Is Egypt Worth Visiting? Reasons To Visit & What To Be Prepared For
Is Egypt worth visiting? What are the reasons to visit Egypt?
After visiting Egypt several times not only as a tourist but also spending some time here as a local, I can tell you that Egypt is worth visiting.
Whether you are interested in history, relaxing on the beach, diving, cruising on the Nile River, or going to the desert, Egypt has it all.
Moreover, if you are a food enthusiast, you will definitely find yourself enjoying Egypt as Egyptian cuisine is really rich and delicious.
I will provide you with strong reasons why Egypt is worth visiting including travel tips for Egypt. Also, I will mention possible reasons why you may not like to come to Egypt.
Is Egypt Worth Visiting?
After spending a few holidays and family visits in Egypt I can tell you that Egypt is a fascinating country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and incredible landmarks.
From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the beautiful beaches along the Red Sea, Egypt offers a diverse range of experiences.
In addition to its ancient temples, Egypt also has bustling markets, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals who are proud to share their country’s heritage with visitors.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Egypt is considered one of the top destinations for travelers looking for a unique and memorable vacation. Moreover, Lonely Planet included Egypt on their list of 10 best countries to visit in 2022.
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12 Reasons To Visit Egypt
Egypt, known as the land of ancient civilization is a popular tourist destination for many reasons.
Not only the Great Pyramid of Giza but also amazing architecture, stunning beaches, underwater life, and delicious food are some of the reasons why people love Egypt. Take a look at my strong reasons why you should visit Egypt.
1. Beautiful Beaches of Egypt
Egypt is known for the Red Sea and its beautiful beaches. A lot of tourists from all over the world come to Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or Marsa Alam to enjoy relaxing all-inclusive holidays at the beach.
We were not an exception. The beaches here are so beautiful that can compete with many in the world.
Beaches in Hurghada are known for their long stretches of golden sand and have mostly gradual entrances to the sea.
Sharm El Sheikh is another popular tourist beach destination. Its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make it a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers.
Marsa Alam is located about 300 km away from Hurghada. Marsa Alam is a quieter Red Sea destination with pristine beaches, clear waters, and unspoiled coral reefs that offer a glimpse into Egypt’s untouched natural beauty.
Dahab is a laid-back town with turquoise waters and colorful marine life that makes it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, while its relaxed atmosphere is perfect for those looking to unwind.
Alexandria is a historic city with stunning beaches. Cleopatra Beach, for example, is a particularly beautiful spot that boasts clear waters and soft, white sand.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Egypt’s beautiful beaches offer something for everyone. When choosing a hotel in Egypt, is better to go for 5* hotels, alternatively 4*.
I can recommend Albatros White Beach and Albatros Dana Beach in Hurghada as we stayed in these hotels. You can check my reviews here Albatros White Beach and Albatros Dana Beach.
2. Diving in the Red Sea
If you are a diving enthusiast, diving in the Red Sea should be on your bucket list. Many divers come to Egypt for diving as the Red Sea offers incredible underwater life with colorful fish, bright corals, and turtles and even you can dive to see some wrecks.
Here are some of the reasons why diving in the Red Sea, Egypt is so special.
Rich Marine Life: The Red Sea is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, exotic fish, and even sharks. You can expect to see a lot of brightly colored fish, sea turtles, rays, and even dolphins on your diving trips.
Warm and Clear Water: The Red Sea’s warm waters are ideal for diving. The visibility is also fantastic, with clear water that allows you to see up to 30 meters in some areas.
Stunning Coral Reefs: The Red Sea boasts some of the most beautiful and untouched coral reefs in the world. The reefs come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Diving around the reefs is like exploring an underwater garden.
Variety of Dive Sites: There are plenty of dive sites to choose from in the Red Sea, with something for divers of all levels. From shallow reefs to deep wrecks, there are plenty of options to explore.
Experienced Dive Operators: Egypt has a well-established diving industry, with many experienced dive operators and instructors.
3. One of the Ancient Wonders of the World
Visiting the Great Pyramid of Giza is a must-see when you are in Egypt. Speaking from my own experience. The Great Pyramid of Giza is about 4,500 years old and is the most popular historical sight in Egypt.
You can find it just outside of Cairo. We took a guided tour organized through an agency and I recommend doing so. You can choose from one of these.
The reason is that the experienced guide will provide you with all the information about the pyramids and also you will not be disturbed and hassled by sellers offering you a tour or camel rides.
It is believed that the Giza pyramids are one of the special places where the energy vortex is active. When you visit this place, you should have a special feeling, peaceful, mental or physical healing or even tickling inside.
