Hey! I’m Lily, and I need to warn you upfront – I’m one of those people who gets way too excited about Egypt. Like, my friends probably roll their eyes when I start talking about it. But honestly? I can’t help it. This place is just… wow.
Look, I’m writing this because I see so many people coming back from Egypt trips feeling like they missed something or got overwhelmed. And that bugs me because Egypt is incredible when you know what you’re doing. So I’m gonna tell you everything – the good stuff, the tricky parts, and all the little things that can make or break your trip.
So What’s the Big Deal with Things to Do in Egypt?
Okay, real talk – things to do in Egypt isn’t just about ticking off tourist spots. Yeah, the pyramids will mess you up (in the best way), but Egypt is so much more than that. It’s this crazy mix of stuff that’s older than you can wrap your head around, people who’ll invite you for tea after knowing you for five minutes, food that’ll ruin you for anywhere else, and experiences you literally cannot get anywhere else on earth.
I used to think it was all dusty museums and boring history lessons. Boy, was I wrong. Egypt gets under your skin. Some people go for the diving and end up crying at ancient temples. Others go for the history and fall in love with the street food. It’s weird like that.
The Places That’ll Actually Blow Your Mind
Alright, let me break down the spots you absolutely can’t miss:
Giza – Yeah, You Gotta Do It
The Great Pyramid and Sphinx are right there, and they’re exactly as crazy as you think they’ll be. This thing was the tallest building in the world for almost 4,000 years. When you’re standing there, you’re looking at something that was already ancient when Jesus was alive.
2025 tip: They’ve got better facilities now – actual shade and decent bathrooms, thank god. Go early morning or late afternoon unless you want to melt. And yes, do the camel ride if you want, but know that the guy will expect a tip. It’s not a scam, it’s just how it works.
Cairo – Controlled Chaos
Cairo is nuts. The traffic makes no sense, it’s loud as hell, and it’s absolutely addictive. Khan el-Khalili is where you’ll learn to bargain (and you HAVE to bargain – paying the first price is actually rude).
The Egyptian Museum has Tutankhamun’s stuff and about a million other things. Pro tip: get a guide or you’ll just wander around confused. The new Grand Egyptian Museum is supposed to open fully in 2025 right by the pyramids, which is gonna be awesome.
Luxor – Where You Feel Really Small
This place will mess with your head. Valley of the Kings is where they buried pharaohs in these tiny, incredibly decorated tombs. But here’s the thing – you can’t talk inside, you get shuffled through fast, and most tombs are cramped. Your guide explains everything outside because they’re trying to preserve the paintings.
Karnak Temple is huge – like, stupidly huge. You could fit Notre Dame inside it multiple times. Hatshepsut Temple is built into a cliff and looks like something from a movie.
Aswan – Finally You Can Breathe
After Cairo’s craziness, Aswan feels chill. The Nile actually looks blue here instead of brown. Philae Temple is on an island so you take a little boat – very Instagram-worthy.
The Nubian villages are these bright, colorful places where people are incredibly nice. I’ve heard tons of stories about travelers getting invited for meals.
Abu Simbel – Worth the Drive
It’s three hours from Aswan and your butt will hurt, but it’s worth it. These twin temples were literally cut apart and moved when they built the dam. The engineering is almost as impressive as the original buildings.
Fun fact: the temples face east so the sun lights up the inside twice a year on Ramesses II’s birthday and coronation day. Even if you’re not there those exact days, it’s still incredible.
Sharm el Sheikh – Your Recovery Zone
After all that culture, Sharm el Sheikh is where you collapse on a beach. The Red Sea diving here is legit world-class. Even if you don’t dive, the snorkeling is amazing. Ras Mohammed National Park has some of the best coral reefs you’ll see anywhere.
Siwa Oasis – For the Adventurous Types
This is my secret favorite. Siwa is way out in the desert and still feels like you’re discovering something. Cleopatra’s Spring is this hot spring where you can actually swim. The Great Sand Sea goes on forever, and Shali Fortress is these haunting ruins.
It’s remote and takes planning to get there, but if you want to feel like an explorer, this is it.
