Egypt beckons travelers with a timeless blend of ancient mystique and 21st-century allure.

 It is a land where pharaohs' legacies stand tall against the backdrop of modern marvels.

  where the golden sands of the desert meet the turquoise waters of the Red Sea.

From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the temple-studded banks of the Nile in Luxor.

 Every Egypt tour unlocks thousands of years of history and stories.

 But beyond the history, there is the pulse of the "City that Never Sleeps," also known as Cairo, and the relaxation of world-class coastal resorts on the Red Sea or at the north coast.

Whether you seek history or relaxation, Egypt’s 2026 bucket list offers something for every traveler. 

Craft your perfect holiday to Egypt with this ultimate guide to the top things to do in Egypt, curated by Fun & Sun travel experts.

Top Things to Do in Cairo & Giza

The City That Never Sleeps

The beauty of Cairo lies in its powerful contrast between ancient authenticity and charming modernity. 

On one side, you have Giza’s iconic monuments standing in silent majesty; on the other, the Noisy, vibrant streets of a modern metropolis. 

GCC tourists and global travelers alike love Cairo Tours for its diversity—it is a city of 1,000 minarets and infinite stories.

Here are the top picks for things to do in Cairo & Giza.

1. Marvel at the Giza Pyramids & Sphinx

Napoleon Bonaparte once stood here and famously said, "From the heights of these pyramids, forty centuries look down on us."

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Giza Plateau. Here, you will stand in the shadow of the three ancient pyramids of Khufu (Cheops), Khafre, and Menkaure.

The Experience: Beyond just looking, you can:

 Ride camels across the sands for that perfect photo opportunity, or venture inside the Great Pyramid itself.

Pro Tip: After your tour, relax at the 9 Pyramids Lounge or a nearby rooftop restaurant to enjoy a panoramic view of the Sphinx with a cold drink in hand.

2. Explore the Tomb of Queen Meresankh III

For a more intimate experience away from the crowds, head under the shadow of the Great Pyramid to the charming Tomb of Queen Meresankh III.

Why Visit:

 She was the wife of Khafre and the granddaughter of King Khufu. Her tomb is surprisingly vibrant, featuring beautifully preserved reliefs of daily life, baking, and brewing.

The Crowd Factor:

 Fewer tourists visit here than the main solar boat museums or pyramids, offering a private moment with the glorious history, so you can live the moment.

3. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

The wait is over. The Grand Egyptian Museum is the new jewel of Giza and the largest museum in the world.

Highlights: 

Stand before the colossal Ramsses statues and the hanging obelisk, walk up the massive Grand Staircase lined with royal statues, and for the first time in history, see the complete Tutankhamun collection in one place.

Don’t Miss: 

The Solar Boat of Khufu is a dedicated museum within a museum that showcases the ancient vessel intended to carry the Pharaoh to the afterlife.

Recommendation:

 A guided tour is highly recommended here. The museum is massive, and a guide will help you navigate the chronological halls without getting overwhelmed.

Recommended Reading: [The Grand Egyptian Museum: A Full Visitor’s Guide]

4. The Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square)

While the GEM is the modern marvel, the rose-red museum building in Tahrir Square remains the nostalgic heart of Egyptology.

What’s Left:

 The museum still houses thousands of masterpieces, including the Narmer Palette (the first documentation of a unified Egypt).

the statues of Khufu and Khafre, and the intricate burials of Yuya and Thuya.

The Vibe: 

It feels like an old-school treasure warehouse, with glass cabinets overflowing with shabtis, papyri, and gold jewelry from the Greco-Roman period.

5. Discover Coptic Cairo (Old Cairo)

This historic district is a testament to Egypt’s cultural pluralism.

 In a short walking distance, you will find a unique blend of history where Judaism, Christianity, and Islam intersect.

Must-Visit Sites in Coptic Cairo:

The Coptic Museum: 

Home to the world’s largest collection of Coptic artifacts (over 1,200 pieces on display).

 It traces the history from Pharaonic gods to Roman paganism and early Christianity.

The Hanging Church: 

Suspended above the gate towers of a Roman fortress, this church features a stunning wooden ceiling shaped like Noah's Ark and a 5th-century marble pulpit with 13 pillars representing Jesus and his students.