At that time I was not aware of this information, but honestly, I felt so good there, so peaceful, that I didn’t want to leave. It was a very strange feeling and the best cultural experience in Egypt.
To be so close to such incredible monuments made you think about how they were able to build them without machines. In any case, the Pyramids of Giza are an exceptional place that makes Egypt a worth visit.
You can even go inside one pyramid. You should take care of steep stairs, but once you are inside, you will not regret it. Just to mention, it may not be suitable for claustrophobic people.
4. Land of Ancient Civilization
Not only the Great Pyramid of Giza but Egypt as a land of Ancient civilization has many more historical sights and museums to visit. Here are some of the top historical sights in Egypt.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of the most important museums in the world for Egyptian antiquities. I visited the museum when all the artifacts were there.
Recently some of the artifacts were moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum, which was partially open in 2023 and will be the biggest archeological museum in the world.
The artifacts are truly fascinating, some of them are so huge. Definitely worth visiting. The mummies were moved to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
The Valley of the Kings located in Luxor is a burial site for pharaohs from the New Kingdom period of Egyptian history. It contains many elaborate tombs, including the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
Abu Simbel is a temple complex built by Ramses II. It contains two temples, one of which is dedicated to Ramses II himself and is known for its impressive stone carvings and statues.
Luxor Temple contains many impressive structures, including the massive entrance pylons and the Avenue of Sphinxes.
Philae Temple is an island-based temple complex. It contains many impressive structures, including the Temple of Isis and the Kiosk of Trajan.
The Temple of Kom Ombo located north of Aswan in upper Egypt is very special because it was dedicated to two different Gods.
For more details about the temples in Egypt, read my article here.
Mount Sinai also called Mount Moses is considered a holy site for Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. It is a place where Prophet Moses received commandments from God.
5. Medieval Egypt
To experience Medieval Egypt, you should visit the old Cairo, specifically Moez Street and Khan el Khalili. Moez Street is one of the oldest streets in Cairo.
You can see and visit many historical buildings and mosques there, for example, the Al-Hussain Mosque, and Al-Hakim Bi Amr Allah Mosque, that we visited.
Khan el Khalili is a well-known souk or so-called bazaar. It is a very busy place, especially during the evening, but also has a unique atmosphere.
Here you can buy your souvenirs to take back home. And trust me, the choices here are wide. Be ready to bargain. I highly recommend to visit it even if you don’t want to buy anything.
In this area of Cairo, you should be extra careful with your belongings as there are big crowds of people and pickpocketing is happening here like everywhere else in the world.
6. Natural Treatments in Egypt
Egypt is home to a wide range of natural treatments that have been used for centuries to promote health and wellness. From hot springs to mud massages, these natural remedies are believed to have a variety of health benefits.
Egypt is home to several natural hot springs. Hot springs are there to help people with respiratory diseases, bones, kidneys, skin problems, and more.
Mud and sand massages help with skin and physical injuries. The mud used in these treatments is believed to contain minerals and other nutrients that are beneficial to the skin and body.
Egypt has a rich tradition of herbal remedies that are used to treat a variety of diseases. These remedies are often made from local herbs and plants and can treat everything from digestive issues to respiratory problems.
Aromatherapy is another popular natural treatment in Egypt. Essential oils are often used to promote relaxation and relieve stress and anxiety.
Shortly, Egypt is worth visiting even for those who are seeking physical and spiritual cleansing.
7. Cruise on one of the Longest River in the World
Nile cruises are a popular way to explore the historic sites and stunning scenery of Egypt. The River Nile is the longest river in the world, together with the Amazon River, with a length of 6,695 km, you can enjoy lovely cruises, for example, cruising from Luxor to Aswan.
You will sail on luxury cruises where you can see many historical sights alongside. The cruises usually stop at the places, so you can go and see them from inside.
The Nile River cruises offer you historical sights, stunning scenery, comfort and convenience, expert guides, and relaxation. Moreover, you will be gifted with memorable moments from Egypt.
8. Visiting the Desert in Egypt
Alongside historical attractions don’t miss the beauty of natural wonders in Egypt and explore the diverse landscapes from the Sahara Desert to the lush oasis.
Going to the desert in Egypt is a special experience. There are many trips organized by official agencies, and some of them can be bought from your hotel resort when you are on your beach vacation.
They can have different activities like camel riding, quad biking, sandboarding, and stargazing and some can even organize camping in the desert during the night. Check the types of the tours here.
9. Egyptian Food
Food for Egyptian people is very important. They love to cook and they love to eat. Moreover, the food is there during happiness, sadness, or struggle. Egyptian cuisine is very delicious.
When I first time visited my Egyptian family, I was surprised by those tables full of many big dishes and wondered how many people were coming to join us.
