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Edfu Temple
No. 9 of Night Attractions in Egypt

Edfu Temple

6.3
4.5/5
132 reviews
Edfu is located 123 kilometers north of Aswan and about 140 kilometers south of Luxor, and is a must-see for visiting the Luxor-Aswan Golden Route. The very famous temple here is the Temple of Horus, because the local terrain is low, and when the Nile River overflows, the entire temple is submerged in the deep soil, making it the best preserved temple in Egypt. The Temple of Horus was built in 237 BC and took more than 200 years to complete. It is mainly dedicated to Horus, the eagle-headed god. Horus is one of the most important gods in ancient Egypt. He is the child of the sun god Osiris and the protector goddess Isis. He is usually described as a condor wearing an Egyptian crown. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt regarded themselves as the incarnation of Horus. . The whole temple is 137 meters long and 79 meters wide at the front. The gate of the temple is 36 meters high, which is not very large. There is only one main temple, and there is an eagle head statue of Horus outside the temple. The interior is similar to other temples, with a huge column hall outside and a stone room inside, which contains a rare crocodile mummy.Edfu · 2.6 km from downtown
Valley of the Kings
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Valley of the Kings

9
4.4/5
444 reviews
The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, Egypt, serving as the royal burial site during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. Over nearly five centuries from the 18th to the 20th dynasties, pharaohs and nobles carved their tombs into the cliffs. Today, more than 60 tombs have been discovered, numbered with "KV" prefixes. The royal tombs are mainly clustered in the eastern valley, while the western valley is more secluded. The tomb murals are the true highlight here: the corridors, walls, and ceilings of the burial chambers are adorned with scenes from religious texts like the Book of the Dead and the Book of the Netherworld, with pigments retaining their vivid colors after over 3,000 years. The tomb of Tutankhamun gained fame in 1922 when archaeologist Howard Carter discovered a wealth of burial treasures here. The pharaoh's mummy remains in a climate-controlled glass display within the tomb, while most treasures are exhibited in Cairo's museums. The tomb of Ramses III is grand in scale with well-preserved paintings, while Ramses VI's tomb features a ceiling painted with the sky goddess Nut spanning the entire chamber. The painted corridor in Seti I's tomb is exceptionally exquisite. Travel tips: There is almost no shade in the valley, and it gets extremely hot in the afternoon, so visiting in the morning is more comfortable. Small electric shuttles operate between the entrance and the tomb area, saving energy. Tomb entrances are often inconspicuous openings along the cliffs—slow down to observe hieroglyphs and depictions of gods in the murals for richer details. Energetic travelers can also hike the ridge trail for a panoramic view of the valley. The natural pyramid-shaped peak of Al-Qurn above is one reason the ancient Egyptians considered this valley sacred.Qesm Al Wahat Al Khargah · 87.5 km from Edfu
Luxor Temple
2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Luxor Temple

8.7
4.5/5
245 reviews
Luxor Temple is located on the east bank of the Nile in the city of Luxor, forming a north-south counterpart to Karnak Temple. It was a worship site built during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt for the "Theban Triad"—Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. In ancient Egyptian, it was called the "Southern Sanctuary" and is often referred to as the "Southern Harem of Amun." The main structure of the temple was constructed by Pharaoh Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty, while the pylon, forecourt, colossi, and obelisks at the entrance were added by Ramses II. Later pharaohs like Tutankhamun continued to add reliefs, and during the time of Alexander the Great, the rear sanctuary was rebuilt. A single temple thus layers over a thousand years of construction history. At the entrance still stands a granite obelisk of Ramses II, while its paired counterpart crossed the ocean as early as the 19th century and now stands in Paris's Place de la Concorde. The seated statue of the pharaoh in front of the pylon, the grand colonnade, and the sun court of Amenhotep III unfold layer by layer. The reliefs on the colonnade walls vividly depict the procession of the Opet Festival—during the Nile flood season in ancient Egypt, the statue of Amun was ceremoniously transported from Karnak Temple to here. The avenue of sphinxes in front of the temple gate was precisely the sacred path for this ritual. After years of archaeological restoration, this nearly three km-long avenue has been reconnected, and today, visitors can walk the round-trip route between this temple and Karnak Temple. In one corner of the temple stands a still-functioning mosque built atop the ancient pillars, sharing the same courtyard with the pharaonic-era pylon. When illuminated at night, the pillars, colossi, and minaret form a highly recognizable nightscape in Luxor.Luxor · 82.1 km from Edfu
Karnak
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Karnak

