Medinet Habu Temple (Madinat) In Luxor, Egypt

by David & Intan

The Medinet Habu Temple is one of the ancient Egyptian temples in Luxor that was 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, and itโ€™s easy to combine with other nearby sites in Egypt like 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 built in the New Kingdom period of Egypt as a mortuary temple (tomb) for Ramses III, the last great pharaoh of Egypt.

Reliefs on the temple walls show the Egyptian armyโ€™s dramatic victory over the Sea Peoples, who were defeated by Rameses III when they tried to invade Egypt by land and sea in the early part of his reign.

Excavation of the Madinat Habu Temple ruins first began from 1859 to 1899, and a more recent work was started in 1924 that continues to this day.

Pharaoh statues at Medinet Habu Temple in Egypt

Security guard policeman and beggars at Medinet Habu Temple in Egypt

Pillars at Medinet Habu Temple in Egypt
 
 

What To Expect โ€“ Medinet Habu Temple

Medinet Habu is a joy to explore, with way less tourists than some of the other Luxor temples like Hatshepsut, although it probably deserves just as many.

The inside and outside are covered with incredible hieroglyphic carvings. Donโ€™t forget to look up! The artwork here is some of the most dramatic and colorful youโ€™ll see in Egypt.

The famous reliefs of the Sea People invasion can still be seen today on the northern outside wall. Medinet Habu is usually overlooked by the tourist hordes, but the inside is truly amazing and I think itโ€™s one of the best places to see near Luxor.

Medinet is easy to visit as a West Bank day tour combined with the Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple, the Valley of the Queens, and other sights.

Hieroglyphs on the pillars at Medinet Habu Temple in Egypt

Hieroglyphs on temple pillars in Egypt

Hieroglyphs on temple pillars in Egypt
 
 

Hours & Entrance Fees

  • Hours: 6 AM โ€“ 5 PM
  • Entrance Fee:* 100 EGP ($6 USD)
  • Students: 50 EGP with ID

*If you buy the Luxor Pass, this is one of the temples included in the pass.
 

How To Get There

Medinet Habu is located on the west bank of the Nile River, on the outskirts of Luxor, Egypt.

The Cairo International Airport (CAI) has 1 hour direct flights to the Luxor airport (LXR) for around $90 USD or less, or you can take a 9 hour day train for around $10 or so. You can shop for flights to Luxor at Skyscanner.

Once youโ€™re in Luxor, itโ€™s easy to find a driver to take you to Habu and other sites on the west bank, or your hotel can usually arrange this as well.


 

Best Medinet Habu Tours

If you would rather go with a vetted tour company and skip the hassle of arranging everything yourself, there are several companies that offer tours to Medinat Habu and the other temples in Luxor.

Here is a Luxor day tour package of the West Bank with a felucca ride, including popular sights like the Colossi of Memnon, Medinet Habu Temple, Valley of the Kings/Queens, and more.

Weโ€™ve used this company for lots of tours and activities around the world, and theyโ€™re great. Highly recommended!

 

More Egypt Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed these travel tips for visiting the Medinet Habu Temple in Luxor, Egypt.

Donโ€™t forget to check out my Egypt Travel Guide and complete list of the best things to do in Egypt!

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