Best Things To Do in Luxor

Located in the mid-west of Egypt on the banks of the Nile River, Luxor is one of the country's most important cities. Its legacy as the site of the re-foundation of the sacred city of Thebes and its wealth of archaeological ruins put it on the map as a favourite destination for those who want to learn about the history of ancient Egypt.

Among the main activities you can do in Luxor to discover its historical importance are touring the Valley of the Kings, touring the banks of the Nile River, visiting the Temple of Karnak, seeing the Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut, touring the Abu Haggag Mosque and walking around the archaeological site of the Colossi of Memnon.

The Valley of the Kings is an archaeological site with a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt and is known for housing the tombs of numerous pharaohs, queens and nobles, including the mythical Tutankhamun. Surrounded by hills and too vast to explore on foot, this region offers the opportunity to discover it on some of the best hot-air balloon rides in Luxor.

From the heights you can look down on the Nile, which meanders through the landscape, revealing the fertility that attracted the ancient Egyptians to establish their eternal abode around it. In addition, the Valley of the Kings has been the subject of astonishing excavations and discoveries, unravelling the mysteries of the afterlife as believed by the pharaohs.

In the Valley of the Kings you will discover how each tomb is unique in its design and decoration, with hieroglyphics and wall paintings telling the stories of the deceased and their journeys to the afterlife. The hot air balloon adventure will immerse you in the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation and give you a unique perspective that few are privileged to experience.

Exploring the banks of the Nile River in Luxor allows you to embark on a journey through time, as Egyptian history unfolds along and builds around its tributary. On these tours you will encounter the vestiges of the culture that thrived on this site, a testament to the importance that this region has held over the millennia and which has led it to be considered the cradle of modern civilisation.

In addition, the banks of the Nile at Luxor are home to an unrivalled archaeological wealth. From temples such as Karnak to religious monuments such as the Temple of Luxor, every step along the river reveals the grandeur and architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians. Along the way you will come across the history of the most famous gods and pharaohs who always focused on this river for its strategic importance.

The Nile River was not only a vital source of agriculture and trade, but also served as the backbone of daily life and spirituality in ancient Egypt. Its banks witnessed religious ceremonies, festivals and the construction of monuments that have stood the test of time.

On these excursions along the east and west banks of the Nile you can learn about their legacy with the assistance of an expert local guide, on one of the best tours of Luxor.

If you want to discover the traces of the greatness of the ancient Egyptian civilisation, a visit to the Temple of Karnak is a must. This monumental complex, dedicated to the god Amun, is one of the largest religious temples on record and served as a spiritual centre for over 2,000 years.

From its construction in the Middle Kingdom to its expansion in the New Kingdom at the height of ancient Egypt, this temple became a testament to the devotion and architectural skill of the Nile's inhabitants.

The history of Karnak is revealed in the columns, obelisks and statues that adorn its extensive courtyards. Each structure tells a part of the sacred narrative, and visitors can explore its numerous shrines and chapels honouring various gods and pharaohs. The hypostyle hall, with its massive columns, stands out as one of the most impressive structures, conveying the grandeur of the Egyptian faith.

Moreover, one of the best experiences in Luxor can be had at this site once the sun sets. It is then that the Temple of Karnak is illuminated with a sound and light show, in a fascinating event that tells the story of the religious building through visual projections and sound effects. As you walk through the majestic remains, the lights bring the reliefs and sculptures to life, transporting you back in time.

You won't be able to say you've experienced Luxor until you've finished cruising the Nile River. Embarking on this experience, which pays homage to the epicentre of life in ancient Egypt, will offer you a unique perspective of the archaeological sites that line the banks and also allow you to experience first-hand the essence of the commercial prosperity that once characterised this region.

The Nile River, with its serene waters and fertile banks, has been a silent witness to the flourishing of Egyptian civilisation. Therefore, these cruise tours become a journey through history, allowing you to navigate the same waters that witnessed the exchange of goods, knowledge and cultures in the past. Along the way, you'll see temples, villages and landscapes that have survived the test of time.

The cruise is not only an indigenous experience, but also an opportunity to connect with traditions rooted in the history of Luxor. The ancient Egyptians made the most of the Nile's currents to expand their influence and trade with distant lands, so by boarding the cruise you will be part of this centuries-old heritage that has endured from antiquity to the present day.

These Nile tours are so popular in the city that in some cases you can combine them directly with transfers from the airport in Luxor or they will be offered at your accommodation.

If you want to dive through the centuries, explore Egypt's rich history in a collection of period art and artefacts and discover the essence of the local millennia, a visit to the Luxor Museum is a must. This exhibition, considered one of the most important in Egypt, houses treasures that have stood the test of time and stands as an invaluable guardian of ancient Egypt's cultural legacy.

Within its halls shines the essence of a civilisation that left an indelible mark on history, and in the galleries you will come face to face with items dating from the pre-dynastic period to the Greco-Roman era. Among the jewels in its collection are colossal statues of pharaohs, such as the monumental figure of Amenhotep III, and the reliefs that decorated ancient temples, such as the Temple of Karnak.

