Luxor Temple is one of the most popular sights in Egypt, so it’s important to plan your visit well. Follow these tips to ensure that your trip is enjoyable and hassle-free.
Located on the East Bank of the Nile, Luxor and its ruins offer visitors a chance to step back in time and discover what life was like for the ancient Egyptians. This is a must-visit on any Egypt itinerary!
1. Get There Early
Luxor is one of the most beautiful cities in Egypt, filled with palaces and ruins that are so stunning that you can’t take your eyes off them. This makes it difficult to visit all the sights in just a day, so you have to plan ahead to make the most of your time there.
It’s important to get there early so you can avoid the crowds and take your time exploring. Aim to be at the gates as soon as they open at 6 am if you can, and you’ll be able to walk through Luxor Temple without getting jostled.
When you’re walking through the Peristyle Court, look at the two seated Ramesses statues on either side. The gap in the stone that runs exactly over their knees is a match for the placement of the temple’s plan — which, by Schwaller de Lubicz’s calculations, corresponds to the human trunk.
2. Don’t Forget the Tombs
The Tombs of Luxor Temple are one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in Egypt. You can visit 63 tombs here that house the remains of ancient pharaohs and powerful nobles.
Aim to visit them early in the morning so that you can avoid long lines and crowded tombs. This way, you’ll have a much better chance of seeing the incredible wall art and carvings without getting jostled around by tourists.
You’ll also be able to get some great photos of these historic tombs, as you’ll be able to take your camera into each of the tombs. If you’re planning on taking pictures, make sure to purchase a photo permit at the gate.
If you’re a fan of ancient history, there’s no better place to visit than Luxor. You can explore one of the most important cities in Egyptian history at the Luxor Museum, which has an excellent collection of artifacts from this period. You can also learn about the incredibly complex mummification process that ancient Egyptians used to bury their dead.
3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Taking a hot air balloon ride over Luxor Temple is one of the best things to do during your visit to Egypt. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t soon forget.
While you’re up in the air, you will be able to take in all of the beauty that Luxor Temple has to offer. You will be able to view the colossal statues of Amenhotep III, the Colossi of Memnon and even the Valley of the Kings.
You will also be able to see the sun rise from the sky. Generally, hot air balloon tours will be scheduled for sunrise so that you will be able to witness the beautiful colours of the sky during your ride.
4. Plan Your Visit
Luxor Temple is a massive attraction, and as such it’s important to plan your visit wisely. The earliest you can go is the best, as this will mean you’ll avoid the crowds and will have a more relaxed visit.
You should also consider adding a trip to the museum. This is easily walkable from the temple and it houses some excellently preserved statues.
It’s also home to the tomb of Howard Carter, who made famous the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.
You can get to the Valley of Kings by car or by minibus from the centre of Luxor. You’ll pass by Old Gurna (Qurna) and New Gurna villages, which give you a glimpse of how the locals lived and worked in ancient times.
