Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Archaeological Sites & Ruins

Karnak

Luxor, Egypt

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST RUINS & SITES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 19 2026
Karnak

A vast temple complex on the east bank of the Nile in Luxor, dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. Visitors walk along the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, past obelisks and the sacred lake.

Highlights

  • Great Hypostyle Hall
  • Avenue of ram-headed sphinxes
  • Obelisk of Hatshepsut

Good to know

  • Go early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds
  • Allow at least 3 hours for the visit
  • Guides are recommended, as there are few information boards

Also in Egypt

  1. Dendera Temple N° 4 Dendera Temple Qena Temple site
  2. Abu Simbel N° 14 Abu Simbel Abu Simbel Temple site
  3. Pyramids of Giza N° 17 Pyramids of Giza Giza Pyramid or tomb
  4. Saqqara N° 35 Saqqara Saqqara Pyramid or tomb
  5. Temple of Hatshepsut N° 38 Temple of Hatshepsut Luxor Temple site
  6. Temple of Khnum N° 54 Temple of Khnum Esna Temple site