Famous Landmarks in Egypt
Egypt, a country renowned for its ancient civilization, offers an unparalleled journey through history. As one of the oldest tourist destinations in the world, Egypt is home to extraordinary archaeological sites, including the majestic pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the temples along the Nile. The country’s wealth of history stretches back over 5,000 years, drawing visitors with its incredible monuments from the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, and Islamic periods. Beyond its historic allure, Egypt also boasts stunning natural beauty, from the serene beaches of the Red Sea to the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert.
Tourism in Egypt plays a crucial role in the economy, offering visitors unique cultural experiences along with modern-day luxuries in its cities and resorts. Visitors can enjoy Nile River cruises, desert safaris, and world-class diving in the coral-rich waters of the Red Sea. Cairo, the capital, blends the old and new, with bustling souks, vibrant neighborhoods, and countless museums showcasing the country’s ancient treasures.
Top 10 Famous Landmarks in Egypt
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza
Overview
The Great Pyramids of Giza are arguably Egypt’s most iconic landmarks and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built as royal tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure over 4,500 years ago, these towering structures still dominate the skyline of Giza. The site also includes the enigmatic Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue with a lion’s body and a human head. Visitors can explore the pyramids’ interiors and learn about the history of Egypt’s Old Kingdom.
Location
The Giza plateau is located on the outskirts of Cairo, about 20 km from the city center.
Ticket Price
- General Admission: 200 EGP (approx. $13 USD)
- Entry to the Great Pyramid (Khufu): 400 EGP (approx. $26 USD)
- Entry to Khafre and Menkaure Pyramids: 100-200 EGP (approx. $6-13 USD)
Nearby Airports
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) – about 40 km from Giza.
Railway Stations
- Giza Railway Station – about 8 km from the pyramids, accessible by taxi or bus.
Special Attention
- Be prepared for large crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
- Hire a certified guide to enhance your understanding of the pyramids’ history.
2. The Egyptian Museum (Grand Egyptian Museum)
Overview
The Egyptian Museum, located in Tahrir Square in central Cairo, houses the world’s most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The museum’s treasures include the famous gold mask of Tutankhamun, mummies of ancient pharaohs, and countless statues, jewelry, and everyday items from Egypt’s ancient civilization. The museum has recently transitioned to the new Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, which will offer an even more expansive and modern display of the country’s heritage.
Location
The Egyptian Museum is located in downtown Cairo. The Grand Egyptian Museum is located about 2 km from the Giza Pyramids.
Ticket Price
- Egyptian Museum Entry Fee: 200 EGP (approx. $13 USD)
- Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): Expected to be around 400-500 EGP (approx. $26-32 USD) upon opening.
Nearby Airports
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) – 20 km from downtown Cairo.
Railway Stations
- Ramses Station (Cairo’s main railway hub) – 3 km from the museum.
Special Attention
- Photography inside the Egyptian Museum requires a special ticket (50 EGP).
- The new Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to become a major draw with state-of-the-art exhibitions and interactive displays.
3. Karnak Temple Complex
Overview
The Karnak Temple Complex, located near Luxor, is one of the largest and most impressive religious sites in the world. The temple was built over several centuries, from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic period, and is dedicated to the Theban triad of gods—Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Highlights of the complex include the Great Hypostyle Hall, with its forest of towering columns, the sacred lake, and various massive obelisks. The Karnak Sound and Light Show, held in the evening, offers a magical way to experience the history of the temple.
Location
Located in Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile River.
Ticket Price
- General Admission: 200 EGP (approx. $13 USD)
- Sound and Light Show: 250 EGP (approx. $16 USD)
Nearby Airports
- Luxor International Airport (LXR) – about 10 km from the temple.
Railway Stations
- Luxor Railway Station – approximately 4 km from Karnak Temple.
Special Attention
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Plan to spend several hours exploring the expansive complex, as there are many sections to explore.
4. Abu Simbel Temples
Overview
The Abu Simbel Temples, located in southern Egypt near the border with Sudan, are two massive rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. The larger temple is dedicated to Ramses himself and features four colossal statues of the pharaoh seated on his throne, while the smaller temple is dedicated to his queen, Nefertari. In the 1960s, the entire complex was moved to higher ground to prevent it from being submerged by the waters of Lake Nasser, following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Location
Located in the Nubian Desert, approximately 280 km south of Aswan.
Ticket Price
- General Admission: 240 EGP (approx. $15 USD)
Nearby Airports
- Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) – about 4 km from the temples.
Railway Stations
There are no nearby railway stations. The best way to reach Abu Simbel is by flight or via a bus/car from Aswan.
Special Attention
- The temples are best visited in the early morning to avoid the midday heat and to witness the sun aligning with the temple statues during the biannual Sun Festival (February and October).
- Photography is restricted inside the temples, so ensure to take external shots.
