Egypt travel guide
Luxor
Yes, Luxor is worth visiting for Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Luxor in brief
Yes, Luxor is worth visiting for Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Allow about three days to see both banks of the Nile without rushing, and go between October and April for cooler weather.
Why visit Luxor
Visit Luxor for ancient Egyptian temples, royal tombs, and museums on both banks of the Nile. On the East Bank, explore Karnak's Great Hypostyle Hall and Luxor Temple, linked by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Museum adds context with artifacts found at nearby sites.
Across the river, the West Bank holds the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and Medinet Habu. Allow about three days to explore both banks without rushing. October through April brings more comfortable weather for the exposed sites. Start outdoor visits early, wear comfortable shoes, and arrange transport between the spread-out West Bank sites.
History, tips, best time to go and what to see.
Read the full Luxor guideWhat to see
Top Places to Visit in Luxor
Sail the Nile
Top Nile Cruises from Luxor
Popular routes: 4 nights Luxor to Aswan · 7 nights Luxor round trip.
Luxury · 3N / 4N / 7N
Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
The Oberoi Zahra offers a luxury Nile cruise experience, blending sophisticated modern design with personalized service on the iconic journey between Luxor…
Cruise from, per person$2,815View
Luxury · 3N / 4N
Sonesta St. George I
The Sonesta St. George I is a luxury Nile cruise ship offering upscale accommodations and personalized service on voyages between the historic…
Cruise from, per person$1,500View
Luxury · 3N / 4N
Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
The Steigenberger Legacy offers a luxury Nile cruise experience, blending sophisticated European hospitality with authentic Egyptian charm for travelers seeking an upscale…
Cruise from, per person$850View
Deluxe · 3N / 4N
Iberotel Crown Emperor Nile Cruise
The Iberotel Crown Emperor is a deluxe Nile cruise ship offering upscale voyages between Luxor and Aswan, blending modern comforts with traditional…
Cruise from, per person$750View
Deluxe · 3N / 4N
Nile Premium Nile Cruise
Nile Premium is a deluxe river cruiser offering a sophisticated and tranquil environment for travelers exploring the historic monuments between Luxor and…
Cruise from, per person$780View
Deluxe · 3N / 4N
MS Radamis I Nile Cruise
The Radamis I is a Deluxe Nile cruise ship offering upscale accommodations and professional service for travelers exploring the historic river between…
Cruise from, per person$750View
What to book
Recommended Luxor tours
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Aswan Day Trip from Luxor: High Dam, Philae & Unfinished Obelisk
Luxor · Aswan
- Guided toursEgyptologist guide
- MealsAs listed
Private West Bank Luxor Tour: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Memnon
Luxor
- Guided toursEgyptologist guide
5-Day Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Tour with Domestic Flights
Cairo · Luxor · Aswan
- 4 nightsIn hotels
- Domestic flightsIncluded
- Guided toursEgyptologist guide
- Entrance ticketsIncluded
11-Day Egypt & Jordan: Pyramids, Luxor and Dead Sea
Cairo · Luxor · Amman · Petra · Dead Sea
- 10 nightsIn hotels
- Guided toursGuide included
- MealsAs listed
10-Day Egypt & Jordan: Giza, Luxor, and Petra
Cairo · Luxor · Amman · Petra · Wadi Rum
- 9 nightsIn hotels
- Guided toursGuide included
- MealsAs listed
Where to stay
Top Hotels in Luxor
Maritim Jolie Ville Kings Island
Luxor
Maritim Jolie Ville Kings Island is a tranquil five-star sanctuary set on a private island in the Nile, offering lush landscaped gardens and views of the river and Luxor's landscape.
View Hotel
Pavillon Winter Luxor
Luxor
Pavillon Winter Luxor offers a refined 5-star experience set within the lush tropical gardens of a historic landmark estate in the heart of Luxor.
View HotelPyramisa Island Hotel Luxor
Luxor
Pyramisa Island Hotel Luxor is a 5-star resort situated on a private island in the middle of the Nile, offering an exclusive sanctuary with panoramic river views.
View HotelHilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Luxor
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers a five-star experience on the banks of the Nile, providing a tranquil sanctuary near Egypt's best-known ancient monuments.
View HotelSteigenberger Resort Achti Luxor
Luxor
Steigenberger Resort Achti Luxor is a luxury 5-star retreat set within expansive tropical gardens along the scenic banks of the Nile River.
View HotelPlan your visit
Useful travel information for Luxor
Best time to visit
The most comfortable time to visit is from October through April. The winter months offer cooler weather for walking through the unshaded archaeological sites.
How many days?
Plan for three days to see the major sites on both sides of the river without rushing. This allows one full morning for the West Bank tombs and plenty of time for the expansive temple complexes.
Getting around
Taxis and ride-sharing apps are common for getting between sites, while the public ferry or motorboats cross the Nile. Many people hire a private driver for a full day to reach the West Bank locations.
FAQs
Luxor FAQs
Which bank should I stay on in Luxor?
Stay on the East Bank to be close to restaurants, shops and the train station. The West Bank is quieter and closer to the tombs, but you'll cross the river for most city amenities.
How do I get from Cairo to Luxor?
Fly. The domestic flight takes about an hour. The sleeper or day train is the slower option, at roughly nine to ten hours.
Is the Valley of the Kings included in the main ticket?
Partly. The standard ticket covers three tombs from the general list. Tombs such as Tutankhamun's or Seti I's need their own ticket, bought at the gate.
Can you walk between the temples in Luxor?
On the East Bank, yes: the Avenue of Sphinxes links Luxor Temple and Karnak, about 3 km. On the West Bank the sites are spread across the desert, so you'll need a car.
Is it safe to visit Luxor?
Yes, Luxor is a major tourism center and generally considered safe for visitors. Expect persistent vendors and touts near temple entrances; a polite, firm no, thank you works.
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