Contents
Luxor | Introduction
Luxor (LuxorLuxor is located on the banks of the Nile River in southern Egypt. Luxor was called Thebes in ancient times, and its history, however, was a long one in ancient Egypt a few thousand years ago. From being a major commercial center during the Ancient Kingdom period to the large-scale construction after the unification of Egypt by Pharaoh Mentuhotep II in the Middle Kingdom, and then becoming a center of politics and religion in its heyday during the New Kingdom period, Thebes spent a thousand years in ancient Egypt and gradually became a symbol of power and faith, laying down its important position in the ancient Egyptian civilization. Thebes gradually became a symbol of power and faith, establishing its important position in ancient Egyptian civilization.
In 1979, the ruins of Thebes were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luxor’s heritage showcases the rise and fall of ancient Egyptian civilization. Renowned for its New Kingdom sites, Luxor is often referred to as the "world's largest open-air museum." Compared to the Egyptian capital Cairo, Luxor fills a crucial gap in understanding the development of ancient Egyptian civilization. While Cairo is famous for the Old Kingdom’s Giza Pyramids, Luxor’s New Kingdom sites represent an entirely different architectural style.
During the New Kingdom, tombs were designed to be more concealed and secure, built into valleys. Temples and tombs became more intricate, deeply intertwined with religious beliefs and cosmology. Inside the tombs, murals depicting interactions between pharaohs and gods provide vivid depictions of their vision of the afterlife. These sites are invaluable resources for global history and archaeological studies, making Luxor a must-visit destination in Egypt.
Luxor experiences a desert climate with minimal rainfall and hot, dry conditions year-round. Like other Egyptian destinations, the best time to visit is during the cooler winter months from November to March.
Luxor | Itinerary Planning
The Nile River divides Luxor into two banks. The East Bank represents the modern city, home to hotels, restaurants, and the Luxor Market. It is also the core of religious activities, with the iconic Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple located here. The West Bank, on the other hand, symbolizes the “world of the dead” and serves as the resting place for pharaohs and nobles, including the Valley of the Kings, the Tombs of the Nobles, and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
For an efficient itinerary, it’s recommended to explore the East and West Bank sites separately, as this simplifies transportation arrangements. Each side boasts a wealth of attractions worthy of detailed exploration. A minimum of two days is needed to cover the main sites, but three or more days are ideal for a deeper experience.
Here’s an example of a three-day itinerary:
Start your first day with the must-visit attractions on the East Bank. Begin by visiting Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt, which requires 2-3 hours to explore. If time permits, you can visit the Luxor Museum in the middle of the day to avoid the afternoon heat. In the evening, head to Luxor Temple, which is particularly enchanting when illuminated, making it perfect for photography. At night, you can visit the Luxor Market to experience the vibrant local atmosphere.
Start your second day early by visiting the Colossi of Memnon, spending around 20 minutes there. Then, head to the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs of the New Kingdom are buried. Choose 3-4 tombs for an in-depth exploration. After that, proceed to the Temple of Hatshepsut.
If you plan to spend more than two days in Luxor, start your third day at the Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III. Next, visit Deir el-Medina, the workers' village, followed by the Tomb of the Nobles. Depending on your interests, you can then proceed to other less-visited temples, such as the Valley of the Queens, the Ramesseum, or the Temple of Seti I.
Most tour groups in Luxor typically cover the attractions from the first and second day's itinerary, excluding the Luxor Museum. Therefore, if you are on a cruise group tour, consider spending an additional day hiring a private car to explore other sites. If you're interested in the Luxor Museum, you can visit it on the East Bank after completing your third day's itinerary.
Luxor | Transportation
Getting to Luxor
Tourists often reach Luxor via Nile cruises, flights, or trains.
A classic and highly recommended way to travel to Luxor is by Nile cruise from Aswan. This scenic journey, typically lasting 3-5 days, includes stops at major sites like the Temple of Edfu and Temple of Kom Ombo, making it a popular choice.
Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
If you plan to travel directly to Luxor from other cities, flying is the fastest option and ideal for time-constrained travelers. Domestic flights from Egypt's capital, Cairo, to Luxor take about 1 hour and are operated by EgyptAir and other airlines. From Hurghada on the Red Sea coast, there are also flights to Luxor, with an even shorter flight time of approximately 40 minutes.
Taking a train from Cairo is another popular transportation option, especially the night sleeper train, which is ideal for travelers looking to save time and accommodation costs. The train journey from Cairo to Aswan takes about 9-10 hours. While it is a longer trip, it eliminates the need for a night's stay and offers the opportunity to enjoy views of the Nile along the way. For ticket purchasing details and firsthand travel experiences, you can refer to this article.
