Luxor Temple

Fronting the Nile Corniche in the heart of the city, Luxor Temple is a must-see destination in Luxor. While the main temple structure can be observed from the outside, visitors should continue to the interior to check out the ancient history on display there, from battle images to scenes depicting worshiping royalty. Luxor Temple is a major site on the East Bank of the Nile, and it’s an included stop on many guided tours and shore excursions.

• Luxor Temple is great for history buffs interested in ancient architecture.
• Temperatures can soar in the afternoon, so plan to bring plenty of sun protection.
• While some surfaces are rough, Luxor Temple is wheelchair accessible.

Located on the Nile Corniche, Luxor Temple is accessed from Mabad Al Karnak. (The main entrance is located across from the prominent McDonalds restaurant.) Abundant taxis are available in the area, though it’s important to agree on a fare before setting out with a driver. If you’re continuing to Karnak Temple from Luxor Temple, one option is to hire a horse-drawn carriage along the Nile Corniche.

Early morning and early evening show Luxor Temple at its most romantic, and the warm stone seems to glow in the soft light. After dark, Luxor Temple is beautifully illuminated. Even if you’ve already visited during the day, it’s worth stopping by in the evening to admire the lights and Avenue of Sphinxes from the outside.

You can’t miss the 80-foot (25-meter) pink obelisk that stands guard in front of Luxor Temple. Look for images of four sacred baboons on the pedestal; on each of the four sides, the name Ramses is inscribed. While the Luxor Temple obelisk is impressive on its own, there used to be a matched set here: the other one is now located at Place de la Concorde in Paris, France.