The most instagrammable places in egypt
As incredible as it may seem, Egypt has gone through a lot in the last decade. Now that things have calmed down, more people are visiting the country. This country is a photographer’s paradise due to its stunning landscapes and rich historical heritage. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream because of the picturesque temples and breathtaking coastlines. It’s no wonder that every tourist who visits Egypt takes home some stunning pictures.
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza
Unsurprisingly, the Great Pyramids of Giza are first on the list. Egypt’s tallest building is the iconic Great Pyramid of Giza. Plus, it’s one of the world’s tallest buildings! Until the year 1311, it was the tallest structure on Earth. This enhances the appeal of the location.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is widely recognized as one of the ancient world’s Seven Wonders. This natural wonder is not only a sight to behold and a photographer’s dream as the oldest and only one of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the best shots and to avoid crowds, you should go to the pyramids first thing in the morning.
Location: Al Haram, Nazlet El-Samman, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate 3512201, Egypt
Opening time: Daily 8 AM- 5 PM
Travel Tips: Beware of scammers here, locals will try and lure you away using whistles, acting like they are helping, be sure to do more research on common scams here.
2. Khan El Khalili Market
Location: 5 Sekat Al Badstan, El-Gamaleya
Opening time: Most shops and stalls open from around 9 am to well after sundown (except Friday morning and Sunday), although plenty of the souvenir vendors are open as long as there are customers, even on Sunday
3. The White Desert
The White Desert is a sub-basin of the more significant Farafra depression in the Sahara. Also included are the oasis towns of Farafra, Ain El Maqfi, and Ain El Wadi. The park is well-known for its proximity to the Great Sand Sea and its pristine white dunes and granite formations. The chalk and limestone blanketed some of this desert and gave it its name. Finding another place on Earth is impossible, quite like the white desert. The stark contrast between the white rock formations and the golden sands of the desert gives the area its distinctive appearance.
The exact location: Al Farafra Desert, New Valley Governorate 1010001, Egypt
Opening Time: Mon-Sat 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
4. Abu Simbel
Ramesses II, the greatest of the pharaohs, constructed the enormous temple of Abu Simbel. This vast temple carved out of the rock is a reminder of the southern frontier between Nubia and the ancient Egyptian Empire. It is frequently recognized as the largest and most magnificent of the temples built under Ramesses II’s rule and one of Egypt’s most stunning structures. The area may contain well-known temples constructed by King Ramses II. Outside the temples, you can fire as many shots as you choose.
The exact location is Abu Simbel, Aswan 1211501, Egypt.
Opening Time: Daily 5 a.m.–6 p.m.
5. Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is one of Egypt’s most stunning tourist destinations. Located on the western bank of the Nile River, not far from Luxor, are a staggering number of finely carved tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Royalties from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties of Egypt’s New Kingdom were buried in the valley, including pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses II as well as queens and high priests (1539-1075 B.C.). For over 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BC, the Valley of the Kings was used as a royal burial ground for the Kings, their families, and their possessions.
In 1979, it was included in the list of World Heritage Sites along with the rest of the Theban Necropolis.
The Valley of the Kings is a must-see for any traveler to Egypt. Here rest all the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, some of whom have yet to be located. The Valley of the Kings is famous for its royal tombs.
Location: Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1340420, Egypt
Opening Time: 6 am to 4 pm in the winter months (November – January) and 5 pm in the summer months (May-August).
6. Karnak Temple
One of the more amazing places in egypt, The Temple of Karnak was regarded as the site where everything was first created. They also claimed it was a meeting place for the Egyptian people and the divinity Amun-Ra. It is essential to Egyptian culture because it is a site of worship and provides insight into ancient Egyptian religion. In Luxor, a visit to the Karnak Temple is a must. The massive structure has many exciting vantage points for photographers.
You can immediately see the temple’s focal point, which is a picture-perfect spot. After the front door, there is a smattering of massive pillars. This is undeniably the best spot to take a picture worthy of posting on Instagram. Since most tour groups from Hurghada arrive at the temple around 8:30 or 9 in the morning, arriving earlier will allow you to get the best photos without any other visitors in the background. At its peak, it was the largest and most important religious complex in ancient Egypt.
