24 recommended tourist spots in Luxor, the ancient Egyptian capital

Did you know that one-third of the world’s ancient ruins are in Egypt, and two-thirds of those are in Luxor and its surrounding areas?

Luxor, known as Thebes during the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt and a capital for over a thousand years, is divided by the Nile River into the East Bank and the West Bank. In ancient Egyptian beliefs, where the sun god was worshipped, the East Bank, where the sun rises, was considered the city of the living, while the West Bank, where the sun sets, was regarded as the city of the dead. This is why temples are located on the East Bank and mortuary temples and tombs are found on the West Bank.

Now, let’s embark on a tour of Luxor’s ancient ruins, a world that captivates tourists from all around the globe. From classic sightseeing spots to hidden gems, we’ll introduce you to 24 must-see locations. Let’s start with the city of the living on the East Bank of the Nile River.

1. Karnak Temple

The Karnak Temple in Luxor's East Bank, dedicated to Amun, the guardian deity of Thebes, began construction around 1300 BCE. It was expanded by successive kings and was completed around 200 BCE, becoming one of the world’s largest temples.

When Thebes became the capital of Egypt, the worship of the sun god Ra merged with Amun, forming Amun-Ra, the supreme deity of the Egyptian kingdom, attracting widespread devotion and making Karnak the center of worship. Successive kings and queens left their images and names within the temple, donating statues, obelisks, and inner sanctuaries. Highlights include the massive gateway built by Ramses II, the statues of Amun with a ram's head and lion's body at the temple’s front, and the hypostyle hall with its 134 columns.

At night, the temple is illuminated, and a sound and light show re-enacts the pharaohs’ voices, which is a favorite among tourists. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 as part of “Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis.” Since the site is vast and filled with notable attractions, make sure to set aside ample time for your visit.

2. Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple was constructed as a subsidiary sanctuary to the Karnak Temple. Like the Karnak Temple, it is dedicated to the god Amun and was built specifically for the Opet Festival, held annually during the Nile’s flood season. The Opet Festival celebrated the union of Amun and his consort, the goddess Mut. On the walls of the temple's great hypostyle hall are reliefs depicting scenes from the festival, showcasing Amun, Mut, and their son Khonsu on sacred boats, alongside dancers and jubilant crowds—a must-see for visitors.

In the courtyard stands the Abu al-Hajjaj Mosque, built in the 14th century before the temple was discovered. The obelisk in front of the first pylon, erected by Ramses II, originally had a twin, which is now missing. You may have seen it before—the missing obelisk now stands in Paris’s Place de la Concorde. It was gifted to France during the 19th-century rule of the Muhammad Ali dynasty, and in return, the French gifted a clock, which is displayed in the courtyard of Cairo’s Muhammad Ali Mosque.

3. Sphinx Path

Two avenues of sphinxes extend from the Karnak Temple. One stretches from the 10th pylon of the Karnak Temple to the Temple of Mut, while the other leads from the Temple of Khonsu toward the Luxor Temple, where it merges with the avenue extending from the Temple of Mut. During the Opet Festival, introduced at the Karnak Temple, Amun, placed on a sacred boat, was transported along this sphinx-lined avenue from Karnak to Luxor Temple.

The sphinxes along the avenue feature mixed designs, with some having the head of a ram, symbolizing Amun, and a human body, while others bear the head of a pharaoh. Each sphinx is carved from a single block of sandstone and rests on a 120 x 330 cm base. Near the Luxor Temple, 34 well-preserved sphinxes remain on one side.

Although initially few in number, successive kings added more sphinxes bearing their names or resembling their likeness. Eventually, nearly a thousand sphinxes lined the avenue, leading to its name, the Avenue of Sphinxes. Many more sphinxes remain buried undergroun

4. Temple of Mut

The Temple of Mut, dedicated to the goddess Mut, wife of Amun, is connected to the Karnak Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes; however, this avenue is currently inaccessible, so visitors need to take a detour.

Having been closed to the public for a long time, it has recently gained attention as a new tourist destination. In the Temple of Mut, Amenhotep III dedicated 574 statues of the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet to pray for healing from illness, though most of these statues were destroyed, and only a few remain today. The site as a whole is in need of significant restoration and is in a somewhat ruined state, which, in its way, adds to its unique charm.

Please note that entrance tickets to the Temple of Mut must be purchased at the Karnak Temple.

