What is Egypt Famous For? Top 20 Places & Things to do

In most cases, speaking about Egypt, the general idea hovers around pyramids, mummies, tombs, pharaohs etc. But, although it holds true, if you visit Egypt, you will realise that Egypt is much more than that. So, if you want to know what Egypt is famous for, you will get a brief idea here.

Before you make an itinerary of your trip to Egypt. You must remember to make a to-do list which you will need immediately after landing. One of the most essential things to do is exchanging currency as per Egyptian Pound. As of November 2022, EGP 1 equals to INR 3.32.

Although there are numerous things to see in Egypt, here are a few things that make Egypt a preferred choice for globetrotters –

1. Giza Necropolis

The Pyramids of Giza are undoubtedly the most famous attraction in Egypt. This is situated near the southwestern suburbs of Cairo and attracts travellers, history buffs and knowledge seekers.

Archaeologically speaking, the pyramids at Giza were built over three generations. Also, the Great Pyramid of Khufu reaches a height of 455 feet, making it the largest pyramid in Egypt, which is worth visiting.

2. Karnak

Although Karnak is ruined, it can still impress a lot of visitors. Most importantly, it is one of the largest historical religious sites ever built and represents the combined effort of multiple generations of Egyptian constructors. 

This temple is approximately 2.5 kilometres north of Luxor and consists of three primary temples, smaller temples, and several outer temples. However, one of the most famous structures is the Hypostyle Hall, which is a hall area of 50,000 sq ft with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows.

3. Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is located near Luxor, and here for nearly 500 years, tombs were constructed for the kings and other dignitaries. This valley is decorated with around 63 tombs and chambers of multiple sizes and types.

Moreover, the tombs are adorned with depictions from Egyptian mythology, which provide clues to the beliefs and rituals of that time. But, except for the tomb of Tutankhamun, all of the tombs seem to have been heavily exploited.

4. Red Sea Reef

The Red Sea Reef, located on the coast of Egypt, is undeniably one of the most iconic places in this country. This is famous for its vast exposure to corals on the reefs, and apart from it, a myriad of different sea creatures calls it home.

In addition, you can find beach resorts on both sides of the water, providing an excellent view of this blue vista. Moreover, on the west coast, there is archaic Hurghada and a cluster of new resort towns.

5. Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a picturesque temple built by Ramses II. This humongous architectural beauty is decorated with statues resembling guards, which rule the covers of leading magazines. Besides this, its interiors are covered, which are excellent in their own way.

Also, in the 1960s, UNESCO made an effort to shift this temple from its location to its current location to protect it from the rising water level of the Aswan dam.

6. The Nile River

Among all the primary attractions in Egypt, the Nile is always in the limelight. Moreover, this river is the primary driving factor behind Egyptian civilization and still supports the nation's development.

7. Saqqara

Besides Giza, Saqqara is another best place for seeing pyramids. This place is also important because Pharaohs from all eras have honoured the deceased in this location. Also, this vast necropolis is covered in tombs and pyramids, each of them showing slow deterioration. 

Furthermore, one of Egypt's most popular tourist destinations is the Old Kingdom Step Pyramid. Additionally, you can find some of Egypt's finest wall paintings at Mastaba of Ti's tomb. 

8. Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is one of Cairo's main tourist destinations and is home to at least 120,000 pieces of ancient Egyptian artefacts. The museum's ground floor and first floor are its two primary levels.

There are numerous antiquities taken from the Valley of the Kings as well as artefacts from the last two dynasties of Ancient Egypt on the first floor. Some highlights include the Tutankhamun artefacts and the Royal Mummy Room.

9. Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt's remote communities and is situated in the Libyan Desert with 23,000 residents, most of whom are Berbers. Siwa, an oasis adorned with natural springs and palm trees that provided shade, was a key stop on an ancient date trading route.

Although Siwa saw a downfall after the fall of the Roman Empire, in recent years, tourism has emerged as a major revenue generator. Also, developing hotels took advantage of regional resources, and their play with regional aesthetics has received much attention.

10. White Desert National Park

In Egypt, you can find more than only the pyramids and the Nile. In this regard, a good example is the White Desert National Park, located south of the Bahariya Oasis in the Western Desert.

In addition, this entire area is covered in boulders and chalk pinnacles with oblique shapes, giving it the appearance of a sci-fi movie set. Also, along with overnight camping, one can easily go on enjoyable rides.

11. Dahab

Dahab is situated near the southernmost point of Sinai on the Gulf of Aqaba, around 85 kilometres (53 miles) north of Sharm el-Sheikh. Dahab, a hitherto remote coastal community, was transformed into a hippie hangout in the 1980s and eventually into an "alternative resort".