The exact location: Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Opening Time: Summer from 6 am to 6.30 pm and winter from 6 am to 5.30 pm.
7. AL – AZHAR MOSQUE
This is easily one of the most instagrammable places in cairo, and one of the oldest and most important mosques in Egypt and the Arab world is the Al-Azhar Mosque, which you should see if you find yourself in Cairo. The mosque’s stunning tiles and glistening reflections in the water make it unlike any other building. The mosque is the only place I know where you can walk on floors that look like water.
Visitors should remove their shoes and dress modestly before entering the mosque at no cost. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing that covers your arms and legs is recommended, as is carrying a scarf or other form of head covering if you are a woman. This will allow you to fully appreciate the peacefulness and beauty of the Al-Azhar Mosque while also showing respect for local customs and traditions. Take advantage of an excellent opportunity to view one of Cairo’s most famous and beautiful landmarks.
Location: El-Darb El-Ahmar, Cairo Governorate 4293024, Egyp.t
Opening Time: Daily 8 am to 4 pm
8. Citadel of Saladin
Another of Cairo’s instagram spots, this fortress from the Middle Ages, located in Cairo, beckons visitors like a siren. It was built atop Mottakam Hill and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original ruler of Egypt and Syria, Saladin, constructed it in the 12th century. The view of the city from this vantage point is breathtaking; come see for yourself! The Muhammad Ali Mosque is a must-see, as it was built in 1830 and is beautiful both on the inside and exterior.
Near the end of the 12th century, Saladin El Ayouby built the Saladin Citadel. As the first monarch of the Ayyubid Dynasty, he made a name for himself in the military. The Citadel has witnessed a great deal of Egypt’s past. For hundreds of years, its ruler and his government called it home. Many Egyptian dynasties, such as the Ayyubids, Mamluks, and even the Ottomans, ruled from the citadel. The Citadel of Saladin is included in nearly all tours of the bustling capital city of Egypt, Cairo.
Location is: 27H6+G27, Private Entrance Bel Kalaa, Al Abageyah, El Khalifa, Cairo Governorate 4252360, Egypt.
Opening Time: Daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Travel Tips: Wearing bright colors, will help contrast many of the locations in Egypt, making your photos even better!
9. The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and houses the world’s greatest collection of Pharaonic artifacts. The museum houses a substantial collection spanning from the Predynastic to the Greco-Roman periods. French architect Marcel Dourgnon was selected as the winner of a groundbreaking worldwide competition held in 1895 to determine who would design the structure. Khedive Abbas Helmy II opened the museum in 1902, and it has since become an iconic landmark in the center of Cairo, housing some of the world’s finest examples of ancient art.
The majority of visitors to Cairo agree that this is the best museum in the city. The masks and sarcophagi of King Tutankhamun decorate the interior. However, photography is prohibited within the building. All the artifacts within, the outside architecture, and the massive arched ceiling provide great photo opportunities.
Location: Giza, Greater Cairo
Opening Time: 9 am -5 pm. Late-night openings until 9 pm on Thursdays and Sundays
10. Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian construction because of its precise astronomical alignment. Most of the temple has been repaired, but visitors may still see the tomb. The fact that a woman built this shrine elevates its significance even further. Queen Hatshepsut of ancient Egypt was a strong, independent woman. She was the only female pharaoh and had the longest reign, yet she was referred to as “the lady who was king” due to the many disguises she used. Beautiful in conception because of its symmetrical layout, but again, overrun with tourists and blistering hot during the day. The temple is three stories tall, and each level features elaborate colonnades. Once upon a time, on the ground floor, there was a garden with exotic trees that Hatshepsut had collected on her journeys.
Location: Al Qarna Desert, Luxor Governorate, 1340420, Egypt
Opening Time: Daily 6 am – 5 pm
Instagrammable places in Egypt, categorized by region:
First lets look at the most Aesthetic places by region, before going into our top 10!
Cairo and Giza:
- Pyramids of Giza: Iconic and world-famous, the Pyramids of Giza, including the Sphinx, provide stunning backdrops for photos.
