Wonders of Egypt: What’s Actually Worth Seeing

Egypt is the ideal destination for a sunny, shoulder-season holiday, especially for Brits seeking winter sun without the unpredictability of European weather or the expense of longer-haul flights. With flight times under six hours, warm weather, sunny skies, beautiful hotels, and a wealth of activities, Egypt offers a brilliant getaway. 

This article will take you on a journey through the wonders of Egypt, unearthing its rich history, exploring iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor Temple, delving into its vibrant culture, and so much more.

Top 7 Wonders of The World Egypt You Should Not Missed

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza

With a height of 146m, the Giza Pyramid is the most famous of the great wonders of Egypt travel. There are actually more than a few pyramids in this area; in fact, there are 86 pyramids in total. However, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the only pyramid that still retains its original shape. Visiting the Giza Pyramids at sunrise is the ideal time of day. You can fully appreciate the splendor of these global marvels at this time when they are least crowded.

The Great Pyramid of Giza, situated in the Giza Necropolis near Cairo, Egypt, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the area. Built in the Fourth Dynasty as Pharaoh Khufu's mausoleum, it is the only surviving example of the World's Seven Wonders. The Great Pyramid took twenty years to build. It was the focal point of a complex that included two temples devoted to Khufu's afterlife, three smaller pyramids for his wives, a "satellite" pyramid, an elevated causeway connecting the temples, and many mastaba tombs for the nobility. The complex was finished around 2560 BC. Some claim that the architect of this remarkable structure was Hemon, vizier of Khufu, also known as Hemiunu.

The Great Pyramid of Giza 

2. The Great Sphinx

The Great Sphinx of Giza is a monumental half-man, half-lion statue located on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, near Cairo on the west bank of the Nile River. Unlike the mythical Greek sphinx, which had a lion's body, an eagle's wings, and a woman's head, the Egyptian Sphinx had a man's head. One of the biggest statues in the world, this commanding stone construction is thought to have been created by the ancient Egyptians in the third millennium BC.

In 1925, the Sphinx was finally excavated following years of intense work. The Sphinx's nose is missing, but most of it is still in place. There's a legend that says Napoleon's men may have broken the nose with a cannonball, although there's no hard evidence to support this. The Great Sphinx's mysterious presence and deep historical significance never fail to enthrall tourists.

3. The Luxor Temple 

The Luxor Temple was dedicated to the Theban Triad consisting of Amun-Re, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu. This vast Egyptian temple complex was located in the heart of the ancient city of Thebes, which is now known as Luxor, on the eastern bank of the Nile River. It was a focal point of several events, most notably the Opet festival. The temple was built with the help of Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, and it was intended to house the festival's rites, which emphasized the ruler's celestial aspect.

Traditionally, the entrance to the temple for both ancient Egyptians and modern visitors came from the north, where a path bordered by sphinxes initially led all the way to Ipet Sut (modern-day Karnak). A royal family parade with pictures would start at Karnak and end at Luxor Temple during the celebration. By the end of the 18th Dynasty, the barge made this trip across the Nile River. During the festival, people were allowed to request the kings' statues or the holy images on the boats.

The Luxor Temple 

4. Abu Simbel

One of the Seven Wonders of Egypt, Abu Simbel consists of two enormous rock temples cut into a mountainside in the 13th century BC as a memorial to Pharaoh Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari.

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel, dedicated to Amun Ra, Ra Harakhti, Ptah, and the deified Ramesses II, took approximately 20 years to construct. It is celebrated as one of Ramesses II's most magnificent temples and is considered among Egypt's most stunning architectural achievements.

One of the best examples of how the Egyptians were able to expand on their prior understanding of architecture to produce even more amazing structures is the Temple of Abu Simbel. Specifically, the purpose of the Abu Simbel Temple was to honor Pharaoh Ramses II's conquests against the Hittites. This temple was submerged beneath Lake Nasser's waters for a long time before being transported to higher ground in the 1960s, just before the water was released. It is a magnificent site to behold and one of the Seven Wonders of Egypt today. If you're nearby, it's well worth a visit.