5. Luxor Museum

Opened in 1975, the Luxor Museum showcases artifacts excavated from the many ruins around Luxor. Though modest in size, its well-curated exhibits captivate visitors from around the world.

A highlight is the selection of life-sized statues found in the courtyard of Luxor Temple, attributed to Amenhotep III. Buried in the ground, they are remarkably well-preserved, appearing almost as if they were newly crafted. These statues are displayed in a separate room. Also on display are statues of Thutmose III, hidden in Karnak Temple, as well as chariots, boats, and items from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

One of the museum's treasures is the mummy of Ramses I, which was returned from the United States in 2003 and is now back in its homeland. Also fascinating is the restored wall relief from the destroyed Aten temple of Akhenaten, son of Amenhotep III, who attempted religious reform by worshipping Aten, only for his temple at Karnak to be dismantled. The reconstructed wall offers a glimpse into this turbulent chapter of history.

6. Mummy Museum

Located close to the Luxor Temple, the Mummification Museum, opened in 1997, is a small but invaluable museum where visitors can learn everything about mummies. It has become a popular spot due to its unique and focused exhibits.

The museum displays 150 human mummies and rare mummified animals, including sheep, cats, crocodiles, birds, and fish. These mummified animals reflect the ancient Egyptian belief in the divine nature of various animals.

Among the fascinating items on display are medical tools used in mummification, such as instruments for extracting the brain through the nose, embalming chemicals, canopic jars decorated to hold organs, coffins, spices, and amulets wrapped with the mummies. These amulets feature scarabs, the ankh cross, and the Eye of Horus, representing a falcon-headed god.

The museum is small and conveniently located near most hotels, making it an ideal destination to explore during free time.

7. Luxor Souk

The last recommended sightseeing spot on the East Bank is the Luxor Souk (market). While there are souvenir shops at each tourist site in Luxor and gift shops in hotels, for those who want to see a variety of souvenirs all at once or experience a more local atmosphere, the souk is the place to go.

In the areas where locals shop, you’ll find vegetable and fruit stalls, making it enjoyable just to browse. Egypt is famous for its spices, and Egyptian cuisine uses a wide range of them. Items like peppercorns, paprika, chili, and allspice are available in small quantities by weight, making them perfect as souvenirs.

In the areas frequented by tourists, you’ll find traditional clothing called galabeya, gold and silver jewelry, lamps, hookah pipes, and replicas of artifacts from Luxor’s ruins. Some shops may quote higher prices, so don’t be afraid to negotiate—start boldly at about half the asking price. Also, try some fresh sugarcane juice at a juice stand.

8. Corniche

Generally, the term Corniche refers to a coastal road, but in Egypt, the roads along the Nile are also called Corniche. While touring Luxor and frequently moving between the East and West Banks, you’ll likely see the Nile many times; why not take a leisurely walk along the Corniche?

If you wander a bit away from the main tourist area, you’ll find locals fishing along the Nile. You may encounter persistent offers for horse-drawn carriage rides or a sail on a felucca (sailing boat), but if you’re not interested, it’s best to ignore them. However, a felucca ride on the Nile at sunset offers a wonderful atmosphere. Unlike motorboats, feluccas are completely wind-powered, so they might come to a full stop if there’s no wind—but this makes for a relaxing and peaceful experience.

Just enjoying tea at a café along the Corniche with a view of the Nile can feel like a luxurious experience. During the tourist season, the Corniche remains lively until late at night, so feel free to enjoy a safe evening stroll.

9: The Colossi of Memnon

Now, we have crossed the Nile and arrived at the West Bank, where our tour of the tombs and temples of various kings from the New Kingdom era around 1300 BCE to the Greek period begins.

Amidst the sugarcane fields, tour buses stop for a lively photo session at the Colossi of Memnon. These statues were created by King Amenhotep III of the 17th Dynasty during the New Kingdom, around 1700 BCE. Originally, these two seated statues adorned the entrance of the king's temple, with one statue on each side of the entrance. Unfortunately, the temple was later destroyed, allegedly by Merenptah of the 19th Dynasty, who used its materials for his own mortuary temple.

Standing 21 meters tall, these seated statues are carved from single blocks of limestone, and approaching them, you’ll be overwhelmed by their size. Despite significant damage, you can still spot reliefs on the base symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.

10. Valley of the Kings

The most popular tourist spot on the West Bank is the Valley of the Kings. The West Bank, where the sun sets, was considered the land of the dead by the ancient Egyptians, leading them to build tombs, mortuary temples, and mummification temples there.

