Luxor walking tour & city guide

East bank

Karnak Temple is a vast complex with a hall of 134 giant columns. Luxor Temple, in the center of town, is beautifully lit at night, and an avenue of sphinxes links the two.

West bank

The Valley of the Kings holds the tombs of pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. The Temple of Hatshepsut rises in terraces against the cliffs, and the Colossi of Memnon guard the plain. Hot-air balloon rides at sunrise give an amazing view.

A day in Luxor

Start at dawn with a hot-air balloon over the West Bank, then visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

In the afternoon, cross the Nile to Karnak Temple, with its forest of giant columns, then walk to Luxor Temple, which is beautifully lit at night.

Good to know

Luxor is often called the world's largest open-air museum. The summer heat is extreme, so visit sites early in the morning.

Many Nile cruises start or end in Luxor. Ferries and felucca boats cross the river cheaply.