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Valley of the Queens

Smaller and quieter than the Kings, but home to Nefertari's tomb — often called the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt.

Where

West Bank

Tickets

$5 + $90 for Nefertari

Painted wall relief inside Queen Nefertari's tomb, Valley of the Queens

What to expect at Valley of the Queens

Ta-Set-Neferu, the 'Place of Beauty', holds around 90 tombs of queens, princes and princesses of the 19th and 20th dynasties. Only a handful are open, and honestly you come here for one reason: the tomb of Nefertari, chief wife of Ramesses II. After a 20-year Getty Foundation restoration, its painted vaults are simply the most beautiful thing in Egypt — turquoise ceilings, gold-yellow walls, portraits so fresh they look painted last week.

The standard $5 ticket covers three modest tombs (Amunherkhepshef, Khaemwaset, Titi). Nefertari is a separate $90 ticket with a 10-minute time limit and daily visitor cap of 150 people. It's expensive, but this is a genuine bucket-list experience and vastly less busy than the Kings' valley. Book Nefertari through your hotel a day or two ahead in high season.

Plan your visit Tickets$5 + $90 for Nefertari WhereWest Bank Opening hours Daily 6:00-17:00 (winter) Daily 6:00-17:30 (summer) Hotels near Valley of the Queens

Questions about Valley of the Queens

How much is the entry ticket?

$5 for the standard ticket (3 tombs). Nefertari is a separate $90 ticket.

Are there free entry hours or days?

No free entry available for foreign visitors.

How long should I plan for a visit?

60-90 minutes for the standard tombs. Nefertari adds 10 minutes inside plus 20 minutes queueing.

What days is it closed?

Open daily year-round.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Standard tickets no. For Nefertari in high season (Nov-Feb) reserve a day ahead through your hotel.

What's the nearest stop or how do I get there?

West Bank, 2 km south of Valley of the Kings. Reach via taxi from the ferry ($10-15 return) or as part of any West Bank tour.

Where to stay

Hotels near Valley of the Queens

Live prices · free cancellation

5★

West Bank Shahhat House

4.0/5 $80/ night

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Every hotel we cover in West Bank

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