Introduction

Egypt, known for its warm hospitality and original Arabice, is, without question, one of the most fascinating places in Africa you can visit. Pharaoh’s history, sailing down the Nile, wandering buzzing markets filled with souvenirs and stories.

As an extra bonus, Egypt can be surprisingly affordable, and Egyptian people can understand English, and they are used to tourists. Whether you’re into ancient people’s lives, desert discoveries, or beaches, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Pick one of the 10 amazing best places in Egypt in this travel guide, where to eat in Egypt, how much you’ll need for accommodation and how to get around, and what to keep in mind for a safe journey. To keep in mind, 1 US dollar is around 48 to 50 Egyptian pounds (EGP).

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Egypt: Mesr Wonders

1# Cairo:

Sure, we’re going to start with the capital because it is in the top 10 best places to visit in Egypt, indeed. Seeing the famous pyramids is the first thing you should do when heading to Giza, located in the capital, Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza include the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. There is nothing to be remembered here but just to say I heard that before, and let’s not forget the mysterious Sphinx!

What to Eat Nearby:
Egyptian food can really change a lot of what we know about food. It never comes to mind that pasta and lentils can be good! Try Kochari (rice, pasta, lentils, fried onions, and tomato sauce), a weird combination for an incredible taste and explosion of flavors, one of Egypt’s most loved street foods, and the Giza Basbousa for dessert! Try ful madam (mashed fava beans) and tamiya (falafel).

 What to Do in Cairo:

Head to Giza, all about pyramids: Giza is a competitor city when it comes to the best places in Egypt. You can

• A ride around the pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramid of Khafre, and the smallest one, Menkaure.
• Snap a selfie with the Sphinx!

The camel ride costs around $5 to 8 USD, and the entrance fees to the pyramids are around $4 to 6 USD.

The Egyptian Museum:

More than 120,000 ancient treasures, located in Tahrir Square, royal mummies, and the world-famous mask of Khamun.

The entrance fee is about US $4, and there is a fee to the mummy room for another 4 USD.

Islamic Cairo:

Beyond the pyramids and museums, you can get close to the Islamic world and dive into its beauty and origins:

• Al-Azhar Mosque (one of the most treasured schools in the Arabic world )
• Citadel of Saladin
• Khan El-Khalili Market (to get some nice souvenirs)

You take a guided tour, typically under 10 USD.

Transportation:
Surprise! A taxi (the white ones) or Careem (a taxi service on the app store like Uber) is cheap and more convenient; public transportation is cheap but is, let’s say, less safe and a bit exhausting for a long distance, exhausting all the energy you have been saving to explore the final destination.

2# Luxor :

On the east side of the Nile is the world’s greatest open-air museum. Let’s find out what to see and visit in Luxor.

What to Do in Luxor:

• Karnak Temple (largest temple complex in the world)
• Valley of the Kings (Khamun’s tomb, not scary at all, not much)
• Hatshepsut’s Temple (it’s pronounced Khat chap sout)

Tickets start from 4 USD, and tours are available from 25 USD, you can book tours from Luxor Travel website.

Local Food to Try:
In Egypt and almost in the grand Maghreb, you can find tagine dishes here as well (it is simply a variety of ingredients cooked in clay pots), or try molokhia, which is only known to the Arabic world, and they cook it differently, but here you will taste the original molokhia. And for dessert, order feteer meshaltet (Egyptian pie).

Transportation:
Use microbuses or taxis; both are convenient and affordable too.

3# Aswan:

The previous cities are quite loud and have a lot of tourists; for a peaceful place, head to Aswan. It’s also home to beautiful Nubian culture.

What to Do in Aswan:

• Philae Temple (Isis era)
• Aswan High Dam
• Nubian village tours
• Abu Simbel is a long trip to the south, usually taking about 3 hours. You can join a group on a minibus for 18 USD (local flight).

What to Eat in Aswan:
Talking about Nubian, try Nubian stews, fish from the Nile, and dates. Local homes often offer meals for visitors.

6. Alexandria :

6# Alexandria: Coastal Charm

Founded by the Great Alexander, that’s why it gets its name. It is a blend of Greek and Roman culture with an Egyptian touch. This Mediterranean city is the second-largest state in Egypt on the western edge of the Nile River, where Cleopatra’s story lies. You will be very close to the Egyptian stories we used to see on TV, like traveling back in time.

Places to Visit in Alexandria:

• Alexandrina Modern Library
• Kom El Shoqafa (Catacombs)
• Qaitbay Citadel
• Walk the Corniche at sunset.

What to Do in Alexandria:
Alexandria is known for its sea-fresh fish from the Mediterranean. Try sayadeya (seafood rice) or the grilled fish with Egyptian seasoning, and for dessert, don’t miss baklava. Seafood here is really a bold culture; they cook it with a lot of techniques and seasonings. Well, it’s kind of a long story here; let’s keep it short in this video.

Transportation in Alexandria:
Buses and microbuses are affordable to navigate in the city.

7. Siwa Oasis :

7. Siwa Oasis, Desert Gem:

A long bus ride from Cairo costs about $10 US. This time, far from the Nile River, close to the Libyan border in the west, we located Siwa, this calm and beautiful city, and as any Egyptian city is culturally rich.

Places to Visit in Siwa:

• Shali Fortress
• Cleopatra’s Spring
• Great Sand Sea

What to Eat in Siwa:
Siwa dishes are more about dates and bread goat cheese and olives and are more vegetarian-friendly..

8. Dahshur :

Dahshur region is south of Giza with some of the earliest pyramid structures in Egypt. The Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid are also particularly special for the techniques with which the member were built and for the enclosing in historical importance. Dahshur is much less crowded than Giza pyramids with same level of impression and affect, which makes it more relaxed and off beat location for history lovers.

9. Sharm El Sheikh :

Those people who are interested in having a sea side holiday Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea is one of the best destinations. Praised for its clean sandy shores and deep blue sea, safe for snorkelling and diving, it’s perfect for underwater activity lovers, including the Ras Mohammed National Park. The physical environment also presents itself with adventure tourism such as quad biking and camel riding within the surrounding deserts.

10. Abu Simbel
:

Near the border with Sudan, Abu Simbel is famous for its two mountain temples built by Ramesses II. The main temple has four large statues of the pharaoh, while the smaller temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The temples were moved to higher ground to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam, making their preservation a marvel of modern engineering.

Conclusion :

Africa has a lot to offer, and Egypt is one of the best places. Egypt is more than just a country; it’s a living museum. Offer the excitement of this nation’s heritage; offer a full cultural experience, not just any experience. This spot tells much more than we already know about the ancient people who lived there thousands of years ago. God left them to us to see and wonder in his saying, “Travel in the land and see what was the end of those before (you).”

From the mighty pyramids of Giza to the peaceful desert of Siwa and the underwater wonders of the Red Sea, every destination offers something unforgettable. When you land there, inside these amazing heritage sites, you wonder how we in the 20th century are living and how the people before us lived with such a power of knowledge and disappeared.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Egypt is no doubt a great destination, and the greatest thing is it’s on a budget. The food is unique and delicious, the locals are kind, and the history is alive in every corner.

So grab your bag or whatever you carry, and get ready to experience one of the oldest and most fascinating places on this continent!

Wanna see the best, cheapest places in Africa? Check our article about Countdown: Cheapest Places in The Mysterious Africa.