Luxor

Luxor Travel Guide

The city of ancient Thebes, packed with Egypt's finest ruins including the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Split between the East Bank (Karnak and Luxor temples) and the West Bank (Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple), the city showcases ancient Egypt's glory. Felucca sailing on the Nile and hot air balloon rides offer unique perspectives. Often called 'the world's greatest open-air museum.'

Essential Luxor Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Luxor

★ 4.7

Valley of the Kings

On Luxor's west bank lies the royal cemetery of Egypt's New Kingdom (16th-11th centuries BC), where more than 60 pharaonic tombs have been uncovered, Tutankhamun's among them. Narrow corridors lead into burial chambers where vivid wall paintings and hieroglyphs survive in remarkable condition after thousands of years. Tutankhamun's tomb, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, requires a separate ticket and dazzles visitors with the richness of its grave goods.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:00 (until 16:00 in winter)

LocationWest Bank, Luxor

TipsThe standard ticket lets you choose three tombs; Tutankhamun's and Ramesses VI's require separate tickets. Arrive early in the morning to escape heat and crowds.

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★ 4.8

Karnak Temple

On Luxor's east bank, Karnak is the largest ancient religious complex on earth, expanded by more than 30 pharaohs over some 2,000 years. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 colossal columns rising 23 meters, makes visitors feel astonishingly small. Dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, Karnak was the heart of ancient Egyptian worship and is now connected to Luxor Temple by a restored avenue of sphinxes.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:30 (night shows at 19:00 and 20:00)

LocationKarnak, Luxor

TipsThe evening sound-and-light show (available in multiple languages, including Korean) dramatically retells the temple's history. Visit in the morning to see sunlight streaming between the columns.

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★ 4.5

Luxor Temple

On the east bank of the Nile, Luxor Temple is a monumental sanctuary built by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramesses II. Colossal seated statues of Ramesses II and an obelisk (its twin now stands in Paris's Place de la Concorde) guard the entrance. An avenue of sphinxes links it to Karnak Temple, and architecture from pharaonic, Roman, Christian, and Islamic eras coexists on the same site. When floodlit at night, the temple takes on a wholly different, mystical atmosphere.

HoursDaily 06:00-21:00

LocationEast Bank, Luxor

TipsThe temple is most beautiful after sunset under the floodlights, so an evening visit is recommended. Pair it with Karnak on the same day and a stroll along the Nile.

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★ 4.7

Temple of Hatshepsut

The Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari) is a three-tiered colonnaded mortuary temple set against the towering limestone cliffs of Luxor's west bank, built in the 15th century BC for Egypt's first female pharaoh. Its perfect symmetry blending into the cliffs is considered a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture, and surviving reliefs depict Hatshepsut's expedition to Punt and her divine birth. A trail above the cliffs leads to the Valley of the Kings, making the two easy to combine. Admission EGP 360. Near the Valley of the Kings.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:00

LocationWest Bank, Luxor

TipsThere's almost no shade - bring a hat, sunglasses, and water. Combine with the Valley of the Kings on the same day.

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★ 4.3

Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are twin 18-meter seated statues that once flanked the entrance to the colossal mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III on Luxor's west bank in the 14th century BC. The temple itself was largely destroyed by earthquakes and Nile floods, leaving only the two giants to brood over the desert plain for 3,400 years. In Greek and Roman times the statues were said to 'sing' at dawn, earning the name of Memnon, the Trojan War hero. They sit right on the road to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple, perfect for a photo stop. Free to view. West bank roadside.

HoursOpen 24 hours (no night lighting)

LocationWest Bank, Luxor

TipsThere's no admission fee - perfect for a quick photo stop on the way to other west bank sites. Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic silhouettes.

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★ 4.6

Luxor Museum

Opened in 1975, the Luxor Museum is a refined alternative to the much larger Egyptian Museum in Cairo, showcasing a carefully selected collection in a clean, modern display. Highlights include 22 royal statues unearthed at Luxor Temple, items from Tutankhamun's tomb, and the mummies of Amenhotep III and Ramesses I. Set along the Nile between Luxor Temple and Karnak, it's walkable and just two hours is plenty for a full visit. Admission EGP 300. Corniche road on the east bank.