8.7
4.6/5
522 reviews
Karnak is located on the east bank of the Nile River, 700 km south of Cairo. It is a massive temple complex from ancient Egypt and one of Thebes' oldest temples. Construction began around 2000 BC with over 50 pharaohs contributing to its development. The temple remained active until the 3rd century BC.In the history of human civilizationThe long-constructed temple is finally completed. The temple is divided into three sections by brick walls, with the central and largest section being the best preserved. This part is dedicated to the sun god Amon. The left section is dedicated to the god Montu, while the other section is dedicated to Mut, Amon's wife who takes the form of a vulture, though this area remains unexcavated. Additionally, the complex contains dozens of smaller temples of various styles. Along the sacred path leading to the temple's pylon stand two rows of sphinx statues with ram heads. Historically, this ram-headed sphinx-lined path is said to have stretched for 3 kilometers, connecting toLuxor TempleThroughout the temple, you can see many murals, statues, and columns that have been painstakingly restored by reattaching fragmented relics with clay and stone. This is because the temple's construction began over 4,000 years ago and was completed more than 2,000 years ago. Due to both human and natural damage, the temple was once in complete ruins. It took countless years of effort by archaeologists to restore and present the temple as it stands today.Luxor · 83.7 km from Edfu
Esna lock

Esna lock

6.8
4.8/5
4 reviews
Esna lock is located on the Nile waterway between Luxor and Aswan. It is an essential hub for Nile cruises traveling round-trip between the two cities and is also known as the "water elevator" on the river. The old Esna lock was built in 1908. Today, cruise ships pass through the new lock, which was opened in the 1990s. The lock chamber is over 200 m long and just over 10 m wide, accommodating only two cruise ships at once. It needs to adjust a water level difference of nearly 8 m between the upstream and downstream, so queuing to pass through the lock is common. Passing through the lock is a unique experience in itself: after the cruise ship enters the lock chamber, the massive iron gates behind it slowly close. As water is pumped in or released, the ship rises or falls with the water level. Standing on the top deck, you can watch the water line on the lock wall move slowly relative to the railing, directly experiencing this water engineering project. The entire process takes about half an hour to an hour. If you pass through the lock at dawn or dusk, the light and shadow on the river are distinct, making it perfect for capturing photos of river life. When passing through at night, the lock area is brightly lit, offering a unique atmosphere.Esna City · 47.5 km from Edfu
Kom Ombo Temple
No. 7 of Night Attractions in Egypt

Kom Ombo Temple

7.6
4.7/5
117 reviews
An hour's drive from Aswan takes you to the Temple of Kom Ombo, which means "Golden City" in ancient Egyptian. It is located on a small hill by the Nile and was built during the Ptolemaic dynasty. Like other temples, it also has tall stone pillars and temples that look desolate because of dilapidation, but what is different is that it has two gates. One gate is dedicated to the eagle god Horus (Haroeris) and the other is dedicated to the crocodile god (Sobek), so the temple of Kam Ombo is also known as the "double temple".Nagoa Ash Shatb · 59.9 km from Edfu
Philae Temple
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Philae Temple

8.2
4.2/5
176 reviews
Philae Temple is dedicated to the goddess of love, Isis. Philae was originally a small island in the Nile River south of the Aswan Dam, where the temple was first built. After the completion of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902, Philae Island would be flooded during the flood season, and travelers arriving by boat could only see the temple gates and stone columns protruding above the water. The temple walls preserve numerous hieroglyphic inscriptions and vivid reliefs, primarily worshiping Isis, while deities like Hathor also received offerings here. Legend says Isis possessed ten thousand names; she governed fertility and was also the protector of the people, widely revered in ancient Egypt.Egypt · Aswan
Agilkia Island
No. 5 of Cool Water Escapes in Egypt

Agilkia Island

8.2
5.0/5
1 reviews
Agilkia Island is an island in the Nile, located in Lake Nasser south of Aswan. The island is home to thePhilae Temple complex, which was relocated in its entirety from thePhilae Templesite. Between 1977 and 1980, the complex was dismantled stone by stone, numbered, and reconstructed here. To accommodate the temple, the island itself was leveled and reshaped to replicate the original terrain of thePhilae Templeas closely as possible. Visitors must take a boat from Aswan, and the short journey on the Nile is an experience in itself. The sound and light show held on the island in the evening uses lighting and narration to tell the myth of Isis and Osiris, and the silhouette of the temple against the night sky creates a unique atmosphere.Egypt · Aswan
Colossi of Memnon
No. 15 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Colossi of Memnon

