Egypt is a living museum — a place where the past and present meet on the banks of the Nile River. If you’re wondering what to do on your next trip, this guide lays out the best things to do in Egypt: from standing beneath the Great Pyramid’s shadow to drifting past temple colonnades on a Nile cruise, sampling street food in bustling souks, or watching the desert turn golden from a hot-air balloon. This is more than a sightseeing list; it’s a travel blueprint built to help you choose the right experiences, prioritize must-see sites, and discover authentic moments off the beaten track. Whether you're after history, adventure, culture, or relaxation, the variety of things to do in Egypt will keep you busy and inspired.
You’ll find practical tips, themed itineraries, and reasons each activity deserves a spot on your trip. Expect clear, actionable suggestions for history lovers, families, foodies, and active travelers — plus essential planning notes so you can book smarter, pack lighter, and make the most of every day. Ready? Let’s dive into the best things to do in Egypt that should be on every traveler’s radar.
Why Visit: Top Reasons to Add Egypt to Your Travel List
Egypt’s magnetism comes from its unforgettable mix of monumental archaeology and everyday life along the Nile. The top things to do in Egypt aren’t just photo ops — they’re immersive experiences: exploring ancient tombs, bargaining in centuries-old bazaars, sailing by palm-lined banks, and meeting warm, hospitable locals. Weather and seasons vary, but each time of year brings a different flavor to the top things to do in Egypt. Whether you want a slow cultural journey or a packed, adventurous itinerary, Egypt rewards curiosity supported by solid Egypt travel guide planning.
Best Historic Things to Do in Egypt (For History Lovers)
If ancient history draws you, prioritize these things to do in Egypt:
- Giza Plateau & The Great Pyramid — Stand before Khufu’s pyramid and the Sphinx; walk the desert plateau where pharaohs once ruled.
- Saqqara & Step Pyramid of Djoser — Explore the world’s earliest monumental stone structure and its surrounding necropolis.
- The Egyptian Museum & Grand Egyptian Museum — View priceless artifacts, statues, and the fascinating relics of pharaonic life.
- Luxor: Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple — Wander among towering columns and reliefs spanning centuries of Egyptian belief.
- Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut’s Temple — Enter royal tombs carved into the cliffs and marvel at Hatshepsut’s terraced mortuary temple.
- Abu Simbel — Visit Ramses II’s giant rock-cut temples — a jaw-dropping highlight of any things to do in Egypt list.
Included activities: guided site tours, private Egyptologist commentary, transport and entrance fees (when booking with a tour operator).
Temples & Tombs: Deeper Context
Don’t just see the sites — learn the stories. Guided explanations turn carved reliefs and hieroglyphs into rich narratives. Many travelers say the single best thing to do in Egypt is to spend time with an Egyptologist who offers cultural and historical context that photography alone cannot capture.
Nile & River Experiences: Cruises, Dahabiya, and Scenic Sailing
A Nile cruise is a core entry on every list of things to do in Egypt. Options vary from large, fully serviced river ships to intimate dahabiyas (traditional sailing boats) and day felucca trips. Highlights include leisurely mornings on deck, sunset views across palm-fringed banks, and temple visits like Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, and Philae Temple. For a different pace, a Lake Nasser cruise explores Nubian and Abu Simbel sites.
Included activities: multi-night cruises, on-deck dining, evening cultural shows, and shore excursions led by licensed guides.
Dahabiya and Malouka Cruises (A Slower Pace)
For travelers seeking quiet and authenticity, sailing on a dahabiya or malouka is one of the most memorable things to do in Egypt — intimate, unhurried, and deeply connected to riverside life.
Adventure & Outdoor Things to Do in Egypt
If you want more than monuments, Egypt delivers:
- Hot air ballooning over Luxor at dawn — spectacular light on the Valley of the Kings.
- Desert safaris and Bedouin camp dinners around Siwa Oasis and Sinai — starlit nights and dune-bashing for the adventurous.
- Diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea’s underwater reefs, especially near Ras Mohammed National Park.
- Hiking in Sinai — including expeditions to Mount Sinai for sunrise.
These active things to do in Egypt balance cultural days with heart-pumping outdoor fun.
Cultural & Culinary Things to Do in Egypt
Local life is a highlight: woven markets, fragrant spice stalls, and historic neighborhoods. Must-do cultural things to do in Egypt include:
- Khan El-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo — a sensory overload of crafts, spices, and street food.
- Savoring Egyptian staples — try koshari, ful medames, ta’amiya (Egyptian falafel), and the sweet om ali.
- Nubian village visits in Aswan — colorful homes, traditional music, and warm hospitality.
- Cultural nights — folkloric shows, Sufi performances, and modern Egyptian theater.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Egypt
Families will enjoy interactive things to do in Egypt such as camel rides at Giza, child-friendly museum tours, gentle Nile cruises, and beach days on the Red Sea — flexible, engaging, and packed with discovery.
Practical Tips: Planning the Best Things to Do in Egypt
- Timing: Peak season runs from October to April — milder temperatures make outdoor things to do in Egypt more comfortable.
- Guides: Hire licensed Egyptologist guides for top archaeological sites — they unlock context and access.
- Health & Safety: Stay hydrated, protect against the sun, and carry local currency for small purchases.
- Dress code: Respectful, modest clothing suits religious sites and local customs.
- Bookings: Reserve popular activities and experiences early, especially when combining tours with Egypt Nile Cruises.
Final Nudge: Turn Interest into Action
The best things to do in Egypt are the ones you plan intentionally: mix big-ticket sites with slow, local moments. Start with a few must-see monuments, add a Nile cruise or dahabiya night, sprinkle in cultural stops and a couple of active adventures, and you’ll have a genuine and varied Egyptian itinerary.
FAQs — Things People Ask About Things to Do in Egypt
Q1: What are the must-see things to do in Egypt for first-timers?
Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum or GEM, Luxor’s Karnak and Valley of the Kings, a Nile cruise, and Abu Simbel top first-time lists.
Q2: Is Nile cruising one of the best things to do in Egypt?
Yes. Nile cruising blends comfort with access to temples, making it one of the most recommended things to do in Egypt.
Q3: Are there family-friendly things to do in Egypt?
Absolutely — camel rides at Giza, museum scavenger hunts, safe Nile cruise options, and beach days offer great family experiences.
Q4: How many days do I need to enjoy the main things to do in Egypt?
A well-paced trip of 7–10 days covers Cairo + a 4-night Nile cruise; longer if you add Red Sea dives or extra cultural stops.
Q5: What cultural experiences should I include in my list of things to do in Egypt?
Visit Khan El-Khalili, attend a Nubian village visit, sample street food, and see traditional music or dance.
Q6: When’s the best time to do popular things to do in Egypt?
October–April offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and temple visits; summer is hot, but inland mornings and evenings can still be enjoyed.
Q7: Can I combine diving with historical sightseeing as part of my things to do in Egypt?
Yes — combine days in Cairo and Luxor with Red Sea stays in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh for diving and relaxation.
Q8: Are tickets and guides included for things to do in Egypt with tour operators?
Many operators include guided visits and entrance fees; always confirm the inclusions when booking.