Top 17 Things To Do in Luxor: Luxor Wonder Landmarks

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of ancient Egypt? Luxor, a city that whispers tales of pharaohs and gods, is a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era. Nestled along the banks of the timeless Nile River, Luxor is a destination that beckons the intrepid traveler with its rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and a unique blend of tradition and modernity. If you’re wondering what awaits you in this captivating city, you’re in for a treat.

In our guide to “Things To Do in Luxor,” we’ll unlock the secrets of this enchanting destination and reveal the top 10 experiences that will make your visit truly remarkable. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a culture connoisseur, Luxor has something extraordinary to offer you.

Join us as we delve into the mystical world of Luxor, a place where every stone has a story and every corner is a doorway to the past. Let’s unravel the hidden gems, uncover the best-kept secrets, and explore the “Things To Do in Luxor” that will leave you with memories to cherish forever.

Get ready to be captivated as we take you on a journey through the wonders of Luxor – a city where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.

Introduction to Highly Rated Things To Do

Luxor is situated on the east bank of the Nile and stands on what was once the state capital, Thebes. It was considered a sacred city, and there were Things to do in Luxor, probably due to the presence of many temples. Today, Luxor is one of the two essential stages of Nile cruises: the motor ships depart from Luxor and reach Aswan or vice versa.

Luxor is considered the most important city in Egypt and comes second after Cairo. Luxor is located about 500km south of Cairo on the east bank of the Nile. As for the history of Luxor, this city was the ancient city of Thebes, one of the capitals of Egypt during the era of the pharaohs. This fairytale city is a land that you should visit at least once in your life. The town of Luxor includes the ruins of the Karnak temple complex and the Luxor temple or Museum.

The temples at Luxor are more significant than any other religious structures in Egypt, where the statues weigh a thousand tons each. Its dozens of monuments cover hundreds of hectares and stand out within the city. On the other side of the River Nile are the cemetery’s monuments, temples, and tombs in the west. This site also contains many beautiful and unique temples where you can know the whole history of the Egyptians.

The city of Luxor includes nearly 5,030,000 inhabitants. The pyramids represent a part of Egypt’s history, but the rest are in Luxor and Aswan. For this reason, no visit would be complete without visiting these fairytale cities, Luxor and Aswan.

Things to see in Luxor

Seeing Luxor and its temples is the highlight of any trip to Egypt. It is, in fact, a city very rich in attractions; for all of Egypt’s history buffs, it is undoubtedly the most famous Place, along with the Pyramids of Giza.

1- Valley of Kings and Valley of the Queens

The famous Valley of the Kings is the first archaeological site to be missed during your visit to Luxor. The final resting place for the kings of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties

Valley of Kings, also called Wadi Biban el-Muluk, or rather The Valley of the Gates of the Kings, preserves the tombs belonging to the sovereigns who reigned during the New Kingdom when Luxor was the ancient capital: Thebes. Located within a very suggestive scenario, near the banks of the Nile, the site is surrounded by an aura of fantasy and myth created following the stories related to the discoveries of the various burials.

Here are the tombs of pharaonic dynasties from the 18th century to the 20th, when this Place replaced the Giza Necropolis to allow the new burials to conceal their treasures rather than show their power, as with the Pyramids. To date, 62 graves have been found here, and since 1979, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The most famous burial on the site is undoubtedly that of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922.

Here are essential travel tips for exploring the Valley of Kings and Valley of the Queens:

• Arrive early to beat the crowds.
• Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
• Wear comfortable footwear.
• Explore nearby tombs like Tutankhamun’s.
• Follow the marked pathways.

2- Valley of the Nobles | Tombs of The Nobles in Luxor

The Valley of Kings, Queens, and Tombs of The Nobles was built in Luxor to show the rest of the world how the Egyptians buried their kings, queens, and noblemen in a sophisticated and beautiful way. These underground tombs are well-made and painted with scenes from the afterlife and everyday life.

A tomb is where the dead and their things can be kept safe. Ancient Egyptians made their graves more important and architectural by painting colorful scenes on the walls and dividing the tomb into rooms.

The primary purpose of the tomb was to hold the bodies of the dead. Because the Egyptians believed in an afterlife, they were still alive when it was time to die. The tombs the ancient Egyptians made for their kings were the most elaborate.

