Avenue of Sphinxes

The basics

Two sections of the Avenue of Sphinxes are open to the public, as ongoing excavations uncover the rest. At the southeastern end, the Avenue of Sphinxes is visible from inside Luxor Temple. The northwestern end of the Avenue of Sphinxes leads into the main entrance at Karnak Temple. Both Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple are key stops on many tours of the East Bank of the Nile.

Things to know before you go

• Avenue of Sphinxes is a must for history buffs.
• The portions of the site that are open to the public have no shade, so bring plenty of sun protection.
• Visit in the evening to see the Avenue of Sphinxes and temples illuminated.

How to get there

One portion of the Avenue of Sphinxes is located on the north side of the Luxor Temple, located on the East Bank of the Nile River at the intersection of the Nile Corniche and Mabad al Karnak. The other portion of the Avenue of Sphinxes is accessible from the south side of the Karnak Temple, located on the same side of the river off Sharia Maabad Al Karnak. Both sites can be visited on tours, with taxis, or using one of the horse-drawn carriages that ply the corniche.

When to get there

Powerful afternoon heat means it’s best to visit the Avenue of Sphinxes in the early morning hours. In the evening, however, the sphinxes and temples are atmospherically lit, and the corniche enjoys cool breezes off the Nile River. It’s also possible to see Karnak Temple at night, as the site hosts a popular sound and light show that’s a favorite with families.

Top attractions on the East Bank

Since crossing the Nile can cut into sightseeing time—it requires a boat trip or a long detour to the closest bridge—it’s worth visiting multiple sites on the East Bank at one time. In addition to the Avenue of Sphinxes, Luxor Temple, and Karnak Temple, top destinations in this area include the Luxor Museum, Nile Corniche, and small but fun Museum of Mummification.