15 of the best things to do in Egypt

1. Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza at sunrise

Beat the crowds – and the heat – by arriving early at Egypt's most famous landmark. ​​Tickets to the Giza Plateau cost EGP 700 (£11.13) for adults and EGP 350 (£5.56) for students, with an extra EGP 1,000 (£15.90) if you’d like to step inside the Great Pyramid itself.

Watch the morning sun illuminate the ancient stones of these 4,500-year-old monuments, or for an extra special experience, grab breakfast at the 9 Pyramids Lounge to enjoy an unbeatable panoramic view of these ancient marvels.

2. Drift down the Nile on a traditional felucca

There's nothing quite like gliding along the world's longest river on a traditional wooden sailboat as the sun sets behind the palm-fringed banks.

In Aswan, you can sail past colourful Nubian villages and small islands, or in Cairo, enjoy stunning views of the city's skyline. Pack some local snacks and mint tea for the perfect evening cruise.

Prices typically range between EGP 200-400 (£3.18-£6.36) per hour, with bookings easily arranged at most hotels.

3. Explore ancient treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum

The world's largest archaeological museum opened its doors in 2024 and it's nothing short of spectacular – as well as some 100,000 artefacts, you can stand face-to-face with Tutankhamun's golden mask, newly displayed royal mummies and the staggering 11m (36ft) statue of Ramses II.

Entry to the Grand Egyptian Museum costs EGP 600 (£9.56) for adults and EGP 300 (£4.78) for students. The museum's location next to the Pyramids of Giza makes it easy to combine both attractions in one day.

4. Dive into the Red Sea

Whether you're a seasoned diver or first-timer, the waters around Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada offer some of the world's most spectacular diving.

Even snorkellers can enjoy the underwater spectacle in the crystal-clear waters, which are filled with pristine coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, graceful sea turtles and fascinating shipwrecks.

Packages typically cost EGP 1,000-2,000 (£15.90-£31.80) per dive.

5. Walk the Valley of the Kings

Step into the elaborate tombs of ancient pharaohs in Luxor's Valley of the Kings, and you can marvel at the incredibly preserved hieroglyphics and vivid paintings that have maintained their colour for over 3,000 years.

The tomb of Seti I is particularly spectacular with its intricate astronomical ceiling.

6. Soar over Luxor at dawn

Few experiences match floating above ancient temples in a hot air balloon as the sun breaks over the horizon. So rise before dawn and join an unforgettable sunrise balloon ride over the ancient city of Luxor.

Expect to pay around £44 per person for this bucket list adventure, which includes soaring above the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's Temple and the mighty Nile River as the morning light bathes the landscape in golden hues.

7. Haggle at the Khan el-Khalili bazaar

Navigate the medieval alleyways of Cairo's most famous souk, where merchants have been trading since the 14th century, to hunt for traditional lanterns, spices and perfumes while practising your haggling skills.

Stop at the historic El Fishawi cafe, the oldest café in Cairo's Al Hussein area, for a traditional Egyptian coffee break.

8. Trek to the summit of Mount Sinai

Begin your Mount Sinai climb in the dark to reach the 2,285m (7,497ft) peak for sunrise.

This sacred mountain, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, offers spectacular views over the rugged Sinai landscape and they’re even more gorgeous bathed in a soft, golden glow.

Afterward, visit the 6th-century St Catherine's Monastery at its base. Access to the mountain is free, but visiting the museum at St Catherine’s Monastery costs around EGP 200 (£3.18).

9. Admire Karnak Temple's massive columns

Wander through the largest religious complex of its time at the Karnak Temple in Luxor.

The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 massive columns, is particularly awe-inspiring and best seen at sunset, when the golden light creates magical shadows between the ancient pillars.

Entry costs EGP 600 (£9.54) for adults and EGP 300 (£4.77) for students.

10. Float in Siwa Oasis's salt lakes

Want to experience a mind-boggling weightlessness right here on earth? Floating in the crystal-clear salt lakes of Siwa Oasis is a surreal swimming experience, with salt concentrations rivalling the Dead Sea. Don't forget to bring fresh water to rinse off afterward!

The pools are accessible from Cairo or Alexandria via the town of Siwa. Once in Siwa, tuk-tuk drivers will take you to the lakes from around 400 EGP (£6.36) for the return trip but there’s no fee to enter when you get there.

11. Discover Islamic Cairo's historic treasures

Walk down Al-Mu’izz Street, one of the oldest streets in Cairo, to see its stunning medieval architecture. Visit the magnificent Sultan Hassan Mosque and climb the minarets for panoramic views over the city's countless domes and minarets.

The entry fee for the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan is EGP 220 (£3.50) for adults and EGP 110 (£1.75) for students and includes admission to the Al-Rifa'i Mosque, making it an affordable way to experience Egypt’s Islamic heritage.

12. Cook with Cairo locals

Join a Cairo cooking class to master classics like koshari and ful medames. Most will take you to local markets to select ingredients, teach you family recipes passed down through generations and allow you to enjoy your creations over stories about Egyptian culture and traditions.

For a truly immersive experience, book with Bellies En-Route, where expert chefs guide you in preparing authentic dishes while exploring the vibrant local food scene. From £49 per person.

13. Sleep under desert stars

Camp under the stars and surrounded by surreal chalk rock formations in the White Desert National Park. These natural sculptures create an otherworldly landscape that is particularly magical at sunset and sunrise.

Entry to the park costs around EGP 300 (£4.77) for foreigners, with licensed safari operators offering camping packages for an additional fee.

14. Witness the sun alignment at the Abu Simbel Temples

Discover the awe-inspiring temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, carved into a rock face over 3,200 years ago. Relocated in the 1960s to protect them from flooding caused by the creation of the Aswan Dam, these monuments are a testament to both ancient craftsmanship and modern engineering.

Tickets cost EGP 255 (£4.05) for adults and EGP 133.50 (£2.12) for students, including a small city council tax.

If you visit on February 22 or October 22, you’ll witness the incredible sun alignment, when the morning sun perfectly lights up the temple’s inner sanctum. Tickets for these special dates are EGP 515 (£8.18) for adults and EGP 263.50 (£4.19) for students.

15. Seek out a whirling dervish

Immerse yourself in Egyptian culture by watching the Tanoura dance, a mesmerising performance of whirling dervishes in brightly coloured skirts accompanied by live traditional music.

The show takes place at Wekalet El Ghouri, an architecturally stunning arts centre in Cairo’s El Azhar area.

Tickets cost EGP 90 (£1.43) per person, and performances are held every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. Arrive early to secure a good seat and soak up one of Cairo’s hidden cultural gems.