Here are some travel tips for visiting the Tombs of The Nobles in Luxor:

• Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable, breathable clothing.
• Respect photography restrictions.
• Check the opening hours beforehand.
• Bring cash for entrance fees.
• Plan for some uneven terrain.

3- The Temple of Dendera | Temple of Hathor

The beautiful, mysterious, and well-kept Temple of Dendera is in Egypt. The temple of Dendera is close to Luxor, and it’s easy to get there. But compared to other temples along the Nile, it is not very popular, so there won’t be many people there.

The Hathor Temple in Dendera is the most critical Place where the sky and love goddess Hathor was worshipped. Compared to other old buildings on the Nile, the Hathor Temple is still pretty new. The temple was built by the Ptolemies and the Romans from 125 B.C. to 60 A.D. in the style of ancient Egypt. The Hathor Temple is also called the Temple of Dendera. It is 55 km north of the city of Luxor in Upper Egypt. This temple is one of the most important places of worship in Egypt. During some times in Egypt’s history, it was also an important religious center.

Here are some travel tips for exploring the Temple of Dendera:

• Visit in the early morning.
• Respect the no-photography zones.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Stay hydrated in the desert climate.
• Explore the Zodiac ceiling in detail.

4- Abydos Temple (Temple of Seti I )

The Temple of Abydos is one of the oldest places of worship in Upper Egypt. It is in Abydos, about 11 km west of the Nile, at a latitude of 26° 10′ N. According to tradition, the city’s first name was Abdu, which means “temple hill.”

The temple of Abydos is an old place of worship, and it is in the city of Abydos, which is one of the oldest in Upper Egypt. This city is west of the Nile and about 11 km from the village of El-Balyana. Its latitude is 26° 10′ N. It was first called Abdu, which means “temple hill.” It was where people went to worship Osiris, and legend has it that the head of the god of the dead was kept there.

Even though the temple of Abydos is famous worldwide, the fact that it is in the middle of Egypt makes it less likely to be full of tourists. At the time of the pharaohs, Abydos was thought to be the holiest city in Egypt. Ancient Egyptians believed that the desert hills west of this site were where the door to the afterlife was.

Here are essential travel tips for exploring Abydos Temple:

• Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
• Hire a knowledgeable guide for historical insights.
• Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
• Respect the sacred spaces and photography rules.
• Plan your trip during the cooler months (November-March).
• Combine Abydos Temple with a visit to the nearby Dendera Temple.

5- The Ramesseum

Pharaoh Ramesses II is buried or remembered at the Ramesseum (“Ramesses the Great” also wrote “Rameses” and “Rameses”). It was first known as the “House of Millions of Years of Usermatra-Setpenera,” which was Ramesses II’s given name. It was part of Amun’s land, just like the city of Thebes.

The word “Rhamesséion” in French is where the name “Ramesseum” comes from. Jean-Francois Champollion made up the word when he went to the site’s ruins in 1829 and saw the hieroglyphs that make up the names and titles of Ramesses written on the walls. The Ramesseum Temple was built in ancient Egypt to honor the dead. King Ramesses II made it and was the most critical king for whom temples were built.

Enhance Your Ramesseum Experience with These Essential Travel Tips:

• Plan your early or late afternoon visit to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and exploring the temple grounds.
• Take time to appreciate the intricate carvings and hieroglyphics adorning the temple walls.
• Immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere and imagine life during the reign of Ramesses II.
• Reflect on the impressive architectural achievements of the ancient Egyptians.
• Share your Ramesseum experience with friends and family, inspiring them to embark on their Egyptian adventure.

6- Luxor Museum

People often compare the Luxor Museum to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo because both offer much. The Luxor Museum is between the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple. It has a large atrium with two levels connected by a ramp and a side gallery added recently connected to the atrium. Its design is simple but elegant. The beautiful golden head of Hathor, the goddess of love, from Tutankhamon’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, the pink granite statue of Amenhotep III, who built the Luxor Temple, the calcite statue of the crocodile god Sobek, and some of Tutankharon’s funeral items, such as his bed, arrows, sandals, and bronze rosettes that were made.