During the Old and Middle Kingdoms, pyramids served as tombs, but they became too conspicuous and attracted looting. Therefore, the kings of the New Kingdom desired to create their eternal resting places in less noticeable locations that wouldn’t easily reveal the presence of a tomb.

In the Valley of the Kings, there are 64 royal tombs discovered to date, although most are under restoration and not open to visitors. Despite the kings' efforts, most of the tombs were looted. However, the tomb of Tutankhamun, which we will introduce next, was discovered almost entirely intact.

In the Valley of the Kings, one ticket grants access to three tombs of your choice. Among the recommended tombs are those of Ramses VI, Amenhotep II, and Ramses IX.

11. Tomb of Tutankhamun

When it comes to Egypt, many immediately think of Tutankhamun, the famous young pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. Tutankhamun ascended the throne at the age of 8 and passed away at 18. Although he was an obscure king who achieved little of historical note, his tomb, discovered almost intact in the Valley of the Kings and containing approximately 3,000 treasures, catapulted him to fame.

The tomb was discovered in 1922 by the British archaeologist Howard Carter, who had been searching for royal tombs. Although it is said to be the smallest tomb in the Valley of the Kings, the well-preserved wall paintings in the burial chamber depicting the king, queen, and gods retain vibrant colors.

Most of the treasures, including the famous golden mask and golden coffin, are displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. While only the stone sarcophagus and anthropoid coffin with the mummy remain in the tomb, it is highly recommended to visit it while in the Valley of the Kings. (Admission to Tutankhamun's tomb requires an additional ticket.)

12. Howard Carter House

A hidden gem in Luxor is the former home of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun's tomb. Opened to the public as a museum in 2009, Carter's house is located near the Valley of the Kings.

The house is a modest mud-brick structure with rooms such as an office, bedroom, sitting room, and kitchen, with the original furniture still intact, giving the impression that Howard Carter might appear from the back room at any moment.

Sponsored by Lord Carnarvon, Howard Carter continued his excavations in the Valley of the Kings in search of royal tombs for six years. With no results, he decided to make one last attempt, which led to the discovery of the century.

Another highlight is the replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb, open to the public since 2014. This highly detailed replica was created by scanning the original and may even look more authentic than the original itself. A separate ticket is required to visit this replica.

13. The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Carved into the rocky cliffs on the eastern side of the Valley of the Kings is the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut, a ruler of the New Kingdom around 1700 BCE, is known for having led Egypt during a peaceful era.

Records indicate that Egypt engaged in trade under her rule, importing livestock like donkeys and cattle, as well as spices and henna, which were scarce in Egypt, while exporting abundant gold and silver. This is considered one of the earliest forms of bartering, as the queen made efforts to establish friendly relations with foreign lands.

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is uniquely built with three terraced levels. Unfortunately, her successor, Thutmose III, attempted to erase her legacy by removing her images and names within the temple. However, the reliefs in the Chapel on the second terrace and those depicting the Punt expedition remain well-preserved. Queen Hatshepsut’s mummy can be seen in the Egyptian Museum’s mummy room in Cairo! Remember to stay hydrated as this site can be quite hot.

14. Mortuary Temple of Seti I

The Mortuary Temple of Seti I, constructed by the 19th Dynasty pharaoh Seti I, was not completed during his lifetime and was finished by his son, Ramses II. Seti I is known for restoring Egypt from chaos and expanding its territory through military campaigns, as well as commissioning significant architectural projects.

Today, only parts of this mortuary temple remain, yet even the ruins reveal its impressive scale. In the small rooms of the hypostyle hall, wall paintings depict Seti I and Ramses II offering flowers and performing rituals to Amun-Ra, while a chapel dedicated to Seti’s father, Ramses I, lies deeper within the temple.

One highlight is the beautifully crafted relief of the sacred barque of Amun-Ra, depicted with a ram’s head topped with the sun disk. Although it is not typically included in standard tourist itineraries, this temple has many captivating reliefs, making it an ideal, quieter destination for those with a keen interest in ancient Egypt.

15. Graves of the nobles

Between the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Ramesseum lie several tombs built for nobles. Although smaller in scale than the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, around ten of these tombs are open to the public at any given time. Due to their excellent preservation, visitors can admire the vibrant, well-preserved wall paintings that appear as if they were recently created, making it a popular destination.

Tickets for these tombs are available as combinations, granting access to either two or three tombs, so it’s best to choose which tombs to visit before purchasing tickets. If you’re wondering which ones to choose, Nakht and Menna’s tombs are highly recommended for the quality of their wall paintings.

