It is hard to imagine any country that is as steeped in ancient history as Egypt. Famous for pharaohs and pyramids, much of the old world’s activity was centered on the city of Thebes. Now known as Luxor, do you know what treasures it has in store?

Get ready for one of the most rewarding adventures of your life. Read on as we discuss the essential things to do in Luxor, Egypt.

Temple of Karnak

Temples in Luxor, Egypt don’t come much more spectacular than this one. It is astoundingly beautiful and immaculately preserved. In fact, it is more than one temple, a sprawling complex that houses a number of smaller chambers.

Each part has been built up by successive rulers. Within its walls are the Great Temple of Amun, the Festival Temple of Tuthmosis III, and the Temple of Khonsu. Each of its intricate monuments is built to a gargantuan scale, making you feel like an insect in comparison.

Don’t try to do the temple in a hurry. You will need at least three hours. To understand its importance and history, a tour is recommended, though you can visit yourself with a short walk from Corniche Road.

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is much smaller in scale than Karnak but no less impressive. It is one of the first things you will see when you enter the city. The temple is right in the middle of the city and is a short walk from most of the main areas.

This temple served a much different purpose to Karnak. It was the place where kings of ancient Egypt were crowned.

Construction began in 1400 BC and like the larger temple, it was rebuilt by consecutive pharaohs. It also had a change to a church during the Christian era and a mosque when under Islamic rule. All of this makes for a multi-layered experience that is one of the must-visit sites.

Valley of the Kings

When you plan a trip to Luxor, the Valley of the Kings has to be seen. It was the final resting place for many of the kings during the 18th to 20th dynasties. The valley is neatly hidden on the rocky outcrops of Luxor’s West Bank.

The walls in this tomb contain excellently preserved hieroglyphics. In ancient Egypt, the belief was that the dead would travel through the underworld at night via boat. These writings are instructions to help them on their way that depicts the journey from life to death.

There are 63 tombs in total, which open on a rotation to preserve them from damage. Of all these, the most famous is that of Tutankhamun. If you get there really early when the site opens, you may just avoid the tourist rush.

Luxor Museum

One of the best Luxor Egypt travel tips is to visit this museum before you go to the temples. It houses many of the artifacts found in Egypt. By coming here first, you will get a much better understanding of what you are seeing on your temple visits.

A great array of items tell you the story of what it was like to live in Thebes. From ornate sculptures to jewelry and even mummies, it has everything you need. The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. every day.

Balloon Ride Over Luxor

With so many temples to see, even the most avid historian can get a little fatigued by the sheer volume of historical monuments on display. One way to get a refreshed perspective on the city is to take it to the sky. What could be a better way to fly than in a hot air balloon?

Balloons will take off just after sunrise. They will carry you over the West Bank, past lush fields, and above the temples and courtyards of the city. Multiple operators are available to provide this in town, with the flight lasting around 45 minutes and the whole trip taking about three hours.

Mummification Museum

It may be gruesome, but mummification is intrinsically linked with the history of Egypt. The process involves preparing the body for its journey to the afterlife. This would often be a process in which the cadaver was cleaned out and embalmed.

While it is smaller than the Luxor Museum, the artifacts inside are extremely interesting. Mummies from across the spectrum are housed here, allowing you to get up close with them. Some of the sarcophagi they are housed in will take your breath away with their detail and intricacies.

Temple of Deir al-Bahri (Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple)

The most striking thing about this temple is just how modern it looks. Made from three terraces that rise from the flat land, you could be forgiven for thinking it was a modernist design. Framed by the rugged cliff faces, it stands resplendent on the West Bank.

The temple itself has lots of interesting reliefs and inscriptions. The relief of Queen Hatshepsut herself is complete with a beard and male apron, to show she had all the authority her male counterparts could muster.

Felucca Ride

Another way to escape history and relax is with a Felucca Ride. You can charter these boats from a number of companies up and down the river. They are normally charged by the hour.

One popular location to visit on a felucca is Banana Island. It is a tiny, palm tree-lined oasis about five kilometers up the river.

Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt

Now you know the things to do in Luxor, book a trip. Guides will be able to give you excellent historical facts to go with the sights. They will show you the places and things not found in the guidebook.

Your first stop for tours should be our company. We provide a range of excellent excursions. Contact us here to discuss your next trip and let us organize the journey of a lifetime.