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Avenue of Sphinxes

4.7
·847 reviews·, Egypt

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evening hours

Cooler temperatures, magical ambiance

CrowdMedium
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Avenue of Sphinxes - Image 1

Avenue of Sphinxes

Best Time

Evening hours

Cooler temperatures, magical ambiance

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(847 reviews)

"The Avenue of Sphinxes offers a magical nighttime walk, connecting two of Egypt's most iconic temples."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Processional Way

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

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

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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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to the Avenue of Sphinxes

The Avenue of Sphinxes connects Luxor and Karnak Temples. Consider visiting during cooler evening hours for a more comfortable experience, especially if walking the entire length. Check for special events like the Opet Festival, which can be spectacular but also draw larger crowds.

Navigating the Avenue of Sphinxes

While the Avenue of Sphinxes is a historical marvel, parts of it can feel isolated at night. Many visitors opt for transportation between the temples rather than walking the full 2.7 km. If you do walk, stick to well-lit areas near the temples and be aware of your surroundings.

Best Times

When
Evening hours
Why
Cooler temperatures, magical ambiance
Crowd
Medium
When
During Opet Festival
Why
Spectacular celebrations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Exploring Hidden Tunnel Beneath the Sphinx #ancient #sphinx #ancientcivilizations #mystery
@weltmysterien
792.2K likes • 18.9M views

🚶‍♀️ Walk or Ride?

Consider transport between temples; walking 2.7km can be long. Uber or bus are good options. TikTokReddit

🌙 Nighttime Ambiance

Visiting at night offers a special, illuminated experience, though some areas can feel a bit isolated. TikTokReddit

Pt. 1 Behind the scene of the next video! Do you want the result? Let’s go check it!!! 😜👌🏼 #sphinx #egypt #luxor #greenscreen #bts #backstage #part1 #lasvegas
@faffapix
363.4K likes • 18M views
Avenue of Sphinxes or The King's Festivities Road, also known as Rams Road  is a 2.7 km (1.7 mi) long avenue which connects Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple having been uncovered in the ancient city of Thebes (modern Luxor), with sphinxes and ram-headed statues lined up on both flanks. #usa #california #canada #oscars #californialove #texas #newyork #newyourkcity #america #cityofnight #losangele...
travelloo_tours
189 likes • 1.1K views

🦁 Ram-Headed Details

Look for the unique ram-headed sphinxes near Karnak, symbolizing Amun-Ra. Instagram+1

🎉 Special Event Spectacle

Check for Opet Festival dates for a vibrant display of ancient traditions. TikTokInstagram

Did you know that there is an Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor? It’s 2700 meters of Sphinxes! And some…have RAMS HEADS! But why? Our brilliant @amawaterways Egyptologist told us the secret! #luxurytravel #travelgoals #egyptologist #travelblog #traveltheworld #ancientegypt #egypttravel #visitegypt #egypt #thisisegypt #exploretravel #learnoninstagram #luxor #karnaktemple #luxoregypt #luxortemple
themegandaily
286 likes • 14.5K views

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. TikTokReddit

🌙 Nighttime Ambiance

Visiting at night offers a special, illuminated experience, though some areas can feel a bit isolated. TikTokReddit

🦁 Ram-Headed Details

Look for the unique ram-headed sphinxes near Karnak, symbolizing Amun-Ra. Instagram+1

🎉 Special Event Spectacle

Check for Opet Festival dates for a vibrant display of ancient traditions. TikTokInstagram

🛍️ Nearby Amenities

Gift shops are available near the temple entrances for souvenirs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(847 reviews)

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

Monumental historical pathway
Unique ram-headed sphinxes
Magical nighttime ambiance

What People Dislike

Long and repetitive walk
Parts feel less preserved
Can feel isolated at night

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

The Avenue of Sphinxes is generally accessible when the connected temples are open. Evening visits are popular for the illuminated atmosphere. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Standard temple visiting etiquette applies. Be respectful of the historical site. Some areas might have restricted access for preservation. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

Restrooms and facilities are primarily located within Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. There are limited facilities directly along the avenue itself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Evening visits when the avenue is illuminated also provide a unique photographic opportunity. TikTokReddit

Generally, photography is allowed along the Avenue of Sphinxes. However, always be mindful of local customs and any specific signage within the temple complexes. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Avenue of Sphinxes offers a unique opportunity to introduce children to ancient Egyptian history in a tangible way. While the full 2.7 km walk might be too much for very young children, focusing on the sections near Luxor Temple or Karnak Temple can be more manageable. The impressive sphinx statues, especially those with ram heads, are often a hit with kids. Consider bringing snacks and water, and plan for breaks. TikTok

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. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, walking parts of the Avenue of Sphinxes is a free activity once you've paid for entry into Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. While taking an Uber or taxi between the temples is convenient, it adds to the cost. If you're on a tight budget and have the stamina, walking a portion of the avenue can be a rewarding experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Avenue of Sphinxes presents fantastic photographic opportunities. The long, straight path lined with sphinxes creates dramatic leading lines, perfect for wide-angle shots. The ram-headed sphinxes near Karnak offer unique details for close-ups. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Purpose of the Avenue of Sphinxes

The Avenue of Sphinxes, also known as the 'Road of the Rams' or 'The King's Festivities Road,' is a monumental ancient pathway stretching approximately 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) in Luxor, Egypt. Its primary purpose was to connect the grand Luxor Temple with the even larger Karnak Temple complex. This sacred route served as the ceremonial path for important religious processions, most notably the annual Opet Festival. During this festival, statues of the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu were transported from Karnak to Luxor Temple, and then back again, accompanied by the pharaoh and a jubilant populace. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Instagram+2

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. TikTokInstagram+1

Navigating the Avenue: Practicalities and Perspectives

While the Avenue of Sphinxes is a breathtaking historical site, practical considerations are important for visitors. The full 2.7 km walk can be quite demanding, especially in Luxor's climate. Many travelers recommend using transportation, such as Uber or taxis, to travel between Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, rather than attempting the entire walk. This allows visitors to experience the key sections of the avenue without overexertion. TikTokReddit+1

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit+1

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