Bucketlist experiences in Egypt
There are many amazing bucketlist experiences to be had in Egypt.
From visiting the pyramids to experiencing the incredible underwater world of the Red Sea.
I´ve listed all my favourite bucketlist experiences to be had below, make sure to check them out.
1. Visit the pyramids (my personal #1 bucketlist experience in Egypt)
Visiting this Wonder of the World, should be veeeery high on your list of bucketlist experiences in Egypt.
Pictures of the pyramids of Giza just don’t do it justice…You’ve got to see it for yourself.
Around the pyramid complex there are many restaurants, airbnbs & hotels with direct pyramid views but you should also go inside the complex, trust me.
If you want this bucketlist experience in Egypt to be even fancier, you can buy an additional ticket to go inside one of the pyramids or also do paragliding above the pyramids.
It totally makes sense to hire a driver for your visit, as the complex is HUGE and most roads are uphill. I was very glad I hired one…..
How much does it cost?
540 EGP (as of January 2024, but constantly getting more expensive.
2. Float in Siwas salt lakes
Floating like in the salty water like in the Dead Sea but in Egypt?! Yes please!
One of my favourite bucketlist experiences in Egypt. The salt lakes in Siwa are not only super instagrammable but it’s also a really cool bucketlist experience in Egypt to effortlessly float In the salty water.
This experience alone is worth the quite long journey to Siwa. (which is a MUST on your Egypt itinerary)
For more info about best things to do in Siwa, where to Siwa etc., check my ultimate Siwa guide HERE.
How much is this bucketlist experience in Egypt?
Free, but you will need to arrange a transport there or rent a bicycle.
3. Explore the Red Sea
I have been snorkeling & scuba diving in many, many countries around the world but the Red Sea is still one of my favourite places to see colourful corals, turtles, all kinds of colourful fish and dolphins. The diversity is wild.
Some of my favourite place to snorkel & scuba dive in Egypt are Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheik. In Hurghada I have just done a great speedboat trip to swim with dolphins! Magical!
When choosing a hotel to stay at along the Red Sea, choose one with a house reef and just snorkel off the hotels beach!
How much does it cost?
Depends of course, how exactly you would like to experience the Red Sea.
If you decide to just snorkel, you might stay at a hotel with house reef and explore the reef there for no additional cost. Excursions by boat to specific places are also quite affordable in Egypt. For example, I booked THIS Speedboat Tour with good chances to swim with dolphins for roughly 20 USD.
4. Visit an ancient temple
One of the most unique bucketlist experiences in Egypt. There is so much incredible history and amazingly beautiful temples to be found in this country.
My personal favourites are:
- Medinet Habou (Temple d’Amon)
- Karnak temple
Some more temples around Egypt:
Luxor:
- Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut
- Luxor temple
- Rameses III temple
- First Pylon Luxor temple
- Mut temple
- Mortuary Temple of Seti I
Aswan & surroundings
- Philae temple
- Abu Simbel
- Kom Ombo temple
- Edfu temple
- Isis temple
- El Seboua temple
How much is it to visit an ancient temple?
Prices depend on each temple, but generally speaking they are quite expensive to visit. Most of the ones I visited were about 400 EGP in January 2024.
Only the amazing HIDDEN GEM Medinet Habou was half the price or even a bit less. Check it out!
5. Take a boat tour or cruise on the Nile
Taking a boat tour or river cruise on the Nile is definitely a unique bucketlist experience in Egypt and can’t be missed on your trip.
One of the most popular options is to take a cruise from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa. I personally did not have enough time to do one, but heard very good things about it. The journey from Luxor to Aswan by river cruise takes about 5 days, the other way around “only” 3-4 days.
Alternatively, take a boat tour on the Nile. It’s not the same but also gives you an idea of the amazing tranquility of being on the Nile. I specifically recommend doing one in Aswan, as the area with it’s many islands and sand dunes is simply magical.
You can organise boat tours with your hotel or just walk up to one of the docks and negotiate with the captains there.
How much is it to take a boat tour or river cruise on the Nile?
River cruises on the Nile are actually NOT very affordable. On a high quality ship, rates are often as high as 300 USD per person, per night. Less luxury, more basic ships can be cheaper but are still relatively expensive. A boat tour will, of course, be much cheaper, as it typically only lasts for 1-2 hours.
If you negotiate well, you might get it for as little as 200 EGP.
6. Visit a colourful Nubian village
The typical style of Nubian houses is very colourful, beautifully decorated and mostly the roof has a round shape. If you like taking photos, this is bucketlist experience in Egypt should be high priority for you.
I personally visited the Nubian village across the river from Aswan and LOVED it. 100s of photos taken and impressive memories created.
One of my favourite places to take pictures was the Katodool Resort. It’s a quite luxury (and expensive) hotel on top of the dunes with amazing views and beautiful colours and views. I did not stay there, but went for dinner and enjoyed the stunning setting! Highly recommend a coffee at the Nubian Palace as well.
How much is it to visit the Nubian village in Aswan?
A visit to the village itself, is free. Getting here either by boat or car will cost a bit, but not much.
If you want to visit some specific places/ hotels, you might have to invest some money on a coffee, lunch or dinner there.
7. Take a hot air balloon flight in Luxor
MUST DO bucketlist experience in Egypt!
While visiting the Valley of the Kings and exploring some of the impressive tombs should also be on your Egypt bucketlist, I highly recommend taking a hot air balloon flight in Luxor and seeing all the beautiful sights from above.
The flights take place every day (weather permitting) for sunrise and a 2nd flight after sunrise. The first flight is a bit more expensive, but still quite affordable for this magical experience.
You will be able to see the Valley of the Kings, Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi de Memnon and more places from above with the perfect golden light of the sunrise. Highly recommend this bucketlist experience when in Egypt!
How much does it cost to take a hot air balloon flight in Luxor?
Prices for the first flight of the day (which is the one you should take ideally) start at around 75 USD and 2nd flights at about 50 USD.
I hope this blog post with the best hidden gems in Egypt was inspiring and you will pay some of these places a visit during your trip!
More Egypt blog posts coming soon!
