Mit Rahina (Memphis) Open‑Air Museum

The short answer

Mit Rahina (Memphis) Entry Ticket is a 1-day admission covering the open-air ruins of ancient Memphis in Cairo, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Archaeology & history

Snapshot

Good to know

Destinations

Cairo

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

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

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 How far is Mit Rahina (Memphis) from central Cairo?

   Mit Rahina (ancient Memphis) sits on the southern outskirts of Greater Cairo beside the modern village of Mit Rahina. Drive times vary with Cairo traffic; allow extra time in peak hours. We commonly combine Memphis with Saqqara or Giza so the transfer becomes part of a half-day or full-day plan.
2. 02 What 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. 03 How long should I plan for a visit to Mit Rahina?

   Plan roughly 45 to 90 minutes for a focused visit to Mit Rahina’s outdoor displays. Combine it with Saqqara or the Egyptian Museum to make a half-day; we usually treat Memphis as a short interpretive stop rather than the primary focus. That scheduling also helps avoid the busiest traffic windows.
4. 04 Can I combine Memphis with Saqqara or the 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. 05 Is Mit Rahina wheelchair accessible?

   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. 06 Are 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.