Exclusive Travel News / The 8 Best Places To Visit In Egypt / By Monica Gerges

Dive the Red Sea’s crystal blue waters, stargaze amid the vastness of the desert, float down the Nile River and stand in awestruck wonder before the ruins of one of the world’s most ancient civilizations – when it comes to travel experiences, Egypt is a destination that delivers in a big way.

With so much to see, the struggle for many visitors is deciding just where to begin – as always, we’re happy to help! Here is our pick of the 8 best places to visit in Egypt.

1. Cairo

Egypt’s bustling capital city is layered with cultural, religious, architectural and even culinary history. Its wonders stretch far beyond the walls of its famous museums – you can take in centuries worth of sights just by walking down the city streets. Then there are the Pyramids of Giza, truly a wonder of the world.

At the epicenter of history in the core of the city is Islamic Cairo, the city’s most atmospheric quarter. Just grab your camera and venture down its vibrant alleyways. Take in the views from the Citadel and the old city gates – known as Bab Zuweila, Bab al-Futuh and Bab an Nasr – and admire the intricate details of the area’s stunning mosques. The ancient Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Ibn Tulun Mosque and Al-Hakim Mosque are particularly incredible. Islamic Cairo is also home to monument-lined Muizz Street and Khan El-Khalili bazaar, both great spots to grab some souvenirs (if your haggling skills are up to the task).

A more under-the-radar-spot is Coptic Cairo, the focal point of Egypt’s tiny Christian minority since the first century CE and home to the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church and the towers of the vanished Babylon fortress.

Local tip: By night, Cairo transforms thanks to its buzzing nightlife scene – sip a drink in historic downtown bars or take in live performances at hip clubs and art spaces.

2. Marsa Alam

Life is definitely better when you’re scuba diving through colorful corals and swimming with dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles in Marsa Alam’s beautiful blue waters. A serene escape on the western shore of the Red Sea, Marsa Alam is one of the top spots in Egypt for underwater escapes. Popular dive spots include the Elphinstone reef and Abu Dabbab, one of the world’s top beaches for snorkeling.

For land-based adventures, head to Wadi el Gemal National Park, where you can lay back by the water at Hankorab Beach or safari, hike or bike through rugged, mountainous terrain. Keep an eye out for camels at Sharm El Luli Beach or take in the beautiful scenery at the resort town of Qulaan.

To learn about Marsa Alam’s local Bedouin community, visit the Ababda House Cultural Museum.

Detour: If you’re looking for interesting souvenirs, head to Ghosoun and Hamata and meet local women making unique hand-woven crafts and jewelry (each tribe has its own unique patterns and styles).

The strip is lined with luxurious hotels and resorts, upscale residential compounds and world-class restaurants such as The Smokery Beach at Stella di Mare and Kiki’s Beach at Hacienda White. The shores of Sahel are where you’ll find most of Cairo’s millennial and Gen Z crowd on Egypt’s hottest summer days.

7. Siwa oasis

Far removed from the mayhem of Egypt’s big cities, this little gem of an oasis is home to Siwan Bedouin people who follow a largely traditional way of life, and the town has thus far been only lightly touched by tourism. The locals are Amazigh tribespeople, who have managed to preserve much of their linguistic and cultural heritage thanks to the isolated location of their oasis home.

Siwa is often described as “the Sunset Oasis,” and its sunsets are indeed unparalleled in Egypt. Whether you find a vantage point atop Dakrour Mountain or the ruined Shali Fortress, or take in the scenery and serenity of Taghaghien Island or Fatnas Island, you’re promised an unforgettable sunset. You can also expect a lot of mosquitos, so don’t forget your repellent.

Siwa is a prime destination for tourists looking to escape the winter chill, and it’s a leaping off point for the Great Sand Sea (the world’s third-largest dune field), swimmable hot and cold springs and crystal clear salt lakes where you can float effortlessly.

Siwa also produces some of the country’s best dates, and you may be able to sample straight from the tree – just ask locals first. Every November, Siwa holds the Siwi Palm Date Festival.

Local tip: Try the local Abu Mardem chicken or lamb – a spiced dish that’s marinated for eight hours before its put into an iron pot and buried under the sand to cook.

8. El Gouna

It’s always sunny in this little town along the pristine shoreline of the Red Sea, just north of Hurghada. El Gouna has become the base for a multinational community of digital nomads, young families and expats convinced that life is better by the water.

El Gouna has great aquatic activities, and lots of options for hiking and safaris in the surrounding desert landscapes, appealing to younger travelers. It also has bougie boutiques, cultural events and top-tier culinary experiences thanks to its many upscale restaurants, appealing to an older set.

With its world-class services, restaurants and living spaces, it’s a great place to visit but also a fine place to set up your seaside office. There are plenty of coworking spaces, solid wifi connections and lots of ways to keep busy outside of work hours – why work from home when you can work from El Gouna?