Egypt Travel Guide

Cairo Attractions

Al-Azhar MosqueAl-Azhar Mosque in Islamic Cairo: founded in 970 AD, home of one of the world's oldest universities, with visiting tips. Al-Muizz StreetAl-Muizz Street in Islamic Cairo: the medieval main street with the Qalawun complex, al-Aqmar Mosque and Bayt al-Suhaymi, best walked at night. Al-Rifai MosqueAl-Rifai Mosque in Cairo: built 1869 to 1912 beside Sultan Hassan, burial place of King Farouk and the Shah of Iran. Ben Ezra SynagogueThe Ben Ezra Synagogue in Old Cairo: its history, the Cairo Geniza documents and how to visit with the Hanging Church. Bent PyramidThe Bent Pyramid of Sneferu at Dahshur: why its angle changes, its original casing, the Red Pyramid next door and how to visit from… Church of St GeorgeThe Church of St George in Coptic Cairo: Egypt's only round church, built on a Roman tower, with its history and visiting tips. Church of the Virgin Mary, MaadiThe Church of the Virgin Mary in Maadi, Cairo: where the Holy Family boarded a boat on the Nile, and the Bible found on… Citadel of Salah el-DinThe Citadel of Salah el-Din in Cairo: Saladin's fortress, the Alabaster Mosque, the French clock tower, views over Cairo and visiting tips. Coptic Cairo and Old CairoCoptic Cairo: the Hanging Church, Abu Serga, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Coptic Museum and the Roman fortress of Babylon, with visiting tips. Egyptian Museum in Tahrir SquareThe Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square: what is still there, what moved to the GEM and NMEC, and the highlights worth seeing. Gates of CairoThe three surviving gates of Fatimid Cairo, Bab Zuweila, Bab al-Futuh and Bab al-Nasr: history, the city walls and the view from Bab Zuweila. Giza NecropolisThe Giza Necropolis: the three pyramids, the Great Sphinx, the temples, the mastaba tombs and the workers' town south of the plateau. Giza PyramidsVisit the Giza Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure: history, heights, going inside, the best photo spot and tips from local Egyptologists. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)Guide to the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids: the full Tutankhamun treasure, Ramses II, the solar boat and tips for your visit. Hanging ChurchThe Hanging Church (al-Muallaqa) in Coptic Cairo: built above a Roman gate, its ark-shaped ceiling, icons and how to visit. Ibn Tulun MosqueThe Mosque of Ibn Tulun in Cairo: the city's oldest intact mosque, its spiral minaret and the Gayer-Anderson Museum next door. Khan El Khalili BazaarKhan el-Khalili, Cairo's 600-year-old bazaar: what to buy, how to bargain, coffee at El Fishawy and tips for your visit. Meidum PyramidThe Meidum Pyramid south of Cairo: the collapsed pyramid of Huni and Sneferu, its inner chamber, the Rahotep and Nofret statues and visiting tips. Memphis, Egypt’s First CapitalMemphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt: its history, the giant statue of Ramses II, the alabaster sphinx and how to visit with Saqqara. Mosque of Amr ibn al-AsThe Mosque of Amr ibn al-As in Old Cairo, the first mosque in Egypt and Africa, founded in 641 AD next to Coptic Cairo. Mosque of Muhammad AliThe Mosque of Muhammad Ali at the Cairo Citadel: Ottoman design, the alabaster walls, the French clock tower and tips for visiting. National Museum of Egyptian CivilizationThe National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo: the Royal Mummies Hall with Ramses II and Hatshepsut, the main galleries and visiting tips. SaqqaraSaqqara near Cairo: the Step Pyramid, the Pyramid Texts, painted mastaba tombs, the Serapeum and recent discoveries, with visiting tips. Step Pyramid of DjoserThe Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, the first pyramid ever built: Imhotep's design, the complex and how to visit from Cairo. Sultan Hassan MosqueThe Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan in Cairo: the great Mamluk monument below the Citadel, its four iwans and empty tomb, with visiting tips. Wadi el-SebouaWadi el-Seboua on Lake Nasser: Ramses II's temple with its avenue of sphinxes, Christian paintings and the nearby temples of Dakka and Maharraqa.