Babylon Fortress: 

The ancient Roman foundations of Old Cairo. Built around 30 BC, this fortress once guarded the entrance to the canal connecting the Nile to the Red Sea.

Church of St. George (Mar Girgis):

 One of the few circular churches in the Middle East, this Greek Orthodox masterpiece sits right atop the Roman tower.

Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga):

 Visit the crypt where the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph) reportedly hid during their flight into Egypt.

6. Shop at Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Step back in time in this 14th-century souk. The air smells of spices and grilling meat, and the sound of copper artisans hammering fills the alleys.

What to Buy: 

Handmade silver, alabaster statues, spices, and intricate lanterns.

The Experience: 

After shopping, sit at the historic El Fishawy Cafe (open since 1773) for a cup of mint tea and people-watching.

7. The Cairo Citadel

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Citadel of Saladin was the seat of government for 700 years.

The Alabaster Mosque: 

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali dominates the skyline. Its interior is a dazzling display of hanging lamps and intricate domes.

Panoramic Views:

 From the terrace, you can see the entire city of Cairo, and on a clear day, the faint outline of the Giza Pyramids in the distance.

8. Sail on a Nile Felucca

Escape the traffic and noise with a traditional sailboat ride.

Best Time: 

Sunset. Watch the sun dip below the Cairo skyline while the wind guides your white-sailed boat.

Who is it for? 

Perfect for couples seeking romance or families wanting a peaceful break, or even solo travelers who want to indulge in the Nile's charming vibes.

9. Day Trip: Saqqara & Dahshur

Saqqara was the vast necropolis of the ancient capital, Memphis. It is an open-air museum of architectural evolution.

Step Pyramid of Djoser: 

The world’s first monumental stone building. It marks the transition from mud-brick mastabas to the pyramids we know today.

The Bent Pyramid (Dahshur): 

Built by Sneferu, this pyramid changes angles halfway up, representing a learning curve in engineering.

The Red Pyramid: 

The first successful "true" smooth-sided pyramid. It is often less crowded than Giza, allowing you to enter the burial chamber in relative peace.

10. Cairo Tower

For the best modern view of the city, head to Zamalek Island and take the elevator up the Cairo Tower. 

At 187 meters tall, it offers 360-degree views of Cairo. Use the telescopes to spot the Citadel to the east and the Pyramids to the west.

11. Hiking at Wadi Degla Protectorate

Need a break from history? Located in Maadi, Wadi Degla is a limestone canyon perfect for hiking, running, and biking. It’s a slice of serene desert nature right on the edge of the authentic city.

12. The City of the Dead

For the adventurous cultural traveler, the City of the Dead (Cairo Necropolis) is a living cemetery (literally).

What to see: 

Marvel at the Mamluk architecture, such as the Complex of Sultan al-Ashraf Qaitbay.

The Atmosphere:

 It is a vibrant community where people live and work among the tombs of sultans and saints. It is best visited with a local guide to navigate the history and respect the residents.

Suggested Reading: [Best Time to Visit Egypt—Seasonal Tips for 2025]

Top Things to Do in Alexandria

The Pearl of the Mediterranean

Founded by Alexander the Great, this coastal city was once the intellectual capital of the world and the seat of Queen Cleopatra. 

Today, it offers a cooler climate, fresh seafood, and Greco-Roman history. 

Alexandria tours are considered a top traveling destination in Egypt for those who want to feel the breeze of the north coast fused with historical context.

1. Qaitbay Citadel

This 15th-century fortress stands guard over the Eastern Harbor.

Historical Fact: 

It was built on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), utilizing some of the fallen stones from the destroyed original lighthouse.

Views:

 Climb the ramparts for a stunning view of the Mediterranean crashing against the sea walls (at this moment, all you have to do is indulge in this amazing view).

2. Bibliotheca Alexandrina

A stunning homage to the ancient Great Library. The modern building is shaped like a rising sun, and its exterior walls are carved with characters from 120 different human scripts.

Inside: 

It holds museums, art galleries, a space telescope, and a reading room that can hold millions of books.

3. Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Descend via a spiral staircase into this Roman-era burial site.

