Updated December 2024
Basking in the winter sun that has the allure of a friendly summer, Egypt has an abundance of riveting cosmopolitan wonders waiting to be explored this season.
Delve into a story of Egyptian rich cultural ingenuity and legacy etched in its monuments, before you carve out an adventure out in its desert or deep under its azure water. Often referred to as the Gift of the Nile, Egypt proffers delights and amazement at every turn.
From beach resorts to water sports hotspots, from ageless pyramids to beloved events and performances—Egypt’s a jewel box brimming with hidden treasures for all types of travellers. Visit now and you can sample it all under the glorious weather.
Step into a page in history
Cairo
Enmeshed within the contemporary city, you’ll find Historic Cairo, a part of UNESCO’s list of Outstanding Universal Value.
This is a story of an ancient world that is still being written in the 21st century. Resilience is one of the core traits of its architectural, artistic and urban heritage, expressed within its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams, fountains and sabils. Each monument is a testament to the cultural melange that shapes modern Egypt.
Some highlights include the oldest nilometer, Rawda Island Nilometer at Al-Fustat, which still retains its original form.
Find also the Mosque of ‘Amr ibn al-‘As at Al-Fustat—the oldest surviving mosque in Egypt and Africa—and the Hanging Church constructed on the ruins of Old Cairo’s Roman Fort to feel inspired as you take a walk through timeless examples of unity in diversity.
Luxor
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt is the ancient city of Thebes, present-day Luxor. Luxor houses a manifold of necropolises and temples.
Some sites that every history buff wouldn’t want to miss include the Valley of the Kings with the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, and other royal temples on the West Bank.
Aswan
The culmination of awe and wonder for any palaeophile visiting Egypt perhaps reaches its peak at the Philae temple complex in Aswan. The Temple of Isis, constructed during Egypt’s Greco-Roman Period in 280 BCE, is one of the last remaining temples of ancient Egypt.
The temple is devoted to Isis, Osiris, and Horus, with paintings on the walls describing scenes from Egyptian mythology.
As you walk through the paths once traversed by Roman emperors, Egyptian pharaohs, and the ordinary people of ancient Egypt with various beliefs, it bears mindfully remembering that the nation’s cultural inheritance and own blend of diversity are borne of various strands of history, traditions, and influences.
Seek out the adventurous side of Egypt
Abu Dabbab
Shake off the sand from your visits to the famous historical sites and get ready to frolic on Egypt’s famous golden-hued beaches.
This winter, dip your toes into the enchanting blues, greens and goldens of Marsa Alam. With the average temperature typically hovering around a gentle 18°C, the Red Sea town of Marsa Alam is the perfect place to dabble in a variety of water sports.
No matter your experience level with snorkeling, the vibrant corals and the dolphins frequenting the Wadi al-Gemal Natural Protectorate will welcome you with an open heart.
Try snorkeling at Abu Dabbab Bay to meet the Red Sea’s gentle giants—sea turtles and sea cows (dugongs). Marsa Alam’s green prairies, algae-covered flatbeds, and seagrass meadows are their turfs. Legend has it that the Red Sea is devoid of crocodiles out of respect for dugongs.
After diving into the sea, get soaring in the sky by kitesurfing; let the wind and the sea buoy you forward as you drink in the view. For those in the mood for some serious kitesurfing and waterskiing, Wadi Lahamy Bay is the place to be.
You can also spend an entire day in a boat away from the shore. Navigate the water with a bit of everything, from swimming and island hopping to snorkeling and diving, stopping for a bedouin-style lunch in between at a secluded scenic spot on the mangrove bays.
Before leaving, here are some must-trys from Abu Dabbab or Marsa Alam’s wide selection of attractions:
Take a day trip to Al-Qusair to portal back in time as you explore an Ottoman-era citadel, visit a Roman port, and shop at a souk.
Spend a day to live out your nomadic dreams as you venture on a camel safari through Wadi al-Gemal Natural Protectorate. You can also stop for a tête à tête with the local Bedouins, sample camel cheese, and sip a cup of Gabana coffee. The Gabana coffee is a specialty of the Wadi El Gemal region, made by roasting coffee beans over a wood fire or “rakia” along with several herbs like ginger and cardamom. It is brewed in a traditional clay pot with a long neck (gebena) and served with a touch of sugar.
Visit the eye-shaped natural pool, Al Nayzak, believed to have been formed due to a meteor strike.
Sahara Desert
The part of the Sahara Desert that Egypt gets to call its own is the Western Desert. Amid the aridity of the Western Desert, something special bloomed: a land depression known as Al-Farafra Oasis, which lays out a fresh trail for wanderers.
Al-Farafra Oasis is a haven for those with a penchant for remembering the past and capturing the present in a moment in time. As you drive through the desert in a car, you will witness the remains of life that once thrummed right where you are sitting.
