population: 3.02 million

extension: 1078 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Qena (Egypt) and interested in visiting museums, I suggest that you visit the Luxor Museum, located about 60 km south of Qena. The Luxor Museum features an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including many items from the nearby Luxor temples.

If you are looking for other similar museums within the area, you might want to consider visiting the Karnak Open Air Museum or the Nubian Museum in Aswan. Both museums exhibit collections of ancient Egyptian art and artifacts.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Qena, Egypt, according to local people are:

1. Fatta – a dish made with layers of bread, rice, and meat that are drizzled with tangy tomato sauce and topped with a generous helping of crispy fried onions.

2. Kebda Iskandarani - grilled liver marinated in a blend of spices, served with bread, salad, and garlic sauce.

3. Molokhia – A stew made of jute leaves, garlic, coriander, and chicken or rabbit meat, traditionally served with Egyptian bread or over rice.

4. Koshari – A vegetarian dish consisting of a mix of lentils, pasta, chickpeas and rice, covered with tomato sauce, and topped with fried onions.

5. Foul Medames – A breakfast dish made from fava beans, cooked slowly overnight, served with olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and onion.

6. Ta'ameya - An Egyptian version of falafel, made from ground fava beans or chickpeas, onions, herbs, and spices, deep-fried and commonly eaten as a snack or breakfast food.

These dishes are widely available in local restaurants and eateries in Qena and are enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Qena (Egypt) are:

1. Exploring the ancient ruins of Dendera and Abydos temples, both located in the Qena region.

2. Taking a felucca boat ride on the Nile River, which offers stunning views of the landscape and can be a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

3. Visiting the weekly Souq El Henna market, held every Monday, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

4. Participating in traditional Egyptian cooking classes or food tours, where you can learn how to cook popular local dishes like koshari and ful medames.

5. Attending cultural festivals and events, such as the Qena International Festival for Culture and Arts, which showcases music, dance, and theater performances from around Egypt and the world.