Egypt attracts the history buffs, and all for good reasons
Egypt is about as close as you can get to living out that Indiana Jones fantasy. This land is bursting with ancient wonders that transport you back thousands of years, where pharaohs ruled, gods were worshipped, and the stories of myth and legend unfolded. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone with a curious mind, Egypt’s ancient sites are the ultimate travel experience.
Let’s be real: If you’re going to Egypt, the Great Pyramids of Giza are at the top of your list. And rightly so! These massive tombs, built for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, have stood tall for over 4,500 years. Their sheer size will leave you speechless (and possibly a little out of breath if you try climbing them). And right next door is the ever-mysterious Sphinx, staring off into the distance like it knows all the secrets of the universe.
Catch the pyramids at sunset for that perfect Instagram shot, or take a camel ride for the full desert experience—though the camels probably won’t be as excited as you are.
Located near Luxor, the Valley of the Kings is the section where Pharaohs nap in style. This sprawling necropolis is home to the tombs of many pharaohs, including the superstar himself—King Tutankhamun. Each tomb is a work of art, with walls covered in intricate hieroglyphs and paintings telling the story of the pharaohs’ journey to the afterlife.
Egyptians believed they’d need all their earthly bling for the afterlife, which explains why they were buried with tons of treasure (and a few unlucky servants).
You think you’ve seen big temples? Wait until you visit Karnak Temple in Luxor. This massive temple complex is like an ancient city dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. Built over 2,000 years by multiple pharaohs, it’s one of the largest religious sites in the world. Walk through the Hypostyle Hall, it’s walls covered in detailed carvings and hieroglyphs.
If you thought Egypt’s ancient rulers were modest, think again. Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II, is the ultimate testament to one pharaoh’s ego. The two temples, carved out of a mountainside, feature four gigantic statues of Ramses himself, as if he wanted to remind everyone that he was kind of a big deal.
While it’s not “underground” in the literal sense, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina feels like a treasure trove of knowledge. Its home to millions of books, manuscripts, and ancient texts. While the famous Great Library of Alexandria—once the largest library in the ancient world—was sadly destroyed, the legend of it lives on. But did you know there's a modern take on it? The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built in 2002, is a massive, futuristic complex that sits near the ancient site, paying homage to the original library.
Before the Great Pyramids, there was Saqqara—home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world’s first-ever pyramid. Built by Imhotep, this pyramid was the blueprint for all the pyramids that followed, and it’s been standing for nearly 5,000 years. You can explore the many tombs in the area, which are covered in beautiful paintings that still retain their vibrant colors.
Right in the middle of the city of Luxor, you’ll find the magnificent Luxor Temple. Built by Amenhotep III and added to by Ramses II, this temple is smaller than Karnak but no less stunning. Its grand entrance, flanked by huge statues and a towering obelisk, is an incredible sight. And because it’s right in the heart of the city, you can easily pop in for a visit during your day of sightseeing.
