Egypt is one of the oldest and most fascinating civilizations in the world, with a history

that spans over 5,000 years. It is a country that boasts a rich and diverse culture, a stunning and varied landscape, and a wealth of attractions and activities. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, nature, or relaxation, you will find it in Egypt.

But how can you make the most of your trip to Egypt? What are the best places to visit, the best hotels to stay, the best food to eat, the best shopping to do, the best transportation to use, and the best tips to follow? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, giving you a comprehensive guide to discover the wonders of Egypt.

1.Destinations

Egypt has 27 governorates, each with its own charm and personality. Depending on your preferences and the season, you can choose from a variety of destinations to explore in Egypt. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Cairo: The capital and the largest city of Egypt, Cairo is the cultural, political, and economic hub of the country. It is a city that combines the ancient and the modern, the oriental and the western, the chaotic and the serene. Cairo has some of the world's most famous and impressive monuments, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Cairo is also a city that offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife, a rich and varied cuisine, and a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Sharm el-Sheikh: Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort city located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, on the coast of the Red Sea. It is a city that attracts millions of visitors every year, looking for sun, sea, and sand. Sharm el-Sheikh has some of the best beaches and coral reefs in the world, offering a paradise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Sharm el-Sheikh also has a range of resorts, hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Luxor: Luxor is a city located on the banks of the Nile River, in Upper Egypt. It is a city that is often called the "world's greatest open-air museum", as it is home to some of the most magnificent and ancient temples and tombs in the world. Luxor has two main areas: the East Bank, where you can find the Karnak and Luxor temples, and the West Bank, where you can find the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Colossi of Memnon. Luxor is a city that will take you back in time, and make you feel the awe and wonder of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
Aswan: Aswan is a city located on the southern end of the Nile River, in Upper Egypt. It is a city that is known for its natural beauty, its cultural diversity, and its historical significance. Aswan has some of the most scenic and relaxing views of the Nile, as well as some of the most interesting and important landmarks, such as the Aswan High Dam, the Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Abu Simbel Temples. Aswan is also a city that showcases the Nubian culture, with its colorful houses, its lively markets, and its friendly people.

2.Cities

Egypt has many cities that are worth visiting, each with its own charm and personality. Here are some of the most popular ones, along with their main attractions and features:

