Hidden gems in Egypt
Wanting to explore some hidden gems in Egypt during your visit? Then listen up and take notes!
I have done roundtrip through Egypt, exploring many popular places but also a whole bunch of hidden gems. From empty temples to amazing views and places with an incredible natural beauty.
1. Medinet Habou, Luxor (my favourite hidden gem in Egypt)
This is by far my favourite hidden gem in Egypt. After visiting the busy Karnak temple, Valley of the Kings and Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, I was sooo happy when I entered this temple in the middle of the day and it was almost completely empty!
It’s a gorgeous temple with amazing columns to take photos at, In my opinion even prettier than the Karnak temple. For me the best temple in Egypt. (Out of the ones I´ve visited, of course).
It is also way cheaper than the popular temples and historic sites in the area.
Medinet Habou is located very close to the more popular sites around the Valley of the Kings, but still overlooked by most tourists. I highly recommend visiting this hidden gem in Egypt!
How to get to Medinet Habou?
This temple, also called “Temple d’Amon” is located very close to the Valley of the Kings and other points of interest in the area.
I suggest hiring a driver for a day to visit all the places you want to go to and also plan a stop at Medinet Habou.
Find the exact Google location HERE.
How much is it to visit this hidden gem in Egypt?
That’s one of the best parts: The entrance fee to this temple is much lower than most of the more popular places in the area.
At the time of visiting (January 2024) the entrance fee was 200 EGP. The ticket office is located about 5 minutes from the temple, your driver will know where to go. Cash and cards accepted here, while at most other ancient sites, only cards are accepted.
2. Dunes viewpoint, Aswan
There are many great photo opportunities along the Nile in Aswan, some more popular than others.
I accidentally came across the most insane view of the Nile river and Aswan, half way up the majestic dunes on the other side of town.
Yes, it’s quite exhausting to walk up these steep dunes, but the viewpoint is located on the way up the dunes and it’s not as steep as in most other places.
I have shot my favourite pictures from Aswan here and also some of my favourite from entire Egypt. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem.
How to get to the viewpoint?
When visiting the Nubian village on the opposite side of Aswan, continue to the right from the boat dock. Pass all the pretty, colourful houses as as well as the market stands and continue even further. Once you are out of the “town area”, there will be less houses and between the steep dunes, there is a kind of way prepared up.
It’s not as steep as the dunes are in most other parts and sandboarding seems to take place here as well. (Assuming from the flags that habve been set up there).This is the exact Google location HERE.
How much is it to visit?
Absolutely free!
3. Great Pyramid Duo, Cairo
WOW, this apartment in Giza blew my mind! Spacious 2 bedroom apartment with a private rooftop and THE MOST INSANE PYRAMID VIEWS.
I have been to many, many restaurants, cafes and hotels with pyramid views and this was BY FAR the best.
This airbnb is not as popular as other airbnbs (like the one with the bathtub with direct pyramid views). This is why I consider it a great hidden gem in Egypt. Check it out HERE.
Trust me, you want to check this out when visiting Cairo!!
How to get to the Great Pyramid Duo?
The Great Pyramid Duo is located very close to the entrance to the pyramid complex, just a few minutes from the famous Marriott Mena house. Best to order an UBER from wherever you are in Cairo or Giza, to get here. They can also arrange a pick-up for you upon arrival in Cairo. This is the google location HERE.
How much is it to stay the Great Pyramid Duo?
For what you get, this place is actually really affordable. Rates start around 150 USD per night.
4. Magawish Island, Hurghada
Very new and very pretty hidden gem in Egypt.I actually came across this place accidentally, when I went on a speedboat tour, which was only supposed to include a stop at a sandbank. Instead we stopped at this newly opened beach area on Giftun island.
We had it all to ourselves and were able to enjoy its crystal clear water and beautiful facilities all by ourselves.
Most beach areas on Giftun island like Mahmya, Orange Bay or Paradise island are very pretty as well but also very touristy and overrun.
Check out Magawish instead, which is not yet a stop on many boat tours, leaving from Hurghada.
How to get to Magawish Island?
