Hailed as the greatest open-air museum on the planet, Luxor is brimming with ancient treasures. It's dotted with grand tombs, temples and monuments that date back to ancient Thebes. The Nile snakes through the city and divides the modern district from the necropolis and the Theban mountains.

Things to do

Built by the princes of Thebes, the Amun Temple Enclosure is one of the world's great archaeological sites. Today you can wander around the massive temple to explore sites like the Great Court and Great Hypostyle Hall.

Set on Luxor's west bank, the Valley of the Kings has been the final resting place of Egyptian royalty since around 2100 BC. It was built by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom and is set at the foot of the jagged Al Qurn mountain. The valley is now a World Heritage Site and is famous for finds, such as the Tomb of Tutankhamun, rumoured to carry the infamous Curse of the Pharaohs.

Filled with artefacts, the Luxor Museum is one of Egypt's top cultural attractions. From antiquities of the Old Kingdom to statues from the Mamluk period and royal mummies, it's filled with priceless treasures.

Visit Souq At Talaat for a glimpse at the local culture. The bustling local market is held opposite the Temple of Seti I and is brimming with stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to handwoven baskets and beaded jewellery.

Getting around

Luxor is relatively small, so it's easy to get around on foot. Bicycles are a popular way to explore the city, while donkey and camel rides offer traditional novelty. Small "felucca" sailing ships also ferry passengers along the river.