Many people dream of going to Egypt to see the Pyramids of Giza. It had been a long-standing item on my bucket list, and in November 2025, I finally checked it off. Instead of feasting on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, we embarked on an Egyptian adventure.
Our journey combined a stay in Cairo with a Nile River cruise, resulting in an exceptional trip that exceeded my expectations. While I anticipated the pyramids to be incredible—and they were—there was so much more to discover.
I’m thrilled to share nine things I loved about my Egyptian experience.
1. Pyramids
No list about things to see in Egypt would be complete without the pyramids, so let’s start there. The size and the age of the pyramids are mind-blowing.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara holds the title of the oldest pyramid in Egypt, dating back over 4,600 years (around 2630 BCE), showcasing the early evolution of pyramid construction. Appropriately, that was the first one we visited.
Over time, the Egyptians of the Old Kingdom refined their techniques, and subsequent pyramids got bigger and better. Plus, the pharaohs wanted to outdo past pharaohs.
Also in Saqqara, we visited the Pyramid of Unas. It is famous for being the first pyramid to feature pyramid texts—ancient religious inscriptions carved onto its walls meant to protect the pharaoh in the afterlife. The Pyramid of Unas was constructed around 2375 to 2345 BCE, during the late period of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. We were thrilled to find out we could go inside.
We had to crouch down to walk through a passage that leads to the burial chamber.
The burial chamber is densely covered with hieroglyphics: spells and prayers to guide and protect the pharaoh in the afterlife. These carvings are over 4000 years old, and paint remains in some places.
After that, we went to Giza to see the three iconic pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Of course these are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We had some free time and decided to walk the perimeter of the Great Pyramid of Khufu to better appreciate its immensity.
After that, we went for a camel ride!
I’ll admit that I was afraid I’d fall off at first. But after I got the hang of it, it wasn’t so bad. Still, I’m glad it was a short ride.
2. Tombs
The early pyramids, especially the famous ones at Giza, attracted a lot of attention—and not just the good kind. Tomb robbers frequently looted these prominent structures, stealing treasures and valuables buried with the pharaohs. So, over time, they shifted to less conspicuous, hidden burial sites. Beginning with the New Kingdom period (around 16th century BCE), pharaohs started using the Valley of the Kings to the west of the Nile, where tombs were carved deep into rock. This hidden location provided natural protection from both the elements and robbers (although looters still managed to find many).
The Valley of the Kings contains over 60 known tombs and burial chambers. They were built not only for pharaohs, but also for nobles and high-ranking officials. Typically, not all are open to visitors at the same time—the exact tombs rotate periodically to protect their wall paintings.
The most famous tomb there is likely that of Tutankhamun (King Tut). It is famous for having been discovered with its contents largely intact in 1922, sparking global fascination with ancient Egypt. We learned from our Egyptologist that because Tutankhamun died so young, he was likely buried in a tomb intended for a nobleman. His tomb is small compared to that of other pharaohs.
While most of the mummies have been moved to museums (more about that later), Tutankhamun’s mummy is displayed inside his tomb. It’s inside a temperature-controlled case, which is why a glare is visible in my photo.
We also visited the tombs of Ramses III, Seti I, and Merenptah. I thought the tomb of Seti I was the most impressive. It was huge.
And the designs were so detailed and in amazing condition considering the age.
It was really incredible. I took so many pictures.
3. Museums & Mummies
As I mentioned above, most of the tombs in the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings no longer hold the mummies of the pharaohs. To see those, you must visit the Royal Mummies Hall at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
This remarkable exhibit features 22 of Egypt’s most significant pharaohs and queens, including legendary rulers like Ramses II and Hatshepsut, who were transported in a spectacular golden parade in 2021.
We saw not just the physical remains of these powerful rulers, but also gained insights into their lives, their achievements, and the extraordinary medical and cultural practices that allowed them to be preserved for thousands of years. It’s less about looking at ancient artifacts and more about connecting with real people who once shaped an entire civilization.
Unfortunately, photography wasn’t allowed, so you’ll just have to trust me that this was a phenomenal exhibit. There were other exhibits also. The main gallery was organized chronologically with many artifacts on display.
The second museum we visited was the Grand Egyptian Museum. We were thrilled to be there just a few weeks after it was officially inaugurated. It is the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. Located near the Pyramids of Giza, this architectural marvel houses over 100,000 artifacts.
We were greeted by a colossal statue of Ramses II in the Grand Hall which is more than 37 feet high.
Then we ascended the Grand Stairs, which displays large sculptures, leading to galleries that chronologically showcase Egypt’s history.
The highlight for me was seeing the complete collection of treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb displayed together for the first time. The highlight is the golden funeral mask of Tutankhamun—a breathtaking piece of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship, created around 1323 BCE to protect the young pharaoh’s face in the afterlife. Crafted from solid gold and adorned with vibrant blue glass and precious stones like lapis lazuli, the mask depicts Tutankhamun’s idealized features with incredible detail. It’s considered one of the most recognizable archaeological treasures in the world.
