Choose from 103 Fun Things to Do in Egypt
St Simeon Monastery
The fortress-like 7th century Monastery of St. Simeon was first dedicated to the 4th century local saint Abba Hedra, who renounced the world on his wedding day. It was rebuilt in the 10th century and dedicated to St. Simeon. From here the monks traveled into Nubia, in the hope of converting the Nubians to Christianity, until Salah ad-Din destroyed the monastery in 1173.
Surrounded by desert sands, the monastery was built on two levels, the lower level of stone and the upper level of mud brick, surrounded by 10 meter (3 foot) high walls. The basilica has traces of frescoes, and nearby is the chamber where St. Simeon prayed with his beard tied to the ceiling in case he fell asleep. The cells with their mastaba (bench) beds, once provided accommodation for about 300 resident monks and some 100 pilgrims. The last room on the right still has graffiti from Muslim pilgrims who stayed here en route to Mecca.
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To get to the monastery from the boat landing, negotiate with the camel drivers, agreeing in advance how much time you want to spend and a price, or scramble up the desert track (about 25 minutes). Alternatively, you can take the ferry to the Tombs of the Nobles and ride a camel or donkey from there, but remember to bring water.
Roman Amphitheatre
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Valley of the Queens
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Philae Temple
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Luxor Museum
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The museum is on the eastern riverside and is easily accessible from the center of Luxor, either on foot or by short taxi ride.
Papyrus Institute
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Islamic Cairo
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Mosque of Amr ibn al-As
was the first mosque to ever be built on Egyptian soil.
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Valley of the Kings
The harsh, lunar landscape of the Valley of the Kings is the resting place of numerous New Kingdom pharaohs, whose remains were interred in tombs burrowed into rock. The 60-odd tombs which have been discovered (which may represent only half of the total tombs in the area) are identified by number rather than the name of their original inhabitant, and a handful of tombs are closed at any one time for restoration. Nonetheless there is more than enough to see, and it is better to pick out a representative sample rather than try to see every tomb.
Grave-robbers and museums have nabbed the items which were supposed to accompany rulers into the afterlife, but you can still see the work of some of the finest artisans of the ancient world, who glorified pharaohs in frescoes and wall reliefs. Graffiti shows that this extraordinary ensemble of antiquities was already a tourist attraction for the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Practical Info
The Valley of the Kings is beyond the West Bank of the Nile, behind the Temple of Hatshepsut. Taxis can drop you at the ticket office; from there it's a short tram ride to the first tomb.
Lighthouse of Alexandria
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Mount Sinai
- Mount Sinai is a must-see for culture lovers and history buffs.
- The hike to the summit can be strenuous; wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots.
- Dress in layers if you plan to visit during sunrise or sunset, as it can be cold at the top of the mountain. It’s also possible to rent blankets at the summit.
- Multiple huts sell refreshments along the mountain path, so it’s a good idea to bring some spending money.
Hurghada Marina
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Mahmaya Island
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Pharaonic Village
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Mummification Museum
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Valley of the Artisans (Deir el-Medina)
Creating the Valley of the Kings was no simple undertaking: a small army of builders, engineers, engravers and other workers was required to carve the dozens of tombs out of sheer rock over the centuries.
Naturally they all had to be housed somewhere, ideally not too far away. But it was only with the discovery Valley of the Artisans (or Deir el-Medina), around the time of the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb, that we learnt more about their living conditions.
The outlines of the “workmen’s village” are still clearly visible, and extant reliefs offer a fascinating portrait of everyday life. All of this makes the Valley of the Artisans a pleasant change after countless monuments glorifying the pharaohs and their morbid fixation on the afterlife.
Practical Info
The Valley of the Artisans is beyond the floodplain on the Right Bank of the Nile. It is within reach of the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Queens and Valley of the Kings.
Luxor Temple
The enormous Luxor Temple was one of the great constructions of the New Kingdom (dating from the 14th century BC) dedicated to the god Amun. It was known as the “Southern Sanctuary” and was the site of ceremonies aimed at encouraging the life-giving Nile floods.
Once through the processional Avenue of Sphinxes you come to the First Pylon, which announces the phenomenal scale of the stonework here: statues, columns and obelisks all compete with each other in a race to the sky.
Ensuing civilizations have also left their marks: there’s a shrine erected by Alexander the Great, Roman wall frescoes as well as a 14th century AD mosque, ensuring this remains a place of worship in the present day.
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The modern city of Luxor grew up around the Temple on the east bank of the Nile, making it one of the most readily accessible sites. It makes a great visit in the relative cool of the evening, when the complex is dramatically flood-lit.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga)
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Mosque of Ibn Tulun
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St Catherine's Monastery
This legendary Greek Orthodox St. Catherine Monastery is one of the oldest places of worship in the world.
Founded in the 4th century, the monastery stands on the site where Moses saw the burning bush. When you visit, it’s possible to see a living descendant of that very bush.
The walled monastery complex includes a fortress, chapel, the 6th century Church of the Transfiguration and monastic buildings. The monastery was never attacked, so its famous library of rare manuscripts, priceless icons, reliquaries and artworks is complete.
Towering 2,285 meters (7,495 feet) above the monastery is Mount Sinai. For many, the trek to the summit is a highlight of a visit to the monastery, either by following the camel trail or climbing the Steps of Repentance. At the top you’ll be rewarded by spectacular views, plus the knowledge that you are standing on the spot where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Practical Info
World Heritage-listed St. Catherine’s Monastery is at the foot of Mount Sinai, on the Sinai Peninsula. The best way to get here is on an organized tour.
You could also take a bus from Sharm el Sheikh, then pick up a local taxi from the nearby village of Al Milga.