Egypt, a land where imposing ancient wonders meet vibrant modern cities, continues to captivate travellers year after year. It’s not hard to see why, when the country interweaves millennia of history so effortlessly with contemporary life.
If you’re wondering where to holiday in 2025, we have the must-visit places to add to your itinerary. Here’s our guide to Egypt‘s most compelling destinations:
1. Cairo
The beating heart of Egypt, Cairo demands exploration beyond its famed pyramids. This sprawling metropolis reveals layers of history at every turn, with no better place to start than in the Khan al-Khalili. This centuries-old bazaar enchants with its labyrinthine alleys, where artisans craft their wares and the scent of spices lingers in the air.
From there, head to the City of the Dead (or al-Qarafa), an approximately 4 mile belt of cemeteries and mausoleums along the eastern edge of historic Cairo. The living and the dead exist side-by-side, as they have since the first palaces and residences were built amongst the grave sites by the 10th-century Fatimid dynasty.
For history lovers and amateur Egyptologists, another cultural draw is the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on the outskirts of the city, accessible only by private car or taxi at present. The phased opening of the complex means that the King Tutankhamun collection still resides in the old Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo for now; however, there are already multiple galleries housing over 15,000 artefacts open to the public in the GEM as of early 2025.
2. Faiyum
Just a short journey south from Cairo is Faiyum, a fertile region with two designated areas protected by the Egyptian government: Lake Qarun and Wadi Rayan National Park. Visit Lake Qarun during migration season to see its shoreline transform as thousands of flamingos paint the landscape pink. Wadi Rayan National Park also offers excellent wildlife sightings, with native species such as white gazelles, Egyptian gazelles, sand foxes and fennec foxes.
Perhaps Faiyum’s most remarkable protected area, however, is the Valley of the Whales (Wadi al-Hitan). At this UNESCO World Heritage site, marvel at the ancient whale fossils resting in the desert sands, a vivid illustration of this magnificent ocean-dwelling creature’s previous life as a land-based mammal. The fossils depict the final stages of the archaeocetes losing their hind limbs as they adapt to their new life under the water.
3. Wadi El Natrun
For those wondering where to go in Egypt to see time stand still, northwest of Faiyum lies Wadi El Natrun. Nestled between Cairo and Alexandria, the valley provides a peaceful retreat with deeply spiritual roots. Remaining an active hub of worship and study, the region is home to four ancient monasteries whose practicing monks welcome visitors. During your guided visit, you can learn more about their Coptic Orthodox heritage through art, literature and architecture.
4. Marsa Matruh
Further northwest, where the desert meets the Mediterranean, is the famed coastline of Marsa Matruh. A different side of Egypt, it is punctuated by hidden coves with clear waters. Make your way to Cleopatra’s Beach – not for swimming, but to see the towering rock formations, as well as the natural rock pool where legend holds the queen herself enjoyed a dip beside lover Mark Antony.
5. Western Desert
For a more remote experience, venture beyond the Nile Valley into the Western Desert. Within this vast geographical area lie the White and Black Deserts, both offering striking contrasts to delight the amateur and professional photographer alike. The White Desert, near to the Farafra Oasis, is home to wind-carved chalk formations which create an almost lunar landscape. The Black Desert, located by the Bahariya Oasis, consists of hot springs and dramatic black volcanic hills.
Extend your tour of the area to cover the Siwa Oasis, emerging like a mirage from the golden sands. First connected to the outside world by a tarmac road in the 1980s, this town has been described as “the stuff of desert daydreams” by Lonely Planet for a reason. The Siwa Oasis is a world away from the crowds of bigger cities such as Cairo and Alexandria.
6. St Catherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai
On the opposite side of the country, the Sinai Peninsula awaits. A UNESCO World Heritage site at the base of Mount Sinai, St Catherine’s Monastery is the real draw for travellers as the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery. It is also said to be the site at which God appeared to Moses in the burning bush.
The monastery is renowned for its museum and library, both of which are open to the public after significant restoration work. The museum contains many precious artefacts and icons, whilst the library houses a priceless collection of ancient manuscripts and illuminated bibles.
From the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene shores of the Mediterranean, taking an Egyptian holiday in 2025 is a chance to explore the country’s many faces at your own pace. Explore our Egypt holiday ideas to discover more, or get in touch with one of our experts to start planning your trip.
