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Valley of the Kings
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Valley of the Kings

9
4.4/5
444 reviews
The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, Egypt, serving as the royal burial site during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. Over nearly five centuries from the 18th to the 20th dynasties, pharaohs and nobles carved their tombs into the cliffs. Today, more than 60 tombs have been discovered, numbered with "KV" prefixes. The royal tombs are mainly clustered in the eastern valley, while the western valley is more secluded. The tomb murals are the true highlight here: the corridors, walls, and ceilings of the burial chambers are adorned with scenes from religious texts like the Book of the Dead and the Book of the Netherworld, with pigments retaining their vivid colors after over 3,000 years. The tomb of Tutankhamun gained fame in 1922 when archaeologist Howard Carter discovered a wealth of burial treasures here. The pharaoh's mummy remains in a climate-controlled glass display within the tomb, while most treasures are exhibited in Cairo's museums. The tomb of Ramses III is grand in scale with well-preserved paintings, while Ramses VI's tomb features a ceiling painted with the sky goddess Nut spanning the entire chamber. The painted corridor in Seti I's tomb is exceptionally exquisite. Travel tips: There is almost no shade in the valley, and it gets extremely hot in the afternoon, so visiting in the morning is more comfortable. Small electric shuttles operate between the entrance and the tomb area, saving energy. Tomb entrances are often inconspicuous openings along the cliffs—slow down to observe hieroglyphs and depictions of gods in the murals for richer details. Energetic travelers can also hike the ridge trail for a panoramic view of the valley. The natural pyramid-shaped peak of Al-Qurn above is one reason the ancient Egyptians considered this valley sacred.Qesm Al Wahat Al Khargah · 7km from Luxor
Luxor Temple
2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Luxor Temple

8.7
4.5/5
245 reviews
Luxor Temple is located on the east bank of the Nile in the city of Luxor, forming a north-south counterpart to Karnak Temple. It was a worship site built during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt for the "Theban Triad"—Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. In ancient Egyptian, it was called the "Southern Sanctuary" and is often referred to as the "Southern Harem of Amun." The main structure of the temple was constructed by Pharaoh Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty, while the pylon, forecourt, colossi, and obelisks at the entrance were added by Ramses II. Later pharaohs like Tutankhamun continued to add reliefs, and during the time of Alexander the Great, the rear sanctuary was rebuilt. A single temple thus layers over a thousand years of construction history. At the entrance still stands a granite obelisk of Ramses II, while its paired counterpart crossed the ocean as early as the 19th century and now stands in Paris's Place de la Concorde. The seated statue of the pharaoh in front of the pylon, the grand colonnade, and the sun court of Amenhotep III unfold layer by layer. The reliefs on the colonnade walls vividly depict the procession of the Opet Festival—during the Nile flood season in ancient Egypt, the statue of Amun was ceremoniously transported from Karnak Temple to here. The avenue of sphinxes in front of the temple gate was precisely the sacred path for this ritual. After years of archaeological restoration, this nearly three km-long avenue has been reconnected, and today, visitors can walk the round-trip route between this temple and Karnak Temple. In one corner of the temple stands a still-functioning mosque built atop the ancient pillars, sharing the same courtyard with the pharaonic-era pylon. When illuminated at night, the pillars, colossi, and minaret form a highly recognizable nightscape in Luxor.Luxor · 1.4km from downtown
Karnak
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Karnak

