Luxor Attractions Guide 2026

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Luxor.

1. 1

   Karnak Temple Complex

   landmarkAdult $7 (EGP 200) · Child $4 (EGP 100)3-4 hours

   The largest ancient religious complex in the world, Karnak sprawls across 200 acres and was built over 2,000 years by successive pharaohs. Highlights include the Great Hypostyle Hall with 134 massive columns, the Sacred Lake, and the Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes. The evening Sound & Light Show brings the ruins dramatically to life.

   Tip: Arrive at opening to beat crowds and heat · Hire a licensed guide for deeper context · Don't miss the open-air museum section

2. 2

   Valley of the Kings

   landmarkAdult $25 (EGP 750) · Child $13 (EGP 390)3-4 hours

   The royal necropolis of the New Kingdom pharaohs contains 63 known rock-cut tombs, including those of Tutankhamun, Ramesses II, and Seti I. Admission includes entry to three standard tombs; additional tombs like KV62 (Tutankhamun) and KV17 (Seti I) require extra tickets. The elaborately painted burial chambers are among the most spectacular ancient artworks in existence.

   Tip: Visit in the morning before the heat becomes severe · Buy tickets for KV62 (Tutankhamun) and KV17 (Seti I) separately · Photography not allowed inside tombs

3. 3

   Luxor Temple

   landmarkAdult $10 (EGP 300) · Child $5 (EGP 150)1.5-2 hours

   Founded around 1400 BCE by Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramesses II, Luxor Temple sits dramatically on the East Bank Corniche along the Nile. The entrance is guarded by towering statues of Ramesses II and a remaining obelisk; its twin stands in Place de la Concorde in Paris. The temple is spectacular at sunset and when lit up at night.

   Tip: Visit at sunset for golden light on the pylons · Return at night to see the illuminated temple · The avenue of sphinxes leading to Karnak is free to walk

4. 4

   Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari)

   landmarkAdult $10 (EGP 300) · Child $5 (EGP 150)1.5-2 hours

   The mortuary temple of Egypt's most famous female pharaoh is one of the most architecturally refined ancient buildings in the world. Three colonnaded terraces rise against the sheer limestone cliffs of the Theban escarpment. Vivid painted reliefs inside depict Hatshepsut's divine birth and her legendary trading expedition to the land of Punt.

   Tip: Combine with Valley of the Kings on the same West Bank day trip · Hire a guide to explain the painted reliefs · The cliff backdrop makes for stunning photographs

5. 5

   Colossi of Memnon

   landmarkAdult Free · Child Free30 minutes

   Two enormous seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III stand 18 metres tall on the West Bank floodplain, guarding the entrance to his largely destroyed mortuary temple. These iconic stone giants have watched over the Theban plains for 3,400 years and are one of Egypt's most recognisable images. Free to visit and accessible at any time.

   Tip: Stop here en route to Valley of the Kings · Golden hour light is spectacular for photography · Often crowded with tour buses mid-morning

6. 6

   Luxor Museum

   museumAdult $10 (EGP 300) · Child $5 (EGP 150)1.5-2 hours

   Considered one of Egypt's finest archaeological museums, Luxor Museum houses a curated collection of statues, jewellery, and artefacts from the Theban region. Notable pieces include the reconstructed wall of Akhenaten and exquisite statuary of New Kingdom pharaohs. Far less crowded than the Cairo Museum, it offers an intimate experience.

   Tip: Audio guides available for rent · The mummy room requires an extra ticket · Air-conditioned, ideal for midday visits

7. 7

   Mummification Museum

   museumAdult $7 (EGP 200) · Child $4 (EGP 100)1 hour

   This fascinating small museum on the East Bank Corniche reveals the ancient Egyptian art and science of mummification. Exhibits include mummified animals, human remains, and the tools used in the embalming process, all well-captioned in English. It's a compact, educational experience that takes about an hour.

   Tip: Combine with Luxor Temple visit nearby · Excellent English signage throughout · Not suitable for very young children

8. 8

   Valley of the Queens

   landmarkAdult $7 (EGP 200) general; $40 (EGP 1,200) for Nefertari's tomb · Child $4 (EGP 100)1.5-2 hours

   The Valley of the Queens contains over 90 tombs of royal wives, princes, and officials. The highlight is the Tomb of Nefertari (QV66), wife of Ramesses II, which features the most exquisitely preserved wall paintings in Egypt — often called 'the Sistine Chapel of ancient Egypt'. Access to Nefertari's tomb is limited to protect the artwork.

   Tip: Book Nefertari's tomb access well in advance — only 150 visitors per day · Less crowded than Valley of the Kings · Combine with Medinet Habu on the same day

9. 9

   Medinet Habu

   landmarkAdult $7 (EGP 200) · Child $4 (EGP 100)1.5-2 hours

   The mortuary temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu is one of the best-preserved and most colourful ancient temples in Egypt, yet it receives far fewer visitors than the major sites. The vivid reliefs depicting battle scenes and festivals retain much of their original paint. The surrounding village and irrigation canal add to the atmospheric setting.

   Tip: One of the most undervisited major temples in Luxor · Excellent colour preservation in the inner halls · Small café nearby for refreshments

10. 10

    Avenue of Sphinxes

    landmarkAdult Free · Child Free45-60 minutes one way

    The ancient 2.7-kilometre processional way connecting Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple was lined with over 1,000 sphinx statues. Substantially restored and reopened in 2021 after decades of excavation, this grand boulevard is one of Luxor's most impressive sights. Walking the full length at dusk, with both temples lit up at either end, is a magical experience.

    Tip: Walk from Luxor Temple toward Karnak at sunset · The evening lighting of both temples is spectacular · Free to walk along the road; temple admissions are separate

Attractions by category

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Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path attractions worth seeking out.

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Hours

Most temples and archaeological sites open 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM; some extend to 7:00 PM in summer; Luxor Temple opens until 10:00 PM

Fees

Valley of the Kings EGP 750 ($25); Karnak EGP 200 ($7); Luxor Temple EGP 300 ($10); museum admissions EGP 200-300

Best Times

Early morning 6-9 AM to beat heat and crowds at outdoor sites; afternoons better for air-conditioned museums

Booking

Valley of the Kings and Nefertari's Tomb should be arranged through a reputable local guide or tour operator; hot air balloon rides book 1-2 days in advance

Tips for visiting attractions

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Frequently asked questions