Egypt is the repository of some of the most magnificent ancient temples in the world. These temples helps us to peek into thousands of years of mythology, engineering brilliance, and Pharaonic ambition. They are like mirrors of a great civilisation that mastered art, architecture, and astronomy. Each chapel, pylon, and hypostyle hall preserves legends of gods, cosmic creation, royal rituals, and victories of epic proportions.
In this comprehensive guide to the top temples of Egypt, we’ll introduce you to the must-visit sites across Upper Egypt, including world-famous landmarks like Karnak and Luxor Temple, as well as lesser-known treasures like Kalabsha and the Ramesseum. This blog highlights the best temples to visit in Egypt, organized region-wise, ensuring you don’t miss any must-see sites during your trip.
A. Temples of Upper Egypt (Aswan):
1. Abu Simbel Temple:
You’ve often seen it before – flashing on the glossy pages of table calendars, magazine covers, or desktop wallpapers. Yet the sheer scale and grandeur of the Great Temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel will catch you off-guard. As you take the turn of the trail, the colossi of Ramses the Great will greet you with his signature imperious smile. As if, the ‘king of kings’ is reciting the lines from Shelley’s haunting sonnet – “Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
Ramses envisioned this temple for commemorating his victory in the Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites. Historically, the battle ended in a stalemate. However, it was a personal triumph for Ramses himself. Before the entire Egyptian military retinue could reach the battleground, he was ambushed by the enemies. With defeat and death looming, Ramses bravely rallied his scattered troops and single-handedly outwitted the Hittites. And, thus the Pharaoh turned into a legend.
Overlooking the cerulean Lake Nasser, the temple manifests two incredible feats of engineering. First, its construction back in 1255 BCE on Egypt’s distant southern frontier. Second, the modern marvel of engineering when it was moved to the higher ground in 1968 to save it from drowning in the rising waters of the High Dam.
The original temple was built in such a way that every year, on the 21st of February and October (Ramses’ birthday and coronation day), the first rays of the rising sun illuminated the inner sanctum. At present, this phenomenon takes place on the 22nd of February and October.
The temple’s most breathtaking feature is its facade – four colossi of Ramses, each measuring to 20 m, while smaller statues of his mother Tuya, his wife Neferatri, and some of his 160 children stand near his legs.
Inside, the Great Hall is embellished with eight more statues of Ramses. The walls showcase scenes from the Battle of Kadesh where Ramses is seen vanquishing his enemies.
The inner sanctum has seated statues of Ramses along with Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah.
Ramses also built a smaller temple for his beloved wife Nefertari. Dedicated to the goddess of love and music Hathor, it features six 16 m high colossi of Ramses and Nefertari.
Timings: Everyday from 6 AM to 6 PM (last entry at 4 PM).
Tickets: Entry fee is EGP 822 for adults and EGP 445 for students. No extra charge for camera. Tickets can also be booked online.
Time required: 1-2 hours.
Pro-tip:
- Prior permit is required for visiting Abu Simbel. Since Abu Simbel is located near the Sudanese border, so police convoy escorts tourist vehicles.
- Best time to visit Abu Simbel is at sunrise and sunset. The light is perfect and crowd is almost nil.
- For photography, try to visit during early morning and late afternoon.
- Road to Abu Simbel from Aswan remains open between 6 AM to 3 PM. It takes 3-4 hours to cover the distance. If you’re travelling from Aswan, make sure to start at 4 AM so that you can reach the temple by 8 AM.
- Pack breakfast as there is no decent eatery on the way.
- Egypt Air has 3 daily flights from Aswan and provides a free shuttle to the temple.
- Light and sound show at 6-30 PM and 7-30 PM.
- The sun alignment occurs on the 22nd day of February and October. Ticket costs EGP 1272. However, expect overwhelming rush of visitors.
2. Philae Temple:
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Nile’, this picturesque temple was dedicated to Isis who was the Egyptian goddess of motherhood, magic, healing, and sea.It was a sacred place thought to be one of the burial sites of Osiris, the husband-brother of Isis, whom she brought back to life with a single tear.
The temple was built over the years, with the earliest structure dating back to the 30th Dynasty king Nectanebo I. The Ptolemaic Pharaohs made further significant contributions to the building of Philae.
