When we think about going on vacation, most of us automatically start thinking of Europe, but what about Egypt? It is full of its own unique history and hidden gems you can’t miss out on. What’s great about Egypt right now is that it is super cheap because of the exchange rate, making it the perfect getaway for college students.
The biggest expense you will encounter is the price of the flight, but because Egypt is warm most of the year, you can score a deal during low season and still enjoy sipping drinks in the heat. From the beaches, the resorts, and the museums, these are the top seven must-see places in Egypt (that are all very ~insta-worthy, by the way).
1. Hurghada
Hurghada is a beach resort town that stretches across the coast of the Red Sea. Travelers can enjoy scuba diving in its crystal-clear waters, waterparks, and a large-scale spiral desert artwork called Desert Breath.
2. The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities
Located in the historic Tahrir Square where the Arab Spring occurred, this museum is considered to be the largest in the whole world. The museum consists of two floors and is organized according to historical periods.
3. The Pyramids
Now I know this is to be expected, but the pyramids really are a sight to see. Being Egyptian myself, I only saw the pyramids for the first time last summer and I was absolutely taken away. Pictures cannot do this site justice; it really is something you have to experience first-hand. Nowadays there are plenty of guided tours and packages in regard to visiting the pyramids and you can even go inside of them.
4. Marassi
If you want to experience the nightlife in Egypt, then Marassi is the place to be. It is a relatively new development setting the bar in regard to upscale vacations. Some even call it the gem of Egpyt in regards to its proximity to the Mediterranean coast. Travelers can enjoy multiple golf courses, watersports, private beaches, and numerous clubs.
5. Khan el-Khalili
For an authentic Egyptian experience, make sure you head to Khan el-Khalili, a major street market in Cairo. Here you can find an assortment of things such as trinkets to take back home to your friends and family, traditional jewelry, antiques, gold and silver shops, and street food vendors. (The freshly squeezed sugar cane juice is something to keep an eye out for).
6. Aswan
If architecture is an interest of yours, then Aswan is the perfect sight to see. Aswan is a city located on the Nile River in Egypt and is home to some of the oldest archeological sites, including Monastery of St. Simeon, Trajan’s Kiosk, and Mausoleum of Aga Khan.
7. Luxor
Luxor is home to some of the most historical monuments in Egypt. This city is located on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt. Be sure to stop by the site of ancient Thebes, which was the pharaohs' capital at the peak of their power. The 2 main surviving ancient monuments in this area are Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. Other sites you don’t want to miss are the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.
While there is a stigma that categorizes Egypt as unsafe, that is not the case. As someone who went to visit for the first time and has never lived there, I didn’t feel any less safe than I do while being here in southern California. Get out there and explore a new culture and a new place, what do you have to lose?
