Luxor travel guide
Luxor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt. It’s known for its temples, tombs, and monuments from ancient times.
Is Luxor City worth visiting?
While opinions on Luxor will likely differ, the vast majority of travelers would agree that it is a worthwhile destination to visit. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, there are plenty of things to do and see in this ancient city. Luxor is an ancient Egyptian city located in the eastern Nile Delta. It was one of the most important of the Eighteenth Dynasty pharaonic cities and is known for its great temples, tombs and palaces.
Brief history of Luxor
Though Thebes eventually lost its once-mighty position as the capital of Upper Egypt, it did so only after a final flourish under the Nubian rulers of the XXV Dynasty who ruled in 747-656 BC. Under their rule, Thebes enjoyed a brief moment of glory as a royal seat before eventually being abandoned like Memphis.
During Muslim times, however, Thebes was most famous for the tomb of Abu el-Haggag, an eleventh century sheikh whose burial site is still visited today by pilgrims.
When the ancient Egyptians first built Waset, they named it after their city’s most distinguished asset: its mighty scepter. The Greeks found this out when they conquered Egypt and renamed the city Thebes – meaning “the palaces.” Today, Waset is known as Luxor, from the Arabic word al-ʾuqṣur which means “the palaces.”
Festivals in Luxor
In April, DJs and dance crews from all over compete in the Luxor Spring Festival, an all-night event held at the Royal Valley Golf Club. This legendary party is sure to get your groove on!
What to do and see in Luxor?
Luxor by hot-air balloon
If you’re looking for a unique way to see Luxor, don’t miss the experience of drifting over the Theban Necropolis in a hot-air balloon. This allows you to see all of the temples, villages and mountains up close and from an amazing perspective. Depending on the wind, you might spend about 40 minutes aloft. If you book your ride through a foreign tour operator, the price will be higher, but it’s well worth it for an unforgettable experience.Valley of the Kings
Looking to explore some of the most impressive royal tombs in all of Egypt? If so, be sure to check out the tomb of Tutankhamun, the tomb of Ramesses V and VI, and the tomb of Seti I – all of which offer beautiful views and require only a few extra tickets to enter. Plus, if you’re looking for a unique experience that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, I highly recommend checking out the Valley of the Kings on Friday or Sunday – both days are when it’s open longest!
Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive statues that date back to around 1350 B.C. They are still standing where they were originally erected and they are a testament to the skill of ancient builders. Even after 3000 years, you can still see the seated postures and anatomical details on these statues. If you visit Luxor with a tour, it is worth spending around 30 minutes here before continuing on to other tourist attractions.
Karnak Temple, Luxor
Karnak Temple is one of the most popular temples in Luxor and for good reasons. It’s located just north of the city center, making it easy to reach by bus or taxi, and it’s an excellent place to visit if you’re looking to do Luxor independently and cheaply.
Inside the temple, you’ll find the Great Hypostyle Hall, a huge hallway with more than 130 massive columns arranged in 16 rows that will leave you speechless. And don’t forget about the impressive reliefs on the walls of the temple – they’re definitely worth a look!
Dier el-Bahari
Located in the heart of the ancient city of Luxor, Dier el-Bahari is a vast archaeological site that was once the home of the pharaohs. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt, and offers visitors an unparalleled view of the ancient monuments and tombs.
Felucca boat ride
If you’re looking for a memorable experience, consider a felucca ride in Luxor. These boats are traditional sailboats that passengers can take for a leisurely ride down the Nile River. You’ll see the ancient ruins and enjoy the stunning views while you’re on your way.
The Mummification Museum
If you’re interested in mummification or the ancient Egyptians’ mastery of preserving the dead, be sure to check out the Mummification Museum near Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum. It’s not as big as either of those museums, but it’s well worth a visit nonetheless.
The Howard Carter House
If you’re traveling the West Bank of Luxor on your own, be sure to visit Howard Carter House. This preserved house is the home of a great British archaeologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun way back in the 1930s. Even though much of the house has been kept in its original condition, it’s still amazing to see all the old furniture and get a glimpse into how life was 100 years ago.