Glimpses of the untarnished oasis include Qasr al-Farafra, the preserved medieval capital of the oasis for the past 800 years, the oldest Roman remains in the region at Ain Della, alongside Wadi Hennis, Ain Jallow, and Ain Bishoi, and mini forest gardens within the oasis.
Take a break from exploring past lives to embark on local culture as you saunter through the Al-Qasr Village’s main street, where traditional food, woolen textiles, and handcrafted goods from Al-Farafra are sold.
Sightsee in style
Hurghada
Awash with luxury beach resorts, resplendent coral reefs, and endless sunshine, Hurghada is one of Egypt’s main attractions for tastemakers and fun-seekers. This glamorous and popular coastal city proves that the country’s best assets are more than just about the glories of the past.
On the land
As soon as you step onto Hurghada’s bustling streets, you will be charmed by the buzz of all that awaits. The busy resort town is ideal for anyone looking for a colorful sightseeing session.
Head over to the city center at the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, tread through an underwater tunnel, and gaze and marvel at the fishes, especially during feeding time.
After leaving the marina, the road will take you to Hurghada Corniche. Quench your soul with a selection of food from restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Sit down and enjoy your meal while you witness the dazzling view of boats dancing to the tune of the water and air.
For a quick peek at the remains of the olden days and to understand the concept of beauty in Egypt, visit the Hurghada Museum. The museum houses around 2,000 artifacts that tell the story of multicultural, diverse Egypt through various lenses, including the Ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and Modern Eras.
Off the land
Hop on a boat for a quick ride to Giftun Islands and witness the varying hues of nature splattered across the coast: topaz, tourmalines and sapphires of the water, fluffy whites and shimmering gold of the sand.
On the island, you can arrange how leisurely you want your schedule to be. Early risers can opt to board the boat that leaves at 7:30 am to enjoy frolicking around with dolphins at the Dolphin House. However, if you are against waking up early on your vacation, you can still snorkel, scuba dive around, and enjoy marine life at Giftun Islands by booking a full-day trip.
Alternatively, you can head to Mahmeya Island with boats that leave from Hurghada every morning. Spend an entire day here to experience savory local delicacies and try your hand on beach sports.
Since Giftun Islands and Mahmeya Island are protected private areas, we recommend that you book a trip at least one day prior to enjoy island life off the coast of Hurghada.
Safaga
To escape the buzzing energy of Hurghada for a while, visit the quiet coastal town of Safaga. The town is famous for its white quartz sand, which is believed to possess healing properties.
Furthermore, savor the diverse culinary scene with a burst of international and local flavors, like seafood stews, succulent grilled fish, traditional falafel, koshary, and more.
Al Gouna
To relish big-city amenities by the coast, make your way 25 km north of Hurghada on the Red Sea towards Al Gouna, a luxury resort town with exclusive marinas and mega yachts popular in the cooler months among residents and tourists alike.
Moreover, with a flourishing transportation service, helming your days around town becomes easier, connecting your abode with blue lagoons and tunnels, beaches, and the zesty downtown area.
If you are staying for an extended period, it is recommended that you rent an apartment or a villa.
Soma Bay
The resort town of Soma Bay, towards the south of Hurghada, is ideal for a romantic getaway or for indulging in tranquil, unhurried days. You can participate in various water sports or golf if you want some thrills or simply rest and relax at the high-end spas.
You can also visit Utopia Island from Soma Bay. True to its name, it is an image of perfection: a natural bay with golden beaches surrounded by marine life and coral reefs.
For all to cherish
Egyptian Opera House
The Egyptian Opera House, or the Cairo Opera House, is home to Egypt’s finest art companies.
If you happen to visit Cairo in December and enjoy classical music, you are in for a treat when you visit the Egyptian Opera House.
On 20 December 2024, enjoy an evening accompanied by Christmas songs by the Cairo Opera Company and on 21 December 2024, catch a classical tunes concert by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra.
The Opera House also hosts the Cairo International Film Festival in November. The recent edition of CIFF in 2024 featured films from over 70 countries. We recommend checking out the official website of the Cairo Opera House if you are interested in dates for 2025.
Pyramids Sound and Light Show
The Giza Plateau, home to the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, is perhaps the first image that comes to mind when asked to envision Egypt in an instant.
Even if you are not a history buff, the Sound and Light Show at the Giza Pyramid promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The audio and visual guides will make you feel as if you’re teleported back in time.
The Giza Plateau comes alive with sound and light five days a week in various languages, including English, from Wednesdays to Sundays at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the show can be purchased from the official website of the Sound and Light Show.
Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza is one of the largest archeological museums in the world and the largest museum dedicated to a single ancient civilization—the Old World civilization of Ancient Egypt.
Last November, GEM along with the Royal Philharmonic hosted concerts in the heart of the museum, adding a cinematic splash to the past sceneries staged in the museum halls. Please visit the official website of the Grand Egyptian Museum for more information regarding the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra dates in 2025.
