Top 10 Unique Things to Do in Egypt
1. The Pyramids of Giza 🏜️ 🌟 Did This
The ultimate Egyptian icon, towering over the desert just outside Cairo. Seeing them in person felt surreal — a true bucket list moment.
💡 JD’s Tip: Skip the camel rides near the pyramids. They’re often overpriced, and the animals aren’t always treated well.
Pure excitement with one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
2. The Egyptian Museum (Cairo) 🏺 🌟 Did This
I explored the old Egyptian Museum, filled with mummies, statues, and treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. It was chaotic but incredible. The new Grand Egyptian Museum is now open, and it’s at the top of my list if I make it back!
💡 JD’s Tip: Give yourself plenty of time — even half a day isn’t enough to see everything.
Ticket in hand, ready to explore the treasures of ancient Egypt.
3. Abu Simbel (Aswan) 🗿 🌟 Did This
Massive rock temples built by Ramses II, relocated stone by stone to escape flooding from the Aswan High Dam. When I visited, you could only go on an early-morning tour, which made the experience even more magical.
💡 JD’s Tip: The temple is a long drive from Aswan, but worth every second.
A long drive, but worth it to see this wonder up close.
4. Karnak Temple Complex (Luxor) 🏛️ 🌟 Did This
An awe-inspiring complex of columns, statues, and temples. Walking through the Hypostyle Hall with its towering carved pillars made me feel tiny in the best way.
💡 JD’s Tip: Go with a guide to fully understand the history — there are layers upon layers here.
Lost in the magic of Egypt’s grandest temple complex.
5. Valley of the Kings (Luxor) ⚱️ 🌟 Did This
The resting place of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. When I visited, my guide showed us three tombs: one incomplete, one partially decorated, and one fully finished. It really showed how much effort and artistry went into each burial.
💡 JD’s Tip: Entry tickets only cover a few tombs, so research which ones you want to see most.
A silent landscape holding stories of kings.
6. Valley of the Queens (Luxor) 👑 🌟 Did This
Often overshadowed by the Valley of the Kings, this site is just as fascinating. The highlight for me was the Tomb of Nefertari — one of the most beautifully decorated tombs in Egypt. You can still see chisel marks where ancient people tried to erase her from history, scraping away her name and likeness.
💡 JD’s Tip: If the Tomb of Nefertari is open, don’t miss it. It’s unforgettable.
A landscape holding the legacy of Egypt’s queens.
7. Philae Temple (Aswan) ⛵ 🌟 Did This
Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple was relocated to an island after the dam was built. Arriving by boat and seeing the columns rise out of the water was surreal.
💡 JD’s Tip: Go in the late afternoon when the light hits the water and stones perfectly.
A timeless sanctuary reborn on the Nile’s waters.
8. Saqqara (Cairo) 🏺 🌟 Did This
Home to the Step Pyramid, Egypt’s oldest pyramid and a prototype for the great pyramids of Giza. It’s quieter than Giza and just as impressive in its own way.
💡 JD’s Tip: Combine it with a trip to Memphis nearby for a full-day history tour.
Saqqara’s quiet desert holds the blueprint of greatness.
9. Nile Cruise 🚢 🌟 Did This
Gliding down the Nile between Luxor and Aswan was one of the highlights of my trip. Watching daily life unfold along the riverbanks felt like stepping back in time.
💡 JD’s Tip: Try to get a cabin with a balcony — mornings on the Nile are magical.
Where ancient history drifts by on the riverbanks.
10. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar (Cairo) 🛍️ 🌟 Did This
A maze of stalls selling everything from spices to jewelry to lanterns. It’s chaotic, loud, and full of life — the perfect place to shop for souvenirs.
💡 JD’s Tip: Bargain with a smile. It’s part of the experience!
A marketplace alive with colors, scents, and history.
Final Thoughts
Egypt truly has too much to fit into just one list, but these were the standouts from my trip. I didn’t get to see everything — Alexandria and the new museum are still on my list for next time — but these ten gave me a perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure.