Moreover, the importance of the Luxor Museum lies in its crucial role as a protector of Egypt's heritage. Amidst the challenges of looting and plunder, the museum has become a bulwark for the most valuable pieces of local history.

The Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut emerges as an architectural masterpiece that pays homage to one of the most fascinating queens of ancient Egypt. Built during the reign of Hatshepsut, this funerary temple is a masterpiece that blends harmoniously into the cliffs of the Deir el-Bahari region.

Its distinctive design, with stepped terraces and graceful columns, highlights the avant-garde vision and ambition of the only woman to rule as pharaoh in Egyptian history. The temple structure is composed of three terraces, each dedicated to different divinities and ceremonial purposes. The lowest terrace houses statues of Queen Hatshepsut in various attitudes, while the middle terrace exhibits a corridor of columns.

On the upper terrace, the most important, a shrine dedicated to the goddess Hathor rises several metres high, adorned with reliefs narrating Hatshepsut's achievements and her divine connection. Learning about Hatshepsut's legacy, as well as taking you to visit one of Egypt's most famous religious buildings, will allow you to immerse yourself in the intricate web of myth and symbolism that characterised this civilisation.

Luxor is home to some of the most valuable treasures of Egyptian civilisation, but its historical importance is not limited to this. Its strategic geographical location has propelled it as an important city since the time of Thebes. Nearby, then, you can visit Edfu and Kom Ombo, two cities that hold archaeological treasures and reveal the grandeur of the ancient civilisation.

Edfu, located on the banks of the River Nile, is home to one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt: the Temple of Edfu dedicated to the falcon god Horus. This religious building, built during the Ptolemaic dynasty, will dazzle you with its imposing columns and detailed reliefs, giving you a complete insight into Egyptian architecture and religion.

Kom Ombo, another gem on this itinerary, features a dual temple dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god. The Temple of Kom Ombo is famous for its symmetrical design, with duplicate halls and chapels for each god. Sculptures of crocodiles and falcons adorn the temple, while reliefs narrate myths and religious ceremonies, offering a rich insight into the beliefs of ancient Egypt.

The historical importance of Edfu and Kom Ombo lies in their role as religious and administrative centres in antiquity. These cities witnessed sacred rituals, ceremonial events and the influence of various dynasties that left their mark on the local architecture and culture. Visiting these sites on an organised full-day tour is as popular as visiting Cairo from Luxor.

A visit to the Abu Haggag Mosque will allow you to soak up the rich cultural and historical heritage of Luxor. Located in the heart of the Temple of Karnak, but independent of this complex, this mosque is a living testimony to the religious diversity that has characterised the city over the centuries.

Built on foundations dating back to the Ancient Empire, the mosque has been rebuilt and renovated over the years, fusing Islamic architectural elements with remnants of Pharaonic structures.

The historical significance of the Abu Haggag Mosque is manifested in its role as a site of worship that has remained standing throughout the different eras of Egyptian history, exhibiting a show of religious respect. Although built on the remains of ancient temples dedicated to pharaonic gods, this temple professes Islam. However, it is a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of different traditions.

Furthermore, from the mosque's minarets you can enjoy panoramic views of the Temple of Karnak and its surroundings, giving you a unique perspective of the rich history that unfolds on the banks of the River Nile.

Visiting the archaeological site of the Colossi of Memnon will introduce you to two colossal statues that stand on the western plain of Luxor, at the entrance to the Valley of the Kings. These figures represent the pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled during the New Kingdom of Egypt. The Colossi of Memnon, each over 18 metres high, were erected to guard the funerary temple which is now completely destroyed.

The colossi were originally part of a funerary complex dedicated to the pharaoh and his mortuary cult. Although much of the structure has disappeared, the monumental scale of these statues testifies to the opulence and power that characterised Amenhotep III during his reign.

In addition, the site has attracted visitors since antiquity, and the colossi were famous for producing a mysterious sound at dawn, known as the 'song of Memnon', a phenomenon believed to be caused by the thermal expansion of the stone as it received the first rays of the sun. Today, if you visit the site at dawn, you may encounter the melody of the singers.

The Temple of Luxor, next to the Temple of Karnak, is part of the largest religious complex in ancient Thebes. Built in honour of the gods Amun and Mut, it is an architectural marvel on the banks of the River Nile. With over 3,000 years of history, the temple has witnessed the greatness of different pharaohs who contributed to its construction and expansion, making it a visual compendium of Egyptian architectural evolution.

The temple consists of a monumental entrance flanked by statues of rams with human heads, known as sphinxes, leading to an inner courtyard. Here, a series of columns, chapels and statues narrate the rich history of ancient Egypt. The hypostyle hall, with its massive columns decorated with hieroglyphs and reliefs, is one of the highlights of the temple, which has been used by experts to reconstruct the legacy of the civilisation.

Moreover, the history of the Temple of Luxor is intrinsic to the history of the city itself, the ancient capital of Thebes. Over the centuries, pharaohs such as Amenhotep III, Ramses II and Tutankhamun contributed to its construction and renovation, deliberately leaving their mark on the stones that today flank the building, which was not only a place of worship, but also a stage for religious celebrations and festivals that connected society with its divinities.