Lúxor

Zones and districts in Luxor

The city of Luxor is divided into two banks connected to each other by a bridge spanning the Nile: the east bank and the west bank. In such a way that it is easy to locate and almost no point of interest is lost to the traveler.

On the east bank are the main attractions of the city, for example, the temples of Luxor and Karnak. But that does not mean that on the other side there is nothing, on the contrary, on the west bank is located the famous Valley of the Kings, a funerary complex dedicated to the pharaohs that is an essential visit on your trip to Egypt.

What to see in Luxor

• Temple of Luxor. One of the most famous monuments of Egypt, built during the reigns of Amenhotep III and Ramses II in honor of the god Amun. The Temple of Luxor is not only known worldwide for its historical importance but also because it is one of the best preserved temples in the whole country. It has more than 260 meters to walk and enjoy its huge columns and hieroglyphs.
• Temple of Karnak. It is the largest in Egypt and was erected on the banks of the Nile River, The Temple of Karnak is only 3 km from the Temple of Luxor and with which it was communicated by the Avenue of the Sphinxes that, in antiquity, had more than 1,000 sphinxes guarding the road.
• Colossi of Memnon. This historic monument is characterized by two huge statues representing the pharaoh Amenhotep III, each 14 meters high and presiding over the door of what in ancient times functioned as a funerary temple. The Colossi of Memnon are two figures sitting with their hands on their legs and looking towards the sunrise, a very important aspect of Egyptian mythology and a recurring motif in all its symbols and architecture.
• Temple of Seti I. Located on the opposite bank to the Temple of Karnak, a temple that the emperor Seti I built to honor his father Ramses I. It is not too touristy, so you can visit calmly and enjoying having very few people around.
• Valley of the Kings. Located 10 km from the city of Luxor, this famous necropolis houses most of the tombs of the pharaohs of the New Empire. The first to be buried in the Valley of the Kings was Thutmose I of the XVIII dynasty, 3,500 years ago. The most famous tomb discovered here was that of Tutankhamun in 1922 by Howard Carter, which can now be visited in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo along with all its treasures.
• Valley of the Queens. Located south of the Valley of the Kings, it is a necropolis where the queens and princes of the dynasties of the New Kingdom were buried. The most famous tomb is that of Nefertari, favorite wife of Ramses II. In the guided tours this is done together with the Valley of the Kings.
• Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut. Halfway between the Nile River and the Valley of the Kings is the Temple of Hatshepsut carved directly into the rock and dedicated to Amun-Ra.
• Museum of Ancient Art of Luxor. It houses in its rooms a great heritage with many finds and pieces of ancient Thebes, statues of Tutankhamun and Amenhotep III, jewelry, weapons, tools and utensils of everyday life of ancient Egypt.

Where to stay in Luxor

The best area to stay in Luxor is on the east bank, where the Temple of Luxor and the major amenities for tourists are located: restaurants, food outlets, souvenir stores, etc. It is advisable to book a hotel well in advance because this is the most sought-after area to stay in Luxor.

On the west bank of the Nile there is also a good hotel offer, with luxury hotels and all amenities, although near the Valley of the Kings you will be somewhat further away from the center of Luxor than if you stay on the east bank of the city.

Getting around in Luxor

Luxor can be reached by plane to its international airport and also by train, with a daily two-shift service connecting the city with Aswan and Cairo.

Through the bridge that connects the east and west banks can be crossed from one side to the other by car or bus, while on the river there are still some rafts with which you can cross as it was done since ancient times.