Luxor Attractions

Abydos TempleAbydos, the holy city of Osiris: the Temple of Seti I, the Abydos King List, the "helicopter" hieroglyphs and the Osireion, with a day… Colossi of MemnonThe Colossi of Memnon on Luxor's West Bank: two 18-meter statues of Amenhotep III, the lost temple behind them and the legend of the… Dahabiya Nile CruisesDahabiya Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan: what a dahabiya is, how it differs from a cruise ship, routes, length and who it suits. Deir el-MedinaDeir el-Medina on Luxor's West Bank: the village of the royal tomb builders, the tomb of Sennedjem and the first known labor strike. Dendera Temple of HathorThe Temple of Hathor at Dendera: the painted ceilings, the zodiac, the Cleopatra relief and the crypts, with a day trip from Luxor. Karnak TempleKarnak Temple in Luxor: the Great Hypostyle Hall, Hatshepsut's obelisk, the sacred lake and the Avenue of Sphinxes, with tips from our Egyptologists. Luxor MuseumThe Luxor Museum on the Corniche: the Luxor cache statues, the Akhenaten wall, royal mummies and tips for your visit. Luxor TempleLuxor Temple in the heart of Luxor: built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the Opet festival, the Paris obelisk and why to visit… Luxor Travel GuideLuxor travel guide: Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, balloon flights, how many days you need, when to go and tips from… Medinet HabuMedinet Habu on Luxor's West Bank: the colorful memorial temple of Ramses III, the Sea Peoples reliefs and tips for your visit. Temple of EsnaThe Temple of Esna near Luxor: the Roman hall of Khnum, its newly restored painted ceiling and how to visit on a Nile cruise. Temple of HatshepsutThe Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari in Luxor: the woman who ruled as pharaoh, the Punt reliefs and tips for visiting the West… The RamesseumThe Ramesseum on Luxor's West Bank: the fallen colossus that inspired Shelley's Ozymandias, the Kadesh reliefs and visiting tips. Valley of the KingsThe Valley of the Kings in Luxor: history, which tombs to see, Tutankhamun's tomb, tickets and tips from local Egyptologists. Valley of the NoblesThe Valley of the Nobles on Luxor's West Bank: painted tombs of Rekhmire, Sennefer, Ramose, Nakht and Menna showing daily life. Valley of the QueensThe Valley of the Queens in Luxor: the tomb of Nefertari, the princes' tombs of Ramses III's sons, tickets and tips.

Aswan and Nubia

Abu Simbel TemplesAbu Simbel: the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, the sun festival in February and October, the UNESCO rescue, and how to get there… Aswan Botanical GardenThe Aswan Botanical Garden on Kitchener's Island: history, what grows there and how to visit by felucca at sunset. Aswan High DamThe Aswan High Dam: how it tamed the Nile, created Lake Nasser, led to the rescue of Abu Simbel and Philae, and what you… Aswan Travel GuideAswan travel guide: Philae, the High Dam, Abu Simbel, felucca rides, Nubian villages, how many days you need and when to go. Edfu Temple of HorusThe Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt: history, the Horus and Seth reliefs and how to visit on a Nile… Elephantine IslandElephantine Island in Aswan: the ancient frontier town, the Nilometer, the temples of Satet and Khnum and the Nubian villages. Kom Ombo TempleKom Ombo, the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris on the Nile near Aswan: history, the Crocodile Museum and how to visit. Lake NasserLake Nasser, behind the Aswan High Dam: the rescued Nubian temples, Lake Nasser cruises to Abu Simbel, wildlife and facts. New KalabshaNew Kalabsha near the Aswan High Dam: the Temple of Kalabsha, Beit el-Wali and the Kiosk of Qertassi, rescued from Lake Nasser. Nubian MuseumThe Nubian Museum in Aswan: the award-winning building, finds from the rescue of Nubia and the story of the Nubian people. Philae TemplePhilae Temple in Aswan: the island temple of Isis, its rescue by UNESCO, Trajan's Kiosk and how to visit by boat. Qasr IbrimQasr Ibrim, the Nubian fortress town on Lake Nasser that was never moved: 3,000 years of history seen from a Lake Nasser cruise. Temple of AmadaThe Temple of Amada on Lake Nasser, the oldest temple in Nubia: built by Thutmose III and moved in one piece on rails in… Temple of Derr and Tomb of PennutThe rock temple of Derr built by Ramses II and the tomb of Pennut, governor of Nubia, rescued from Lake Nasser and rebuilt beside… Temple of KalabshaThe Temple of Kalabsha on Lake Nasser near Aswan: the Roman temple of Mandulis, its move by a German team in the 1960s and… Temples of Dakka and MaharraqaThe temples of Dakka and Maharraqa at Wadi el-Seboua on Lake Nasser: the Thoth temple of a Meroitic king and Maharraqa's spiral staircase. Unfinished ObeliskThe Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan: the largest obelisk ever attempted, why it was abandoned and what it shows about ancient quarrying.

