Best Things to Do in Abu Simbel, Egypt

Abu Simbel is one of those places that rewards visitors who make the effort to get there. The two rock-cut temples on the western bank of Lake Nasser, 280 kilometers south of Aswan, were built by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC and relocated in an extraordinary engineering operation between 1964 and 1968 to save them from the rising waters of the Nasser reservoir. The main temple, dedicated to Ramesses II himself, has four 20-meter colossal seated figures at its entrance. Twice a year (February 22 and October 22), the rising sun penetrates the inner sanctuary and illuminates the statues of the gods inside, a solar alignment Ramesses built deliberately. The things to do in Abu Simbel are limited in number but unlimited in scale.

Best time to visit

October through April is the best window. Summer temperatures in this part of Nubia regularly exceed 45°C and the heat makes extended outdoor time genuinely unpleasant. The solar alignment events in February and October draw large crowds; book well ahead for the night before, when many visitors camp or stay in the small local hotel to catch dawn. The temples are open from early morning to sunset.

Most visitors come on a day trip from Aswan by plane (45 minutes) or by overnight bus/convoy. The short flight is recommended; the bus journey is long and the convoy timing is fixed. Those who stay overnight get the temples to themselves at dawn after the day-trippers leave, which is the best way to experience them.

Getting around

Abu Simbel is a single-destination stop. The two temples are within easy walking distance of each other and the village has a small hotel, a few restaurants, and souvenir stalls. No motorized transport is needed within the site. Most visitors arrive by plane from Aswan or by organized tour convoy. Independent travel from Aswan by minibus is possible but requires joining the police convoy at a fixed departure time.

What to eat and drink

Dining options are minimal. The Nefertari Hotel has the most reliable kitchen in the village, serving Egyptian staples: ful medames, grilled fish from Lake Nasser (Nile perch), and flatbreads. A handful of small local restaurants near the site entrance serve similar fare. Bring water; the site is hot and exposed. Most organized tours include lunch. For serious dining, Aswan has good options along the Corniche.

Neighborhoods to explore

The Great Temple of Ramesses II – The main event: four colossal facades, an interior hypostyle hall with painted battle reliefs, and the inner sanctuary with its solar alignment. Allow at least 90 minutes.

The Temple of Hathor and Nefertari – Smaller than the main temple but unusual for depicting a queen at the same scale as the king on the facade. Often less crowded and worth spending time in.

Lake Nasser Shoreline – The lake itself, the largest artificial reservoir in the world, is visible from the site and worth a few minutes of contemplation. Nile perch fishing trips can be arranged from the village.

The Sound and Light Show – An evening performance (check current schedule) projected onto the temple facade. Kitschier than the temples themselves but atmospheric after dark in the desert.