Karnak Sound and Light Show

The sound and light show at Karnak is Luxor's best-known evening entertainment and a very different way to experience the great temple of Amun. As darkness falls, lighting picks out the pylons, colossal statues and columns, while a recorded narration with music tells the story of ancient Thebes, its monuments and the achievements of the pharaohs who built them. The show is run by the Misr Company for Sound, Light and Tourism Development, which also operates shows at other major sites in Egypt.

Karnak is described by the organisers as the largest open-air museum in the world, and seeing it at night makes its scale feel even greater. If you have already visited during the day, the show adds atmosphere and a narrative to the places you walked through; if you have not, it is a dramatic introduction before a daytime visit with a guide.

The show is offered in up to ten languages. The published schedule lists an English performance at 19:00 and a second show at 20:00, which rotates through other languages including Arabic, every day of the week. The organisers note that dates are subject to change and that the second show needs a minimum of five foreign visitors to run, so it is worth checking the current schedule and booking ahead online. Child tickets are available for ages six to twelve, and there is a VIP option.

The show suits couples, families with children old enough to sit through a long narration, and anyone who enjoys theatrical history. It is less suited to those expecting an accurate guided tour, as the script is dramatic rather than detailed. Evenings at Karnak can be cool in winter, so bring a light jacket, and wear comfortable shoes, as there is some walking on uneven ground.

Karnak is about 2.5 kilometres north of central Luxor, a short taxi or horse-carriage ride from most hotels. Arrive in good time before the start to collect tickets and find your place. Dinner at one of the riverside restaurants or a drink at a hotel bar in New Karnak, such as the Hilton's Sunset Bar & Terrace, makes a good way to round off the evening.