Getting Around in Luxor
Luxor has no Uber service. For those traveling independently, the most convenient option is to hire a private car, especially since most itineraries cover multiple sites in one day. It’s advisable to arrange transportation and pricing in advance.
Luxor private chartered car with tour guide
Luxor Charters
Ferries operate between the East and West Banks and are very affordable, costing only a few Egyptian pounds per trip. However, taxis near ferry docks and attractions often require negotiation, as fares are not standardized.
Luxor | Accommodation
Luxor offers a wide range of accommodations. First-time visitors are advised to stay on the East Bank for convenience, as it’s close to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, restaurants, and shops. It’s also near the train station and airport. For those planning an extended visit to West Bank sites, staying on the quieter West Bank can be a good option.
Looking for a stay in Luxor?
Recommended Accommodation | Nefertiti Hotel Luxor
For our stay, we chose Nefertiti Hotel Luxor, a budget-friendly hotel with a very convenient location. After staying there, I gave it a positive review. Its greatest advantage is its accessibility—just a few steps away from Luxor Temple, and within walking distance to nearby restaurants and shops. Although the rooms are simple, they are clean and comfortable.
During our stay, we found that the hotel’s own restaurant was the best in the area, located on the rooftop terrace. Even if you don’t dine there, staying at this hotel gives you access to breathtaking views of the Nile and the illuminated Luxor Temple at night. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing, enjoying a leisurely dinner or simply a cup of tea.
The hotel’s service also left us very satisfied. Breakfast was included with the stay, and if you’re in a rush for your morning itinerary, you can request a takeaway breakfast from the hotel. The food was quite good and plentiful. The hotel also offers laundry services. Initially, there was an error in the pricing for laundry in our room, and we were charged a higher total. However, the owner was very easy to communicate with and promptly refunded the difference. Throughout the process, there was no sense that they were trying to take advantage, which is quite rare in Egypt.
Recommended Accommodation: Compare prices for Nefertiti Hotel Luxor?
Luxor | Attractions
East Coast | Must-See | Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple, located on the east bank of the Nile, is one of the largest and best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. Its construction spanned over a thousand years and involved expansions by dozens of pharaohs. Originally built during the Middle Kingdom, it became Egypt’s largest temple complex during the New Kingdom. Key highlights to look out for during your visit include the impressive Great Hypostyle Hall with 134 massive columns, the Sacred Lake, obelisks, and the scarab statue. It is recommended to allocate 2-3 hours for your visit.
The Karnak Temple is rich in content, and I provide a detailed introduction in this article.
East Coast | Must-See | Luxor Temple
If Karnak Temple symbolizes the reverence for gods, Luxor Temple is an epic tale of how humans coexist with deities. Located on the East Bank of Luxor, this temple was built around 1400 BCE by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II. Facing Karnak Temple across the “Avenue of Sphinxes,” Luxor Temple exudes a sense of refinement that contrasts with Karnak’s grandeur. Its atmosphere becomes particularly magical when illuminated at night, making it an ideal spot for nighttime photography. Allocate 1-2 hours for your visit.
The Luxor Temple is rich in content, and I provide a detailed introduction in this article.
East Coast | Luxor Museum
Opened in 1975, the Luxor Museum showcases ancient Egyptian artifacts spanning from the Prehistoric to Islamic periods. Compared to the crowded Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Luxor Museum offers a more curated and organized experience. The collection primarily consists of items from Luxor’s nearby sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. Highlights include statues, mummies, and pottery, such as stone carvings of Ramses II and Amenhotep III. The museum is also open for nighttime visits, and it is recommended to spend 1-2 hours here.
West Bank | Colossi of Memnon
In the vast plains of Luxor’s West Bank, two colossal statues standing approximately 18 meters tall gaze eastward, as if welcoming each new day and silently watching over visitors. These are the Colossi of Memnon, a pair of stone statues that have endured over 3,000 years of weathering. They originally stood at the entrance of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple, which was considered a pinnacle of ancient Egyptian architecture. Though the temple itself has mostly vanished due to history and nature, these statues remain as steadfast guardians, bearing witness to the passage of time along the Nile.
