Go beyond the marvels of the Egyptian Pyramids, here are 30+ more must-see landmarks in Egypt– from ancient monuments to world-famous attractions.
Did you know that in Egypt, a new discovery is made every single month?
Whether it’s forgotten ancient temples, new burial sites, or even entire cities lost beneath the sands, uncovering the historical landmarks of the Ancient Egyptians is a perpetual process that puts us closer to understanding the lost knowledge of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.
After traveling all over the country, I’ve written this guide to visiting Egypt’s top tourist attractions, monuments, and historical sites. My goal is to help you discover the best places to visit when exploring this amazing transcontinental country between North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Egyptian Landmarks & Ancient Sites Near Cairo
While Cairo is the current capital of Egypt and the second-largest city in the Arab World, it did not exist in the times of the Ancient Egyptians.
However, being located on the River Nile, just 15 miles north of the ancient capital Memphis and neighboring the Giza Plateau, travelers can expect to find some of the most famous landmarks from the Old Kingdom here; including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Saqqara Necropolis.
Must-see landmarks near Cairo include
- Great Pyramid of Giza
- Pyramid of Khaphre
- Pyramid of Menkaure
- Great Sphinx of Giza
- Step Pyramid of Djoser
- Saqqara Necropolis
- Hanging Church
- Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
- Muhammad Ali Mosque
- The Egyptian Museum
1. Great Pyramid of Giza
- Location: Giza Pyramid Complex, outside of Cairo
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm (7 am to 7 pm during Ramadan)
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one still intact. Not only is this Great Pyramid the most famous monument in Egypt, but it's also by far the most remarkable ancient structure in the world.
While it is believed to have been built between 2550 to 2490 B.C. in the time of the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu, it held the title of the tallest man-made structure on earth until the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1887.
Here are some interesting facts about the Pyramids that will blow you away!
- This 138-meter (452-foot) monolith is the largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau and covers an area of over 13 acres.
- The Ancient Egyptians built the Great Pyramid using 2.3 million stone blocks, estimated to weigh over 2,000 pounds each (1 tonne).
- However, some of the larger blocks, specifically the immense cantilevered granite slabs suspended above the King's Chamber weigh between 65 - 70 tonnes each!
- These blocks are laser-precision cut to perfect 90-degree angles and were transported all the way from Aswan (over 800 km or 500 miles away).
- The Ancient Pharaohs' architects aligned the four points of the Great Pyramid to the four cardinal points, north, east, south, and west, to within one-fifteenth of a degree.
- Also, as a reflection of the night sky, the Great Pyramid, along with the other Great Pyramids of Giza, Menkaure, and Khafre, is a perfect mirror of the belt of three stars we now call the Orion's Belt.
Travelers looking to visit the greatest of all Ancient Egyptian landmarks can do so by heading to the Giza Pyramid Complex, just outside of Cairo. This requires an entry fee, along with an additional fee to enter the Great Pyramid (definitely worth it).
2. Pyramid of Khaphre
- Location: Giza Pyramid Complex
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm, 7 am to 7 pm (Ramadan)
Of course, I can't compile a list of the famous landmarks in Egypt without mentioning the other two Great Pyramids of Giza.
The first, and most identifiable of the three is the Pyramid of Khaphre (or Chephren). This is the second-tallest pyramid, standing at a height of 136 meters (448 feet).
However, this pyramid is built on a 10-meter-tall base of bedrock. As a result, Khaphre's Pyramid initially appears taller than the Great Pyramid.
Furthermore, unlike the other monuments of the plateau, the Khaphre Pyramid still has remnants of its cladding on its pyramidion (the capstone), which in ancient times was coated in gold.
3. Pyramid of Menkaure
- Location: Giza Pyramid Complex
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm, 7 am to 7 pm (Ramadan)
The third and smallest Ancient Egyptian landmark within the Giza Pyramid Complex is the 65-meter (213 feet) Pyramid of Menkaure.
While dwarfed by its larger neighbors and consequently often overlooked by most visitors, Menkaure's pyramid is still a worthy addition to this list of must-see attractions in Egypt.
While you can't go inside this pyramid, you should take time to check out the complex's other three smaller pyramids. These were believed to be dedicated to the queens of the ancient Pharaohs and have been named the Queen's Pyramids as a result.
