What to See and Do in Luxor: 7 Must-Visit Attractions
Once called Thebes, the "Palace of a Thousand Gates" or Luxor, this renowned Egyptian city is the ultimate destination for history and mythology enthusiasts.
Once called Thebes, the "Palace of a Thousand Gates" or Luxor, this renowned Egyptian city is THE destination for history and mythology enthusiasts. Home to necropolises and sarcophagi, it carefully preserves the history of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings – and the Valley of the Queens! From the Temple of Karnak to the Ramesseum, passing through a hot air balloon ride or a felucca journey on the Nile: discover what to see and do in Luxor in 7 must-visit attractions!
1 - The Temple of Karnak
Located 5 kilometers north of downtown Luxor, the Temple of Karnak is a vast complex of sanctuaries, chapels and ancient ruins, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transformed through different periods of rule, its construction spanned 2,000 years!
The site, which extends over several hectares, is the largest religious complex of antiquity. Its open-air museum houses numerous archaeological pieces, such as drawings and magnificent hieroglyphics. Sound and light shows are organized in the evening within the complex.
Practical Information
Address: Karnak, Luxor Governorate
Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: €8
Notes: Approximately 2 hours of sightseeing. The museum is located near the temple exit (ticket purchased separately)
2 - The Luxor Museum
Further south, 2 kilometers from the Karnak site, you'll find the Luxor Museum. While it may seem small, it's well worth your time. Opened at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, the Luxor Museum showcases treasures of ancient Egypt, including collections of relics, statues, amulets and sarcophagi. Worth noting: the layout was designed by a team from the Brooklyn Museum in New York. The result? Visitors charmed by their museum experience!
Practical Information
Address: Kornish Al Nile
Opening hours: October to April 9:00 am-1:00 pm and 4:00 pm-9:00 pm / May to September 9:00 am-1:00 pm and 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
Entry fee: €5
Note: Approximately 1 hour of sightseeing
3 - The Luxor Temple (Amun)
Separated by just 4 kilometers, the Luxor Temple and Karnak were once connected by an avenue lined with 600 sphinxes. Today, both ends are visible at the entrance of each temple. This grand causeway is where you'll enter the Luxor site! Built during the second half of the 14th century BC (commissioned by Amenhotep III, then by Ramesses II), the "Temple of Amun" houses a chapel, stone colossi and walls adorned with hieroglyphics.
Practical Information
Address: Luxor Governorate 1362501
Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: €8
Note: Between 2 and 3 hours of sightseeing
4 - The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens
The Valley of the Kings is a region of Egypt located on the west bank of the Nile. Its name refers to the gates that once closed the sepulchers. Nestled within the Theban necropolis, it offers breathtaking views of the city – including a 360-degree panorama at the level of the Hatshepsut temple (one of the few female pharaohs of ancient Egypt).
The valley contains about sixty tombs and burial chambers… So bring good shoes and set out to meet Ramesses II, Akhenaten and Tutankhamun! The site is located near the Valley of the Queens (the necropolis of royal consorts). You'll find notably the tomb of Nefertiti, the wife of Akhenaten.
Practical Information
Address: Valley of the Kings Luxor Governorate 1340420
Opening hours: Valley of the Kings: Sunday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Valley of the Queens: Daily 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: Approximately €12 to visit 3 tombs (of your choice) in the Valley of the Kings. To visit Tutankhamun's tomb you'll need to purchase a separate ticket (€8).
5 - The Ramesseum
The Ramesseum was once the university of Thebes. It also housed buildings dedicated to celebrations, administrative offices, religious edifices and the palace where Ramesses II stayed during his visits. While the site contains many ruins, it remains an incredible place that allows you to imagine the splendor of a bygone era. A tip? Visit it in the late afternoon to admire the sunset.
Practical Information
Address: Edfo, Luxor Governorate 1341711
Opening hours: Daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
6 - Hot Air Balloon over Thebes: An Unforgettable Experience in Luxor
Looking to venture off the beaten path? Book a hot air balloon ride and soar above Thebes! This is your opportunity to fly over the city's ancient remains and discover the Colossi of Memnon, the Nile and the banana plantations scattered throughout the Luxor area. Most flights are scheduled in the morning to avoid extreme heat and strong winds.
Practical Information
Average price: €100/person (varies by operator)
Flight duration: Approximately 1 hour
7 - Felucca Ride on the Nile: Experience the Palace of a Thousand Gates Differently
In ancient Egypt, the Nile was an essential trade route – and a character in its own right within Egyptian mythology, known as Hapi. At a time when rational explanations for meteorological phenomena didn't exist (a flood during the dry season, for instance), divine powers were attributed to the Nile. To discover this magical river, opt for a felucca ride! Many boats await you along the Nile…
Practical Information
Average price: €2
Ride duration: Between 1 and 2 hours
Frequently asked questions
To comfortably visit the 7 must-visit attractions in Luxor (Temple of Karnak, Luxor Museum, Temple of Amun, Valley of the Kings and Queens, Ramesseum, hot air balloon and felucca ride), plan for at least 3 days. Some sites like the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak require several hours of sightseeing on their own.
The best time to visit Luxor is between October and April, when temperatures are milder (between 68 and 86°F). The Egyptian summer (June-August) should be avoided due to extreme heat that can exceed 104°F, especially inside the temples and in the Valley of the Kings.
The entry fee for visiting the Valley of the Kings is approximately €12, which gives you access to 3 tombs of your choice. If you wish to visit Tutankhamun's tomb, an additional ticket of €8 is required. These rates may vary, so it's advisable to check current prices before your visit.
The average price of a hot air balloon ride in Luxor is approximately €100 per person, for a flight lasting about 1 hour. Flights are generally scheduled early in the morning to avoid extreme heat and take advantage of favorable winds. Prices vary by operator, so it's recommended to compare offers and book in advance.
From Cairo, you can reach Luxor by plane (approximately 1 hour flight), by train (approximately 9 to 12 hours, an economical and scenic option) or by cruise on the Nile from Aswan (an ideal option to discover Egyptian landscapes). Flying is the fastest option, while the overnight train is a practical and affordable alternative.