5. Valley of the Kings
Overview
The Valley of the Kings is one of Egypt’s most significant archaeological sites, home to the tombs of numerous pharaohs from the New Kingdom period, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. Located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, the valley contains more than 60 tombs carved into the desert rock, each decorated with elaborate hieroglyphs and filled with treasures for the afterlife. Many of the tombs are open to the public, allowing visitors to walk through history.
Location
Located on the west bank of the Nile River, near Luxor.
Ticket Price
- General Admission (3 tombs): 240 EGP (approx. $15 USD)
- Entry to King Tutankhamun’s Tomb: 300 EGP (approx. $19 USD)
Nearby Airports
- Luxor International Airport (LXR) – about 30 km from the Valley of the Kings.
Railway Stations
- Luxor Railway Station – located on the east bank, about 5 km from the valley.
Special Attention
- The valley can be extremely hot, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Not all tombs are open at the same time, so check in advance which tombs are available for viewing.
6. Temple of Philae
Overview
The Temple of Philae, located on an island in the Nile River near Aswan, is one of Egypt’s most beautiful and well-preserved ancient temples. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple was originally located on Philae Island but was relocated to Agilkia Island in the 1960s due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temple’s intricate carvings, grand pylons, and tranquil setting make it a favorite destination for visitors to Aswan. A Sound and Light Show is held in the evening, providing a captivating experience of the temple’s history.
Location
Located on Agilkia Island in Aswan, accessible by boat.
Ticket Price
- General Admission: 180 EGP (approx. $11 USD)
- Sound and Light Show: 250 EGP (approx. $16 USD)
Nearby Airports
- Aswan International Airport (ASW) – 15 km from the temple.
Railway Stations
- Aswan Railway Station – about 5 km from the boat docks.
Special Attention
- The best time to visit is during the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late afternoon.
- Hire a guide or purchase an audio guide to fully appreciate the temple’s historical and religious significance.
7. The Great Sphinx of Giza
Overview
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most famous monuments in Egypt, located near the Great Pyramids. The Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, is believed to represent Pharaoh Khafre and has stood guard over the Giza Plateau for more than 4,500 years. The monument is carved from a single block of limestone and has become a symbol of ancient Egyptian culture. Visitors to the Sphinx can learn about the myths surrounding it and admire its colossal scale.
Location
Located on the Giza Plateau, near the Great Pyramids, on the outskirts of Cairo.
Ticket Price
- Included in the Pyramids Complex Admission (200 EGP)
Nearby Airports
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) – 40 km away.
Railway Stations
- Giza Railway Station – about 8 km from the Sphinx.
Special Attention
- Due to the monument’s popularity, it’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
- Photography is allowed, but be mindful of the security and site rules.
8. The Temple of Hatshepsut
Overview
The Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Deir el-Bahari, is an impressive mortuary temple located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor. It was built to honor the Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female rulers. The temple is set against towering cliffs, and its terraces and colonnades create a striking architectural masterpiece. Visitors can explore the reliefs depicting Hatshepsut’s achievements, including her famous expedition to the land of Punt.
Location
Located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, adjacent to the Valley of the Kings.
Ticket Price
- General Admission: 140 EGP (approx. $9 USD)
Nearby Airports
- Luxor International Airport (LXR) – about 30 km from the temple.
Railway Stations
- Luxor Railway Station – about 5 km from the west bank.
Special Attention
- The heat can be intense, so visit early in the day.
- The temple is located near other important archaeological sites, so consider combining your visit with nearby attractions like the Valley of the Kings.
9. The Citadel of Saladin
Overview
The Citadel of Saladin is a medieval Islamic fortress in Cairo that was built by Saladin in the 12th century to defend the city from Crusaders. It is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks and offers stunning views over Cairo. The citadel complex includes the famous Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, which is an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Islamic Cairo.
Location
Located in Islamic Cairo, overlooking the city.
Ticket Price
- General Admission: 140 EGP (approx. $9 USD)
Nearby Airports
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) – about 25 km from the citadel.
Railway Stations
- Ramses Railway Station – about 10 km from the citadel.
Special Attention
- Dress modestly, as this is an Islamic religious site.
- Be prepared for a lot of walking, as the citadel complex is expansive.
10. The White Desert National Park
Overview
The White Desert, located in the Farafra Depression in the Western Desert, is known for its stunning and surreal landscape. The desert is characterized by its white, chalky rock formations shaped by the wind over millennia into strange, otherworldly shapes. Visitors can camp overnight to experience the stark beauty of the desert under the stars and enjoy a peaceful escape from the bustling cities of Egypt.
Location
Located in the Western Desert, about 500 km southwest of Cairo.
Ticket Price
- Entry Fee: 80 EGP (approx. $5 USD)
- Camping Tours: Prices vary, typically around $50-100 USD for overnight tours.
Nearby Airports
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) – 500 km away.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations in the desert. The best way to reach the White Desert is by private car or organized tour.
Special Attention
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the desert can be extremely hot during the day.
- Night temperatures can drop significantly, so pack warm clothing if camping overnight.