Cairo: The city of contrasts, history, and culture. Cairo has so much to offer, from its iconic monuments, to its museums, to its neighborhoods, to its cuisine, to its nightlife. Some of the must-see places in Cairo are:
The Pyramids of Giza: The symbol of Egypt and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are the oldest and largest pyramids in the world, built over 4,500 years ago as the tombs of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. They are a marvel of engineering, architecture, and art, and offer a breathtaking view of the desert and the city. You can also visit the nearby Sphinx, the mysterious statue of a lion with a human head, and the Solar Boat Museum, where you can see the ancient wooden boat that was buried with Khufu.
The Egyptian Museum: The world's largest and most comprehensive museum of Egyptian antiquities, the Egyptian Museum houses over 120,000 artifacts, spanning from the prehistoric to the Roman periods. Some of the most famous and impressive pieces are the treasures of Tutankhamun, the Narmer Palette, the Rosetta Stone, the Royal Mummy Room, and the Animal Mummy Room. The museum is located in the Tahrir Square, the heart of the modern Cairo, and the site of the 2011 revolution.
The Citadel: The Citadel is a medieval fortress that was built by the Ayyubid ruler Salah al-Din in the 12th century, and served as the seat of power for several dynasties until the 19th century. It is a complex of palaces, mosques, museums, and gardens, offering a panoramic view of the city and the surroundings. You can visit the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, the most prominent and beautiful mosque in the Citadel, the Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad, the oldest and most authentic mosque in the Citadel, the Military Museum, the Police Museum, and the Carriage Museum.
The Khan el-Khalili: The Khan el-Khalili is a large and lively bazaar that dates back to the 14th century, and is one of the oldest and most famous markets in the world. It is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, filled with shops, stalls, cafes, and mosques, selling everything from souvenirs, jewelry, spices, perfumes, carpets, to antiques, books, and art. It is a place where you can experience the authentic and colorful Egyptian culture, and bargain for the best deals.
Sharm el-Sheikh: The city of sun, sea, and sand. Sharm el-Sheikh has so much to offer, from its beaches, to its coral reefs, to its resorts, to its activities, to its nightlife. Some of the highlights of Sharm el-Sheikh are:
The Naama Bay: The Naama Bay is the main and most popular area of Sharm el-Sheikh, where you can find the best hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs. It is a long and sandy beach, with clear and calm water, and a lively and vibrant atmosphere. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or parasailing, or just relax and watch the sunset. You can also enjoy the nightlife, with a variety of options, from live music, to karaoke, to dancing, to shisha.
The Ras Mohammed National Park: The Ras Mohammed National Park is a protected area that covers the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, and is considered one of the best diving sites in the world. It is a natural wonder, with a diversity of marine life, coral formations, underwater caves, and shipwrecks. You can explore the park by boat, by snorkeling, or by diving, and see the amazing underwater scenery, such as the Shark Reef, the Yolanda Reef, the Jackfish Alley, and the Thistlegorm Wreck. You can also visit the park by land, and see the mangroves, the salt lakes, and the desert.
The Nabq Protectorate: The Nabq Protectorate is a protected area that covers the northern coast of Sharm el-Sheikh, and is one of the most pristine and untouched areas in the region. It is a natural paradise, with a variety of ecosystems, such as coral reefs, sand dunes, salt marshes, and mangroves. You can enjoy the nature, the wildlife, and the tranquility, by hiking, biking, birdwatching, or camping. You can also visit the Bedouin villages, and experience their culture and hospitality.
Luxor: The city of temples, tombs, and treasures. Luxor has so much to offer, from its ancient and magnificent monuments, to its museums, to its culture, to its scenery. Some of the must-see places in Luxor are:
The Karnak Temple: The Karnak Temple is the largest and most impressive religious complex in the world, built over 2,000 years by various pharaohs, and dedicated to the god Amun and his consort Mut. It is a complex of temples, chapels, pylons, obelisks, statues, and columns, covering an area of 200 acres. You can admire the architectural and artistic masterpieces, such as the Great Hypostyle Hall, the Sacred Lake, the Avenue of the Sphinxes, and the Sound and Light Show.
The Valley of the Kings: The Valley of the Kings is a valley in the West Bank of Luxor, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in rock-cut tombs, decorated with scenes and texts from the Book of the Dead. It is a place of mystery, discovery, and wonder, where you can explore the tombs of some of the most famous and powerful pharaohs.

3. Hotels

Egypt has a wide range of hotels to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. You can choose from luxury hotels, boutique hotels, chain hotels, budget hotels, or even unusual hotels, such as pyramids, tents, or boats. Here are some of the best hotels in Egypt, according to the travelers' reviews and ratings on [TripAdvisor]:

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is a five-star hotel located in the Garden City district of Cairo, on the banks of the Nile River, near the Egyptian Museum, the Cairo Opera House, and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. It is a modern and elegant hotel, with a blend of Egyptian and contemporary style, and features 365 rooms and suites, some of them with a view of the Nile, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and five restaurants, serving international and local cuisine. The hotel also offers a concierge service, a limousine service, and a kids club. The average price per night is 250 dollars.
Mövenpick Resort Sharm El Sheikh: Mövenpick Resort Sharm El Sheikh is a five-star resort located on the Naama Bay of Sharm el-Sheikh, on the coast of the Red Sea, near the Ras Mohammed National Park and the Nabq Protectorate. It is a charming and relaxing resort, with a Moroccan and Arabian style, and features 302 rooms and villas, some of them with a private pool or a jacuzzi, a spa, a fitness center, a private beach, and four restaurants, serving Mediterranean, Indian, Thai, and seafood cuisine. The resort also offers a concierge service, a diving center, and a golf course. The average price per night is 100 dollars.
Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor: Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor is a five-star hotel located on the East Bank of Luxor, on the banks of the Nile River, near the Karnak and Luxor temples, and the Luxor Museum. It is a historical and luxurious hotel, built in 1886, and featuring a Victorian and colonial style, and features 92 rooms and suites, some of them with a view of the Nile, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and two restaurants, serving French and Egyptian cuisine. The hotel also offers a concierge service, a room service, and a garden. The average price per night is 150 dollars.
Mövenpick Resort Aswan: Mövenpick Resort Aswan is a five-star resort located on the Elephantine Island of Aswan, on the banks of the Nile River, near the Aswan High Dam, the Philae Temple, and the Nubian Museum. It is a cozy and serene resort, with a Nubian and modern style, and features 404 rooms and suites, some of them with a view of the Nile, a spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and three restaurants, serving international, oriental, and Italian cuisine. The resort also offers a concierge service, a ferry service, and a tennis court. The average price per night is 100 dollars.