Nakht was a scribe and astronomer serving under Thutmose IV and Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty. He is known for wall paintings featuring three female musicians playing the harp, lute, and flute. Menna, also a scribe under Thutmose IV, is famous for vibrant hunting scenes and images of animals along the water. The Tomb of Ramose, known for its depictions of mourning women, is also recommended. If you have time, why not visit them all?

16. Khulna Village

The village you must pass through to reach the Tombs of the Nobles is Qurna. This village was once home to many residents who made a living by selling souvenirs to tourists, but in 2006, the government forcibly relocated them to a new settlement built in the desert nearby.

These villagers were farmers who had relocated over a century ago to avoid Nile River floods, building homes around the shelters of the noble tombs. When tourism began, they started charging visitors to view the tombs beneath their homes (which were, in fact, noble tombs).

Eventually, the village became known as a "village of thieves," accused of selling valuable artifacts. However, in recent years, such issues have ceased, yet the residents were still forcibly moved. There was opposition from both the villagers and some scholars, but only a few families remain today.

There is speculation that the government plans to turn the area into a tourist park, but no actions have been taken thus far. With its rich history, the future of Qurna Village remains a point of interest.

17. Ramseum

The Ramesseum is the mortuary temple of Ramses II, constructed over 20 years around 1270 BCE. It was named Ramesseum by Champollion, known as the father of Egyptology, who praised it as the most noble and elegant structure in Thebes.

Ramses II, one of the most famous pharaohs, left numerous monuments bearing his name to showcase his power both within and outside Egypt, earning him the title The Great Builder. He is said to have ruled for 70 years, fathered 130 children, and lived past the age of 90.

The main highlight of the Ramesseum is the relief depicting the Battle of Kadesh, where the pharaoh is shown shooting arrows at retreating enemies, located on the back of the second pylon. Although repeated flooding of the Nile has destroyed much of the original mortuary temple, the remaining parts are still impressive enough to convey Ramses II’s power. This site is a must-see for Ramses II enthusiasts.

18. Valley of the Queens

While pharaohs are buried in the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens is home to rock-cut tombs primarily for the wives, princes, and princesses of the pharaohs. Around 80 tombs have been discovered here, mainly from the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. The most famous tomb is that of Nefertari, the chief wife of Ramses II, which we’ll detail further next.

Tomb 80 belongs to Mut-Tuy, wife of Seti I and mother of Ramses II, and based on the names identified, it is understood that the Valley of the Queens mainly served as the burial ground for Ramses II’s wives and daughters, as well as Ramses III’s sons.

Currently, only three tombs are open to the public: Tomb 44 (Prince Khaemwaset, son of Ramses III), Tomb 55 (Prince Amunherkhepshef, son of Ramses III), and Tomb 52 (Queen Tyti, wife of Ramses III). However, with permission from the Antiquities Authority, other tombs may be visited. This site appeals to those with a deeper interest in ancient Egypt, and if time allows, it’s highly recommended to explore it.

19. Tomb of Nefertari

The most famous tomb in the Valley of the Queens is that of Nefertari, the chief wife of Ramses II. Nefertari, renowned for her beauty and intelligence, was deeply loved by Ramses II, as evidenced by her magnificent tomb and the small temple Ramses built for her next to the Great Temple of Abu Simbel.

Nefertari held the title “God’s Wife of Amun” and was granted considerable wealth and power, but she passed away due to illness when Ramses was around 50, and she was buried in the Valley of the Queens. The tomb was discovered in 1904 by Italian Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli, although, like other tombs, it had been looted.

The tomb is open to the public on a limited basis, requiring special permission, with visits restricted to 100 to 150 people per day and limited to 10–15 minutes to preserve the wall paintings. The vibrant murals are stunning, and it’s hard to believe they are 3,000 years old. After being closed for several years, the tomb has recently reopened, making it a must-see if you get the chance.

20. Workers' Town (Deir el-Medina)

Deir el-Medina, built during the reign of Thutmose I of the 18th Dynasty in the New Kingdom, was a settlement divided into a 2-hectare residential area and a cemetery on the hillside. Begin your tour at the Visitor Center, built in 2014, where a model provides an overview of the site. The settlement dates to the time of Ramses II and was enclosed by mudbrick walls, with 70 houses inside and 50 more outside, housing about 400 workers. The houses were simple, with two or three rooms; mudbrick walls and roofs covered with palm leaves or wood.

