Everyone heard about Luxor city in Egypt, its worldwide known! Before answering “if Luxor city is worth the visit or not?” you should know a few information about Luxor first
Luxor city (known as El Qusor, Thebes or ancient Waset) is the most known city located in Upper Egypt. Talking about Upper Egypt it’s the southern part of Egypt not the northern part as some might mistakenly think. Luxor is located about 700 km south of the current capital Cairo between latitudes 25-26 north, 32-33 east. 220 km north of Aswan and about 280 km southwest of Hurghada
The area of Luxor city is about 416 km², the inhabited area is 208 km², and its population is approximately 1,425,055 people, according to 2024 census. Luxor’s National Day is on November 4 of every year, which is the day that marks the anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The historic evolution of the name of Luxor city, from the ancient time till today:
Luxor is the modern name of the city, and to be able to terrace the evolution of the name of this city we have to go back to the ancient time.
The early and original name of Luxor was “Waset or Was.t” this is the ancient Egyptian name of the city date back to 1500BC. The ancient Egyptians named it “Waset or Was.t” which means sceptre as it was the place of the central government and where the pharaohs ruled from.
Later on the Greek called the city of Luxor “Thebes” which has the same meaning like the ancient name, they named it after the name of Teba in Greece. While the Romans called it “Diospolis Magna,” meaning the great city of Zeus.
The name Luxor is the modern name of the city till today, when the Arabs entered the city it was full of big massive temples. They never knew what the temples meant to be and they believed that these were palaces, that’s why they named it “Al- Uqsur or El Qusor” means palaces then the name has changed into Luxor which has the same meaning the city of palaces.
Not only this but it is called “City of a Hundred Doors” because of the temples and tombs all over the place in the city, “City of the Sun” and “City of Light” being the cult center of God Amun-Ra
Thebes did exist since the Old Kingdom, but it was nothing more than a group of simple huts side-by-side, and despite that, it was used as a cemetery to bury the dead. Regional rulers were buried there from the era of the Old Kingdom onwards.The importance of the city started in the Middle Kingdom and Luxor gained prominence in the New Kingdom era.
Luxor city, Thebes or Waset became the Capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom 1500BC. King Ahmose who was able to kick the Hyksos (one of Egypt’s enemies) out of the county and the founder of the New Kingdom, 18th dynasty chose his home town to be the capital of Egypt and the place of the central government.
All New Kingdom Kings followed him and stayed in Luxor and that’s how/why Luxor became the capital of Egypt.
Thebes (Luxor) didn’t only become the new capital of Egypt but God Amun, the local god of Thebes (Luxor) and his family became the main triad of all of Egypt, God Amun, his wife Goddess Mut and their son God Khnsu. So basically, Luxor became the military, political and religious capital of Ancient Egypt!
Now we can go back to our question, Is Luxor worth the visit or not? The answer is yes, it is definitely worth the visit. The city of Luxor alone has one-third of the world’s monuments, and it is one of the most important sites of Egypt attractions.
You need two to three days to cover all of Luxor attractions. But if you are in a rush, a full day will make you cover the main sites in Luxor. Luxor tours are so many and you can spend days to see them all.
The majestic city of Luxor in Egypt is a treasure trove of ancient wonders that holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of the past. The Nile River plays a vital role in Luxor, the whole city is built around it since it runs in the middle of it. That’s why Luxor city (Thebes) is split into two halves or banks, East bank and West bank. Two cities, one for the living and one for the dead!
Luxor includes an unrivaled collection of the world’s most iconic monuments, captivating the imagination of visitors from every corner of the globe.
Embark on an unforgettable journey across the tranquil waters of the Nile, where the West Bank unveils its timeless secrets. The Valley of the Kings is a World Heritage Site. It is the largest ancient cemetery in the world contains 67 royal tombs.
