Best things to see in Egypt (despite everything)

Before tackling this issue, please give me a fair warning. We had a really hard time in Egypt, and our honest review doesn’t do any good. I stand by every word of that. But this post is about the other side of the coin. It is an ancient ruin so beautiful that it almost makes you forget everything else. almost.

This is what makes the whole Egyptian experience so disappointing. This country is home to some of the most amazing historical sites on Earth. full stop. Nothing I’ve seen in over 30 countries comes close to standing at the base of the Great Pyramid or walking through the columns of the Temple of Karnak. These places are truly awe-inspiring that no photo or documentary can capture.

This is what makes our experience so heartbreaking. Because of the site itself? surprising. It’s jaw-dropping. It’s worth traveling thousands of miles. it’s everything approximately A site full of scams, harassment, corruption, and a constant feeling of exploitation that ruined our experience.

But you’re here because you want to know what’s worth seeing. So, let me put aside my frustration for a moment and tell you about some places that were truly breathtaking.

Best Things to See in Egypt – 2020

Pyramids of Giza

I mean, obviously. The Pyramids of Giza are the reason most people visit Egypt in the first place, and they certainly live up to the hype. The Great Pyramid is one of the last surviving wonders of the ancient world, and standing at its base gives you a sense of its scale that photos cannot replicate. This structure was built 4,500 years ago and still stands, defying logic and gravity. shit Unless it’s humble.

But here’s the problem. In fact, the experience of visiting the pyramids was one of the most stressful parts of our trip. Within seconds of entering the complex we were swamped with tours, camel rides and touts selling trinkets. We encountered a man in civilian clothes claiming to be a government official, who demanded that we show him our cameras. We got ripped off while riding camels. Children also followed, asking for money. 90 minutes later we called an Uber and left.

My advice: Visit the pyramids on a pre-booked guided tour. Your guide will handle the touts and you will actually enjoy the experience instead of wasting energy trying to fend off the scammers. Also, try to go early in the morning when it’s a little less chaotic. And skip the camel ride. please. The animals are rough in appearance and the operators are aggressive.

Temple of Karnak (Luxor)

While the pyramids are by far the best, the Temple of Karnak is a hidden gem that surprised us even more. This massive temple complex in Luxor was built, expanded and renovated over 2,000 years by some 30 pharaohs. Walking through the Great Hypostyle Hall (134 columns towering 80 feet above ground, each covered in hieroglyphs) is an experience you will never forget.

I remember looking up at that pillar and getting goosebumps. The scale is absurd. The artistry is truly amazing. And what of the fact that this was built thousands of years before modern engineering? I stood there with my mouth open like a complete tourist and didn’t care.

Karnak is a site that almost made me rethink my stance on Egypt. almost. About 20 minutes into our visit, a security guard herded us into one of the inner rooms and demanded a tip in exchange for ‘allowing’ us to take pictures (it was already included in the admission fee). But what about the first 20 minutes? magic.

Valley of the Kings (Luxor)

The Valley of the Kings has over 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tutankhamun). It is surreal to enter this tomb and see the murals, which are over 3,000 years old, still in vivid color. The craftsmanship and preservation are outstanding.

A few things to know: A regular ticket allows you to enter three tombs. King Tut’s tomb requires a separate, more expensive ticket. Technically, photography is not allowed in most tombs (of course you do, so the guards will offer to let you take pictures in exchange for a tip). The valley itself is very hot and there is little shade, so bring water and a hat.

Despite the usual hassles, the Valley of the Kings was one of the most profound experiences of the trip. Are you standing inside a 3,000-year-old tomb chamber surrounded by art that no one could ever see after the Pharaoh was sealed away? It’s the kind of thing that stays with you.

luxor temple

The Luxor Temple itself lies at the center of surreal modern Luxor. Ancient columns rise next to the hotel and restaurant. It is most beautiful when lit up at night. I would actually recommend visiting after sunset if possible. The lighting transforms the entire complex into something ethereal.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Luxor Temple is the layers of history from different periods, including pharaonic sculptures, Roman murals, and mosques built right into the structure. It is a physical timeline of 3,500 years of civilization built upon itself. It’s pretty rough.

Egyptian Museum (Cairo)

Cairo’s Egyptian Museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including King Tutankhamun’s golden death mask. The sheer amount of history this building contains is overwhelming in the best way.

That said, I was shocked at how poorly everything was managed. Artifacts that were supposed to be behind temperature-controlled glass were lying in open cases. Visitors were touching artifacts that were 1,000 years old. The label was faded and difficult to read. Rather than a world-class museum, it felt more like a warehouse that someone hastily organized.

A new Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids has been under construction for several years and is expected to eventually replace the old museum. If it’s open when you visit, we’ll take you there. Collections deserve a facility that treats them with the respect they have earned.

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a temple complex that Ramses II carved directly into the face of a mountain in southern Egypt, about a three-hour drive from Aswan. The four massive statues guarding the entrance are a jaw-dropping 65 feet tall. Fun fact: the entire complex was relocated during the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s to prevent rising Nile water levels. They literally cut the temple into blocks and moved it to higher ground. The engineering is as impressive as the original structure.

Most visitors take Abu Simbel as a day trip from Aswan, departing around 3 a.m. and arriving at sunrise. It’s a long drive through the desert, but the payoff is enormous. Because of its remote location, tourist hassles are noticeably lower here than at the Pyramids or Karnak.

mosque in islamic cairo

We spent two days exploring Islamic Cairo, visiting mosques and were truly amazed at how beautiful some of them were. Whether it’s the architecture, tile work or soaring domes, Cairo’s historic mosques are stunning and criminally underrated. Admission is also free (shoes must be removed and women must cover their heads).

But what no one tells you is what the rest of Islamic Cairo looks like. We saw families eating beans from fly-infested bowls on the ground. We saw half-dead animals lying next to the restaurant. This is the real Cairo. This is the city you’ll see once you leave the tourist bubble. But outside of the famous street markets and mosques, no one shares photos of Cairo. Find out.

The mosque is beautiful. The reality surrounding them is heartbreaking. Both things can be true at the same time, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone planning a trip.

conclusion

Egypt’s historical sites are special. I can say that without hesitation. The Pyramids, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, etc. are some of the most amazing historical sites on Earth, and nothing I experienced during my travels could change that fact.

The problem is not the destination. It’s a journey. Fraud, harassment, corruption, the constant feeling of being a walking wallet — that’s what ruined the experience for so many travelers, and it ruined ours too. This historic site deserves better than the state’s treatment of the people who travel to see it.

If you’re going, book a hotel with a guide and mentally prepare for the chaos between these wondrous moments. Read our honest reviews about visiting Egypt to get the full, unfiltered experience. If you want some practical prep tips, check out What We Would Do Differently.

Hope this helps, Antonina

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