Abu Simbel Nefertari Temple 

Explore more about Abu Simbel Sun Festival

5. The Karnak Temple

The Karnak temple complex at Luxor developed over more than 1,000 years, principally between the Twelfth and Twentieth Dynasties, and stands as one of the remarkable wonders of Egypt. At its peak, it was the largest and most important religious complex in ancient Egypt. The Giza Pyramids are the most popular tourist destination in Egypt, followed by this one. El-Karnak, a nearby village, is the inspiration behind the area's name.

There are numerous temples, chapels, obelisks, and other buildings in the Karnak Temple complex. The complex has four primary parts; however, only four of them are accessible to the general public. The 50,000 square foot (5,000 square meter) Hypostyle Hall at Amun-Re features 134 massive columns placed in 16 rows. Twelve of the columns stretch to 68.9 feet (21 meters) in height, while the remaining columns are mostly 33.8 feet (10 meters) tall.

The Karnak temple complex at Luxor 

6. Sail to Aswan via felucca

You can see many traditional feluccas as you stroll along the bustling Nile River. Don't hesitate to board a ship in Aswan to experience meeting a sailor and learn how to sail on a historic Nile ship. Before visiting the Old Cataract Hotel, a famous landmark in Aswan, visit the Granite Quarry and the High Dam. Come enjoy High Tea in British colonial style, just like Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill did before you. It is said that Christie wrote her favorite book "Death on the Nile" at this very location.

Spend a little time in Abu Simbel when you're in Aswan. It's one of the most striking sights you will see in Egypt, consisting of two temples cut into the side of a mountain. It is roughly 300 kilometers from Aswan near the Sudanese border, and more than a dozen flights arrive and depart there every week. There will be ample time to fit this into your schedule because the flight takes less than an hour.

Sail to Aswan via felucca 

7. The Saqqara Pyramid

The Saqqara Pyramid is an ancient monument located in Egypt, just south of Cairo. The world's oldest standing stepped pyramid can be found at Sakkara, also known as Saqqara, a sizable ancient tomb site in Egypt situated roughly 30 km south of Cairo. Saqqara was once Egypt's graveyard, albeit Memphis served as the country's capital. Even though the Valley of the Kings in Thebes and Giza eventually eclipsed it as a royal burial site, it was still a significant location for religious rituals and modest burials for nearly 3,000 years. 

Saqqara offers visitors a chance to discover some of the most exquisite art and architecture in Egypt. The elaborate murals and sculptures on the tombs' interiors show images from daily life and religious rites and ceremonies performed thousands of years ago. Considering their antiquity, several of these pieces are still in outstanding shape. Exploring these tombs allows visitors to understand ancient Egyptian life uniquely. 

Plan Your Trip To Visit Wonders of Egypt

When to visit Egypt

The best months to visit Egypt in the fall are October through April, when the weather is cooler. However, summer is the greatest season for water activities if you're planning a trip to a coastal area, such as the Red Sea.

The best months to visit Egypt in the fall are October through April 

What to pack for Egypt

Lightweight cotton clothing, modest attire that respects local norms, sun protection, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes are essential items to pack for Egypt. Don't forget your camera to capture the captivating scenery and historical sites!

Read more: Clothes for Your Egypt Trip

Getting around in Egypt

Egypt offers a well-developed transportation network that includes domestic flights, Nile cruises, buses, taxis, and the Cairo Metro. Major cities also provide Uber. Navigating can be difficult, though, so hiring a tour guide or a local guide could be helpful.

Staying safe in Egypt

Although traveling to Egypt is typically safe, it is nevertheless important to take some basic safety precautions. These include staying away from remote locations, keeping priceless objects hidden, and honoring regional traditions and customs.

Egypt's true wonders are not just relics of the past; they are living testaments to a civilization that profoundly influenced history. As you prepare for your Egyptian adventure and apply for an Egypt visa, prioritize these iconic sites and experiences to enrich your journey through this remarkable land of wonders of Egypt. From the majestic Pyramids of Giza to the serene shores of the Red Sea, each destination will leave a lasting impression, deepening your appreciation of Egypt's timeless allure.