The 7 best temples in Egypt to visit in 2024.
As I wandered through the Great Hypostyle hall in awe of the giant columns, I thought to myself
‘how could ancient civilisations be capable of such architectural prowess’.
The Karnak Temple in Luxor was developed over 1000 years by many pharaohs all leaving their own mark on the largest religious building ever built.
This marvellous temple is arguably the most significant structure in Egypt, but is it the best?
Following my solo backpacking adventure throughout the ancient lands in September 2023, this blog considers the 7 best temples in Egypt.
There are pictures of the Karnak Temple, alongside six other beautiful temples, that all tell a different tale from an ancient past, which was millennia ahead of its time.
My first hand experience included hunting for hieroglyphics, admiring original statues, and learning from local experts on official tours.
The famous temples in Egypt made my hair stand up on my neck as I ticked off many bucket list destinations.
In no particular order the best Egyptian temples are:
Abu Simbel Temple.
Temple of Horus.
A colourful carved column at the Medinet Habu Temple in Luxor.
Karnak Temple.
There is no better place to start than the famous Karnak Temple in Luxor, which was once the largest religious complex throughout ancient Egypt.
Uniquely, the temple was developed over a thousand years, with many different pharaohs having an influence on the design and culture of the temple throughout the Twelfth to the Twentieth Dynasties.
Karnak is more like a village than a temple which includes a combination of temples, sanctuaries, giant columns and sphinxes - many sphinxes!
The open plan of the complex means the experience feels different to the other Luxor temples, which are more enclosed and compact!
The picture perfect ‘Hypostyle Hall’ in the Karnak Temple.
The most famous aspect of the temple is the Great Hypostyle Hall!
It is home to 134 giant 20 meter high sandstone columns, which remarkably are still intact.
This is a great spot to grab a selfie shot in front of the carved columns.
Back in ancient times, it is said to have been the most elaborately decorated of all such buildings in Egypt.
This is apparent in today’s world as you observe the detailed carvings throughout the temple.
The entrance to the Karnak Temple on the East Bank of Luxor.
One of many original statues still standing on the Karnak Temple site.
This temple is 95% open air, which means it can get very hot during midday, so bare this in mind when planning your visit.
The position of the sun peeping through the great hypostyle hall is beautiful on a morning.
Combining the Karnak and Luxor Temples on a private tour of the East Bank is the most efficient way of exploring both sites with knowledgeable guides.
How to visit the Karnak Temple:
Location - Luxor East Bank.
Entrance fee - 220 EGP (£5.50).
Opening times - 6.00am - 5.30pm.
Luxor Temple.
Luxor Temple is one of the most famous temples in Egypt and is an iconic East Bank ancient treasure which draws in growing global visitors each year.
It was first built back in 1400 BCE, and still shows off some exquisite architecture that has stood the test of time amazingly.
Even though this temple is smaller than the Karnak Temple, it is better preserved, so it is very interesting observing the carvings and statues of the place.
The grand entrance to Luxor Temple.
The entrance of Luxor Temple is home to some giant statues which give the indication that they were used to ‘protect’ the place of worship in ancient times.
There is also an inscribed obelisk in front of the building, which is as tall as the temple.
This was part of a pair built by Ramses II, however, the Egyptians have gifted one to France, spreading the history overseas. I found the obelisk to be asymmetrical in design, but this explains that one!
There have been many influences on the temple over the centuries and one was ‘Alexander the Great’, who built a shrine in the temple during the Roman ruling.
As I learned about the history of the structure by a local tour guide, I could see why it is one of the best temples in Egypt, in a city which was once known as Thebes (the capital city).
Luxor Temple sign at the visitor entrance point.
Visiting Luxor Temple at sunset offers a very special experience, as the sun sets, the temple is lit up offering a special glow and a surreal vibe.
It is also much quieter to explore at this time, as the tours are usually finished.
Heading straight to the famous El-Souk afterwards makes for a great evening’s entertainment!
Selfie time with some ancient statues in Luxor Temple.
Some exquisite ancient architecture on display.
One of my favourite parts of the Luxor Temple is the Avenue of Sphinxes.
