I’ve lived in Egypt for 30 years. The pyramids are great, but visitors shouldn’t miss these 6 gems.

Mount Sinai, known as Jabal Mūsā in Arabic, is one of Egypt’s highest mountains, sitting at 7,497 feet above sea level.

The mountain is considered a holy site for all Abrahamic religions — there’s even an old church and a mosque tucked at the summit. In my opinion, this isn’t just a typical hike — it feels like a beautiful spiritual journey.

After a hike along the mountain’s Camel Trail, 750 steps take you to the summit. If you plan accordingly and reach the top by sunrise, the horizon will turn into warm shades of amber and soft yellows. It’s a moment that’s absolutely worth hiking for.

I’ve seen the Siwa Oasis all over my Instagram feed, and in my opinion, no trip to Egypt would be complete without a visit to the area’s turquoise-blue salt lakes.

The first time I visited, I didn’t know how to swim, but because of the water’s high salinity, I was able to float.

In addition to the unmatched beauty, the lakes are also believed to have healing properties, making this a perfect spot for visitors interested in natural wellness.

Like the pyramids in Giza, I think seeing the Ancient Egyptian temples in Luxor is a must for first-time visitors to Egypt.

One of my favorite ways to view them, however, is from a hot-air balloon ride. I took one at sunrise to celebrate my 29th birthday, and it was absolutely worth it.

Once we were launched into the pink sky, we floated for 45 minutes over lush-green fields and various archaeological sites, including the iconic Temple of Hatshepsut.

While surrounded by dozens of other colorful hot-air balloons, it’s safe to say I felt like I was on cloud nine.

For the perfect weekend trip in Egypt, I recommend visiting the Black and White Deserts, which are within driving distance of each other.

These deserts, known for their otherworldly landscapes and bizarre rock formations, are two of my favorite places to sleep under the stars. For my 27th birthday, I took a group of close friends camping here, and together, we fully embraced the outdoors.

In the White Desert, we visited Crystal Mountain, went off-roading in the dunes of the Valley of Agabat, and went for a dip in a natural spring. My favorite activity in the Black Desert, however, was making sand angels.

Although its location in the Western Desert is a bit remote, the Djara Cave is a hidden gem you won’t regret going the extra mile to see.

This prehistoric dripstone cave features gorgeous rock formations and ancient Neolithic engravings. Plus, warm candlelight flickers across the rugged dripstone walls of the cave, creating a dim, more intimate atmosphere.

People come from all over the world to dive into the Red Sea, thanks to its marvelous coral reefs, diverse marine life, and year-round great temperatures.

Even if diving isn’t your cup of tea, snorkeling is also a wonderful experience.

Some of the most popular beach towns for diving or snorkeling are Marsa Alam, Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh, and Hurghada. In my opinion, they’re home to the best beaches and diving spots in the country.

If you’re a pro diver and have to choose just one town, I highly recommend Marsa Alam. It’s a less-crowded destination, with incredible marine diversity, including dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs, and even sharks.

For beginners, I recommend snorkeling in Dahab, as there are plenty of shallow sections, and it’s a great place to get your certification from professional instructors.