Luxor Travel Guide
Luxor Guide: Valley of the Kings & Beyond
A complete Luxor guide: the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Nile temples, day trips vs cruises, the best time to visit, and how to reach Luxor from the Red Sea.
Luxor is often called the world's greatest open-air museum, built on the ancient city of Thebes. The Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and the great Nile temples make it the heart of ancient Egypt — and it's reachable from the Red Sea. This guide pulls the whole destination together. Reviewed June 2026.
What is Luxor known for?
Luxor sits on the site of ancient Thebes, Egypt's capital at the height of the New Kingdom. It's famous for royal tombs, colossal temples, and Nile scenery, split between two banks of the river. Browse guided options on the Luxor tours or within the cultural tours of Egypt.
What are the must-see sights in Luxor?
A first Luxor visit centers on a handful of icons:
- Valley of the Kings (West Bank) — the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun's. See the Valley of the Kings guide.
- Karnak Temple (East Bank) — one of the largest religious complexes ever built. See the Karnak & Luxor Temples guide.
- Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut's Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon round out the highlights.
How are Luxor's two banks organized?
The Nile splits Luxor into two halves:
- East Bank — the living city, Karnak and Luxor Temples.
