What are the best things to do in Abu Simbel?
Top picks in Abu Simbel include Great Temple of Ramses II, Nefertari's Temple of Hathor. See the full list and itinerary on this Abu Simbel travel guide.
Photo: youssef_alam · CC BY 3.0
Why visit Abu Simbel
Travel guide for Abu Simbel, Egypt — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Abu Simbel is a stop in Egypt, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. If time is short, prioritise Great Temple of Ramses II, Nefertari's Temple of Hathor instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 30–90 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Abu Simbel
1
Great Temple of Ramses II
2
Nefertari's Temple of Hathor
Budget travel
Free things to do in Abu Simbel
Great Temple of Ramses II
Nefertari's Temple of Hathor
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Budget
Abu Simbel trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 30–90
per person / day
Luxury
USD 105–170+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Abu Simbel, Egypt. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Abu Simbel
Estimated total (USD)
$1,760
≈ $880 per person · $251 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $55/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Abu Simbel mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 30–90 · luxury 105–170+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Tuya Restaurant
Wadi el-Nil
Nubian Oasis
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge
Nefartari Hotel
Nobaleh Ramsis Hotel
Abu Simbel Tourist Village/Hotel Abbas
Seti Abu Simbel
Museums & culture
- Great Temple of Ramses II
- Nefertari's Temple of Hathor
In pictures
Abu Simbel gallery
Photos: youssef_alam, Dwkrider1, Francis Frith, André Corboz, Orange Mécanique, UNESCO — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Abu Simbel travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Abu Simbel?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Abu Simbel?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Abu Simbel, depending on how many day trips you want in Egypt.
Where should I stay in Abu Simbel?
Popular stays in Abu Simbel include Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge, Nefartari Hotel, Nobaleh Ramsis Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Abu Simbel cost?
On the ground in Abu Simbel (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 30–90, and luxury about 105–170+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Abu Simbel, Egypt. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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