Cairo is a city that captivates the senses—loud, colorful, and full of life, as any great capital should be. Its bustling souks echo with the sound of bartering voices, while its medieval Islamic architecture transports you centuries into the past. But once you’ve soaked in the vibrant atmosphere, it’s time to set your sights on what truly draws travelers to Egypt—the majestic pyramids lining the Nile. Channel your inner explorer and venture into the land of Cleopatra. And when ancient wonders begin to blur together, take a break with a day trip to nearby natural sanctuaries. Sometimes, a change of pace is just what the pharaoh ordered.
6. Memphis
Though Cairo stands as Egypt’s modern heart, Memphis once beat as its ancient soul. Just 25 km (15 miles) south of the capital, this city was a mighty force in ancient times. As the gateway to the Nile Delta, Memphis was home to Egypt’s powerful rulers, who built grand temple complexes that once stood in awe-inspiring splendor.
Today, time and floodplain erosion have taken their toll, leaving few structures intact. Yet the Open Air Museum still stuns visitors with its colossal statue of Ramses II and a large alabaster Sphinx. These remnants whisper stories of a glorious past that once ruled the ancient world.
5. Wadi El Rayan
Not all of Egypt is desert and sand—Wadi El Rayan proves just that. Located just over two hours from Cairo, this protected nature reserve offers an escape into a land of cascading waterfalls, wind-sculpted mountains, and rich wildlife. It’s a rare oasis where gazelles dart across the terrain, eagles soar overhead, and migratory birds rest on their long journeys.
Nicknamed Whale Valley, the reserve is home to one of the world’s richest fossil sites for ancient whales. If you’re driving here, a four-wheel drive is recommended for the rugged terrain. And don’t forget to pack sunscreen and extra water—this wild beauty comes with heat to match.
4. Saqqara
A cemetery might not top your travel list—but Saqqara is far from ordinary. Serving as the vast burial ground for ancient Memphis, this site is filled with pyramid after pyramid, one for each of the 16 kings buried here. Among them stands a marvel of ancient engineering: the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone building still standing in the world.
Saqqara is still a living archaeological site, with discoveries emerging even today. In 2011, researchers discovered a staggering eight million animal mummies, most of them dogs, thought to serve as spiritual messengers. Every stone, every artifact adds a new piece to Egypt’s eternal story.
3. Alexandria
While not as ancient as Memphis or Giza, Alexandria brings a different flavor to Egypt’s historic mix. Perched along the Mediterranean, this city once served as Egypt’s capital for nearly a millennium. Remnants of its Hellenistic past can be seen in landmarks like Pompey’s Pillar, a towering Roman column reaching 30 meters (99 feet).
Nearby, descends into the eerie beauty of Roman-era catacombs—complete with a dining hall where mourners once held banquets for the dead. The Temple of Taposiris Magna may lie in ruins, but it hints at the spiritual traditions that once thrived here. Alexandria proves that even ruins can shimmer with history.
2. Dahshur
Before building the iconic pyramids of Giza, Egypt’s architects practiced their craft in Dahshur. Located just south of Cairo, this site features two of the country’s oldest and best-preserved pyramids: the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
The Bent Pyramid is an early experiment in sloped design, its unique angles revealing a learning curve in ancient engineering. Just next to it, the Red Pyramid—with its reddish hue after rain—marks a successful evolution in pyramid construction. Other lesser-known pyramids also dot the landscape, including those meant for royal women.
1. Giza Necropolis
If you come to Egypt for only one reason, it’s probably Giza. Just a short ride from Cairo, the Giza Plateau is home to the most iconic monuments on the planet—the towering pyramids and the mysterious Great Sphinx.
Built with astonishing precision thousands of years ago, these structures continue to defy logic and amaze the world. The Great Pyramid of Giza, once a contender for the Prime Meridian, remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore its surrounding tombs and sculptures, and you’ll quickly understand why Giza remains at the top of every traveler’s bucket list.