This 3km walkway connected the Luxor and Karnak Temples thousands of years ago, and although it has been damaged, it still has many of the original sphinx statues either side of the walkway.
If you visit the Temples in cooler months, a leisurely stroll between the temples is a great way to feel the history of the city.
There has been some modernisation with lots of information boards and different antiquities throughout the walk.
This makes it like a walking open air museum!
How to visit Luxor Temple:
Location - Luxor East Bank.
Entrance fee - 160 EGP (£4.00).
Opening times - 6am - 10pm.
Temple of Philae.
If there was ever a temple that could tell a story of its grit and ability to stand the test of time, it is the Temple of Philae in Aswan.
Located on Agilkia Island, this temple has had its fair share of recent turmoil as it had to be relocated in the 1960’s due to flooding from the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Revisiting ancient times, this temple was first constructed in 690 BC to honour ‘Isis’, an Egyptian goddess of healing and magic.
It certainly still has a magical aurora about it, dominating the River Nile just North of Aswan.
A spectacular Nile approach to the Temple of Philae.
Before visiting Egypt I was thinking about what the ancient temples would be like and this one captured my imagination more than any of the others.
The approach up the Nile is picture perfect and worthy of any iconic structure.
It is hard to believe that the whole complex was dismantled completely only a matter of decades ago. A testament to the skills of the people in Southern Egypt.
The most enjoyable aspect of exploring the Philae Temple was the intricate carvings throughout the exterior and interior, which are said to depict scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology, religious rituals, and the daily lives of the people who worshipped here.
As I was travelling to Aswan from Luxor, I had seen my share of hieroglyphics and stone carvings in the Luxor temples, but Philae Temple is up there with the best.
The main entrance to the interior of the Temple of Philae.
If you want to experience the temple in a spectacular way, then you should head to Agilkia Island when the sun goes down.
The sounds and light show is a unique spectacle and narrates the history of the fascinating landmark through vibrant colours, loud music, and detailed storytelling!
How to visit the Temple of Philae:
Location - Agilkia Island in Aswan.
Entrance fee - 180 EGP (£4.50) + taxi boat cost to island.
Opening times - Mondays to Sundays 7 am to 4 pm (October – May) / 7 am to 5 pm (June – September).
Abu Simbel.
Located in the vast lands of Southern Egypt, not far from the Sudan border, Abu Simbel stands as a testament to the grandeur and artistry of ancient Egypt.
Its iconic design is carved into the sandstone cliffs of the Nubian Desert.
There are two magnificent temples located on the UNESCO World Heritage Site:
The Great Temple of Ramesses II.
The Temple of Nefertari.
Abu Simbel is another one of the famous temples in Egypt which has had to undergo a relocation due to the Aswan High Dam.
The temples were meticulously cut into massive blocks and reassembled on higher ground, preserving them for future generations to admire.
The most recognisable shot of the Temple are the four giant colossi statues (one is damaged beyond repair), at the entrance of the Great Temple of Ramesses II.
The iconic colossi at the Abu Simbel entrance.
As with some of the other famous temples in Egypt, I enjoyed venturing off the beaten path and exploring away from the main touristy areas.
The surrounding ruins at Abu Simbel included sacred pools, offering chapels, and rock-cut tombs. On the official tours, you get a couple of hours to wander around and fully enjoy the experience.
The colossi at Abu Simbel are one of the features which make it one of the most famous temples in Egypt.
Their intricate details are still on display for visitors.
One of the mind-blowing design aspects of Abu Simbel is the unique sun alignment which occurs.
Twice a year, during the summer solstice and winter solstice, the sun aligns perfectly with the Great Temple of Ramesses II, casting a radiant glow on the colossal statues of the pharaoh.
If you strike lucky and visit on these days, then your temple trip will be extra special!
How to visit Abu Simbel Temple:
Location - Abu Simbel (southern Egypt near Sudan border).
Entrance fee - 260 EGP (£6.75).
Opening times - Daily - 6am – 5pm (October to April) and 6am – 6pm (May to September).
Due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, there are strict rules in place for visitors.
Booking an official tour is the safest and most efficient way to visit.
Medinet Habu Temple.
