Egypt is one spot that must figure on your bucket list for sure if you consider yourself a globetrotter.

Not only does it have the most beautiful cities, Cairo, Alexandria, and Giza, but in this North African country, there are a lot of things to do, discover, and shop for.

You can visit a lot of places that are not really listed in any travel guide to see and learn about Egyptian culture, and also participate in a lot of fun and educational things to do in Egypt by our 21 Things To Do In Egypt In 2023.

Get a pen and paper and record all of them as you scroll, so that you don’t miss any of the interesting encounters that Egypt offers.

Top 21 Things To Do In Egypt

Wondering what to do which does not sound mainstream in Egypt? Here is a list of the best 21 Things To Do In Egypt In 2021 and activities that you can enjoy on your trip to this special place:

Animal Care, Luxor – Volunteer

Hurghada – Go Scuba Diving

Giza – Learn To Make Papyrus

Egyptian Museums – Take A Guided Tour

Islamic Cairo – Shop For Leather, Jewels, And Perfumes

Giza – Go Camel Riding At Sunset

Royal Jewelry Museum – Marvel At Unique Jewels

Corniche, Alexandria – Take A Leisurely Walk

Zawiyyet al-Mayyiteen – Explore The City Of The Dead

Mt. Sinai – Hike To The Top

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar – Buy Souvenirs

Djoser Pyramid – Explore Earth’s Oldest Stone-cut Monument

Karnak Temples– Pay Your Respects To The Pharaohs

The Nile – Sail On A Lit River Cruise

Abu Simbel Temples – Take A Day Tour

Heracleion – Dive To The Lost City Under The Sea

Malkata Palace – Discover Secrets Of Amenhotep’s Kingdom

Siwa Oasis – Experience Berber Culture

Tamr Hena Museum – Witness Egypt’s Creative Side

Al-Andalus Garden – Take A Stroll

Al Giza Zoo – the best zoos in the world

1. Animal Care, Luxor – Volunteer

15 Top Attractions in Luxor
Luxor

This one is for all you lovers of animals out there. Popular for its hundreds of tombs, ACE, an organization that ensures that Egypt’s working animals are not neglected, is also home to Luxor. There are also tourists to the place who get an opportunity to see trained vets taking care of overworked horses, donkeys, feral dogs, and cats.

What’s more, for a few weeks, you can easily stay here and volunteer to help, which is certainly one of the most unforgettable things to do in Egypt. Although they need paws, in one of the world’s oldest cities, you get all kinds of animal therapy. This is one of the most rewarding 21 Things To Do In Egypt In 2023 without tourism.

Location: Luxor

2. Hurghada – Go Scuba Diving

Marsa Alam
Scuba Diving

Egypt’s Red Sea coast is famous for the town of Hurghada, which in December offers lots of fun things to do in Egypt. Complete with coral reefs, crystal blue seas, and sandy beaches, the beautiful scenery here offers the ideal location for diving and snorkeling.

In Egypt, there are lots of events you can participate in, but this is very shocking, isn’t it? Without a visit to the Grand Aquarium in Hurghada, we believe your trip will be incomplete.

Location: Hurghada

3. Giza – Learn To Make Papyrus

Ancient Egyptian
Papyrus Ancient Egyptian

The invention of paper was one of the biggest accomplishments of the Egyptian civilization. They made writing material specifically out of pulp derived from the papyrus tree that still grows along the Nile. Visitors are thrilled with a demo of the way we think the first Egyptians produced paper at the Papyrus Institute in Giza (which is where the Pyramids are).

Interestingly, papyrus is one of Egypt’s most popular items to purchase, and you can easily get your hands on papyrus souvenirs here in a very meaningful way to remember your trip to Egypt.

Location: Giza

4. Egyptian Museums – Take A Guided Tour

The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum

One of the most interesting things to do in Cairo, Egypt, is to witness the ruins of ancient temples, tombs, and pyramids of the ancient civilization. The largest number of objects retrieved from the ruins is held in this museum, including all the cursed gold from the tomb of Tutankhamun and the true mummies, and around 165,000 other artifacts.