8.7
4.6/5
522 reviews
Karnak is located in Luxor on the east bank of the Nile. It is a massive ancient Egyptian temple complex and the core religious area of the ancient city of Thebes. Construction of the entire complex began during the Middle Kingdom (around 2000 BC) and continued through the New Kingdom and into the Ptolemaic period. About thirty pharaohs successively participated in its expansion and decoration, with construction lasting nearly two thousand years—an exceptionally long building period rarely seen in ancient human architecture. The complex is divided by enclosure walls into several main areas, of which the larger and better-preserved part is dedicated to Amun-Ra, the chief of the Theban gods; the northern area is dedicated to the war god Montu, and the southern area to the goddess Mut—companion of Amun-Ra, symbolized by the vulture. Numerous small temples and chapels are also scattered among the areas. Lining the processional way leading to the temple pylons are ram-headed sphinx statues; this ceremonial road once extended all the way to Luxor Temple to the south, a total distance of about 3 km, and was an important religious processional route in ancient Thebes. The core structure of the temple is the Hypostyle Hall, covering several thousand square meters and supported by more than a hundred massive stone columns, with the central colonnade reaching over twenty meters in height, its shafts covered with reliefs and painted decoration. Light enters the hall through high windows, falling among the dense forest of columns and creating a solemn and deeply atmospheric sense of space—one of the most impressive sights of Karnak. The complex also contains a large obelisk erected by Queen Hatshepsut and a sacred lake used for ritual purification. Many murals, reliefs, and statues record the military campaigns and ritual scenes of successive pharaohs, making them important physical materials for understanding ancient Egyptian religion and royal culture. Due to their great age, as well as human and natural erosion, many parts of the temple were once severely damaged. Through long-term archaeological excavation and restoration, large numbers of stone elements have been repositioned and reassembled, revealing the appearance seen today. When visiting, you can enter through the massive pylon at the entrance and follow the central axis past the Hypostyle Hall, the obelisk, and the sacred lake in turn, taking note of the well-preserved painted reliefs on the column capitals and walls.Luxor · 3.9km from downtown
Colossi of Memnon
No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Colossi of Memnon

7.6
4.0/5
187 reviews
Colossi of Memnon are two massive quartzite statues standing on the plain on the west bank of the Nile. They were commissioned by Pharaoh Amenhotep III of the Eighteenth Dynasty during the New Kingdom period and originally served as the entrance guardians for the first pylon of his mortuary temple. Including their bases, the two statues are approx. 18m tall, stand approx. 15m apart, and face east toward the Nile. Smaller figures of Queen Tiye and the pharaoh's mother, Mutemwiya, are carved on the thrones beside the statues' legs. The sides of the bases feature reliefs of the Nile god Hapi, who holds lotus and papyrus plants to symbolize the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Both statues are heavily weathered, making their faces and upper bodies difficult to identify. The southern statue is carved from a single block of quartzite. The northern statue was severely damaged in an earthquake in 27 BC and was later repaired by the Romans using sandstone; its upper section is built from five layers of stone, which makes it look noticeably different from the southern statue. After the northern statue was damaged, a phenomenon occurred where the colossus would emit a sound resembling string music or whistling at dawn. Ancient Greek and Roman tourists flocked to listen and carved inscriptions on the base. Many of these inscriptions mentioned the Greek mythological hero Memnon, which is how the colossi got their name. Roman Emperor Septimius Severus later repaired the upper part of the statue, and the sound ceased to occur after that. Today, visitors can still see those Greek and Latin inscriptions from the Roman era on the base and experience the traces left by travelers from two thousand years ago.Al Bairat · 4.7km from Luxor
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis

7.6
4.5/5
7 reviews
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis was the capital of ancient Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms, spanning the east and west banks of the Nile. The east bank features two religious complexes,Karnak and Luxor Temple, while the west bank is home to pharaonic tomb areas such as the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, as well as several mortuary temples, together forming a vast complex of ancient ruins. Karnak, located on the east bank of the Nile, is the core complex of the site. The Great Hypostyle Hall features densely packed giant stone columns covered in reliefs and hieroglyphic inscriptions. The temple also preserves towering obelisks and a sacred lake. An avenue lined with ram-headed sphinxes once connected it toLuxor Templein the south. On the west bank, the Valley of the Kings is hidden within barren hills and canyons, where pharaohs of the New Kingdom carved their tombs into the mountains, with walls adorned in vibrant religious murals and depictions of the afterlife. TheMortuary Temple of Hatshepsutwas built against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, with three terraced levels rising in succession, blending into the steep rock face behind it and presenting a rare terraced layout in ancient Egyptian architecture. When visiting, you can arrange your itinerary by the east and west banks separately; the east bank is primarily for temple complexes, while the west bank focuses on tombs and mortuary temples.Al Bairat · 4.9km from Luxor

