Best Egyptian Destinations To Visit This Year

The New Year is upon us, and Egypt has been on every list of the best destinations. The country offers many activities and destinations, from stunning beaches to historical sites, from deserts and sandy dunes to forests and vast greenery; you’ll find all you wish for. So, we thought we’d compile a list of the top new attractions that should not be missed in Egypt this year and the ones you might not have heard of yet. With plenty to choose from, the best Egyptian destinations could and should be your next holiday! 

Cairo – Best Egyptian Destinations

Cairo should always be among the cities you stop visiting in Egypt. Not only is it the capital, but it’s also a city that offers something new. Many new attractions, including the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum, will open to visitors.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is currently under construction and is planned to open in late 2020. It will be a grand international affair. Many of the artefacts and antiquities presently housed in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square will be transferred to this new museum because of its strategic location two kilometres from the Giza pyramids.

Described as the biggest museum in the world, the Grand Egyptian Museum is located on 120 acres of land. This new museum will house the complete Tutankhamun collection, including over 5,000 pieces, many of which will be displayed for the first time. The museum will also display 50,000 artefacts, including pieces relocated from Luxor, Minya, Sohag, Assiut, Beni Suef, Fayoum, the Delta, and Alexandria.

Baron Empian Palace is another well-known attraction in Cairo that has been closed for years. After a major reconstruction and restoration job in 2019, it will soon be open to the public. The palace’s beautiful structure and long history make it perfect for a visit.

Capital Business Park is an impressive new hangout in the Sheikh Zayed District. You can visit it at Christmas or New Year’s to see the fantastic decorations and lights or anytime else to walk around its shops and cafes for a lovely time out.

While in the Giza area, you might as well go Camel Riding at the Giza Pyramids. Ensure you haggle with the camel owner, as they tend to price high. Anyway, it’s a great way to enjoy a great view of the Giza Pyramids.

Next, you can take a walk in the past by visiting the impressive Sultan Hassan Mosque, close to the Salah El-Din Citadel, or the Hanging Church, the oldest Coptic Church in the era of Old Cairo that got its name because it’s suspended over the ruins of two old towers from an old fortress called the Fortress of Babylon. 

While on a journey to the past, you cannot miss Al-Moez Street, one of the oldest and most amazing stunning places in Islamic Cairo. You can start from the direction of Al-Azhar Mosque up to El-Hussein Mosque, Bab Zweila and Bab El-Fetouh; all along the street, you’ll find numerous ancient houses and schools, so be sure to take your time and look around.

Another great experience would be watching a Tanoura Show at Wekalet El-Ghoury. The Egyptian folk dance performed by Sufi dancers is mesmerizing and will be an experience to remember. The shows are performed every Saturday and Wednesday from 8:30 p.m., and admission is free.

Head to Al-Qataneyah Dunes for Sandboarding and barbecuing if you want more stimulating activities. Located 80 km southwest of the city, you can finally escape all the noise and the traffic and enjoy your time in the cast desert with your friends while surfing or sandboarding at high speeds and barbecuing.

Regarding room and board, you won’t find a better place to stay than Mena House Oberoi El-Haram in Giza, with its perfect view of the three Pyramids and hundreds of acres of greenery. The hotel was initially a hunting lodge built in 1869 for King Ismail Pasha, and now it is one of the most beautiful hotels in the country. 

Alexandria – Best Egyptian Destinations

You can’t visit Alexandria without stopping by its world-renowned Library. The Library of Alexandria (Bibliotheca Alexandrina) was inaugurated in 2002, almost two thousand years after its ancient predecessor was destroyed. In addition to the central Library, which contains millions of books, the Library of Alexandria also includes a Planetarium that screens various scientific shows daily for children and adults alike.

Visit the Royal Jewellery Museum to see the rare jewellery and ornaments that belonged to the queens and princes of the Mohamed Ali family and glimpse the grandeur of the royal families that once ruled Egypt until 1952.

Stroll through Montaza Park and gaze at the splendour of its Palace. Once the private palace and gardens of King Farouk and the Royal Family, the general public now enjoys these lush gardens on holidays and weekends throughout the year. Although the palace is currently not open to the public, you can still stroll through the extensive gardens that lead to the sea, where several beaches and hotels are open to visitors.

