There are lots of attractions in Egypt, which you can visit alongside a day trip to the Grand Egyptian Museum (opening soon in late 2023). Let’s take a look at some other must-see sites for your next holiday.
With close proximity to Giza, it is a great idea to incorporate visits to sites in both Giza and Cairo into your Egyptian voyage. One of the must-see natural attractions in the city is the River Nile. The world’s longest river spans an impressive 4,187 miles all the way from Lake Victoria in east-central Africa to the Mediterranean Sea.
In ancient times, Egyptians worshipped the River Nile as it brought fertility to otherwise arid land and allowed crops to grow, which could then be harvested. Even in modern times, a festival called Leylet en Nuktah still celebrates the Nile and its incredible ability to imbue the Egyptian soil with life.
You can take a day cruise down the Nile or enjoy a dinner and sunset tour aboard a boat as you sail down this fantastic river and enjoy the warm air and unmissable sites. In ranging from an hour in duration to an entire day, these cruises offer you the chance to see Egypt from a different perspective.
While the Grand Egyptian Museum will allow you to gaze through its great windows at the pyramids, no trip to this part of the world would be complete without a visit to the Ancient Wonders. The pyramids, known as Ahrāmāt Al-Jīzah in Arabic, are situated on the River Nile’s west bank.
Constructed as tombs to house the ancient kings, Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, the pyramids have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. The Great Pyramid, which is the largest and most imposing of the three wonders, is a 5.75-million-ton structure that showcases the people of the ancient Egyptian world’s incredible technical ability.
During your Egyptian holiday, these are an important site to visit, both to marvel at their wondrous beauty and for the remarkable feat of ancient engineering that they represent.
When you visit the pyramids, don’t miss out on also seeing the Great Sphinx too. Fashioned with a lion’s body and a human head, the Sphinx represents an Egyptian sun god’s incarnation, Ra-Horakhty. Located only half a mile away from the pyramids, the Sphinx, which has been immortalised in many media, is deserving of a visit. Snap some pictures, and the memories will live on in your mind and photo album for many years to come.
No trip to Egypt would be complete without the adventure of experiencing a camel ride through the desert. The camel tours, which often take place at sunrise or sunset, are an excellent way to connect with your inner adventurer whilst simultaneously experiencing the thrill of witnessing Egypt’s wonders.
Egypt’s capital and the surrounding areas are extremely rich in religious history and are more than deserving of a visit during your time in Cairo. The Ottoman-style Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which underwent construction between 1824 and 1857, is located in the citadel.
The oldest district of the city is home to Cairo’s Coptic community’s heart, and there are several old churches to explore in this area, as well as a synagogue and Egypt’s first mosque. You will be transported back in time as you take a historical adventure through this community which is infused with mementoes of Egypt’s varied religious past.
The Khan Al-Khalili, a street market with a diverse selection of goods on offer, is located in the city’s historic centre. Purchase some souvenirs to keep as a memento of your time in this vibrant country, or pick up a few gifts to take home to family and friends. You will luxuriate in the rich scents of spices and perfumes as you make your way around the market, marvelling at the exotic trinkets and stunning jewellery.
You will find vendors pedalling their wares such as silver, copper and brass-ware, leather goods, traditional shisha pipes and a range of Egyptian refreshments that will leave your taste buds tingling from their exotic flavours.
Your trip of a lifetime to Egypt will be enhanced by sampling the incredible variety of traditional foods. In both restaurants and street stands, you can find some typical Egyptian delicacies that will whet your appetite and leave you craving more.
Don’t miss out on trying the traditional breakfast dish, Ful. This spicy bean dish is enriched with cumin and a drizzle of olive oil, making it a spicy breakfast feast.
At lunchtime, try some Hawawshi to satisfy your hunger pangs. In this dish, onions, peppers, and chillies and mixed together with a ground mixture of meat before being stuffed into pita bread. Delicious and satisfying, it is full of the flavours of Egypt.
After a busy day of exploring all the sights and sounds of this vibrant city, pick up some traditional Shawarma for dinner. This quintessential Middle Eastern street food is comprised of slices of meat, bread and various sauces.
There is no shortage of evening entertainment in Cairo. From relaxing bars to lively nightclubs to vibrant jazz clubs, the city hums with energy and activity after dark. Sample a few drinks as you enjoy the atmosphere or simply revel in the joy of dance in one of the city’s spirited clubs. If you prefer just to relax, you can sit by the pool and enjoy the warm Egyptian air.
To book your fantastic Egyptian holiday, visit us at Classic Holidays.