Often called an ‘open-air museum’, Luxor in Egypt boasts an awe-inspiring collection of archaeological wonders that date back to the time of the pharaohs. From grand temples and colossal statues to majestic tombs and mystifying museums, every corner of Luxor exudes an undeniable mystique that captures the essence of Egypt’s rich heritage.
There is so much to see on this Egyptian escape that approaching sightseeing can feel somewhat overwhelming. In this article we explore the best things to do in Luxor, giving you an idea of what to see when you visit one of the most famous places in Egypt.
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Luxor is a major city on the banks of the River Nile, situated in Upper (southern) Egypt and was known as Thebes in the ancient past. The city is a must-see destination for travellers who are enthralled by Egyptology and want to walk through the remnants of history.
You’ll find Luxor about 500 km from the capital, Cairo, and it can be reached by plane, bus or train. The main sights of the city are split between the East bank and the West bank of the Nile, which are definitely both worth exploring.
You may want to hire a private transfer to get from the airport to your hotel to avoid haggling for a taxi.
The main attractions of the city are Luxor’s temples and tombs, many of which have been immaculately preserved. We’ve broken down the top sites of the East and West Bank to make planning your visit much easier.
You may wish to take a guided tour of the East and West Banks if you are short on time and want to get loads of sightseeing done in a day.
We recommend starting with the East Bank for a more relaxed start, since it is more museum focused with airy, open temples. We then move on to the sights of the West Bank, like the royal tombs, which are so grandiose you will want to spend much more of your time on them.
Located in downtown Luxor, this impressive temple is easy to get to, which makes it a great starting point when sightseeing. You can reach the iconic monument on foot from your hotel, so it’s a brilliant place to check out while you explore the city centre.
The surrounding area exudes a carnival-like atmosphere, whilst the standing ruins give you the feeling that you are walking through the ancient past. Wandering through the crumbling temple brings ancient Egypt to life better than any documentary ever could.
The standout feature of Luxor Temple is the sun court of Amenhotep III. For a real treat, enter the temple in the evening hours and catch the sunset as it illuminates the ancient court. With its close proximity to the city, the temple is perfectly illuminated at night, which makes for an even more fantastical experience.
Perhaps the most impressive site in Luxor is the Temple at Karnak. Built and continuously improved upon by a string of pharaohs over a span of 2,000 years, the temple complex is a vast and dramatic sight, made even more dazzling by the sound and light shows that are held on the temple grounds at night.
The temple at Karnak is built on a massive scale, with each pharaoh having tried to assert his power by outdoing his predecessor. What’s left is a mind-blowing collection of temples filled with monumental effigies of the once-great rulers of this ancient empire.
Upon your arrival, you will enter through an avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, which appear as though they are guarding the grand structure. Perhaps even more imposing and equally as stunning are the giant stone statues of Pharaohs of old, looming high above.
Behind the pharaohs, the pillars composing the Hypostyle Hall tower are even higher at 21m tall. The more you observe the temple, the more grandiose each element of its construction appears to become.
In the centre of the complex, you can feast your eyes on the obelisk of Thutmose, the tallest surviving obelisk from ancient Egypt and the largest at its time of construction.
Not far from Luxor Temple, you can find the Mummification Museum, which is a real highlight of Luxor’s historical offering. At the museum, you can enjoy an in-depth look into the ancient Egyptian mummification process, which is a top attraction if you’ve got the stomach for it!
You will get to see a mummy up close, as well as the tools that were used to prepare the dead for burial. You will also learn about the canopic jars, the vessels used to house the deceased individual’s vital organs, which was an important element of mummification.
Interestingly, the heart was left within the body. This was because the ancient Egyptians believed that when you entered the underworld your heart would be weighed by Anubis, the god of death, to determine the worth of your soul. If you want to learn more interesting facts from an expert, consider taking a guided tour of the museum.
If you enjoyed the morbid marvels of the Mummification Museum, you will be blown away by the Luxor Museum. This is one of the more expensive museums in Luxor, but once you see the expertly curated exhibits and relics, you won’t begrudge the hefty ticket price.
The museum is mainly spread over 2 floors, with ramps connecting the different sections. The collection is made up of finds and artefacts sourced from the Theban area, with the ground floor showcasing awe-inspiring masterpieces like wall reliefs, papyri, furniture from royal tombs and delicately sculpted shabti figures.
On the upper level, you will find more mixed-media exhibits which highlight the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. The displays include jewellery, ritual tools and even some artefacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The new wing was constructed in 2004 and adds more allure to the Luxor Museum with its 2 unwrapped mummies from royal tombs. One is thought to be Ahmose I and the other is believed to be Ramses I, but this has not been confirmed. Once you have seen the incredible collection, exit the museum for a breathtaking panoramic view of the West Bank.
