Luxor Temple, Luxor Travel Guide

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Explore Luxor Temple, a majestic monument in Luxor, Egypt, revealing the grandeur and spirituality of the New Kingdom and ancient Thebes.

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Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple, a stunning testament to ancient Egyptian architecture, stands on the east bank of the Nile in the heart of Luxor. Built primarily by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, around 1400 BCE, the temple was dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, and served as a focal point for religious festivals and royal ceremonies. Its well-preserved columns, statues, and intricate carvings offer a glimpse into the opulence and spiritual beliefs of the New Kingdom period.

A brief summary to Luxor Temple

Luxor, Luxor City, Luxor Governorate, EG
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Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Luxor Temple.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.
Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the temple's various features.
Take your time to explore the intricate carvings and statues, and imagine what life was like in ancient Thebes.
Be respectful of the site and the local culture, and dress modestly.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Luxor Museum

First Pylon Luxor Temple

Necropoli (cimitero)Nefermenul

Karnak

Remaining Luxor Obelisk

Explore Luxor Temple on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Luxor Temple, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Luxor Temple is centrally located in Luxor, making it easily accessible on foot from most hotels and locations on the East Bank. From the Luxor Museum, head south along the Corniche, the main road that follows the Nile River. The temple entrance will be clearly visible on your left after a 10-15 minute walk. There are no costs associated with this final approach.
Public Transport

Local microbuses (service taxis) circulate throughout Luxor. You can catch one heading south along the Corniche and ask to be dropped off near Luxor Temple. The fare is typically around 5 EGP per person. From the drop-off point, the temple entrance is a short walk away.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Luxor. A short taxi ride from anywhere on the East Bank to Luxor Temple should cost approximately 30-50 EGP, depending on your bargaining skills. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple, located in the heart of modern-day Luxor, Egypt, is a remarkably preserved ancient temple complex that dates back to 1400 BCE. Constructed primarily during the New Kingdom by pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, with contributions from Tutankhamun, Horemheb and even Alexander the Great, the temple was dedicated to the Theban Triad: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Unlike other temples in Thebes, Luxor Temple was not dedicated to a cult god or deified pharaoh; instead, it was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and may have been the site of many royal coronations.The temple's layout is a testament to ancient Egyptian architectural prowess. Visitors enter through the Avenue of Sphinxes, a processional way that once connected Luxor Temple to the Karnak Temple complex. The First Pylon, adorned with scenes of Ramesses II's military victories, leads into the Great Court, lined with colossal statues of the pharaoh. The Hypostyle Hall, with its towering papyrus-shaped columns, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. Chapels dedicated to Mut, Khonsu and Amun, as well as a shrine to Alexander the Great, can be found towards the rear of the temple.Throughout its history, Luxor Temple has been a place of continuous worship. During the Christian era, part of the temple was converted into a church, and later, a mosque dedicated to Sufi Shaykh Yusuf Abu al-Hajjaj was built within its walls. This mosque has been carefully preserved and remains an integral part of the site, making Luxor Temple a unique blend of ancient and more recent religious traditions. Today, Luxor Temple, along with Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors from around the globe to marvel at its grandeur and historical significance.