Egypt is a fascinating country in North Africa. It is the Arab world's most populous country and the third-most populous African nation. The country is the cradle of one of the oldest civilisations on Earth, dating back to the 6th–4th millennia BCE. The ancient Egyptians built magnificent pyramids, temples, and tombs that still awe visitors.
The Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, Israel, Libya, Sudan, and Gaza surround Egypt. The Nile River, the longest river in the world, flows through Egypt providing fertile agricultural land. For travellers, this country offers a diverse and vibrant culture with some ancient attractions and unique architecture.
If you are searching for famous Egypt attractions, or wondering about the best places to visit in Egypt, you must read this blog to have a fair idea about Egypt tourist attractions.
Top Places to Visit in Egypt
- Cairo
- Luxor
- Aswan
- Alexandria
- Islamia
- Cairo
Egypt's capital and the largest city, Cairo is also one of the oldest and most influential cities throughout Africa and the Middle East.
One of the best places to visit in Egypt, Cairo was established in 969 AD by the Fatimid dynasty as their new royal city near Fustat. The Fatimids built many mosques, palaces, schools, and markets in Cairo, making it a centre of learning and culture. The most famous landmark of this period is the Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world.
Cairo flourished under the successive rules of the Ayyubid and Mamluk dynasties from the 12th to the 16th centuries. It became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1517. In the 20th century, the city underwent rapid urbanisation. Today, it has a thriving film and music industry and many museums, theatres, and sports venues.
Things to do in Cairo
- Explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza. The area also contains tombs of the pharaohs and their queens.
- Visit the Egyptian Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum of Egyptian antiquities. It contains thousands of artefacts, mummies, statues, and treasures from various periods of Egyptian history. The most famous exhibit is the Tutankhamun collection, which includes the young king’s golden mask and coffin.
- Explore Khan el-Khalili, a colourful bazaar dating back to the 14th century. It has everything, from souvenirs, spices, and perfumes to jewellery, carpets, and antiques.
- Luxor
Dubbed the "world's greatest open-air museum" for its numerous monuments and temples, Luxor is one of the oldest and continually inhabited cities on Earth. Luxor is derived from the Arabic word "Al-Uqsur", meaning "the palaces" or "the forts". The ancient Egyptian name of the city was Waset, meaning "city of the sceptre". The Greeks called it Thebes or Diospolis, meaning "city of Zeus" or "city of God”.
Luxor was the city of Amun, the king of the gods, his consort Mut, and Khonsu, their son. The temple complex at Karnak was the central place of worship for Amun and his family, and an avenue of sphinxes connected it to the temple of Luxor. Today, Luxor is one of the top places to visit in Egypt.
Things to do in Luxor
- Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning mortuary temple dedicated to Egypt's first female pharaoh.
- Explore the Colossi of Memnon. Two giant statues of Amenhotep III once guarded his temple, but now stand dilapidated in the desert.
- Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the city for stunning views of the ancient monuments and the Nile River.
- Aswan
In ancient times, the city of Aswan was called Swenett and later as Syene. It was the frontier town of ancient Egypt facing the south. The name Swenett is derived from an Egyptian goddess associated with childbirth.
Aswan is well-known for its granite quarries, which supplied the stone for many monuments and statues. You can still see the famous unfinished obelisk abandoned at the quarry after it developed a crack. Aswan houses the Nubian Museum, which displays the artefacts and culture of the Nubian people who lived in the region. As it was the resting place of the Nubian pharaohs, Aswan is also called the Land of Gold. It is among the places to see in Egypt and revisit the past.
Things to do in Aswan
- Visit Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has two massive rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari.
- Take a felucca ride on the Nile River. This traditional wooden sailboat offers a relaxing and scenic way to enjoy the surroundings.
- Visit Philae Temple, a beautiful Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the goddess Isis.
- Check out Qubbet el-Hawa Mosque on a hilltop for panoramic views of Aswan and the Nile. It is also the site of ancient tombs of nobles and governors.
- Alexandria
The city of Alexandria was founded in 331 BC. It lies on the Mediterranean coast, near the Nile Delta. It had a natural harbour with a famous lighthouse protected by Pharos Island. The lighthouse was one of the ancient world's Seven Wonders.
Alexandria housed the Mouseion, a research institute that included the famous Alexandria Library. It was also a major centre of Jewish learning and culture, where the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek (the Septuagint). Alexandria has witnessed eventful periods throughout its long history.
Alexandria declined after the Arab conquest of Egypt in 641 AD. Today, it is the second largest city in Egypt and a major port and industrial centre. It also has many cultural and historical attractions, standing high among Egypt tourist attractions.
Things to do in Alexandria
- Explore the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library and cultural centre that tries to emulate the ancient Library of Alexandria.
- Visit the Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral. It is the seat of the Pope of Alexandria and the largest church in Africa.
- Enjoy the Mediterranean breeze and the scenic views at the Corniche. It is a waterfront promenade that stretches along the coast of Alexandria.
- Ismailia
Located on the western shore of the Suez Canal, Ismailia is close to the halfway point of the watercourse linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Established in 1863 by erstwhile Egyptian ruler Khedive Ismail, the city was envisioned as a central hub for the construction of the Suez Canal.
Ismailia has witnessed many important events in modern Egyptian history, such as the 1882 Battle of Kafr-el-Dawwar.
Among Egypt attractions today, Ismailia is a modern city with wide avenues, tree-lined squares, parks, and gardens. Its diverse population includes Muslims, Coptic Christians, and other minorities. The city houses the Suez Canal University and a Coptic Catholic Eparchy (diocese).
Ismailia is known for its cultural festivals, such as the annual International Film Festival for Documentary and Short Films.
Things to do in Ismailia
- Visit Lake Timsah, a beautiful waterbody between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, and enjoy its beaches, resorts, and historical attractions.
- Explore the abandoned Israeli bunker in Sinai, a remnant of the Yom Kippur War that offers a glimpse into the history of the conflict.
- Tour the Natural Science Museum, which showcases the flora and fauna of Egypt and the Suez Canal region.
- Visit the Mosque El Abbasi or the Al-Salam Mosque to enjoy moments of tranquillity.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
The best time to visit Egypt depends on what you want to see and do.
If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, the best time to see Egypt tourist attractions is from October to April. This is the winter season when the temperatures are cooler but still warm enough to make sightseeing enjoyable. The ideal time to visit Egypt is from May to September if you enjoy the beaches and diving. This is the summer season, when the temperatures are very hot, but the sea breeze and the water provide some relief.
To experience the local culture and festivals, the best time to visit Egypt is during Ramadan or Coptic Christmas. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and celebration for Muslims, which usually falls between April and May. Coptic Christmas is celebrated by Egyptian Christians on January 7th.
Travel Insurance for Egypt
Egypt is mostly made up of swathes of desert, where the climate can be pretty harsh, especially if you are not accustomed to it. When travelling in this country, there could be instances of you falling ill and requiring immediate medical assistance. There might also be situations where you must extend your trip in the event of unavoidable circumstances such as flight cancellations or loss of passport and other vital documents. However, if you have travel insurance, you need not worry whatever the situation. Travel insurance offers protection from situations that can disrupt your itinerary or lead to trip cancellations. With travel insurance, you can explore various Egypt tourist destinations without trepidation, focusing fully on the ancient treasures before you.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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