Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Luxor travel guide

Luxor Tourism | Luxor Guide

You're Going to Love Luxor

Luxor is Egypt's premier tourist destination due to it's wealth of ancient tombs, ruins, temples, and museums. Located right along the Nile River, it's also a popular place for both river boat rides and spectacular views of the Egyptian Sahara desert.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Luxor

1. Cruise of the Nile

Boat trips ranging from a few hours to a few days are available along the Nile River for very cheap, and are a great way to take in the iconic sandy landscape of Egypt.

2. The Valleys of the Kings and Queens

Walk between these two valleys, which for 500 years served as the place for rock cut tombs of ancient Pharoahs and their wives.

3. Karnak Temple

This complex holds many temples, chapels, and other buildings on the West Bank, including Hypostyle Hall, Ramesses the Third's Temple, and the Amun-ra Temple.

4. Banana Island

Take a short boat trip to this modern banana tree plantation, where you can sample the fruit and get a bite of traditional Egyptian food at the on-site restaurant.

5. Luxor Museum

This museum features many ancient pieces of artwork as well as historical artifacts and well-preserved mummies.

1. Cruise of the Nile

Boat trips ranging from a few hours to a few days are available along the Nile River for very cheap, and are a great way to take in the iconic sandy landscape of Egypt.

2. The Valleys of the Kings and Queens

Walk between these two valleys, which for 500 years served as the place for rock cut tombs of ancient Pharoahs and their wives.

3. Karnak Temple

This complex holds many temples, chapels, and other buildings on the West Bank, including Hypostyle Hall, Ramesses the Third's Temple, and the Amun-ra Temple.

4. Banana Island

Take a short boat trip to this modern banana tree plantation, where you can sample the fruit and get a bite of traditional Egyptian food at the on-site restaurant.

5. Luxor Museum

This museum features many ancient pieces of artwork as well as historical artifacts and well-preserved mummies.

What to do in Luxor

1. The Greatest Of Ruins

These are the remnants of Karnak, a veritable city of temples that was built thousands of years ago. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Egyptian gods, Mut, Amun and Khonsu, its stunning 200 acres was meant as a place of pilgrimage for the general Egyptian population. It stood from 2500 BC to nearly 100 AD and its sheer scale makes the cathedrals of later civilizations pale in comparison. As you roam these ancient ruins, remember that the enclosure of just Amun could hold 10 average European cathedrals while the main temple at the heart of Karnak is large enough to accommodate the cathedrals of St Peter's, Milan, and Notre Dame at the same time.

2. Where The Royals Lie

The Valley of the Kings, as it's so appropriately called, is a large area on the west bank of the Nile which contains no less than 63 tombs and chambers that were all cut between the 16th and 11th centuries BC for nobles and royals. These feature intriguing depictions of Egyptian mythology and symbols. As the principal burial place, this site is subject to new excavations every so often.

3. Crowning The Kings

Forged with the labor of a 1000 slaves and built of sandstone on the east bank of the Nile, the grand Luxor Temple was host to many an ancient Egyptian ceremony, as well as being a major place of worship. Its collection of temples feature chapels made specifically for marriages and coronations. During the day, you can wind through the temple complex's multiple gargantuan statues, especially at its entrance. At night, however, the area is set aglow from the ground by several hidden lamps lining the walkway, creating a truly mystical setting.

4. Statues Of The Divine

In ancient Egypt, to be royal was to be the hand of the divine. Carved in celebration of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC, these massive stone statues have withstood the sands of time remarkably well. They were intended as a marker to the entrance of Amenhotep's memorial temple, which covered, at its height, an area of 86 acres. Clearly, ancient Egyptians had a love for grandiosity and scale because these statues are larger than life and can be seen from far across the west bank.

5. Egyptology Thrives

While many of the stone statues, temple complexes, tombs and valleys of Luxor are dedicated to pharaohs, the Luxor Museum is dedicated to a larger study of the Egyptian civilization, royals, noblemen, peasants and warriors alike. This two-storey building was established in 1975 and is well worth a full day's visit, with its vast collection consisting of ancient artifacts, recovered grave goods and various parts of tombs. Included in the collection are antiquities dating from the Old Kingdom that give Egyptologists clues about daily life and social structure in ancient Egypt.

