How to Tour Egypt like a Tourist

When you live your life in Egypt next to the Nile and Pyramids, you tend to take their beauty and history for granted. We forget that we drive by the longest river in the world that flows opposite to all the rest. That we have one of the most popular and most treasured original Seven Wonders of the World in our backyard. That in a building we call a museum, we hold the bodies of the greatest rulers of ancient times. Egypt is a place of wonder and history that is more than worth being explored by its own citizens and here’s how.

Pyramids

The must go to place in Egypt, and an international bucket list item. The Pyramids are the gigantic resting places of the past rulers of Egypt and are a mandatory must see for any Egyptian. Not only are there amazing sights, such as the Sphinx and Khufu, Khafra, and Munkaraa, but there are also camel rides, horse rides and carriage rides that can take you from wonder to wonder.

Nile Cruise

The Nile. Not only it is magnificent in its size and nature, but it is also the sole reason an Ancient Civilization, as great as Egypt, could have been built. Creating fertile lands and an agricultural system that helped stem life and society, the Nile and civilizations among it are some of the best to explore. The best way to immerse yourself into the realms of history of the Nile is to ride the river itself. There are many cruise options offered that will allow you to travel and discover the ancient temples and societies of Ancient Egypt, from Hatshepsut’s temple to the actual Valley of the Dead. See the original resting places of ancient historical figures whilst admiring the natural fertility the Nile provides to its banks.

Moez Street

Moez Street is one of the attractions that you can go to over and over again and still find yourself discovering. The endless amount of streets, vendors and buildings all provide the explorer with a sense of culture and history. The beautiful mosques that also reside in the street are in themselves a must see, as their beautiful architecture is enough to make anyone stare in awe. The street is also filled to the brim with shops that will sell anything from embroidered bags to vibrant scarves that are all priced at a bargain.

Alexandrian Library

Imagine if all your favorite ancient scholars were alive and gathered in one place. That is the essence of the Alexandrian Library. Holding the most ancient scripts of all time including a whole wall dedicated to papyrus scrolls, the museum is the written embodiment of Ancient Egyptian history. This already incredible structure also has the benefit of being one of the most unique and beautiful pieces of architecture in the world. If not for the books or the buildings, come for the artifacts that are also held in the Library. If there’s one way to take yourself back in time, it’s this.

Explore Downtown Cairo

Downtown Cairo is one of the most authentically Egyptian places you can explore. The streets and buildings are as old as some of Egypt’s biggest events in recent history. The small café’s, shops and underground shows embody a true cultural experience. Take yourself back to Egypt in the sixties by simply walking the streets of Downtown.

The Egyptian Museum

Nothing is easier and more interesting than visiting the Museum of Egypt. Strewn with numerous beautiful and historic artifacts, the museum takes you back to the most ancient civilization in history. Not to mention that the museum itself holds the actual mummies of some of the most important Ancient Egyptian figures from Hatshepsut to King Tut. Surround yourself in the actual presence of pharaohs with this must do tourist attraction.

By Nour Ibrahim