The Most Instagrammable Places in Egypt & How to Avoid the Crowds
Egypt is an incredible country that has been through a lot in the last decade. The chaos in the country has settled down and tourism is on the rise again. Not only is this country full of an immense amount of history, but it’s a photographer’s dream. The beautiful temples and stunning coastlines make it an Instagram haven. It’s no surprise that everybody who leaves Egypt leaves with some quite Instagram-worthy photos. Keep reading to learn everything about the most Instagrammable places in Egypt!
Most Instagrammable Places in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is the starting city for most visits to Egypt. It’s the home of one of the 7 World Wonders – the Great Pyramids of Giza. No trip to Egypt is complete without a stop in Cairo. Here’s your list for the most Instagrammable places in Cairo.
Don’t have a nice camera but want Instagram-worthy photos in Cairo? Book a private photography tour in Cairo, like this one here!
#1 — The Great Pyramids of Giza
It’s no surprise the Great Pyramids of Giza are at the top of the list. Not only is this impressive wonder of the world a must-visit place, but it also makes for some incredible photos. My best advice? Hire a guide to visit the pyramids, like this one here. A private guide is really inexpensive and will make your experience at the pyramids so much better. There are a lot of people around the pyramids trying to sell you something or take photos of you or with you, so you’ll fare a lot better with a guide. Plus, by hiring a private guide you can decide what time you want to visit the pyramids. The pyramids tend to be foggy until around 10 AM, so I highly suggest starting your tour a little later in the morning.
#2 — Marriott Mena House
Marriott Mena House is where I stayed in Cairo and I highly recommend it. The hotel is right on top of the pyramids. No, literally, it’s right next door. Being right next door to the pyramids means they have one of the best views of the pyramids. They even have rooms that overlook the pyramids. That means you can wake up in the morning and have breakfast on your private balcony with a view of the pyramids. Talk about a dream come true! Make friends with the security guards or concierge and ask them what they think the best views at the hotel are.
Book a room at the Marriott Mena House here.
#3 — Khan El Khalili Market
Khan El Khalili Market was one of my biggest surprises in Cairo. I expected to spend no time here at all, but was blown away by what a lively, exciting market it was. Make sure to have your wits about you here as it’s hectic and is full of people trying to sell you something, but it was a must-do experience for me in Cairo. Plus, one of my favorite things about local markets is they make for incredible photography spots! Remember to be kind to shop owners and don’t just use them for photos. If you take photos at a shop, try to buy something to support their shop.
#4 — The White Desert
This next spot isn’t actually in Cairo, but a lot of tours leave from Cairo which is why I’m including it within Cairo. The White Desert is one of the most unique looking places on Earth. It’s most commonly visited on overnight stays as it’s 4-5 hour drive away from Cairo. You can book a tour to the White Desert here.
Most Instagrammable Places in Aswan, Egypt
Aswan was one of the highlights of my trip to Egypt. The city is set right on the Nile River, so the views here are absolutely breathtaking. If you end up taking a Nile Cruise, you’ll either begin or end your journey here. Make sure to stick around in Aswan for a few days, because there are tons of wonderful things to see and do here. Here are my tips for the best photography spots in Aswan!
#1 — Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan was one of my absolute favorite hotels in Egypt. This hotel is full of incredible history. The famous novel Death on the Nile was partially based at the hotel, and the movie was eventually shot at this hotel as well. It’s no surprise a movie was shot here, because this hotel has the absolute best view of the Nile in all of Aswan. From the pool overlooking the Nile to The Terrace restaurant, there are plenty of spots here to watch feluccas sail down the Nile. I highly recommend staying at the hotel, but if you don’t end up staying here, make sure to at least stop by for a drink or a meal to catch the magnificent views.
Book a room at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan here.
#2 — A Felucca Ride Down the Nile
One of the most suggested things to do in Egypt was to take a felucca ride down the Nile and I’m so glad I did. Aside from the fact that it was an incredibly relaxing and peaceful experience, the photo opportunities were priceless. Take a felucca ride right before the sun sets so you can have a local meal and then sail down the Nile as the sun is setting. It was truly one of those “pinch me” moments. Plus, if you stay at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel, you can leave right from the hotel’s private dock for a super seamless experience.
#3 — Nubian Village
While you’re in Aswan, make sure to check out the Nubian Village. The colorful Nubian Village is on the banks of the Nile. You can take a motorboat over to the Nubian Village from Aswan which takes around 30-45 minutes. You can even stay in the Nubian Village overnight in one of the guest houses. Definitely make a stop at the Anakato Restaurant to see all the bright colors and have a hibiscus tea while watching the sunset over the Nile River.
#4 — Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is about a 3.5 hour drive south of Aswan. The town is known for the famous temples built here by King Ramses II. You can take as many photos outside of the temples as you want, but to take a DSLR camera inside the temples, you have to purchase a photography pass for 300 EGP (~$19 USD). Book a private tour so you can decide when to visit, like this one here. Tour groups usually come here first thing in the morning, so plan to arrive around 9-10 AM and you’ll have the place to yourself.
Most Instagrammable Places in Luxor, Egypt
Luxor has a bit more of a small town feel compared to Aswan and definitely compared to Cairo. It also has some of the most famous temples and historical landmarks in all of Egypt, so it’s definitely worth the visit. Nile Cruises begin or end in Luxor, so you’ll make a stop here if you’re on a cruise. I highly suggest sticking around for a couple extra days to fully see all the wonderful landmarks here. Luxor has some of my favorite photo stops out of every place I visited in Egypt.
