16 Best things to see & do in Luxor

The remarkable desert valley that’s home to 62 tombs of Egypt’s ancient pharaohs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. The treasures are long gone, but the hieroglyphic-decorated ceilings and walls are no less impressive.

The largest temple complex in the world, Karnak was the most important place of worship for ancient Egyptians, with 80,000 people working here during the reign of Ramesses II. It remains one of the world’s most impressive religious complexes, clearly illustrating the glory of ancient Egypt.

There’s nothing quite like seeing this evocative landscape of ancient sites, Nile floodplains, and villages unchanged for thousands of years, as the sun rises over the Nile. Gasp-worthy sights include Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.

The ancient Egyptian temple of Amenhotep III, right in the heart of the city. Connected to Karnak Temple by an avenue of sphinxes.

The Tomb of Queen Nefertari, located in the Valley of the Queens, is arguably one of the most beautiful tombs in all of Egypt. Exquisitely decorated with detailed, vibrant frescoes depicting Nefertari’s journey to the afterlife.

Impressive, three-tiered funerary temple of one of the only women ever to rule Egypt. Her impressive funerary temple is now one of the best-known monuments in Luxor.

Superbly decorated tombs offering a fascinating insight into the daily life of ancient Egyptian nobility. The tombs here are superbly decorated and, in many ways, more evocative and insightful than those of the pharaohs.

An ancient village of skilled workers who constructed and decorated the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Offers a fascinating glimpse into the everyday lives of ancient Egyptians outside the nobility.

Sail past landscapes unchanged for thousands of years, and experience the Nile the authentic way, on a traditional felucca.

Little-visited, but well-preserved temple that was one of the most important in ancient Egypt. It was built here by Seti I in 1279 BC and dedicated to Osiris, Isis and their son Horus.

Enjoyable and memorable horse/camel treks, through the fields and deserts of Luxor’s West Bank, passing ancient monuments. A great way to see local life in Luxor away from the tourist hordes.

Fascinating house museum of Howard Carter, the renowned British archaeologist famous for discovering the tomb of young Pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922, a discovery that astounded the world.

Excellent, well-arranged collection of artefacts found in the Theban temples and necropolis; most date back to the New Kingdom period (1550-1070 BC).

This small museum that explains the process of mummification and has human and animal mummies on display. Look out for the mummy of Maserharti, a high priest of Amun in the 21st dynasty, which is extremely well-preserved.

This lesser-visited site on the West Bank was the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramses II. Though in ruins, the temple complex still features significant architectural elements like the remains of colossal statues, and reliefs depicting Ramses II’s purported victory at the Battle of Kadesh.

These two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, dating back to 1350 BC, stand at the front of the ruined Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, the largest temple in the Theban Necropolis.