Before you enter the Valley of the Kings, be sure to stop at the Colossi of Memnon. These two massive statues were originally built in the likeness of the pharaoh Amenhotep to stand guard at the entrance to the valley.
The statues are 18m tall and over 3000 years old, which makes their relatively well-preserved state a true wonder. While the site itself consists only of the Colossi, it’s a must-visit spot which will undoubtedly get you excited for your entry into the Valley of the Kings.
You will probably have heard about the Valley of the Kings even before you visit Egypt. It is an enormous burial complex that houses the tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs, where you can enter the final resting place of ancient leaders like Tutankhamun, Rameses V and Rameses VI.
To make the most of your visit to the valley, it is advisable to hire a private tour guide. Your visit will be smooth sailing, with pick up and drop off included, as well as an expert Egyptologist who will be able to give you fascinating details about the tombs and wall paintings that depict the journey into the afterlife.
There are over 60 tombs that have been discovered at the site, but only 8 are open to the public. Some tombs, like that of Tutankhamun, will require an additional entry fee of 300 EGP (£13). While that may sound disheartening, the tombs you can access are home to some of the most impressive and best-preserved wall art which will transport you to Ancient Egypt.
Within the Valley of the Kings lies a true masterpiece of ancient architecture, the Temple of Hatshepsut. Carved dramatically into the surrounding limestone cliffs, this beautiful, strikingly modern-looking monument serves as the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the few female pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
Constructed during the 15th century BCE, it remains a testament to ancient Egyptian ingenuity and the remarkable legacy of Queen Hatshepsut’s reign. The temple also contains a sanctuary dedicated to the god Amun and a complex of chambers for various religious ceremonies.
The temple features 3 open terraces that look out onto the golden desert dunes. These terraces are adorned with intricately carved statues, reliefs, and hieroglyphics that depict the accomplishments and divine lineage of Queen Hatshepsut. Additionally, the temple is set against the backdrop of the Theban Mountains, creating a picturesque setting that adds to its allure.
Madinat Habu, sometimes spelt Medinet Habu, is the necropolis of Luxor that is enclosed by the walls of the mortuary temple. The site was very important to the ancient Egyptians, as it was believed to be the place where the god Amun first appeared. As a result, many pharaohs, like Hatshepsut and Ramses III, oversaw long phases of construction making Madinat Habu an important administrative centre.
You will enter the site through the monumental Syrian Gate, designed in the style of contemporary Syrian fortresses. The temple of Amun was once the most impressive building of the complex, but it is now dominated by the funerary temple of Rameses III.
Madinat Habu is particularly notable for its well-preserved reliefs, which offer detailed information about ancient Egyptian society, architecture, and warfare. The site also includes structures such as administrative buildings and residential areas, reflecting its multifunctional role beyond just a mortuary temple.
When you visit Madinat Habu, you can explore the rich history and artistry of ancient Egypt while marvelling at the impressive architectural elements and intricate details that have endured for millennia.
Our final recommendation for things to do in Luxor is the astounding Temple of Seti I. This temple is not as well known as other sights on the West Bank, but has had a great deal of influence in the study of Egypt. It will take around 2 hours to get there from Luxor, so it is best to dedicate at least half a day to this temple.
Upon arrival, you will notice the temple is much quieter than other sights in Luxor, which will be a welcome respite from the throngs of tourists. It was built in the 13 Century BCE and includes beautiful carvings and wall reliefs which are easily appreciated in the intimate setting.
What is most striking and significant about the Temple of Seti I is the Abydos King List. This historical inscription lists the pharaohs from some of the earliest dynasties, all the way through to Seti I. The inscription provided immense value to Egyptologists, as not only does it provide a useful chronology, but it is clear that certain rulers were struck off from the list or even intentionally excluded.
The Temple of Seti I is one of the best things to see in Luxor, as it perfectly encapsulates the essence of an ancient Egyptian temple. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see some of the best preserved temple carvings and its serene location outside of the city makes the experience much more dreamlike.
Luxor offers travellers the opportunity to step into the ancient past and experience some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Wonders like the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple are breathtaking vestiges of Egypt’s rich history which shed light on the lives of the rulers who built them.
With mesmerising museums, tantalising tombs and rustic ruins, a trip to Luxor allows travellers to unlock the magic of Egypt. We hope our guide has given you some ideas of things to do in Luxor for when you visit. For more information about travelling in Egypt, check out our handy Egypt guide.
There are no pyramids in Luxor like the ones found in Giza. However, Luxor has some of the best-preserved temples and tombs, which offer a more detailed look into the past and are just as awe-inspiring as the Pyramids.
The best time to visit Luxor is during the brief shoulder seasons from March to April and October to November. The temperatures in Egypt are much more pleasant around these times, which is ideal when exploring the open temples. Likewise, there are fewer tourists during these periods and hotel rates will be discounted, so it’s the perfect time to visit Luxor.
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