 It is famous for its unique blend of art styles; you will see statues of Egyptian gods dressed in Roman military armor.

Highlights: 

The Hall of Caracalla and the central rotunda.

4. Alexandria Roman Theater

Located at Kom El Dekka, this is the only known Roman amphitheater in Egypt. 

It features marble seating for 600 spectators and mosaic flooring, remnants of a time when Alexandria was a hub of Roman entertainment and politics.

5. St. Mina Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage site located southwest of the city in the Mariut desert.

 It is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the martyr Saint Mina and is home to the relics of Pope Cyril VI.

6. Pompey’s Pillar

A massive 25-meter red granite column that towers over the ruins of the Serapeum.

 It is one of the largest monoliths of the ancient world and undeniably impressive to stand beneath.

7. Dive at Cleopatra’s Palace

For certified divers, Alexandria offers something unique: underwater archaeology.

The Site: 

The sunken quarters of Cleopatra’s royal palace lie in the Eastern Harbor.

What You See: 

Swim past toppled granite columns, sphinxes, and statues of ancient gods that have been submerged for centuries due to earthquakes.

Top Things to Do in Luxor & Aswan

The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum

If Cairo is the brain of Egypt, the south is its heart. 

Luxor holds one-third of the world’s ancient monuments, while Aswan offers the tranquil beauty of the Nubian Nile

Tourists are drawn to Luxor and Aswan Holidays because they are centers of ancient Egyptian history. Luxor & Aswan + Holiday = Pure authenticity.

1. The Tomb of Seti I (Valley of the Kings)

If you visit only one tomb, make it this one. Discovered by Belzoni in 1817, it is the longest and deepest tomb in the valley.

The Art: 

The colors are so vibrant that they look freshly painted. The astronomical ceiling in the burial chamber is a masterpiece of ancient cosmology.

2. Abu Simbel Temples

Located south of Aswan, these temples were carved out of a mountain by Ramesses II.

The Great Temple: 

Guarded by four massive colossi of Ramesses II.

The Temple of Nefertari:

 A rare dedication to a queen, showcasing Ramesses' love for his wife.

The Miracle:

 The entire complex was cut into blocks and moved to higher ground in the 1960s to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

3. The Nubian Village (Aswan)

Take a motorboat to the west bank of Aswan to visit the colorful Nubian villages (Gharb Soheil). 

It's a perfect tour in Aswan for those who want to relax on the Nile, indulge in the Nubian culture, and experience the Nubian kind hospitality.

The Vibe:

 Houses painted in bright blues and oranges, spice markets, and crocodile sanctuaries. It is the perfect place to buy handmade crafts and drink hibiscus tea with locals.

4. Valley of the Kings

The ultimate necropolis. This hidden valley houses the tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramesses IV.

Fun & Sun Pro Tip:

 Your standard ticket gets you into three tombs. Tutankhamun and Seti I usually require extra tickets, but they are worth it.

5. Karnak Temple Complex

Ancient Egypt’s greatest masterpiece. Built by over 30 pharaohs, it is a city of temples.

The Hypostyle Hall:

 Walking through this forest of 134 gigantic columns, covered in hieroglyphs, is a humbling experience that puts the scale of ancient engineering into perspective.

6. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Located at Deir el-Bahari, this temple looks like modern architecture despite being 3,500 years old. 

Its three terraced levels are carved directly into the limestone cliffs, creating a breathtaking visual harmony.

7. Hot Air Balloon over Luxor

Wake up before dawn for a bucket-list experience. 

Drifting silently over the Valley of the Kings and the lush green Nile farming lands as the sun rises is a memory you will never forget.

8. The Tomb of Queen Nefertari (Valley of the Queens)

Often called the "Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt," the level of detail and the preservation of the paintings here is unmatched. 

It is expensive and time-limited (usually 10-15 minutes allowed inside), but it is arguably the most beautiful thing you will see in Egypt.

9. Temple of Kom Ombo

A unique double temple situated right on the riverbank between Luxor and Aswan.

The Duality:

 The temple is perfectly symmetrical—one half dedicated to Sobek (the crocodile god) and the other to Horus (the falcon god).