Aside from its long intermingled history, Alexandria is known for its delicious food! 

So, while there, make sure to taste the great breakfast, tasty coffee, and mouthwatering ice cream at Délices in Raml Station.

For brunch time, go further along the coast to the Greek Club near Qaitbay Citadel, right by the sea. Aside from its incredible view, the restaurant also offers a variety of seafood for a delicious meal. 

El Gouna – Best Egyptian Destinations

El Gouna is one of Egypt’s newer cities, and it has attracted droves of tourists over the past couple of years because of its fantastic spot overlooking the Red Sea.

Soak in the sun at beaches like Club 88 or La Maison Bleue. You can also do kite-surfing, diving, fishing, snorkelling, windsurfing, waterskiing, or water-surfing there. You can also ride a glass-bottom boat and enjoy a great view of the colourful sea bed. You can also hire a boat to go on a cruise or go island hopping.

If you’re more into land sports, El Gouna also offers many opportunities for horseback riding, biking, beach volleyball, go-karts, mini-golf, tennis, and squash at its numerous sporting venues.

For meals, you can try the food at one of the many restaurants open round the clock in the city centre.

Sharm El Sheikh – Best Egyptian Destinations

Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most well-known resort cities for its unique sites and stunning beaches. It combines history with modern comforts for an unforgettable experience.

Ras Muhammed is Egypt’s most famous national park and diving spot. It is also among the most known diving sites in the world. Its crystal clear waters witness the annual migration of several marine species and stunning mangroves and coral reefs with diverse vertebrate and invertebrate species.

Oyun Moussa is home to water sources where it is believed that Prophet Moses stopped while leading the Israelites in their escape from the Pharaoh’s wrath. The locals believe the water has healing properties, which has attracted people from all over the world to try it for themselves.

St. Catherine Monastery is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Catherine of Alexandria was a Christian martyr sentenced to death on the breaking wheel. When this failed to kill her, she was beheaded. According to tradition, angels took her remains to Mount Sinai. Around the year 800, monks from the Sinai Monastery found her remains. The monastery has become a favourite site of pilgrimage. People worldwide climb Mount Sinai to reach the Monastery, even though it is pretty challenging, especially in wintertime. However, the view from the top when you’re finally there makes it completely worth it.

Don’t forget to walk along the streets of Naama Bay or Soho Square Center and sit at one of their many cafés for a lovely night out.

Dahab – Best Egyptian Destinations

Dahab has increasingly become a haven for people seeking peace from their hectic work lives. It offers sparkling clear sea waters as far as the eye can see and has some of the best relaxing activities in the country.

The Blue Hole is a world-infamous diving spot that is very challenging and known as the most dangerous and deadliest on earth, but it still attracts many divers every day attempting to dive free through its waters. It is the most beautiful dive where you can spot exceptional marine life, but if you’re not an experienced diver, take someone with you who is experienced or take a few diving lessons first. 

You can try snorkelling if you do not have the heart to dive. You can enjoy the beauty of the colourful coral reefs, especially in Abu Gallum, where you’ll find purple, yellow, blue, and red reefs that should not be missed.

You can also try windsurfing, kayaking, sandboarding, hiking, going on a safari into the desert, and camping for the night, where you can also go camel riding or horse riding through the majestic dunes.

Taba – Best Egyptian Destinations

Taba is a frequent vacation spot for Egyptians and tourists, and it’s located right on the coast of the Red Sea.

As you enter the city, you’ll encounter the Fjord along the coastal route from Nuweiba. The fantastic beach and diving spot, offering crystal clear water, dazzling coral reefs, and exceptional marine life, is perfect for experienced divers.

The Island of the Pharoah (also known as Salah El-Din Fortress) can be spotted across the water from the Fjord. It can be easily reached by boat from the coast. 

The Colored Canyon is a hiking haven for those who like to wander into the mountains and is one of the top nature wonders of Sinai. The fantastic maze of sandstone rocks reflects beautiful magenta, red, yellow, and purple colours. However, it can be a long trek, so you might not want to do it when it’s too hot outside.

Ras Shitan – Best Egyptian Destinations

You can’t be in the area without stopping by Ras Shitan (Devil’s Head) in Nuweibaa, next to Taba. The area’s name comes from how it forms on the two sides of a huge rock. What makes Ras Shitan different from other Egyptian cities is that it doesn’t have the luxurious hotels you’ll find everywhere else; it has cosy camps where people sleep in either stone rooms or tents and gather around the fire at the end of the day to have a meal together, which is a great experience to have and will guarantee that you will meet plenty of new people.

