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Last updated: 05 August, 2023

Unlike the complex at Karnak, which is connected by an avenue of sphinxes and which was built over the course of 1,500 years, the elegant Temple of Luxor was built mostly by one pharaoh, Amenhotep III.

As a result, it is much less complex than its counterpart, although the Romans made changes to the innermost part.

The temple used to be fronted by two colossal obelisks, but only one remains. Its twin was moved to the Place de la Concorde in Paris in the 1840s.

Don't miss

On the walls of the colonnade of Amenhotep III, see the depiction of the Opet festival where a statue of the god Amoun was taken from Karnak to Luxor.

The mosque on top of the great court is dedicated to the city’s holy man, Youssef Abu al-Haggag.

The temple’s colonnade leads to a court with an altar. This is a pagan Roman altar. The frescoes on the upper left-hand side have only recently been uncovered.

Price from: £7
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

It’s worth two visits – once early in the morning before the crowds, returning at night to see the exquisitely detailed carving when the temple is lit up at night.

The temple is less complicated than Karnak, but to get the most out of the visit, you should still read about it beforehand, or hire a guide. You are less likely to find a guide to hire here than at Karnak.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, seven days a week.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples

Luxor

Half Day East Bank Tour to Luxor and Karnak Temples
Embark on a captivating half-day journey through Luxor's East Bank, where history comes to life. Visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex of grand columns and sacred sanctuaries that pay homage to ancient Egyptian gods. Delve into the heart of Luxor as you explore the Luxor Temple, adorned with colossal statues and intricate hieroglyphics. Witness the convergence of past and present as you stroll through these magnificent structures that have stood for millennia. This half-day East Bank tour offers a glimpse into Egypt's rich history and the architectural marvels that define Luxor's landscape.

Price: $8

Min age: 6

Rating 4.70 / 5 [61 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Top Half Day Tour To East Bank Visit Karnak And Luxor Temples

Luxor

Top Half Day Tour To East Bank Visit Karnak And Luxor Temples
Embark on a captivating half-day journey through Luxor's East Bank, where history comes to life. Visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, a sprawling complex of grand columns and sacred sanctuaries that pay homage to ancient Egyptian gods. Delve into the heart of Luxor as you explore the Luxor Temple, adorned with colossal statues and intricate hieroglyphics. Witness the convergence of past and present as you stroll through these magnificent structures that have stood for millennia. This half-day East Bank tour offers a glimpse into Egypt's rich history and the architectural marvels that define Luxor's landscape.

Price: $45

Min age: 6

Rating 4.89 / 5 [46 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Luxor East and West Bank Valley of the kings, Hatshepsut ,Luxor & Karnak Temples

Luxor

Luxor East and West Bank Valley of the kings, Hatshepsut ,Luxor & Karnak Temples
Luxor is known as the world’s largest open-air museum and you’ll experience the wealth of ancient structures on this tour with an Egyptologist guide. The West Bank and East Bank combined are home to a third of the world's most important monuments. Highlights Marvel at the Temple of Karnak, the oldest religious structure in the world Explore the lavish tombs of the 3 pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings Visit the spectacular Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Led by a professional tour guide

Price: $65

Min age: 3

Rating 4.72 / 5 [40 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-Day Tour: Karnak & Luxor Temples Valley of the Kings Hatshepsut Temple &Memnon

Luxor

2-Day Tour: Karnak & Luxor Temples Valley of the Kings Hatshepsut Temple &Memnon
It would be a shame to race through the majesty of ancient Luxor. Take the sights at your own pace with your personal Egyptologist over this 2-day private door-to-door tour. Day 1 is devoted to the East Bank: the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple. Day 2 covers the West Bank: the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.

Price: $80

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [48 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Luxor Full Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens - Hatchepsut Temple ,Karnak&Luxor

Luxor

Luxor Full Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens - Hatchepsut Temple ,Karnak&Luxor
Learn about Egypt's ancient history with this private tour led by a quallified Egyptologist guide. You'll visit the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut . Karnak & Luxor Temples all in just one day. this tour includes round-trip transportation from your Luxor hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Price: $95

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [205 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: Luxor East Bank, Karnak and Luxor Temples

Luxor

Private Tour: Luxor East Bank, Karnak and Luxor Temples
Take a half-day private tour with a qualified Egyptologist guide exploring the East Bank of Luxor. You'll see two of the most impressive temples in Upper Egypt - Karnak and Luxor, while learning about ancient Egyptian history from your own personal guide.

Price: $108

Min age: 0

Rating 4.76 / 5 [63 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full day West and East Bank

Luxor

Full day West and East Bank
Full day in Luxor Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, along with the Colossi of Memnon.

Price: $163

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [35 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Luxor

Upper Egypt, Egypt

Egypt. Karnak Temple Complex - the Precinct of Amun-Re. Massive columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall

Exotic, bustling city on the Nile, packed with world-class ancient sites including the remarkable tomb of Tutankhamun. A tantalising glimpse into the exotic culture and remarkable sophistication of this ancient civilisation.