Egypt is a destination that is near the top of every world traveler’s bucket list. Egyptophile or not, you cannot help but be awed by Egypt’s jaw-dropping monuments and history as a powerful civilization that laid the foundations for modern life. Selecting 20 photos to inspire you to visit Egypt was not easy! From chaotic Cairo in the north to laid back Aswan in the south, the present is always juxtaposed with the past. It was a childhood dream to visit the land of the mighty Pharaohs and immerse myself in the enthralling history seen in movies and documentaries. Memories of my most epic journey to date are still vivid and I always dream of returning!
Reasons why I chose these 20 photos to inspire you to visit Egypt
The Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza
I know they’re ultra touristy, but the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx are a MUST. Why? They’re the last of the 7 Wonders of the ancient world!
I kissed a girl and I liked it!
Behold the ancient grandeur!
The Egyptian Museum, Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a glorious treasure trove of relics for history lovers. See the mask and possessions of the boy-king King Tutankhamen! And be sure to visit the Royal Mummies collection to view some of the most important rulers in ancient history!
What’re you waiting for…let’s go!
The Luxor Temple
Modern day Luxor was once the location of the city of Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt. The Luxor Temples will blow your mind with their colossal statues, obelisks and pillars. Dedicated to the worship of sun god Amun, they were important political and religious centers. Luxor Temple was once connected to the Temple of Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes, however, only small number remains today.
I felt as insignificant as an ant before these colossi of Pharaoh Ramses II !
Giant obelisk of red granite at the Luxor Temple
Statues of Pharaoh Ramses II as the god Osiris
The Karnak Temple, Luxor
The Karnak Temple was a city of temples that was extremely important as contact point between sun god Amun, the supreme deity, and the Pharaoh, who represented the people. As I mentioned above, the temple was connected to the Luxor temples via an avenue of Sphinxes.
The Incomparable Karnak Temple with Avenue of Rams
Close up shot of the Rams with figures of the Pharaoh between their hooves.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings
The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut was built by Egypt’s first female ruler of the same name. This audacious woman seized power from her young stepson, Thutmose III, and declared herself Pharaoh! She built this vast tomb complex for herself in the Valley of the Kings.
Horus, the falcon headed god
Hathor – goddess of fertility, motherhood and beauty
Abu Simbel Temples, Aswan
Aswan is home to the spectacular UNESCO Heritage site, the Abu Simbel Temples. The temple compound consists of the Great Temple and Small Temple. Both were built by Ramses II to commemorate his battle victory against the Hittites and to honour himself and his favourite wife, Queen Nefertari.
Great Temple of Abu Simbel
Ramses II and his favourite wife, Nefertari
Queen Nefertari, Ramses II most beloved wife
Nile River Cruise, Aswan
A river cruise is a great way to relax and view the gorgeous scenery of the Nile. Purchase lunch on your way back from touring the Abu Simbel Temples and enjoy it onboard. Later, take a refreshing dip in the cool river waters!
Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile !
My guesthouse’s river boat that cruises the Nile river!
We’re all aware of recent travel advisories and security concerns regarding Egypt. Note however, that if an incident happens in one area it doesn’t mean that the entire country is in an uproar! As with all destinations, exercise common sense and be vigilant. I hope my 20 selected photos will pique your interest and inspire you to visit this amazing country!
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47 Comments
Vanessa Shields
at 1:12 PMWonderful photos! Eygpt is high on my list of places to visit. You captured Eygpt beautifully!
Vanessa Shields
at 1:09 PMSuch beautiful photos! Eygpt is super high on my bucket list as the history is so interesting. You captured Eygpt beautifully!
Rashel Ahmed
at 5:43 AMWonderful article, Really Appreciate your article. Thanks for sharing your article.
eli
at 9:32 AMEgypt’s been on my list for such a long time. I love that there’s so much more than just the pyramids to see!
