When was the Luxor Temple built?

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Several pharaohs worked on Luxor Temple over many years.

• Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE) started the foundation.

• Tutankhamun and Horemheb added to the structure.

• Ramesses II built the large pylon (gateway) and placed statues of himself at the entrance.

How Was Luxor Temple Constructed?

The temple was built in stages. Large sandstone blocks were cut, transported, and set in place. Each pharaoh expanded the temple with new sections such as pylons, courtyards, and statues.

What is the Luxor Temple made out of?

Luxor Temple is constructed from sandstone; specifically Nubian sandstone from Gebel El Silsila area in South Western Egypt.

What is the history of Luxor Temple?

There were those claims that Alexander the Great was crowned here, although historians think he never actually visited Luxor. Still he made sure a chapel was built in his name inside the temple. Talk about leaving your mark.

What are some interesting facts about Luxor Temple?

Here are some mind-blowing Luxor Temple facts for tourists:

• Its original name was "Ipet Resyt" which means “The Southern Sanctuary”

• It is connected to Karnak Temple by a 2.7 km road called the Avenue of Sphinxes.

• The temple hosted the Opet Festival where statues of Amun, Mut and Khonsu were paraded down from Karnak to Luxor.

• The main entrance was built by Ramesses II complete with two 25 meter statues of himself.

• There is a mosque built right on top of part of the temple (Abu El-Haggag Mosque) showing what the site went through over centuries.

• Carvings inside show real historical events including the Battle of Kadesh.

When is the best time to visit Luxor Temple?

If you want to enjoy your Luxor Temple tour without melting in the sun choosing the right time can save you.
The best time to visit Luxor Temple is:

• October to April (cool, comfortable weather)

• Or early morning (6 to 9 AM) and sunset time (around 5 PM)

Luxor summer can hit 45°C so winter in Luxor is much more enjoyable. The light is also chef’s kiss for photos during golden hour.
Many Egypt travel packages plan Luxor visits during these ideal months to make sightseeing easier.

Pro tip: If you're on one of the Luxor day tours pair Luxor Temple with a morning visit to Karnak Temple for the full experience.

Can you visit Luxor Temple at night?

Yes, and you absolutely should! Night tours at Luxor Temple are one of the best experiences you can have in Egypt. Because when the sun sets the entire temple lights up with spotlights that cast shadows over statues and columns.
The vibes? Unreal!! You feel like you’re walking through a movie or wandering in another world. Plus, it’s cooler, less crowded, and the photos turn out amazing. Many Egypt luxury tours include night visits for this reason.
Night entry starts around 6 PM and the temple closes at 10 PM.

What is the Luxor Temple entrance fee?

Luxor Temple Tickets:

Foreign Visitors

• Adult: EGP 500 (around 10 Dollars)

• Student: EGP 250 (around 5 Dollars)

Egyptian/Arab Nationals

• Adult: EGP 40

• Student: EGP 20

• Free Entry for children under 6 years

Note: Prices can change, so always double check when booking one of our Egypt classic tours.

What are the Luxor Temple opening times?

• Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• Night tours usually start at sunset (around 6:00 PM) and are open until closing

Visiting in the early morning means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while evening visits can give a magical atmosphere with the lights on.

What can you do near Luxor Temple?

Once you’ve explored the Temple of Luxor Egypt there’s still plenty to do nearby. Luxor is FULL of ancient wonders. If you’re in the area especially with one of the Egypt family packages or Luxor day tours you’ll want to see more than just one temple.

1. Karnak Temple
   Just a short walk or taxi ride from Luxor Temple, Karnak is one of the largest religious complexes in the world. It was the main worship center of the god Amun. If you were amazed by Luxor Temple, wait until you see the Hypostyle Hall it’s a forest of towering columns.
   Most Egypt travel packages make Karnak and Luxor temple visits together.

2. Avenue of Sphinxes
   This newly restored 2.7 km road directly links Luxor Temple with Karnak Temple. It’s lined with hundreds of sphinx statues that were buried for centuries. You can now walk part of the avenue and imagine how it once hosted processions during ancient festivals.

3. Luxor Museum
   It is located just minutes from the temple and it houses a collection of artifacts from tombs, temples and palaces around Luxor. Highlights include statues of Amenhotep III and actual mummies from the royal tombs. Plus it’s air conditioned (always a win).

4. Felucca Ride on the Nile
   Enjoy a felucca sailboat and have a peaceful ride on the Nile. Sunsets on the river are magical and it’s the perfect way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

5. Cross to the West Bank
   Take a short ferry or taxi boat to the other side of the Nile and explore the famous:

• Valley of the Kings (home of King Tut’s tomb)

• Hatshepsut’s Temple

• Colossi of Memnon

• Medinet Habu Temple

Many Egypt tours dedicate an entire day to these sites.

6. Local Markets (Souqs)
   Head to the Luxor souq for a taste of modern Egyptian life. There, you will find spices, jewelry, handmade crafts and souvenirs. Practice your bargaining skills and do not forget to grab a cup of delicious mint tea while you're there.

How can you visit Luxor Temple?

Getting to the temple is easy. Be it solo or on one of the Egypt family packages:

• From Luxor International Airport it is about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi

• From Luxor train station it is 10 minute walk

• If you're on a Nile cruise you’ll mostly be just a few minutes away from the temple. Explore ancient Luxor like never before with our exclusive Dahabiya Nile Cruises packages.

• Taxis and tuk-tuks are cheap and available

Is Luxor Temple worth visiting?

Yes, Luxor Temple is one of the main monuments from the New Kingdom and an important part of ancient Egyptian history. It was a center for religious ceremonies, especially the Opet Festival, and shows how different pharaohs expanded the temple across centuries.

Nearby, Karnak Temple is the largest religious complex of ancient Egypt. Together, Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, connected by the Avenue of Sphinxes, represent the heart of ancient Thebes and provide direct evidence of the religious and political life of the period.

Step To Egypt includes Luxor Temple in its tours with a private Egyptologist guide.