Nile Valley

History of the Nile CruiseThe history of Nile cruising: ancient boats, Greek and Roman tourists, dahabiyas, Thomas Cook steamers, Agatha Christie and cruises today. How Philae Temple Was MovedHow UNESCO moved Philae Temple from its flooded island to Agilkia between 1972 and 1980: the coffer dam, 40,000 blocks and the rebuilt temple. Nubian History and CultureNubian history and culture: ancient Kush and the black pharaohs, the flooding of Nubia, Nubian villages, music and houses near Aswan. The Curse of the PharaohsThe curse of the pharaohs: how the legend began after Tutankhamun's tomb was opened, Lord Carnarvon's death and what the facts really say.

Alexandria Attractions

Catacombs of Kom el-ShoqafaThe Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa in Alexandria: the Roman-era tombs found by a donkey, Anubis in Roman armor and tips for visiting. Library of AlexandriaThe ancient Library of Alexandria and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina: history, the Snøhetta building, its museums and how to visit. Montaza PalaceMontaza Palace in Alexandria: the royal summer palace of King Fuad and King Farouk, its seaside gardens and how to visit. Pompey’s PillarPompey's Pillar in Alexandria: the Roman granite column raised for Diocletian, the ruins of the Serapeum and how to visit. Qaitbay CitadelThe Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: the 15th-century fortress built on the ruins of the Pharos lighthouse, with views over the Eastern Harbour.

Temples and Sights

Best Places to See on a Nile CruiseThe best places to see on a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan: Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae… Great Sphinx of GizaThe Great Sphinx of Giza: how big it is, who built it, what happened to the nose, the Dream Stele and how to visit… Khufu Solar BoatThe 4,500-year-old Khufu solar boat, found beside the Great Pyramid in 1954, is now on show at the Grand Egyptian Museum. History, size and…

