Egypt’s Nile River tourist attractions and activities are varied, giving tourists a wide range of things to do to enjoy their vacation in Egypt, from ancient temples and pyramids to modern museums and boat tours. Every year, tourists worldwide book Nile River Cruises and choose from our different All Inclusive Egypt Vacation Packages to see the many famous Nile River tourist attractions and sites.
The Nile River is the longest globally, at 4,150 miles (6,680 kilometers). The Nile is Egypt’s lifeblood. It starts in the Sahara and flows through the country’s most important cities, such as Aswan, Luxor, and Cairo, before emptying into the Mediterranean at Alexandria.
You will find incredible tourist Nile River landmarks in Egypt, such as the Valley of the Kings, the massive Karnak Temple complex, and the stunning Temple of Philae. The Nile River is magical, and while there are many ways to see it, none can match sailing down the river.
Top Nile River Tourist Attractions and Landmarks in Egypt
Aswan Nile River Tourist Attractions – Nile River Landmarks
1. The Abu Simbel Temples
One of Egypt’s most impressive structures and top Nile River landmarks is the Great Temple of Abu Simbel in Nubia, near the country’s southern border. During the reign of Ramesses II of the Nineteenth Dynasty, circa 1264 B.C., it was hewn out of solid rock. Its most recognizable features are the Temple’s four massives, seated giant sculptures. An old earthquake brought one of these down, and its shattered remains can be seen today.
Giant standing statues of Ramesses II flank the main hall, and the sanctuary is home to four gods: Amun Ra, Ra Horakhty, Ptah, and a respected figure of Ramesses II. The sun’s rays enter the Temple, cross the great hall, and illuminate the innermost statuary on two days a year: the 22nd of February and the 22nd of October.
- Check our Trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan by flight and enjoy your trip along the Nile River.
2. The Temple of Edfu
Edfu Temple, built for the Egyptian god Horus, is one of the most impressive and comprehensive of the country’s ancient religious structures. Located on the western bank of the Nile River. The architecture and decorations of the temple are still in good shape because they were buried under trash from the area for hundreds of years. In 1860, a French archaeologist named Auguste Mariette found and fixed parts of the temple.
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3. The Temple of Kom Ombo
The Ptolemaic dynasty constructed the Temple of Kom Ombo during the Roman invasion 180 years ago (B.C. ). Its location on the Nile bank between Edfu and Aswan makes it a popular pit stop for riverboats on the Nile and one of the most significant Nile River tourist attractions in the city. Even though it’s not unusual for an Egyptian temple to be dedicated to more than one god, the fact that this one is dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus makes it stand out.
- Enjoy Our Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples Tour from Aswan With the Best Pricing!
4. The Nubian Museum
Many think the Nubian Museum in Aswan is one of Egypt’s best cultural institutions. The fact that this museum is the only one of its kind open to the public is just one of many elements contributing to its extraordinary places to visit along the Nile River.
Since “Nubia” means “Land of Gold” in Hieroglyphic, an ancient Egyptian pictographic script, the Nubian Museum is a treasure trove of information about this mythical place. That’s why this region has always been rich in priceless artifacts.
- Book Your Seat at Our Private day tour of The Nubian Museum.
5. The Lake Nasser
An artificial lake, Lake Nasser, was created when the Aswan Dam on the Nile River was built, rerouting the river’s waters to the south of Egypt. It is split in two, with one half located in Upper Egypt in southern Egypt and the other half in northern Sudan, known as Lake Nuba. Lake Nasser can store about 132 cubic kilometers of water.
Visiting Lake Nasser attractions on a Nile cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most inaccessible parts of Nubia. Lake Nasser is a tranquil starting point for adventures in the south. Cruise ships are a main Nile river tourism on Lake Nasser Nile take sightseers from southern Aswan to up-close views of monuments, including the Philae Temple, the Ramses Temple, the Nefertari Temple in Abu Simbel, the Kalabsha Temple, Qasr Ibrim, and many others.
6. The Temple of Philae
One of Egypt’s most photogenic Nile River landmarks is the Philae Temple. Aglika Island, where the ruins are located, is south of the old Aswan Dam, and visitors must take a water taxi to get there. After the High Dam was built, which threatened to flood the temple for good. The complex was moved to its current location with great care, and its original plan and design were kept down to the landscaping of the island. Many buildings from the Ptolemaic era can be found among Philae’s monuments (332–30 BC).
- Experience Our Trip to Philae, Kalabsha, and Nubian Museum.
7. The Aswan High Dam
The construction of the Aswan Dam, also known as the High Dam, was an engineering marvel when it was completed in the 1960s with a length of 11,811 feet, a thickness of 3215 feet at its base, and a height of 364 feet, the Aswan Dam is the tallest artificial structure in the world that offers breathtaking vistas to tourists. Looking south toward the Kalabsha Temple and north toward the massive power plant, the two-mile-long High Dam forms Lake Nasser.