The sarcophagus housing the mask was equally impressive – a series of nested golden coffins that showcased the immense wealth and spiritual beliefs of Egyptian royalty.
When Howard Carter first discovered these artifacts in 1922, they provided an unprecedented glimpse into the burial practices and artistic mastery of an ancient culture. The collection includes many items, from jewelry and furniture to baskets and sandals.
With as big as the Grand Egyptian Museum was, I thought perhaps they had emptied the other museums to fill it. Not so! The number of artifacts Egypt has is unbelievable. O
We went to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo on our last day in Egypt. We were impressed by a 16-meter-long papyrus scroll and the many sarcophagi (coffins).
Our Egyptologist had told us that in ancient Egypt, silver was more precious than gold. He also told us that the discovery of the tomb containing the silver sarcophagus of Pharaoh Psusennes I in 1940 was eclipsed in the news headlines by World War II. Otherwise, Psusennes I, whose tomb was also found intact, might be as well known as King Tut today.
One last thing before I leave the subject of mummies. Did you know that ancient Egyptians mummified not only humans, but also crocodiles? I didn’t. I learned because it’s because one of their gods, Sobek, was a crocodile. There’s a museum dedicated to them near the Kom Ombo temple.
4. Sphinxes
When most people picture Egypt, the Great Sphinx of Giza usually comes to mind first. This massive statue—with the body of a lion and the head of what many believe to be Pharaoh Khafre—is an icon. Standing guard over the pyramids, the Great Sphinx is one of the largest and oldest monolithic statues in the world. So it was a must-see for me.
And just because Egyptologists are highly trained and know their stuff, that doesn’t mean they don’t like to have fun. Our Egyptologist Ahmed took a photo of my husband putting his sunglasses on the Great Sphinx.
We discovered that the Great Sphinx is just the beginning. We saw smaller sphinxes all over Egypt.
We learned they have all sorts of heads—lion, ram, hawk, even baboon-headed ones. Each one played a special role, usually acting as a protector or symbol of power.
Luxor’s Avenue of Sphinxes was extremely impressive. It’s a long road lined with hundreds of sphinx statues that once connected Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple.
5. Markets & Artisans
When I travel, I love to include visiting a local market in my itinerary. So, the famous Khan el-Khalili in Cairo was a must-see. It is a lively bazaar known for its wide variety of traditional handicrafts, jewelry, spices, perfumes, and textiles and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Historic Cairo.
Visitors can find beautifully crafted brassware, silver jewelry, colorful scarves, and aromatic spices.
The market also offers unique souvenirs, artwork, and occasionally antiques.
My husband and I enjoyed exploring the many alleys lined with shops. It was hard to know where Khan al-Khalili ended and the other markets began. At one point, we got lost in the pajama section.
After shopping on our own for a while, we met up with our guide, Muhammed, who took us beyond the tourist areas to the workshops where the artisans create the items sold in the shops.
This is also a good place for me to mention some other interesting and surprising things we saw. We saw many bakeries selling freshly-baked pita bread. That part isn’t surprising, but the distribution method was. We saw many men carrying large racks of pita bread on their heads. And some of them rode bicycles through the crowded streets while doing so! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a photo of one on a bike; they were too fast for me. But this kind man allowed me to take his photo. His rack was rather small compared to some of the others we saw.
The other surprising thing we saw was working donkeys bringing crops from the farms to the markets. Sometimes they pulled a cart, while other times they carried goods on their back. We saw a few in the city of Cairo, but lots more in the countryside.
6. Dining
We ate most of our meals on board our Nile riverboat. However, there were a couple of notable meals off the ship I want to share.
I had read about koshary, considered Egypt’s national dish, and I was eager to try it. It is a combination of pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with a tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. Muhammed took us to a restaurant where koshary was the only thing on the menu. He told us that the places that specialize in one dish excel in making it.
Here’s what it looks like after everything is mixed together.
I thought it was delicious, and my husband agreed. After we got home, we searched for the closest restaurant that serves it. It turned out to be a food truck in Nashville. We’d love to have one closer to Ohio.
Not long after we returned from our trip, UNESCO recognized koshary as intangible cultural heritage.
Muhammed also pointed out a restaurant that we returned to a couple of days later. Although it attracted mostly local diners, we were welcomed. We tried a variety of dishes that were unfamiliar to us and enjoyed the rooftop view.
We also enjoyed the entertainment, which included audience participation. The performers invited me to dance with them a couple of times and even put a twirly skirt on me. It was a fun and memorable evening.
7. Boats
I’m going to switch gears and talk about some logistics. Many of the places I’ve written about here are outside of Cairo, so you need to consider how you’ll get around.