However, recruiting a guide to take you around is one of the ways to make this museum trip easier. Trust us, there is no better ancient history museum in the world, and spending money on a guide just adds to the memories.

Location: Museum of the Egyptians, Cairo

5. Islamic Cairo – Shop For Leather, Jewels, And Perfumes

Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Shop For Leather, Jewels, And Perfumes

What used to be the center of the Islamic empire in Egypt lies behind the walled city. Although there are beautiful mosques that thrill lovers of history and art, on the streets of Islamic Cairo, there is also the world’s oldest shopping center.

You can take a walking tour of this place by yourself, and buy tonnes of oriental jewelry, leather bags, and even it and aromatic spices from Egypt, which is definitely one of the most fun things to do at night in Cairo. Here, your negotiation skills will help a lot, as there is no way to tell what item is really worth what.

Location: Cairo-Central

6. Giza – Go Camel Riding At Sunset

Egypt Day Tours
Camel Riding at the Pyramids

The pyramids are one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, inspiring awe. That’s why riding in the sunset at Giza makes it possible for any list of things to do in Egypt. The pyramids are on the Plateau of Giza, on the side of the Sahara Dunes.

Hire a camel or horse to ride in the sand for one, two, and four hours, engulfing the pyramids from one side. At sunset, in a light seldom seen by tourists or even captured in pictures, visitors will observe the pyramids and golden sands. This is one of Egypt’s most romantic things to do.

Location: Plateau de Giza, Giza

7. Royal Jewelry Museum, Alexandria – Marvel At Unique Jewels

Alexandria National Museum
Alexandria National Museum

Alexandria, the city, is a strange realm. There was a time when there were a number of classical Greek philosophers living and studying here. Later, an outpost was also founded here by the Romans. Although the Alexandria Library is no longer a place to read books, you can still visit the Fatima Haider Private Collection Jewelry Museum.

Trust us, one of the best things in Egypt to do is visit this museum.

Location: Zizinia, Alexandria

8. Corniche, Alexandria – Take A Leisurely Walk

Alexandria,Egypt
STANLEY BRIDGE

The coastal town is the ideal place for a holiday. Vacationers can always stroll (or even drive) along the popular Corniche, a beautiful promenade on the waterfront that runs to Montaza Palace from the Eastern Harbour. Offering extraordinary views of the Mediterranean Sea, the 10-mile long promenade is the ideal romantic stroll.

The lights along the coast and the scent of seawater are bound to make your heart flutter after dark, which means walking around this beach is one of the obligatory things to do at night in Egypt. This is one of Egypt’s most interesting and free things to do.

Location: Alexandria

9. Zawiyyet al-Mayyiteen – Explore The City Of The Dead

The City of the Dead
The City of the Dead

Zawiyyet al-Mayyiteen is one of the world’s largest cemeteries and is hauntingly stunning. The cemetery is spread over several kilometers, complete with rows and rows of conical white domes. Muslims and Christians alike took advantage of the burial ground.

It is located just outside Minya City and is the perfect chance to catch eerie beauty during sunrise and sunset on your lens. You can also spot a pyramid of the Third Dynasty here, the only one constructed on the eastern banks of the Nile River.

Location: El Minya

10. Mt. Sinai – Hike To The Top

Trip To Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine Monastery
Mount Sinai

Mt. Sinai is famous as the place where the ten commandments from God were obtained by Moses. The hike is reasonably simple and provides lovely views of the mountain range of South Sinai. The rugged hills that extend to the horizon make this trek a wonderful experience. To enjoy the views, you can either hit the summit at sunrise or at sunset. At the foundation, camels for hire are also available.

Location: Jabal Mousa, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt

11. Khan El-Khalili Bazaar – Buy Souvenirs

Khan El Khalili
khan-elkhalili

As the Numero Uno seller of Egypt’s unique tradition and culture, Khan El-Khalili Bazaar has preserved its reputation in the form of eye-catching souvenirs, home decor products, and gift items. This bazaar has been named Cairo’s Most Authentic Souk since its inception in the 14th century, and rightly so!

