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Luxor Temple

The most photogenic temple in Egypt, right in the middle of town and even better after dark.

Where
Luxor City Center
Time needed
23 min
Tickets
$11
Colonnade of Amenhotep III at Luxor Temple lit at dusk Colonnade of Amenhotep III at Luxor Temple lit at dusk

What to expect at Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple sits smack in the center of the modern city, which means you can walk to it from any Corniche hotel and see it silhouetted from bridges, cafes and rooftop bars. Built mainly by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, it was the southern counterpart to Karnak and connected to it by the recently restored 3 km Avenue of Sphinxes. Unlike other pharaonic sites, Luxor Temple layers a Roman legionary chapel and a still-functioning 13th-century mosque directly onto its ancient stones.

The single best time to visit is one hour before sunset: soft light on the pink granite, then the floodlights click on and the whole complex glows honey-orange against a purple sky. Bring your camera, not a guide — the site is compact enough to explore alone in 90 minutes. Combine it with a walk along the Corniche and dinner in the old souq just behind the temple.

Plan your visit Tickets$11 Time needed23 min WhereLuxor City Center Opening hours Daily 6:00-21:00 (winter) Daily 6:00-22:00 (summer) Hotels near Luxor Temple

Questions about Luxor Temple

How much is the entry ticket?

$11 for foreign adults, half price for students with ISIC card.

Are there free entry hours or days?

No free entry, but the temple is included in the Luxor Pass ($100 standard, $200 premium).

How long should I plan for a visit?

90 minutes to 2 hours is enough; add another hour if you’re photographing the transition to night lighting.

What days is it closed?

Open daily year-round, including Ramadan and public holidays.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

No, tickets are sold at the gate and queues are short even in peak season.

What's the nearest stop or how do I get there?

The temple is on Corniche al-Nil in the city center — walking distance from Winter Palace, Sonesta St George and every downtown hotel. Taxi from the train station is $2.

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