National GeographicSep 22, 2026
The Ultimate Guide to Egypt in 15 Experiences
Touring the pyramids and sailing down the Nile are undoubted highlights of any trip to Egypt — but what else should be on your list?
23 things in this story
- St Catherine's MonasterySightSixth-century Christian complex attracting pilgrims.
- Mount SinaiTrailWhere Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.
- Elsewhere
- Great Pyramid of GizaSightGiza, EgyptAncient royal tomb built for King Khufu.
- Colossi of MemnonAttractionLuxor, EgyptStatues standing beneath banana plantations and village streets.
- Valley of the KingsSightLuxor, EgyptScorched hills with tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs.
- Big Belly Supper ClubRestaurantCairo, EgyptPioneer in transforming venues for community dining.
- Dine with DeenuhRestaurantCairo, EgyptServes elevated Egyptian street food.
- CachéRestaurantCairo, EgyptMonthly supper club announced via social media.
- Dahabiya Nile SailingPlaceCairo, EgyptRevives tradition of travelling on elegant two-sailed vessels.
- Grand Egyptian MuseumMuseumCairo, EgyptHouses world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts.
- Wissa Wassef Art CentreMuseumCairo, EgyptArtisans create tapestry masterpieces from hand-dyed wool.
- Islamic CairoSuburbCairo, EgyptMedieval streets with markets and mosques over a thousand years old.
- Khan el-KhaliliNeighborhoodCairo, EgyptLabyrinthine bazaar where traders sell spices and lanterns.
- Al-Muizz StreetSightCairo, EgyptOne of the world's finest open-air collections of Islamic architecture.
- Al-Azhar MosquePlace of worshipCairo, EgyptAdmire its dazzling marble courtyard.
- Bayt al-SuhaymiAttractionCairo, EgyptBeautifully preserved house museum.
- Sultan Hassan MosquePlace of worshipCairo, EgyptFamed for its soaring vaulted halls.
- Temple of HatshepsutSightLuxor, EgyptStriking terraces stepping into the cliffs.
- Valley of the QueensSightLuxor, EgyptDesert tombs spread out across the West Bank.
- Manshiyat NaserNeighborhoodCairo, EgyptResidents carved unique religious monuments into limestone cliffs.
- Philae TempleSightAswan, EgyptIsland sanctuary with last hieroglyphic inscriptions carved.
- Luxor's West BankNeighborhoodLuxor, EgyptSee everyday life and ancient history coexist on bicycle.
- Al MoudiraHotelLuxor, EgyptOffers pharaonic foot massages.