Egypt, home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, has documented history going back 5,000 years. It’s the home of the pyramids and thousands of other architectural marvels that draw millions of tourists annually.
If you’ve booked a holiday to Egypt in 2025, check out our guide on discovering its ancient culture below.
Explore Egypt’s Iconic Historical Sites
Egypt holidays aren’t complete without a trip to the pyramids. Spend a day at Giza to marvel at its pyramid complex. You’ll spot the pyramids of Pharaohs Menkaure, Khufu, and Khafra, as well as the largest in the world, which belonged to Khufu, the second king of the Fourth Dynasty.
The ancient city also boasts the Great Sphinx of Giza, a giant statue of a reclining sphinx. The limestone representation of the mythical creature has a lion’s body and a human’s head and is believed to represent the pharaoh Khafre.
In ancient Thebes, Luxor Temple boasts colossal statues of Ramses II and an avenue of sphinxes that once led to Karnak Temple to the north. Afterwards, head to the vast Karnak Temple Complex. Over 200 acres, you’ll spot a mix of temples and chapels, with the Great Hypostyle Hall featuring 134 columns arranged in 16 rows.
Dive into Culture: Museums and Living History
Visit world-class museums to enhance your understanding of Egypt’s heritage. In Cairo’s Tahrir Square, the Egyptian Museum has one of the country’s most comprehensive local history and art libraries. It’s home to over 120,000 items from ancient Egypt, including mummies, statues, reliefs, and pottery from the early dynastic period through the relatively ancient Greco-Roman era. The King Tutankhamun Collection is one of the most fascinating. It offers an unparalleled look into the extreme wealth and grandeur of the ancient royal family, which Howard Carter discovered in 1922 when he uncovered Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The preserved remains of pharaohs in the Royal Mummy Room provide a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s funerary practices. The preservation techniques, which aimed to keep the deceased intact for their journey into the afterlife, have stood the test of time.
Savour the Culinary Traditions
Egyptian cuisine reflects its diverse history, with staple dishes created as cultures integrated over time. Ful medames is an essential meal traditionally eaten at breakfast. It consists of a stew of fava beans, garlic, onions, olive oil, and lemon and pairs well with flatbread and pita. Koshari is a staple Egyptian comfort food. The carbohydrate-heavy meal consists of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and fried onions. It is a budget-friendly option that will fuel you for your trips around the country.
Umm Ali is a must-try for dessert. It’s often compared to bread pudding due to its puff pastry soaked in sweet milk and topped with coconut flakes, raisins, and nuts. Enjoy it with a scoop or two of ice cream to finish off your meal.
