The Top 5 Cities to visit In Egypt In 2024
One of the greatest civilizations in history, Egypt continues to draw visitors from around the world with its fascinating legends and astonishing sights. Still preserving many of its ancient secrets, Egypt offers an inspiring journey across its millennial history, while also featuring spectacular natural wonders. From the majestic pyramids rising on the fertile banks of the Nile to the splendid coasts of the Black and Red seas, Egypt holds some of the richest cultural heritage in the world. While most travelers only know about the pyramids and the mummies; Egypt has so much more to offer, with temples, churches, monasteries, mosques, and museums that offer an insightful trip into the past. Here are 5 cities you must visit while in Egypt:
Cairo
The capital and largest city of Egypt, Cairo is usually the starting place of any journey, with several important attractions located nearby. The most popular attractions are the Giza Pyramids, a magnificent complex and one of the great architectural and historical wonders of the world. Apart from the famous Sphinx, visitors can admire the group of preserved pyramids, including the Great Pyramid, one of the few ruins that travelers can actually enter. Cairo also holds many other fascinating places, like the interesting Egyptian Museum or the Coptic Museum, the mighty citadel and mosque of Mohamed Ali Pasha, the Al-Azhar Mosque, the Saint Samaan the Tanner Monastery, the Abdeen Palace Museum, as well as a great number of other mosques, palaces, and museums.
Luxor
Located in southern Egypt on the bank of the Nile, the awe-inspiring city of Luxor is considered the gateway to the famous Valley of the Kings and other amazing monuments. The Valley of the Kings is one of the greatest historical and archaeological destinations in the world, an astonishing complex of temples where most pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried. Travelers will need several days to see all the marvels in this place, including monuments like the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Tomb of Rameses VI, the Tomb Thutmose III, and many more. In and around Luxor, there are other magnificent attractions, including the Temple of Luxor, the Temple of Karnak, Deir el-Medina, and many more.
Alexandria
One of the greatest cities in ancient times, Alexandria was famous for its magnificent lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as well as the inspiring Library of Alexandria. Once the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt, Alexandria holds an overwhelmingly rich cultural heritage that spans over millennia, as well as enchanting beaches and other highlights. Travelers will find a diversity of monuments and attractions in Alexandria, including places like the stunning Citadel of Qaitbay that now houses a naval museum and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Other impressive sights include the elegant Corniche Waterfront, the Serapeum, and Pompei’s Pillar, the Greco-Roman Museum, the Aquarium, the Roman Theater, the Montazah Palace, the National Museum, and many more.
Aswan
One of the most enchanting experiences of Egypt is visiting the town of Aswan, it’s a much more peaceful place than the capital and even Luxor. Located in the southern part of the country close to the grand Aswan Dam, it offers a rich cultural heritage to discover. Some of the most fascinating attractions include the insightful Nubian Museum, the majestic Unfinished Obelisk, the beautiful Elephantine Island with its Aswan Museum and Nubian Villages, the Tombs of the Nobles, and the Monastery of St. Simeon. A few hours to the south, travelers can visit Abu Simbel with the great temples of Ramses II, while even closer they can admire the superb temple of Philae on a small Nile island.
Hurghada
One of the best-known resort towns of Egypt, Hurghada is located along the coast of the Red Sea. It features exceptional beaches that stretch for miles, as well as exquisite hotels and restaurants. Hurghada also offers some of the best diving spots in this part of the world, with vibrant marine life and a superb coral reef. Apart from diving, travelers can also experience a great variety of water sports and exciting boat trips towards the nearby islands.