Despite the Medinet Habu Temple being off the beaten tourist path and not having the same popularity as other famous spots in Luxor, it is certainly full of surprises - throughout the well preserved complex.
It is the second largest ancient temple in Egypt, and is a memorial to Ramses III.
Medinet Habu is the Arabic name for the mortuary temple of Ramses III.
The sandstone temple was constructed around the 12th century BCE, and served as a religious centre dedicated to the god ‘Amun’.
Some colourful trees add a nice touch to the front decor of the temple.
Impressive inscriptions on the front of the main Temple building at Medinet Habu.
A fascinating aspect of the Temple are the inscribed stone carvings, which appear to depict the military exploits of Ramses III during his reign in ancient times.
I spotted them on the front wall as soon as we pulled into the car park as they cover a large surface area.
I found the hieroglyphics and artwork to be much sharper in this temple than the Karnak and Luxor temples, including the colours which still remain vivid to this day!
On an official tour to the famous temple.
Visiting on an official tour is a great way to learn the details of the stone carvings, alongside the history of the mortuary temple.
Most tours of the West Bank will include the Medinet Habu Temple alongside the other treasures.
Another temple, another set of damaged statues.
Despite the temple being one of the most well-preserved in Egypt, it has still succumbed to time, which is displayed mainly through the statues that have been beheaded or completely destroyed.
How to visit the Medinet Habu Temple:
Location - Luxor West Bank.
Entrance fee - 200 EGP (£5.00).
Opening times - Summer: 6am - 5pm, Winter: 6am - 4pm.
Temple of Hatshepsut.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is arguably the most iconic temple in Egypt, with its 3 level design being carved into the cliffs of "Deir El-Bahari" on the West Bank.
The grand architecture throughout the complex is a glimpse into an ancient pharaohs vision, as Queen Hateshepsut ordered the construction back in 1479 BC, to illustrate the tales of her life.
It took around 15 years to complete, but still offers a fascinating look into her world, thousands of years later!
She was the longest ruling female pharaoh of ancient Egypt.
The Temple of Hatshepsut is a truly unique temple.
You can explore all three levels of this temple, as they are all connected by ramps, however, I found all three levels to be very similar.
Even though the temple is thousands of years old, it still displays elegance throughout. I can only imagine what it would have looked like when it was a thriving temple in ancient times.
From the welcoming pharaoh statues to the vibrant art, it offers class and beauty!
More cool hieroglyphics.
Another temple selfie.
Many tourists grab a ‘taf-taf’ buggy from the entrance point to the temple, however, I would recommend taking a slow walk up as the view of the temple with the mountainous backdrop is phenomenal, especially as you approach the steps.
I visited in summer time, so the temperature was inhumanely hot (45°), however, it was still worth the walk to enjoy that moment of admiration!
How to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut:
Location - Luxor West Bank.
Entrance fee - 160 EGP (£4.00) + taftaf cost.
Opening times - 6am - 5pm Daily.
Temple of Horus.
The Temple of Horus (also known as Temple of Edfu), is located in the city of Edfu on the West Bank of the Nile in between Luxor and Aswan.
It is one of the ‘newer’ structures of ancient Egypt and is said to the best preserved ‘Ptolemaic’ temple.
Its iconic features include falcon statues at its main entrance, along with other reliefs inside.
The falcon was known as the sacred animal to Horus, as it symbolized divine kingship.
The falcons onsite embody this royal connection!
Just a couple of hundred years ago, the Temple of Edfu was buried by sand and rubble. In the 19th century ‘Auguste Mariette’ began excavation on what has become a treasure of the city of Edfu.
The Temple of Edfu.
This Temple is located right in between Luxor and Aswan, so a great option for a day visit if travelling by car or train!
If you want a different perspective of the Temple of Edfu, then you should book a Nile cruise
There are many boat trips that include a visit to the temple.
This makes for the perfect day trip!
One of the iconic falcon statues at the Temple of Horus.
A cool spot in this structure is the inner sanctum, which is the most sacred and secluded part of the temple.
It is a small, dark room that houses a life-sized statue of Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky. The statue is made of granite and is highly polished, so it reflects the dim light from the three small apertures in the ceiling.
Although it isn’t accessible for visitors, it still draws intrigue!