The only option is to go by boat. Some tours already include this island in their schedule, but not many. You could also hire a private boat to go here.
How much is it to visit?
To enjoy the beach area itself, there is no cost. But of course, you need to pay for your tour or private boat hire. We booked a very affordable tour at about 700 EGP per person.
Drinks & food are offered on the island, but the menu looked very expensive and we did not consume anything there.
5. Local market, Luxor
Luxor is one of the busiest touristy places with many, many river cruise ships stopping here for the day.
I’ve strolled through the touristy bazar in Luxor and even though it was not very busy that day, I was hassled from every single salesman there.
I walked in some other direction and actually accidentally ended up at the local market, where there is no tourists and nobody is hassling you.
I had a great time just strolling through the busy streets and watching the locals doing their shopping. Even though you can’t buy the typical souvenirs here, you can get everything from fruit & vegetables to street food, spices and household items etc. Prices here are, of course, way cheaper than at the touristy markets.
How to get to the local market in Luxor?
The local market is very centrally located in Luxor. If you are visiting the Luxor temple or touristy bazar, it’s just a short stroll to get to the local market. This is the exact Google location HERE.
6. Seliyaa Hotel, Siwa Oasis
This hotel is a real hidden gem in the Siwa Oasis! If you are visiting Egypt, Siwa simply HAS TO BE on your Egypt itinerary.
The hotel is conveniently located just a bit outside of town, but within walking distance. Great location to explore all the must see places in Siwa like the salt lakes, Shali Fortress etc.
What I loved most about Seliyaa is their outdoor area with boho-bedouin style vibes and unique a-frame huts.
It is also an affordable place to stay. Great option in Siwa, highly recommend!
How to get to Seliyaa Hotel?
You will arrive to Siwa downtown, when taking a bus. You can either one of the may tuk tuks or walk for about 20 minutes to Seliyaa hotel. Find the exact Google location HERE.
How much is it to stay at Seliyaa Hotel?
It´s very affordable for it´s unique design and great location. Rates starting at about 30 USD per room/night.
7. Old town Cairo
Most tourists visit the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and maybe the Khan El Kalili market, but most skip Cairo old town.
But this hidden gem in Egypt is SO photgenic with many cute cafes with lanterns all over, stunning mosques and an authentic local vibe. I first wasn’t 100% sure, if it was safe to visit in the evening by myself but turns out it felt perfectly safe. There are many people around at any time of the day, everything is open til late and the photo opportunities are just insane.
My favourite place was this cafe HERE.
Totally recommend visiting Cairo old town and strolling through the beautiful streets, even if you are a solo female traveler, like me.
How to get to Cairo old town?
The old town of Cairo is very centrally located and in walking distance from the famous Khan El Khalili market. However, Cairo is huge and if you are a bit further away, the easiest option might be to take an UBER, which is affordable and safe in Egypt.
Find the Google location of the old town HERE. Make sure to also explore the surrounding streets and get lost!
8. Bedouin Lodge, Luxor
This small lodge in Luxor also makes it on my list of TOP hidden gems in Egypt.
When I was looking for a hotel to stay at, I was mainly just looking to book a cheap hotel with decent reviews, so I ended up here. The accommodation is simple, but in a super cool and authentic bedouin style and especially their outdoor area is something very special. What is amazing as well, is their food-to-table dining. My meals here were my favourite during my entire trip! The Bedouin Lodge is conveniently located on the West Bank, very close to the Valley of the Kings and other points of interest. If you are looking for a really cool and affordable place to stay, I can highly recommend this place. Check them out HERE.
How to get to the Bedouin Lodge?
As mentioned above, the lodge is located on the West Bank. If you are arriving to Luxor by train or bus, you will be dropped off on the East Bank. From there you take the public ferry (leaving every few minutes for 10 EGP and when you arrive to the West Bank, you can either hire a tuk tuk, taxi or join a minibus.
It is also possible to walk, but takes about 20-30 minutes from the ferry. THIS is the Google Location of the Bedouin Lodge.
How much is it so stay at the Bedouin Lodge?
Very affordable, starting at about 25 USD per room/night.
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!