The Temple Of Dendera
The Temple of Dendera is one of the most iconic and well-known archaeological sites in Egypt. It is a large temple complex built during the Middle Kingdom (2055-1650 BC) that was dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The temple is located on the west bank of the Nile, near the modern town of Dendera. It consists of two main parts: a large complex of chapels and halls, and a smaller temple dedicated to Hathor.
The temple complex is laid out in a cruciform pattern and the walls are covered with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and scenes from mythology. Inside the temple there are several chambers including a sacred pool, a birth chamber, and several chapels dedicated to other deities. The temple complex also includes a roofed courtyard and a paved entrance hall.
The Temple of Dendera was one of the most important cult centers in Egypt during the Middle Kingdom period. It was a major pilgrimage destination for ancient Egyptians, who would bring offerings and make sacrifices to the gods. The temple was also an important center of learning, with scholars studying hieroglyphs, astronomy, and astrology.
The Temple Of Abydos
The Temple of Abydos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt. The temple is a significant place of worship for the ancient Egyptians and it’s one of the most well-preserved examples of ancient Egyptian architecture. It’s located on the west bank of the Nile and dates back to around 1550 BCE.
The temple was built to honor Osiris, the god of death, resurrection and fertility. It contains many intricate carvings that depict the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt. Inside, visitors can find numerous ancient tombs as well as several chapels dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
The Temple of Abydos is also home to a number of hieroglyphic inscriptions that tell stories of Ancient Egyptians and their beliefs. One of the most famous inscriptions is known as the Abydos King List, which lists out all the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt in order of their reigns. Another noteworthy inscription is the Osireion, which is believed to have been built by Seti I, the father of Ramses II. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the beauty and mystery of the Temple of Abydos.
The best months to visit Luxor
Though you’ll find great deals on hotel rooms during the summertime, the unbearably hot temperatures in Luxor make touring its sights uncomfortable between May and September. If you’re considering visiting Egypt in those months, I would recommend going during the shoulder seasons when it’s cooler and fewer people are around.
How to save money in Luxor?
To avoid any surprises on your taxi ride, agree on the fare before getting in. If you’re travelling to a tourist destination, be sure to ask about the rate in Egyptian pounds – it can be much cheaper than what you would pay in dollars or euros.
Culture & Customs in Luxor
When travelling to Egypt, it is important to know the local language. Sa’idi Arabic is commonly spoken in Luxor and can be helpful when interacting with locals. Additionally, most locals who interact with tourists are fluent in English, so you won’t have any trouble communicating. Be sure to say “marhaba” (hello) and “inshallah” (which means “God willing”) when meeting someone new.
What to eat in Luxor
Because of the city’s close proximity to the Nile, fish is also offered on many restaurant menus. Must-try items include aish baladi (Egypt’s version of pita bread), hamam mahshi (pigeon stuffed with rice or wheat), mouloukhiya (a stew made of rabbit or chicken, garlic and mallow – a leafy green vegetable) and ful medammes (seasoned mashed fava beans commonly enjoyed at breakfast). Luxor is home to many different international cuisines, perfect for sampling a new flavor or delicious local foods. If you’re looking for something specific, don’t worry – Luxor’s restaurants are always happy to accommodate special requests. So whether you’re in the mood for a hearty dish or something light and refreshing, Luxor has it all.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, head to one of the city’s fast food restaurants. You can find outlets in most areas of Luxor, including street vendors who sell sandwiches, gyros and falafel. For a more upscale experience, try one of the city’s many restaurants that serve international cuisine. These establishments are typically located in high-end hotels or in areas frequented by tourists.
Is Luxor safe for tourists?
Any Luxor tour guide will tell you that not all locals are out to scam you, but the scammers are the ones who are most aggressive and always make themselves known to you as soon as you arrive at a tourist attraction. This is simply because they know they can get away with it more easily than others.
Make sure to take the usual precautions, such as not wearing flashy jewelry or carrying large amounts of money, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be sure to keep an eye out for people who are trying to sell you something unnecessary or overpriced, and avoid interacting with them if possible.