How to visit the Temple of Horus:
Location - In Edfu - between Luxor and Aswan.
Entrance fee - 60 EGP (£1.50).
Opening times - Summer - 6am to 6pm, Winter - 6am to 4pm.
Colourful hieroglyphics at the Temple of Edfu.
Which Egyptian Temple is my favourite?
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is my favourite Egyptian temple and takes first place!
It’s design is simply breathtaking and made extra special by the surrounding cliffs.
The approach to this temple is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my time in Luxor, and one of the best things to do in Egypt.
Frequently asked questions about visiting the temples in Egypt
Temples in Egypt are a big draw to the country for international tourists, as they are searching for answers from the nations’ ancient past.
Here is a selection of very common questions that I have answered:
How many temples are in Egypt?
There is thought to have been around 4000 temples in Ancient Egypt, however, today many have been severely damaged, or completely destroyed.
Can you take pictures of Karnak Temple in Egypt?
tourists are actively encouraged to take as many photos as you possible by local tour guides, as it is a very special experience wandering around such an iconic structure.
Which is the oldest Temple in Egypt?
The oldest known temple in Egypt is the Temple of Hierakonpolis, located in the Upper Egyptian town of Nekhen.
The temple complex traces its origins back to the Predynastic Period (Narmer-First Dynasty, 3100-2686 BCE),
Why was Egypt's Abu Simbel Temple moved in the 1960s?
The famous Egyptian temple was moved due to rising flood waters as a result of the construction of the High Dam in Aswan.
Where is the Temple of Karnak located in Egypt?
The Karnak Temple is located on the East Bank of Luxor (previously known as Thebes).
What purpose did temples serve in ancient Egypt?
Temples served a multifaceted role in ancient Egypt, encompassing both religious and secular functions. They were primarily sacred spaces dedicated to the worship of deities and the performance of rituals. However, they also played a crucial part in the political, economic, and social fabric of ancient Egyptian society.
What did women wear in Egypt temples?
The most common garment for women in Egyptian temples, regardless of social standing, was the kalasiris, a simple, sleeveless sheath dress that reached the ankles. It was often made of linen or cotton and could be plain or decorated with embroidery or beadwork.
Upper-class women often wore a shenti, a long, rectangular linen cloth that was wrapped around the torso and tied at the waist. It could be worn alone or over a kalasiris. Noblewomen might also wear a nemes headdress, a striped cloth that was worn over the head and back to symbolize royalty.
What are the best times of year to visit Egypt's temples?
The best time to visit Egypt's temples depends on your preferences and the specific temples you plan to explore. For the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of fall (September-November) or spring (March-May). However, if you wish to witness the spectacular sun alignment at Abu Simbel, you will need to plan your visit during the summer solstice (June 20 or 21) or winter solstice (December 21 or 22).
I visited in September and had a very nice experience in all of the temples.
What are the best tips for visiting Egypt's temples?
Dress appropriately: Wear loose, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Plan your itinerary: Research the temples you want to visit and plan your route accordingly. Consider visiting the temples early in the morning to avoid crowds. If you are heading to Luxor by night train, then choose your day activities wisely the day after - you will be tired!
Purchase tickets in advance: Especially during peak seasons, it is advisable to purchase your temple tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Learn about the temples' history: Familiarize yourself with the history and significance of the temples before visiting, as this will enhance your understanding and appreciation of their grandeur.
Respect the temples: Be mindful of the sacred nature of the temples and conduct yourself respectfully. Avoid touching the artifacts or defacing the structures.
Want to visit the tombs as well as the temples?
Luxor offers far more than just temples!
If you are more of a tomb raider than a temple seeker, then a day trip to the West Bank of Luxor will be ideal for you to book in advance.
Visiting King Tut’s tomb was the favourite part of my Egypt trip.
It doesn’t get much better than spending time alone with a 3300 year old juicy Mummy!
The museums of Luxor also offer a cheap way of learning about Egypt’s ancient history. I found seeing King Tut’s death mask at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to be awesome!
If you are based in Cairo, then the famous Saqqara burial ground is also home to some original tombs, said to be over 3000 years old.
This is usually added onto visitors’ itineraries alongside the famous pyramids.
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