Best Places to Visit in Egypt for First-Time Travelers
Before going to Egypt, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve obviously heard of the pyramids, but other than that and some camels, I had absolutely no expectations. But let me tell you, my travels through Egypt have left me speechless. They have some of the most beautiful markets I have ever shopped in, street food I’m still thinking about, and museums I actually got lost in for hours. Plus, once you stand close to the great pyramids, it’s obvious why they’re considered a great wonder of the world. Navigating through Egypt can be a little tough so here are some highlights from my trip!
Khan El-Khalili Market
The Khan El-Khalili market felt like an entire city within the city of Cairo. Seriously, this place is huge! This market has been featured in tons of TV shows and movies because of the beautiful Islamic architecture contrasted with the thousands of craftsmen and shopworkers trying to sell their goods. In the market, there seems to be a district for different types of goods like antiques, jewelry, spices, and more. So make sure to plan a lot of time for the market and bring extra cash!
What to Buy
After 5 minutes of walking around, you will realize you didn’t bring enough luggage to buy everything you want. I personally loved the rows of hand-made rugs that seemed to feature every single color on each rug. There are also these stained-glass lamps that I absolutely obsessed over. Plus, I probably spent more money than I should have on all the gold and copper jewelry.
Where to Find Food
The market is home to dozens of old cafes, where some are hundreds of years old. One of my favorites was El-Fishawi which was founded in 1797! At many of these cafes, you will find live music, authentic food, and tons of people enjoying hookah.
How to Get There
Since the market is located in the center of Cairo, there are tons of public transportation options that can get you there. However, I found it the easiest to travel by Uber everywhere I went in Cairo, so this is your safest and easiest bet.
The Greats Pyramid of Giza
Getting to visit the pyramids was a jaw-dropping experience. Until you’re up close, you don’t realize how gigantic and old they are. I was shocked to learn that the Great Pyramids of Giza are more than 4,500 years old. When you visit, there are three pyramids that were built as elaborate burial complexes for three different pharaohs between the years 2550 – 2490 B.C.
When you visit the pyramids, I’d recommend doing a tour. There are tons of scammers around the pyramids that try to trick you into giving them money to visit “off-limits” sections. It’s way easier to hire someone or go in a group of people so you can learn about the amazing history and have someone to take your picture!
Other Places to Visit in Egypt
If you plan to visit Egypt, there are tons of things you can do that are fun for everyone. Here were some of my favorites:
Cruise the Nile River
Spend a day drifting along the infamous Nile River and witness ancient tombs and temples that are thousands of years old.
Scuba Dive in the Red Sea
The Red Sea is one of the world’s best places to scuba dive. It is home to hundreds of sip wrecks, pristine reefs, and the water is quite warm!
Spend an Afternoon at the Egyptian Museum
While you can travel around from temple to temple in the hot sun, spending an afternoon in the Egyptian museum is a must! I got to learn so much about Egyptian history while exploring the largest collection of royal mummies, statues, and ancient jewels, all while being in air conditioning.
Relax in Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most popular beach getaways. If you’re looking to add some relaxation and spa days to your trip, add this spot to your list!
Visit Luxor Temple
This smaller temple is often missed by tourists which is a shame. This site is absolutely stunning with towering statues and monoliths that was once the site where pharaohs were crowned.
