7 Incredible UNESCO Sites In Egypt You Shouldn’t Miss

Egypt is home to some of the world’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites – from the pyramids of Giza to the souqs of Islamic Cairo.

Egypt has a total of 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or places deemed important to humanity’s cultural or natural heritage.

But Egypt also has some incredible UNESCO sites that you’ve probably never heard of. And these lesser-known monuments are real hidden gems for nature lovers and history buffs.

So what are the 7 must-see UNESCO sites in Egypt?

I’m a travel planner living for over a decade in Egypt and I’ve explored many UNESCO sites across the country. And this is my ultimate guide to exploring heritage sites – along with a local’s insider tips.

1. Abu Mena

Abu Mena is a 4th-century Coptic holy city (about 50 kilometers from modern-day Alexandria) that includes churches, a basilica and mosaics that tell the story of Egypt’s early Christians.

Abu Mena was built around the tomb of the Coptic Saint Menas of Alexandria, a soldier in the Roman army who was martyred after he refused to renounce his faith.

Abu Mena was an ancient pilgrimage site. And it remains important to Egypt’s modern-day Coptic community.

Today Abu Mena is an archaeological site with the remains of churches, a baptistery, basilica, monastery and bathhouse that give insight into Coptic history.

Abu Mena was once on the endangered list because rising waters threatened the soil and the stability of the monuments. But the bases of the important structures have now been reinforced.

And although the site is mostly in ruins, there are still some beautifully-preserved pieces that are worth a day trip from Alexandria for history buffs and religious tourist.

2. Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis

Ancient Thebes is now modern-day Luxor – and it’s packed with majestic Ancient Egyptian temples, mortuaries and tombs that make up a vast open-air museum.

Luxor is an absolute must-see on any Egypt itinerary. And the UNESCO list includes Luxor gems like Karnak Temple, where the sun god was worshiped, and Luxor Temple, where the pharaohs were crowned.

Other sites include Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple built by a rare female pharaoh.

And there’s also the splendid Valley of the Kings on the list, with its underground tombs still colorful after centuries with hieroglyphs (including the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun).

Read more: 13 Best Things To Do In Luxor (A Local’s Guide)

3. Historic Cairo

Historic Cairo is a vast maze of souqs, medieval mosques, madrasas and splendid minarets that holds some of the world’s greatest treasures of Islamic architecture.

Historic Cairo includes Khan el Khalili, the bustling souq with its narrow alleys packed with shops offering silver jewelry, alabaster vases, brass lanterns, spices and more.

Moez Street is the district’s most famous street – and the main medieval thoroughfare. It’s lined with Ottoman-era homes with elaborate mashrabiyas, lively cafes and ancient gates like Bab al-Ghuri where merchants have haggled for generations.

This part of town is home to several of Egypt’s most beautiful mosques.

Historic Cairo is vast – and it also includes Coptic Cairo with its dazzling Hanging Church and Abu Serga, where it’s believed the Holy Family took refuge on their flight into Egypt.

The City of the Dead is also part of this vast UNESCO site with its medieval Mamluk mosques and tombs.

Read more: Best Things To Do In Islamic Cairo (A Local’s Guide)

4. Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur

The famous pyramids of Giza need no introduction – and they’re one of the most widely recognizable landmarks on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Surrounded by the crowded city of Giza, the pyramids and the Great Sphinx are the only remaining natural wonder of the ancient world.

These Old Kingdom masterpieces were built between 2600 – 2500 BCE. And they’re truly breathtaking in real life.

But did you know this area includes more than 38 different pyramids?

Sites like the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur are the earlier, imperfect attempts of the ancient builders before their polished pyramids at Giza.

Read more: 5 Essential Tips To Visiting The Pyramids Of Giza

5. Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae

The Nubian Monuments in Southern Egypt include incredible Ancient Egyptian temples that were dramatically rescued from rising Nile waters.

UNESCO’s list of Nubian treasures includes 10 different monuments that were all relocated before the construction of the Aswan High Dam completely flooded the area.

These monuments include the breathtaking Abu Simbel, which features enormous statues of Ramses II carved into the rock so enormous it’s seen from a plane.

The list also includes the Philae Temple in Aswan, a charming tribute to Isis nestled on an island surrounded by lush greenery.

Read more: 10 Amazing Things To See At Philae Temple, Aswan

6. Saint Catherine Area

The beautiful 6th-century Saint Catherine Monastery at the foot of the mountains is the oldest still-functioning Christian monastery.

Monks still live spiritually and simply in this Greek orthodox monastery in the Sinai. Inside, the monastery house a beautiful collection of early Christian manuscripts and icons.

The area is believed to be the location of the biblical Mount Sinai, where Moses received the commandments. And it boasts breathtaking mountain ranges, jagged peaks and rolling valleys.

Follow in the fabled footsteps of Moses and hike up Mount Sinai for sunset views of the rugged mountain landscapes. Hiking trips to Mount Sinai usually start at night from Hurghada, Dahab or Sharm El Sheikh.

7. Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)

Wadi al-Hitan, or Valley of the Whales, is an incredible open-air museum in the Egyptian desert with fossil remains of one of the earliest forms of whale.

Wadi al Hitan solved one of the biggest mysteries in the evolution of whales.

The first fully aquatic whale specimens with legs and feet were discovered here in 1989. And they showed that whales evolved from four-legged mammals that once lived on land. This ancient species eventually entered the sea as global temperatures rose.

Wadi al-Hitan is the only place in the world to see archaic whales in their original location just as they were discovered.

The entire area is now a desert but it once lay deep under the sea. Walk through the dry sands littered with seashell fragments. And gaze at the otherworldly landscapes dotted with gigantic sand dunes straight out of Star Wars.

The fossils are well-preserved thanks to the dryness of the desert. And you can view them laying right in the sand along the winding pathways of this outdoor museum.

Read more: Wadi al Hitan: An Ultimate Local’s Guide

Must-see Ancient Egyptian temples

Ancient Egyptian temples are the highlight of any trip to Egypt. And they’re just as impressive in real life as they are in photos.

But there are SO MANY different Ancient Egyptian temples across the country that it’s very easy to get overwhelmed. And all those temples start to look the same after a few days of whirlwind sightseeing.

Read 14 Incredible Ancient Egyptian Temples To Visit for my ultimate guide to the must-sees.

Reasons to visit Egypt this year

From ancient temples and pyramids to sandy beaches with crystal-blue waters, Egypt is a bucket-list destination with so much to offer.

And there’s A LOT going on in Egypt this year that makes it a perfect time to visit – from spruced-up attractions to new museums and tours off the beaten path.

Read 16 Reasons To Visit Egypt for my ultimate guide.

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