Marsa Alam – Best Egyptian Destinations

Marsa Alam is a town in south-eastern Egypt, located on the western shore of the Red Sea. Like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, it has its own airport, so it is easily accessible, contributing to the high increase in tourism it witnessed in the last few years.

Among the many exciting sites in Marsa Alam is the Wadi El-Gemal Protected Area, covering more than 60km, where you can enjoy hiking, swimming, diving, and bird watching. Wadi Lahami Lagoon is also an excellent place for diving and kite surfing.

Hurghada – Best Egyptian Destinations

Hurghada is a city in the Red Sea Governorate. It is one of the country’s main tourist centres and the best Egyptian destination for a vacation on the Red Sea coast.

Walk around the Hurghada Marina in the central district of Sigala at sunset before heading to one of the many cafés or restaurants for a delicious meal overlooking the Red Sea on the horizon.

You can’t miss an opportunity to go on a day trip to the Giftun Islands, one of Hurghada’s most popular boat excursions. The Giftun Islands offer snorkelling opportunities for those who aren’t scuba diving enthusiasts. You can explore the fantastic coral reefs surrounding the island shore, relax on the beach, and enjoy the sun.

A great excursion also offered around the Red Sea is a trip on a submarine, which takes you underwater to explore the majestic coral reefs and diverse fish life. The submarine can take you down to a depth of 22 meters under the Red Sea’s abundant corals. Trips take about one hour; we guarantee you’ll have a great time.

Another top-rated evening tourist attraction in Hurghada is the Bedouin dinner offered by many of the resorts in the area. This is a must-do for the chance to sample delicious Egyptian dishes in Bedouin settlements while reclining on colourful cushions in a traditional Bedouin tent. It’s a beautiful atmosphere and a great introduction to Egypt’s incredible array of home-style cooking.

Luxor – Best Egyptian Destinations

As one of the wealthiest Egyptian cities in terms of antiquities and historical sites, it was only natural that we should include it on our list.

The city has an abundance of temples dating back to ancient Egypt, including Hatshepsut Temple, an impressive mortuary temple dedicated to the female Pharaoh Hatshepsut. The panoramic temple is fantastic, to say the least, and makes for a great photo op for tourists worldwide. As a result, it is also one of the top sites in Egypt. 

After you’re done, step next door to the Valley of the Kings to visit the beautifully ornamented tombs of some of the grandest Egyptian pharaohs of all time, like Ramses II, Seti I, Amenhotep II, and, of course, King Tutankhamun. Tens of lavish tombs have been excavated in the valley, making it a great experience to walk through the past.

The Karnak and Luxor Temples are two monuments that should not be missed. Karnak is one of the largest temple complexes in the world and was added to over hundreds of years by one pharaoh after the next. Walking through the complex might take an entire day, but we recommend exploring every inch because you will find it fascinating. Every corner of the temple tells its own story and presents a unique mixture of many cultures and historical eras.

The Luxor Temple is equally magnificent and contains many sandstone structures, from statues of gods and pharaohs to stunning murals. No trip to Egypt is complete without exploring the ancient grounds on which these temples sit.

As for where to stay while there, we have just the place for you!

Built in 1886 by British explorers, the Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor overlooked the Valley of the Kings and was once a retreat for the Egyptian royal family. It presents a unique chance to experience royal living at a Victorian-style Palace surrounded by Paranoiac temples and a magnificent ancient civilization.

Aswan – Best Egyptian Destinations

After the mesmerizing trip to Luxor, you have to go further south to Aswan, where the Nile meets the origins of history, making it one of the best Egyptian destinations to visit for a relaxed vacation.

Aswan is known for its beautiful islands, including the Elephantine. In ancient Egypt, the island stood at the border between Egypt and Nubia and was an excellent site for cargo transfer. The island includes ruins of the Temple of Khnum, composed of a granite step pyramid from the Third Dynasty and a small temple built for the local Sixth Dynasty. The Aswan Museum is also located at the southern end of the island. 

