The Attractions of Luxor, Egypt:

Luxor, located on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Known for its ancient Egyptian ruins, Luxor contains some of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The area was once the capital of ancient Egypt during parts of the Middle and New Kingdoms.

One of Luxor's most famous sites is the Temple of Luxor. Built by Amenhotep III, this stunning temple was dedicated to the Theban triad of gods Amun, Mut, and Chons. The temple's colonnade contains a striking avenue of sphinxes connecting the temple to the Temple of Karnak. Inside, there are intricate carvings and decorations honoring the pharaoh and the gods. The temple's hypostyle hall has massive columns carved to resemble papyrus bundles. Outside, two majestic 25-meter tall obelisks flank the entrance, though only one obelisk remains today.

Close by is the even larger Temple of Karnak, once connected to Luxor. This vast complex contains temples, pylons, obelisks, chapels, and other buildings erected over 2,000 years by successive Egyptian pharaohs. The site was the most important place of worship to the Theban Triad. The Precinct of Amun-Re is the largest structure, containing the Temple of Amenhotep III with its original alabaster sanctuary. The 134 towering columns of the Hypostyle Hall create an unforgettable sight. Other highlights are the Sacred Lake, the Avenue of Rams, and the seven great pylons built by different pharaohs.

On the west bank of the Nile lies the famed Valley of the Kings, an ancient burial ground for royal Egyptian pharaohs and nobles that dates back to the 16th century BC. Carved into the desert mountains, the west bank contains 63 impressive royal tombs decorated with incredible paintings, reliefs, and hieroglyphics. The most famous tomb belongs to the young pharaoh Tutankhamun, whose largely intact treasures stunned the world upon discovery in 1922. Other famous tombs include those of Ramses VI, Seti I, and Tuthmosis III.

Also located on Luxor's west bank is the Valley of the Queens containing around 70 tombs of royal family members. The Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to one of Egypt's rare female pharaohs, blends into the desert landscape with its multiple terraces, columns, and statues. The Colossi of Memnon, twin massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, sits majestically along the Nile. The Temple of Medinet Habu is one of the best-preserved New Kingdom temples with detailed reliefs depicting Ramses III's military victories.

For those wanting to visit Luxor's Greco-Roman ruins, the Luxor Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Thebes showcasing Egyptian art from the fourth millennium BC through the Roman era. Exhibits include sculpture, frescoes, pottery, figurines, jewelry and mummies. The Mummification Museum provides insight into the ancient art of mummification with an exhibit centered around mummies of humans and animals.

Luxor is also home to a lively bazaar where visitors can test their haggling skills while shopping for souvenirs. Local markets sell Egyptian handicrafts, jewelry, spices and perfumes. At night, the Luxor Temple is illuminated making for an impressive sight. A hot air balloon ride offers amazing aerial views of ancient ruins dotting the landscape. Luxor's picturesque corniche along the Nile provides scenic evening strolls.

This open-air museum lets visitors step back in time thousands of years. While the ruins stand today, it takes imagination to picture Luxor as it once was, when it served as a place of worship, rituals, and vibrancy. The concentration of historic and archaeological sites packed into this area of Egypt is truly remarkable and should not be missed. Luxor's ancient wonders reveal the magnificent achievements of Egypt's golden ages and the pharaohs who ruled this land of the Nile.