15 Epic Bucket List Experiences in Egypt You Need in Your Life

Egypt is home to incredible bucket list experiences that captivate travelers worldwide. From the timeless majesty of the Great Pyramids to the ancient secrets of temples along the Nile, there’s no shortage of wonder to explore. For anyone looking to check off a life-changing adventure, Egypt delivers unforgettable sights and stories.

Beyond iconic landmarks, Egypt’s incredible landscapes add to its diverse beauty. Cruise the Nile, dive into the Red Sea's vibrant reefs, or traverse the endless sands of the Sahara—each experience offers a unique glimpse into Egypt's stunning uniqueness.

Whether you’re a history buff or an adventure lover, these bucket list experiences in Egypt promise to leave you dying to return again and again.

Bucket List Experiences in Egypt 

So, are you ready to explore all of the incredible bucket list experiences in Egypt? These 15 activities are for the adventure lovers, history buffs, and photographer's alike.

🤩 Visit One of the World Wonders

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza is certainly one of the top bucket list experiences in Egypt, and also one of the top sites in the world!

As the last standing Old World Wonder, you can imagine that it's no secret the Pyramids of Giza are a must-visit. We were worried that they would feel like a tourist trap, but were so pleasantly surprised with our experience there!

There's a lot to know before visiting the Pyramids, which is why we've written a full Pyramids of Giza Travel Guide with everything you need to know, as well as an Egyptian Pyramids Photo Guide.

🛁 Take a Bath in Front of the Pyramids

While seeing the Pyramids of Giza is certainly a bucket list experience in itself, this AirBnB in front of them is truly one of our favorite bucket list experiences in Egypt.

Facing the pyramids, this property offers stunning views of this world wonder, with a jacuzzi right in front of the windows. It truly was one of the most epic hotels we've ever stayed in, and it was under $100!

🛳 Take a Cruise Down the Nile

Cruising down the Nile is one of the top bucket list trips in the world, and truly one you won't want to miss out on.

Sail down the most iconic river in the world exploring charming towns, ancient ruins, and other incredible highlights. It's truly one of the best ways to experience the highlights of the country, and one of the top bucket list experiences in Egypt.

We were dying to go on a Nile cruise, but actually didn't realize just how many days they would be. Most cruises start in Cairo, sailing down to Luxor, and are 6-7 nights, so you'll certainly want to set some time aside to have this planned for your trip!

That being said, you can also find a lot of Nile cruises that are 4-5 days from Aswan to Luxor, if you are a bit shorter on time.

🧂 Float in Salt Pools

Tucked away in the desert near the border of Libya, lies a small oasis known for its salt mining. In Siwa and when they mine for salt they dig deep holes, forming small pools. They are the most vibrant hues of turquoise, and you can float in them effortlessly!

The entire area is full of pools of different sizes, and they are constantly changing, making this one of the most unique bucket list experience in Egypt.

But the salt pools aren't the only reason to make the trip all the way to Siwa. The desert oasis is full of hot springs, sand dunes, and cool historical sites, making it one of the top destinations in Egypt for unique experiences.

🐬 Swim with Dolphins

There truly is nothing like being able to witness animals in their natural habitat. Swimming with dolphins is one of the best experiences there is, and in Egypt you can have dolphins playing around you in crystal clear waters!

While swimming in the wild with dolphins will cost you a pretty penny in other countries, it's surprisingly affordable in Egypt, making it a no-brainer!

🤿 Go Scuba Diving

Another one of our favorite bucket list experiences in Egypt in the Red Sea is scuba diving.

While so many people flock to Egypt for the temples (rightfully so), many don't even realize just how incredible the waters of Egypt are!

Scuba diving in Egypt is an unforgettable experience, offering access to some of the world’s most spectacular underwater landscapes. The Red Sea is famous for its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a bucket-list destination for divers.

Some of the msot popular dive sites include Ras Mohammed National Park, the SS Thistlegorm wreck, and the Blue Hole in Dahab offering a variety of memorable underwater experiences.

🎈 Fly Over Luxor in a Hot Air Balloon

A hot air balloon ride over Luxor is one of the most unforgettable bucket list experiences in Egypt, offering a breathtaking perspective on the ancient world below. 

As the sun starts to peek out, the balloon lifts slowly above the Nile, overlooking rugged desert landscapes, and iconic sites like the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut, all bathed in a golden glow. The panoramic views capture Luxor's most treasured ancient sites, setting the perfect tone for the perfect day.

