All Egypt

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Egypt

51 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Egypt

Updated September 23, 2024

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  1. Alexandria
  2. Aswan
  3. Badrshein
  4. Cairo
  5. Dandarah
  6. Luxor
  7. Qesm Al Wahat Ad Dakhlah
  8. Qesm Saint Katrin
  9. Qesm Sharm Ash Sheikh

Unusual Attractions in Egypt

See All 51 Things To Do in Egypt

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Egypt

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Treasures of Egypt: Hidden Tombs, Ancient Pyramids & Old Cairo

Explore pyramids, tombs, and local cuisine with your Egyptologist guide.

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Explore Egypt

Ancient 15
Architecture 10
Ruins 8
Memento Mori 5
Deserts 5
Catacombs And Crypts 5
Architectural Oddities 5
Archaeology 5

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Stories About Egypt

For more than half a century, the traveling International Astronomical Youth Camp has offered a gateway to careers in astronomy—and to lifelong friendships.

Up at Noon, Out All Night: This Summer Camp Is for Serious Stargazers

For more than half a century, the International Astronomical Youth Camp has attracted aspiring astronomers from around the world.
by Hannah Seo

Rabbits Are Creatures of the Underworld According to Ancient Fears

From Ancient Egypt to 'Donnie Darko', beware the bunny.
by Charis McGowan
Scientists had an innovative idea to use a natural food with Egyptian scrolls.

Why Scientists Are Mixing Wasabi and Ancient Papyrus

Vapors from the delicious food have a surprising effect.
by Hannah Seo
An overhead view of modern excavations at Tell el-Retaba, an ancient fortress that was part of Egypt's Ways of Horus military route. Teams digging here have unearthed human remains interred in ceramic jars, or pots.

In Ancient Egypt, Jar Burials May Have Helped the Dead Be Reborn in the Afterlife

First found at the ancient fortress of Tell el-Retaba, child burials in ceramic jars perplexed early archaeologists.
by Nicky Nielsen
This red ochre-tinted beer was served in honor of the goddess Hathor.

Ancient Egyptians Celebrated the Feast of Drunkenness with Blood-Red Beer

One of history's earliest mixed drinks was made to appease a ferocious goddess.
by Diana Hubbell
The cartonnage dates to 800 BC.

The Victorian Ladies Who Smuggled a Mummy Case Out of Egypt

And did the unthinkable to the mummy inside.
by Indi Bains
Preston on the expedition to the Lost City in Honduras.

The Archaeology Journalist Whose Adventures Are Stranger Than Fiction

From venom that can bubble human skin to a sealed Egyptian tomb, Douglas Preston's got an Indiana Jones thing going on.
by Danielle Hallock
After death, an individual's heart was weighed; hearts heavy with sin were devoured by the terrifying Ammit, a chimera of ancient Egypt's most feared predators: crocodile, lion, and hippopotamus.

In Ancient Egypt, Judgement of the Dead Was Severe

To enter the realm of Osiris, the dead had to complete a long to-do list—and face a terrifying devourer of souls.
by Nicky Nielsen

Lists Featuring Egypt

Original letter of Abraham, the son of Maimonides found in the Cairo genizah.
A sculpture of the Tower of Babel, by Alan Baughman, from the Introductory Room of the Museum of the Alphabet
Boontling word of the week in the tap room of the Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

A Linguistics Lover's Tour of the World

12 places to marvel at the history of human language.

12

Including The Cairo Genizah , The Museum of the Alphabet , and Boontling Language of Boonville

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