13 Best Temples In Egypt You Must Visit
Are you looking for the best temples in Egypt?
Egypt is packed with incredible temples that tell stories of its fascinating past. These ancient sites aren’t just about impressive architecture, they’re windows into a world of gods, pharaohs, and epic history.
In this guide, I’ll take you through 13 temples you absolutely need to visit. Each one has its own unique appeal and a story waiting to be discovered.
The Most Stunning Egyptian Temples
Egyptian temples are more than just historical landmarks, they are a connection to a time of great civilizations and incredible achievements. Each temple has its own story, built to honor gods, celebrate victories, or serve as a place of worship.
Visiting these temples is like stepping into a living museum, where every wall and column holds ancient secrets.
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1. Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple considered the world’s largest outdoor museum, can be found on the east bank of the Nile River in Luxor city. Luxor, the former name Thebes was the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom.
Luxor Temple was built around 1400 BCE primarily by pharaohs Amenhopet III, Ramesses II, and Tutankhamun. This temple was dedicated to three Egyptian Gods Amun, Mut, and Chons.
This temple was significant for the most important festival in Thebes, Opet. Today, Luxor Temple is one of the most visited temples in Egypt and most of the cruises start and end in Luxor. It also belongs to the UNESCO Site Heritage.
The best time to visit Luxor Temple is early in the morning with sunrise or late during the sunset. It is also beautiful in the evening when it is lightened with lights.
Location: Luxor city center, on the east bank of the Nile River
Opening hours: 6 am until 9 pm or 10 pm, depending on the season. Opening hours during Ramadan may vary.
2. Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple is the largest religious complex not only in Egypt but the whole world and it is dated back to 2000 BCE. This temple was devoted to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu.
In addition to its central temple, Karnak boasts a collection of smaller chapels and sanctuaries, each dedicated to various deities. This site features grand halls, docks, and a sacred lake, with towering pylons acting as impressive gateways to the holy areas.
One sight stands out among the countless wonders within Karnak, which is the Great Hypostyle Hall. This monument commands attention with its incredible 134 massive columns, some reaching heights of nearly 70 feet (21 meters), carefully aligned in 16 rows.
From the southern entrance of the temple, the grand Avenue of the Sphinxes stretches 1.5 miles (3 km), leading visitors to Luxor Temple and the banks of the River Nile.
The best time to visit Karnak Temple is early in the morning or during sunset. However, you can also attend light and sound shows that are happening later in the evening.
Location: Luxor
Opening hours: 6 am until 5:30 pm. The light shows starting from 7 pm until 10 pm and they are in different languages, so you should check and choose the one you want before booking.
3. The Temple of Kom Ombo
The Temple of Kom Ombo can be found on the east side of the River Nile in the village holding the same name Kom Ombo, about 45km from Aswan.
This Temple is very unique as it was dedicated to two Gods, crocodile-headed God Sobek and falcon-headed God Horus. Because of this twin dedication, the temple is duplicated. There are two entrances, two hypostyle halls, two courts, and sanctuaries.
In the past, the river Nile in this area was full of crocodiles and people were scared to come to the temple. There was even a small pool inside where crocodiles were raised.
Today, the only crocodiles you will find here are the mummified ones in the museum next to the temple.
Check my comprehensive guide about the Temple of Kom Ombo Here
Location: Kom Ombo village, 45 km from Aswan
Opening hours: 9 am until 5 pm
4. Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel Temple is actually two separate temples built by Ramesses II and is dedicated to himself, Gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, and also to his wife Queen Nefertari. It took 20 years to build the temples.
The first larger temple is marked by four 20 m tall statues of Ramesses II and the smaller statues next to his feet represent his wife Nefertari, his children, and his mother.
The smaller temple is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and his wife Nefertari. There are two groups of colossi divided by the gate. The statues are about 10 m high and represent the king and the queen.
Due to the location of Abu Simbel, the best is to take a tour to visit it. However, you can also hire a car, take a public bus, or chartered tourist bus or boat.
Location: Upper Egypt, 300 km from Aswan, close to the border of Sudan
Opening hours: 5 am until 6 pm
5. Temple of Hatshepsut
The Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as “Djeser-Djeseru”, which means “Holy of Holies” in the ancient Egyptian language stands as a testament to the remarkable legacy of Hatshepsut, the famous pharaoh of the 18th dynasty.
Hatshepsut is known as the female pharaoh who ruled for the most years, and historians also consider her one of the most accomplished leaders of Ancient Egypt, often praised as the “first great woman in history.”
This impressive building is a mortuary temple, built as a memorial to honor the pharaoh who ordered its construction.
Location: Dear el-Bahari, on the bank of the Nile, near Luxor
Opening hours: 6 am until 5 pm
6. The Temple of Isis
The Temple of Isis, also called as Temple of Philae was originally built on Philae Island. However, due to the flood caused by building the Aswan Dam, the Temple of Isis was almost lost. Thanks to Unesco’s help, the Egyptian government managed to move it to Agilkia Island.
This temple was among the final ones built to honor Isis, a goddess revered for her role in reviving her husband, Osiris after he was killed and torn apart by his brother Seth.
Their union brought forth their son, Horus, a significant deity in Ancient Egyptian mythology. Due to her divine status as the mother of Horus, Isis was bestowed with the esteemed title of “Mother of God.”
Location: Agilkia Island, south of Aswan
Opening hours: 7 am until 4 pm
7. The Temple of Edfu
The Temple of Edfu is located in the city of Edfu between Luxor and Aswan and is dedicated to the deity Horus, therefore it is also called the Temple of Horus.
