20 Epic Things to Do in Egypt
The first time I set foot in Egypt, I felt like I had entered a living history book.
From the dusty streets of Cairo to the windswept deserts near Luxor, every moment felt bigger than life.
I’m writing this because if you’re dreaming about Egypt, you deserve a trip packed with magic, wonder, and a little adventure too.
Egypt isn’t just about pyramids and ancient tombs—it’s full of energy, color, and surprises that you’ll never forget.
Inside this guide, I’m sharing the best experiences that show Egypt’s timeless beauty and vibrant life today.
These are the epic moments that made me fall head over heels for this ancient, complicated, and stunning country.
1. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza
Standing at the foot of the Great Pyramid is an experience you can’t quite prepare for.
The scale, the silence, the feeling of touching stones laid 4,500 years ago—it’s humbling.
Get there early to beat the crowds and really soak it in.
2. Cruise Down the Nile River
A multi-day cruise from Luxor to Aswan is one of the most peaceful ways to see Egypt.
Drifting past temples and small villages lets you experience the country’s slower rhythms.
Sunsets on the Nile might be some of the most beautiful you’ll ever see.
3. Explore the Temples of Karnak
Karnak isn’t just one temple—it’s a sprawling, open-air museum of ancient ruins.
Wandering through its towering columns and faded hieroglyphs makes you feel like you’re inside a lost world.
It’s easy to spend hours there, just looking up in awe.
4. Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
This museum holds one of the richest collections of ancient artifacts on Earth.
It’s messy, overwhelming, and absolutely worth it, especially to see King Tut’s golden treasures up close.
Give yourself plenty of time because there’s so much to absorb.
5. Wander the Streets of Islamic Cairo
The narrow alleys and historic mosques of Islamic Cairo are endlessly fascinating.
Places like Khan El Khalili market buzz with life, scents, and colors you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s a place to get a little lost—and love it.
6. Ride a Camel at Sunset
Yes, it’s touristy—but riding a camel near the pyramids or desert dunes at sunset is iconic for a reason.
The golden light over the sand makes it feel like a movie scene.
Just make sure you choose an ethical operator who treats the animals well.
7. Dive or Snorkel in the Red Sea
The Red Sea offers some of the clearest, most colorful underwater landscapes in the world.
Spots like Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh are ideal for snorkeling trips and dives.
Even as a beginner, I found it magical to swim among coral reefs and neon fish.
8. Tour the Valley of the Kings
This ancient burial ground is where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were laid to rest.
The colors inside some tombs are still vivid after thousands of years—it’s almost unbelievable.
Going with a guide helps you catch all the little stories you might otherwise miss.
9. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor
Seeing the temples and tombs of Luxor from above at sunrise is pure magic.
The early morning stillness and golden light create a scene you’ll never forget.
It’s a splurge, but absolutely worth it.
10. Visit the Temple of Abu Simbel
Carved out of a mountainside, the massive statues of Abu Simbel are jaw-dropping.
The fact that they were relocated block by block in the 1960s to save them from flooding makes them even more impressive.
It’s a bit of a journey, but that only makes it feel more special.
11. Stroll Along the Corniche in Aswan
The Nile in Aswan feels almost dreamlike with its slow boats and lush islands.
Walking the Corniche at sunset gives you a feel for the relaxed pace of this southern city.
I found Aswan to be one of the most peaceful places in Egypt.
12. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Alexandria’s stunning modern library honors the city’s ancient scholarly past.
It’s sleek, futuristic, and packed with art exhibits and rare manuscripts.
Even if you’re not a bookworm, it’s an inspiring place to explore.
13. Sandboard the Dunes at the Great Sand Sea
Egypt’s Western Desert offers some of the best sandboarding in the world.
It’s pure fun, carving down massive dunes under the bright blue sky.
It’ll leave you dusty, sun-soaked, and grinning.
14. Sleep Under the Stars in the White Desert
The White Desert feels like being on another planet with its ghostly white rock formations.
Camping overnight lets you see stars like you’ve never seen them before.
It’s one of the most surreal, unforgettable experiences Egypt has to offer.
15. See the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
Before the Great Pyramids, there was Djoser’s Step Pyramid—the world’s first large-scale stone monument.
Walking through the ancient tombs and tunnels here feels far more intimate than Giza.
It’s a hidden gem that still feels sacred.
16. Sip Tea at a Local Café
Sitting at a sidewalk café, sipping mint tea, and watching the world go by is a must-do.
It’s where Egypt’s heart beats loudest—in casual conversations, street sounds, and passing smiles.
These slow moments are some of my favorites.
17. Visit the Monasteries of Wadi Natrun
If you’re looking for peace, the desert monasteries between Cairo and Alexandria offer quiet like nowhere else.
These ancient Christian communities have survived for centuries in the harshest conditions.
The simplicity and spirituality there are powerful.
18. Tour Coptic Cairo
This neighborhood is full of beautiful, ancient churches and religious history.
The Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum are highlights you shouldn’t miss.
It’s a different, softer side of Cairo’s endless layers.
19. Swim in Cleopatra’s Bath in Siwa Oasis
Legend says Cleopatra bathed in these natural springs at Siwa, an isolated oasis near Libya’s border.
The water is crystal clear, cool, and refreshing after the desert heat.
It’s one of those rare places that feels both mythic and real.
20. Watch the Whirling Dervishes
Cairo’s Tannoura dance shows—where dervishes spin in colorful skirts—are hypnotic to watch.
They blend art, spirituality, and tradition in a performance you won’t soon forget.
It’s a soulful, beautiful way to end a busy day.