Pharaohs and Queens

Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great in Egypt: welcomed as pharaoh in 332 BC, the Siwa oracle, the founding of Alexandria and the mystery of his tomb. Cleopatra VIICleopatra VII, last queen of ancient Egypt: her Greek family, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, her death in 30 BC and the search for… Great Pyramid of KhufuThe Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza: its size, how precise it is, the Grand Gallery and King's Chamber, recent discoveries and visiting tips. King AkhenatenAkhenaten, the pharaoh who worshipped one god: the Aten, the city of Amarna, Amarna art, Nefertiti and his link to Tutankhamun. King Khafre (Chephren)King Khafre (Chephren): his pyramid at Giza, the Valley Temple, his famous statue and his link to the Great Sphinx. King Khufu (Cheops)King Khufu (Cheops), builder of the Great Pyramid: his family, his tiny ivory statue, the Wadi al-Jarf papyri and his monuments at Giza. King MenesKing Menes, the legendary unifier of Egypt around 3100 BC: Narmer or Aha, the founding of Memphis and the stories told about him. New Kingdom of Ancient EgyptThe New Kingdom of ancient Egypt: the age of empire, the 18th to 20th Dynasties, its great pharaohs and the monuments they built in… New Kingdom PharaohsA short guide to the New Kingdom pharaohs: Ahmose, Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses II and Ramses III. Pyramid of MenkaureThe Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three Giza pyramids: its granite casing, the famous triad statues and the lost sarcophagus. Queen HatshepsutHatshepsut, the woman who became pharaoh: her rise to power, the Punt expedition, her temple at Deir el-Bahari and the discovery of her mummy. Queen NefertariQueen Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramses II: her life, her temple at Abu Simbel and her painted tomb in the Valley of the… Queen NefertitiQueen Nefertiti, wife of Akhenaten: her role as queen, her six daughters, her mysterious disappearance and the famous bust in Berlin. Ramses IIRamses II, the great pharaoh: his 66-year reign, the Battle of Kadesh, the peace treaty, Abu Simbel and where to see his mummy today. The HyksosThe Hyksos, foreign rulers of northern Egypt around 1650 to 1550 BC: who they were, what they brought and how Ahmose I drove them… The Unification of EgyptHow Upper and Lower Egypt were unified around 3100 BC: Narmer and Menes, the Narmer Palette and the symbols of the Two Lands. TutankhamunTutankhamun, the boy king: his family, how he died, Howard Carter's discovery in 1922, the curse myth and where to see his treasure today.

Ancient Egyptian History

Ancient Egyptian CivilizationAncient Egyptian civilization: 3,000 years of history, the gift of the Nile, the great kingdoms and what Egypt gave the world. Ancient Egyptian CraftsmenAncient Egyptian craftsmen: sculptors, painters, goldsmiths and carpenters, the tomb builders of Deir el-Medina and where to see their work. Ancient Egyptian EconomyHow the ancient Egyptian economy worked: the Nile flood and taxes, payment in grain and beer, the deben, trade with Punt and temple wealth. Ancient Egyptian EntertainmentHow ancient Egyptians had fun: music and dance, banquets, the board game senet, sport, hunting and festivals. Ancient Egyptian FoodWhat ancient Egyptians ate and drank: bread and beer, vegetables and fish, banquets with wine, and dishes that survive in Egypt today. Ancient Egyptian Gods and GoddessesA guide to the main ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses: Ra, Amun, Osiris, Isis, Horus, Anubis, Hathor and more, and where to see them… Ancient Egyptian MathematicsAncient Egyptian mathematics: the base-10 number system, unit fractions, the Rhind Papyrus and the surveying behind the pyramids. Ancient Egyptian MedicineAncient Egyptian medicine: the Edwin Smith and Ebers papyri, specialist doctors, honey and herbal remedies, and Imhotep, god of healing. Ancient Egyptian ReligionAncient Egyptian religion: maat, the gods, temples and priests, festivals, and beliefs about death and the afterlife. Ancient Egyptian SymbolsA guide to ancient Egyptian symbols and their meanings: the ankh, Eye of Horus, scarab, djed, was scepter, cartouche, lotus and more. Book of the DeadThe Egyptian Book of the Dead: what it is, the spells for going forth by day, the weighing of the heart and where to… Daily Life in Ancient EgyptDaily life in ancient Egypt: homes and families, work and the Nile seasons, food, clothes, makeup, games and women's rights. Egyptian CalendarThe ancient Egyptian calendar: 365 days, three Nile seasons, the star Sirius and how it shaped the Julian calendar and the Coptic calendar today. Egyptian Creation MythsAncient Egyptian creation myths: Nun, Atum and the Ennead of Heliopolis, Ptah of Memphis, the Ogdoad of Hermopolis and Amun of Thebes. Eye of HorusThe Eye of Horus (wedjat): its myth, its meaning of protection and healing, how it was used as an amulet, and how it differs… How The Pyramids Were BuiltHow the Egyptians built the pyramids: the workers' town, the quarries, the Wadi al-Jarf papyri, sledges, ramps and the precision of the Great Pyramid. Mummification ProcessHow the ancient Egyptians mummified the dead: the 70-day process, natron, canopic jars, the Opening of the Mouth and where to see mummies. Old Kingdom of Ancient EgyptThe Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt (about 2686 to 2181 BC): Djoser, Sneferu, Khufu and the age of the pyramids, and why it ended. Scarab BeetleThe scarab beetle in ancient Egypt: Khepri and the rising sun, scarab amulets and seals, the heart scarab and the giant scarab at Karnak. Surprising Facts About the PyramidsSurprising facts about the pyramids: their white casing, the 3,800-year height record, workers' graffiti, recent hidden discoveries and more. The Afterlife and the Weighing of the HeartHow ancient Egyptians saw the afterlife: the ka and ba, the weighing of the heart before Osiris, Ammit and the Field of Reeds. The Ancient Egyptian LanguageThe ancient Egyptian language: hieroglyphs, hieratic, demotic and Coptic, the Rosetta Stone and how Champollion deciphered the script. The Battle of MegiddoThe Battle of Megiddo around 1457 BC: Thutmose III's daring march through the Aruna pass, the seven-month siege and the record at Karnak. The Myth of OsirisThe myth of Osiris: murdered by Seth, restored by Isis, avenged by Horus. What the story meant and where to see it in Egypt's… The Was ScepterThe was scepter in ancient Egypt: what it looks like, what it meant, its link to Thebes and where to see it on temple…

