Explore Egypt: 8 Tourist Attractions That Will Blow Your Mind
- By Karim Hassan
- Reviewed by Sophia Rose
- August 4, 2023
- Travel
As an avid traveler who lives for adventure, I’m constantly seeking out destinations that will stimulate my senses and ignite my imagination. And let me tell you – Egypt is one of the places that has completely blown my mind.
In this article, I’ll share the top 8 tourist attractions in Egypt for first-time visitors, from the world-renowned Pyramids of Giza to the lesser-known White Desert, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s begin.
Table Of Content
1. The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
When you visit Egypt, a must see is the Pyramids of Giza. They’re one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and are near Cairo.
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The biggest pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which is 146 meters high. It was built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu and took over 27 years and 2.3 million limestone blocks to build.
2. The Egyptian Museum (Cairo)
No other museum provides a better window into ancient Egypt than the magnificent Egyptian Museum in Cairo. As one of the largest museums in the world, it houses an unbelievable 120,000+ artifacts spanning thousands of years of history.
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The best part is the stuff from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, like his golden funeral mask and sarcophagi, and his amazing jewelry, chariots, and furniture.
3. The Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor
The Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Egypt. Covering over 200 acres, it’s the second largest ancient religious site in the world, after the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.
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The complex is a vast open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world. It’s filled with sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons, and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and the greater glory of Egypt’s pharaohs.
4. The Valley of the Kings, Luxor
If ancient Egyptian burial sites ignite your imagination, then a trip to Luxor’s Valley of the Kings is an absolute must. This barren valley houses the tombs of over 60 pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom period (1550-1069 BC).
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The tombs are a testament to the ancient Egyptians’ beliefs in the afterlife and their efforts to ensure a comfortable journey for the deceased. Each tomb is richly decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology that reflect the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife and their status in life.
5. The Abu Simbel Temple
The Abu Simbel Temples are one of Egypt’s most breathtaking sights. Carved out of a mountainside in the 13th century BC, these temples were built by Pharaoh Ramses II to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh.
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The grandeur of the Abu Simbel Temples is truly awe-inspiring. The façade of the larger temple features four colossal statues of Ramses, each standing about 20 meters high.
6. The Nile River Cruise
A Nile River Cruise from Luxor to Aswan lets you see the heart of Egypt. You get to learn about its ancient history and see its lively culture. This cruise is a must-do when you visit Egypt. You’ll see some of Egypt’s most important historical sites and its natural beauty.
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The cruise starts in Luxor, home to the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple. As you sail south towards Aswan, you’ll pass by the Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, and the Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods.
7. The White Desert
The White Desert, also known as Sahara el Beyda, is a lesser-known but equally captivating natural wonder in Egypt. This unique landscape is characterized by its striking white rock formations that have been sculpted into various shapes by centuries of wind and sand erosion.
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The desert’s distinct white appearance can be attributed to layers of chalk and limestone rocks that date back to the Cretaceous period (145 to 66 million years ago). These sedimentary rocks were once submerged beneath ancient seas that covered the region
8. The Red Sea Reefs and Resorts
The Red Sea is a world-renowned destination for its vibrant marine life and luxury resorts. The warm, clear waters of the Red Sea are home to more than 1,200 species of fish, over 10% of which are found nowhere else in the world.
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The Red Sea coast is also dotted with numerous luxury resorts, offering world-class amenities and stunning views of the sea. These resorts cater to a wide range of tourists, from adventure seekers looking to explore the underwater world to those seeking a relaxing getaway with sun, sand, and sea.
With its mix of surreal landscapes, monumental temples, fascinating museums, and Red Sea relaxation, Egypt has something for every type of traveler. Each destination will leave you more astounded by its enduring history and culture.
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Thank you for reading – and happy Pyramid exploring.
