxor with a private guide, I visited the temple at noon and it wasn’t too busy but pretty hot.
ENTRANCE: To visit the Hatshepsut Temple you’ll need to buy an entrance ticket, which cost EGP 160 (€ 6,5)
BOOK: Visit Queen Hatshepsut Temple during a private guided tour in Luxor
Colossi of Memnon
On the way back to the East Bank of Luxor we quickly stopped with our guide at the Colossi of Memnon Statues. Two huge statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III sitting in front of the completely destroyed and damaged mortuary temple.
These days, German archaeologists are restoring the site so it was covered and inaccessible to tourists, However, you can still take photos in front of the two statues, So it is worth having a quick stop here.
BOOK: Most private guided tours include a stop at these statues or ask your driver and he will be happy to show you these place
The Horus or Edfu Temple
Another day trip from Aswan that is highly recommended and should not be missed is the Temple of Edfu. It is also known as the “Horus Temple” because it is dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
You can ride a horse-drawn carriage to the temple as part of an organized tour, and as soon as you reach the impressive entrance gate, you’ll be in awe of this stunning temple.
It is also one of the most complete temples ever discovered, making it well worth a visit.
Because of its location on the banks of the West Bank, a visit to the temple is frequently combined with a visit to Kom Ombo or a cruise down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan.
TIP: The entrance fee for the Temple of Edfu is EGP 200 per person.
BOOK: Discover the Edfu Temple with a full-day guided tour from Aswan
READ ALSO: Le Fayan: An amazing Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in 5 days
The Kom Ombo Temple
The Kom Ombo Temple is worth a day trip from Aswan because it only takes an hour to get there. This makes it easy to combine with a drive from Aswan to Luxor or a Nile River cruise when you are in Egypt.
Because it honors both Sobek and Horus, this structure is known as a temple to both gods.
The fact that one of the earliest calendars was discovered among the hieroglyphs only increases the historical significance of this site. The Kom Ombo Museum, located right next to the temple, is an interesting addition to your trip to the Kom Ombo Temple.
It is well worth the trip to see the mummified crocodiles and their eggs.
TIP: The entrance fee for the Kom Ombo Temple and the Crocodile Museum is EGP 160 per person.
BOOK: A guided tour around the Kom Ombo Temple and the Temple of Edfu from Aswan
Abu Simbel
What you absolutely cannot miss on your Egypt itinerary and one of my favourite landmarks in Egypt is the temple of Abu Simbel.
The drive takes about 3 hours to get to Abu Simbel and you drive through a desert area in the south of Egypt with almost no change in the landscape, but once you get there you will have forgotten about the long drive.
This temple was originally closer to the River Nile and was later rebuilt to where it stands today due to the risk of flooding.
Ramesses II built the temple with giant statues of himself to intimidate enemies and merchants along the Nile. What is so impressive is that the temple is carved out of one solid rock with the tools they had thousands of years ago.
How the ancient Egyptians built these gigantic statues at the entrance is sometimes really a mystery… They might look small on photos you’ll find online but once you stand next to them, you will realize how big they really are.
You can visit Abu Simbel the best during a day trip from Aswan, however, it is possible to explore it on your own. I had a guide during my journey in Egypt who told me more about the history of the temple, after which I went to discover the temple myself.
I truly believe this magnificent temple should be on everyone’s bucket list!
TIP: So most group tours go first inside Abu Simbel and then to Queen Nefertari, I recommend doing the opposite and waiting a bit longer. The group Tours will leave between 9 AM and 10 AM so you will have the temples for yourself.
TIP: The entrance fee for Abu Simbel and the Queen Nefertari Temple is EGP 260 per person without transfers to Abu Simbel.
GOOD TO KNOW: Visit Abu Simbel with a private transfer and guide
READ ALSO: From Aswan to Abu Simbel: A magnificent landmark in Egypt
Queen Nefertari Temple
Nearby Abu Simbel is the Queen Nefertari Temple, typically included in day trips to Abu Simbel from Aswan.
Also carved from a single block of rock, this temple to Ramses II’s wife Nefertari features stunning hieroglyphics inside. Six enormous statues of Ramses II and Nefertari stand in front of the temple.
Don’t forget your camera, some water, and maybe a hat or cap when you visit Abu Simbel and Queen Nefertari; it was the hottest place I went to on my entire Egypt itinerary.
TIP: So most group tours go first inside Abu Simbel and then to Queen Nefertari, I recommend doing the opposite and waiting a bit longer. The group Tours will leave between 9 AM and 10 AM so you will have the temples for yourself.
TIP: The entrance fee for Abu Simbel and the Queen Nefertari Temple is EGP 260 per person without transfers to Abu Simbel.
BOOK: Visit the Temple of Queen Nefertari and Abu Simbel during a full-day tour from Aswan
The Philae Temple
The Philae Temple is situated on an island in the middle of the Nile, which gives it a magical appearance. Because of the threat of flooding, the original temple was relocated from Philae Island to its current location.
However, to get there, you must purchase an entrance ticket that includes a boat ride to the island’s entrance.
When visiting Aswan, make sure to include this temple on your list and schedule your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower.
I went to this temple with a guide and found it very interesting to learn about the temple’s history as well as the reconstruction.
TIP: The entrance fee for the Philae Temple is EGP 200 per person.
The Red Sea
The Red Sea should absolutely be included on this list because it has the most breathtaking marine life that I have ever seen.
The coastal regions such as Hurghada, Dahab, Marsa Alam, and Sharm El Sheik are just about the most popular places in which you can book various snorkelling or scuba diving tours to discover the treasures of the Red Sea for yourself.
The islands are picture-perfect, the water is perfect for swimming, and there are plenty of excellent dive sites, including shipwrecks, to explore.
These are just a few of the reasons why you should absolutely include one of the most famous places in Egypt in your itinerary.
BOOK: A diving trip in the Red Sea and explore the beautiful life underwater
There are undoubtedly a great number of famous landmarks in Egypt that are well worth a trip, but the locations on this list are the ones that should be on your itinerary if this is going to be your first time visiting Egypt.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope the information is useful for your journey.
Leave a comment below and let us know if you have any questions or if you want to share any helpful hints.
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Plan your visit to the best Egypt landmarks with my favorite travel apps
To plan my adventures, I use these FREE websites and apps as they provide the best information, the best deals, and they are user-friendly.
- Trip – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Car rental
- Omio – Transport
- iVisa – Travel documents
- Wise – Money transfer
- VisitorCoverage – Travel Insurance
PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
Do you like the edits? My Presets will be online soon so you can edit your pictures in just one click!
The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.
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