Out of the three, only the largest was fully completed and housed a statue of an ancient queen.
4. Great Sphinx of Giza
- Location: Giza Pyramid Complex
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm, 7 am to 7 pm (Ramadan)
As far as famous landmarks in Egypt go, none are as iconic as the Great Sphinx of Giza. Visitors will find this amazing attraction directly adjacent to the Great Pyramids.
This huge limestone statue is the largest surviving statue from the ancient world. It is carved from one single piece of limestone exposed within a man-dug quarry and depicts a recumbent sphinx with the body of a lion and a head of a pharaoh.
The easy way to carve out the sphinx would be to slowly chip it out of the limestone, piece by piece. Instead, the ancient architects cut out huge rectangular slabs and used them to build the "Sphinx Temple", right beside the monolith.
The Great Sphinx is one of the most fascinating and mystifying historical landmarks in Egypt. Traditional Egyptologists tend to date it at around 4,500 years old. However, the truth is that nobody knows exactly when it was built, who it was built by, or what it was built for.
One fascinating school of thought dates the Great Sphinx to at least 5,000 BCE, or 7,000 years old (or potentially much older).
This is due to the water erosion on its core body and on the walls of the quarry first discovered by geologist Robert Schoch. This revised dating proposal stems from the fact that this part of the Sahara desert has not experienced enough rainfall to cause this type of erosion for at least 7,000 years.
This dating would place the Great Sphinx of Giza as the oldest surviving landmark from Ancient Egypt. Of course, this far-reaching timeline was initially met with strong hesitance but has become more and more feasible since the discovery of Göbekli Tepe, an ancient temple complex in nearby Turkey built over 11,000 years ago.
5. Step Pyramid of Djoser
- Location: Saqqara Necropolis
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
Move 12 miles (20 kilometers) south from the Giza Plateau along the West Bank of the Nile and you'll discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Located within the Saqqara Necropolis and featuring six steps and a series of subterranean labyrinth tunnels, the Djoser Pyramid is a popular place to visit to get a glimpse of the very first pyramid ever built.
This Egyptian Monument is believed to be the oldest of its kind with an agreed dating of somewhere between 2667 and 2648 BCE. This was during the reign of Third Dynasty Pharaoh Djoser, who commissioned the famous architect and high priest Imhotep to invent the design.
6. Saqqara Necropolis
- Location: 12 miles south of Giza Plateau
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
The Step Pyramid of Djoser isn't the only famous Egyptian landmark on this sandy patch on the outskirts of Cairo. In fact, the Step Pyramid is just one of many notable tombs, pyramids, temples, and stone monuments within the ancient Saqqara Necropolis.
Saqqara served as the necropolis for the ancient capital Memphis for more than 3,000 years, with another 16 pharaohs building pyramids here.
Additionally, there are hundreds of underground tombs here, many still waiting to be discovered. Just a few weeks before I visited, archaeologists unearthed five brand new and perfectly preserved underground tombs.
As you might expect, touring this huge area will take a while. To save time, I recommend checking out the following attractions.
- Step Pyramid of Djoser
- Pyramid of Teti
- Pyramid of Unas
- Tomb of Nefer-her-ptah
- The Serapeum (burial chamber of the Apis bulls)
- Tomb of Mereruka
Tip: There's also an additional pyramid site called the Dashur Necropolis (The Dashur Pyramids), just 10 kilometers south of Saqqara. In fact, you can often see the famous bent pyramid from Saqqara.
7. Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo
- Location: Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)
- Opening Hours: Typically 9 am to 4 pm, but can vary
Considering Egypt has at least 5,000 years of history, you can expect to find famous landmarks and other historical places from a wide range of cultures and religions.
For visitors to Cairo, a region to explore is Old Cairo. This is a historic area housing several Roman and Islamic-era landmarks.
One significant building in Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo) is the Hanging Church or the Sant Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church.
This is one of the oldest churches in Egypt and is built suspended over a passage on top of the gatehouse of the Babylon Fortress. Visitors are free to explore the church, which dates back to around the years 690-692.