Enhance Your Luxor Museum Experience with These Essential Travel Tips:

• Purchase your tickets in advance to save time and avoid queues.
• Hire a knowledgeable guide or rent an audio guide to understand the museum’s artifacts and history better.
• Start your exploration on the upper floor to follow the chronological arrangement of exhibits.
• Don’t miss the stunning statues of Amenhotep III and Tutankhamun.
• Admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the sarcophagi and funerary objects.
• Take time to appreciate the intricate details of the papyrus paintings and sculptures.
• Visit the Mummification Hall to gain insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices.

7- The Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are two giant statues made of stone that stand on the west bank of the Nile in front of Luxor. For thousands of years, they watched the slow flow of the Nile with their backs to the rising sun. People can see these two giant, 59-foot-tall statues from the East Bank. Since the Middle Ages, they have been known for a strange sound that one of them makes at sunset.

The singing voice of Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn and the mother of Memnon, is said to have given the gnomes their name. Achilles killed her son during the Trojan War, and she cried deep tears every day.

Appreciate Your Colossi of Memnon Experience with These Essential Travel Tips:

• Plan your early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
• Combine your visit with other nearby attractions, such as the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
• Hire a knowledgeable guide to gain insights into the history and legends surrounding the Colossi.
• Capture the grandeur of the Colossi from different angles and perspectives.
• Reflect on the impressive scale and craftsmanship of these ancient monuments.
• Imagine the Colossi guarding the entrance to Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple.

8- The Hatshepsut Temple

The Temple of Hatshepsut is where one of the essential female pharaohs in Egypt’s history was buried. It is one of the most important places to visit in Luxor. The most beautiful thing you will see in Luxor City is the Hatshepsut Temple. This building was built along the limestone cliffs behind the Nile Valley and had more than one floor.

More specifically, it is under the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri, on the west bank of the Nile, near the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, across from Luxor. Its unique design shows how the pharaoh who built it thought and felt. It is a temple that has been partially dug up, which was unusual at the time. Indeed. The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is an excellent example of how well ancient builders worked together. We now think of it as one of the most famous buildings from ancient Egypt.

Here are some tips to make your visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut more enjoyable and informative:

• Plan your early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and exploring the temple grounds.
• Take time to appreciate the intricate carvings and hieroglyphics adorning the temple walls.
• Capture the grandeur of the Hatshepsut Temple with your camera or phone.
• Immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere and imagine life during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut.
• Reflect on the impressive architectural achievements of the ancient Egyptians.
• Share your Hatshepsut Temple experience with friends and family, inspiring them to embark on their Egyptian adventure.

9- The Karnak Temple

The Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor is one of the most well-known pieces of architecture from the New Kingdom. This beautiful temple was built for Amun, the most important god of heaven and agriculture.

It covers over 100 hectares and took over 2,000 years of hard work to build. Going to the Karnak temples is like going back more than 2,000 years. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list because it is an excellent example of ancient Egypt.

The Karnak Temple is a massive group of ancient Egyptian religious buildings built during the time of the Pharaohs. The impressive collection of buildings is in the city of Luxor, on the banks of the Nile. The Karnak Temple is one of Egypt’s most popular places to visit.

Immerse Your Karnak Temple Experience with These Essential Travel Tips:

• Plan your early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking and exploring the vast temple complex.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense Egyptian sun.
• Take time to appreciate the intricate carvings, hieroglyphics, and colossal statues adorning the temple grounds.
• Capture the grandeur of Karnak Temple with your camera or phone, especially the Hypostyle Hall and the Avenue of Sphinxes.

10- The Luxor Temple

It is one of Egypt’s oldest and most beautiful buildings in Luxor. It shows how beautiful and strong the Pharaohs were. Ibn Habu was king of Amenhotep from 1391 to 1353 BC because of the power of the will and its role in building this great monument.

It is on the east bank of the Nile River and is a popular spot for tourists who want to learn about the culture and history of the pharaohs. The Temple of Luxor showed how the ancient Egyptian pharaohs thought and how things should have been done. History and government have changed.

If you’re planning to visit the Luxor Temple, here are some quick travel tips to enhance your experience:

• Arrive early to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
• Stay hydrated; it can get very hot.
• Explore the Luxor Museum nearby.
• Plan for at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
• Combine with Karnak Temple for a full day of history.

