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Egypt
Nile River Valley
Aswan Governorate
Abu Simbel
Places to visit in Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel Temple Complex

Abu Simbel Temple Complex

See all things to do

Abu Simbel Temple Complex

See all things to do
See all things to do
Abu Simbel Temple Complex
5
3,511
#1 of 13 things to do in Abu Simbel
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
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5.0
3,511 reviews
Excellent
3,120
Very good
321
Average
48
Poor
10
Terrible
12
Nicole H
10 contributions
Beautiful Temple After a Long Drive
Apr 2022 • Couples
It is a very long drive from Aswan, but an incredible site to see. Our guide told us many things about the complex but guides cannot go into the temple with you.

We were not in a hurry since this was the only site on our itinerary for this day so we waited in the shade for lines to dwindle. It was very crowded but after about 45 minutes more people were leaving than arriving. This meant we were in the temples with very few other people and we did not wait in line outside in the sun. Our patience paid off.

We paid 20 pounds per person to take the golf cart instead of walking and I found that to be money well spent.

While we were very glad to have gone, the long day of driving makes me hesitant to reccommend this for everyone.
Written 13 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
7sempreinviaggio
Palermo, Italy309 contributions
Amazing
May 2022 • Couples
Amazing place, can’t understand the negative reviews, rent a car and drive there yourself, I slept in Abu Simbel so no need to travel 3-4 hours from Aswan. Amazing temple
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lquadros
San Ramon, CA152 contributions
Breathtaking but take a private tour
Jan 2022
I finally got time to do this review. We were staying at El-Amin guest house in Aswan and the owner arranged the private tour. Please note that you can contact your hotel directly for a tour and will get a much better (cheap and best) price rather than going thru a well known travel agency. We had a private vehicle as well as a private tour guide named Sherif Afify who was very good and give us good knowledge about the whole history and the temples. He also helped us with taking pictures and stuff.
Note that the drive is 3 hours to go and 3 hours to come back. But the place is simple breathtaking. A private tour will allow yourself to give sufficient time to explore and get the best pictures which believe me is beyond words.
A must do in Egypt.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Musicians Mum
175 contributions
Rather underwhelming
Mar 2022
Visited as optional add on to a small group tour from UK.4.15 am start to bus journey over 3 hours from Aswan for visit of just under 90 minutes and then bus back.
Amazing feat of engineering both to construct in the first place and then move the thing in modern times(I remember seeing progress on news at the time) but I found rather underwhelming.Yes big ,but inside it is lit by groud level uplighting and the details of the carving and designs at high level are so dim that they are hard to see.
Had I a choice,I would have chosen to stay nearer the site(if hotels exist) as the whole experience seemed proscribed (literal convoy of buses from Aswan,stay 90 mins,convoy back).
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rick W
Sevenoaks, UK1,880 contributions
Just fabulous !!
Apr 2022
Visiting Abu Simbel has been on my ‘bucket list’ for many decades. I was not disappointed. We decided to fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel. The only flights are from Aswan and in April 2022 they left Aswan at 10:20 am arriving about 45 minutes later. The return flight (only to Aswan) left at 08:30 am. This meant that we had two nights in Abu Simbel and stayed at the delightful Kabala Nubian guest house. I recommend it. We paid £115 for two people for two nights bed and breakfast. The guest house is a 25 minute walk to the temples which we visited in the late afternoon and morning. They are stunning! At 6 am we were surprised to see 7 coach tours arrive – and imagine it was even busier later in the morning as groups traveled overland from Aswan. However, at around 7.30 am there was a lull in visitors and I was able to take pictures without crowds spoiling the atmosphere. The surprise to me was that inside the temples there are wall paintings, carvings and large figures too. Quite a lot to see! We did stay for the excellent sound and light show (300 EGP) and it was well worth it. Innovative lighting and good sound effects (headsets provided your own language) made an enjoyable and interesting show. And it looks lovely floodlit!
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hyoga83
Bordeaux, France657 contributions
A must!
Mar 2022
Despite all the hype, and despite the long day in front of you, this is a worthwile trip.
First of all, the place is legendary. It is really not the same to be there than to see it.
Secondly, the amazing rescue operation and the engineering and diplomatic feat accomplished make it a great bonus track
Third, despite -in my case- being underwhelmed with the size of it (I was expecting it bigger ^^) the interior is beautiful, and so it the site and environment.
Fourth, so must fun (a bit sad too, though) to see TikTokers and Instagrammers totally geared up and making selfies and pictures of themselves as crazy lol

For some reason everyone goes super early in the morning. OK, you avoid the extreme heat, but there are loads of people at the same time.
If you can manage the heat, go later on in the day and it will be much less tiring and probably more rewarding.
Written 5 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sally
Perth, Australia14 contributions
Magical
Mar 2022 • Family
Arrived at dawn and no-one else there. Magical experience as sun came up over lake nasser. We stayed overnight in Abu Simbel which I recommend. The ecolodge was simple but clean and food great
Written 26 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wendy S
The Netherlands14 contributions
Just magnificient
Feb 2022
This destination that is far away from the major cities is definitely worth the extra travels. Very impressive and a must see when you're travelling in Egypt.
Written 7 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Elizabeth R
Elliot, South Africa17 contributions
Abu Simbel
Feb 2022 • Friends
The visit to the temple itself and seeing the reconstructed temples. Our tour guide Ramy Nabil really knows so much and is passionate about this place.
Written 23 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
podrozniczka60
New Jersey14,331 contributions
One of the most spectacular locations in Egypt
Dec 2021
Absolutely amazing location and the history of the temple, including the 20th century salvage operation. It is dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra, and Ptah, as well as to the self-deified Ramesses himself. Arguably the most beautiful temple complex in Egypt. You can easily spend the entire delightful and interesting day here.
Written 18 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Abu Simbel Temple Complex
Abu Simbel Temple Complex is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Abu Simbel Temple Complex tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1,127 Abu Simbel Temple Complex tours on Tripadvisor