HoursDaily 09:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00

LocationEast Bank Corniche, Luxor

TipsLighting and layout make for great photography (no flash). Visit during the hot afternoon hours to enjoy air-conditioned comfort while exploring.

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★ 4.7

Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III)

Medinet Habu is the sprawling mortuary temple complex of Ramesses III (12th century BC) on Luxor's west bank, second only to Karnak in size. Massive pylons, two open courts, and colonnaded halls survive in excellent condition, and rare original blue and red painted reliefs remain on ceilings and columns - something seldom seen at other Egyptian sites. Reliefs depicting Ramesses III's victory over the Sea Peoples are an important record of ancient Egyptian military history. Quieter than the major sites and perfect for unhurried exploration. Admission EGP 240. About 10 minutes by car from Hatshepsut's Temple.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:00 (until 16:00 in winter)

LocationWest Bank, Luxor

TipsCombine with the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple on a west-bank loop. Be sure to walk deep into the inner halls where the colored reliefs survive.

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★ 4.5

Valley of the Queens

About 1.5km southwest of the Valley of the Kings, this New Kingdom-era (16th-11th century BC) necropolis for queens, princes, and princesses was known in antiquity as 'Ta-Set-Neferu' (the Place of Beauty). The tomb of Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II (QV66), is famed for some of the most vividly colored wall paintings in Egypt, but it is periodically closed for conservation, so check its status before visiting. The standard ticket covers three tombs. Admission is around EGP 220 for foreigners (subject to change); Nefertari's tomb, when open, requires a separate high-priced ticket. Combine with the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple on a west bank tour.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:00 (seasonal variation)

LocationWest Bank, Luxor

TipsNefertari's tomb access changes frequently - confirm the latest status with a tour operator or local guide. Quieter than the Valley of the Kings.

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★ 4.4

Deir el-Medina

Known in ancient Egyptian as 'Set Maat' (Place of Truth), Deir el-Medina was home for nearly 500 years to the skilled masons, painters, and scribes who built and decorated the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and Queens. These were paid professionals, not slaves, and they passed their craft down through generations. The artisans' own tombs, such as those of Sennedjem and Pashedu, hold wall paintings as intricate as any royal tomb, offering a rare window into ordinary Egyptian life. A Ptolemaic-era Temple of Hathor stands here too. Admission is around EGP 220 for foreigners (subject to change). Located between Hatshepsut's Temple and Medinet Habu.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:00 (until 18:00 in summer)

LocationWest Bank, Luxor

TipsFewer crowds than the major sites make for a peaceful visit. Don't miss the vivid colors in Sennedjem's tomb - just as striking as anything in the Valley of the Kings.

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★ 4.3

Tombs of the Nobles

Unlike the royal Valley of the Kings, the Tombs of the Nobles hold the burials of viziers, scribes, and high officials who served the pharaohs, scattered across several sectors of Luxor's west bank including Sheikh Abd el-Qurna and El-Khokha. Though smaller than royal tombs, they're rich with lively scenes of daily life, banquets, hunting, and farming - invaluable for understanding how ordinary elite Egyptians lived. Notable tombs include those of vizier Rekhmire, mayor Sennefer, and scribe Menna, each requiring a separate ticket (roughly EGP 100-220 each, subject to change). Located between Hatshepsut's Temple and the Ramesseum.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:00 (ticket sales close at 16:00)

LocationWest Bank, Luxor

TipsEach tomb needs its own ticket, so decide which ones you want at the west bank ticket office beforehand. Bring a flashlight for the dim tomb interiors.

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★ 4.5

Ramesseum

The Ramesseum is the mortuary temple Ramesses II ('Ramesses the Great') built for himself, representing the height of New Kingdom temple architecture. A colossal seated statue, originally 18 meters tall, now lies shattered on the ground after an earthquake - the ruin that inspired English poet Percy Shelley's famous sonnet 'Ozymandias.' Temple walls carry detailed reliefs of Ramesses II's Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites, an important record of ancient Egyptian military history. Admission is around EGP 220 for foreigners (subject to change). About 10 minutes by car from the Valley of the Kings, near the Colossi of Memnon.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:00

LocationWest Bank, Luxor

TipsA photo beside the fallen colossus captures the Ozymandias mood. Combine with the Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu on a west bank tour.