Also, it is counted as one of famous places in Egypt along the Red Sea and offers activities like camel and jeep excursions, snorkelling, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

12. Mosque of Ibn Tulun

One of the first mosques in Cairo was the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, constructed between 876 and 879 AD. The mosque is built around a courtyard, and the hall is covered by a wall on each of its four sides.

Also, this tower contains a spiral exterior staircase akin to the well-known minaret at Samarra. Furthermore, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun also served as the backdrop for some scenes in the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me.

13. Temple of Hatshepsut and the Memnon Colossi

The Temple of Hatshepsut honors Queen Hatshepsut, the sole pharaoh who was female. This masterpiece was built by the architect Senemut and featured a portion carved out of a rock. Also, an additional exterior portion with three terraces set it apart from other national monuments.

Although many of the references to the queen in the temple's reliefs were destroyed by Thutmose III as payback for stealing her throne, they nonetheless provide insight into the monarch's past.

14. Temple of Kom Ombo

The Temple of Kom Ombo is situated on the banks of the Nile, about 50 kilometres from Aswan. This temple was built by Ramses II and is unique in that it is a double temple with two symmetrical portions, one dedicated to the god Sobek and the other to the god Haroeris.

In this regard, note that Horus had the head of a falcon, whereas Sobek had a crocodile for a head and a human body. Also, a crocodile mummy can be found inside the temple, while reliefs made using historical medical tools can be seen outside.

15. Sharm el-Sheikh

Although thought to be the warmest sea in the world, it is a paradisiacal location with vast coral reefs teeming with exotic species. Additionally, here you can engage in some of the best diving and snorkeling activities.

In addition to it, Sharm el-Sheikh, a little fishing village in the centre of the Sinai desert, has grown into a city with a superb all-inclusive hotel infrastructure. Here you can enjoy its vibrant nightlife, fantastic beaches, and quad excursions in the Desert.

Besides popular locations, some of the popular things in Egypt include –

16. Kushari, Fool Medammes and Ta’meya

These are typical Egyptian foods that undoubtedly taste better in Egypt. Koshari or Kushari is an uncommon combination of various ingredients. In a single dish, lentils, macaroni noodles, and rice are combined. Also, there is a spicy tomato sauce made with a unique blend of Middle Eastern spices, garbanzo beans, and fried onions in the dish.

Also, it is offered almost everywhere in Egypt, including restaurants, homes, and street corners. Additionally, Egyptian breakfasts typically consist of fool and Ta'meya. Both the Fool and Ta'meya are Egyptian versions of falafel prepared using broad beans rather than chickpeas, and the fool is somewhat akin to a Middle Eastern bean burrito.

17. Alexandria

The city of Alexandria is named after Alexander the Great. Apart from its historical importance, it is a significant modern business hub located by the Mediterranean Sea.

Here you can visit the magnificent library Bibliotheca Alexandrina where you will get some of the world's rare books and scripts. Additionally, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is also one of the most famous things in Egypt.

18. The Egyptian Cotton

In Egypt, wheat, barley, figs, vegetables, melons, and vines are among the most common crops. They also cultivate flax, which is used to make linen. Furthermore, grain has been the most significant crop since Ancient Egypt; hence, you can see grain symbols written all over Egyptian temples.

Also, cotton cultivation in Egypt has long been made possible by the country's special climate and the River Nile's lush soil. So, Egyptian cotton has come to represent refinement, and high-class sophistication also is one of the things Egypt is known for.

19. Religious Sites

Egypt has a vast and diverse collection of religious sites as a result of the impact of different religious ideologies from Egypt's inception and throughout the ages.

This list includes Ra, the creator deity, the Temple of Heliopolis, Sobek, the Nile god, the Temple of Kom Ombo, the City of Bubastis, etc. Additionally, there is also a unique collection of churches, including Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, also called the Hanging Church.

20. The Pharaonic Village

Pharaonic Village is one of the best places in Egypt. Here you can enjoy your boat ride across the Nile River, and live actors also provide a demonstration. Additionally, view the history of the pharaohs and learn about how they made their artifacts.

You can also see a size model of the nobleman's and servants' lifestyles once you get out of the boat. In addition, the area is home to several museums where visitors can witness some representations of pharaonic-era jobs, including making perfumes, weaving burdis, and fishing.

Hence, if you are looking for answers to what is Egypt famous for? The answer will be varied and multifarious. Egypt has a lot of things to offer and is an ideal place both for adults and children. On the one hand, you can witness modern cities like Cairo; on the other hand, historical sites will leave you amazed.