The temple was originally built on the Philae island. In the 1960s, the rising water of the Nile owing to the construction of the High Dam threatened this temple with permanent inundation. With UNESCO’s assistance, the temple was dismantled, brought piece by piece to the Agilkia Island, and restored to its former glory. At present, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple’s blend of Ptolemaic and Roman architecture is breathtaking. The monumental pylons – embellished with detailed reliefs and intricate carvings of Isis, her son Horus, and Pharaohs making offerings to them – are a testament to the skills of Egyptian sculptors. The main highlight of the Philae Temple are First Pylon adorned with reliefs of Isis and Horus along with the Egyptian kings, Forecourt flanked by ornate colonnades, Mammissi or birth-house of Horus, Hypostyle Hall with 10 columns, and inner sanctuary where once a statue of Isis stood. In the courtyard, there is a small temple dedicated to Hathor, the unfinished Trajan’s Kiosk with 14 columns, and Gateway of Hadrian.
The trip to Philae Temple starts with a short ride across the reservoir in a small Nubian motorboat. Then cruising past the western side of the temple, it docks on the island of Agilika.
- Timings: Everyday from 7 AM to 4 PM (Last entry at 3 PM)
- Tickets: Entry fee of Philae Temple is EGP 550 for adults and EGP 275 for students.
- Time required: 2 hours.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit Philae is late afternoon. The temple and the surrounding Nile look resplendent as the sun’s rays become softer. Philae is swarmed by tourists in massive number. So, try visiting in the early morning or late afternoon.
- For photography, late afternoon is perfect when the temple turns amber under the soft sunlight. No extra charge for camera.
- Light and sound show at 6-30 PM and 7 PM.
- The local boats try to overcharge tourists at the drop of hat. You have to bargain hard and fix the price before getting on the boat. The boats generally allows an hour to explore the temple and try to overcharge if you take more time. So, be cautious.
3. Kalabsha Temple:
The fortress-like Kalabsha Temple is one of Egypt’s hidden gems. A must-see in Aswan, the present temple was built over an earlier structure dating back to the era of Amenhotep II. Dedicated to the Nubian sun god Mandulis, it was constructed during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus in 1st century BCE. In its heyday, Kalabsha was the largest free-standing temple in Egyptian Nubia.
A fine specimen of Nubian architecture, Kalabsha was relocated to its present location in order to save it from the rising water of the Aswan High Dam.
Kalabsha is reached by a short boat ride across the Nile near the High Dam.
- Timings: Everyday 7 AM to 3 PM.
- Tickets: Ticket costs EGP 200 for adults and EGP 100 for students.
- Time required: An hour.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit the Kalabsha Temple is late afternoon. The temple is one of the least visited Egyptian sites. Chances are you’ll find the temple all to yourself (and a dog who lives on the island!)
- For photography, late afternoon works fine.
- The temple often remains closed for security reasons. The dock from where the boats leave is controlled by military. A military personnel escort visitors to the temple. So, check whether Kalabsha is open beforehand.
B. Temples Between Aswan & Luxor
1. Temple of Horus, Edfu:
One of the best-preserved temples of Egypt, it was devoted to the worship of the falcon-headed god Horus. As the legend goes, this temple marks the place where Horus defeated his uncle Seth and avenged the murder of his father Osiris.
The present structure was built by the Ptolemaic Pharaohs between 237 to 57 BCE. But older structures dating back to Seti I and Ramses II have also been unearthed.
The main structures of the Edfu Temple are the 37-m high monumental pylon, a 32-columned courtyard, granite statues of Horus at the gateway, two Hypostyle Halls, inner sanctuary which once housed a golden statue of Horus, a small mammisi, and Nilometer. The temple is decorated with countless hieroglyphics which mostly shows Horus defeating Seth.
The Temple of Horus in Edfu is one of the largest temples in Egypt and also one of the most popular temples in Egypt. It is conveniently situated on the Aswan to Luxor route.
- Timings: Everyday from 7 AM to 4 PM.
- Tickets: EGP 550 for adults and EGP 275 for students.
- Time required: 1 – 2 hours.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu is after 9 AM. The tourists staying in the Nile cruises throng to the Horus Temple in the early morning when their ship docks at Edfu. The crowd thins out after 9 AM when the ships leave Edfu for Luxor. So, plan your visit accordingly.
- For photography, visit in the late afternoon.
2. Temple of Khnum, Esna:
One of the most beautiful temples of Egypt, the Temple of Khnum in Esna is indeed a hidden gem. Though it lies on the Aswan to Luxor route, the Nile cruises bypass it and conventional travel itineraries skip it. Take our words – skipping the Esna Temple will be your biggest regret. Thank us later!
