Luxor Travel Guide: Exploring Egypt’s Ancient Thebes

a group of people walking across a bridge in front of a mountain

Introduction to Luxor

Luxor, often called the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” was once the ancient city of Thebes – capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom. Today, it boasts some of Egypt’s most spectacular temples, tombs, and archaeological wonders along both banks of the Nile River.

Why Visit Luxor?

✔ Home to Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamun’s tomb)
✔ Features Karnak Temple – largest religious complex ever built
✔ Perfect for Nile cruises, hot air balloons, and history lovers
✔ Less chaotic than Cairo with stunning riverside views

Top Attractions in Luxor

East Bank Attractions (City of the Living)

1. Karnak Temple Complex

Why Visit? The largest temple complex in the world (built over 2,000 years)
Highlights:
✔ Great Hypostyle Hall (134 massive columns)
✔ Sacred Lake & Obelisks
✔ Sound & Light Show at night

2. Luxor Temple

Why Visit? Stunning night-lit temple in the city center
Highlights:
✔ Avenue of Sphinxes (recently restored)
✔ Roman-era murals & Alexander the Great chapel

3. Luxor Museum

Why Visit? Better-curated (but smaller) than Cairo’s Egyptian Museum
Must-See:
✔ Mummies of Ahmose I & Ramses I
✔ Statues from Tutankhamun’s tomb

West Bank Attractions (City of the Dead)

4. Valley of the Kings

Why Visit? Burial site of 63 pharaohs including Tutankhamun
Best Tombs:
✔ KV9 (Ramses V/VI) – best colors
✔ KV17 (Seti I) – longest tomb
✔ KV62 (Tutankhamun) – requires extra ticket

5. Temple of Hatshepsut

Why Visit? Striking terraced temple for Egypt’s female pharaoh
Don’t Miss:
✔ Birth colonnade reliefs
✔ Views of the Theban mountains

6. Valley of the Queens & Workers

Highlights:
✔ Tomb of Nefertari (most beautiful, limited access)
✔ Deir el-Medina (ancient artisans’ village)

7. Medinet Habu (Ramses III’s Temple)

Why Visit? Best-preserved mortuary temple with vivid reliefs

8. Colossi of Memnon

Quick Stop: Two 18m-tall statues of Amenhotep III

Unique Luxor Experiences

1. Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise

Best View: See temples and Nile from 500m up
Tip: Book with Hod Hod Suleiman (safest operator)

2. Nile Felucca at Sunset

Perfect For: Relaxing after temple-hopping

3. Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise

Best Option: 4-day cruise stopping at Edfu & Kom Ombo temples

Best Time to Visit Luxor

October-April: Pleasant (25-30°C) but crowded
May-September: Hot (40°C+) but no crowds & cheaper

Luxor Travel Tips

✔ West Bank Strategy:

Start at Valley of Kings at 6am
Visit Hatshepsut before 10am heat
Do Medinet Habu last (least crowded)

✔ Ticket Advice:

Buy Luxor Pass if visiting multiple sites
Extra tickets needed for Tutankhamun/Nefertari tombs

✔ Dress Code:

Light, breathable clothing + good walking shoes
Cover shoulders/knees in temples

✔ Getting Around:

Private driver best for West Bank
Bicycles great for East Bank

✔ Safety:

Avoid scammy “guides” near ferry docks
Official guides wear ministry badges

Where to Stay in Luxor

Luxury ($$$)

Sofitel Winter Palace (historic 5-star)
Al Moudira (stunning boutique hotel)

Mid-Range ($$)

Nefertiti Hotel (great rooftop views)
Pavillon Winter Luxor (Nile-front location)

Budget ($)

Bob Marley Peace Hotel (backpacker favorite)
Emilio Hotel (clean & central)

Final Thoughts

Luxor is unmissable for anyone interested in ancient Egypt. With smart planning (early starts + good hydration), you can comfortably see the highlights in 2-3 days. Combine with a Nile cruise to Aswan for the ultimate experience!