Luxor Sightseeing: Temples and Ticket Prices
Luxor has more standing ancient architecture than almost anywhere on earth, and a sensible order of visits makes it manageable. Start early, keep the heat in mind and keep your cards handy.
Karnak first
Karnak is the largest temple complex in Luxor, and it is the one to do at gate opening. Adult entry is EGP 600. Walk in through the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes to the Great Hypostyle Hall, where 134 sandstone columns crowd the sky, and take in Hatshepsut’s obelisk and the Sacred Lake. Dawn visitors can have the hall almost to themselves before the tour buses arrive.
Luxor Temple at dusk
Luxor Temple, EGP 500 for adults, stays open into the evening and is floodlit. The seated colossi and the pink granite obelisk of Ramesses II look best at that time. Abu Haggag Mosque sits above the temple’s columns, a 13th century mosque built into the older structure.
The west bank
Hatshepsut’s terraced temple at Deir el-Bahari is EGP 440 for adults, cut into the sheer cliff. The reliefs show the expedition to Punt. Medinet Habu, the temple of Ramesses III, costs about EGP 200 to 300 and keeps strong colour in its carvings. The Colossi of Memnon, two huge seated statues beside the road, are a free photo stop. The west bank sights are far apart, so hire a taxi for the half day, about EGP 500 to 800.
The Valley of the Kings
The general ticket is EGP 750 (EGP 375 for students) and admits you to three tombs. Tutankhamun is about EGP 700 to 750 extra, Seti I about EGP 2,000 extra and Ramesses V and VI about EGP 220 extra. The lineup of open tombs rotates, so confirm on the day. There is no shade, and the stairs are steep. Flash photography is banned, and for cameras, check at the gate. The Valley of the Kings site gives the general ticket and hours.
Paying and timing
Plan on paying by card at the main ticket gates, and carry small EGP cash for the ferry, taxis and tips. From June to August the temperature reaches 42 to 46C, so start before 09:30. A guide helps with context: you can look at Luxor guided tours on GetYourGuide . The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is the official source for the sites.
For the connected day plan, see the two-day Luxor itinerary .
Tip: cross by ferry at 06:00 for the west bank, then be back at the east bank hotel pool by noon.