My sister has just left Egypt. She was living there with her fiance for 2 years, so it became my ‘home’ for a while.

I used to visit her all the time in the non-stop, wonderfully chaotic city of Cairo. It’s pretty ‘centrally’ located (from the UK and Europe) so flights to Egypt can be found at reasonable prices without costing an arm and a leg to get there.

We spent a lot of time exploring and seeing all the wonderful sights, so I thought it would be the perfect time to give my top things to do in Egypt:

1. Pyramids of Giza

You can’t come to Egypt and not see one of the world’s most famous structures – the only existing Seven Wonders of the Ancient World dating as far back as 2550BC. The pyramids on the edge of Cairo are as spectacular and impressive as they come. Built as tombs for the powerful pharaohs, it took up to 100,000 men to slowly piece them together. Walking inside through their narrow, steep tunnels is pretty mind-blowing.

Photo credit: todayifoundout.com

2. Sharm El Sheik

The Red Sea at Sharm El Sheik is one of the best places I’ve been to for diving and snorkelling. The ocean is warm (there’s no better mood-kill than having to slowly inch your body in to freezing cold waters at the beach!) and crystal clear. Dipping your head under-water is like entering a whole new world of bright colours and fascinating creatures. See my previous post, The Red Sea – An Underwater Paradise  for more info and tips on Sharm El Sheik.

3. Khan-el Khalili Market

Losing yourself through this labyrinth of winding alleys and archways takes ‘shopping’ to a whole new level.  The buzz of people selling and haggling, the dazzling jewels and gorgeous silks, the smells of aromatic spices and over-powering perfume – it’s really a fantastic Egyptian experience.

Photo credit: egyptexpresstvl.com

4. Valley of the Kings

The ideas of mummified bodies and ancient treasures is fascinating. Even the name of this place sounds intriguing and mysterious. The pharaohs in the Ancient Egyptian world believed in life after death, and they did not take any shortcuts when it came to this that’s for sure. Near Luxor in the west bank of the Nile, the 63 tombs and chambers are a maze of incredible Egyptian drawings and art.

Photo credit: angieaway.com

5. Nile River Cruise

A cruise down the iconic Nile is a must! These can be taken on traditional felucca boats or an organised cruise boat through stunning Luxor. I’ll write lots more on the Nile Cruises in a post soon, as I had an amazing trip there this year. There’s too much to fit in here!

Photo credit: expatexplore.com

Of course there are so many more fantastic things to see and do all over Egypt. This is just my short and sweet sum-up to get you started. I’d advise to get a good Lonely Planet guidebook, your best camera, a pair of sunnies and off you go!

Happy travels :).