Luxor, ancient Thebes, was the capital of Egypt at the height of its power. Today it holds more ancient monuments than almost anywhere on earth, split between the East Bank, the city of the living, and the West Bank, the city of the dead.
The East Bank
- Karnak Temple: a vast complex built over some 2,000 years, with the forest of giant columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall.
- Luxor Temple: beautiful in the evening when it is lit up, and linked to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.
- Luxor Museum: a small, well-curated museum with superb statues.
The West Bank
- The Valley of the Kings: the rock-cut tombs of pharaohs such as Ramses and Seti, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.
- The Temple of Hatshepsut: the terraced temple of one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs.
- The Colossi of Memnon: two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III.
- Medinet Habu and the tombs of the Nobles: quieter sites with vivid carvings and paintings of daily life.
A sunrise balloon ride
Floating over the West Bank at sunrise, above the temples, fields and the Nile, is one of the most memorable experiences in Egypt. Book it for your first morning in case it is cancelled for wind and needs to move.
How many days?
Plan at least two full days to see both banks without rushing. Many travelers see Luxor as part of a Nile cruise, or on our Luxor day tours.
Seeing Luxor through an African lens
The temples of Luxor were built by an African civilization, and some of their stories connect directly to Nubia and the Black pharaohs of the 25th Dynasty, who ruled Egypt and left their mark at Karnak. Read the Black pharaohs of Nubia before you go.
Plan your trip with Black Egypt Tours
We plan private and group trips for African American and Black travelers, with Egyptologist guides and 24/7 support on WhatsApp. Browse our classic Egypt tours, Nile cruises and group trips, or send us your dates and we will design your itinerary.
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