Things to Do in Egypt: Pyramids, Nile & Temples

Quick answer

The best things to do in Egypt are the Giza pyramids and Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, a three- or four-night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel. Add a Luxor balloon ride, a felucca sail in Aswan and Islamic Cairo's Khan el-Khalili. Plan seven to eight days for a first visit.

13 things worth your time in Egypt

01
Giza pyramids and the Great Sphinx
Landmark
The last standing wonder of the ancient world, plus the Sphinx and the panoramic viewpoint over all three pyramids.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹1,260 (EGP 700) plateau entry; inside the Great Pyramid about ₹1,620 (EGP 900) extra
Arrive at opening. Agree any camel or horse ride price in writing first, and ignore anyone who says the site is closed.
02
Grand Egyptian Museum
Landmark
The world's largest museum devoted to one civilisation, beside the Giza plateau, with the full Tutankhamun collection and a colossal Ramesses II statue in the atrium.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹2,600–3,300 (EGP 1,450–1,830); prices rising in late 2026
Book a timed slot online through the official portal only; several look-alike websites exist.
03
Saqqara and Dahshur
Landmark
The Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone monument of its scale, and the Bent and Red Pyramids, which you can enter with few crowds.
Half dayAbout ₹900–1,300 (EGP 500–700) for Saqqara; Dahshur extra
Combine with Giza only if you start early; otherwise give it its own morning.
04
Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili
Shopping
Medieval mosques, gates and caravanserais around Al-Muizz Street, ending in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar for brass, spices and lamps.
3–4 hoursFree to walk; small fees at some mosques
Go late afternoon into evening. Bargain firmly; first prices are often double.
05
Coptic Cairo
Landmark
The Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue and Roman fortress walls in a compact, walkable quarter.
2 hoursChurches free; Coptic Museum small fee
Dress modestly and avoid Sunday morning services.
06
Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor
Experience
The classic way to see Upper Egypt, stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu temples, with river views from the sun deck.
3–4 nightsAbout ₹28,000–60,000 per person, full board, twin share
Ask whether guided visits and entry tickets are included. Many Indian-friendly cruises add a dal or paneer dish on request.
07
Karnak and Luxor temples
Landmark
Karnak's Hypostyle Hall has 134 giant columns; Luxor Temple is best lit at night, linked to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.
4 hoursAbout ₹1,000–1,300 (EGP 550–750) each
Karnak in the early morning, Luxor Temple after dark.
08
Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple
Landmark
Painted royal tombs cut into the West Bank cliffs, and the terraced mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut nearby.
Half dayAbout ₹1,350 (EGP 750) for three tombs; Tutankhamun and Seti I extra
Start at 6 am in any season; the valley traps heat by 11 am.
09
Luxor hot-air balloon
Experience
Sunrise over the West Bank temples, villages and the Nile from about 1,000 m.
3–4 hours including pickupAbout ₹5,000–12,000 (USD 55–135) depending on season
Choose an operator with a good safety record; flights are cancelled in high winds.
10
Abu Simbel
Day trip
Two temples of Ramesses II, moved block by block in the 1960s to escape Lake Nasser. One of Egypt's most impressive sights.
Full day from AswanAbout ₹1,350–1,550 (EGP 750–850) entry plus transport
The road trip is about 3.5 hours each way from Aswan, leaving around 4 am. A short flight is easier for seniors.
11
Philae Temple
Landmark
The Temple of Isis on an island in the Nile, relocated like Abu Simbel and set beautifully on the water.
2 hoursAbout ₹1,000 (EGP 550) plus boat
Agree the boat fare at the jetty before boarding.
12
Felucca sail and Nubian village, Aswan
Experience
A sailing boat past Elephantine Island at sunset, and colourful Nubian houses on the West Bank.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹550–1,100 (EGP 300–600) per boat for an hour
Sunset is best; carry small notes for tips.
13
Red Sea snorkelling (Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh)
Nature
Some of the most accessible coral reefs in the world, a one-hour flight or a long drive from Luxor.
Full dayBoat trips about ₹2,600–5,300 (USD 30–60)
Add two or three nights at the end of the trip if you want a beach break.

How many days do you need in Egypt?

Seven to eight days is right for a first trip: three in Cairo and Giza, three or four on a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, and Abu Simbel from Aswan. Ten days lets you add the Red Sea. Our eight-day plan is on the itineraries page.

Ticket costs add up

Egypt has raised entry fees for foreigners several times since 2024. At late-2026 rates, a typical first trip spends roughly ₹12,000–18,000 per person on entry tickets alone, before guides. The Grand Egyptian Museum is the single most expensive ticket, and an increase was reported from November 2026. Budget for this on Egypt trip cost, and carry a card that works abroad, since many ticket offices are now cashless. A forex card is simpler than juggling US dollars.

Touts, tips and comfort

Giza, Karnak and Khan el-Khalili have persistent touts. A polite, firm "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and walking on works. Tipping (baksheesh) is expected for guides, drivers, cruise staff and toilet attendants; carry small notes in Egyptian pounds.

Dress modestly in towns and at religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered. Sun protection matters even in winter, because temple sites have little shade. Drink bottled water only, and go easy on raw salads for the first few days if your stomach is sensitive.

Choose your months carefully: Luxor and Aswan regularly pass 40°C from May to September. See best time to visit Egypt.

Indian passport holders need a visa before flying in most cases; see our Egypt visa guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Nile cruise worth it?

For most first-time visitors, yes. A three- or four-night cruise between Aswan and Luxor combines transport, hotel, meals and temple stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu. It is relaxing between busy sightseeing days. Choose a cruise that includes guided visits, and confirm vegetarian options before you pay.

Can I go inside the Great Pyramid?

Yes, with a separate ticket of about EGP 900 on top of plateau entry. The passage is narrow, steep and humid, and the chamber inside is bare. It is not suitable for anyone claustrophobic or with knee or heart problems. The Red Pyramid at Dahshur is a cheaper, quieter alternative.

Is Abu Simbel worth the early start?

Yes. The temples are among the most impressive in Egypt, and their rescue from Lake Nasser is a remarkable story. Road trips leave Aswan around 4 am and take about 3.5 hours each way. Seniors and families with young children should consider the short flight instead.

How much should I budget for entry tickets in Egypt?

At late-2026 rates, a typical seven- or eight-night trip covering Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel and Philae costs roughly ₹12,000–18,000 per person in tickets. Extra tombs, such as Tutankhamun's, add more.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.