Memphis Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Memphis, Egypt. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Private Day Tour Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara
• Private tour: Giza Pyramids, Memphis City & Sakkara Pyramid
• Full-Day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Sakkara
• Half Day Tour To Memphis Sakkara And Dahshur Pyramids
• Private Day Tour Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Sakkara Pyramids

It costs 80 Egyptian pounds to visit the key attraction in Memphis—the Mit Rahina Open-Air Museum—for foreigners, but many people pay for package tours that include round-trip transportation from Cairo hotels. Many tours also visit Saqqara and the Pyramids of Giza. These typically cost US$50 to US$60.

Memphis is an ancient city that was the capital of Egypt during the reign of the Old Kingdom (starting around 3000 BC), a period that saw much of Ancient Egypt’s most impressive architectural innovation. Today, the archaeological site serves as an open-air museum and draws in plenty of visitors interested in history.

Memphis is situated in what is now the village of Mit Rahina, about 18 miles (29 kilometers) from downtown Cairo. There is bus service between Cairo and Mit Rahina, though it’s easier to go by taxi or join a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cairo or Giza.

The Memphis Archaeological Site is full of things to see, from statues to temples. One of the most famous attractions is the Alabaster Sphinx, which was carved from a single slab of alabaster back in around 1550 BC. The site also has numerous temples dedicated to Hathor, Rameses II, and Ptah.

The Memphis open-air museum is typically open daily from morning until late afternoon, though timings can vary, especially during Ramadan—when the site may close early—or on certain public holidays. It’s a good idea to come as early as you can to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.

Yes, you can explore Memphis independently, but you should consider joining a tour. Going with a guide is ideal if you want to learn about the history of the site. Most tours from Cairo include round-trip transportation from your hotel, making them a convenient alternative to going alone.

Ancient attractions near Memphis, Egypt include Saqqara (Sakkara)—the ancient burial complex back when Memphis was the Egyptian capital—and Dahshur, an ancient complex housing some of the oldest pyramids in Egypt (the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid). Tours to Memphis from Cairo typically stop at both Saqqara and Dahshur, and some also visit the Giza Pyramids.