The Aswan Botanical Garden is adjacent to El Nabatat Island, a small island in the Nile less than a kilometre long and less than ½ kilometre wide. 

Previously known as Kitchener’s Island (the former owner), the island is filled with exotic trees, many from India, and plants in gardens with view walkways. It is now the property of the Egyptian government and is used as a research station called the Botanical Research Institute.

Another magnificent historical site on the island is the Temple of Abu Simbel, located 240 km southwest of Aswan. This temple is unique because it was carved in the mountains to commemorate Ramses II’s victory at the Kadesh battle. What is truly unique about it is that it was built and positioned in a way that on 22 October and 22 February of each year, the rays of the sun would penetrate the sanctuary to illuminate the sculptures on the black wall, except for the statue of Ptah, the ancient god connected to the underworld. People come from all over the world to witness such a stunning phenomenon.

Back in Aswan, Philae Temple (also known as Temple of Isis) is a magnificent temple only reached by boat. It was nearly lost after the construction of the high dam of Aswan. Luckily, it was rescued through cooperation between Egypt and UNESCO and moved in big blocks to Agilka Island, its current location. So, do not miss the opportunity to see this fantastic site.

Tourists in Aswan are always advised to head to Nubia for a one-day excursion to explore its culture, beautifully colourful houses, and kind people.

Nubia is one of Africa’s oldest civilizations. You can take a felucca trip to Sohail Island to meet locals, visit one of their traditional houses, drink warm tea, have a meal with them, and then explore the village and markets.

One of the most well-known hotels in Aswan is the Old Cataract, a legendary 19th-century Victorian Palace on the banks of the River Nile. The hotel was built in 1899 by Thomas Cook, mainly for European travellers. It hosted very prominent guests, including Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill, Howard Carter, Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Carter, François Mitterrand, Henry Kissinger, Princess Diana, Queen Noor and Agatha Christie, who was inspired to write her novel Death on the Nile at the hotel. The 1978 film adaptation of the novel was filmed at the hotel as well.

Siwa – Best Egyptian Destinations

Heading back to the Western Desert, Siwa is one of the most beautiful oases in Egypt, and the Dakrour Mountain is its most prized attraction. There, you can be buried in the sand up to your neck for 20 minutes, 3 to 5 times a day, as the sand there is known for its healing powers. Tourists from across the globe have been known to try it for themselves. 

The site has a lot of history, as it has been used as tombs and dwellings since the Ptolemaic period. 

You can also visit another viral site known as Cleopatra’s Bath. The majestic pool is fed with water from natural hot springs. It’s a perfect way to cool off on a summer day. It is said that Queen Cleopatra swam in this pool during her visit to Siwa, which is how it got its name.

Siwa also has its share of ancient history, as you will come across the Temple of the Oracle (the Temple of Amun). Alexander the Great built the temple in 331 BCE to become the pharaoh of Egypt.

North Coast – Best Egyptian Destinations

The North Coast of Egypt extends along the coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the best Egyptian destinations to visit this summer. The North Coast is littered with major cities, like Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh, along with smaller compounds and resorts usually inhabited during summer vacation by tourists from inside or outside of Egypt. People are always drawn to the fantastic weather and the beautiful beaches.

Marassi in the North Coast region is one of the newer cities that have attracted droves of local and foreign tourists for the past few years for its gorgeous beaches, exciting activities, and nightlife throughout the summer months every year.

Another resort is Sidi Abdelrahman, known for its sparkling clear waters and luxurious hotels. It is a few kilometres drive from Marina. 

Further along the coast is Marsa Matrouh City, an older gem that must not be missed. Walk along its Cornish to Agiba Beach for a swim, a small piece of paradise on earth, with its clear, turquoise waters that cannot tempt you to dip. Or head to its busy markets to see what treasures the locals have to offer.

If you’re looking for some history, check if the Rommel Museum is open for visitors. The Museum displays the remaining possessions of the general in charge of the German troops in Egypt during WWII. It is located in the cave where he conducted his military operations.

Another great attraction is Cleopatra’s Bath, a natural pool where legend has it that the queen of Egypt and her lover, Mark Antony, enjoyed swimming.

All these attractions and more are waiting for you in one of the most enchanting countries in the world. Egypt is not just the land of history but also the land of the future. It offers activities and exciting options for people of all ages and interests, so plan for what will be a wonderful vacation!