After some time I got used to it as I realized this is their way of life. The families gather together and enjoy the delicious food.
When visiting Egypt, you must try traditional dishes like koshary, which is rice, pasta, lentils, chick peace, and fried onion mixed together with their spices.
Another one is Hawawshi-Arabic bread filled with minced beef and onion, then falafel and molokheya- leafy green vegetable cooked and eaten with rice.
Their mixed grill is amazing. And let me not forget about the sweets. They are from heaven, baklava, kunafa, basbosa, om ali, and many more.
While visiting our Egyptian family in Cairo, I had the privilege to try all kinds of Egyptian homemade food. If you are not eating at Egyptian family, try the traditional food in restaurants, or street food in Cairo is another great option.
10. Egypt is a Cheap Destination
Let’s face it. Egypt is a very cheap destination for tourists. The amount you pay for your all-inclusive holiday at the beach is incomparable with other destinations.
Taxis are a very common way of transportation as they cost you a few dollars. However, tourists are usually scammed by taxi drivers, so if you decide to use them, you should be able to negotiate the price and know at least the Arabic numbers. I recommend using Uber instead.
Buying souvenirs is also not expensive as you are expected to haggle the price when you shop on souks. However, if you don’t like bargaining, there are shops with fixed prices where you can shop in peace without being hassled.
Cairo is not only historical but also modern and you can find some beautiful and luxurious shopping malls with fountains and music outside where you can either wander around shops or enjoy dinner, drink, or cup of coffee.
11. Perfect Weather
Great warm and sunny weather is another reason to visit Egypt. When you go for a beach holiday you don’t have to worry about rainy or cold days, as Egypt is a country with almost 365 sunny days per year.
When you plan a trip to Egypt, you should consider what is your main purpose of visit. Summer is a bad time to visit if you want to go sightseeing.
Winter months January and February are not great for beach vacation. The best time to visit Egypt is from March to May and from October to the middle of December.
12. The Warm Hospitality of Egyptian People
Last, but not least is the warm hospitality of the Egyptian people. Egyptians are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and they are always eager to make visitors feel at home.
When I visited our Egyptian family, the house was never empty. Always someone visited us or we were visiting other family members and there was always food on the table.
They invite guests for tea or coffee, offer food, provide assistance, respect guests, and are very friendly.
However, when you are approached by poor people offering you something, you need to know that they are expecting some money in return.
FAQs: Visiting Egypt
Here are some more questions you may have while visiting Egypt.
Is Egypt a safe country for tourists?
Yes, Egypt is a safe country for tourists. The exception is the red zone in the Sinai Peninsula where no one should go.
Tourism is crucial for Egypt as a country, therefore they make sure tourists are safe here. When you go to the town or village, dress appropriately, don’t walk in hidden streets during the dark, don’t ask for unwanted attention and you will be safe.
In any case, the situation around the whole world is constantly changing, so check the travel advisory before you go.
Are there reasons not to visit Egypt?
For some people, there may be reasons not to visit Egypt or at least some parts of Egypt. Egypt is a very chaotic country. There are no rules on the streets, drivers drive as they want, and people cross the roads where they want. Some parts of the cities can be very dirty.
The salespeople are very pushy and want you to buy their goods if you are a foreigner. They use higher prices for tourists, and some can try to scam you. If you don’t like to negotiate prices at the markets, you can buy souvenirs in shops with fixed prices.
Therefore these few things may be reasons for someone not to visit Egypt.
However, if you like to spend only a beach holiday in an all-inclusive hotel in Egypt, you will not experience any of that. In case you would like to go for a tour, I highly recommend taking a tour guide from an official tour agency.
Can I wear shorts in Egypt?
When you are in your hotel resort you can wear very short shorts. However when you go out to the town or village, the shorts should reach your knees or you can wear long thin trousers, a skirt or a dress. To read more about what to wear in Egypt, check my article here.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
You can visit Egypt all year round. However, summer is very hot. You can enjoy the time at the beach, but not go sightseeing. In the winter it is a little bit cooler, even the sea is not warm but some hotel resorts have heated pools.
Cairo is even colder as it is located in the north. Therefore the best time to visit Egypt whether sightseeing or for a beach holiday is spring and autumn. However, you can still enjoy sightseeing in the winter.
Conclusion: Is Egypt A Good Place To Visit?
Based on my own experience I am sure Egypt is a great place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, diving sites, warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and diverse culture, Egypt offers an unforgettable travel experience and it is worth visiting.
However, keep an open mind, use reputable travel agencies, and remember that this is Africa and the Middle East. The culture is so different and you will need to adapt to it.