This temple is the second largest in Egypt, after Karnak Temple, and is the best-preserved temple of the ancient Egyptian temples because it was under 12 meters of sand for 200 years.
The Edfu Temple was constructed on the land where the legendary battle between good and evil took place in ancient Egyptian mythology. This momentous clash involved the revered gods Horus and Set, representing the forces of good and evil respectively.
Location: In the Edfu city between Aswan and Luxor. Best visited during a Nile cruise
Opening hours: 7 am until 5 pm
8. Ramesseum Temple
Ramesseum Temple is a mortuary temple of Pharoah Ramesses II dedicated to him and God Amun Ra and can be found in Theban Necropolis on the west bank of the River Nile.
The most impressive about this temple is a statue of Ramesses II which is 18 m high and weighs about 1,000 tons. Inside, you’ll see a huge Hypostyle hall with 29 columns, each decorated with carvings showing the famous battle of Kadesh and the Syrian wars.
Location: Luxor
Opening hours: 6 am until 5 pm
9. Colossi of Memnon
Constructed approximately in 1350 BC, the Colossi of Memnon consists of two enormous stone statues, 18 meters high with weight about 700 tons each, portraying Pharaoh Amenhotep III seated majestically.
Initially, these statues served as guardians at the entrance of Amenhotep’s mortuary temple, a place of worship for the pharaoh before and after his passing.
Although the Colossi were once part of the largest temples in ancient Egypt, only the two statues remain today, as the rest of the temple complex has mostly vanished.
However, both statues have suffered significant damage over time, with the upper portions above the waist now scarcely recognizable.
Location: Luxor
Opening hours: 6 am until 5 pm
10. Temple of Seti I (Abydos Temple)
Temple of Seti I is the most significant temple in Abydos Temple, located in Abydos city and was built in 1300 BC. It is also a mortuary temple of Pharaoh Seti I.
Within the temple lies the Abydos King List, which serves as a historical record listing numerous dynastic pharaohs of Egypt in chronological order.
Starting from Menes, the esteemed Egyptian king attributed to the establishment of the First Dynasty, the list extends until Ramesses I, who was the father of Seti.
Location: Abydos City, Upper Egypt, Sohag Governorate
Opening hours: 7 am until 6 pm
11. Medinet Habu Temple
Medinet Habu, situated on the west bank of Luxor, is a name that translates to “huge temple complex” in Arabic. This temple was constructed by two pharaohs, Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III, who dedicated it to the god Amun.
Next to their temple, Ramesses III built his own mortuary temple. The entrance tower on each side vividly depicts scenes of Ramesses triumphing over his enemies. Additionally, the tower features a statue of the goddess Sekhmet carved from granite.
When you enter the Migdol tower, you’ll find a large open space that leads to the first pylon of Ramesses’ mortuary temple. The temple walls are covered with carvings about Ramesses III’s military victories.
Location: Luxor
Opening hours: Summer-6 am until 5 pm, Winter-6 am until 4 pm
12. Dendera Temple
The Dendera temple complex is well-preserved and one of the most decorative temples. Covering an area of 40,000 square meters, it’s truly huge.
Dendera brings together many layers of Egyptian history, showing how architecture evolved over time.
The main temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, is impressive. Its large hypostyle halls and detailed ceilings and columns are amazing to see.
One of the standout features is the Dendera Zodiac, a beautiful bas-relief on the temple ceiling. It’s rare in Egyptian art and adds to the appeal of Dendera.
Location: On the west bank of River Nile, opposite the town Qena, about 60 km from Luxor
Opening hours: 7 am until 5 pm
13. The Unfinished Obelisk
The Unfinished Obelisk in Egypt is an interesting archaeological site that shows how obelisks were made in ancient times.
Located in the northern part of Aswan, this huge stone monument was left unfinished, giving us a look at the quarrying techniques used by the ancient Egyptians.
Carved from one large piece of granite, the Unfinished Obelisk is a reminder of the big projects the ancient civilization took on.
Even though it’s unfinished, it highlights the skill and precision of the ancient Egyptians, leaving visitors amazed by their engineering abilities.
Location: Aswan
Opening hours: 7 am until 4 pm
The Most Impressive Temples In Egypt: FAQs
For more information about visiting temples in Egypt, see the FAQs below.
When is the Best Time to Visit Temples in Egypt?
The best time to visit Temples in Egypt is in Spring and Autumn when the weather is not so hot. Winter is also a good time, but it is a peak season, so it is a busy period, and the prices are the highest. I would not recommend visiting during the summer as it is too hot.
In whichever season you decide to visit, the best times are early in the morning or later in the evening when you can catch stunning pictures with sunrise or sunset.
What to Wear While Visiting Temples in Egypt?
When visiting temples in Egypt you should wear light, loose, and comfortable clothes as the temperatures are high. As a woman, dress conservatively, and cover your shoulders and knees.
As a man, you can wear shorts or long trousers, a T-shirt or a shirt. Most importantly, wear very comfortable shoes as you will walk a lot. If you are coming during the winter months, bring a sweater or jumper as evenings are a bit colder.
What is the Famous Temple on the Nile?
Luxor Temple located on the east bank of River Nile is the most famous. Built from Nubian sandstone around 1400 BCE.
What is the Most Colorful Temple in Egypt?
Dendera Temple is the most colorful and decorated temple in Egypt.
The Wrap-Up: Best Temples In Egypt
Egypt’s temples offer a unique look into the country’s rich history and culture. Each temple has its own story and significance, making them must-see sites for anyone interested in ancient Egypt.
Whether you’re exploring grand structures or hidden gems, these temples are sure to leave a lasting impression.
