This Qena travel guide covers the best things to do in Qena: the Temple of Hathor at Dendera and the pottery of the Nile valley. Below you will also find the best time to visit Qena, how to get there and around, and where to stay.
Qena was built on a wide bend of the Nile, where the river leaves deposits of clay, and the city has been famous for fine pottery from prehistoric times to the present day. It won third place in a UNESCO beauty contest.
Historical background
Temple of Dendera
The city is famous for the Greco-Roman Dendera Temple, which was re-built in the place several Old and New kingdom temples. The beautiful Hathor temple is well-known for its Zodiac scenes beautifully carved on the ceiling of the Hypostyle Hall. This site is considered as one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman Temple complex discovered, consisting of: the main temple, a temple of birth of Isis, several birth houses, Sanatorium, and a sacred lake.
Qift
It is a site at Qena, the name is derived from the ancient naming (Coptos), a very important trade center, as it is considered as the gate to the Red Sea, the ancient trade route to El Quseir started from Qift, and it also flourished as a cult center for the ancient Egyptian god Min, for whom several temples were built.
Mosque of Sidi Abd El-Rehim
Sidi Abd El-Rehim came to Egypt from Morocco and founded a Sufi Center in Qena, upon his death in 1195, The Mosque of Sidi Abd El-Rehim El-Qenawy was built embracing his mausoleum and became an important site for all Sufis.
Tourist ideas
Complete guide to Qena
About the city, its weather, the best time to visit and how to get there.
About Qena
- Governorate
- Qena (قنا)
- Region
- Upper Egypt
- Top landmark
- Dendera Temple
- Destination type
- Inland
- Travel region
- The Nile Valley
What is the weather like in Qena?
- Jan
- Apr
- Jul
- Oct
Average daytime highs, °C. Reference: Luxor and Upper Egypt.
When is the best time to visit Qena?
- Best season
- October to March
Summer days are very hot: visit open-air sites early in the morning and rest at midday.
How do I get to Qena?
- Nearest airport
- Luxor (LXR), about 65 km
The city is on the Cairo–Aswan railway, with several trains a day; intercity buses also run from Cairo.
What to see in Qena
Things to do from Qena
Day trips with hotel pickup, run by a local operator. Book directly with them.
Where to eat in Qena
Puccini's Restaurant & Cafe مطعم وكافيه بوتشيني
Cosy restaurant-cafe for pasta, burgers and pizza, often recommended after visiting Dendera.
Royal Fish مطعم رويال فيش
Fish restaurant open from early afternoon until late evening.
Al Albeet Restaurant مطعم البيت
Local restaurant known for stuffed pigeon and home-style dishes.
Sicilia سيسيليا
Cafe and pastry shop for coffee and sweets.
Pizza Home بيتزا هوم
Casual pizza place with WiFi.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Shopping in Qena
Qena Souk سوق قنا
Large working market, one of the better souks in Upper Egypt, for produce, spices, household goods and the region's famous clay water jugs (qulla).
Family Mall فاميلي مول
Small city mall with shops and a cafe that stays open late.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Qena?
The city is on the Cairo–Aswan railway, with several trains a day; intercity buses also run from Cairo.
What is the nearest airport to Qena?
The nearest airport to Qena is Luxor International Airport (LXR), about 65 km away.
Where can I eat in Qena?
Popular choices include Puccini's Restaurant & Cafe, Royal Fish, Al Albeet Restaurant, Sicilia. See the dining section above for more.
Where can I go shopping in Qena?
For shopping in Qena, try Qena Souk and Family Mall. More options are listed in the shopping section of this page.