#1 — Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Kings is one of the most sought out landmarks in all of Egypt. All the Kings of Egypt’s past are buried here, some of which they haven’t even found yet. Valley of the Kings initially looks pretty unassuming from a photo standpoint from the top, but once you get down into the tombs you’ll understand why this spot is on my list for most Instagrammable places in Egypt. Similar to Abu Simbel, you have to pay 300 EGP (~$19 USD) to use a DSLR camera inside the tombs. Be careful which ones you choose, because you’re only allowed to use the camera in 3 tombs.
#2 — Sofitel Winter Palace
The Sofitel Winter Palace is another excellent hotel for your trip to Egypt. It’s right next to the Nile River and a quick walk or drive away from both Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. It has a beautiful terrace that overlooks the Nile where you can get drinks and watch the sunset. The property is surprisingly large with a big pool, perfect to cool off during those hot Egyptian days. The grounds and the hotel itself are beautiful and perfect for that perfect Instagram shot.
Book a room at the Sofitel Winter Palace here.
#3 — Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple is a must-see in Luxor. The temple is massive and has tons of nooks and crannies, perfect for the photography lover. The highlight of this temple and the perfect spot for an Instagram shot is almost first thing when you walk in. There are massive pillars scattered shortly after the entrance. This is definitely the best spot for that killer Instagram photo. You could visit Karnak Temple on your own to take photos or book a private guide to also learn the history. Tour groups usually arrive at the temple around 8:30-9 AM from Hurghada, so arrive earlier to get the best photos without tourists in the shot.
#4 — A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the West Bank
If you’re an early riser, a hot air balloon rider over the West Bank in Luxor is the perfect activity for you. I can’t think of a better way to see the sun rise. Not only will this be one of the most beautiful, peaceful things you do in all of Egypt, but it’ll make for some incredible Instagram photos! Book a hot air balloon ride here.
Most Instagrammable Places in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm El-Sheikh is a place I’d been dying to visit for years. This Red Sea tropical paradise is the perfect spot for any water lover and the perfect way to end a trip to Egypt. The views from the airplane arriving into Sharm El-Sheikh are Insta-worthy in themselves, with the blue water meeting the golden sand. Check out the best Instagrammable spots in Sharm El-Sheikh!
#1 — Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh
I wholeheartedly believe no trip to Egypt is complete without a stop at the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh. This hotel has a billion and a half Insta-worthy photo spots. The entire hotel is lined with gorgeous bright pink flowers. If that wasn’t enough, the view from the balconies in the guest rooms are to die for. Trust me, there’s no shortage of beautiful photography opportunities here!
Book a room at the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh here.
#2 — Al Mustafa Mosque
The Al Mustafa Mosque in Sharm El-Sheikh is one of the most uniquely designed mosques I’ve ever seen. From the rich colors to the articulate detail, this place is incredibly beautiful. It makes for an absolutely incredible Instagram shot. Try a visit during the day and at night. I find mosques can look completely different in the day and at night. You can visit the mosque on a city tour, like this one here.
Grab Your Camera & Go!
Now that you’re prepared with all the most Instagrammable places in Egypt, grab that camera! As always, make sure to be respectful of the places you visit when you’re taking photos. Abide by the rules everywhere you go and don’t go off the path just to take a photo – it’s not worth it. Make sure to add me on Instagram and send me your favorite photos you take during your trip to Egypt!!
The Comments
Josefine
Oh my gosh, the Nubian Village looks unreal! I mean, all of these places do, but I’ve rarely seen anything so unique! Wow. Egypt is definitely on my bucket list. I was supposed to go last year with my family actually, but because my mom got a hip replacement a few months before she wasn’t allowed to fly, and our trip got cancelled 🙁 You just made me want to book a new trip!
Maddie
JosefineAh darn! I hope your mom is feeling better now. You guys should definitely try to plan your trip again!
Nicole Claesen
GORGEOUS pictures!! I would love to visit Egypt. The Al Mustafa Mosque is stunning and I haven’t heard of the hot air balloons over the West Bank – WOW! Definitely Pinning this for future reference.
Maddie
Nicole ClaesenThank you so much!!! There are so many incredible things to see in Egypt.
Emma
Your photos are beautiful. Egypt is high on my list. Such a great looking country with so much history
Maddie
EmmaYou have to go! It was so incredible. Get there before it becomes overrun with tourism!!
Krystianna
Great post! These locations are definitely insta-worthy. I’ve always wanted to travel to Egypt one day, so I’m pinning this for later. 🙂
Krystianna
Maddie
KrystiannaYou have to visit Egypt! It’s an absolutely incredible place. I was in awe during my entire trip.
Julnel
How many days in each place did you stay? And when visiting the sights what hotel for which sites? Did you go through a travel agency?
Maddie
JulnelDuring my entire stay in Egypt, I stayed 2 nights in Cairo, 3 nights in both Luxor & Aswan, and ended with 2 nights in Sharm el Sheikh. If I could, I would add another night to Cairo & Sharm el Sheikh. If you had to remove a night somewhere, I would remove it from Luxor just because the things to see there are a lot more central and it’s way more possible to do those in 2 days, whereas Aswan really needs the extra day. I have an Egypt itinerary on my site as well that gives some different options. I’ll link that below for you! I booked my hotels all separately, but did use a tour company for the tours in each city. I would also recommend using GetYourGuide or Viator for tours – they’re a great company! There are links within the Egypt itinerary for tours I recommend!!
Egypt Itinerary: https://www.aonewayticket.com/egypt-itinerary/