Most of Medinet Habu’s dramatic carvings are in the Funerary Temple of Ramses III, along with smaller chapels and storerooms. Beyond the temple's walls, you'll find the remains of a historic church and 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 exploring.
Located nearby other top sites on the 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.
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.
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, Temple of Hatshepsut (at Deir el-Bahari), Valley of the Artisans (Deir el-Medina), and Colossi of Memnon.