Egypt Discovery
AttractionCairo

Mit Rahina (Memphis) Open-Air Museum, Cairo

Admission to Mit Rahina’s open-air archaeological park, with access to the colossal seated statue of Ramses II and remains of ancient Memphis.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Mit Rahina (Memphis) Entry Ticket grants admission to the open-air archaeological site of ancient Memphis in Giza, booked and arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Time to allow
Self-paced
Travel style
Self-Guided Entry
Arranged by
Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Mit Rahina archaeological park
Includes
Single admission to Mit Rahina archaeological park · Access to open areas of the archaeological site · View of the seated statue of Ramses II · Access to visible temple foundations and site remains · PDF ticket sent by email after booking confirmation
Best for
Independent visitors · Ancient Egypt enthusiasts · Visitors exploring the Cairo region · Travellers who prefer self-paced visits

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable for walking outdoors, with Cairo daytime temperatures often around 20–30°C; summer days can exceed 35°C. Arrive early to limit exposure to the midday sun, and check current opening hours because they can vary seasonally and around Ramadan and Eid; holiday periods may also affect visitor numbers.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The ticket is for single admission to the Mit Rahina archaeological park.
  • Tickets are sent by email as a PDF after booking confirmation.
  • Transport and an audio guide are not included.

02Overview

A first look

Memphis served as Egypt's capital during the Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom periods. The open‑air site displays a colossal seated statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx beside a small museum of finds.

Background

The facts

Mit Rahina is the archaeological site of ancient Memphis, a major Egyptian capital from the Early Dynastic period through the Old Kingdom and later Pharaonic eras. The remains lie beside the modern village of Mit Rahina in Giza Governorate, about 20 km south of central Cairo.

The open-air park contains the colossal seated statue of Ramses II, limestone blocks, temple foundations and scattered sculpture fragments. These features are set across an outdoor excavation area with uneven ground and short walking routes between the main remains.

Memphis was an administrative and religious centre associated with Ptah, the city’s creator god, and royal building projects from several dynasties. Its archaeological remains form part of the Memphis and its Necropolis UNESCO World Heritage property, which also includes major sites in the wider area.

Opening hours vary by season, so check current details with the official site before visiting; arriving early can reduce exposure to midday sun. Photography rules may vary and should be checked at the entrance. The ticket grants single admission; transport and an audio guide are not included.

Named in this entry

Mit Rahina·Memphis·Ramses II·Ptah·Giza Governorate·Nile·Memphis and its Necropolis·Cairo

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • Mit Rahina suits adults, archaeology students and history-focused visitors seeking a short, independent visit from Cairo. Older children who can manage uneven outdoor ground may also enjoy seeing the colossal seated statue of Ramses II and exposed remains of ancient Memphis.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a more accessible indoor site if you need step-free routes or are travelling with a pushchair. Summer midday visits are also a poor fit for anyone who struggles in strong heat or open sun.

What lingers

  • 01See the Colossus of Ramses II and the alabaster sphinx at Mit Rahina (Memphis); entrance ticket included.
  • 02Open-air museum displays city remains, boundary stelae and funerary objects – visit typically takes 45–60 minutes.
  • 03Located between Cairo and Saqqara; easy to combine with Giza Plateau or Saqqara in a half-day.
  • 04Our Egyptologists explain Mit Rahina's role as Old Kingdom capital and the scale of Ramses II's statue.
  • 05Limited shade and uneven stone surfaces; we recommend visiting before 10:30 to avoid strongest midday heat.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most Cairo museum tickets provide access to indoor collections. This ticket grants single admission to the open-air archaeological remains at Mit Rahina, where visitors walk across uneven ground between exposed stone features.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Single-admission entry ticket to Mit Rahina

Not included

  • Professional Egyptologist or guided visit, available to book separately if required
  • Transport to and from Mit Rahina
  • Audio guide, unless purchased separately
  • Photography permit, if required by the venue
  • Printed ticket, if required by the venue; tickets are sent by email as a PDF

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Check current opening hours before setting out, as seasonal schedules can change.

  2. 02

    Arrive early for cooler conditions and clearer light on the Ramses II statue.

  3. 03

    Wear shoes with a firm sole for uneven ground and exposed stone.

  4. 04

    Check photography rules at the entrance before taking pictures.

  5. 05

    Print the emailed PDF if you are unsure whether the entrance accepts screen display.

Tailor it

Make it yours

This is a standalone admission ticket, with no transport or personal service included. Transport and an audio guide, if available for your visit, must be arranged separately; ticket delivery is by email as a PDF, so print it if you are unsure whether screen display is accepted.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

Mit Rahina fits as a southern Cairo stop alongside Saqqara, or as part of a wider visit to the Memphis necropolis. Allow separate time for travel between the sites.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Saqqara Necropolis8 km
  • Dahshur16 km
  • Giza Plateau23 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Standalone admission, without a bundled guided visit

  2. 02

    Explore the outdoor remains at your own pace

  3. 03

    PDF ticket delivered after booking confirmation

·In summary

The remains of ancient Memphis at Mit Rahina are about 20 km south of central Cairo, beside the modern village of Mit Rahina in Giza Governorate. The open-air archaeological park is known for the colossal seated statue of Ramses II and forms part of the Memphis and its Necropolis UNESCO World Heritage property.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How far is Mit Rahina (Memphis) from central Cairo?
    Ancient Memphis, known as Mit Rahina, lies on Greater Cairo’s southern edge, next to the present-day village of Mit Rahina. Journey times by car depend on Cairo traffic, so leave additional time during rush hour. We often pair Memphis with Saqqara or Giza, making the journey part of a half-day or full-day itinerary.
  2. 02What will I see at Mit Rahina (Memphis)?
    The open-air museum displays the fallen Colossus of Ramesses II, an alabaster sphinx and carved stelae from the ancient capital. Memphis forms part of the UNESCO listing 'Ancient Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur'. Much of the site survives as large architectural fragments rather than intact temples; our Egyptologists point out provenance and reuse of stone.
  3. 03How much time should I allow to see Mit Rahina?
    Allow around 45–90 minutes to explore Mit Rahina’s outdoor displays. Add Saqqara or the Egyptian Museum for a half-day outing; we generally see Memphis as a brief interpretive stop, not the main attraction. This timing can also help you steer clear of the busiest traffic periods.
  4. 04Could I visit Memphis and the Saqqara or Giza Pyramids on the same day?
    Yes – Memphis is often paired with Saqqara and Giza on half-day or full-day itineraries. We typically place Memphis first or last to reduce driving time and to let our Egyptologist link the artefacts to nearby necropoleis. Unlike the Giza Plateau, Memphis involves less walking around intact monuments and more interpretation of reused stone and fragments.
  5. 05Can visitors in wheelchairs access Mit Rahina?
    Accessibility is limited: the site consists mainly of uneven stone, loose sand and open ground with few continuous paved routes. Some exhibits can be reached by short vehicle stops but full wheelchair circulation is not guaranteed. Tell us your mobility needs in advance and we will advise whether a closer drop-off or alternative plan is feasible.
  6. 06Are photographs allowed at Mit Rahina (Memphis)?
    Personal photography is generally permitted across the open-air site; tripods, drones or commercial shoots often need permission. Flash is discouraged near carved reliefs and painted surfaces. If you require commercial permits, drone use or extended shooting time, we can advise on the local process and typical lead times.

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 15 December 2026

Last updated 15 December 2026Product ID: TKT-CAI-826300

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