The moment someone mentions Egypt, you will probably think of the Pharaohs and Ancient Egypt. In fact, as an Egyptian, I still meet and talk to people who believe that Egypt is just a desert. Thousands of years ago, I would have agreed with them; back then you would find only monuments, temples, and so on. But today, it is a completely different story.
Egypt has developed a lot since the Pharaohs, but people still know little about how it looks now. It has become a modern country just like any other country, yet when you ask someone which places they know in Egypt, they will mention old ones. We are going to change that!
After reading this article, you will get to know the famous places and the hidden gems in Egypt.
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Famous Places in Egypt
Before I tell you about some hidden gems you should visit, I will share the famous places in Egypt. We are going to give you the best of both worlds! So you can choose your favorite type of place to visit: Egypt’s famous places vs. Egypt’s hidden gems.
While all the upcoming famous places are great, you should also plan to visit the underrated ones. So next time someone close to you asks you for advice about which places they should visit in Egypt, you can tell them about the famous and hidden ones!
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Pyramids of Giza
These pyramids are the most famous places in Egypt. When anyone mentions Egypt, they have to mention the Pyramids, or in a more formal term, the Pyramids of Giza. So if you have never heard about them, did you really hear about Egypt?
For starters, the Pyramids of Giza are pretty close to Cairo. The distance between them and Cairo is only 15 kilometers. So yes, you will have the opportunity to enjoy Cairo and also have time to visit the Pyramids.
It’s okay if your jaw drops when you see the Pyramids for the first time. That’s the expected reaction when one sees a place that has been built by more than 10,000 workers. The beauty of the Pyramids and the sophistication of their shape justify why they are considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Sadly, they are also the last ones remaining from the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
People refer to the three Pyramids of Giza by different names. But I will use the ones that are used by all Egyptians. The three Pyramids are known as Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. To seal the deal, the Pyramids of Giza are so magnificent to the point where we still don’t know how they were built. Amazing, right?
- Location: Giza Necropolis, Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
- Opening hours: 7 am – 5 pm. The opening hours may change slightly on national holidays.
- Tickets prices: for foreigners: $7.87 and for international students: $3.93. Please notice that these prices are only for visiting the Pyramids of Giza. However, there are several more tickets for different activities there. Another tip, the mentioned prices may change depending on any changes in the currency.
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Khan el Khalili
Usually, when you think of a local market in any country, you will imagine a small one, but that is not the case here. If you ask anyone about markets you must visit in Egypt, they always mention Khan el Khalili. It is also considered a tourist destination. It’s not just a market, and to believe this you have to see it with your own eyes.
Let’s say you want to take souvenirs for your family back in your home country. You won’t need to think a lot about where to go because Khan el Khalili has almost anything you can think of as a gift. This is not surprising, mainly because it has many streets and tents offering different goods.
So if you need clothes, you will find them in Khan el Khalili. Spices? There. Handicrafts and accessories? There. Fabrics? There. And many more products that you can buy!
- Location: El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331302.
- Opening hours: 9:30 am – 11 pm. You can find some shops still working even after 11 pm, but it is better to go during the opening hours.
- Tickets prices: free entry.
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The Egyptian Museum
Our last famous place in Egypt will be perfect for history enthusiasts. If you love history and museums, visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
It is well known that you can’t study history without studying Ancient Egypt and the time of the Pharaohs; the Egyptian Museum would be a great start for you to get to know more about Ancient Egypt and witness the greatness of such a civilization.
The Egyptian Museum was opened for the first time in 1902, and since then it has established itself as one of the best attractions in Egypt. The museum has several galleries, and I wasn’t joking when I said you wouldn’t get bored there. You will get the chance to see more than 100,000 ancient artifacts.
When you visit the Egyptian Museum, be ready to witness the treasure of Ancient Egypt, including jewelry, coffins, and statues. However, the most important collection is the treasures discovered and taken from the tomb of Tutankhamun. It is a fact that your jaw will drop when you get to see some of the grandeur of Ancient Egypt.
- Location: Tahrir Square, Downtown Cairo, Egypt.
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm every day.
- Tickets prices: Adults: $6.57. Students: $3.29.
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Hidden Gems in Egypt
Now you know about some of the famous places in Egypt, you should also know about the hidden ones.
While the places I mentioned earlier will probably be busy most of the time, the hidden gems I’m going to tell you about won’t be as busy.
Not only will you get the chance to see new places in Egypt other than the famous ones, but you will also get the chance to take some cool pictures that don’t include only the pyramids.
The Cave Church of St. Simon (The Monastery of Saint Simon)
Our first hidden gem in Egypt is the Cave Church, also called The Monastery of Saint Simon. Looking at it, you will realize it’s more than just a church or a religious place. The divine-looking church shows you the result of art meeting architecture.
To get to know more about the beauty of the Monastery of Saint Simon, we must talk about its history. The church was built in 1975 as a solution for the surrounding area’s citizens, primarily Coptic Christians; before the Cave Church, they didn’t have a place to worship and practice their religion.
You will find the Cave Church at the heart of Mokattam Mountain, and I’m sure you will be more than impressed when you see its architecture. The church is filled with paintings that are carved on the walls and rocks of the mountain. Even the carved places tell us stories, and you will find a sculpture of the Virgin Mary.