Cruising the Nile by riverboat is definitely one of the most iconic ways to experience Egypt, and it’s popular with tourists for good reason. It’s a luxurious mode of transportation that takes you right to the heart of ancient history.
Riverboats glide along the river, passing by villages and green landscapes, all while getting to some of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites. It was a very relaxing way to travel.
We enjoyed delicious meals and onboard entertainment. Not only were our tours included, but each group was assigned a certified Egyptologist to help us understand what we were seeing.
Nile riverboats have a rich history that goes way beyond modern tourism – they’ve been critical transportation routes for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used wooden boats for trade and travel.
On one of our tours, we had the opportunity to sail on a felucca—a type of traditional wooden sailboat that has glided along the Nile for centuries. Powered by simple canvas sails and the river’s gentle currents, these graceful, triangular-sailed boats offer travelers an authentic and serene way to experience Egypt’s timeless river.
By the 19th century, steamships started replacing traditional sailing vessels. The famous Agatha Christie novel “Death on the Nile” dramatically popularized these riverboats. She set her murder mystery aboard a luxurious steamship traveling between Cairo and Abu Simbel. Published in 1937, the book featured her legendary detective Hercule Poirot and transformed the Nile cruise from mere transportation into a mysterious adventure.
Of course, I had to read the book and watch the movie before our trip. I wasn’t expecting that we would cross paths with the same ship that Agatha Christie sailed on. That was a pleasant surprise.
One fun aspect of cruising the Nile was experiencing “river pirates.” Unlike the bandits that used to attack riverboats, modern “pirates” are enterprising vendors who row their rowboat up to the ship and attach it with the rope while they sell merchandise to the passengers. They toss merchandise to passengers on their balconies. If you want to keep it, you throw money down to them. Otherwise, you toss the item back to them. We purchased a couple of souvenirs this way and enjoyed this unique form of shopping.
8. Iconic Hotels
One of the potential disadvantages of staying on a riverboat is the missed opportunity to stay in one of Egypt’s iconic hotels. Fortunately, the company I sailed with provided opportunities to visit two of these hotels for a meal.
Near Cairo, the legendary Mena House Hotel provides an exceptional vantage point to marvel at the Pyramids of Giza. This grand hotel blends Moorish and Egyptian design styles and holds significant history as a former royal guesthouse. We got to have lunch here before visiting the pyramids.
Later in the trip, we had an outdoor afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan. This elegant hotel offers stunning views of the Nile and exquisite colonial-era architecture.
Its ambiance perfectly captures the romance of old-world Egypt, combined with modern comforts. It has hosted legends like Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill. In fact, Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile while staying at the hotel. The setting was just so lovely.
9. Temples
Egypt’s temples are the last thing on my list. I expected the pyramids to be amazing, and they were. But I didn’t have any expectations of the temples, and I was blown away. Each one served a different purpose, and it was so helpful to have an Egyptologist with us to explain what we were seeing.
The Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor is the world’s second-largest religious site (Angkor Wat is the biggest) and a definite must-see. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast complex is an awe-inspiring maze of colossal columns, towering obelisks, and magnificent statues developed over more than 2,000 years.
It was dedicated primarily to Amun-Ra, the sun god. The Hypostyle Hall has 134 gigantic columns (some reaching 80 feet high!) decorated with detailed hieroglyphics. It is hard to put into words or show with photos how impressive it is. You have to visit it yourself.
Close to Karnak is Luxor Temple, which served as a key ceremonial site. It is more compact than Karnak and is known for its grand entrance pylons and colossal statues of Ramses II. It’s also where you’ll find the Avenue of the Sphinxes.
It is amazing to me that this obelisk is over 3,300 years old. Doesn’t it look relatively new?
The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, near Luxor, is a mortuary temple honoring Egypt’s first female pharaoh. Its unique terraced design set against towering cliffs makes it one of the most distinctive architectural achievements of ancient Egypt.
In the very southern part of Egypt is the towering Temple of Abu Simbel. This temple was carved directly out of a mountainside by Ramses II to impress both his people and enemies. The temple was famously relocated in the 1960s to save it from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam, making it a symbol of international archaeological preservation. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colossal statues of the pharaoh at the entrance are legendary.
Inside, the temple walls depict epic scenes of Ramses’ battles and divine honors.
Edfu holds one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Built in 230 BC, it is the second-largest temple in Egypt.
Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, this Ptolemaic-era temple gives an incredible insight into what ancient Egyptian temples would have looked like in their prime. This is the holy of holies, where only the highest-ranking priests could go.
We also visited Temple of Hathor, another well-preserved temple.
The colors inside were remarkable. Check out the ceiling.
The temples in Egypt were so impressive that they made all the other ruins I’ve ever seen pale in comparison. There are a few more that we visited that I didn’t write about here because I think this article is already too long. Please trust me on this: if you like ancient ruins, you simply HAVE to visit Egypt.
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