· EG

Luxor

Luxor, Al Uqsur, Egypt

Step Back in Time: Luxor, Egypt - Where Ancient Wonders Meet Modern Marvels Luxor, nestled on the banks of the majestic Nile River in Upper Egypt, is not just a city, it's a living museum. Once known as Thebes, the anci…

#Historical sites#Ancient civilization#Archaeological treasures#Nile River#Tourist destination

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Luxor.

Top Hotels in Luxor

Top Flights to Luxor

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Luxor.

Tours

Explore Karnak Temple

Visit the world's second largest ancient religious site, dedicated to the Theban gods and known for its towering columns and impressive architecture.

Valley of the Kings Tour

Explore the ancient burial ground of Egypt's pharaohs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

Visit the Luxor Museum

Discover a range of fascinating artifacts from Egypt's ancient past at Luxor Museum of Antiquities.

Shopping

Shopping at Luxor Souq

Explore the bustling market of Luxor Souq, where you can buy traditional Egyptian products, spices, and souvenirs.

Outdoor

Balloon Ride over Luxor

Experience Luxor's monuments and lush landscapes from above on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Luxor.

Currency

E£ | EGP | Egyptian Pound

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Luxor, Al Uqsur, Egypt, is around 1.3 million.

Languages

Arabic, Arabic

Average weather

Luxor

Jan

23°5°

Feb

25°7°

Mar

29°11°

Apr

34°16°

May

38°20°

Jun

41°23°

Jul

41°24°

Aug

41°24°

Sep

39°22°

Oct

35°19°

Nov

29°14°

Dec

24°8°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Luxor.

What people love

Luxor, located in Egypt, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, ancient temples, and archaeological sites. Here are some pros of traveling to Luxor:

Historical Sites: Luxor is home to some of the most well-preserved ancient Egyptian temples and monuments, such as the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and Hatshepsut Temple. Exploring these historical sites allows visitors to learn about the fascinating history of ancient Egypt.
Nile River: Luxor is situated along the banks of the Nile River, offering picturesque views and opportunities for boat cruises and felucca rides. Travelers can enjoy a relaxing sail on the Nile while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Luxor is one of the best places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride. Floating above the ancient temples and monuments during sunrise or sunset provides a unique perspective of Luxor's landscape.
Local Culture: Traveling to Luxor allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local Egyptian culture. Exploring the bustling markets, trying traditional Egyptian cuisine, and interacting with locals provide an authentic cultural experience.
Weather: Luxor has a hot desert climate, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for warm and sunny weather. The dry climate and clear skies make it a great place to visit year-round.
Accessibility: Luxor is well-connected by air, road, and train, making it easily accessible for travelers. The Luxor International Airport serves both domestic and international flights, allowing visitors to reach the city conveniently.

Overall, Luxor offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in ancient civilizations and archaeological wonders.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Luxor, Egypt, include:

Extreme Heat: Luxor experiences very high temperatures, especially during the summer months, which can be uncomfortable for some travelers.
Health Concerns: Travelers may need to take precautions against health risks such as dehydration, sunburn, and insect bites. It is also advisable to drink bottled water and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid digestive issues.
Crowds: Luxor is a popular tourist destination, especially its ancient temples and archaeological sites, so visitors may encounter large crowds at popular attractions.
Cultural Sensitivity: Egypt is a conservative country, and travelers should respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Language Barrier: While English is spoken in tourist areas, communication may still be a challenge in some parts of Luxor where Arabic is the main language.
Political Unrest: While Luxor is generally safe for tourists, travelers should stay informed about the political situation in Egypt and follow any travel advisories issued by their government.
Scams: Like in any tourist destination, travelers should be cautious of scams and touts targeting tourists. It's advisable to be aware of common scams and take precautions.

It's always a good idea to research specific travel advisories and consult with local authorities or travel experts before planning a trip to Luxor to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Luxor, located in Al Uqsur, Egypt, is a city of immense historical significance and is often termed the "world's greatest open-air museum" due to its rich collection of ancient Egyptian monuments. Its history can be traced back thousands of years, with the city serving as the site of the ancient city of Thebes, the capital of Egypt during the height of its New Kingdom.

Ancient History

Early Settlement: Luxor, known as Waset in ancient times, became a significant city during Egypt's Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE). However, it reached its zenith during the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE) when it became the political, religious, and military capital of ancient Egypt.
New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE): The city was home to powerful pharaohs like Thutmose III, Amenhotep III, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ramses II. These rulers commissioned many of the temples and monuments that can still be seen today.
Religious Significance: The city was a major center for the worship of the god Amun, and it was believed to be the location where Amun was created. The annual Opet Festival, which celebrated the marriage of Amun and Mut, was held here.

Significant Landmarks

Karnak Temple Complex: A vast complex of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings. The complex was built over hundreds of years and is dedicated primarily to Amun-Ra, the chief deity of the Theban Triad.
Luxor Temple: A large temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River. It was primarily built by Amenhotep III and later added to by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Ramses II. The temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship.
Valley of the Kings: Located on the west bank of the Nile, this valley served as the principal burial site for pharaohs of the New Kingdom. It is home to the tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered intact by Howard Carter in 1922.
Valley of the Queens: Also on the west bank, this site includes the tombs of queens and royal children, with the most famous being the tomb of Queen Nefertari, the wife of Ramses II.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut: This impressive structure, dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, is known for its unique architectural style and the story of Hatshepsut's reign.

Later History

Greek and Roman Periods: Thebes continued to be an important religious center during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Many of the temples were maintained and even expanded during these times.
Islamic Era: Luxor saw a decline after the Arab conquest in the 7th century AD. However, it remained a significant site for Islamic architecture, with mosques built within the ruins of ancient temples.

Modern History

19th and 20th Centuries: The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter brought Luxor to international attention, sparking renewed interest in Egyptology.
Tourism: Today, Luxor is a major tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its ancient monuments and learn about its storied past.

Luxor continues to be a key archaeological site, with ongoing excavations and discoveries that provide insight into ancient Egyptian civilization. Its historical and cultural significance makes it a central piece of Egypt's heritage and a testament to the grandeur of the ancient world.