Medinet Habu (Temple of Ramses III)
The basics
Most of Medinet Habu’s dramatic carvings are in the rectangular walled Funerary Temple of Ramses III, along with smaller chapels and storerooms. Beyond the walls, find the remains of a historic church and a sacred lake. Tours of Medinet Habu are often combined with trips to nearby West Bank attractions. Since there’s a lot to see within the temple, however, private tours or single-destination tours are a good option if you’re hoping to spend more time.
Things to know before you go
- The temple is great for history buffs and art lovers.
- Bring a camera as photography is permitted here.
- While the temple itself is the main attraction, the area outside the walls has ruins worth exploring as well.
How to get there
Located close to other top sites on the Luxor West Bank, Medinet Habu is roughly 15 miles (24 kilometers) from central Luxor. If you’re visiting with a tour, transport will be taken care of. Otherwise, it’s possible to hire a taxi; to shorten the journey, cross the Nile River by ferry boat and find a taxi on the West Bank. Be sure to negotiate the fare and other details before setting out.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The interior of Medinet Habu offers some shade, so the temple can be comfortably explored at any time of day. For the most atmospheric light, arrive in the afternoon when the stones are beautifully illuminated by the late-day sun. Many visitors report spending between one and two hours here.
Other Key Attractions on the West Bank of Luxor
There are ancient sites on both the East Bank and the West Bank of the Nile River in Luxor, so it’s worth planning your trip to take in multiple spots in any given area. On the West Bank, Medinet Habu is a top site, but other destinations include the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut (at Deir el-Bahari), Deir el-Medina (Valley of the Artisans), and the Colossi of Memnon.
- Colossi of Memnon
- Deir el-Medina (Valley of the Artisans)
- Ramesseum (Mortuary Temple of Ramses II)
- Valley of the Nobles (Tombs of the Nobles)
- Temple of Hatshepsut (at Deir el-Bahari)
- Tomb of Ramses III
- Tomb of Ramses VI
- Valley of the Kings
- Tomb of Tutankhamun
- Tomb of Merneptah (Merenptah)
- Mummification Museum
- Luxor Temple
- Avenue of Sphinxes
- Luxor Cruise Port
- Luxor Museum