7.6
4.0/5
187 reviews
Colossi of Memnon are two massive quartzite statues standing on the plain on the west bank of the Nile. They were commissioned by Pharaoh Amenhotep III of the Eighteenth Dynasty during the New Kingdom period and originally served as the entrance guardians for the first pylon of his mortuary temple. Including their bases, the two statues are approx. 18m tall, stand approx. 15m apart, and face east toward the Nile. Smaller figures of Queen Tiye and the pharaoh's mother, Mutemwiya, are carved on the thrones beside the statues' legs. The sides of the bases feature reliefs of the Nile god Hapi, who holds lotus and papyrus plants to symbolize the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Both statues are heavily weathered, making their faces and upper bodies difficult to identify. The southern statue is carved from a single block of quartzite. The northern statue was severely damaged in an earthquake in 27 BC and was later repaired by the Romans using sandstone; its upper section is built from five layers of stone, which makes it look noticeably different from the southern statue. After the northern statue was damaged, a phenomenon occurred where the colossus would emit a sound resembling string music or whistling at dawn. Ancient Greek and Roman tourists flocked to listen and carved inscriptions on the base. Many of these inscriptions mentioned the Greek mythological hero Memnon, which is how the colossi got their name. Roman Emperor Septimius Severus later repaired the upper part of the statue, and the sound ceased to occur after that. Today, visitors can still see those Greek and Latin inscriptions from the Roman era on the base and experience the traces left by travelers from two thousand years ago.Al Bairat · 85.1 km from Edfu
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Egypt

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis

7.6
4.5/5
7 reviews
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis was the capital of ancient Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms, spanning the east and west banks of the Nile. The east bank features two religious complexes,Karnak and Luxor Temple, while the west bank is home to pharaonic tomb areas such as the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, as well as several mortuary temples, together forming a vast complex of ancient ruins. Karnak, located on the east bank of the Nile, is the core complex of the site. The Great Hypostyle Hall features densely packed giant stone columns covered in reliefs and hieroglyphic inscriptions. The temple also preserves towering obelisks and a sacred lake. An avenue lined with ram-headed sphinxes once connected it toLuxor Templein the south. On the west bank, the Valley of the Kings is hidden within barren hills and canyons, where pharaohs of the New Kingdom carved their tombs into the mountains, with walls adorned in vibrant religious murals and depictions of the afterlife. TheMortuary Temple of Hatshepsutwas built against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, with three terraced levels rising in succession, blending into the steep rock face behind it and presenting a rare terraced layout in ancient Egyptian architecture. When visiting, you can arrange your itinerary by the east and west banks separately; the east bank is primarily for temple complexes, while the west bank focuses on tombs and mortuary temples.Al Bairat · 85.3 km from Edfu

Experiences you can't miss in Edfu

Featured Cultural experiences in Edfu

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(Wonderful  Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor & Balloon)
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3.7/5
· 3 reviews· 31 booked
Duration: 18.5 hrs
English
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From€633.43
Nile Cruise Experience – Aswan to Luxor
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4.7/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 11 mins
English
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From€659.16
5 Days Private Guided Nile River Cruise Tour from Luxor to Aswan
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Duration: 5 days
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5 Days Private Guided Nile River Cruise Tour from Luxor to Aswan
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Duration: 5 days
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Day trip to Kom Ombo and Edfu temples from Aswan
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Duration: 9 hrs
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Luxor Tour To Hatshepsut Temple, Memnon, Karnak & Luxor Temple
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Luxor Highlights Audio Tour: Legacy of the Pharaohs
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Luxor East Bank Tour to Karnak, Luxor, Mummification and Luxor Museums
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From€32.34

Featured Day tours in Edfu

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Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple Tour: Discover Ancient Egyptian History
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From€66.81
Aswan Double Temples Day Tour from Luxor | Private Transfer | Minimum 2 Travelers
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From€325.91
Edfu Temple from Luxor
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Duration: 9 hrs
English
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Egypt Luxor private charter 1-day tour optional itinerary with guide + Karnak + Valley of the Kings (admission ticket not included)
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Luxor Temple + Karnak + Valley of the Kings 1-day tour (guide|lunch/private car)
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 32 booked
Duration: 9.5 hrs
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From Luxor, Egypt: Hot air balloon ride + East Bank + West Bank 1-day tour (private group/includes Nile sailing boat)
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Featured City sightseeing in Edfu

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Avenue Of Sphinxes Tour With East Bank Temples & Museums Visits
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Luxor East Bank Private Day Tour from Safaga Port
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Duration: 4.7 hrs
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Luxor: Full-Day Shared Tour to West and East Banks
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 6.5 hrs
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Valley Of The Kings Tour With Tutankhamun Tomb & Felucca Ride
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Private Luxor Temple Tour With Karnak and Sphinx Avenue
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Free things to do in Edfu

What travellers say about Edfu

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YoYo_0T9A3B0LJune 16, 2025
5.0
埃德夫神庙的参观体验超出了我的所有期待!踏入这座庄严的殿堂,仿佛穿越了时空,每一块石雕和壁画都透露着浓厚的历史气息。我完全被这座神庙的宏伟与精美所震撼。这里的每一个角落都讲述着古老的故事,让人不禁对古埃及文明产生深深的敬意,这是一次灵魂深处的触动

Edfu Temple

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GullyAugust 9, 2023
5.0
Valley of the Kings is a must see in Egypt. The burial place of a ton of historical figures including King Tut. Give yourself plenty of time when going though because it takes a long time to see everything.

