Summary
The Medinet Habu Temple is one of the ancient Egyptian temples in Luxor built by pharaoh Ramses III and dedicated to the god Amon.
In my opinion, Madinat Habu is one of the best temples on the West Bank, making it easy to combine with nearby sites in Egypt like the Valley of the Queens or Hatshepsut Temple.
This travel guide will explain how to get there and everything you need to know before you go!
Where To Stay
Facts & History
The Medinet Habu Temple (also spelled Madinat Habu) was constructed during the New Kingdom period as a mortuary temple for Ramses III, the last great pharaoh of ancient Egypt.
Reliefs on the temple walls depict the dramatic victory of the Egyptian army over the Sea Peoples, who attempted to invade Egypt during Ramses III’s reign.
Excavation efforts at the Madinat Habu Temple began in 1859 and continued until 1899, with more recent work commencing in 1924, still ongoing today.
What To Expect – Medinet Habu Temple
Medinet Habu is a joy to explore, featuring significantly fewer tourists compared to other Luxor temples like Hatshepsut, and arguably deserves just as much attention.
The temple is adorned with remarkable hieroglyphic carvings both inside and out. Be sure to look up as the artwork here showcases some of the most dramatic and colorful scenes in Egypt.
The famous reliefs depicting the Sea Peoples invasion can be viewed today on the northern outer wall. Medinet Habu is often overlooked by tourists, but the interior truly captivates and is one of the must-see attractions near Luxor.
Visiting Medinet Habu can easily be incorporated into a West Bank day tour along with the Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple, the Valley of the Queens, and other remarkable sites.
Hours & Entrance Fees
- Hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
- Entrance Fee:* 100 EGP ($6 USD)
- Students: 50 EGP with ID
*The Luxor Pass includes entry to this temple as one of its benefits.
How To Get There
Medinet Habu is located on the west bank of the Nile River, on the outskirts of Luxor, Egypt.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) offers direct flights to Luxor Airport (LXR) taking about one hour for approximately $90 USD or less, or you can opt for a 9-hour train ride costing around $10. You can search for flights to Luxor via Skyscanner.
Once in Luxor, you can easily find a driver to take you to Habu and other West Bank sites, or your hotel can often assist with arranging transportation.
Best Medinet Habu Tours
If you prefer to travel with a reputable tour company and avoid the hassle of planning everything, numerous companies offer tours to Medinet Habu and other Luxor temples.
Consider a Luxor day tour package of the West Bank that includes a felucca ride, covering popular attractions such as the Colossi of Memnon, Medinet Habu Temple, Valley of the Kings/Queens, and many others.
We have used this company for various tours and activities worldwide and can highly recommend their services!
More Egypt Travel Tips
Thank you for reading! We hope you found these travel tips for visiting the Medinet Habu Temple in Luxor, Egypt, helpful.
Remember to check out our Egypt Travel Guide for a complete list of the best things to do in Egypt!
