
Avenue of Sphinxes
A monumental 2.7 km avenue connecting Luxor and Karnak Temples, lined with hundreds of ancient sphinx statues.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, magical ambiance

Avenue of Sphinxes
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, magical ambiance

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental 2.7 km avenue connecting Luxor and Karnak Temples, lined with hundreds of ancient sphinx statues.
"The Avenue of Sphinxes offers a magical nighttime walk, connecting two of Egypt's most iconic temples."

🚶♀️ Walk or Ride?
Consider transport between temples; walking 2.7km can be long. Uber or bus are good options.
🌙 Nighttime Ambiance
Visiting at night offers a special, illuminated experience, though some areas can feel a bit isolated.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Processional Way
Luxor to Karnak Temples
A 2.7 km avenue lined with sphinx statues, connecting Luxor and Karnak Temples. A truly monumental ancient pathway.

Ram-Headed Sphinxes
Near Karnak Temple
Discover unique sphinxes with lion bodies and ram heads, symbolizing the god Amun-Ra. A fascinating detail of ancient worship.

Opet Festival Reenactments
Avenue of Sphinxes
Witness spectacular events like the Opet Festival, bringing ancient Egyptian celebrations to life with lights, music, and fireworks.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Avenue of Sphinxes
Navigating the Avenue of Sphinxes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk or Ride?
Consider transport between temples; walking 2.7km can be long. Uber or bus are good options.
🌙 Nighttime Ambiance
Visiting at night offers a special, illuminated experience, though some areas can feel a bit isolated.
🦁 Ram-Headed Details
Look for the unique ram-headed sphinxes near Karnak, symbolizing Amun-Ra.
🎉 Special Event Spectacle
Check for Opet Festival dates for a vibrant display of ancient traditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk or Ride?
Consider transport between temples; walking 2.7km can be long. Uber or bus are good options.
🌙 Nighttime Ambiance
Visiting at night offers a special, illuminated experience, though some areas can feel a bit isolated.
🦁 Ram-Headed Details
Look for the unique ram-headed sphinxes near Karnak, symbolizing Amun-Ra.
🎉 Special Event Spectacle
Check for Opet Festival dates for a vibrant display of ancient traditions.
🛍️ Nearby Amenities
Gift shops are available near the temple entrances for souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Avenue of Sphinxes impressive for its historical significance and the unique sphinx statues, especially the ram-headed ones. The illuminated nighttime walk is often described as magical. However, some note that the full 2.7 km can be a long and repetitive walk, with parts feeling less preserved or secure at night.
"Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are connected by a nearly three-kilometer-long Sphinx Avenue — the name alone sounds impressive! This avenue is lined on both sides with hundreds of sphinx statues with human faces."
詹頤
"This is 2.7km road between two temples. There are only some sphinxes left. It is a lighted walk at night but not bright enough. A bit scary along the way. However near the temples at either end, it feels safer."
David EB
"Stopped here real quick while visiting Luxor Temple, worth the stop! There is also a little gift shop right next to it."
Tony Apperson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Avenue of Sphinxes is located in Luxor, Egypt, connecting Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. You can reach either temple by taxi or ride-sharing services. Many visitors opt to take a taxi or Uber between the two temples rather than walking the entire 2.7 km stretch.
Yes, it is possible to walk the entire 2.7 km (1.7 miles) Avenue of Sphinxes. However, some travelers find it quite long and suggest using transportation, especially during warmer parts of the day.
For convenience, consider taking an Uber or a taxi between Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. Walking is an option, but it can be time-consuming and hot.
Yes, many tour operators in Luxor offer guided tours that include the Avenue of Sphinxes as part of a larger itinerary covering Luxor and Karnak Temples.
The Avenue of Sphinxes is generally accessible when the connected temples are open. Evening visits are popular for the illuminated atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Avenue of Sphinxes itself is an open pathway. You will need admission tickets for Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple to access the areas where the avenue begins and ends.
The Avenue of Sphinxes is typically accessible during daylight hours and often illuminated at night. However, access is generally tied to the operating hours of Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple.
There is no separate entrance fee for walking along the Avenue of Sphinxes itself. Your entry to Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple will grant you access to its respective ends.
Standard temple visiting etiquette applies. Be respectful of the historical site. Some areas might have restricted access for preservation.
Yes, many visitors enjoy walking the Avenue of Sphinxes at night when it is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. However, some parts might feel less secure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Avenue of Sphinxes is a 2.7 km processional way connecting Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. It was historically used for religious festivals, most notably the Opet Festival, and is lined with hundreds of sphinx statues.
The avenue features two main types of sphinxes: those with human heads and those with ram heads, particularly near Karnak Temple, symbolizing the god Amun-Ra.
You'll see hundreds of sphinx statues, some with human faces and others with ram heads. The avenue itself is a significant archaeological feature, offering a glimpse into ancient procession routes.
While efforts are made to maintain the avenue, some sections may have fewer intact sphinxes. The areas near the temples are generally better preserved and more accessible.
Restrooms and facilities are primarily located within Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. There are limited facilities directly along the avenue itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Evening visits when the avenue is illuminated also provide a unique photographic opportunity.
Generally, photography is allowed along the Avenue of Sphinxes. However, always be mindful of local customs and any specific signage within the temple complexes.
The sections with a high concentration of intact sphinxes, especially the ram-headed ones near Karnak, are particularly photogenic. The illuminated avenue at night is also a stunning subject.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites in Egypt. It's best to check with local authorities or your tour guide for current regulations.
You can capture wide shots of the avenue lined with sphinxes, close-ups of the intricate carvings, and atmospheric shots of the illuminated pathway at night.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opting for a taxi or Uber between the temples is highly recommended to avoid long walks under the sun. This allows families to see the key parts of the avenue without tiring out the little ones. Evening visits can also be more engaging for children, as the illuminated pathway adds a sense of wonder.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Look for local buses or shared taxis as potentially cheaper alternatives to private Ubers if you decide to use transport. Be mindful of horse-drawn carriage drivers who may approach you; some travelers advise against using them to avoid overpaying.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best light, aim for sunrise or sunset. The golden hour can cast a beautiful glow on the ancient stones. Night photography is also highly recommended, as the illuminated avenue provides a mystical and atmospheric scene.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of the Avenue of Sphinxes
The avenue is famously lined on both sides with hundreds of sphinx statues. These sphinxes are not uniform; many possess the body of a lion and the head of a ram, a representation of the principal deity Amun-Ra. This symbolism highlights themes of fertility, creation, and divine protection. Other sphinxes feature human heads, likely representing pharaohs or other significant figures. The sheer scale and the symbolic imagery underscore the religious and political importance of this processional way in ancient Egyptian society.
The grand reopening of the Avenue of Sphinxes in 2021, complete with a reenactment of the Opet Festival, brought renewed attention to this incredible historical site. This event showcased the avenue's potential for cultural tourism and its ability to bring ancient traditions to life for modern audiences.
Navigating the Avenue: Practicalities and Perspectives
Visiting the avenue at night offers a different, often magical, experience. The pathway is illuminated, creating a unique ambiance. However, some visitors have noted that certain stretches can feel a bit isolated or 'scary' after dark, particularly away from the temple entrances. It's advisable to stick to well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings if you choose a nighttime visit.
Along the avenue, you'll find gift shops near the temple entrances, offering a convenient spot for souvenirs. While the avenue itself is a historical marvel, some reviews mention that 'not much is left' in certain sections, and the experience can feel repetitive if walked in its entirety without context. Focusing on the sections near the temples or experiencing it during a special event like the Opet Festival can enhance the visit.




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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit