Exploring Egypt off the beaten path

Although it’s among the world’s most tourist-attracting nations, plenty of visitors to Egypt only check out the headline landmarks: Giza’s pyramid, the Sphinx, Karnak, and so on. A country with such a long, fascinating history — and an intriguing geography — naturally has much more to offer. In this article, we explore unique things to do in Egypt that are better known to locals — such as our travel experts — than tourists. These range from hidden tombs and ancient temples to jaw-dropping natural wonders.

Beyond the most famous Egypt sites

Ancient engineering at The Bent Pyramid of Dahshur

The centerpiece of the Dahshur necropolis predates its more famous counterpart in Giza. As the first pyramid of Old Kingdom-era Egypt (c. 2,600 BCE) to have smooth sides, it clearly influenced the Great Pyramid’s construction. The Bent Pyramid’s name comes from its strangely angled top (43 degrees as opposed to the main structure’s 54-degree inclination).

As it only opened to the public in 2019, it remains a somewhat hidden gem despite being among Egypt’s most beautiful places. Visitors can enter through the northern side and explore two chambers within this monument to Sneferu, first of the Fourth Dynasty pharaohs. However, the exact location of Sneferu’s tomb remains unknown.

The Tomb of Khaemwaset

This tomb in Luxor’s Valley of the Queens is a highlight of its complex. Khaemwaset himself was historically unremarkable, but the excellent preservation of his tomb makes it a fascinating window into Egypt’s late Bronze Age (c. l,200-1,100 BCE).

The corridors and rooms feature astonishingly detailed art in the New Kingdom style. These images depict Khaemwaset, his father, and many deities of ancient Egypt’s pantheon.

Marvels of Dendera

While many beeline for the astonishing sight of the sandstone-hued Hathor Temple, there’s quite a bit more to see at Dendera.

For example, numerous signs of Egypt’s Roman-ruled period remain intact. The barely Gateway of Domitian and Trajan, named for Rome’s emperors from 81-117 CE, guards the northern entrance. Even more well-maintained is a Roman mammisi (small temple). In addition to architecture that clearly identifies its creators, it features reliefs in which Roman emperors worship Egyptian gods.

Like Hathor Temple, virtually all other complex structures are worship-related. These include a small temple to Isis, the now-dry Sacred Lake (marked by a palm tree cluster at its center), a mammisi honoring Egypt’s last native pharaoh Nectanebo II, and much more.

Deir el-Medina

Learning about the laborers who built these tombs is essential to understanding their historical significance. The preserved New Kingdom-era workers’ quarters at Deir el-Medina in Luxor allow travelers to do just that.

Though various artifacts from Deir el-Medina made their way to museums, the ruins remain an impressive sight. The level of organization in what’s left of these structures, ranging from homes to tombs, is remarkable, speaking to ancient Egypt’s consistent ingenuity.

Excavation of the site has revealed the richness of Egyptian working-class life (unlike the oldest pyramids, paid laborers built the Valley of the Kings), with evidence of everything from love songs to religious celebrations.

Read more: 10 of the best things to do in Egypt

Egypt’s underrated natural wonders

White Desert National Park

As its name implies, this preserve in the Sahara Desert’s Farafra depression stands out for its stark white rock formations made of limestone, quartz and calcium. Many appear to sprout from the ground into seemingly impossible shapes, creating an eerie, almost alien effect in areas like the Valley of Agabat. You may spot some wildlife while visiting, including Barbary sheep, red and fennec foxes, and two endangered gazelle species (the rhim and dorcas).

Black Desert and Crystal Mountain

Just as heavy wind and erosion shaped the minerals of the White Desert into chalk-colored shapes, volcanic activity created the basalt sills in the northern Sahara’s Black Desert. Its arid climate leaves little room for wildlife, but you’ll be too awed by the geological wonders to think of much else.

Close by, Crystal Mountain breaks up the dark hues of the Black Desert. The outcropping’s quartz and calcite shimmer beautifully in the sun and must be seen to be believed.

Wadi al-Hitan (Whale Valley)

This protected area in the Faiyum Governate earns its nickname from the hundreds of whale fossils excavated within its borders. The skeletons of Wadi al-Hitan provide a link between whales of then and now, as these were amphibious creatures. Along with the partial skeletons open to public view, you may see wildlife including fennec foxes, Egyptian wolves, and Cape hares.

Siwa Oasis

For a bridge between the natural and urban in Egypt, visit Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert. Though austere desert landscapes surround it, Siwa itself is bustling with human activity.

Siwi Berbers in traditional stone houses comprise the majority population, and you can (respectfully) observe their traditions and buy unique crafts including pottery and jewelry. Meanwhile, eco-lodge-style resorts within the oasis offer modern amenities and easy access to salt lakes and hot springs.

Underground Egypt: mysterious caves and passages

The Cave Church

In the Mokattam Hills near Zabbaleen City, overlooking Cairo, a massive natural cave has been adapted into a Coptic Orthodox church capable of seating 20,000. The rock walls feature painstakingly detailed reliefs of Christian imagery and create remarkable acoustics for local cultural and religious festivals.

