5 Must-See Places in Luxor, Egypt
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Luxor is the largest archaeological site in the world, hosting many well-preserved tombs, monuments and temples. However, the most striking thing is that the tomb of the famous Pharaoh Tutankhamen is located here.
This ancient city, located on the banks of the Nile, is one of the most important historical centers of Egypt. A must-visit on any Egypt program, Luxor has charm that outshines the capital, Cairo.
Luxor is one of the must-see places in Egypt. You should definitely stop by on your Egypt trip. This is a unique open-air museum that will take you on a journey to the past.
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is a mountainous region with more than 60 tombs. Underground corridors lined with incredible ancient murals lead to the tombs of some of the greatest Egyptian pharaohs. It’s best to visit the valley early for several reasons.
Valley of the Kings Ticket Prices
A general admission ticket costs 100 Egyptian Pounds (approximately 6.5 USD) and entitles you to visit 3 tombs of your choice. The tombs open and close at different times throughout the year, which is to help preserve them. This is because sunlight fades the colors when the tombs are open.
It is useful to keep in mind that you may not be able to visit all the graves you want to visit at the time you planned. Another point you should pay attention to is Tutankhamen (100 EGP), VI. You need to buy separate tickets to enter the tombs of Ramses (50 EGP) and Seti (1000 EGP).
The Colossi of Memnon
Statues of Memnon are located in the Theban Necropolis. The two giant statues, each carved from a single piece of sandstone, have been exposed to the influence of wind, sun and water for approximately 3,400 years. For this reason, they are far from their former glory. It’s worth a short stop west of Luxor city on the way to the Valley of the Kings. These 18-meter high statues bring with them an interesting view bearing traces of the past.
Karnak, Luxor
Morning sunlight shines on the massive columns and hieroglyphs of the majestic Karnak Temple! It is the second largest religious complex in the world, just behind Angkor Wat in Cambodia. That’s why people consider it one of the holiest places in Egypt.
Visit this stunning temple at opening time (6am) when it is incredibly peaceful due to the lack of tourists! This makes this stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed location definitely one of the best things to do in Luxor.
Deir el-Bahari
Queen Hatshepsut Temple is one of the must-see places in Luxor. It rises near the Valley of the Kings accompanied by a desert view. This temple, consisting of platforms and columns, allows you to reach different levels with its impressive stairs.
Here it is witnessed that the ancient Egyptians showed their power to influence people with their construction projects. It should also be noted that the story of Pharaoh Hatshepsut is told through the construction of this archaeological wonder.
It is possible to encounter traces of the past in this historical place, where Dier el-Bahari can be visited for an entrance fee of 50 EGP (approximately 3.25 USD).
Felucca Boat Tour
Felucca is a traditional wooden sailing boat without an engine. Catch the sunset by floating down the relaxing Nile River and enjoy the rural views of Luxor at the same time. You can rent a faluka wherever you want by the river. Typically, you’ll pay 250 EGP (about 16 USD) for a one-hour private tour.
The Luxor Temple
Standing in the shadow of the Luxor Temple gives you the opportunity to step back in time and learn about an important slice of history. This location of the temple was used for the coronations of many ancient Egyptian kings. This unique structure east of the Nile contains clues to an interesting story. It is noteworthy that one of the granite obelisks at the entrance is now located in Paris’ Place de la Concorde square.
It is possible to travel in time and follow the flow of history in this place full of traces of the past. Visiting the Luxor Temple is one of the ways to get to know the traces of Egypt’s legendary past.
Where to Stay in Luxor?
The Nile River divides the city of Luxor into two. While the city is located on the East Coast, most of the tourist attractions are located on the West Coast. If you want to be away from city life, it is good to know that the West Side is much quieter than the East Side. Spend 1-3 days in Luxor to best enjoy this fascinating place.
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How is Transportation in Luxor?
All tourist attractions in Luxor are not far from each other. The most convenient way to get around Luxor is by taxi, but you should be prepared to bargain.
The best way to travel safely without being defrauded by taxis is to visit Luxor with tours. Click to view the fascinating Egypt tours.
Transportation From Cairo to Luxor
While the international airport provides transportation via Cairo, domestic flight options are unfortunately not economical. Instead, buses and trains that are widely used in Egypt are a good alternative. For example, a 10-hour night train journey between Luxor and the capital Cairo can be made for an affordable fee of just 10 USD. Taking advantage of these comfortable and economical options, which make transportation in Egypt very attractive, will make your trip enjoyable.
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