Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel, Egypt

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 14 2026
Abu Simbel

A pair of rock-cut temples in southern Egypt near the Sudan border, on the shore of Lake Nasser. Visitors walk to the façade with four colossal seated statues of Ramses II, then into the carved halls.

Highlights

  • Four colossal statues of Ramses II
  • Great Temple facade
  • Small Temple for Nefertari

Good to know

  • Tickets can be bought on-site, credit card only
  • Opening hours 6 AM to 5 PM
  • Allow one to two hours; 3.5 hours' drive from Aswan

Also in Egypt

  1. Dendera Temple N° 4 Dendera Temple Qena Temple site
  2. Pyramids of Giza N° 17 Pyramids of Giza Giza Pyramid or tomb
  3. Karnak N° 19 Karnak Luxor Temple site
  4. Saqqara N° 35 Saqqara Saqqara Pyramid or tomb
  5. Temple of Hatshepsut N° 38 Temple of Hatshepsut Luxor Temple site
  6. Temple of Khnum N° 54 Temple of Khnum Esna Temple site