1. The Greatest Of Ruins

These are the remnants of Karnak, a veritable city of temples that was built thousands of years ago. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Egyptian gods, Mut, Amun and Khonsu, its stunning 200 acres was meant as a place of pilgrimage for the general Egyptian population. It stood from 2500 BC to nearly 100 AD and its sheer scale makes the cathedrals of later civilizations pale in comparison. As you roam these ancient ruins, remember that the enclosure of just Amun could hold 10 average European cathedrals while the main temple at the heart of Karnak is large enough to accommodate the cathedrals of St Peter's, Milan, and Notre Dame at the same time.

2. Where The Royals Lie

The Valley of the Kings, as it's so appropriately called, is a large area on the west bank of the Nile which contains no less than 63 tombs and chambers that were all cut between the 16th and 11th centuries BC for nobles and royals. These feature intriguing depictions of Egyptian mythology and symbols. As the principal burial place, this site is subject to new excavations every so often.

3. Crowning The Kings

Forged with the labor of a 1000 slaves and built of sandstone on the east bank of the Nile, the grand Luxor Temple was host to many an ancient Egyptian ceremony, as well as being a major place of worship. Its collection of temples feature chapels made specifically for marriages and coronations. During the day, you can wind through the temple complex's multiple gargantuan statues, especially at its entrance. At night, however, the area is set aglow from the ground by several hidden lamps lining the walkway, creating a truly mystical setting.

4. Statues Of The Divine

In ancient Egypt, to be royal was to be the hand of the divine. Carved in celebration of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC, these massive stone statues have withstood the sands of time remarkably well. They were intended as a marker to the entrance of Amenhotep's memorial temple, which covered, at its height, an area of 86 acres. Clearly, ancient Egyptians had a love for grandiosity and scale because these statues are larger than life and can be seen from far across the west bank.

5. Egyptology Thrives

While many of the stone statues, temple complexes, tombs and valleys of Luxor are dedicated to pharaohs, the Luxor Museum is dedicated to a larger study of the Egyptian civilization, royals, noblemen, peasants and warriors alike. This two-storey building was established in 1975 and is well worth a full day's visit, with its vast collection consisting of ancient artifacts, recovered grave goods and various parts of tombs. Included in the collection are antiquities dating from the Old Kingdom that give Egyptologists clues about daily life and social structure in ancient Egypt.

1. The Greatest Of Ruins

These are the remnants of Karnak, a veritable city of temples that was built thousands of years ago. Dedicated to the Theban triad of Egyptian gods, Mut, Amun and Khonsu, its stunning 200 acres was meant as a place of pilgrimage for the general Egyptian population. It stood from 2500 BC to nearly 100 AD and its sheer scale makes the cathedrals of later civilizations pale in comparison. As you roam these ancient ruins, remember that the enclosure of just Amun could hold 10 average European cathedrals while the main temple at the heart of Karnak is large enough to accommodate the cathedrals of St Peter's, Milan, and Notre Dame at the same time.

2. Where The Royals Lie

The Valley of the Kings, as it's so appropriately called, is a large area on the west bank of the Nile which contains no less than 63 tombs and chambers that were all cut between the 16th and 11th centuries BC for nobles and royals. These feature intriguing depictions of Egyptian mythology and symbols. As the principal burial place, this site is subject to new excavations every so often.

3. Crowning The Kings

Forged with the labor of a 1000 slaves and built of sandstone on the east bank of the Nile, the grand Luxor Temple was host to many an ancient Egyptian ceremony, as well as being a major place of worship. Its collection of temples feature chapels made specifically for marriages and coronations. During the day, you can wind through the temple complex's multiple gargantuan statues, especially at its entrance. At night, however, the area is set aglow from the ground by several hidden lamps lining the walkway, creating a truly mystical setting.

4. Statues Of The Divine

In ancient Egypt, to be royal was to be the hand of the divine. Carved in celebration of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC, these massive stone statues have withstood the sands of time remarkably well. They were intended as a marker to the entrance of Amenhotep's memorial temple, which covered, at its height, an area of 86 acres. Clearly, ancient Egyptians had a love for grandiosity and scale because these statues are larger than life and can be seen from far across the west bank.

