Things to Visit in Egypt: A Complete Guide to the Types of Tourism in Egypt

Egypt has long been a dream destination for travellers from the UK, combining iconic history with year-round sunshine, varied landscapes, and exceptional value. While many visitors associate the country with pyramids and temples, Egypt actually offers a wide spectrum of tourism experiences that suit couples, families, groups, and solo travellers alike.

From sailing the Nile and exploring ancient cities to relaxing on Red Sea beaches or venturing deep into the desert, the things to visit in Egypt go far beyond a single travel style. Understanding the different types of tourism available can help travellers plan a more rewarding, well-balanced trip.

This article explores the major forms of tourism in Egypt, highlighting key destinations, experiences, and why each type appeals so strongly to UK travellers.

1. Cultural and Historical Tourism in Egypt

Cultural and historical tourism is the foundation of Egypt’s global appeal and remains one of the most important reasons people visit the country. Egypt is home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations, with monuments that span thousands of years of recorded history.

Key cultural destinations include Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan. These cities offer direct access to temples, tombs, museums, and archaeological sites that are central to understanding ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Visitors can explore the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, walk through the vast temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, and descend into richly decorated royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Museums, including Cairo’s major collections, provide further insight into ancient art, daily life, and religious beliefs.

For UK travellers, cultural tourism in Egypt is especially appealing during autumn, winter, and spring, when temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing. Guided tours are common and highly recommended, as professional Egyptologists add depth and context to each site.

Cultural tourism also extends beyond ancient history. Islamic Cairo, Coptic churches, Ottoman architecture, and traditional bazaars offer a layered cultural experience that reflects Egypt’s long and complex past.

Giza Pyramids

2. Nile Cruise Tourism and Slow Travel Experiences

Nile cruise tourism is one of the most iconic and relaxing ways to experience Egypt. Sailing along the Nile allows travellers to visit multiple historical sites while enjoying a slower pace and high levels of comfort.

Most cruises operate between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at temples such as Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. Travellers wake up to river views, visit ancient landmarks during the day, and relax onboard in the evenings.

There are several cruise styles available, ranging from large luxury cruise ships to smaller, more intimate dahabiyas. This variety allows travellers to choose experiences that match their budget, privacy preferences, and travel pace.

For UK travellers, Nile cruises are especially attractive because they combine sightseeing, accommodation, and transport into one seamless experience. Cruises also suit a wide demographic, including couples, older travellers, and private groups who want a stress-free journey.

Nile cruise tourism is often combined with stays in Cairo or Red Sea resorts, creating a balanced itinerary that blends culture with relaxation. This makes Nile cruises a central pillar when considering the best things to visit in Egypt.

Nile River Tours

3. Beach and Resort Tourism on the Red Sea

Beach tourism is another major pillar of Egypt’s travel industry, particularly popular with UK travellers seeking sunshine during the winter months. The Red Sea coast offers warm weather, clear waters, and well-developed resort infrastructure.

Top beach destinations include Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam. These areas are known for all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly hotels, and world-class snorkelling and diving.

The Red Sea is famous for its coral reefs, making Egypt one of the best diving destinations globally. Even beginners can enjoy snorkelling directly from hotel beaches, while certified divers have access to shipwrecks and protected marine parks.

Beach tourism appeals to families, couples, and travellers who want a relaxing holiday with minimal travel between locations. Many UK visitors also choose to combine beach stays with cultural tours, offering a contrast between relaxation and exploration.

Egypt Beach Holidays

4. Adventure, Desert, and Nature Tourism

Beyond cities and resorts, Egypt offers dramatic natural landscapes that support adventure and eco-tourism. Desert tourism is growing in popularity, particularly among travellers looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

The Western Desert features oases, rock formations, and vast open landscapes ideal for desert safaris, sandboarding, and stargazing. The White Desert, with its chalk formations, is one of Egypt’s most visually striking natural attractions.

Nature-focused tourism also includes protected areas, coastal lagoons, and birdwatching sites. These experiences appeal to travellers who want a deeper connection with Egypt’s natural environment rather than a purely historical itinerary.

For UK travellers, desert and adventure tourism is often combined with private guides and customised itineraries, ensuring safety and comfort while exploring remote areas.

Egypt Desert tours

5. Family, Group, and Special-Interest Tourism

Egypt has become increasingly popular for family holidays, private group tours, and special-interest travel. Many attractions are suitable for children, especially when itineraries are paced thoughtfully and include interactive experiences.

Family tourism often combines cultural highlights with beach resorts or short Nile cruises. Resorts with kids’ clubs and shallow beaches make Egypt a practical choice for families travelling from the UK.

Private group tourism is another growing segment. These trips cater to families, friends, colleagues, and influencer-led groups who want to travel together on a private itinerary without joining strangers.

Special-interest tourism includes photography tours, wellness retreats, culinary experiences, and religious heritage travel. These tailored trips allow travellers to focus on specific passions while still experiencing Egypt’s main highlights.

This flexibility is one of the reasons Egypt continues to attract repeat visitors from the UK year after year.