Travel 1 Day in Luxor: Best Vacation Spots in Luxor

Day 1 | Morning

Temple of Karnak

Opening Hours: Open from 6:00am-5:30pm

Ticket Price: 2 EGP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1363140, Egypt

Karnak Temple is located on the east bank of the Nile River, 700 kilometers south of Cairo. It is a large-scale temple complex in ancient Egypt and an ancient temple in Thebes. Founded in 2000 BC, more than 50 pharaohs participated in the construction. It was not until the 3rd century BC that the temple, which had been built for a long time in the history of civilization, was finally completed. The temple is divided into three parts by brick walls, the middle part is better preserved and the larger part, it is dedicated to the sun god Amon (Amon). The one on the left is dedicated to the god Montu, while the other is dedicated to the wife of the god Amun, the goddess Mut in the form of a vulture, but has not yet been excavated. In addition, there are dozens of temples of various sizes in the complex. There are two rows of statues with heads of sphinxes and rams on both sides of the Shinto that leads to the pylon of Karnak Temple. It is said that in history, this Shinto, guarded by a sheep-headed sphinx, leads to the Luxor Temple, which is 3 kilometers away. Throughout the temple, you can see many frescoes, statues, and pillars that use mud and stones to restore and glue the fragmented monuments together. This is because the Karnak Temple has been built more than 4,000 years ago, and it has been more than 2,000 years since its completion. Due to man-made and natural destruction, the temple was once beyond recognition. I don’t know how many years and how many archaeologists have worked hard to present the current Karnak Temple to the world.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Plum9195: This was the first Temple I visited on my trip to Egypt. There was so much to see and appreciate. You will want a tour guide with you if it is your first time because you will appreciate what you are seeing much more if you can understand what you are seeing. It is worth the cost and not too expensive because usually it includes pick up and drop off from the airport or your hotel. I did not realize that there would still be colors on the columns that I would be able to see, to imagine they are still this bright after thousands of years is just beyond belief. This is a must do, it is as good as the Great Pyramids, maybe even better.

MarlonS: I loved to visit the Karnak Temple. Please don’t forget to take a water bottle with you cause it can be very hot there!

Day 1 | Afternoon

Luxor Temple nearby is the top choice before you leave Temple of Karnak and hit the road.

Luxor Temple

Opening Hours: 6:00-22:00

Ticket Price: 40 EGP

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Corniche El Nil St. Luxor, Luxor 23512, Egypt

The Luxor Temple was mainly built by Amenhotep III (1380 BC-1352 BC) and Ramses III (1279 BC-1213 BC). The Luxor Temple is located in the city center. It used to be a small temple used to celebrate the New Year. Later, Amenhotep III, Thutmose III and Ramses II successively expanded and repaired this place and used it as a place to welcome Amenhotep III, Thutmose III and Ramses II. It is also known as the "Southern Palace of God Amon" because it is the memorial place of God Mon Ra, Goddess Mut and God Kongsu. A grand festival is held here every year during the Opert Festival (end of May-June). The temple's former sphinx road, named after the sphinx, could have led all the way to the Karnak Temple, but it has been interrupted. In the temple, you can see the huge statue of Ramses II, the granite obelisk and the magnificent stone pillars.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Plum9195: Go at night to visit this famous temple in Luxor. It will be very crowded, but it will be cooler and the lights make everything very attractive. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes because the ground is uneven and you will want to make sure you do not slip. Going with a tour guide is recommended, they will be able to explain what you are seeing so you can fully appreciate the Temple. Reduced admission is available for Egyptian Citizens and students if they have an ID. This is a must do if you are in Egypt.

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* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.