Book a tour: Cairo Citadel, Old Cairo & Khan El Khalili
8. Bazaar Khan El-Khalili
- Location: Historic center of Cairo
- Opening Hours: Varies by shop, but generally 9 am to 11 pm
Located within the historic center of Cairo is the Khan el-Khalili, a world-famous bazaar and souq (souk), established in the Mamluk era (1250-1517).
This makes it the oldest market in the middle east and one of the most famous places of Egypt.
Today, it's still very much a living market. Khan El-Khalili bazaar attracts thousands of tourists and Egyptians daily to wander its streets, browse wares, and eat traditional Egyptian street foods like koshari, foul, and falafel.
9. Muhammad Ali Mosque
- Location: Historic Cairo (Islamic Cairo)
- Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, closed during prayer times
Another very impressive landmark in Egypt is the Muhammad Ali Mosque located in Historic Cairo (Islamic Cairo).
This beautiful mosque was built by Mohammad Ali Pasha (not the boxer), between the years 1830 and 1848. Located on a tall hillside, this Turkish-style mosque is one of the most prominent features of Cairo's skyline.
This is truly one of the most beautiful buildings in the modern city and one you should definitely visit when traveling in Cairo.
Fun fact: The limestone used to build the Muhammad Ali Mosque was likely taken from the original outer sheet of the Great Pyramids of Giza.
10. Egyptian Museum
- Location: Tahrir Square, Cairo
- Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, 9 am to 9 pm (Thursdays and Fridays)
The final landmark and major attraction in Cairo is the Egyptian Museum.
This is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and houses some of the greatest archeological treasures in the world. The most famous attraction in the Egyptian Museum is the Tutankhamun Exhibition, which features the famous gold-cast headdress along with all of the boy king's treasures found in his tomb.
While on the TravelTalk tour, we stopped at the Egyptian Museum at the end of the trip. This allowed us to really appreciate all of the artifacts after having learned so much about the ancient pharaohs during our travels in Egypt.
One thing you should know is that when visiting the museum, it's really best to have a guide. This helped me a lot otherwise I'd have no idea what I was looking at– many of the displays lack any information plaques.
Book a guide: Pyramids, Museum & Bazaar Private Tour
Tip: The largest museum in the world is currently under construction in Giza (next door to the pyramids). The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is currently on track to open in the second half of 2024. However, there have been significant delays over the past few years. I recommend researching and trying to plan your trip to visit once it's open– it's going to be absolutely incredible!
Egypt Attractions & Monuments Near Aswan
After Cairo, Aswan is the second most popular tourist city along the River Nile. While much less hectic than Cairo, Aswan is still a bustling metropolis home to over 1.5 million people.
Aswan lies within what is considered "Upper Egypt" (referring to the flow of the Nile, not the cardinal marks). Here, visitors will find many famous Egypt landmarks, making it one of the best places to visit for history lovers.
Must-see landmarks near Aswan include
- The Unfinished Obelisk
- The Temple of Philae
- The Aswan High Dam
- Abu Simbel Temples
- Nubian Villages
- The Temple of Kom Ombo
11. Unfinished Obelisk
- Location: Northern Stone Quarries in Aswan
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 4 pm
If you thought the 70-tonne granite blocks hanging above the Great Pyramid were heavy, wait until you find out about the Unfinished Obelisk of Aswan.
This giant 1,100-tonne slab of granite lies just outside of Aswan along the Nile River. It's one of the most popular landmarks for those interested in Egyptology since if it had been completed, it would be the largest and heaviest obelisk ever built by ancient Egyptians.
The fact that it was never completed is actually a bit of a blessing since it gives us valuable insights into how the ancients built these gigantic structures out of a single slab of rock.
12. Temple of Philae
- Location: Agilika Island (relocated from Philae Island)
- Opening Hours: 7 am to 4 pm
Another significant landmark near Aswan, Egypt is the Philae Temple, or Temple of Isis, dedicated to Isis, Osiris, and Horus.
While it still retains its name, the temple has been moved, block by block, from its original place on Philae Island to the nearby Agilika Island due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
The Temple of Philae is relatively new (by Ancient Egyptian standards) and was built in 280 BCE during Egypt's Greco-Roman Period under the reign of Ptolemy II.
