The city of Luxor is on top of the list of places you should explore when in Egypt… why? Simply because it is world's greatest open-air museum! It is located in southern Egypt about 500 km south of the capital city of Cairo and it was once the beating heart of Ancient Egypt because as we know it is full of amazing temples, museums and tombs.

What Is Luxor?

Luxor city Egypt is one of the most historic cities in the country (and in the whole world) that sits where the city of Thebes once stood in ancient times (the capital of Upper Egypt during the New Kingdom). The Luxor Egypt city brings together thousands of years of ancient history in one place as it is considered home to world famous sites like: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings as well as Hatshepsut’s Temple.

Where Is Luxor Located?

Luxor city is located in southern Egypt on the east bank of the Nile River and it is about 500 km south of the capital city of Cairo; covering nearly 417 square kilometers …. It sits at coordinates 25.70° latitude and 32.64° longitude, with an elevation of 89 meters above sea level. The city has a population of over 400,000 who live surrounded by ancient ruins and modern life side by side.

What Is the Ancient Name and Meaning of Luxor?

In ancient times the city of Luxor Ancient Egypt was known as Waset. Then the Greeks called it Thebes and it was also referred to as the City of a Hundred Gates due to its many massive gateways. The name Luxor comes from the Arabic word Al-Uqṣur; meaning the Palaces or the Forts  which is pointing to its grand temples and structures.

 

What Is the Historical Significance of Luxor?

The Luxor Ancient City played a major role in Egyptian history. For example, during the New Kingdom it became the capital of Egypt and it was the religious center of worship for the Theban Triad Amun-Ra and Mut as well as Khonsu and it also saw the rule of great pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Ramses II and Amenhotep III who all built massive temples and monuments. Luxor stayed important through all eras: the Greek, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras… gaining new layers of culture over time. In the year 1979 UNESCO declared Luxor and its monuments a World Heritage Site.

 

What Is the Etymology of Luxor?

The name Luxor comes from Arabic Al-Uqṣur that means palaces or forts; before that… it was known as Thebes to the Greeks and Waset to the ancient Egyptians and it earned the nickname The City of a Hundred Doors for its many grand gateways and temple entrances.

What Is the Climate Like in Luxor?

Luxor has a hot desert climate that in summer it gets extremely hot with temperatures going past 40°C but winters are much cooler and better for walking around with daytime temperatures around 22°C and the city has sun almost all year.

Sample average temperatures are as following:

- January: 14.3°C (Min 5.8°C , Max 22.9°C)

- June: 31.7°C (Min 22.5°C , Max 40.9°C)

- July: 32.4°C (Min 23.6°C , Max 41.2°C)

- December: 16.4°C (Min 7.8°C , Max 25°C)

When Is the Best Time to Visit Luxor?

The best time to explore Luxor city Egypt is between November and March when the weather is cooler and perfect for walking through ancient sites.

 January, February & December are especially ideal for exploring comfortably… and as for summer months like July and August they are extremely hot.

What Are the Best Attractions in Luxor?

There is no shortage of amazing places to visit in the ancient city of Luxor:

• Karnak Temple Complex: the largest religious complex in Egypt that was in the first place dedicated to Amun-Ra and Mut & Khonsu ; it contains chapels, statues & the famous Hypostyle Hall
• Luxor Temple: it was the focal point of the Opet Festival: the ancient celebration of kingship and renewal and it is located in the city center and it feature massive statues and ancient festival stories
• Valley of the Kings: it is the resting place of kings like Tutankhamun with many colorful tomb paintings
• Valley of the Queens: tombs of the royal wives that also include the beautifully painted tomb of Nefertari
• Valley of the Nobles: tombs that show scenes of daily Egyptian life & ceremonies and contains more than 500 tombs of Theban officials
• Temple of Hatshepsut: an architectural masterpiece! It is a stunning terraced temple built into a cliffside
• Colossi of Memnon: two giant statues of King Amenhotep III that are guarding the entrance of a lost temple
• Deir El-Bahari: a complex of mortuary temples and tombs including those of Mentuhotep II and Hatshepsut and known for its dramatic cliffside location
• Luxor Museum: showing statues, mummies & treasures from treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun
• Mummification Museum: learn how ancient Egyptians preserved bodies for the afterlife

What Are the Best Things to Do in Luxor?

Here are some top things to enjoy while you are in city of Luxor:

• Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: see the mesmerizing sunrise over the Nile and the West Bank temples
• Go on a Nile Cruise: travel to Aswan while stopping at famous temples like Kom Ombo and Edfu
• Day Trips: visit Dendera and Abydos or nearby temples outside the city
• Shop in Local Markets: grab souvenirs for your loved ones and taste local snacks in bustling bazaar
• Sound & Light Shows: enjoy night performances at Karnak or Luxor Temple
• Visit Modern Luxor: tour churches, mosques, cafes and local neighborhoods
• Join a Cultural Festival: Luxor hosts annual events that highlight art, history and traditions

What Is the Legacy of Luxor Today?

The city of Luxor is still (till this moment) revealing secrets from the past as new tombs and discoveries are made every year.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it remains a must-visit for anyone interested in history especially the pharaos history. Luxor is a rare place where the past and present come together because of its mix of ancient monuments & ruins and modern Egyptian life.

Why Should I Visit the City of Luxor in Egypt?

Luxor is a really special place where you can see real history all around you such as huge temples with mind-blowing secrets as well as old tombs and interesting museums. Everything there shows how amazing ancient Egypt was… and if you love stories from the past then Luxor is the perfect place to explore! Just book your adventure to the Luxor Egypt city through Step To Egypt and enjoy a trip that brings you ancient civilization back to life!