Venice
Venice is a magical city built on water, where gondolas glide through narrow canals, historic palaces line the Grand Canal, and every bridge tells a story. It’s a destination like no other, offering romance, art, and an enchanting sense of timelessness.
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Inhabitants:
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Approximately 50,000 in the historic center (260,000 including the mainland districts) |
Altitude:
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1–2 meters above sea level |
Holidays:
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History
Venice, founded in the 5th century, was built on a series of islands in the Venetian Lagoon as a refuge from barbarian invasions. By the 10th century, it became a powerful maritime republic, dominating trade routes between Europe and the East. Venice flourished during the Renaissance, becoming a cultural and economic hub. Its unique architecture, art, and engineering marvels, like the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Basilica, reflect its opulent past. Despite challenges like rising sea levels, Venice remains a symbol of resilience and creativity.
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Itineraries
Day 1
- Morning: Start at Piazza San Marco, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and climbing the Campanile for panoramic views of the city.
- Afternoon: Tour the Doge’s Palace, including its eerie prisons connected by the Bridge of Sighs.
- Evening: Stroll along the Rialto Bridge, explore the nearby market, and enjoy a sunset gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

A bubble waffle ice cream at the Rialto Bridge
Day 2
- Morning: Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, featuring modern art masterpieces, and walk along the Zattere waterfront.
- Afternoon: Explore the quieter Cannaregio district, including the historic Jewish Ghetto.
- Evening: Take a Vaporetto to Giudecca Island for dinner with stunning views of Venice’s skyline.
Day 3
- Morning: Take a day trip to Murano for its famous glassmaking workshops and Burano for its colorful houses.
- Afternoon: Visit Torcello, a tranquil island with a 7th-century basilica and mosaics.
- Evening: Return to Venice and enjoy a final stroll through its romantic streets.

The colorful houses of Burano
Natural Attractions
- Venetian Lagoon: The tranquil waters surrounding Venice are perfect for boat tours, offering stunning views of the islands and city.
- Giudecca Canal: A peaceful escape with picturesque views of Venice and its lagoon.
- Lido Beaches: Venice’s Lido Island offers sandy beaches and a relaxing break from the city’s hustle.

View of St Mark’s Campanile from the Giudecca Canal
Historical and Cultural Attractions
- St. Mark’s Basilica: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture adorned with golden mosaics and intricate details.
- Doge’s Palace: The former seat of Venice’s government, showcasing Gothic architecture, opulent chambers, and historic artifacts.
- Grand Canal: The main waterway lined with palaces, offering a glimpse into Venice’s grandeur.
- Rialto Market: A bustling market showcasing fresh produce, seafood, and local Venetian life.
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco: Home to stunning Tintoretto paintings, this is a hidden gem for art lovers.

Colossal statue of Ramses II at Karnak Temple
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.

My visit to the Karnak Temple Hypostyle Hall back in 2017/2018
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
- 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
- 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
- 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

An obelisk at Karnak Temple
Buy
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- El-Khayamiya
- Address: Karnak Road, Luxor
- Description: Specializing in traditional hand-stitched quilts and wall hangings.
- 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.

The Hypostyle Hall of Karnak Temple
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
I’d love to hear from you! 🌍 Have you wandered through the ancient wonders of Luxor, or is it on your travel wish list? Share your favorite experiences, must-see spots, or any questions about this incredible city in the comments below. Let’s swap stories, tips, and inspiration for exploring the heart of Egypt! 💬👇