Experiences you can't miss in Luxor

Featured Day tours in Luxor

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Egypt Luxor private charter 1-day tour optional itinerary with guide + Karnak + Valley of the Kings (admission ticket not included)
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 69 booked
Duration: 20 mins
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Egypt · Luxor | Valley of the Kings + Medinet Habu + Karnak
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Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor
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Duration: 4.7 hrs
English
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Luxor East Bank Tour: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple & Luxor Museum
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From€78.63
Luxor: Nile Cruise to Dendera Temple with Lunch
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Duration: 12 hrs
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5% off
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Featured City sightseeing in Luxor

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Luxor: Full-Day Shared Tour to West and East Banks
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 6.5 hrs
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Luxor Highlights Audio Tour: Legacy of the Pharaohs
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Luxor East Bank Private Day Tour from Safaga Port
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Duration: 4.7 hrs
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Valley Of The Kings Tour With Tutankhamun Tomb & Felucca Ride
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Featured Aerial tours in Luxor

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(Wonderful  Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor & Balloon)
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3.7/5
· 3 reviews· 31 booked
Duration: 18.5 hrs
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From Luxor: Hot Air Balloon, East & West Bank Highlights w. Lunch and transfers
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Hot air balloon ride at sunrise in Luxor
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Duration: 2 hrs
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From Luxor, Egypt: Hot air balloon ride + East Bank + West Bank 1-day tour (private group/includes Nile sailing boat)
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Duration: 7.3 hrs
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What travellers say about Luxor

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Gully9 August 2023
5.0
Valley of the Kings is a must see in Egypt. The burial place of a ton of historical figures including King Tut. Give yourself plenty of time when going though because it takes a long time to see everything.

Valley of the Kings

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Sadman Aayan23 September 2025
5.0
Luxor Temple 🏛️ – The Living Legacy of Ancient Thebes is a mesmerizing testament to Egypt’s rich history. ✨ Located in the heart of Luxor, this temple was a center of religious and political life for millennia. Its grand pylons, towering statues, and intricately carved walls tell stories of pharaohs, gods, and ancient ceremonies. 🌞 Visiting at sunrise or sunset enhances the magic, as the temple glows in golden light. 🌟 Walking through its majestic halls, you can feel the spirit of Thebes come alive. Luxor Temple is not just a site—it’s an unforgettable journey into the grandeur of ancient Egypt. 🏺

Luxor Temple

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朱朱Hello24 September 2026
5.0
Karnak Temple, located on the east bank of the Solo River in Luxor, Egypt, is the world's largest ancient temple complex, dedicated to the sun god Amun-Ra. The most spectacular part is the Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 massive sandstone columns. Standing beneath them is a truly awe-inspiring experience, as if stepping back in time. To explore, simply follow the central axis. Inside, there's also the Scarab Stele; it's said that turning it seven times clockwise brings good luck. The Hatshepsut Obelisk is the tallest surviving obelisk in Egypt. The Avenue of the Rams leads directly to Luxor Temple. Karnak Temple is undoubtedly one of the must-see attractions for any traveler to Egypt.

Karnak

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863386331 February 2025
5.0
At that time, on the way from Luxor to Hurghada, I began to miss the Nile River infinitely. Every time I saw the river, I couldn't help but marvel in my heart. It was just a natural scenery, but it had an unreal beauty, flat and vast. I always lived in southern China and always thought that rivers came from valleys, magnificent or winding, with mountains on both sides, but the Nile River was still flat on both sides. I think there would be no Egypt without the Nile River. In such a hot and dry place that is not suitable for living, it should be this river that can pass through thousands of years without changing and keep people. Now, I have been away from Egypt for more than ten days. The most frequent flash in my memory is still the Nile River. Its beauty seems to allow anything to happen. I suddenly understand Agatha very much. If you face such a miracle every day, it is not surprising that you can write any story. Finally, I actually want to say that the Old Falls Hotel is worth staying (if the budget allows, but the afternoon tea is very bad, so be careful.