This is a great temple to visit since its walls are absolutely covered in ancient hieroglyphs. Many depict mythological scenes telling the story of Isis reviving Osiris and birthing Horus.
13. Aswan High Dam
- Location: Aswan
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours for viewing
Although far from an ancient Egyptian landmark, the Asan High Dam is one of the most famous modern sites in the country. Egypt completed the project in 1970, with the total cost to the country surpassing 1 billion dollars.
Today, the Aswan Dam contributes massive amounts of money to the Egyptian economy through hydroelectric power and places the historical flooding of the Nile in human hands for the first time in history.
However, the period during its proposal was a stressful one for lovers of ancient history. That's because the project placed several historical sites under severe risk. Luckily, beginning in 1963, UNESCO's multi-year and multi-national plan began to break down the temples and relocate them to safer ground.
Fact: There are a total of 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Egypt. However, many of these designations cover various buildings and monuments spread over a large area.
14. Abu Simbel Temples
- Location: Abu Simbel, near Aswan
- Opening Hours: 6 am to 5 pm
Out of all the amazing New Kingdom temples on the Nile River, Abu Simbel is one of the most remarkable. Known as the Twin Temples, these amazing temples were carved into and out of a mountain cliff.
The two temples were commissioned by the most celebrated of all Ancient Egyptian kings, Ramses II to celebrate the victory of the Qadesh battle.
Inside both temples, visitors can marvel at the amazing floor-to-ceiling hieroglyphics dedicated to the gods Amon, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah.
However, the most impressive of the two, known as the Great Temple, is guarded by four giant colossi depicting a deified Ramses II during different stages of his life. Also, as you walk inside, you'll enter a long Hypostyle Hall with six huge statues of Osiris and several side chambers.
Tip: Due to the long distance from Aswan, the Abu Simbel Temples are not very easy to get to independently. I recommend visiting on a day trip from Aswan like we did.
15. Nubian Villages
- Location: West Bank of the Nile and Elephantine Island
- Opening Hours: Varies, best to visit on an organized tour
The outskirts of Aswan along the Nile River are dotted with the vibrant and cheerful villages of the Nubian people.
Nubians are the indigenous people of northern Sudan and southern Egypt. While much of their history is overshadowed by Ancient Egypt and its great Pharaohs, the truth is that Nubian history predates even the oldest Egyptian dynasties.
In fact, Nubians have lived in the central Nile Valley for over 8000 years and are recognized as being among the oldest living cultures on earth, with a history dating back to the cradle of civilization.
If you're looking for important landmarks to visit in Egypt, don't miss out on visiting a Nubian village. You'll find many dotted along the west bank of the Nile and Elephantine Island.
While Nubians are very friendly people, it's best to visit on an organized tour. Not so much for safety, but because the locations can be quite remote. We visited several villages and even shared a traditional meal in a local village on our tour with TravelTalk.
16. Temple of Kom Ombo
- Location: Kom Ombo, halfway between Luxor and Aswan
- Opening Hours: 7 am to 5 pm
Kom Ombo Temple is another great example of Egyptian temples during the Ptolemaic period. However, this one is quite unique since it is one of the only "double" or "split" temples in Ancient Egypt.
What this means is that the temples, courts, sanctuaries, and halls are duplicated to honor two sets of gods, namely the crocodile god Sobek, and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder).
However, the most interesting feature of this temple is a set of hieroglyphs depicting an Ancient Egyptian calendar.
This calendar is unique to Egypt and depicts three seasons revolving around the River Nile. The three seasons depicted include the flood, the sow, and the harvest. Each of these seasons are broken into four months, each with three 10-day weeks.
This adds up to 360 days per year but the remaining five and 1-quarter days of the solar year were added to the end of each year, which was designated as a public holiday.
Another attraction at Kom Ombo is the Crocodile Mummy Museum, where visitors can see extremely well-preserved crocodile mummies.
Famous Egyptian Monuments & Landmarks Near Luxor
Luxor is the third tourist city along the River Nile, and for many visitors, it's the most fascinating place in Egypt since it once housed the Middle and New Kingdom capital Thebes. Luxor is also very near the famed resting place of the Great Pharaohs– the Valley of the Kings.