Natasha
at 12:06 PMThe photos are top-notch! They make me look at Egypt from a different point of view. By the way, I write about Russia on my blog.
sarah
at 10:23 PMOh we almost booked a trip to Egypt a couple years ago when my son was just one year old but we backed out at the last minute because we were hesitant to travel there with a baby if we ran into any troubles. I’m so glad you felt safe! I really hope we can visit soon!!
Richa
at 3:28 PMBoth me and my husband love history which is why Egypt has been such an important place in our hearts. However, we have yet not made a hike up there. These photos have definitely inspired me to get back in gear to plan that dream trip! 🙂
Viviane Claire Feeney
at 7:11 AM‘I kissed a girl and I liked it’; XD.
I liked the photo of the Abu Simbel Temples with the palm trees & bright sun in the background behind the engraved columns.
Sun Surf & Coconut x
sunsurfandcoconut.blogspot.com
Mayuri Patel
at 1:40 AMI love ancient temples and architectures.Definately egypt is on wish list and your lovely pictures giving me some travel goals;its amazing.
JEN
at 1:30 AMI am so extremely interested in Egypt! I’ve watched so many documentaries and it is definitely on the bucket list to visit one day. Thanks for sharing!
Mayuri
at 12:00 AMI am raising my hand! I definitely wish to visit Egypt! Your pictures are amazing, so jealous 🙂
queenie
at 11:44 PMI’m convinced!! These photos look so amazing! It must feel so surreal when you were there. Thanks for sharing!
Kris
at 11:05 PMI love your quirky pictures at these landmarks. Those are exactly the kinds of fun shots I like to take on vacation. I’ve dreamed of visiting the pyramids for years, but I wasn’t at all familiar with the temples. I’d love to learn more about them!
Katie Dickinson
at 9:26 PMLove the note about being careful listening to news stories – you’re totally right that just because something bad is happening in one area doesn’t mean that the whole country is in turmoil! I would looove to go to Egypy (and I love river cruises – they usually offer an interesting historical perspective that you don’t get on land!)
Shivani
at 5:20 AMI am a history fan and visiting Egyptian pyramids is my bucket list. Your pictures are absolutely stunning, how did you capture pictures with literally negligible tourists?
Victoria Hawkins
at 7:02 PMThanks so much luv! I’d say visiting Egypt in the summertime (off-season) and going early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds certainly contributed!
Nicky
at 6:31 AMAs something of a historian, I’m loving these! I’d absolutely love to visit, though I admit that security fears have put me off – these photos are making me rethink that! Thanks for sharing!
Victoria Hawkins
at 7:05 PMMy family and I had those concerns also but note that disturbances happening in one area rarely affect the entire nation.
Ruth
at 8:42 PMYour post brings back so many memories! I visited all the places you presented in here a long time ago. There is no doubt Egypt is a unique place. It feels like a different world. So, I understand why you chose these pictures. I read the Egyptian Museum was renovated and improved. I would like to go back and see the new exhibits. The museum itself is an all-day affair.
Krystle
at 6:45 PMIncredible photos!! Egypt is definitely on my bucket list now 🙂
Annei Soul
at 4:50 PMI’ve been to Luxor – the Valley of the Kings and Queens is fab, especially the tomb of Nefertari which was spectacular. Need to visit Cairo and Aswan though, thanks for the reminder 🙂
Heidi
at 4:44 PMHehe! You nailed every cliche photo of Egypt possible plus added some amazing ones of your own. Eygpt is so full of wonderful sights to see, that we have to get there one day soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
Nerissa
at 2:51 PMI’ve always wanted to visit here, but I’ve been hesitant as a female solo traveler. I think I’d look into a tour or something if i ever visited. Lovely pictures.
Louise
at 2:04 PMI’ve always been very facinated with Egypt and it’s definitely on my bucketlist to visit😍 loved your photos!
