Luxor, Egypt is a great place to visit if you are looking to understand Egyptian culture and history. For those interested in architecture and Egyptian religion, Luxor is a must see. Luxor is best known for its many temples and historical sites. It is also a great region to but authentic Egyptian souvenirs and handicrafts.

1. Visiting Luxor is like visiting three different places. Luxor comprises the City of Luxor to the east of the Nile, the town of Karnak which is north of Luxor, and finally, on the west of the Nile, across from Luxor is Thebes.

2. Luxor is best known for the temple of Luxor, which is dedicated to Amon, the King of the Gods, Muts, his consort and Khons, their son. The temple has been built over the ruins of the original temple which was built over a hundred years earlier. Located in downtown Luxor, the temple can be reached on foot by anyone staying in a hotel here. The temple was once connected to the Karnak temple through a long processional street made of stone, called the Dromos.

3. The main temple at Karnak is another popular tourist sightseeing hotspot. It can be reached from a road built along a canal that once connected the Nile to the temple. The main entrance of the temple has a statue of Ramses II and his son at his feet.

4. In Thebes, the huge temple complex of Medinet Habu is one of region's main attractions and with square towers at the gate - it has an almost oriental appearance.

5. Towards Karnak, close to the Police station is the El-Mekashkesh Mosque, the oldest mosque in Luxor. This is another popular place to visit as it houses the remains of a 10th century Islamic saint rumoured to be a monk before converting to Islam.

6. The Winter Palace at Luxor is where people, including European royalty, came to get away from harsh winters. Visitors to the palace will be able to see artefacts from days of old on exhibit.

7. The Luxor museum is located halfway to Karnak. Although the museum is small, it offers a great deal of information and insight into the history and monuments found locally.

8. Shopping at Sharia al-Karnak can be delightful experience on account of the variety of items on offer. A number of stores and colourful bazaars offer a plethora of local crafts and souvenirs. The alabaster is famous and so is the clay pots used for cooking by the locals.

9. A trip down the longest river in the world, the Nile, cannot possibly be missed. A cruise along the Nile gives visitors a wonderful sightseeing experience of Egypt.

10. Luxor has innumerable hotels catering to different segments of visitors. From luxury to business hotels and budget accommodation, there is something for every one. Some of the hotels are Mara House, El Nakhil, Nefertiti Hotel, Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor, Hilton Luxor, Iberotel Luxor; and Hotel Sheherazade, to name just a few.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for apartments, bed and breakfasts, Apartment rental in Rome, hotels and Rome holiday rentals.