Must-see landmarks near Luxor include
- Luxor Temple
- Valley of the Kings
- Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
- Karnak Temple
- Colossi of Memnon
- Temple of Edfu
17. Luxor Temple
- Location: East Bank of the Nile, Luxor
- Opening Hours: 6 am to 9 pm
Many refer to Luxor Temple as the world's largest outdoor museum. It's located on the east bank of the Nile River, right in the heart of Luxor (what was then ancient Thebes).
This amazing temple was constructed as late as 1400 BCE in dedication to the rejuvenation of kingship and may be the site where new Pharaohs were crowned. Many also regard it as the most significant religious center in Ancient Egypt.
The Temple of Luxor is very large and in very well-preserved condition. You'll see much of this impressive Egyptian landmark still intact, including its huge pylons, obelisks, colossi, and carvings.
We visited this monument at night, which I'd highly recommend as the light setup is extremely impressive.
18. Valley of the Kings
- Location: West Bank of the Nile, Luxor
- Opening Hours: 6 am to 5 pm (winter), 6 am to 4 pm (summer)
After the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings is the most famous landmark in Egypt.
This barren valley on the west bank of the Nile is the burial ground for many ancient Pharaohs and their families. It's an active archaeological site where you can explore intricate underground tombs, each with complex underground systems of tunnels and chambers.
Unfortunately, many of the tombs of Pharaohs were looted by grave robbers since antiquity. However, the art and hieroglyphs on the walls of the many chambers and tunnels are some of the most well-preserved in Egypt.
An entrance ticket to the Valley of the Kings includes entry into three tombs, with an additional fee to see Tutankhamun's (where his mummy still rests).
Tip: If you have time, I highly recommend booking a Hot Air Balloon experience over the Valley of the Kings. This was by far one of the greatest highlights of my trip with TravelTalk Tours and a real once-in-a-lifetime moment.
19. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
- Location: West Bank of the Nile, near Valley of the Kings
- Opening Hours: 6 am to 5 pm (winter), 6 am to 4 pm (summer)
Located close by to the Valley of the Kings is the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, built between 1479 and 1458 BCE.
Like several grand Egyptian monuments, Pharaoh Hatshepsut built this temple as a tribute to the gods and to tell the story of her greatest achievements.
For visitors, this amazing landmark in Egypt offers some of the best examples of colored hieroglyphs within a temple. Many of the intricate carvings on its ancient walls are still very vivid, which, seeing it first hand, demands a newfound appreciation of the art.
The most interesting hieroglyphs to me were those depicting scenes of stocked boats bringing back exotic plants, foods, treasures, and animals from far away lands. Among these are rows of chained lions and leopards, as well as stacks of African palms and Mediterranean plants.
20. Karnak Temple
- Location: Luxor City
- Opening Hours: 6 am to 5:30 pm
The Karnak Temple is the biggest and most significant complex in all of Egypt. It's also the largest religious building ever built, with a total of 134 giant columns, some of which are more than 21 meters (70 feet) high and 8 meters (27 feet) in circumference.
These pillars support immense architraval beams made from solid granite and weighing up to 70 tonnes each!
Let me tell you, this is one impressive landmark that you will not want to miss when visiting Egypt.
Dating back to as far as 2,000 BC, it's estimated that over 30 Pharaohs continued construction on this site over the span of nearly 2,000 years. When I say it's huge, the complex covers an area of over 250,000 square meters (2.69 million square feet).
However, many of the buildings still standing today are from the New Kingdom period due to various changes induced by different religious ruling classes throughout the dynasties.
21. Colossi of Memnon
- Location: West Bank of the Nile, on the road to the Valley of the Kings
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Along the main road leading to the Valley of the Kings are two giant colossi statues that are definitely worth a quick stop. Known as the Colossi of Memnon, these landmarks stand at the ruins of the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III and are two statues representing the late pharaoh.
These giant figures are both carved out of a single block of sandstone and weigh up to 650 tonnes each!
Carved on the front of the statues are two small figures representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III's wife Tiye and his mother Mutemwiy.
22. Temple of Edfu
- Location: Edfu, between Luxor and Aswan
- Opening Hours: 7 am to 5 pm
Moving back 100 kilometers south of Luxor, around halfway to Aswan, is the Temple of Edfu, or the Temple of Horus.