The powerful kings of the New Kingdom were buried in the west bank of Luxor under the top of the pyramid-shaped rocky cliff that surrounded the valley. The choice of the valley to cut the royal tombs was not a coincidence. The pyramid was a symbol of resurrection and eternal life and they believed that the whole area is under the control of Goddess Hathor: “Mistress of the West”.
This site is where Howard carter found the tomb of King Tutankhamun, it is also where the great Ramses II was buried and the magnificent tomb of King Seti I was found.
Pause in reflection at the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece rising from the desert cliffs, dedicated to one of Egypt’s most remarkable and first female pharaohs Queen Hatshepsut. Feel the weight of history as you explore this ancient sanctuary, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The vibe in Luxor East bank is incredible, these adorable ancient religious buildings are everywhere!
As the sun rises, embrace the sheer magnificence of the Karnak Temple Complex, it is the largest temple in Egypt and the world, a sprawling sanctuary that spans over 2,000 years of history.
The ancient cult center of Karnak temple was built on the honor of the trinity of Thebes God Amun Re his consort Goddess Mut and their son God Khonsu as Amun was “the god of all gods” and “the father of all fathers”.
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine corridors, where monumental columns stretch towards the heavens, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the ancient Egyptians!
The well-preserved Temple of Luxor is such an amazing massive temple located river side, downtown Luxor city. It’s another project completed by the great among of all Egyptian pharaohs Ramses II.
You will see the massive statues of RamsesII at the beginning of his temple as well as the massive obelisk that he built. The sister Obelisk of the one in Luxor temple is now displayed in la place de la concord in Paris. The obelisk was gifted by the Egyptian government to the French early 19th century during the time of Mohamed Ali pasha and the French gave him back in return a clock tower at his Alabaster mosque built in Cairo citadel of Saladin.
The avenue of sphinx is lining the longest religious road that connected the most sacred religious structures in Luxor, 2.7 km (1.8 mile) long between Karnak and Luxor temples.
This sphinx avenue was made by King Amenhotep III, used for religious events and festivals during the New Kingdom period.
The historic road of the Pharaohs (the avenue of sphinx) was uncovered more than 72 years ago, and excavation work continued during the recent period after a pause in 2011. Excavation and development work for the road resumed in 2017, given that it is one of the important elements of the Thebes site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Amazingly over a thousand sphinx statue are already excavated which was once covered under the modern city of Luxor. Now the 2 temples of Karnak and Luxor are connected again like the ancient time to make the city of Luxor an open-air museum!
Immerse yourself in the living museum of Luxor’s open-air museum, the Luxor Museum itself. Here, meticulously curated artifacts reveal the stories of ancient civilizations, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and rituals of the pharaohs.
Beyond the iconic monuments, it pulsates with an energy that is both timeless and vibrant. Lose yourself in the bustling streets of the modern city, where traditional markets entice with their vibrant colors and exotic scents. Indulge in the rich flavors of Egyptian cuisine, savoring the aromatic spices and culinary delights that have delighted palates for centuries.
The social life in Luxor is shaped by a combination of traditional Egyptian customs and the influence of international tourism.
The city attracts visitors from all over the world, and you’ll find a variety of cultural activities, entertainment venues, and dining options catering to different tastes. Whether you’re interested in experiencing traditional Egyptian music and dance performances, exploring local markets, or enjoying a meal at a riverside restaurant, Luxor offers a vibrant social scene that caters to both locals and tourists.
Luxor’s economy is largely driven by tourism, as it serves as a gateway to the ancient Egyptian sites in the region. The tourism industry supports a wide range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour operators.
Visitors flock to Luxor to witness the iconic temples, tombs, and monuments that have made the city famous. Additionally, the local crafts industry thrives in Luxor, with artisans creating beautiful handicrafts, such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry, that reflect Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
Luxor is also known for its agricultural activities, particularly in the cultivation of crops such as sugarcane, corn, and vegetables. The fertile lands along the Nile River provide the perfect conditions for agriculture, and you may come across expansive fields and lush greenery as you explore the outskirts of the city.
Luxor Top-rated Tours
