Location: Luxor
Top Things to do in Luxor
10 Things to do in Luxor That You Shouldn't Miss
The Luxor in Las Vegas is to the actual CITY of Luxor, Egypt, as marshmallow fluff is to fois gras. (We’re sure you knew that. We just enjoy analogies.) Sure, the hotel/casino in Vegas might have a beam of light visible from space, but we bet you'll find a hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of Kings much more illuminating. (Editor's note: Our list was compiled before political unrest prompted many countries to issue travel warnings for Egypt. If you're currently planning a trip to Egypt, please consider the risks and monitor your government's travel alerts.)
Restaurants in Luxor
1. Tomb of Ramses VI
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 504 reviews
The key feature of this tomb, which was originally built for Ramses V and expanded by Ramses VI during the 20th Dynasty, is its vaulted astronomical ceiling with a double image of the Goddess Nut swallowing the sun.
Reviewed By KarenAzinger
In my opinion, this is one of the top tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The color on the walls is amazing and the star chart aching across the burial chamber is a true wonder! Don't miss this tomb! Your ticket to the Valley of the Kings will allow you entrance into 3 tombs. I recommend Ramses III, Ramses V & VI (one tomb where they buried two pharaohs), and Ramses IV. All of these tombs have incredible color and stunning art work. Recommend that you also pay extra for Sety I, the largest and most beautiful tomb in the Valley. The rules have changed so you can use your cellphone to take photos, so you don't need to buy a photographic pass. If you tour Egypt, you must see the Valley of the Kings, truly a wonder of the ancient world!
2. Temple of Medinat Habu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,169 reviews
This ancient complex is dominated by the massive memorial temple of Ramses III, similar to the mortuary temple of Ramses II at Ramesseum.
Reviewed By 780kicks
One of the Best Preserved Temples on the Westbank, Luxor Dedicated to Rameses III, Funeral Temple and Palace. 20th Dynasty ca.1260 BC.
3. Tomb of Queen Nefertari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By Busy_chap - Sydney, Australia
Simply the most beautiful place I have ever been. This tomb has been wonderfully conserved, so the wall paintings are bright and vivid. Its absolutely worth the price of the special ticket to see this wonderful tomb, and the extra trip around to the Valley of the Queens. Photography is strictly forbidden, although one guardian did try to solicit a tip for a sly photo, but it was really worth just focussing on the experience of this wonderful space. A must for any visit to Egypt.
4. Luxor Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,520 reviews
A museum featuring items found beneath the Luxor Temple, and from the tomb of King Tut. Also on exhibit is a re-assembled wall from the Temple of Aten.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
The Luxor Museum prides itself on the quality, not the quantity, of its artifacts. The collection is beautifully curated among two floors, displayed in an uncluttered manner with each piece clearly labeled. Quite a contrast to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo, where I was totally overwhelmed by the experience. Luxor has two royal mummies on display, so if you’ve never seen a mummy, here’s your chance! I admit it’s creepy, but the Egyptians were masters of mummification and it was normal to them.
5. Tomb of King Tutankhamun (Tut)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,307 reviews
The tomb of King Tut was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon.
Reviewed By 742wayned - Key West, United States
Yeah, go to it, but get ready to be underwhelmed. First, the build up. So, you paid for the whole trip just to get to the Valley of the Kings. Then you bought a ticket to the Valley of the Kings (good for only 3 tombs, but not King Tut’s). Then you bought another ticket just to be able to take pictures in the tombs (but not in King Tut’s). Then you bought a third ticket to go into King Tut’s tomb. Oh, and you have to buy the tickets at the entrance before you go in. So, you walk to the tomb, conveniently close to the valley entrance, and find a spot where you have to show your ticket and hand over your camera (no pictures in the tomb). Walk down some stairs and you are in an “L” shaped room, coming in from the back of the L. The ceiling and most of the walls are unfinished. To your right is a glass case with King Tut’s mummy. Ok, that is cool. Then to your right is the bottom of the “L.” The floor there is a bit lower and there is a railing to keep you back. On the floor is one of King Tut’s sarcophagi. On the wall to your left are painted baboons. On the wall in front of you are painted big people. On the wall to the right are painted little people. That’s it. That is all there is to see. Three painted walls, sarcophagus, mummy. And you paid extra for this. All the really cool stuff they moved to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and you will have to pay more to see and not take pictures of that too. Please, if you are in the area, go into King Tut’s tomb. If for bragging rights only. But don’t plan to spend too much time there. The tombs Of Merenptah and Rameses III are much more impressive.
6. Karnak Open Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By mocha1309 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Amazing temples !!! Humongous pillars and statues . I’m amazed how these ancient egyptian build such a gigantic structures . Overwhelming I’m in an AWE and I don’t wanna leave this place
7. Luxor Temple
A temple built for the ritual practices exercised at the most important Ancient Egyptian festival, The Festival of Opet.
Reviewed By WImom - Fond du Lac, United States
Luxor Temple is a must see in Luxor. It is best to go early in the morning as the crowds are less and the temperature is not so hot. Best to have a guide to explain things. Spent about 1.5 hours here which was the right amount of time. It is also recommended to view the temple at night from across the street when the temple lights are lit in the evening. Mostly built by the New Kingdom pharaohs Amenhotep III (1390-1352 BC) and Ramses II (1279-12-13 BC), it is an ancient monument surrounded by a modern town. Note that in ancient times there were two majestic obelisks standing in front of the temple. Only one remains today while the other is on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Be aware of scammers outside the temple in the area that pretend to work at one of the cruise ships. They pretend that they are doing an errand for the ship and ask if you want to walk along. Soon, you are riding with them on a horse-drawn carriage (which you are expected to pay later) as well as stopping by several vendors (spice, Papyrus) where they pressure you to buy. They are very smooth operators which can con even the most sophisticated traveler.
8. Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari
A mortuary temple dedicated to the longest ruling female of Ancient Egypt, Queen Hatshepsut. The temple is decorated with statues, sphinxes, and reliefs, which have been meticulously restored over time.
Reviewed By MagpieDR - Luperon, Caribbean
A must see both for its location and size, the guides and locals all laugh about calling it hot chicken soup For me the trick to any temple is avoiding crowds so go early or late in the day.
9. Temple of Karnak
Reviewed By BegoniaPR - Germany, null
I just stayed in this ocean of immense massive huge columns for 1.5 hours, the energy of this place is amazing, it is the temple of temples, the history behind it left a beautiful energy, of celebrations of gratitude to the Gods and to the Universe. Bring water, sunscreen a hut and walk around.
10. Valley of the Kings
This desert valley contains the ancient burial ground of many Egyptian pharaohs. Among over 60 royal tombs is the famous Tomb of Tutankhamen that was found in pristine condition.
Reviewed By 490dhanraja
This place is amazing.. To see all the tombs discovered is unbelievable... At the entrance is, a model depicting how many tons were discovered.. It's size and shape..but when yo go inside and discover the beauty that still remains after thousands of years is just indescribable.. Truly stunning colours still remain.. Lovely little train ride to the top of the mountain...of course there's King Tut tomb as well.. Our ticket allowed us to visit 3 tombs and they were great.. King Tut was seperate.. Have to pay extra if you want to take pictures inside... Most definately recommend
