- Allow at least three days: one for the East Bank temples, two for the West Bank tombs and temples
- Start early, as sites get very hot by midday even in spring
- Stay on the East Bank for convenience or the West Bank for peace
- A sunrise balloon flight over the West Bank is a highlight
- Airports
- Luxor International (LXR)
- Best time to go
- October-April
- Type
- City
Luxor is built on the site of ancient Thebes, capital of Egypt at the height of its power, and the city is effectively an open-air museum. On the East Bank stand the vast temples of Karnak and Luxor; across the Nile, in the hills of the West Bank, lie the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the mortuary temples of pharaohs and queens.
It is also the starting or finishing point for most Nile cruises, and an easy combination with the Red Sea. For the bigger picture, see our Egypt guide.
Where to stay
- East Bank – where most hotels are, from historic riverside grand hotels on the Corniche to modern chains. Close to Luxor Temple, Karnak, restaurants and the train station.
- West Bank – quieter, with small guesthouses and boutique hotels among sugar cane fields and villages, a short ferry ride across the river. Ideal for early starts at the tombs.
- On a cruise ship – most Nile cruises moor at Luxor for one or two nights, so your boat can double as your hotel.
Things to do
- Karnak Temple – a huge complex built over some 2,000 years. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with 134 giant columns, is unforgettable. Go at opening time.
- Luxor Temple – in the middle of town, and at its best in the late afternoon and after dark when it is floodlit. The restored Avenue of Sphinxes connects it with Karnak.
- Valley of the Kings – the burial place of New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Seti I.
- Temple of Hatshepsut – the terraced temple at Deir el-Bahari, set against sheer cliffs.
- Medinet Habu – Ramses III's temple, with some of the best-preserved painted reliefs anywhere, and far fewer visitors.
- The Valley of the Queens and the Tombs of the Nobles – smaller tombs with vivid scenes of daily life.
- Colossi of Memnon – two giant statues on the road to the West Bank sites; a quick photo stop.
- Hot-air balloon flight – sunrise flights drift over the West Bank temples and fields. Use an established operator.
The Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum are small, cool and well presented: good for the hottest part of the day.
Getting there and around
There are seasonal direct flights from the UK to Luxor in the cooler months; check current schedules. Otherwise, fly to Cairo and connect on a one-hour EgyptAir flight, or take the overnight sleeper train. Luxor is also around three to four hours by road from Hurghada on the Red Sea.
The airport is about 20 minutes from the East Bank. Taxis and horse-drawn calèches are everywhere, but agree a fare first. The public ferry across the Nile costs very little. For the West Bank, hire a driver for the day, ideally with a licensed guide.
When to go
October to April is ideal, with sunny days around the mid-20s °C in winter. December to February is the busiest time. From May to September temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C, so visit the sites at opening time and rest in the afternoon. Prices drop sharply in summer.
Top attractions in Luxor
Luxor on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Luxor?
Three days is ideal: one on the East Bank and two on the West Bank. Two days covers the highlights at a brisk pace.
Is it worth taking a Nile cruise from Luxor?
Yes, if you want to see Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan without repeated packing. A three- or four-night cruise between Luxor and Aswan is the classic option.
Is a Luxor balloon ride safe?
Flights operate under civil aviation rules, and many thousands of people fly each season. Choose a well-reviewed operator, and be aware that flights are cancelled when the wind is too strong.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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