Nile

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fooler080920 October 2020
4.0
There are several statues of kings, all sitting, with their bodies made of huge stones. Their faces are broken and even a little sunken, which makes them look a bit funny. They are quietly placed on the lawn and are free to visit.

Colossi of Memnon

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还不曾去过倒悬山!5 October 2020
4.0
The epitaphs on the tombstones of the ancient tombs here generally have a sentence, which translates into Chinese as "The cattle, sheep and crops that the Pharaoh entrusted us to manage are all growing well, and we have not deducted the slightest bit from the tributes we paid to the Pharaoh." Historians believe that it is this description of "there is no silver here" that reflects the Pharaoh's lack of control over the local area at that time.

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis

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寂寞的西瓜14 February 2020
4.0
The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, also translated as the Temple of Hatshepsut, yes, it is the famous Queen Hatshepsut❗️ This place is very close to the Valley of the Kings, and it only takes a few minutes by car. The Queen's Temple, built on the Thebes Mountains, has a completely different temperament from the Valley of the Kings: it is almost the simplest architectural line, but it is invincible and majestic. It's a pity that due to political, religious and other reasons, the entire ground part of the first floor of the temple was rebuilt later. Although the buildings and reliefs above the second floor have been basically preserved, they are still damaged to varying degrees. It is also another ancient temple about love, but this time the protagonist is no longer the pharaoh and his wife, but the female pharaoh and her childhood sweetheart designer lover♥️

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

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D了个Y5 March 2026
5.0
It's often said that you haven't truly been to Egypt if you haven't been to Luxor; similarly, you haven't truly been to Luxor if you haven't visited the Temple of Habu. Medinet Habu was an important temple complex located on the southern tip of the western bank of the Thebes during the late New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. Its main structure was the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses III of the Twentieth Dynasty, representing the last major construction project of his reign. It is relatively well-preserved, with intact statues and exquisite murals. During the Coptic era, this complex developed into a sizable city, serving as the religious and economic center of Thebes for a long time. The buildings incorporated temples, palaces, and other functions. The exterior reliefs depict scenes of Ramses III's campaigns. The city was later destroyed by a plague in the 9th century.

Medinet Habu

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水漫三楼24 February 2026
4.0
The Luxor Museum is a history museum located in Luxor, Egypt. Opened in 1975, it sits on the east bank of the Nile, between the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple. The main building is a modern structure with two-story galleries. Its collection primarily consists of artifacts from the New Kingdom period (c. 1550-1069 BC), encompassing sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. Key exhibits include the model of Tutankhamun's bier and sacred boat, and a black granite bust of Amenhotep III. The stone relief of Thutmose III and the wooden statue of Tutankhamun are considered the museum's most prized possessions.

Luxor Museum

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What are the must-do things in Luxor?

Don't miss these attractions in Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, and Karnak. If you like Day tours, try Egypt Luxor private charter 1-day tour optional itinerary with guide + Karnak + Valley of the Kings (admission ticket not included). If you enjoy City sightseeing, try Luxor: Full-Day Shared Tour to West and East Banks.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Egypt Luxor private charter 1-day tour optional itinerary with guide + Karnak + Valley of the Kings (admission ticket not included), Egypt · Luxor | Valley of the Kings + Medinet Habu + Karnak, and Experience a Luxor hot air balloon ride to watch the sunrise and admire the Egyptian landscape (optional first or second flight). Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 3 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Luxor is around EUR 25.39 – EUR 127.37. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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