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar: The vibrant and historic market offers picturesque alleyways, colorful shops, and traditional Egyptian architecture.
- Al-Azhar Park: A beautifully landscaped park with views of historic Cairo and the Citadel, providing a tranquil setting for photos.
Luxor and Aswan:
- Luxor Temple: Illuminated at night, Luxor Temple is a captivating site with ancient Egyptian architecture.
- Valley of the Kings: The tombs of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings offer a mystical and historic atmosphere for photographs.
- Philae Temple: Located on an island in the Nile, Philae Temple provides a scenic and ancient backdrop for photos.
Alexandria:
- Qaitbay Citadel: This fortress on the Mediterranean Sea offers breathtaking views and a picturesque setting.
- Montaza Palace: With its beautiful gardens and sea views, Montaza Palace is a lovely spot for photography.
- Alexandria Corniche: The waterfront promenade along the Mediterranean is perfect for capturing the city’s charm.
Sinai Peninsula:
- Mount Sinai: A sunrise or sunset hike provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert.
- Blue Hole: In Dahab, the Blue Hole’s clear blue waters make it a popular spot for underwater photography.
Red Sea:
- Ras Mohamed National Park: A marine reserve with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life for underwater photography.
- Hurghada Marina: The marina offers a mix of yachts, shops, and restaurants with a view of the Red Sea.
Western Desert:
- White Desert: Known for its surreal landscapes and unique limestone formations, the White Desert is a photographer’s dream.
- Siwa Oasis: An isolated oasis with date palms, mud-brick buildings, and the ancient Temple of the Oracle.
Nile Delta:
- Rosetta: Explore the historic town and its Ottoman-era architecture along the Nile Delta.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know where all the tourists hang out in Egypt for their Instagram photos, it’s time to whip out your camera. Remember to show proper courtesy to the places you photograph at all times. Always act responsibly; it’s not worth risking your safety to wander off the path just to ta ake photo. Let me know if you think I missed out on some essential spots. And if you visit the places mentioned above, share your pictures here!
FAQS
Egypt is home to several Instagrammable places that are perfect for capturing stunning photographs. Some popular options include the Great Pyramids of Giza, the iconic Sphinx, the mesmerizing temples of Luxor and Karnak, the beautiful White Desert, the historic city of Alexandria, and the colorful streets of Aswan.
While Egypt has numerous picturesque spots, some locations offer exceptional photo opportunities. The top spots include the Pyramids of Giza, where you can capture the awe-inspiring ancient structures in all their glory. The temple complex of Abu Simbel, with its colossal statues, is another great choice. The vibrant bazaars and narrow streets of Cairo’s Khan El Khalili district also provide unique and colorful photo opportunities.
Absolutely! Alongside the well-known landmarks, Egypt is home to some hidden gems that are worth photographing. The Siwa Oasis, located in the western desert, offers picturesque landscapes, natural springs, and ancient ruins. The stunning coastal town of Marsa Matruh, with crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, is another hidden gem for capturing beautiful beachside shots.
Popular tourist sites in Egypt can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. However, there are a few strategies to capture the best pictures without crowds. Arriving early in the morning or visiting during off-peak hours can help you avoid the crowds. Additionally, exploring lesser-known angles or viewpoints can allow you to capture unique shots while avoiding the main crowds.
While Egypt welcomes photography enthusiasts, there are some restrictions to be aware of. Inside temples and museums, photography may be restricted or require an additional permit. It’s essential to respect these rules and ask for permission when necessary. Additionally, photographing military facilities or personnel is strictly prohibited. Always be mindful and respect the local regulations to ensure a pleasant photography experience.
To capture the essence of Egypt in your photos, focus on capturing the unique cultural elements and rich history. Seek out shots that showcase the stunning architecture, vibrant colors, and intricate details. Including local people or traditional activities can also add authenticity to your images. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create visually interesting compositions. Lastly, don’t forget to use appropriate hashtags and geotags to help your photos reach a wider audience on Instagram.
The best time so post is 7pm on Saturdays, while travelling in egypt.
