If you’re looking to explore the graves of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, Luxor is the perfect spot. This city was once the capital of Egypt, and it’s home to some of the most impressive tomb complexes in all of Egypt. Here are our top picks for things to see in Luxor, including the must-see tomb complexes and what you can skip if you’re short on time.
The Valley of the Kings is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Luxor. This valley is home to more than 60 tombs, many of which were built for Pharaohs and their families. The most famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings is that of Tutankhamun, which was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. The tomb has been closed for the public for a long time, but can now be visited again. Other tombs worth exploring are those of Ramses III and Seti I.
The Ramesseum is the tomb complex of Pharaoh Ramses II. This tomb is less visited than some of the others on this list, but it’s definitely worth a stop. The Ramesseum is home to a massive statue of Ramses II that once sat at the entrance to the temple complex. The tomb itself is also quite impressive, with beautiful reliefs and paintings that tell the story of Ramses II’s life.
If you have time for one more tomb complex, we recommend visiting the Valley of the Queens. This valley was used as a burial site for queens and other members of royal families. It’s not as popular as the Valley of the Kings, but it’s definitely worth a visit. This valley was once used by Pharaohs to bury their queens and princesses. Today, it’s home to more than 70 tombs, including that of Nefertari, one of the most famous Egyptian queens and the favorite wife of Ramses II. Nefertari’s tomb is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Egypt. It’s decorated with stunning paintings and reliefs that tell the story of her life. The tomb is open to the public, but only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside each day, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.
The temple complex of Karnak is one of the largest religious sites in the world. The complex was once used by Pharaohs as a place to worship the god Amun. This temple was built over a period of 2,000 years and is the largest religious complex in all of Egypt. The complex is made up of several different temples, each with its own unique features, including the Temple of Amun, the Temple of Khonsu, and the Temple of Ptah. The Karnak complex is vast and can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Be sure to check out the Great Hypostyle Hall, which is home to 134 columns that are over 20 meters tall.
Luxor Temple is another must-see in Luxor. This temple was built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC and was dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. The temple was later expanded by Ramses II. Today, it’s one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. The Luxor Temple is smaller than Karnak but just as impressive. Be sure to check out the Avenue of Sphinxes, which leads up to the temple complex. This avenue is lined with more than 1,000 sphinxes, each with the head of a ram.
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive statues that sit outside of Luxor Temple. These statues were once part of a larger temple complex that was built for Amenhotep III. The statues are made of sandstone and each one is over 20 meters tall. These statues are the only remaining parts of the temple complex, as the rest was destroyed by earthquakes in 27 BC.
Luxor Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history. This museum is home to more than 3,500 artifacts, many of which were found in Luxor. The museum is small but well-organized, and the displays are informative and interesting. Be sure to check out the mummies on display, as well as the statues of Ramses II and Tutankhamun.
No visit to Luxor would be complete without a cruise down the Nile River. This is the best way to see some of Egypt’s most iconic sights, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. There are a number of different cruise companies that operate in Luxor, so be sure to do your research in advance.
Luxor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt, and for good reason. This city is home to some of the most impressive ancient Egyptian monuments and temples. If you’re interested in history and culture, Luxor is a must-see and whatever you do, don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover all that the city has to offer. Start planning your vacation today!