 A hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to gain a fresh appreciation for Egypt's wonders from a vantage point that few get to experience, making it one of the top bucket list experiences in Egypt.

🛖 Stay in an Over Water Bungalow

Looking for another one of the most bucket-list-worthy accomodation options in Egypt? Well, you no longer need to fly to the Maldives to experience an epic over the water villa.

Located in El Gouna, just outside of Hurghada, this island resort has everything you could imagine for the most romantic vacation.

The resort has beachside villas or the water bungalows to choose from including individual jacuzzis, room service, a fitness center, and even a kids club. 

🏰 Check Out One of the Most Magical Mosques in the World

Located in Sharm El Sheikh, the Sahaba Mosque is a true architectural gem that blends traditional and modern Islamic design. 

Built in 2017 in the bustling Old Market area, it stands out with intricate domes, towering minarets, and detailed stonework. Visit at night and you'll be able to appreciate the mosque beautifully illuminated.

Sahaba Mosque is truly one of the most Instagrammable places in the country, and one you'll one you'll want to have on your list of bucket list experiences in Egypt.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

🌈 Experience a Colorful Nubian Village

Looking for a splash of color on your trip? You won't want to miss out on the charming Nubian villages of Aswan. Perched along the Nile, these vibrant villages can be visited by hiring a boat, and if you have time, you can even spend the night in one!

👽 Discover Alien Like Landscapes

Egypt is home to one of the most unique deserts in the world, with some of the most other-worldly landscapes.

The White Desert is 4-5 hours from Cairo, making it the perfect peaceful getaway from Egypt's chaotic capital.

With spectacular landscapes, and little commercial tourism, this is a true hidden gem of Northern Africa, and one of our favorite bucket list experiences in Egypt that we had. If you'd like to learn more, don't miss out on our White Desert travel guide.

🚤 Sail to the Islands of Hurghada

Hurghada is home to some of the most incredible beaches along the Red Sea, and many of them are scattered along islands surrounding the popular resort destination.

For as little as $15 you can have a perfect day trip relaxing at a beach club, snorkeling along colorful reefs, and taking a thrilling ride on a banana boat, all with lunch included!

If you'd like to learn more about the experience, don't miss out on our Paradise Beach travel guide, which dives into all of the details of the excursion options.

🏛 Explore the Temples of Luxor

Visiting the temples of Luxor is like stepping into an open-air museum of ancient Egyptian history, and is one of the top bucket list experiences in Egypt for history and architecture lovers alike. 

Some of the top temples to check out while in Luxor include Karnak Temple, Temple d'Amon, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Also, don't miss out on the incredible sound and light show. This spectacle includes the illuminating the stunning temples at night with a beautiful display of colors and music.

🛕 Visit Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel temples, carved directly into cliffs overlooking Lake Nasser, are one of Egypt's most remarkable archaeological sites. Located all the way in the south of the country near the border with Sudan, it isn't the most convenient place to visit, but certainly is worth it!

Built by Pharaoh Ramses II, the complex features two massive rock temples with colossal statues of the pharaoh himself, each standing over 65 feet tall, representing his power and devotion to the gods. On the inside, you can find intricate carvings which depict Ramses' military victories and pay homage to deities.

One of Abu Simbel’s most fascinating aspects though, is the twice-yearly phenomenon when the sun illuminates the inner sanctuary, aligning perfectly with the statues of the gods. This is a true marvel of ancient Egyptian engineering, making it one of the top bucket list experiences in Egypt.

💀 Visit the City of the Dead

Located just outside the town of El Minya along the Nile, lies one of the most peculiar and underrated sites in the country. When it comes to bucket list experiences in Egypt, this one is a true hidden gem.

Known as "the city of the dead" Zawiyyet al-Mayyiteen cemetery houses hundreds of tombs with clay domes over them. It truly is a unique site to see, and is at the top of our bucket list for our next trip to Egypt!

*Unfortunately since we haven't been and it's not a major tourist highlight, we couldn't license a picture to show you. But do Google Zawiyyet al-Mayyiteen cemetery and you'll get to see just how cool it is!

So are you ready for to tick off some of these bucket list experiences in Egypt? We hope we've inspired you to explore all that this diverse country has to offer

Want to learn more about Egypt? We have quite a few other Egypt travel guides, as well as more coming, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest articles!

Ready to book the most epic? Let us help! Now Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services so that you can get the best rates on flights, as well as stay at the most unique hotels. Not only that, but we're creating really fun group trips to Egypt soon!

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