Have you been this person who travels the world, but hasn’t paid so much attention to local tourism, believing that it doesn’t matter now, and one day you will see it all?

Or this person who when talking to foreigners realizes that they know much more about Egypt than you do?

Don’t freak out; we have all been there, so maybe it’s about time for you and me to discover Egypt, and tick off those 5 of my favorite places to be.

NUBIA

Have you ever wanted to; take a dip in the Nile? stay at one of those beautifully painted Nubian houses? Then Aswan’s Nubia is the place to be; the minute you step your feet in Nubia you will instantly feel how you were transferred into another era; where every local is genuinely kind and hospital, everyone would invite you over a cup of tea or a meal and would be kind of offended if you turned down their invitation, no one would ever frown at you as you will be always welcomed with a smile. It is literally a home away from home!

Hospital people of Nubia

FAYOUM

It takes you only an hour and 20 minutes to unplug from Cairo’s chaos, and finally find yourself surrounded by unspoilt beauty. You could go there to just spend a day, or even more to discover all of it; the Valley of Whales and its newly opened Fossil & Climate Change Museum; Wady El Rayan Waterfalls; take a boat in Lake Nasser, sand-board, dune-bash, watch pottery-making at El Nazla or the famous Tunis Village, hike El Modawara Mountain to watch a beautiful sunset over the Magic Lake, horseback ride, go to the Petrified Desert, bird-watching, or explore some of the Greek-Roman ruins.

El Modawara Mountain in Fayoum

OLD CAIRO

Or Al-Fustat is Egypt’s first capital. The area is known as the Religion Complex given that it has Amr Ibn El-Aas mosque; the first and oldest mosque to be built in Egypt, several churches to name a few; The Hanging Church, Saint Sergius Church where it is believed that the Holy Family was sheltered, the Coptic Museum, and a Christian Cemetery, not only but also an open to the public Synagogue known as Ben Ezra Synagogue. You can start your tour at Souq Al-Fustat where one can buy Egyptian handicrafts of very high quality, and affordable prices, followed by Amr Ibn El-Aas Mosque, the Churches, the Cemetery, the Coptic Museum, and finally the Synagogue.

Saint Sergius Church in Old Cairo after renovation

BAHARIYA OASIS

I wonder why this scenic place isn’t among the world’s top rated filming locations! It’s the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily life and is only 4 hours from Sheikh Zayed area in Cairo. It is perfect for those who enjoy being in the desert too; sand-board, dune-bash, sight-see, watch mind-blowing sunrises & sunsets, freshen up in natural springs, star-gaze, and above all camp.

The White Desert in Egypt’s Western Desert

DAHAB

Only in Dahab one can totally disconnect from the world, marvel at the stars like no other place -really, go for water-sports such as snorkeling, diving, free-diving, wind & kite-surfing, chill on the beach, go from the Blue Hole up to Abou Galloum Protectorate on foot, by boat, or on the back of a camel, camp or stay at one of its hotels. The best thing about Dahab is how primitive it still is, and one can only hope that it stays as is!

The most famous door in Dahab – Sinai

**All photos are courtesy of Passainte Assem

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About the Author

Passainte Assem

A former lawyer, travel junkie and adventurer from head to toe. Whether broke or out of vacation time, always on the lookout for the next destination. Keen to share her travel stories, planning tips and photographs to give you a real sense of place.