- Get Our Tour to Philae temple, High Dam, and Obelisk & Enjoy the Best Deals!
8. The Kitchener’s Island
The beautiful and peaceful Island of Lord Kitchener may be found in the middle of the Nile and is considered a top Nile River tourist attraction between the Cataract Islands and Aswan City. During the warmer months, the park is a popular destination for tourists who want to cool down by spending a few hours in the park’s cafes and admiring the things to do in the Nile River.
9. The Amada Temple
The Amada Temple is the oldest Nubian temple ever found. Even though it has been fixed up and moved several times, it is still a fascinating Nile River landmark, especially if you plan a Nile river tourism to cruise on Lake Nasser while in Egypt.
Nile River Landmarks in Luxor
10. The Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is where many of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs are buried, and you can find it on the West Bank of Luxor at the site of ancient Thebes. The site is excellent; you can visit the nearly intact tomb of Tutankhamun, found in 1922, and the tomb of Ramses IV. Each site ticket gives you access to three other 63 tombs, but you need a separate ticket to see Tutankhamun’s tomb. Although the tomb alone is worth a visit, you must visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to see the treasures Tutankhamun was buried with.
11. The Valley of the Queens
In ancient Egypt, the graves of the pharaohs’ queens were discovered in the Valley of the Queens. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like much. It looks like little more than a sun-blasted ravine of unremarkable red rock, but the tombs of roughly 90 royal family members lie under its surface.
Regarding decorations, the tombs in the Valley of the Queens are almost identical to those in the Valley of the Kings. Like the Valley of the Kings, only a tiny fraction of the more than 90 tombs unearthed in the Valley of the Queens are accessible to the public.
12. The Temple of Karnak
Over 1500 years, many generations of ancient Egyptian builders worked hard to build the Karnak Temple Complex. The results are shown in three main temples, several smaller temples with doors, and several temples on the edges. During its construction, about thirty pharaohs added to its size, complexity, and variety in ways that had never been done before.
- Enjoy Your Time by Booking One of Our Sound and Light Shows at Karnak Temples.
13. The Luxor Temple
The ancient Egyptians called the Temple of Luxor “Southern Sanctuary” because of its southeastern location within Thebes (modern Luxor). About three kilometers south of Karnak Temple, there used to be a procession route lined with sphinxes that connected the two. This temple’s history may be traced back to the Eighteenth Dynasty (c. 1550–1295 BC).
- Join us on Our Luxor Excursions to Explore the Wonders of Ancient Egypt.
14. The Colossi of Memnon
During the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, Pharaoh Amenhotep III (reign: 1386–1353 BCE) had two enormous stone sculptures erected, known as the Colossi of Memnon, which are the most popular Nile River attractions. They show the king seated atop a throne adorned with carvings of his mother, his bride, the god “Hapy,” and various other symbols. Quartzite stones were extracted from El-Gabal el-Ahmar in Cairo in 1350 B.C. and then carried the entire 620 miles (675 kilometers) to Luxor. When it was constructed, they watched over Amenhotep’s tomb at Luxor. Natural disasters destroyed all but a few ruins of this massive complex in Egypt.
- Book Our Private Tour to the West Bank of Luxor With the Best Offer!
15. Madinet Habu
Egypt has several things to do in the Nile River, but the Temple of Medinet Habu is one of the best to visit. It stretches 320 meters from east to west and has a breadth of roughly 200 meters (north to south). After Ramses III died, the king or queen built the temple to memorialize him. A massive mud-brick enclosure wall surrounds the temple.
16. The Ramesseum
The Ramesseum is a temple built to honor Ramesses II, a famous warrior king of Egypt. This temple, called the “Mansion of Millions of Years,” is one of the largest and best-kept. The first and second towers are decorated with scenes from the legendary Battle of Qadesh. The Egyptians almost lost to the Hittites in this battle, but Ramesses II’s bravery saved them. In the Hypostyle Hall are pictures of the king getting his regalia from the god Amun-Ra and his successful attack on the Syrian fortress of Dapur.
- Check out our Ramesseum, Habu, and Nobles Valley Tour, and Enjoy the Real Trip!
17. The Temple of Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut, the queen who became pharaoh, built the Temple of Hatshepsut in Deir al-Bahari, on the western bank of Luxor near the Nile River between 1473 and 1458 B.C. This building is a beautiful sight. It comprises three manufactured terraces that go up steeply to the cliff wall.
Hathor, the goddess who gave birth to and raised every king in ancient Egypt, including their mythological progenitor Horus, was worshipped at the Deir al-Bahari site. The tombs of some of Egypt’s most significant leaders are in the Valley of the Kings, which is right across the valley from the hills where this goddess was said to live. In the form of a cow, Hathor appears to emerge from these mountains on stelae, holding pleas to the goddess. The stunning peak of this natural landmark is naturally pyramidal.