4. Meals and Restaurants

Egypt is famous for its cuisine, which is considered one of the most delicious and diverse in the world. Egypt has a long and rich culinary tradition, influenced by its geography, history, and culture. Egypt is also home to some of the best chefs and restaurants in the world, with a variety of dishes, flavors, and styles.

In Egypt, you can enjoy a variety of dishes, from the national specialties, such as the koshari, the molokhia, the ful, or the ta'ameya, to the regional classics, such as the feseekh, the hamam, the kofta, or the shawarma. You can also taste some of the delicacies, such as the konafa, the basbousa, the baklava, or the om ali. You can also discover some of the exotic and fusion cuisines, such as the Lebanese, the Turkish, or the Italian.

In Egypt, you can find different types of restaurants, depending on your budget, your taste, and your occasion. You can choose from

Cafeteria: A cafeteria is a small and simple restaurant, serving fast and cheap dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, or pizzas. A cafeteria is usually informal and crowded, with a self-service and a take-away option. A cafeteria is a good option for a quick and casual breakfast or lunch. Some of the best cafeterias in Egypt are: Gad and Abou Tarek in Cairo, El Shabrawy and El Tabei El Domyati in Alexandria, and El Nakhil and El Gouna in Hurghada.
Restaurant: A restaurant is a large and comfortable restaurant, serving traditional and regional dishes, such as grilled meat, rice, vegetables, or seafood. A restaurant is usually formal and spacious, with a table service and a moderate price. A restaurant is a good option for a family and festive meal or dinner. Some of the best restaurants in Egypt are: Felfela and Naguib Mahfouz in Cairo, Hosny and Fish Market in Alexandria, and Sofra and 1886 in Luxor.
Gourmet: A gourmet restaurant is a fine and elegant restaurant, serving sophisticated and creative dishes, prepared with high-quality ingredients and techniques. A gourmet restaurant is usually luxurious and expensive, with a fixed menu and a high service. A gourmet restaurant is a good option for a special and memorable occasion. Some of the best gourmet restaurants in Egypt are: Zitouni and La Gourmandise in Cairo, Santorini and Byblos in Sharm el-Sheikh, and Al Moudira and Nubian House in Aswan.

5.Shopping

Egypt is a paradise for shoppers, offering a wide range of products, from the souvenirs and handicrafts, to the antiques and jewelry, to the spices and perfumes. Egypt is also known for its markets, where you can find authentic and local products, as well as bargains and treasures. In Egypt, you can shop in different places, such as:

Souk: A souk is a traditional and lively market, selling a variety of goods, such as clothing, accessories, pottery, carpets, or lanterns. A souk is usually located in the old and historical areas, and offers a colorful and authentic shopping experience. You can bargain and haggle for the best prices, and enjoy the atmosphere and the culture. Some of the best souks in Egypt are: Khan el-Khalili and Souk el-Fustat in Cairo, Souk el-Attarine and Souk el-Nabi Daniel in Alexandria, and Souk el-Hussein and Souk el-Silsila in Luxor.
Mall: A mall is a modern and large shopping center, selling a variety of goods, such as clothing, accessories, cosmetics, electronics, books, or toys. A mall is usually located in the new and commercial areas, and offers a convenient and comfortable shopping experience. You can find local and international brands, and enjoy the facilities and the entertainment. Some of the best malls in Egypt are: Citystars and Mall of Egypt in Cairo, San Stefano and City Centre in Alexandria, and Senzo and Hurghada City Center in Hurghada.
Bazaar: A bazaar is a specialized and unique market, selling a specific type of goods, such as antiques, jewelry, spices, or perfumes. A bazaar is usually located in the hidden and charming areas, and offers a rare and exclusive shopping experience. You can find quality and original products, and enjoy the aroma and the beauty. Some of the best bazaars in Egypt are: Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and Tentmakers Bazaar in Cairo, El Raml Bazaar and El Mansheya Bazaar in Alexandria, and El Souk Bazaar and El Gouna Bazaar in Hurghada.

6.Transportation

Egypt has a well-developed and efficient transportation system, which makes it easy and convenient to travel within and between the cities. Egypt has different modes of transportation, such as:

Plane: Plane is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel in Egypt, especially for long distances. Egypt has a national and international airport network, connecting the major cities and the neighboring countries. You can book your flight online, at the airport, or at the travel agency. You need a valid passport, a visa, and a ticket. You also need to follow the security rules, such as the luggage, the check-in, and the boarding.
Train: Train is the cheapest and most flexible way to travel in Egypt, especially for short distances. Egypt has a national and regional train network, connecting the cities and the attractions. You can buy your train ticket online, at the station, or at the machine. You can also buy a rail pass, such as the Egypt Rail Pass or the Nile Valley Pass, which allows you to travel unlimitedly for a certain period of time.
Car: Car is the most convenient and independent way to travel in Egypt, especially for exploring the countryside and the off-the-beaten-path places. Egypt has a good road network, with highways, toll roads, and scenic routes. You can rent a car online, at the airport, or at the city. You need a valid driver's license, a credit card, and an insurance. You also need to follow the traffic rules, such as the speed limit, the parking, and the tolls.

7.Tips for Travelers

Egypt is a wonderful and welcoming country, but it also has some peculiarities and challenges that you need to be aware of and prepared for. Here are some tips for travelers that will help you enjoy your trip to Egypt:

Learn some Arabic: Arabic is the official and the most widely spoken language in Egypt, and many people do not speak English or other languages. Learning some basic Arabic phrases, such as greetings, numbers, directions, or questions, will help you communicate and interact with the locals, and show respect and appreciation for their culture. You can also use a dictionary, a translator, or a guidebook to help you with the language.
Respect the customs: Egypt has some customs and traditions that you need to follow and respect, especially in public places and religious sites. For example, you should always dress modestly and conservatively, especially for women, covering your shoulders, knees, and chest. You should also avoid public displays of affection, such as kissing, hugging, or holding hands. You should also avoid alcohol, pork, and drugs, as they are forbidden by Islam.
Enjoy the hospitality: Egypt has a reputation for being one of the most hospitable and friendly countries in the world, and the locals are always eager to help and welcome the visitors. You should take the time and the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the hospitality, by accepting the invitations, the gifts, or the compliments, and by offering a smile, a thank you, or a tip. You should also try to mingle with the locals, and learn about their history, their culture, and their lifestyle.

Conclusion:

Egypt is a wonderful country to visit, with a lot of attractions, activities, and experiences to offer. Whether you are interested in the culture, the history, the nature, or the relaxation, you will find something to suit your taste and your budget in Egypt. In this article, we have given you a comprehensive guide to discover the wonders of Egypt, covering the destinations, the cities, the hotels, the meals andث restaurants, the shopping, the transportation, and the tips for travelers. We hope that this article has inspired you and helped you plan your trip to Egypt. Bon voyage!

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How to Discover the Wonders of Egypt: A Travel Guide for Tourists