The temple was dedicated to the ram-headed creator god Khnum, his consorts Menhit and Nebtu, his son Heka, and goddess Neith. Built of red sandstone, it was commissioned by Ptolemy VI Philometeor. The temple was buried under 15 centuries of sand and silt until Auguste Mariette excavated the fascinating Hypostyle Hall in the 19th century. The main sanctuary is still underneath and excavation is ongoing to unearth more sections of this temple.
The Hypostyle Hall of Esna Temple is perfectly preserved, and embellished with 24 towering columns with lotus-leaf capitals. The hall was vividly painted in bright colours most of which has survived to the present. The vibrant ceiling depicts cosmological scenes, providing a window into ancient Egyptian astronomy.
- Timings: Every day from 7 AM to 4 PM.
- Tickets: EGP 200 for adults and EGP 100 for students
- Time required: 1 hour.
- Best time to visit the Esna Temple is early morning and late afternoon, when the colours revive under the soft sunlight. This temple is one of the less visited temples in Egypt, so don’t expect any crowd here.
- Early morning and late afternoon are also ideal for photography.
C. Luxor: The Storehouse of Temples
1. Medinat Habu Temple:
Located in Luxor’s West Bank, this is the grand Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III. It stands in the foothills of the Theban cliffs and offers a peaceful escape from the jam-packed sites of Luxor.
In its heyday, Medinat Habu was more than just a temple. It consisted of a royal palace, accommodation for priests, offices, workshops, and stores. The human settlement continued until 9th century CE when it was a Coptic centre called Jeme.
The Medinat Habu Temple is renowned for the deeply carved hieroglyphic reliefs. According to historians, they are the deepest hieroglyphic carvings. It is also set apart by the extraordinary preservation of colourful wall carvings. The hues of blues, reds, and yellows still cling to battle scenes, royal rituals, and divine offerings — giving visitors a rare chance to witness ancient Egyptian art in its near-original brilliance.
The best sights of Medinat Habu are the massive reliefs of Ramesses III defeating the Sea Peoples, his scribes counting his enemies by severed hands and genitals, and the Pharaoh presenting the prisoner of wars to Amun and Mut.
Combined with its atmospheric location and exceptional carvings, Medinet Habu ranks among the best temples to visit in Luxor
- Timings: Everyday from 6 AM to 5 PM.
- Tickets:
- Time required: Around 2 hours.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit the Medinat Habu Temple is early morning when the temple looks resplendent under the soft sun rays.
- For photography, go in the morning.
2. Ramesseum:
For explorers wanting to discover the lesser-known temples of Luxor, the Ramesseum is a treasure waiting to be uncovered. One of the largest temples of ancient Egypt, it was the memorial temple of Ramesses the Great. This monumental temple, originally called “House of Millions of Years”, offers a glimpse of the aura of one of Egypt’s most iconic rulers.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ramesseum is characterised by a 48-column hypostyle hall, ornately carved reliefs of Battle of Kadesh and Syrian Wars, and colossal statues of the Pharaoh himself – including the remains of a gigantic 18-m granite statue that once graced the temple complex and which inspired P.B. Shelley to write his immortal sonnet ‘Ozymandias’. One interesting relief inside shows the deities Sheshat and Thoth inscribing Ramesses’ name on the leaves of the mythical Ished Tree. It also contains a minor list of Pharaohs, now known as the Ramesseum King List.
The temple was originally dedicated to Amun, the lord of Thebes. Two small chapels were also dedicated to the king’s mother Tuya, and beloved wife Nefertari.
The Ramesseum’s combination of comprehensive storytelling reliefs, extraordinary architecture with scattered remains of original paint, and serene surroundings makes it one of the best temples in Egypt to acquaint with the ancient civilisation in its most authentic form.
- Timings: Everyday from 6 AM to 5 PM.
- Tickets: EGP 220 for adults and EGP 110 for students.
- Time required: Around 2 hours.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit the Ramesseum is during sunrise and sunset when the temple looks and feels atmospheric. Tourists ignore the Ramesseum, you’ll have the temple all to yourself.
- For photography, plan your visit around the sunrise or sunset.
3. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut:
Dramatically standing with the rugged Deir el-Bahari cliffs as background, Egypt’s most powerful female Pharaoh had created one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt. Hatshepsut’s funerary temple with three massive terraces is regarded as a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
Once decorated with a fragrant garden, it was called Djeser-djeseru or Most Holi of the Holies and befitted a woman considered beautiful and gifted in her own time. Its architect was Senenmut, Hatshepsut’s trusted courtier and possible lover. The temple was devoted to the worship of Amun and faced the Karnak Temple, Amun’s chief temple. It also housed chapels for Hathor, the goddess of Theban necropolis, and Anubis, the god of mummification.
Hatshepsut defied the earlier traditions where only the male children were depicted as the sons of the sun god. In her memorial temple, she depicted herself as a boy and a divine son of Amun. Notable carvings inside the temple show Hatshepsut’s expedition to Punt and her close association with Amun. Her Osiride statues on the upper terrace are also stunning.
- Timings: Everyday from 6 AM to 5 PM.
- Tickets: EGP 440 for adults and EGP 220 for students.
- Time required: An hour is sufficient.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit the Hatshepsut Temple is right when it opens. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Luxor. Throngs of tourists flood the temple complex after 9 AM. So, try to visit it first thing in the morning if you want to explore in peace.
- For photography, visit early in the morning to avoid the crowd. Late afternoon is also great for taking photos but the temple remains filled with visitors.
4. Karnak Temple:
In the halcyon days, Karnak was known as Ipetsut or ‘the most select of places’. Dedicated to Amun, it was ancient Egypt’s most sacred site and the greatest beneficiary of royal largesse. At present, Karnak is the second most-visited archaeological site in Egypt, second only to the Great Pyramids of Giza as also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple was founded by the Theban Eleventh Dynasty during the dark days of civil war. The Twelfth Dynasty, also hailing from Thebes, also honoured the Ipetsut. Senusret I, the dynasty’s second ruler, beautified the temple of Amun by erecting a jubilee pavilion. For the next 1500 years, the Pharaohs continued to add chapels, pavilions, and obelisks. From a small and insignificant temple, Karnak gradually became the largest religious structure in the world.
In its heyday, the Ipetsut owned 421,000 cattle, 65 cities, 83 ships, and 276,400 hectares of agricultural land. It was the richest temple of ancient Egypt. It was built as the earthly abode of the creator deity Amun, who lived along with his wife Mut, the queen of gods, and their son Khonsu, the moon god.
The First Pylon of the temple is entered through a gateway graced by the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes. The most striking part of Karnak is the enormous 5500 sq. m. Great Hypostyle Hall filled with towering 134 columns. Also fascinating are the two obelisks of Hatshepsut, one of which is the tallest in Egypt. Beyond the Fifth and Sixth Pylon lies the Sanctuary of Amun, which is noted for the Wall of Records showing a tally of tributes exacted from the devotees of Amun. Also of great interest is the Great Festival Hall of Thutmose III and the Botanical Garden, a vestibule depicting flora and fauna from Thutmose’s overseas campaigns.
- Timings: Every day 6 AM to 4 PM.
- Tickets: EGP 600 for adults and EGP 300 for students.
- Time required: 3 – 4 hours.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit the Karnak Temple is right when the ticket counter opens at 6 AM. First, you’ll get to witness a magical sunrise and the temple looks radiant. Secondly, you’ll dodge the hundreds and thousands of tourists who mob the temple complex afterwards.
- For photography, the sunrise hour is the best. The best location for taking interesting shots is, off course, the Great Hypostyle Hall.
- Don’t miss the Light and Sound program in the evening. It will be even more magical if you’re visiting during full moon day. The ticket costs USD 20 for adults and USD 11 for children.
- After exploring the temple, sip the refreshing mint tea at the cafe beside the Sacred Lake.
5. Luxor Temple:
Known to the ancient Egyptians as ‘Ipetresyt’ or ‘southern sanctuary’, it was one of the two primary temples of Luxor’s east bank (the other one being Karnak). The temple was mostly constructed during the New Kingdom. Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun, and Ramesses II made significant contributions to the building of this temple. The Luxor Temple is also a UNESCO World heritage Site.
The temple was dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. It was the centre of the annual Opet Festival, when the cult statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were paraded with pomp and brought to the Luxor Temple from Karnak on a ceremonial barque through a vibrant procession. The procession moved through the Avenue of Sphinxes. The festival continued for 11 days, and later stretched to 24 days during the reign of Ramesses II.
The entrance to the First Pylon is graced by two colossi of Ramesses II. Also, two 25-m obelisks stood at the gateway, one of which now resides in Paris. The most fascinating sections of the temple are Grand Colonnade of Amenhotep III with 14 mammoth papyrus columns, Court of Ramesses II, Hypostyle Hall with 32 columns, a double statue of Amun and Mut with the facial features of Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun, and Sun Court of Amenhotep III.
- Timings: Every day from 6 AM to 7 PM.
- Tickets: EGP 500 for adults and EGP 250 for students.