11- Mummification Museum

The Mummification Museum is a must-see in Luxor to learn more about the ancient Egyptian art of mummification. Here, you can see animal mummies and tools used for mummification from different times. Also, it is possible to find out how this practice, which is as old as it is mysterious, is done.

The Supreme Council of Antiquities asked for this Museum to be opened in 1997 so that it could be used to study the best ways to mummify people. There are mummies of crocodiles, cats, and even fish that can be seen today.

The Museum is in what used to be the visitor center of the Luxor temple. It is spread out over 2035m2 and has different parts. It keeps plates from the papyrus of Ani, which describes the funeral ceremonies from the time of death to the time of burial. Instead, another section has the materials, liquids, and tools, like canopic jars, you need to practice embalming.

If you’re planning to visit the Mummification Museum, here are some essential tips:

• Respect photography rules.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Learn about mummification beforehand.
• Hire a knowledgeable guide if possible.
• Visit early to avoid crowds.
• Don’t touch the exhibits.

12- Deir el-Medina

Deir el-Medina, on Luxor’s West Bank, is home to a small temple, the remnants of a workers’ village (where the artisans of the royal tombs lived), and the workers’ graves themselves.

It’s well worth a visit for the wall paintings adorning the tombs, which differ in style from those that decorate the pharaoh tombs and are a vibrant depiction of daily Egyptian life.

Don’t miss the Tomb of Sennedjem, who was a 19th-dynasty artist. It has a vaulted tomb chamber, reliefs, and paintings on religious themes, including a good representation of a funeral banquet. The tomb’s contents–discovered in 1886–are now on display in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum.

Enhance your Luxor experience with these insightful tips for visiting Deir el-Medina:

• Explore the preserved ruins of the ancient artisans’ village.
• Admire the vibrant tomb paintings depicting daily life and religious beliefs.
• Visit the Ptolemaic temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and beauty.
• Wander through the remains of the ancient houses and workshops.
• Discover the fascinating ostraca, inscribed pottery fragments revealing ancient writings.

13- Tomb of Tutankhamun Replica & Carter’s House

This modest mud-brick House is where Carter set up home during the long search for Tutankhamun’s tomb. Carter’s House has been restored, with the rooms laid out as they would have been while he lived here, and the walls display interesting black-and-white photographs documenting his work.

The site is on the central West Bank road, just past the turnoff that leads to the Mortuary Temple of Seti I. Howard Carter’s furnishings, camera, personal items, and photographs are intact. Behind the House is a replica of the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Enhance your Luxor experience with these insightful tips for visiting the Tomb of Tutankhamun Replica & Carter’s House.

• Step into a faithful recreation of Tutankhamun’s tomb and experience its grandeur.
• Explore Howard Carter’s house and gain insights into the archaeologist’s life.
• Examine replicas of Tutankhamun’s treasures and imagine their original splendor.
• Learn about the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and its historical significance.
• Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of archaeological exploration and ancient Egypt.

14- Souk of Luxor

To finish this list of places to see in Luxor, we suggest you go to the souk to buy a souvenir for family or friends. More minor and more authentic than the touristy Khan El Khalili in Cairo, in this colorful market, you will find all kinds of souvenirs and antiques in which it is an obligation to haggle to get a fair price. There is also the fruit and vegetable market where you can observe the local life.

Enhance your Luxor experience with these insightful tips for visiting the Souk of Luxor:

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling marketplace.
• Practice your bargaining skills while browsing an array of souvenirs and handicrafts.
• Discover traditional Egyptian spices, perfumes, and textiles.
• Sample local delicacies and experience authentic Egyptian cuisine.
• Engage with friendly vendors and immerse yourself in the local culture

Activities to do in Luxor

After seeing the top must-see Luxor attractions, let’s also find out what to do in this city. It has numerous activities for the most curious travelers, and many experiences allow you to make this trip truly unique, leaving the classic tourist itineraries.

15- Explore the city of Luxor City

Walking through the streets of Luxor is an experience that allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the culture and customs of this people by discovering its history and current events.

Indeed, it is a city full of life, offering many activities. We recommend a visit to its souq, especially during the hottest days. This way, you will be able to find shelter and discover an authentic area, but also a tourist one, perfect for buying gifts and souvenirs.

In the evening, walking along the banks of the Nile River allows you to experience a magical sunset, perfect for unique photos!

