Experiencing Egypt Beyond the Monuments

Updated on Jan 27, 2025 | Egypt e-Visa

Egypt’s pyramids, especially the Pyramids of Giza, are counted as one of the seven wonders of the world. Furthermore, the twin cities of Karnak and Luxor also make for great attractions. People also love visiting the tombs of Tutankhamun, the Abu Simbel temple, and more.

So, grab a travel Egypt visa now and experience new adventures. Now, you must be overwhelmed about which place you should visit first. This is why we decided to compile a list of places that you can visit, and experiences you should not miss out on below.

Exploring Egypt Beyond the Usual Tourist Attractions

You can consider doing something different apart from travelling when you visit Egypt. For example, you can walk through the ancient alleys, go deep sea diving, take hot air balloon rides, and more.

Now, some off-beat places you can visit apart from the popular sites are Saqqara, located to the south of the Pyramids of Giza.

You should also visit the Djoser Step Pyramid.

Furthermore, you should also visit the Manial Palace located in Cairo, after taking a stroll through the Khan al Khalili market. This palace is a unique one due to the influence of various architectural styles, like Ottoman, Andalusian, etc.

If you like spiritual places, you can explore the Abydos temple, which is believed to have mysterious powers. This is because this place is believed to be the spot where the Egyptian God Osiris’s head fell, after his brother, the Egyptian God Seth chopped his body into pieces.

Let’s now take a deep dive into the various experiences that you can have in Egypt after applying for your travel Egypt visa, that will help you make unforgettable memories for the rest of your life.

Culinary and Cultural Experiences

Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with it, Egyptian food is a combination of various cultural influences, due to its rich history.

Commonly, Egyptian cuisine consists of fragrant spices, beautiful dishes, and skilfully prepared pastries. It does not matter if you are making a trip to Hurghada, Cairo, or other places - wherever you go, you can taste the original flavours of Egypt.

You will find that Egyptian people mostly use fresh ingredients that are locally sourced. They obtain ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. from the Nile River Valley.

These ingredients lead to delicious flavours and vibrant colours on the dining table.

In traditional Egyptian homes, people eat with their hands and use baladi, a piece of warm pita, to scoop up food from their plates. Some traditional foods include Ful medames, Koshari, Falafel, and more.

You can try Koshari, one of the most iconic and beloved national dishes of Egypt. This dish is made with rice, pasta, fried onions, and lentils. Furthermore, we will recommend this dish as it is a comfort food and a must-try, especially for someone who might not have had it before.

Egyptian-style Ta’ameya is an all-time favourite street food. It is a falafel prepared from fava beans, and various spices and herbs. You can enjoy this dish with tahini sauce or warm pita bread. People properly make this during Ramadan.

You can also enjoy your trip by attending Egyptian art and music, and visiting museums with your travel Egypt visa.

Learn about the ancient music of Egypt which is a crucial part of the culture. The sound of ancient music is lost to history with instruments used in a melodic way.

You can also explore the local markets featuring crafts, and artifacts. There is a market called A Swan's Market, known for spices and Hurghada that offers a mix of beach-inspired souvenirs.

Adventure Activities in Egypt

Apply for a travel Egypt visa and experience various adventures in Egypt by partaking in adventure sports on the water, in the desert, and more.

For instance, you can choose to go for desert safaris and camel rides across the endless sand dunes. This will prove to be a memorable experience, during which you can enjoy the feeling of viewing the sunset and beholding the brilliant light of the stars under the night sky.

If you love water-based activities, you can consider going for activities like snorkelling, diving, etc. in Egypt. There are 2 main cities where you can experience these: Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.

You can view the impressive marine life and vibrant coral reefs when you take a dive into the Red Sea in the form of colourful exotic fish, historic shipwrecks, etc.

Relaxation and Wellness

There are many opportunities to unwind in Egypt. This is why you can visit a spa there to experience both their alternative and traditional treatments. For instance, you can opt for massages like the Pharaonic massage, jet lag recovery, etc.

For a more herbal approach, you can choose to go to herbal steam baths, after which you will be scrubbed down with loofah scrubs. We would recommend doing so after an entire day sightseeing, as it would make you feel fresh.

You can experience a traditional hammam in Egypt also. The treatment includes a steam session, a Kessa glove scrub, and ingredients like olive oils and herbs. You can also take a tour of places that include professional massage. The places are Alexandria, Cairo, Hurghada etc.

Unique Local Experiences

After relaxing, you can attend some cooking classes to stimulate your senses and apply those cooking techniques at home as well. Some popular dishes include Egyptian falafel, koshari, fiteer baladi, etc.

You can also shop for local ingredients at one of the various markets.

There are some ways to volunteer with local communities in Egypt. You can help in community development projects by educating locals about social injustice.

Support organizations that provide loans to small entrepreneurs.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Now, everyone feels like letting their hair down every once in a while when they go for a vacation. So, if you’re one of those people too, then you can join the natives when they host parties, or head to the best nightclubs after asking your hotel concierge.

If you are not that much of a party lover, then you can also enjoy a night view of the Nile River while having dinner on a cruise. You can also attend traditional dances and live music in places like the Cairo Opera House.

You can visit the Giza pyramids and experience the electrifying sound and light shows or go shopping at Cairo's old market. Additionally, you can also consider enjoying a barbecued dinner under the stars after a Saharan night safari, for a memorable experience.

Fly to Egypt Now with your Travel Visa

So, as we’ve mentioned previously, Egypt is more than just a destination for sightseeing. This means that it not only consists of the pyramids or temples but also vibrant cultural experiences and natural landscapes.

Additionally, it is a safe destination for adventurous and alternative travellers to explore. Hence, you can enjoy the cultural significance of this place by applying for a travel egypt visa to explore its hidden places.

Lastly, don’t forget to research the culture of the place you’re exploring, as this will help you enjoy your trip and respect the local traditions and customs as well.

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The Cairo International Airport has Egypt visa-on-arrival facilities only for eligible nationals. Ensure to get them from the visa counter at the airport arrival hall before the immigration process. Learn more at Tourist Guide to Cairo Egypt for First Time Tourists.


Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 5 (five) days in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including Georgian Citizens, Danish citizens, Hungarian citizens, Russian citizens and Mexican citizens can apply online for Egypt e-Visa.