Luxor, often called the world’s greatest outdoor museum, is divided into two main areas—the East Bank and the West Bank—each offers countless things to do in Luxor a journey into ancient Egyptian history. Best places to visit in Luxor on either side of the river are towering temples on one side and tombs of pharaohs on the other.
Top Things to Do in Luxor: East Bank – The Living City of Ancient Egypt
Luxor was the hub of ancient Egyptian civilization, with temples of the gods, festivals, and royal processions taking place there. Even today, it is the bustling tourist center of Luxor, and home to some of the most iconic things to do in Luxor.
Karnak Temple Complex
Among the top things to do in Luxor is visiting the Karnak Temple, the biggest temple complex in Egypt was the main religious center of worship to Amun-Ra, king of the gods. It is so huge, with tall columns, gigantic pylons, and obelisks, that it could overwhelm anyone.
Luxor Temple
Located right in the heart of Luxor City, the temple is dedicated to the renewal of kingship, especially beautiful at night when lit up by lighting against shadows of urban light, is one of the most things to do in Luxor.
The Luxor Museum
The Luxor Museum, although significantly smaller than the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, showcases a stunning array of artifacts from Luxor, including statues, mummies, and items from Tutankhamun’s tomb, making it one of the top attraction in Luxor.
Top things to in Luxor’s West Bank
The ancient Egyptians said that in the West Bank, they would truly set forth on their journey, home to some of the most famous tombs and monuments in Egyptian history.
Valley of the Kings
The famous archaeological site of Egypt, where over 60 Pharaohs were interred, including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I.
Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari)
One of the most architecturally beautiful temples in Egypt, this mortuary temple was built for and named after one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs, Hatshepsut, into the cliffs of the Theban Mountains.
Colossi of Memnon
These two pairs of colossal statues represent Pharaoh Amenhotep III and court his mortuary temple, now largely destroyed. They are iconic landmarks of the West Bank despite their ruined condition.
Valley of the Queens
It’s the burial place for the pharaohs’ wives and children: though smaller than the aristocratic equivalent, it offers beautifully decorated tombs.
Hidden Gems and things to do in Luxor :
For those seeking to avoid the crowds, these unique experiences are essential things to do in Luxor.
Tombs of the Nobles: Explore beautifully etched tombs with scenes depicting the daily lives of ancient officials.
Medinet Habu (Temple of Ramses III): Visit this lesser-known mortuary temple with stunning reliefs and fewer crowds.
Ramesseum: Discover the colossal memorial dedicated to Ramses II, with impressive statues and detailed carvings.
Tomb of Nefertari: Experience the spectacularly painted tomb of Ramses II’s beloved queen in the Valley of the Queens.
Banana Island: Enjoy a peaceful retreat on this serene island amidst lush banana orchards one of the best places to visit in luxor , perfect for a quiet escape.
Tomb of Ay and Deir el-Medina: Delve into the lives of ancient workers and the creators of the royal tombs in these tranquil sites.
Local Souks and Markets: Witness traditional Egyptian craftsmanship and shop for handmade goods in Luxor’s vibrant markets.
Museum of Mummification and Al-Mahatta Temple: Gain fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian mummification practices and religious rituals.
Tombs of the Workers: Explore the tombs of the artisans who built the tombs of pharaohs, offering a more intimate look at ancient Egyptian society in luxor sightseeing.
Best Time to experience things to do Luxor:
Winter (November to February) is the ideal season to visit Luxor for sightseeing and comfort because of the mild temperatures, which average between 20°C and 25°C , which are ideal for touring the ancient sites without the intense heat. With temperatures between 25°C and 35°C , spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also excellent substitutes because they offer nice weather and fewer tourists than peak winter. However, because of the intense heat—temperatures frequently surpassing 40°C —summer (June to August) is generally not advised. This makes outdoor sightseeing tiresome and uncomfortable. Plan your trip to visit luxor for the cooler months for the best experience, when you can comfortably explore Luxor sightseeing.
Luxor offers a timeless journey into Egypt’s rich past, whether you choose to explore historic tombs, cruise the Nile, or marvel at ancient temples. This city is a must-see on any Egypt tour because of its unmatched archaeological treasures and lively culture. Luxor sightseeing is a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventurers alike because of its genuinely remarkable experiences, which range from sunrise balloon rides to sunset felucca cruises.With Step to Egypt, your journey through Luxor becomes more than just sightseeing—it’s a deep dive into thousands of years of history, guided by experts who bring the past to life.