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★ 4.1

Mortuary Temple of Seti I

Begun around 1290 BC by Seti I, second pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty, this mortuary temple was left unfinished at his death and is believed to have been completed by his son Ramesses II. Located in the modern village of Qurna, much of the site lies beneath present-day houses, and it pairs historically with Seti I's own tomb (KV17) in the Valley of the Kings. Surviving remains include pylons, a courtyard, and hypostyle hall fragments, with rooms dedicated to Seti I bearing understated reliefs. Far fewer visitors than the major west bank sites make for a quiet stop. Admission is around EGP 120 for foreigners (subject to change). Sits along the road to the Valley of the Kings.

HoursDaily 06:00-17:00

LocationQurna, West Bank, Luxor

TipsFew visitors mean plenty of room for unhurried photos. A good quick stop on the way to the Valley of the Kings.

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★ 4.4

Luxor Corniche

The Luxor Corniche runs along the Nile's east bank, lined with hotels, restaurants, and cafes from Luxor Temple in the south toward Karnak Temple in the north. As the heat eases after sunset, the floodlit Luxor Temple reflects on the water while feluccas and horse carriages drift past, adding to the relaxed mood. Nile cruise ships and felucca docks line the route, making a boat ride toward the west bank another good option. The walk itself is free; politely decline persistent touts (especially carriage and boat offers) and keep moving. A good walking route starts right in front of Luxor Temple.

HoursOpen 24 hours (most pleasant after sunset)

LocationEast Bank Corniche, Luxor

TipsStart your walk around sunset to skip the heat and catch the night views too. Watch for touts falsely claiming to work at your hotel while pushing carriage rides.

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★ 4.2

Howard Carter House

Built in 1910, this house served as Egyptologist Howard Carter's base for roughly 12 years leading up to his 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. Its five rooms, a corridor, and a lab display Carter's personal effects - his desk, typewriter, and walking canes - alongside photographs of patron Lord Carnarvon and the excavation workers. A meticulous replica of Tutankhamun's tomb, created by the Factum Arte foundation, sits on the grounds too, letting visitors preview the experience before seeing the real tomb. Admission is around EGP 220 for foreigners (subject to change). Located in Qurna near the entrance road to the Valley of the Kings.

HoursDaily 08:00-17:00

LocationQurna, West Bank, Luxor

TipsA natural stop before or after the Valley of the Kings. The tomb replica is remarkably close to the real thing and makes for great photos.

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★ 4.1

Mummification Museum

Opened in 1997, this small specialist museum sits on the Nile Corniche just north of Luxor Temple. Displays cover the tools and materials of mummification, canopic jars, animal mummies, and painted coffins, with the well-preserved mummy of Masaharta, a 21st Dynasty High Priest of Amun, as the centerpiece. Compact enough to see in 20-30 minutes, and its air conditioning makes it a pleasant midday break from the heat. Admission is around EGP 140 for foreigners (subject to change). A 5-minute walk along the Corniche from Luxor Temple.

HoursDaily 09:00-13:00 and 17:00-21:00 (varies by season)

LocationEast Bank Corniche, Luxor

TipsA handy midday cool-down between Luxor Temple and other sights. Keep expectations modest given its small size.

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★ 4.2

Luxor Souk

Tucked behind Luxor Temple on the Nile's east bank, Luxor Souk is a far smaller, more personal market than Cairo's Khan el-Khalili, with vendors whose families have run the same stalls for generations. Stalls sell spices, Egyptian cotton, handcrafted jewelry, papyrus art, alabaster carvings, and Bedouin accessories, with haggling a natural part of the culture. The market's lanes fall into roughly three sections, and it grows livelier once the lights come on in the evening. Free to enter (pay per purchase). About a 10-minute walk from Luxor Temple.

HoursRoughly 09:00-21:00 (liveliest in the evening)

LocationEast Bank, Luxor

TipsEvening visits are liveliest and prettiest under the lights. Bring cash (Egyptian pounds) rather than relying on cards.