What You Actually Need to Pack
I’ve seen too many people pack wrong, so here’s what actually matters:
The Essentials:
- Good walking shoes – you’ll be on your feet a lot on uneven ground
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees – for temples and mosques
- Serious sunscreen (SPF 50+) and a hat – the sun will destroy you
- Water bottles – stay hydrated but only drink bottled water
- Power adapters – Egypt uses Type C and F plugs
- Small bills for tips – you’ll tip a lot, it’s just how things work
Camera Stuff:
- Extra batteries – you’ll take way more photos than you think
- Portable charger – your phone will die from all the pictures
- Waterproof case if you’re doing Red Sea stuff
Don’t Forget:
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- Travel insurance with medical evacuation
- Modest scarf for covering up in religious places
- Patience – things move differently in Egypt
How to Actually Plan This Thing
Based on what actually works:
- When to Go: October through April. Summer is brutal unless you’re staying by the water. I’ve read horror stories about July heat.
- Route That Works: Start Cairo (2-3 days), fly to Aswan (1-2 days), do Abu Simbel as a day trip, drive to Luxor hitting temples on the way (2-3 days), then Sharm el Sheikh if you want beach time. Or do a Nile cruise instead of driving.
- Guide Situation: Just hire one. I know it costs extra, but Egyptian sites have basically zero signs or explanations. A good guide runs like $80-100 per day for your whole group and makes the difference between “cool old stuff” and “holy crap this is amazing.”
- Getting Around: Private drivers are cheap and way easier than figuring out buses. Plus they know the good photo spots.
Different Ways to Do Egypt
- First Timer Special: Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Valley of Kings, Karnak, Abu Simbel. The greatest hits.
- Nile Cruise Style: Same places but you sleep on a boat and wake up to the Nile. More expensive but really cool.
- History + Beach Combo: Split time between ancient stuff and Red Sea relaxing. Perfect if you need downtime.
- Off the Beaten Path: Add Siwa, White Desert, or Alexandria. For when you want Egypt beyond the postcards.
Don’t Be These People (Common Screw-Ups)
- Trying to see everything in a week. Egypt’s been around 5,000 years – you can’t see it all. Pick what interests you most.
- Fighting the tipping culture. Baksheesh is just how it works. Roll with it instead of getting frustrated.
- Being scared of all local food. Use common sense, but koshari and ful medames are delicious and safe if you eat where locals eat.
- Skipping the guide to save money. This is being penny-wise and pound-foolish. Good guides transform everything.
- Dressing inappropriately for temples. Cover up. It’s respectful and required.
- Not bargaining in markets. Seriously, they expect it. Paying full price is weird.
Making It More Than Just a Vacation
- Keep a real journal. Not just what you saw, but conversations, surprises, feelings. Egypt hits you emotionally – capture that.
- Learn basic Arabic. “Shukran” (thanks) and “ahlan wa sahlan” (hello) get you smiles everywhere.
- Buy from actual makers. Real papyrus from artisans, spices from markets, stuff from people who made it.
- Photograph more than monuments. Get the people (with permission), street scenes, everyday life. Egypt’s a living place, not a museum.
- Stay curious. Egypt will make you want to learn more about history, archaeology, culture. Keep that going when you get home.
Look, Here’s the Real Deal
Egypt will challenge you. It’s hot, chaotic, vendors are persistent, and things won’t go according to plan. That’s not a bug, it’s a feature. The people who love Egypt are the ones who go with the flow instead of fighting everything.
Things to do in Egypt aren’t just activities – they’re experiences that stick with you. Whether you’re standing inside the Great Pyramid thinking about the thousands of years of people who’ve done exactly what you’re doing, or sitting on a felucca watching sunset over the Nile like people have forever, you’re connecting with something way bigger than yourself.
The history is incredible, the culture is rich, the people are genuinely warm (once you get past the tourist hustle), and the experiences are unlike anywhere else. Yeah, it can be overwhelming. Yeah, it’s not always easy. But man, is it worth it.
What’s calling to you about Egypt? The ancient history? The adventure side? The cultural experiences? Maybe all of it? Tell me in the comments – I love hearing about people’s Egypt plans and I’m always happy to help figure out the details.
Seriously, what questions do you have? What are you most excited about? Most worried about? Let’s figure this out together – Egypt’s waiting for you!