The name “Memnon” was not Egyptian but attributed by the Greeks. Following an earthquake in 27 BCE, the northern statue suffered damage, causing the upper part to collapse. Afterward, visitors reported hearing a mysterious humming sound at dawn, which the Greeks interpreted as the mourning voice of the Trojan hero Memnon’s spirit. This romantic tale turned the Colossi into a pilgrimage site. However, in 199 CE, Roman Emperor Septimius Severus ordered the northern statue repaired, adding new sandstone to its upper section. Unfortunately, the mysterious "singing" ceased, possibly due to changes in the stone structure. Scholars later suggested that the sound was caused by dew evaporating within the porous stone due to temperature changes, but it remains a lost phenomenon. Today, the Colossi stand silently under the Luxor sun.
The Colossi of Memnon are typically visited at the beginning or end of a West Bank tour, as they are conveniently located near the main archaeological sites. A visit takes about 10-20 minutes.
West Coast | Must-See | Valley of the Kings
Hidden within the barren mountains of Luxor’s West Bank, the Valley of the Kings served as the ultimate resting place for pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Beneath the unassuming sandstone hills lies a network of 63 known royal tombs.
Unlike the towering pyramids of the Old Kingdom, the tombs in the Valley of the Kings were discreetly carved into the mountains to deter grave robbers. Each tomb was designed to reflect the power and wealth of its pharaoh. Due to their subterranean locations, many tombs retain their vividly colorful murals, offering remarkable insight into ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about the afterlife. It is recommended to select 3-4 tombs to visit, spending 2-3 hours exploring.
The Valley of the Kings is rich in content, and I have provided a detailed introduction in this article.
West Bank | Must-See | Temple of Hatshepsut
Nestled beneath towering cliffs near the Valley of the Kings, this temple was built by Egypt’s most famous female pharaoh, Hatshepsut. Her reign was marked by extraordinary achievements, and she ruled as a pharaoh rather than as a queen regent. Though her successors attempted to erase her legacy by defacing statues and inscriptions, the Temple of Hatshepsut remains a magnificent testament to her rule.
The temple is renowned for its unique terraced design, which blends harmoniously with the surrounding cliffs. It is a must-see for its architectural brilliance and historical significance. Allocate 1-2 hours for your visit.
The Hatshepsut Temple is rich in content, and I provide a detailed introduction in this article.
West Bank | Must-See | Deir el-Medina
Deir el-Medina was a village for ancient Egyptian craftsmen during the New Kingdom, who were responsible for constructing the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. This settlement was both their home and final resting place. Its well-preserved tombs and murals provide a detailed glimpse into the daily lives and work of these artisans, offering a unique window into ancient Egyptian society. Allocate 1-2 hours for your visit.
Deir el-Medina is rich in content, and I have provided a detailed introduction in this article.
West Bank | Must-see | Tomb of the Nobles
The Tomb of the Nobles is a distinctive burial site housing the tombs of high-ranking officials, priests, and nobles from the Middle and New Kingdoms. Unlike the grandeur of the Valley of the Kings, these smaller tombs are adorned with stunning murals that vividly depict scenes from daily life in ancient Egypt. They offer a more relatable and artistic perspective on Egyptian life and culture. Allocate 1-2 hours for your visit.
The Tombs of the Nobles are rich in content, and I have provided a detailed introduction in this article.
West Bank | Medinet Habu
The Medinet Habu area’s oldest structure is a small 11th Dynasty temple. However, the main attraction is the mortuary temple of Ramses III, considered a pinnacle of New Kingdom art. The temple features well-preserved painted reliefs and hieroglyphs, making it an ideal destination for art enthusiasts.
Medinet Habu is rich in content, and I have provided a detailed introduction in this article.
West Bank | Ramesseum
The Ramesseum is the mortuary temple of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. While his most famous projects include Abu Simbel and the expansions to Karnak Temple, the Ramesseum is unique for its focus on interactions with deities and preparations for the afterlife, reflecting a more personal and religious nature. Though partially in ruins, the temple retains towering statues and columns, evoking a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
The Ramesseum is rich in content, and I have provided a detailed introduction in this article.
West Bank | Temple of Seti I
The Temple of Seti I, located on the West Bank, is less frequented by tourists but stands out for its distinctive architectural structure and intricate carvings. Unlike the grandiosity of other temples, it exudes a softer elegance. It is a must-visit for those interested in ancient Egyptian art.
The Temple of Seti I is rich in content, and I have provided a detailed introduction in this article.
Luxor | Recommended Restaurant
Al Sahaby Lane Restaurant
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $$
Al Sahaby Lane Restaurant is conveniently located atop the hotel where we stayed. Its excellent food, diverse menu of traditional Egyptian dishes, and reasonable prices made it a favorite during our visit. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of Luxor Temple and the Nile, making it an ideal spot for relaxing meals.
Further reading
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