Luxor - A Timeless City

Location:
Egypt, Luxor

Nile, Temples, Transport

By Lydia Sarah Kate Horrex

One hundred years ago, a casual evening stroll down Luxor’s Cornish El Nile Street would’ve comprised of browsing colourful bazaars, observing local backgammon players, and relishing the aroma of apple sheesha in the air. Some might be surprised to hear that things haven’t changed much in this city. Any visitor willing to explore the streets of Luxor will be surprised to uncover yesterday’s Egypt just as easily as today’s.

Standing proud on the Cornish is the magnificent Winter Palace Hotel; the former residence of King Farouk of Egypt and today’s hotel for the rich and famous. The Winter Place Hotel, renowned for its beautiful gardens, would dominate the Cornish if it weren’t for the equally impressive 3,400 year old Luxor Temple. If you wish to delve even deeper into Egypt’s past, visit the Luxor museum. Still hungry for more? Across the street you will find the mummification museum exhibiting both human and animal mummies.

Turn down any cobbled street off Cornish El Nile and you will enter an Aladdin’s cave of vibrant bazaars and haggling Egyptians. Healing spices, silk rugs, and vibrant costume galabayas (the traditional Egyptian dress) hang from the walls. Visitors already laden down with souvenirs are invited in for Egyptian tea from local merchants eager to sell their trade. Haggling is still a way of life here in Luxor and an enjoyable way to get involved with Egyptian culture.

A wide variety of transportation is available in Luxor. You can’t fail to notice the unshakable caliche driver with his horse-drawn carriage and “special deals”. This is a fantastic way for travellers to observe Luxor’s backstreets. Just be sure to settle a price before your journey. Alternatively, the fulucca man offers a scenic trip across the Nile over to the West Bank. From there you can explore the 62 tombs hidden in the Valley of the Kings or marvel at Queen Hatshepsut’s modern-looking temple. The courageous can also observe Luxor from a birds eye view as hot air balloon rides depart daily from the West Bank.

Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex built by man, is located 2 miles north of Luxor. The temple covers 200 acres, which is enough space to fit 15 great pyramids. Named the second most visited sight in Egypt, this open-air museum is a masterpiece from the ancient world. An avenue of ram-headed sphinxes leads to the entrance of Karnak. There are three main areas within the complex. The largest, dedicated to God Amun, contains columns towering 69 feet high. To make the most of your time spent at Karnak, organise a trip with a qualified tour guide.

If you want to unearth the real Egypt, Luxor is a fantastic location to be visiting. This unique destination offers a learning experience that will captivate wonder and intrigue. Temples and tombs aside, the sense of timelessness portrayed in every step of Egyptian life here in Luxor is a fascinating experience.

Further Information

Travel tips: Remember to wash your hands after touching the money.

July/Aug are extremely hot months, I wouldn't recommend people visit Luxor at this time of the year.

Luxor is a muslim country so remember to cover shoulders and knees unless you want to draw attention to yourself.

Must see/do at this place: SEE: Karnak Temple. Luxor Temple. Valley of the Kings. Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple. Luxor bazaar.

DO: A fulucca ride or trip down the Nile. Smoke sheesha. Try Egyptian cusine. Get chatting to the local and find out more about Egyptian life.

You should avoid here: Getting tricked by Egyptians, always agree to a price of any transportation before your journey. Repeat the total cost of the trip at least twice to make sure you both agree.