🏛️ Why Luxor is Egypt's Must-Visit
Luxor is often called the "world's greatest open-air museum" — and it's not hyperbole. The ancient city of Thebes was the capital of Egypt during its most powerful era (1550-1070 BC), and the monuments here are staggering in scale and beauty.
The city is divided by the Nile into two halves with deep symbolic meaning: the East Bank (the land of the living) holds the great temples of Karnak and Luxor Temple, while the West Bank (the land of the dead) contains the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and dozens of nobles' tombs with incredibly preserved paintings.
A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank is one of the most unforgettable experiences on Earth — floating silently over the tombs of pharaohs as the desert comes alive with golden light.
☀️ East Bank (Land of the Living)
- • Karnak Temple — Largest ancient religious site
- • Luxor Temple — Stunning at night
- • Luxor Museum — Beautifully curated artifacts
- • Souq (Market) — Local shopping & food
🌅 West Bank (Land of the Dead)
- • Valley of the Kings — 63 royal tombs
- • Hatshepsut Temple — Dramatic cliff temple
- • Colossi of Memnon — 18m stone statues
- • Nobles' Tombs — Best-preserved paintings