18. The Luxor Museum
The Luxor Museum in Luxor (ancient Thebes) is Egypt’s premier archaeological museum. It is one of the most Nile River landmarks on the corniche of Luxor, so it has beautiful views of the Nile from the western bank. In 1975, when it opened its doors, the Luxor Museum received a warm welcome from the public. This structure has two stories.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses most of Egypt’s artifacts, but its selection is much smaller. This was done on purpose since the museum takes great pride in the high quality of its collection, the minimal design of its exhibits, and the use of clear, multilingual labels.
- Discover More on Our Tour of Luxor Museum and Mummification Museum.
19. Abydos
Abydos is roughly 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Luxor. Abydos was the most important Egyptian cemetery for about two millennia because it housed Osiris’ head and served as a portal to the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians gave their city the name Abdju, which meant “the hill of the symbol or reliquary,” likely referring to the shrine that housed the holy head of Osiris.
20. The Temple of Dendera
The Temple of Dendera is a must-see if you’re in Luxor. It was a religious center in ancient Egypt and is south of Qena on the west bank of the Nile River. Three temples dedicated to the gods Horus (the sky god and pharaoh protector), Ihy (Horus’s youthful symphony-playing son), and Hathor (the goddess of the afterlife and rebirth) made the city sacrosanct. The other two have almost nothing left of them; the third is still alive but primarily dormant.
The Temple of Hathor can be found close to Luxor in Upper Egypt, on the Nile’s northern bank in the direction of Cairo. It is a temple with remarkable sculptures and paintings that starkly contrast the main temples in Egypt due to its focus on blending Pharaonic and Greco-Roman styles.
- Check Out Our Tour to Dendera and Abydos from Luxor.
Nile River Attractions in Cairo
21. The Pyramids of Giza
The oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza, are located on the Giza Plateau, about 15 miles from the heart of Cairo and near the Nile River. Amazingly, these tombs date back over 4,500 years to the reign of Old Kingdom Egyptian pharaohs. Because of the staggering number of annual visitors (nearly 14 million! ), careful planning is required.
Around 2550 B.C., Pharaoh Khufu began constructing the first pyramid at Giza. His Great Pyramid is the tallest structure on the Giza plateau, rising approximately 481 feet (147 meters) into the air. Each of its 2.3 million stone blocks weighs between 2.5 and 15 tons on average.
The second pyramid in Giza was constructed by Pharaoh Khafre, son of Khufu, around 2520 B.C. His necropolis also included the strange limestone statue of the Sphinx, which looks like a lion with the head of a pharaoh. Potentially guarding the entire pharaoh’s tomb, the Sphinx is an iconic symbol of Egypt.
As you can see, the size difference between the first two and third pyramids at Giza is striking. It was constructed by the Egyptian pharaoh Menkaure and had an elaborate mausoleum.
- Get the Real Adventure of Our Camel Ride Trip at Giza Pyramids.
22. The Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx, a sculpture in Giza, Egypt, shows a mythical beast with a human head on a lion’s body. It is located on the west bank of the Nile at Giza, Egypt, on the Giza Plateau, with its front facing east. Khafre, the pharaoh, appears to be reflected in the Sphinx’s visage.
- Experience Our Best Egypt Classic Tours Packages.
23. The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of the most famous tourist attractions near the Nile River and the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, housing more than 170,000 artifacts. It is home to the most extensive collection of Pharaonic artifacts anywhere in the globe. The museum’s displays span several centuries, from the Predynastic to the Roman (c. 5500 BC-AD 364).
- Join Our Tour of the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and Khan Khalili and Experience a Trip of A lifetime.
24. Khan El-Khalili
Located near the Nile River in old Cairo, Egypt, Khan El-Khalili is a must-visit bazaar and souq. The Mamluks are credited with establishing the bazaar district, named after one of the many antique caravanserais found throughout the area, which has since become a major tourist destination and a vital economic hub for the Egyptian capital.
25. The Cairo Tower
The Cairo Tower, at a height of 187 meters, provides unparalleled vistas of Cairo City and the Nile River landmarks. Visitors are encouraged to visit the tower’s circular observation deck between late morning and early afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy unobstructed city views.
26. The Cairo Opera House
The Cairo Opera House is one of the important Nile River landmarks in the city’s National Cultural Center and is the primary venue for live performances in Egypt’s capital. Some of Egypt’s best musical ensembles are located in the Zamalek neighborhood just outside of Cairo’s center, on the southern part of Gezira Island in the Nile River.
27. The Citadel of Saladin
One of the top Nile River landmarks in Egypt is the famous Citadel of Saladin in Cairo sits atop a steep hill with views of Old Islamic Cairo and beyond the massive minarets of the Muhammad Ali Mosque. The magnificent building, known in Arabic as Qalaat Saladin, now houses museums showcasing the full spectrum of Egyptian rule during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Era.