- Time required: Around 3 hours.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit the Luxor Temple during the sunset. The temple looks magical under the golden sun rays. Also, the crowd of tourists thins out during this time. You can also stay until the temple complex is illuminated.
- For photography, early morning and late afternoon are best.
D. Beyond Luxor: Dendera & Abydos
1. Dendera Temple:
It was a radiant tribute to Hathor, the goddess of love, beauty, music, and drunkenness. Just an hour’s ride from Luxor, Dendera is one of the best preserved sacred complexes of ancient Egypt. Though the present structure was the handiwork of the Ptolemaic Pharaohs, the site had an older structure dating back to the era of Pepi I.
The temple complex is entered through the crumbling Gate of Domitian and Trajan. On the right stands two mammisi, one traced back to Nectanebo I and the other to Roman era. The centrepiece of Dendera is its massive hypostyle hall, studded with 24 Hathor columns. The ceiling is loaded with detailed zodiac and astronomical scenes with vibrant blue background. The far-eastern aisle of the hall has an image on the ceiling where the sky goddess Nut is swallowing the sun disc. As you look up towards the vibrant ceiling, it feels as if you’re gazing into the heavens.
Interestingly, the temple crypts are open for visitors. You can climb the staircases to explore the crypts where the statue of Hathor was stored and brought out for the New Year festival. You can also visit the temple roof, where two rooms are covered with scenes of the revival of Osiris by his sister-wife Isis. One of these rooms was home to the Dendera Zodiac,one of the best-preserved constellation maps of the stars we have of the ancient world’s night sky. Sadly, it was blasted from the ceiling and carted off by the French in the 18th century and now resides inside the Louvre.
Like the interior walls, the outer walls of Dendera are embellished with carvings of Pharaohs paying homages to the gods. On the rear south wall, there is the relief of Cleopatra standing with Caesarion. Directly opposite of this relief is the Temple of Isis built by Cleopatra’s great rival Octavian.
- Timings: Everyday 7 Am to 4 PM
- Tickets: EGP 300 for adults and EGP 150 for students. For visiting the catacombs and rooftop, separate tickets are required. They both cost EGP 100.
- Time required: 2 – 3 hours.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit the Dendera Temple is in the morning before the tourist buses arrive.
- Morning is also better for photographic opportunities.
- Club the Temple of Seti I in Abydos with Dendera for a fun day trip from Luxor.
2. Temple of Seti I, Abydos:
Abydos has a rich history. Not only was it the major centre of Osiris cult, it served as the burial site for the Pre-Dynastic era and First Dynasty Pharaohs. Later, Seti I, one of the greatest rulers of ancient Egypt, opted for Abydos to construct his grand temple. This towering temple is embellished with reliefs which experts have dubbed as the finest ever carved in ancient Egypt. The construction was started by Seti I and finished by his illustrious son, Ramesses II.
The temple is characterised by seven sanctuaries dedicated to Horus, Isis, Osiris, Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and a deified Seti I. The chapels are bedecked with deep, detailed, and delicate reliefs. The second hypostyle hall, commissioned by Seti I, has colourful and intricate carvings which are regarded as some of New Kingdom’s greatest artistic achievements. The reliefs show Seti I standing in front of a shrine of Osiris. Standing in front of him are the goddesses Maat, Renpet, Isis, Nephthys, and Amentet, while below is a frieze of Hapi, the Nile god.
One of the most remarkable sections of the temple is the famous Abydos King List — a chronological list of 76 pharaohs, from Menes to Seti I, carved with astonishing clarity.
Behind the temple lies the Osireion, a unique structure which still baffles the Egyptologists. It is believed to be a cenotaph of Seti I.
- Timings: Everyday 7 AM to 4 PM.
- Tickets: EGP 260 for adults and EGP 130 for students.
- Time required: 2 – 3 hours.
- Pro-tip:
- Best time to visit the Abydos Temple is anytime. It is one of the least visited temples, so you’ll mostly find the temple complex to yourself.
- For photography, timing doesn’t matter much here. The reliefs are all inside and there is no scope to play with light and shadow.
- Combine Abydos with Dendera Temple as a full-day trip from Luxor.
The temples of Egypt showcase the brilliance of ancient craftsmanship and the deep spiritual life of the pharaohs. They are more than archaeological sites—they are living expressions of a civilisation that shaped art, culture, and spirituality for millennia. Visiting these incredible temples of Egypt allows you to stand where pharaohs once prayed, armies marched, and gods were honoured. Let this guide inspire you to explore the most beautiful temples in Egypt and experience the magic that still lingers along the Nile.