Festivals and Holidays

Festivals in Ancient EgyptFestivals in ancient Egypt: the Opet Festival in Luxor, the Beautiful Festival of the Valley, the Heb-Sed and traditions that survive today. Public Holidays and Festivals in EgyptPublic holidays in Egypt: fixed national days, Ramadan and the Eids, Coptic Christmas and Easter, Sham el-Nessim, and tips for travelers. The Holy Family in EgyptThe flight of the Holy Family into Egypt: the traditional route, the churches of Coptic Cairo, Maadi, Wadi el-Natrun and Deir al-Muharraq.

Culture and Travel Tips

Shopping In EgyptShopping in Egypt: the best souvenirs, where to shop in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, how to spot real papyrus and how to bargain.

Egypt Destinations

Islamic CairoIslamic Cairo, the historic heart of the city: Khan el-Khalili, Al-Azhar, Al-Muizz Street, the Citadel and the great mosques, with tips. Naama BayNaama Bay in Sharm el-Sheikh: beaches, diving, Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island, Mount Sinai and nightlife.

Red Sea and Sinai

Outdoor Activities in El GounaOutdoor activities in El Gouna on the Red Sea: kitesurfing, snorkeling, boat trips, desert safaris, golf and day trips to Luxor.

Do's and Don'ts

Things to Do in CairoThe best things to do in Cairo: the pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Old and Islamic Cairo, Nile cruises, local food and day trips.

More Egypt guides

Ancient Egyptian CitiesThe great cities of ancient Egypt: Memphis, Thebes (Luxor), Heliopolis, Abydos, Amarna, Pi-Ramesses, Aswan and Alexandria. Egypt Tour Packages from the USAPlanning an Egypt tour from the USA: direct flights, visa for US citizens, how many days, best time to visit, safety and private tour… Muhammad Ali PashaMuhammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Egypt from 1805: his rise, the massacre of the Mamluks, his reforms and his mosque at the Cairo Citadel. Things to Do in Port GhalibThings to do in Port Ghalib: diving at Elphinstone, turtles at Abu Dabab, dolphins at Samadai, desert safaris and day trips to Luxor. What to Pack for EgyptWhat to pack for Egypt: clothes for heat and religious sites, shoes, sun protection, plug adapters, money and health essentials.