Similarly to other famous landmarks in Egypt like the Philae Temple and the Temple of Kom Ombo, the construction of this temple took place during the Ptolemaic Kingdom at the end of dynastic Egypt around 305 BCE.
This makes the Horus Temple Complex quite new, as far as Ancient Egyptian history goes. Regardless, it is one of the most beautiful and intricate temples in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
Horus is one of the most important gods in Ancient Egypt. Even today, due to countless mythological similarities, many theologists believe that Horus is the original "solar messiah".
They believe cultures have passed his story through the ages to form new religious deities with remarkably similar traits, including Attis of Greece, Krishna of India, Mithra of Persia, and even Jesus Christ.
The temple itself is just as impressive. Egyptologists suggest that it took the ancients over 180 years to build this amazing monument, building it on top of an existing ruin.
Landmarks in Other Famous Places of Egypt
Moving beyond the main ancient Egyptian landmarks along the Nile, let's explore some more famous places, highlights, and attractions of Egypt.
23. The Nile River (Felucca Sailing)
The Nile is the longest river on earth, flowing north 6650 kilometers from its source in Uganda all the way to the Nile Delta in Lower Egypt and pouring into the Mediterranean Sea.
The simple truth is that the ancient Egyptian civilization would never have existed without the presence of what the Ancient Egyptians called "Iteru" or "River". They named it so since to them it was THE river, the bringer of life to the desert.
The Nile is also the birthplace of sailing, with the first evidence of wind-powered navigation evident here as far back as 4000 BCE.
If you're visiting Egypt, I highly recommend taking a traditional Felucca sailing experience down the Nile. Alternatively, you can also jump on board a Nile cruise, many of which run between Luxor and Aswan.
24. Alexandria Library
- Location: El-Gaish Rd, Alexandria
- Opening Hours: Varies by section and day
The Great Library of Alexandria was once one of the largest libraries in the world and was said to have housed between 200,000 and 700,000 books.
During its time, scholars would use the huge collection of Ancient Egyptian texts to categorize its history and to help form the contemporary timeline of its 30 dynasties. Unfortunately, this amazing treasure trove of knowledge was destroyed on two separate occasions.
Julius Caesar caused the first destruction when he set fires to the ships in the nearby harbor, which then spread to the library.
The second was also the fault of the Romans, when Theodosius ordered the destruction of the nearby temple of Serapis, leading also to the destruction of the second branch of the Alexandria Libary.
Fortunately, visitors can today visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt's Mediterranean city of Alexandria. This is a research library built to commemorate this lost landmark in northern Egypt.
25. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- Location: Alexandria Necropolis
- Opening Hours: 9 am to 4 pm
When visiting Alexandria, make sure to stop by the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
This is an important historical landmark that is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
Travelers will find this important site in the Alexandria Necropolis as it contains several Alexandrian tombs from the 2nd and 4th centuries A.D. The catacombs reach as far as 30 meters (100 feet) underground and Archaeologists have discovered several artifacts here.
What makes this important place in Egypt so special is three different cultures and religions came together here, with evidence of art from Roman, Egyptian, and Greek history.
26. Mount Sinai
- Location: Saint Catherine, Sinai Peninsula
- Opening Hours: N/A
Located in the eastern Sinai Peninsula, Mount Sinai is a 2,285-meter (7,497-foot) tall mountain that many believe is the biblical Mount Sinai (Mountain of Moses/Jabel Mousa). This is the place where Moses was said to receive the Ten Commandments from god.
Today, the mountain is a very important religious site, with followers of all Abrahamic religions making pilgrimages to its summit.
Even if you're not religious, climbing Mount Sinai is a special experience, and a famous natural landmark you should not miss on your travels through Egypt!
27. St. Catherine's Monastery
- Location: Foot of Mount Sinai (above)
- Opening Hours: 9 am to 12 pm (except Sundays and some holidays)
Constructed at the foot of Mount Sinai is the St Catherine's Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in honor of its significance for Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
Built between 548 and 565 A.D., it's among the oldest monasteries in the world, and the oldest continuously habited Christian monastery. Also, many believers claim that this famous monastery in the Sinai Peninsula was built at the site of the Biblical burning bush.