Alexandria’s Catacombs

Formally known as Maqābir Kūm al-Shuqāfah, these tombs below Alexandria exemplify the fusion of ancient cultures and faiths that’s always been characteristic of the city.

In the architecture of the catacombs’ passages — and the papyri, statues, and other art throughout — you’ll see Egyptian, Greek, and Roman imagery. Sometimes, figures from Roman or Greek history will have Egyptian clothing or symbols, as seen in the stunning stone reliefs near the main tomb chamber.

Beyond the resorts: alternative Red Sea adventures

Ras Muhummad National Park

Found at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, this sanctuary protects flora and fauna alike. The reefs along the coastline feature more than 200 coral species, which you can explore (with park officials’ permission) using snorkeling or scuba gear. You might get lucky and spot a sea turtle zipping by. On land, there’s nearly a hectare of mangrove forest, as well as wadis (river valleys) and desert areas.

Blue Hole: world-class freediving

Slightly to the northeast of Ras Muhammad, you’ll find one of the world’s most famous diving sites. Despite that fame, the Blue Hole of Dahab isn’t always atop lists of activities in Egypt because it’s not what you’d call beginner-friendly. Any program managing Blue Hole dives will expect a Tech 60 diving certification and high-level swimming skills.

For the properly trained and scuba-equipped, the Blue Hole is an astonishing experience and diving there is certainly one of the most unique things to do in Egypt. It’s 328ft (about 100m) down at the deepest part of the main hole. Countless marine species can be seen, including lionfish, moray eels, octopus, and (sometimes) reef sharks.

The Colored Canyon

Well north of Dahab and further back from the Sinai coast lies another site ideal for adventure travelers. The Colored Canyon is more than 12 miles (20km) from the nearest town, and though it’s barely a half-mile long, the ruggedness of the terrain makes it seem much longer.

That said, it’s well worth it for moderately skilled hikers. Because it emerged from the Red Sea over millennia, mineral oxidation in the limestone and sandstone has created an extremely rich spectrum of red and brown hues in the rock. At first sight, the Colored Canyon looks… well, almost painted. Animal inhabitants include brown bats, numerous lizards, desert squirrels, ibex, and foxes.

Read more: Tales from TravelLocal: David’s trip to Egypt

Unique things to do in Egypt: urban hidden gems

Cairo’s necropolis

Compared to the ancient tombs at Giza and Luxor, the urban necropolis in old Cairo receives much less attention. But it’s sneakily one of the most fascinating Egypt sites. Al Qarafa offers a glimpse at funerary practices among Egypt’s common people over many centuries (as far back as c. 640).

In both the northern and southern cemeteries, modest gravesites lie in proximity to opulent mausoleums. Al Qarafa also houses some of Cairo’s most beautiful mosques, with the glowing gold architecture of Al-Sayyida Nafisa standing out as a must-see.

Zamalek’s art galleries

Cairo is an artistic and cultural hub. As such, gallery-hopping in the Zamalek neighborhood ranks among the most underrated activities in Egypt’s capital. You’ll find showcases of multiple styles: the area’s namesake art gallery, for example, focuses on modern and contemporary Egyptian art, as do several others. Meanwhile, the Ubuntu and Demi galleries may feature more risk-taking exhibits.

Alexandria’s Modern Library and museums

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a fitting tribute to the Great Wonder of the World that inspired it. But as marvelous as the shorefront library is, it also contains some lesser-known museums that qualify as Egypt must-see sights.

For example, the Antiquities Museum’s artifact collection spans the country’s history from Pharaonic times to the Byzantine and Islamic monarchy eras. Of particular note is its collection of artifacts fished from the coastal waters, like pieces of limestone buildings from the lost city of Canopus.

Immersive activities and experiences

Pottery-making in Old Cairo

If seeking things to do in Egypt beyond sightseeing, why not get your hands a bit dirty? Old Cairo allows you to get in on the fun of this beloved local art. Many studios, including Fokhara Studio and Abouzeid Ceramics, have classes for all skill levels, so expertise isn’t required. Other spaces, like Darb 1718, showcase workshops for multiple arts (including pottery) and sometimes double as live music venues.

Papyrus workshops

Delve into the history of what can only be called an epochal development in written communication. You can find papyrus workshops in Cairo (at the Papyrus Museum), near Giza (at the Papyrus Institute), and in other major Egyptian cities. Some are more hands-on than others due to the fragility of preserved ancient papyri, but your local guide can help you find one that has interactive elements.

Felucca sailing with locals

Feluccas are small, sleek sailboats that Egyptians have used in transportation and hunting for millennia. They’re still important for transit in the Nile waters around cities closest to the river, like Luxor, and embarking on them is one of the most fun, unique things to do in Egypt.

Arranging a tour on one of these boats is fairly simple, as operators running them are all over the major cities. You’ll experience the Nile like you never would on a conventional cruise. Some even allow you to fish as you ride along the river’s steady currents.

Make it happen

Ready to plan a truly one-of-a-kind experience, filled to the brim with the most unique things to do in Egypt? Reach out to one of our local experts right away. They can ensure your itinerary covers the less-traveled destinations detailed above that catch your fancy, as well as anywhere else you’ve been hoping to visit on your trip to Egypt.