An interesting story from Ramses III’s reign recounts that the workers, who were compensated with food rations, protested when their food supplies ran out and they were on the brink of starvation. Despite their complaints, no rations were provided, leading to the first recorded strike in history. A few tombs in the hillside cemetery are also open to visitors. After seeing the tombs of kings and nobles, consider visiting the workers’ tombs for a unique perspective on Luxor.

21. Mortuary Temple of Ramses III (Medinet Habu)

Ramses III, who ruled around 1170 BCE, approximately 100 years after the famous Ramses II, is said to have admired Ramses II and aimed to emulate his reign. His mortuary temple, in remarkably well-preserved condition, features a massive first pylon measuring 22 meters in height and 63 meters in width.

Flagpoles once stood in the recessed sections on either side of the entrance.
On the left side of the entrance, you can see scenes depicting Ramses III’s battle against the Sea Peoples, including a powerful image of Ramses III gripping an enemy by the hair. Inside, the courtyard walls are filled with detailed battle scenes, which are truly impressive.

The temple’s reliefs are notable for their vibrant colors and deep carvings. It’s believed that these deeper carvings were intended to prevent future rulers from repurposing the temple for their own use, as was often done. The vivid colors on the ceiling murals are exceptionally well-preserved and should not be missed! Although not typically included in standard tours, this temple is well worth a visit.

22. Esna Water Gate

Located between two bridges in the town of Esna, halfway between Luxor and Edfu (home to the Temple of Horus), the Esna Lock is a noteworthy site. The bridges in Esna also serve as dams, requiring vessels to navigate the locks by adjusting for the 8-meter difference between upstream and downstream water levels, which takes about 5 minutes to equalize.

If you join a three-night, four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, announcements will inform you when your ship is about to pass through the lock (unless it’s during the night), allowing you to head to the deck and experience your ship rising and falling with the water—a popular attraction.

Only two ships can pass through the lock at a time, so when multiple cruise ships are waiting, you may see vendors in small boats approach the decks or balconies to sell souvenirs, making for a memorable experience.

23. Esna Temple

The Temple of Khnum in the town of Esna, built in the Greco-Roman style during the Ptolemaic to Roman periods, is dedicated to the god Khnum, believed to govern the Nile. Since the temple was buried 9 meters underground, visitors descend stairs to explore it. Only the hypostyle hall has been excavated, so the viewing area is small, but many fascinating reliefs remain.

Khnum, depicted with a ram’s head, was considered one of the creator gods, and there’s a small relief showing him molding humans from clay on a potter’s wheel. Look for it on the wall at the back of the temple. In the hypostyle hall, 24 columns, each 13.3 meters tall, bear inscriptions of Khnum’s grand festival. Interestingly, only two columns share the same style of capital. The ceiling displays celestial maps and scenes of religious ceremonies, and the excellent preservation makes this temple a worthwhile visit if you have extra time in Luxor.

24. Temple of Hathor

About an hour’s drive from Luxor is the village of Dendera, home to the famous Temple of Hathor. Hathor, depicted as a goddess with cow’s ears, was believed to preside over love, healing, and fertility. The temple, featuring a relief of Cleopatra, was built during the Ptolemaic period.

Among the temple’s many highlights, the large relief on the south outer wall, depicting the last Ptolemaic queen Cleopatra and her son Caesarion (fathered by Caesar), is a must-see.

Interestingly, the Temple of Hathor has an example of what is known as an “out-of-place artifact,” or OOPArt. This term refers to objects that seem to be from a different time or place than where they were found, and here, there is a depiction that some believe resembles a lightbulb with a filament. However, upon closer inspection, it shows a serpent emerging from a jar. This mysterious relief has generated a lot of interest. Many visitors say that the Temple of Hathor is the most impressive site they’ve seen in Egypt, so make sure to check it out.

Summary

How was it? Luxor is a true treasure trove of ancient ruins. Close to the Karnak and Luxor Temples, you’ll see local homes with children playing soccer right next to the illuminated temples—an everyday scene in Luxor.

The Nile is filled with feluccas carrying tourists, while horse-drawn carriages, tour buses, and backpackers on rental bikes move along the riverside roads. Cruise ships depart Luxor bound for Aswan, one after another. In this vibrant city of tourism, immerse yourself fully in the world of ancient Egypt.

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24 recommended tourist spots in Luxor, the ancient Egyptian capital