Luxor

Luxor, often called the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike. From majestic temples and tombs to the tranquil Nile River, Luxor offers an unforgettable journey into ancient Egyptian civilization and a vibrant local culture.

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Itineraries

Day 1

• Start at Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious complexes in the world.
• Take a midday break by the Nile for a scenic lunch.
• Visit Luxor Temple in the late afternoon and stay to witness it illuminated at night.

Karnak Temple

Day 2

• Cross the Nile to the West Bank and explore the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried in intricate tombs.
• Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning tribute to Egypt’s only female pharaoh.
• End the day at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues guarding the West Bank.

Temple of Hatshepsut

Natural Attractions

• The Nile River: A sunset felucca ride on the Nile is an unforgettable way to experience Luxor’s serene beauty.
• Banana Island (Gezira el-Mozh): A small island on the Nile offering lush greenery, local produce, and a peaceful escape.
• Desert Scenery: The West Bank’s stark desert landscapes provide stunning contrasts to Luxor’s fertile areas.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

• Karnak Temple: A colossal site with enormous columns, sacred lakes, and intricately carved hieroglyphics.
• Valley of the Kings: Home to over 60 royal tombs, including that of Tutankhamun. The richly decorated walls offer a glimpse into ancient beliefs about the afterlife.
• Luxor Museum: A treasure trove of artifacts, including mummies and statues, displayed in an elegant modern setting.
• Temple of Hatshepsut: A marvel of ancient architecture built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

Instagrammable Places

• Karnak Temple Hypostyle Hall: Rows of massive sandstone columns make for awe-inspiring photos.
• Luxor Temple at Night: The dramatic lighting creates a magical atmosphere for photography.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Capture breathtaking views of the Nile, temples, and desert at sunrise.
• Colossi of Memnon: These iconic statues provide a perfect backdrop for your Luxor adventure.

Visit Next

• Edfu (110 km south): Visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
• Esna (55 km south): Known for its smaller but intricately decorated Temple of Khnum.
• Qena (65 km north): Explore the Temple of Dendera, dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love and music.
• Aswan (220 km south): A serene city on the Nile, home to the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the gateway to Abu Simbel.

What to Do

Activities

• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Luxor at sunrise, floating over the Valley of the Kings, Nile River, and temples.
• Felucca Rides on the Nile: Sail the calm waters of the Nile at sunset for a peaceful and scenic experience.
• West Bank Exploration: Spend a day uncovering the wonders of the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
• Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple: This evening event takes you through the temple’s history with dramatic lighting and storytelling.
• Camel or Horseback Riding: Explore the West Bank’s desert scenery on a guided tour with a camel or horse.

Nightlife

Luxor offers a more laid-back nightlife scene, with highlights such as:

• Winter Palace Bar: A sophisticated spot for cocktails in a historic colonial-era hotel.
• Genesis Pub (Al-Mahatta Road): A cozy bar offering a casual atmosphere and live music.
• Nile-side Cafés: Enjoy shisha and tea while soaking in views of the river at places like Sunrise Bar near the Corniche.

So many old hieroglyphs in the Hypostyle Hall

Eat

Typical Cuisine

• Koshari: A hearty mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and spicy tomato sauce. Try it at Aboudi Restaurant (Midan El-Luxor).
• Foul and Ta’ameya (Egyptian Falafel): Breakfast staples made from fava beans and fried falafel. Grab some at Sofra Restaurant (90 Mohamed Farid Street).
• Stuffed Pigeons: A local delicacy served at El Hussein Restaurant (Sharia Karnak).
• Sugarcane Juice: A refreshing drink, available from local street vendors throughout the city.

Restaurant Recommendations

1. Sofra Restaurant & Café
• Address: 90 Mohamed Farid Street, Luxor
• Description: A beautifully restored house offering authentic Egyptian dishes in a vintage setting. Try the mezze platters and molokhia soup.
• Price Range: €10–€15 per person
2. 1886 Restaurant
• Address: Winter Palace Hotel, Corniche El Nile Street, Luxor
• Description: A fine dining experience with French-inspired cuisine. Dress code required.
• Price Range: €25–€50 per person
3. Al-Sahaby Lane Restaurant
• Address: El-Mansheya, Luxor
• Description: A rooftop restaurant with Nile views, serving Egyptian and international dishes. Their grilled meats and seafood are highly recommended.
• Price Range: €15–€20 per person

Buy

1. Habiba Gallery
• Address: El-Gezira Road, West Bank, Luxor
• Description: A boutique shop offering handmade jewelry, textiles, and art. Perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.
2. Souk Al-Luxor
• Address: Sharia el Souk, Luxor
• Description: The bustling local market is filled with spices, scarves, pottery, and more. Haggle for the best prices!
3. Fair Trade Egypt
• Address: Luxor Souq, near Abu Haggag Mosque
• Description: A shop supporting local artisans with ethically made products like baskets, carvings, and textiles.
4. El-Khayamiya
• Address: Karnak Road, Luxor
• Description: Specializing in traditional hand-stitched quilts and wall hangings.
5. Sandal Workshop
• Address: Near Luxor Temple, Corniche El Nile
• Description: A workshop offering handmade leather sandals and belts.