Tanya
at 1:34 PMYou are cracking me up with your iconic photos pointing to and holding iconic pyramids. It looks like you had fun!
Viola
at 3:46 AMYou nailed those poses with the phinx and pyramid! So cool!
Aga
at 6:43 AMThese photos brought some good memories! I really enjoyed my time in Egypt, maybe I should come back one day 🙂
Abbie
at 10:01 AMYour forced perspective photos really show what a fun adventure you had! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project
at 1:33 PMWow these photos are awesome! I look forward to visiting Egypt one day for sure. It’s definitely on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing.
Chirasree Banerjee
at 10:57 AMWow! You inspired me Victoria. You gave me a mega dose of wanderlust! I would love to read about the Colossi of Ramses II, Luxor Temple. If you share it, I will be your first reader.
Victoria Hawkins
at 1:09 PMI’m so glad, thank you! I’m looking forward to writing some long overdue posts about my Egyptian adventures very soon!
Janine Good
at 11:04 PMThese are fab! I was supposed to see Egypt in 2013 but my tour had to divert due to unrest. Your photos inspire me to try and go again. Love the photo of you and the Sphinx.
Victoria Hawkins
at 1:10 PMI had concerns about unrest during my visit but thank goodness my trip was incident free. There’s much that I haven’t seen and want to revisit!
Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World
at 8:38 AMWhat an epic opportunity to be able to explore this amazing country. You have definitely inspired. It’s amazing how well preserved so much of the ancient Egyptian monuments and temples are to this day. Super cool. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Victoria Hawkins
at 10:01 AMThank you very much! I want to do more posts on this amazing destination, one isn’t enough!
Victoria
at 9:01 PMI was already convinced a while ago that I need to go but your photos sealed the deal! Looks like you had an awesome time!
Victoria Hawkins
at 9:59 AMI did this post wondering…do people really need to be inspired to visit Egypt of all places ???? LOL. The relics and monuments are awesome to behold. I simply can’t forget the place!
Summer
at 8:57 PMThese photos are awesome! My favorite is the fourth one! So much personality. Was it crowded when you went? Were you able to speak to locals who live next to the Nile? How did they feel about living in such a historic place? Thanks for sharing your pictures!
Victoria Hawkins
at 10:06 AMThanks so much! Surprisingly the Pyramids weren’t terribly crowded when we went in the afternoon. We were able to move freely with our guide Ali. In Aswan, we stayed at a BnB run by a local with local Nubian staff. Egyptians are proud of their ancient history!
Michelle
at 8:25 PMIncredible. I feel like Egypt is one of those places that you just have to see to believe. It’s on my list for sure!
Suzy
at 7:10 PMThese photos are SO great! I just love the fun illusory ones. You’re totally right, it’s certainly on everyone’s bucket list. I really hope I get the chance to visit one day and this just reminds me why. Great post!
Abby Jo Bowes
at 3:21 PMugh so jealous! this is huge on my bucket list
lena
at 2:35 PMI am so fascinated by old Egyptian mysteries and stories about Faraos and treasures. I must really move it higher on my bucket list. Beautiful pictures
Anu
at 1:05 PMAncient cities are my thing. Visiting Egypt is on my list and your post and brilliant photos inspire me even more to plan a trip.
Victoria Hawkins
at 1:13 PMThanks so much! It’s a bucketlist item for sure!
Sami
at 12:50 PMHow did you manage to get hardly anyone in the background? I have heard that some of those places are always busy! I want to go to Egypt so bad but I have heard that harassment is a real issue when you travel as a solo female. I may wait and go with someone!
Victoria Hawkins
at 1:18 PMI went to visit my cousin in summertime, so the off-season coupled with going extra early in the morning got me some better pics. We had a great guide called Ali Ahmed who did tours with us and that kept the harassment at bay at the sites. Harassment is real though, nobody does anything out of the goodness of their heart over there, they always want a tip! As a solo female, I recommend a tour guide or group.