- Check Out Our Tour of the Egyptian Museum, Citadel, and Old Cairo.
28. The Mosque of Muhammad Ali
Within Saladin’s Citadel in Cairo is where you’ll find the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali Pasha erected this palace in 1265 AH, or 1848 AD, on the foundations of previous Mamluk structures. This mosque’s inside, and exterior walls are paneled in marble, hence the name “Alabaster Mosque.” With a height of 84 meters, the mosque’s twin minarets are the tallest in all of Egypt.
29. The Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun is a popular Nile River tourist attraction. Constructed between AD 876 and AD 879 by an Abbasid administrator dispatched from Baghdad, it is widely regarded as the oldest and largest in all of Egypt.
Best Things to Do Along the Nile River – Nile River Tourism
30. Cruises the Nile
The Nile Cruise in Egypt is one of the best Nile river tourism, and the most relaxing and enjoyable way to see ancient Egyptian monuments and museums is to cruise down the Nile. The ship takes us back 5,000 years in Egyptian history, all the way to when the pyramids still stood.
The story of the Nile is exciting because it is mysterious and shows how human civilization grew. This voyage includes the 17th-century “gateway to the afterlife.”
Travel Door Tours offers the best Nile River Cruises to enjoy the magical Nile River in Egypt with the best deals ever!
- You may also be interested to read Our Guide To Egypt Nile Cruises.
Our Top 7 Nile River Cruises 2023
- MS Salacia Nile cruise
- Sonesta Moon Goddess
- Sonesta St. George I
- Steigenberger Legacy
- Steigenberger Minerva
- Princess Sarah Nile Cruise
- Movenpick Royal Lily
31. Having Dinner on a Nile View
Try the Nile-side restaurants and cafés in Egypt for an excellent dinner and a breathtaking river view. Try it out for yourself and reserve a seat in a restaurant with a Nile view in Egypt; the experience is unforgettable, especially after sunset.
As you journey across Egypt, you can enjoy various traditional Egyptian foods. Egyptian cuisine draws from a variety of international influences, including those of the Arab and Turkish, European, and African worlds. Conversely, the outcome is sometimes described as “moderate.”
32. Enjoy a Nile Trip on a Felucca Ride
Feluccas are classic Egyptian wooden boats with canvas sails, but they exist in various sizes and styles. While most passengers board their felucca at Aswan, those in Luxor and Cairo also have the option. We also provide Nile river tourism on various felucca rides to enjoy your wonderful trip along the Nile.
Our Top 3 Nile Felucca Rides
- Felucca trip on the Nile in Cairo
- Felucca Ride on the Nile at Luxor City
- Felucca Ride on the Nile in Aswan
33. The Hot-Air Balloon
One of the most spectacular things to do on the Nile River is to take a hot air balloon ride over Luxor and take in the beautiful scenery below.
There is nothing like the breathtaking views of the ancient Egyptian world and the countryside.
- Book Now Our Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor and Enjoy the Lifetime Adventure.
The beauty of the Nile River is just one of Egypt’s many gifts. The Nile has shown the world that it is unique, engaging, and awe-inspiring. From the time of the ancient Egyptians onward, the Nile River has dramatically impacted people’s daily lives, historical stories, and farming methods. A trip to Egypt is the perfect way to see the top Nile river attractions and best landmarks in Luxor, Aswan, and more!
Tips for Planning Your Trip to The Nile River
Planning a trip to the Nile River can be an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Choose the right time of year to visit. The Nile River can be seen year-round, but the best time to visit is spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild. During the summer, the temperature can be very hot and humid, and during the winter, it can be quite cold at night.
- Decide what you want to see and do. There are many different Nile River tourist attractions to choose from, so it’s important to decide what you’re most interested in seeing. Some popular interests include the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Karnak. You can also take a Nile River cruise to visit more remote attractions, such as Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo.
- Book your flights and accommodation in advance. Nile River cruises are very popular, so it’s important to book your flights and accommodation well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
- Get a visa. Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt. You can apply for a visa online or at an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
- Pack for the weather. The weather along the Nile River can vary depending on the time of year. Be sure to pack light, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. If you’re visiting during the winter, you may also want to pack a jacket or sweater.
- Be respectful of local customs and culture. Egypt is a Muslim country, so it’s important to respect local traditions and culture. Dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection.
Here are some additional tips:
- Learn a few basic Arabic phrases. This will come in handy when communicating with locals.
- Be prepared to haggle. This is a common practice in Egypt, especially when shopping at bazaars and souks.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
- Drink bottled water and avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables.
- Take your time and enjoy the experience. There’s a lot to see and do along the Nile River, so don’t try to cram everything into a few days
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