If you thought the church would be small since it is inside a mountain and called the “cave church,” you will be surprised to know that it’s quite the opposite.
The Monastery of Saint Simon is considered one of the biggest churches in Egypt and the Middle East. This doesn’t come as a surprise since 20,000 people can sit inside the church without any problems. It also has seven chapels inside it.
The last thing you need to know about the Cave Church of St. Simon is that it takes its name from Simon the Tanner; he was a Craftsman Saint who lived during the 10th century. We can confidently say that it is a must-see with all its beauty and history.
- Location: 27JG+79X, Shawqi, Al Abageyah, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate 4421241. It is inside the heart of Mokattam Mountain in southeastern Cairo.
- Opening hours: the entire week, 7 am – 8 pm.
- Tickets prices: free entry.
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Desert Breath
Our next hidden gem is one you can witness its beauty from the air or on the ground. I’m talking about Desert Breath, and let me tell you that it is a masterpiece.
Greek artist Danae Stratou, industrial designer Alexandra Stratou, and architect Stella Constantinides created it; they formed a team called D.A.ST. Arteam. Since 1997, Desert Breath has existed in the eastern Sahara desert in Egypt. It took the team years to create it; it was definitely worth it!
Desert Breath is an infinite spiral art piece and a finite one. The reason for it being finite is that it was created to disappear into the desert. But don’t worry! You can still visit Desert Breath, but it’s not the same size as it used to be.
The area is big, requiring the displacement of 280,000 square feet of sand. Its shape includes an artificial oasis along with 89 cones. So I’m not exaggerating when I say that it won’t be fair if I didn’t mention Desert Breath as a hidden gem.
- Location: Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate 1982403.
- Opening hours: open 24 hours.
- Tickets prices: free entry.
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Djara Cave
The first thing you need to know about this recommendation is that you should get ready to witness the beauty of rock art, or cave art, as some would like to call it.
I’m talking about Djara Cave or Gara Cave. The beauty of the cave is jaw-dropping to the point that people are ready to travel to the Egyptian Western Desert to visit it.
Djara Cave is a historical place because it has formed and been around for millions of years. Inside Djara Cave, you will find rocks shaped like icicles formed after pure water mixed with the desert.
Aside from that, Djara Cave is also considered a hidden gem because of its shape and beauty. You will find the rock art mostly about animals, and you better prepare a flashlight to experience it fully! Animal engravings there have also existed since the Neolithic Period.
But don’t worry; you will see more than animal engravings since there are also ones representing people hunting and playing.
- Location: Abu Muhariq Plateau, besides an old camel track connecting Farafra and Assiut.
- Opening hours: open 24 hours.
- Tickets prices: free entry.
Tamr Hena Museum
So far, I have told you about religious and historical places. However, this next hidden gem is a mixture of history and art at the same time. The Tamr Hena Museum is the perfect place to visit if you have always wanted to closely examine Egypt’s history.
You would be surprised to learn that the museum was a shoe store in the first place. With the developments in the political scene in Egypt, Nasser ElSherbini decided to turn his shoe store into a museum. Today, the Tamr Hena Museum is a must-see if you ever come to Egypt. You will also get the chance to learn about important historical dates!
You don’t have to worry about the place being “boring” since it is historical. The experience is very exciting because of how ElSherbini presents history through art. At first, he started making paper-mâché figures and monsters and also some sculptures made of clay. Back then, he aimed to entertain the children who came with their parents to buy shoes.
We are definitely lucky that ElSherbini looked at his works and decided to give us the Tamr Hena Museum. Some of the artworks you will see upon entering the museum are a scaly Hydra and sculptures of caged monkeys. See? I told you it wouldn’t be a boring experience at all. The museum also has a photo studio, so we can definitely say that it offers a diverse experience like no other.
- Location: 61 Omar Lotfy St. Al Ibrahimeyah Bahri WA Sidi Gaber Qesm Bab Sharqi, Alexandria, Egypt.
- Opening hours: unspecified.
- Tickets prices: free entry.
Sannur Cave
Our last hidden gem for today is also a jaw-dropping place; you will see why after I tell you more about it. Despite being a very important historical place in Egypt, very few people know about Sannur Cave and its history.
Sannur Cave is classified as a classic karst cave that includes stalactites and stalagmites; these two are very important elements that add to the beauty of Sannur Cave since they glitter when you shine a light on them. More details about the Sannur Cave include how it covers 700 meters. While it has a width of 15 meters and its depth has the same space.
The place wasn’t discovered hundreds of years ago, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an important historical place! After its discovery in 1989, the Sannur Cave became a protectorate in 1992. When you go there and get the chance to witness the glory of the Sannur Cave and the uniqueness of its formations, you will understand why it’s now a protectorate.
- Location: J7FP+8CV, Qism Bani Sweif, Beni Suef, Beni Suef Governorate 2663010.
- Opening hours: open 24 hours.
- Tickets prices: free entry.
Here are some of the famous places in Egypt that you must visit. But for introverts or people who dislike crowded places, these five hidden gems are the perfect destinations for you!
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