Spices and pumices at a store

Visit

Best Time to Visit

• Avoiding the Crowds: Visit between October and April when temperatures are more comfortable (18–30°C). This period offers a pleasant climate for exploring temples and tombs without the overwhelming summer heat.
• For Activities: Spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) are ideal for outdoor activities like hot air balloon rides and felucca cruises on the Nile.
• Unique Festivities:
• Moulid of Abu Haggag: Held two weeks before Ramadan, this local celebration features parades, music, and traditional rituals.
• Ramadan Nights: While not specific to Luxor, Ramadan transforms the city into a lively hub of nighttime feasts and markets.
• Best Photography Motifs:
• Sunrise shots from a hot air balloon over the West Bank.
• Sunset at Luxor Temple, with golden hues illuminating the ruins.
• Capturing the hypostyle hall of Karnak Temple, with its towering columns and intricate carvings.

How Long to Visit (Ideal Trip Duration)

A stay of 3–4 days is perfect to cover Luxor’s main attractions, including the East Bank, the West Bank, and a relaxing felucca ride on the Nile. For those interested in deeper exploration, a week allows time to visit nearby temples and enjoy local culture.

Arrival & Transport

Get There

• By Plane: Fly into Luxor International Airport (LXR), which is 6 km from the city center. Regular flights are available from Cairo, major Middle Eastern hubs, and some European cities.
• By Train: Egypt’s national railway connects Luxor to Cairo (about 10 hours) and Aswan (3–4 hours). Opt for a first-class seat or a sleeper train for comfort.
• By Ship: Nile cruises are a popular way to arrive, with multi-day journeys starting from Aswan or Cairo. Luxor is a key stop on many itineraries.
• By Car: Renting a car isn’t common due to local driving conditions, but private car services or organized tours are convenient for reaching Luxor from nearby cities.
• By Bus: Budget-friendly buses run from Cairo, Aswan, and Hurghada, but they can be less comfortable for long journeys.

Get Around

• By Taxi: Widely available but always negotiate the fare upfront.
• By Horse-Drawn Carriage (Caleche): A traditional and scenic way to explore the city center.
• By Ferry: A local ferry connects the East and West Banks of the Nile, offering a cheap and authentic mode of transport.
• By Bike: Cycling is a great way to explore the West Bank’s quieter roads and archaeological sites.
• By Minibus: Shared minibuses are a cheap option but can be confusing for newcomers due to unmarked stops.

Stay

1. Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor
• Description: This luxurious colonial-era hotel overlooks the Nile and features lush gardens, opulent rooms, and exceptional service. Perfect for a splurge-worthy stay.
• Address: Corniche El Nile Street, Luxor
• Price: €200–€300 per night
2. Steigenberger Nile Palace
• Description: A modern riverside hotel with spacious rooms, multiple pools, and a prime location near Luxor Temple. Ideal for comfort and convenience.
• Address: Khaled Ibn Al Walid Street, Luxor
• Price: €120–€180 per night
3. Al Moudira Hotel
• Description: A boutique hotel on the West Bank, offering Arabian-inspired architecture, lush courtyards, and tranquil surroundings. Great for a unique and intimate experience.
• Address: West Bank, Luxor
• Price: €150–€250 per night
4. Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
• Description: A luxurious spa resort with infinity pools overlooking the Nile, elegant rooms, and excellent dining options. Ideal for relaxation after exploring.
• Address: El-Karnak El-Gadid Street, Luxor
• Price: €150–€220 per night
5. Maritim Jolie Ville Kings Island
• Description: Located on a private island in the Nile, this family-friendly resort offers spacious bungalows, lush gardens, and plenty of activities for all ages.
• Address: Awameya Road, Kings Island, Luxor
• Price: €90–€140 per night
6. Nefertiti Hotel
• Description: A budget-friendly option with a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of Luxor Temple and the Nile. Known for its friendly staff and great location.
• Address: El-Sahabi Street, Luxor
• Price: €30–€60 per night