It's possible to visit St. Catherine's Monastery either after or before climbing Mount Sinai.
28. Suez Canal
- Location: Connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas
- Opening Hours: N/A
The Suez Canal is one of the most modern man-made landmarks in Egypt and is one of the world's most important waterways.
This essential trade route connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, effectively creating a water bridge between Europe and Asia.
While this isn't exactly an Egyptian landmark worth visiting for most, chances are you'll pass over the canal if you're planning an overland route from Cairo to the Sinai Peninsula.
29. Ras Mohammad National Park
- Location: Southern tip of Sinai Peninsula
- Opening Hours: 8 am to 4 pm (via scuba dive boat or day trip tour)
As far as Egypt's natural attractions go, none quite compare to the Ras Muhammad National Park.
This is an amazing dive spot located on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula on the Red Sea. What makes this site unique is that it's the point where the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba intersect, bringing abundant nutrients from extremely different depths.
As a result, the Ras Muhammad National Park is one of the best dive locations in Egypt. Here, you'll discover amazing coral walls and pinnacles, as well as abundant marine life. Furthermore, the world-famous SS Thistlegorm is just outside of this park.
The closest city is Sharm El Sheikh, which is a great place to base yourself if you plan to do some scuba diving in Egypt.
30. Blue Hole (Dahab)
- Location: Dahab, Sinai Peninsula
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours for diving
There are two famous Blue Holes in the world, the Blue Hole in Belize, and the Blue Hole in Dahab, located on the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula on the Gulf of Aqaba.
The Blue Hole is a deep sinkhole dropping down to more than 130 meters directly from the shore. Its walls are lined with healthy coral and the visibility is world-class. This makes the Blue Hole in Dahab one of the world's best dive sites.
However, this Egyptian landmark also has a notorious reputation for being the deadliest dive site on earth. Don't worry, beginner dives are very safe, but the infamous "arch" has claimed the lives of between 130 to 200 technical divers.
31. Blue Lagoon (Dahab)
- Location: North of Dahab, Sinai Peninsula
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
The final landmark in Egypt to make this comprehensive list is yet another natural attraction near Dahab.
Unlike the Blue Hole, the nearby Blue Lagoon is a shallow but very clear area of water that is world-famous for its amazing kite-surfing opportunities.
Getting here is also an adventure since you'll need to either hike, take a boat, or ride a camel from the nearby Blue Hole, since there are no roads leading to this remote part of Sinai.
FAQ About Exploring Egypt
What are the most famous landmarks in Egypt for travelers?
I recommend the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings as the most unmissable landmarks.
How old are the Pyramids of Giza?
The Pyramids of Giza are estimated to have been built between 2550 and 2490 B.C., making them over 4,500 years old. However, this is disputed and perhaps they could be older!
Can I go inside the pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the Great Pyramid of Giza and some other pyramids in Egypt, but there may be additional fees and restrictions. When I entered, it was 900 Egyptian Pounds extra.
What is the largest religious building ever built?
The Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor is the largest religious building ever constructed, covering an area of over 250,000 square meters. It's huge!
Are there other historical sites in Egypt besides ancient ruins?
Yes, Egypt offers a wide variety of landmarks, including Coptic churches, medieval Islamic mosques, and modern attractions like the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
What is the oldest landmark in Egypt?
While there is much research and literature, the truth is that we can only make educated guesses at what the oldest landmark from Ancient Egypt is. Currently, the Step Pyramid in Djoser is the oldest complete, hewn-stone building known at over 4,690+ years old (estimated 2670 BC)
That's a wrap for this comprehensive guide to Egypt's must-visit places! While quite long, I wanted to create a one-stop-shop where visitors to Egypt can plan their travels to create an awesome itinerary.
I hope it has been helpful! Check out the list below for more travel guides and inspiration.
- 10-Day Egypt Itinerary - my recommended itinerary to explore Egypt the right way
- Things to do in Dahab - get off the beaten path on the Sinai Peninsula with this travel guide
- Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh - discover what to do at Egypt's scuba diving and resort town capital of Egypt’s Red Sea region.
- Aswan Travel Guide - find the unmissable sites & top attractions in Aswan