Valley of the Kings

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Sadman AayanSeptember 23, 2025
5.0
Luxor Temple 🏛️ – The Living Legacy of Ancient Thebes is a mesmerizing testament to Egypt’s rich history. ✨ Located in the heart of Luxor, this temple was a center of religious and political life for millennia. Its grand pylons, towering statues, and intricately carved walls tell stories of pharaohs, gods, and ancient ceremonies. 🌞 Visiting at sunrise or sunset enhances the magic, as the temple glows in golden light. 🌟 Walking through its majestic halls, you can feel the spirit of Thebes come alive. Luxor Temple is not just a site—it’s an unforgettable journey into the grandeur of ancient Egypt. 🏺

Luxor Temple

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朱朱HelloSeptember 24, 2026
5.0
Karnak Temple, located on the east bank of the Solo River in Luxor, Egypt, is the world's largest ancient temple complex, dedicated to the sun god Amun-Ra. The most spectacular part is the Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 massive sandstone columns. Standing beneath them is a truly awe-inspiring experience, as if stepping back in time. To explore, simply follow the central axis. Inside, there's also the Scarab Stele; it's said that turning it seven times clockwise brings good luck. The Hatshepsut Obelisk is the tallest surviving obelisk in Egypt. The Avenue of the Rams leads directly to Luxor Temple. Karnak Temple is undoubtedly one of the must-see attractions for any traveler to Egypt.

Karnak

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藤琦丝织January 6, 2025
5.0
The must-go route for Nile cruise ships, the locals selling big towels is the highlight

Esna lock

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莲子99October 20, 2020
5.0
It is also called the Twin Temples because two gods are enshrined here. This is the first place where the cruise ship departing from the Nile arrives in the evening. The night view here is more beautiful. The colonnade facing the river is more well preserved, and historical materials on subjects such as medicine can be seen inside.

Kom Ombo Temple

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我是水晶October 24, 2020
4.0
The Philae Temple is located in Aswan, Egypt. It was built on Philae Island in the Nile River south of Aswan City. It is dedicated to the goddess of love Isis. The Philae Temple complex you see today is not in its original location. After the Aswan Dam was built to store water, the temples were almost completely submerged. Since 1972, the Egyptian government has built a cofferdam around the temples to drain the river water in the cofferdam, and then dismantled the temples into more than 45,000 stones and more than 100 stone columns, and moved them to Aeglica Island, 500 meters north of Philae Island, as they were, and later opened them to the world.

Philae Temple

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误虚醉October 9, 2023
5.0
The Philae Temple on Agilkia Island was originally located on Philae Island, a small island in the shallows of the Nile River. After the British built the Nile Low Dam in 1902, the Philae Temple was submerged for several months every year. With the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the Philae Temple would be forever submerged. For this reason, the temple was moved as a whole to the nearby Akilkiia Island. Akilkia Island was not big enough, so it was deliberately expanded a little so that the temple could be rebuilt in its original form.

Agilkia Island

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fooler0809October 20, 2020
4.0
There are several statues of kings, all sitting, with their bodies made of huge stones. Their faces are broken and even a little sunken, which makes them look a bit funny. They are quietly placed on the lawn and are free to visit.

Colossi of Memnon

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还不曾去过倒悬山!October 5, 2020
4.0
The epitaphs on the tombstones of the ancient tombs here generally have a sentence, which translates into Chinese as "The cattle, sheep and crops that the Pharaoh entrusted us to manage are all growing well, and we have not deducted the slightest bit from the tributes we paid to the Pharaoh." Historians believe that it is this description of "there is no silver here" that reflects the Pharaoh's lack of control over the local area at that time.

Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Edfu?

Don't miss these attractions in Edfu: Edfu Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Luxor Temple. If you like Cultural experiences, try (Wonderful Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor & Balloon). If you enjoy Day tours, try Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple Tour: Discover Ancient Egyptian History.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple Tour: Discover Ancient Egyptian History, Aswan Double Temples Day Tour from Luxor | Private Transfer | Minimum 2 Travelers, and Edfu Temple from Luxor. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 21, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Edfu is around EUR 25.2 – EUR 325.91. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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