Best things to do in Egypt
Egypt combines the ancient wonders of Cairo and the Nile with the Red Sea's coral reefs at Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh — a rare mix of world-class history and easy beach days.
Egypt at a glance
- What are the best things to do in Egypt?
- The Pyramids of Giza and Cairo's museums, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and snorkelling or diving the Red Sea reefs.
- Can you combine Cairo with a Red Sea beach stay?
- Yes. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are short flights from Cairo, and many trips split time between the ancient sites and the coast.
- Which is better, Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh?
- Both have excellent reefs. Hurghada is closer to Luxor for combined history-and-beach trips; Sharm el-Sheikh is known for dramatic reef walls and the Ras Mohammed marine park.
Destinations in Egypt
Egypt
Things to Do in Cairo
Pyramids, museums, Nile dinner cruises and Islamic Cairo.
1 experience listed
Egypt
Things to Do in Hurghada
Red Sea snorkelling, desert quad safaris and island boat days.
1 experience listed
Egypt
Things to Do in Sharm el-Sheikh
Ras Mohammed reefs, Sinai desert trips and Dahab day trips.
1 experience listed
The highlights
1. The Pyramids of Giza and Cairo
The last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, the Sphinx, and Cairo's museums — including the Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza — anchor any first trip.
2. The Nile: Luxor and Aswan
The Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Philae line the river south of Cairo, traditionally visited on a multi-night Nile cruise.
3. Red Sea reefs
Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are built on snorkelling and diving: coral gardens straight off the beach, boat trips to offshore reefs, and wreck dives like the SS Thistlegorm.
Planning your trip
History plus beach
The classic Egypt itinerary pairs a few days in Cairo and on the Nile with a Red Sea stay. Domestic flights and resort transfers make Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh easy add-ons to a culture-focused trip.
When to go
October to April brings milder weather for sightseeing in Cairo and the Nile Valley. The Red Sea coast is warm year-round, with very hot summers inland.
Frequently asked questions about Egypt
What are the best things to do in Egypt?
The Pyramids of Giza and Cairo's museums, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and snorkelling or diving the Red Sea reefs.
Can you combine Cairo with a Red Sea beach stay?
Yes. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are short flights from Cairo, and many trips split time between the ancient sites and the coast.
Which is better, Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh?
Both have excellent reefs. Hurghada is closer to Luxor for combined history-and-beach trips; Sharm el-Sheikh is known for dramatic reef walls and the Ras Mohammed marine park.
Ready to plan? Browse things to do by destination or get trip ideas from our travel journal.