It’s mainly some narrow cobbled streets that open into alcoves that, in turn, are filled with everything from fragrant herbs to handcrafted silver jewelry, which is one of Cairo’s best things to do. You’ll see tourists stocking up on souvenirs in huge numbers and negotiating with shopkeepers. Once you’re finished shopping, you can settle down for some mint tea at Fishawi’s popular café.

Location: El-Gamaleya, Islamic Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

12. Djoser Pyramid – Explore Earth’s Oldest Stone-cut Monument

Tour from Cairo
Sakkara Step pyramid

If you’re looking for offbeat experiences, then for you and your friends who love all things mysterious, visiting the secluded and undiscovered Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara will certainly be one of the top things to do in Egypt. For those who are always intrigued with pyramids and would love to see one minus the crowd and chaos, it’s a great place to visit.

The Pyramid of Djoser, located just south of Cairo in the small town of Saqqara, is the world’s oldest stone-cut monument. Back in the 27th century BC, this unique pyramid was built using a special stepped architectural style that pre-dates the smooth-sided pyramids of Giza.

Location: Desert Al Giza, Governorate of Giza, Egypt

13. Karnak Temples – Pay Your Respects To The Pharaohs

luxor, Egypt
Karnak’s Temple

Located just north of Luxor, the Karnak Temple complex is among the most beautiful places in all of Egypt. For the ancient pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty, Karnak was essentially a place of great religious significance. For the ancient Thebans of Egypt, it also served as the principal place of worship.

While most simply see it as a stunning monument, it is true eminence that only historians, archaeologists, and history geeks understand, which is why they come in great numbers from different corners of the world to see this marvel. Among the best things to do in Luxor is to walk around the whole complex and see an astonishing collection of sanctuaries and shrines dedicated to the Theban Triad. Don’t miss the Temple of Amun-Ra, the largest of the lot.

Location: Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

14. The Nile – Sail On A Lit River Cruise

Sail On A Lit River Cruise

Among the most invigorating and relaxing things to do in Egypt is sailing over the beautiful Nile at dusk or at night. The best way to see the ancient sights between the cities of Luxor and Aswan, in fact, is to hop on a multi-day cruise along the Nile River, which offers a magnificent view of the famous attractions of these two cities, and shows how these cities shine at night!

You can choose between a historic S.S. steamship. Sudan to Oberoi Zahra’s luxury cruisers, to the cheap and traditional options such as the delightful Felucca to sail across the Nile.

Location: Luxor or Aswan

15. Abu Simbel Temples – Take A Day Tour

Abu Simbel Temples
Abu Simbel Temples

Without seeing the famous Abu Simbel temples first, you can’t go anywhere. They’re some of the world’s most stunning ancient buildings. During the 13th century BC, the two magnificent temples at Abu Simbel were constructed and were dedicated to Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari. Later, to save them from the regular flood damage in the 1960s, they were moved to a higher level.

You can see four giant statues of Ramesses II guarding the Great Temple entrance that are sure to blow your mind! And you will be shocked until you walk inside to see yet another set of eight colossal statues portraying the pharaoh in his deified form.

Location: Abu Simbel, Governorate of Aswan, Egypt

16. Heracleion – Dive To The Lost City Under The Sea

The Alexandria Underwater Museum
The Alexandria Underwater Museum

The city of Thonis-Heracleion, once a mere legend, has now become a curiosity for travelers. This city, ruled by numerous rare inscriptions and ancient texts, has for thousands of years been hidden from the eyes of the world, submerged in the depths of the sea. And eventually, after years of searching, it was found lying off the coast of Egypt at the bottom of Abu Qir Bay.

Some impressive structures of this underwater city are deep down in those waters, including 64 ships, 700 anchors, gold coin caskets, tall statues, and best of all, the remains of a huge temple dedicated to the god Amun-Gereb.