Don't Miss: 

The Crocodile Museum next door features mummified crocodiles found in the area.

10. Dendera Temple of Hathor

Located just north of Luxor, Dendera is one of the best-preserved complexes in Egypt.

The Highlights: 

The ceiling of the hypostyle hall has been cleaned to reveal the original vibrant blue astronomical charts. 

You can also climb up to the roof (rare in Egyptian temples) and descend into the crypts.

Famous Relief: 

Look for the famous "Dendera Lightbulb" relief in the crypts and the replica of the Zodiac on the ceiling (the original is in the Louvre).

11. Philae Temple (The Pearl of Egypt)

Dedicated to the Goddess Isis, this temple sits on an island in Aswan. You must take a boat to reach it.

Romantic Setting:

 It is widely considered the most romantic and picturesque temple in Egypt, especially during the golden hour before sunset.

12. Luxor Museum

Located on the Corniche, this museum favors quality over quantity. 

The lighting is dramatic, and the collection includes masterpieces found in the Luxor Cachette, as well as two royal mummies displayed without wrappings.

13. The Ramesseum

The mortuary temple of Ramesses II on the West Bank. It inspired the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley.

 While more ruined than Karnak, the fallen colossal statue of the king remains a symbol of the weight of history.

Suggested Reading: [10 Best Places to Visit in Egypt: Iconic Sites and Activities]

Top Things to Do in Sinai & The Red Sea

Sun, Sand, and Spiritual Summits

The Sinai Peninsula offers dramatic landscapes of granite mountains and some of the best diving in the world.

1. Hike Mount Sinai & St. Catherine

The Hike:

 Follow the path of Moses. Most pilgrims hike overnight to reach the summit (2,285m) for a spiritual sunrise.

The Monastery:

 At the foot of the mountain lies St. Catherine’s Monastery, the oldest working Christian monastery in the world. See the Burning Bush and the ancient library.

2. Relax in Dahab

Originally a Bedouin fishing village, Dahab is now a laid-back bohemian hub.

• Activities: Dive the infamous Blue Hole (for advanced divers), go kitesurfing in the Lagoon, or take a jeep safari to the Colored Canyon to hike through rainbow-hued rock formations.

• Vibe: It’s slower and cheaper than Sharm or Hurghada, perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.

3. Sharm El-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh is a popular holiday destination for GCC tourists due to its warm weather, beaches, and proximity to the Red Sea, with many luxurious hotels and resorts that fit the GCC & European travelers. 

Whatever your holiday fantasy is, you will find it at Sharm el-Sheikh 

Things to do at Sharm El-Sheikh

Soho Square:

 A modern entertainment hub with fountains, shopping, and ice skating.

Ras Mohammed National Park: 

A protected marine park offering some of the planet's healthiest coral reefs.

Tiran Island: 

Take a boat trip from Sharm to the Tiran Straits. While you cannot land on the island, the surrounding reefs (Jackson, Gordon, and Woodhouse reefs) offer world-class snorkeling and diving with hammerhead sharks and turtles.

Top Things to Do in Hurghada

The Family-Friendly Resort Hub

Hurghada Tours is popular with European travelers and families. It combines the desert with the sea in a way that is accessible and fun.

1. Giftun Islands (Orange Bay & Paradise Island)

Take a day boat trip to the Giftun Islands. The water here is so clear it is often compared to the Maldives. You can sunbathe on the white sands of Orange Bay or snorkel

2. Snorkeling and diving:

The Red Sea offers world-class opportunities for underwater exploration, including colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks. You can also go to "Dolphin House Reef" for a chance to swim with dolphins.

Final Thoughts on Egypt

With new archaeological discoveries and upgraded tourism infrastructure, 2026 is Egypt’s year to shine.

 Pair timeless wonders with emerging hotspots, like the Grand Egyptian Museum GEM or Alexandria’s revitalized Corniche, for a trip that’s both classic and cutting-edge, or even the modern cities in Cairo, like the Fifth Settlement shopping malls or the new administrative capital.

Whether you’re exploring ancient pyramids, cruising the Nile, diving in the Red Sea, or enjoying Egyptian street food, Egypt offers a truly unforgettable adventure.