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★ 4.5

Avenue of Sphinxes

The Avenue of Sphinxes (the King's Festivities Road) is a 2.7km, 76-meter-wide ceremonial route linking Karnak and Luxor Temples, begun in the New Kingdom and completed under Nectanebo I in the 4th century BC. Boats carrying statues of the gods paraded along it each year during the Opet Festival. First unearthed in 1949, the avenue underwent decades of restoration before a grand reopening in November 2021, with 1,057 statues now restored along its length - 807 human-headed sphinxes and 250 ram-headed ones. There's no separate admission fee; access comes with a Luxor Temple or Karnak Temple ticket. Walk or take a horse carriage between the two temples.

HoursFollows each temple's opening hours (roughly 06:00-17:30)

LocationEast Bank, Luxor

TipsWalk it early in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds. It naturally anchors a day combining both temples.

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Things to Do in Luxor

Adventure

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour

Lift off before dawn over Luxor's west bank for a 45-60 minute hot-air balloon flight with sunrise views over the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, and the Nile.

Price EGP 1,500-3,000Duration 45-60 min flight (3-4 hrs total with pickup)

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Tour

Felucca Sunset Sail

A 2-3 hour sail on a traditional Egyptian felucca to enjoy sunset on the Nile, drifting toward Banana Island. Tea and snacks are included.

Price EGP 250-600Duration 2-3 hours

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Culture

Valley of the Kings Guided Tour

A 4-5 hour west bank loop with an Egyptologist guide (Korean or English) covering the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Hotel pickup included.

Price EGP 700-1,500Duration 4-5 hours

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Culture

Karnak Sound and Light Show

A 90-minute multimedia walk through Karnak Temple at night, with lights and narration retelling its history. Multilingual sessions including Korean are offered.

Price EGP 450-600Duration About 1.5 hours

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Culture

Horse Carriage Nile Ride

A 1-2 hour traditional caleche (horse carriage) ride along the Corniche to see Luxor Temple, the museum, and the markets. Popular with families.

Price EGP 200-400Duration 1-2 hours

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Tour

Nile Cruise (Luxor-Aswan)

A 3-4 night luxury Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu temples along the way. Meals, guide, and admissions included.

Price EGP 7,000-20,000 (3-4 nights)Duration 3-4 nights

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Must-Try Food in Luxor

Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel)

🍢 Street Food

Egyptian-style falafel made from fava beans, crispy outside and soft within. EGP 5-15 each. Available at stalls and local restaurants in Luxor.

Basbousa

🍰 Dessert

Sweet traditional Egyptian semolina cake soaked in syrup. EGP 10-25 per slice. Available at Luxor markets and bakeries.

Sugarcane Juice (Asab)

🍵 Drink

Freshly pressed sugarcane juice — the best thirst-quencher in Luxor's heat. EGP 10-20. Available at juice stalls throughout town.

Kofta

🍱 Traditional

Charcoal-grilled minced lamb or beef skewers seasoned with onion and spices - a Middle Eastern meatball staple. EGP 80-150 per serving. Sofra restaurant on Luxor's east bank is well known.

Molokhia

🍱 Traditional

A vivid green soup of finely chopped jute leaves simmered with garlic and coriander - a rural Luxor staple. EGP 40-80. Available at local eateries and felucca dinner packages.

Aish Baladi

🍱 Traditional

Egypt's traditional whole-wheat flatbread, served alongside virtually every meal. Best fresh and warm from the bakery. EGP 1-5 per loaf. Available at city bakeries and stalls.

Karkadeh

🍵 Drink

A ruby-red Egyptian tea brewed from hibiscus petals, especially refreshing chilled under Luxor's strong sun. EGP 10-25 per glass. Available at Corniche cafes and hotel lounges.

Luxor Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Luxor?

October to March is best. Summer temperatures can exceed 45C and are better avoided.

How much does it cost to travel in Luxor?

Around $35-70 per day (lodging $15-35, food $7-15, transit and entry fees $15-20).

How do I get around in Luxor?

Around 10 minutes by taxi from Luxor Airport to downtown. Ferries and taxis connect the east and west banks of the Nile. SIM cards available in town. Cards accepted at hotels and large restaurants, but cash (Egyptian pounds) needed most places. Always negotiate taxi and carriage fares in advance. Bakshish tipping culture applies.

Do I need a visa to visit Luxor?

Korean passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival (30 days, about USD 25).

Is Luxor safe for tourists?

Generally safe as a tourist town, but expect persistent touts at the sites. Always agree carriage and boat fares in advance.

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