One of the best things to do in Egypt for thrill-seekers and those who want to catch a rare glimpse of Egyptian life 2300 years ago is to plunge to the depths to see those well-preserved ruins.

Location: The Bay of Abu Qir, Egypt

17. Malkata Palace – Discover Secrets Of Amenhotep’s Kingdom

Vally of Kings
Valley of Kings

The Malkata Palace was once a massive palace in ruins that took up an entire city space and was home to one of the most important rulers of ancient Egypt, Amenhotep III. While the site is now in ruins, a careful study of this place tells a large number of tales of the riches and influence of the ancient pharaohs.

At this Malkata location, you will find everything from vast courtyards, audience rooms, harems, to even an immense ceremonial lake. A few of the still remaining walled buildings feature delicate carvings and drawings that are still partially visible. It is nothing less than Egypt’s Taj Mahal, except that it is fifty times larger and in ruins!

Location: West Bank of the Nile, Thebes, Upper Egypt

18. Siwa Oasis – Experience Berber Culture

18. Siwa Oasis – Experience Berber Culture
Siwa Oasis

Venture onto the less-traveled path at Siwa Oasis, which is basically a desert settlement near the border with Libya. Renowned for its distinctive Berber culture, vast date, and olive plantations, and the bizarre abandoned temple of the ancient Oracle of Ammon, this town offers a deep insight into the rural culture of Egypt’s the Western Desert.

Although visiting this incredible hamlet can be one of the most interesting things to try in Egypt, before going to it, you need to be cautious and check with locals because the Western Desert is often considered to be very dangerous.

Location: Near the border with Libya, the Western Desert, Egypt

19. Tamr Hena Museum – Witness Egypt’s Creative Side

19. Tamr Hena Museum – Witness Egypt’s Creative Side
Tamr Hena Museum

Influenced through the years by the Empires of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, Alexandria has a rich culture and history that leaves tourists in awe. And the famous Tamr Hena Museum is a great place to see the culture and history of that very thing.

From the early Christian church to the recent Arab Spring democratic revolutions, in this museum you can find information on many important historical events portrayed in the most fascinating ways, making visiting it one of the most exciting things to do in Alexandria, 21 Things To Do In Egypt In 2021.

Whether it’s the scaly Hydra hanging from the ceiling, effigies of caged monkeys and free-roaming snakes, or a small photo studio, every aspect of this museum is intriguing and creative.

Location: 125 Sidi Gaber-Smouha, 125125 Alexandria, Egypt

20. Al-Andalus Garden – Take A Stroll

20. Al-Andalus Garden – Take A Stroll
Al-Andalus Garden

It’s unlike any garden you’ve ever seen, so it’s a must for people traveling to Cario to visit this beautiful space. Sitting on the banks of the Nile River, this unique garden is more of an oasis of peace, hidden behind high walls and an army of tourists flocking every year to Egypt.

In otherwise barren and dry Egypt, this splendid botanical garden is unique and is studded with colorful mosaic benches, arches, and fountains that make it an Eden for lovebirds and photographers. Apart from statues of the Pharaohs, lions, and the notable Egyptian poet Ahmed Shaky, the highlight is the Andalusian-style preserved structures.

Location: Zamalek, El-Andalus, Cairo

21. Giza Zoo – the best zoos in the world

zoo
zoo

The zoo was built by Khedive Ismail and opened on 1 March 1891. It was built on about 50 feddan (21 hectares (52 acres)) that was once part of the harem gardens. Ismail imported many plants from India, Africa, and South America, of which a banyan tree planted about 1871 can still be seen. The original 180 birds and 78 other animals in the zoo’s collection were taken from Ismail’s private menagerie.

By the mid-twentieth century, the zoo was considered one of the best zoos in the world, but it has had trouble adapting to the pressures of growth in the latter half of the century as human populations in Cairo have increased.

New Cairo Travel NCT is ready to offer our guests, the best trips in Egypt and itineraries to discover most of the 21 Things To Do In Egypt In 2023.