16- A Balloon Ride over the sites of Luxor City

Suppose you want to experience a unique adventure with even a pinch of adrenaline. In that case, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the main archaeological sites of Luxor is an unmissable activity.

From a hot air balloon ride, observing a long stretch of the Nile, the temple of Luxor, Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Kings, and Queens is possible.

17- The unforgettable experience of a Nile cruise

Among the things to do in Egypt in Luxor is to experience a magical journey and find yourself in an atmosphere that seems to come straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. This city is the ideal starting point for a cruise on the Nile River.

This way, it will be possible to reach other important archaeological sites, such as Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, observing a unique panorama in total comfort wrapped in timeless magic.

Tips for visiting the Luxor Attraction

• Here are some practical tips for visiting the temples of Luxor:
• Temperatures in Egypt can be very high, so if possible, try to avoid the central hours of the day when the heat is fierce.
• Bring a hat, the shade inside the temples is very little, and if you find any, you’ll have to share it with other sweaty and breathless tourists.
• Usually, while visiting the temples, you will be provided with water; however, bring a flask or an additional bottle because the heat is so intense that there is never enough water!
• If you have delicate skin, bring sunscreen with high protection. Otherwise, you will be redder than a tomato in the evening.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What to do in Luxor at night?

In a word, Luxor at night is magical as the sun goes down over the West Bank and the moon rises, bringing the starry sky that makes the Nile sparkle every night. It’s so romantic that you need to pinch yourself to believe it.

At night, there are many things to do in Luxor. When night comes, the temples that were lit up by the sun during the day are lit up again to amaze you.

The light and sound show at the temple of Karnak.

This is the one light and sound show in Egypt that you can’t miss! The other shows require you to sit down and watch, but at Karnak, you can walk around different parts of the temple while the show goes on. This will let you be in the middle of what’s going on, which is much more relaxing.

Walking around the temple at night is creepy, and as a grand finale, you can look across the lake and see the whole old city of Thebes, Karnak, lit up.

The Luxor temple  at night 

If you thought Luxor Temple was beautiful during the day, wait until you see it at night. Here, you don’t have to watch a light and sound show. The temple is already lit up, and people can come to see it. You won’t be alone, though. I didn’t think it was possible, but the Luxor temple is busier at night than during the day.

Take a horse and carriage ride along the Corniche.

Taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage in Luxor is a pretty cool thing to do. I know what you’re thinking: that’s a lot of money! But in the West, horse and carriage rides are very expensive. Driving along the Corniche road next to the Nile and through the city is great fun. You can see the ships, the Luxor temple, the mosques, hear the call to prayer, and even walk through the markets.

When to Visit Luxor and Egypt?

If you wish to visit Luxor and Egypt, the best times for the trip are from March to April or October to November, when the temperatures are pleasant. Especially during the winter, it is possible to visit Luxor at its best, avoiding the excessive summer heat.

How many days in Luxor is enough?

You’ll need at least two days to see all Luxor offers without feeling rushed. Before going on a day tour of Luxor to learn more about this ancient city, spend an hour or so in the Luxor Museum to brush up on your Egyptian history.

Is Luxor worth visiting?

Luxor is an integral part of any trip to Egypt because it is in the Nile Valley in Upper Egypt. It is called “the world’s largest open-air museum” because it has many of the country’s most extraordinary monuments and is where most river cruises begin.

What is Luxor famous for?

Luxor is the most well-known city in Upper (Southern) Egypt, and it is also the capital of the Luxor Governorate and is known for having some of the oldest and most important Ancient Egyptian sites. Luxor was called Thebes in ancient Egypt, often called the “World’s largest open-air Museum.”

Is it better to stay in Aswan or Luxor?

Does Aswan beat Luxor? Aswan is not always better than Luxor, but there are times when it is. Namely, if you want to take a day trip to Abu Simbel temple or if you want to get a close look at the ancient Nubian culture that is still very much alive in and around Aswan city.

Is Luxor Egypt walkable?

Even at night, it is safe to walk along the Corniche to get to restaurants or to visit the Luxor Temple, which is in the middle of the city.

Does Luxor mean luxury?

Luxor comes from the Arabic word “Al Uqsor,” which means “The Palaces.” When the Arabs came to Egypt, they thought all old temples were palaces. The word’s history shows that “Luxor” was the source of the word “luxury.”