5. Egyptology Thrives

While many of the stone statues, temple complexes, tombs and valleys of Luxor are dedicated to pharaohs, the Luxor Museum is dedicated to a larger study of the Egyptian civilization, royals, noblemen, peasants and warriors alike. This two-storey building was established in 1975 and is well worth a full day's visit, with its vast collection consisting of ancient artifacts, recovered grave goods and various parts of tombs. Included in the collection are antiquities dating from the Old Kingdom that give Egyptologists clues about daily life and social structure in ancient Egypt.

Where to Eat in Luxor

Africa Restaurant on the West Bank serves traditional Egyptian food in set menus that include several appetizers, a main dish, and dessert. Menus cost E£80 per person.

When to visit Luxor

Luxor in July
Estimated hotel price
S$ 103
1 night at 3-star hotel
Luxor in July
Estimated hotel price
S$ 103
1 night at 3-star hotel

Avoid the big tourist season and visit Luxor in early spring or fall for moderate temperatures, small crowds, and cheaper hotel rates.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Luxor

Plane

Luxor International Airport (LXR) is located 3.7 miles outside of Luxor city center. A trip from the airport to the city center costs around E£50.

Train

Trains between Ramses Station in Cairo and Luxor are an inexpensive way to travel between main Egyptian cities. One-way tickets cost roughly E£100-150.

Car

From Sinai, route 75M connects Sharm El Sheikh across the Suez Canal to Luxor and other mainland Egyptian cities.

Bus

Buses from Sinai terminate at the Luxor Temple, with a standard fare costing E£140 and taking 6.5 hours.

Plane

Luxor International Airport (LXR) is located 3.7 miles outside of Luxor city center. A trip from the airport to the city center costs around E£50.

Train

Trains between Ramses Station in Cairo and Luxor are an inexpensive way to travel between main Egyptian cities. One-way tickets cost roughly E£100-150.

Car

From Sinai, route 75M connects Sharm El Sheikh across the Suez Canal to Luxor and other mainland Egyptian cities.

Bus

Buses from Sinai terminate at the Luxor Temple, with a standard fare costing E£140 and taking 6.5 hours.

Airports near Luxor

LXRLuxor
HMBSohag Intl

Airlines serving Luxor

Lufthansa
Good (7,199 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,655 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (808 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,695 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,222 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,915 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (357 reviews)
easyJet
Good (1,817 reviews)
Air India
Okay (2,924 reviews)
Transavia France
Good (353 reviews)
Kuwait Airways
Good (302 reviews)
Aegean Airlines
Excellent (763 reviews)
Luxair
Good (59 reviews)
Air Arabia
Good (47 reviews)
Oman Air
Excellent (92 reviews)
South African
Good (35 reviews)
Jazeera Airways
Good (12 reviews)
Air Cairo
Good (32 reviews)
TUI Fly Belgium
Okay (36 reviews)
Neos Air
Excellent (44 reviews)
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Find flights to Luxor

Where to stay in Luxor

East Bank - this area features the Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, as well as many tourist hotels and restaurants.

Popular Neighborhoods in Luxor

West Bank - this side of the city has the bulk of ancient ruins, including the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.

Waset - this ancient city, once called "Thebes", has been referenced many times in historical literature and is around 15 minutes drive outside of Luxor center.

West Bank - this side of the city has the bulk of ancient ruins, including the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.
Waset - this ancient city, once called "Thebes", has been referenced many times in historical literature and is around 15 minutes drive outside of Luxor center.

Where to stay in popular areas of Luxor

Most booked hotels in Luxor

See all
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
S$ 169+
View
Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor Hotel & Convention Center
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 92+
View
Pavillon Winter Luxor
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 105+
View
Jolie Ville Hotel & Spa Kings Island Luxor
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 68+
View
Steigenberger Resort Achti Luxor
5 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 72+
View
Iberotel Luxor
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
S$ 71+
View

How to Get Around Luxor

Public Transportation

Minibuses are the cheapest and most common way to travel around the city, with most terminating at the train station. Fare is E£0.50 and can be paid directly to the driver on entering the bus.

Taxi

There are many taxis in Luxor. Taxi prices start at E£5 and cost around E£10-20 for a trip around Luxor.

Car

Rental cars and motorcycles can be picked up from the train or airport locations. Prices start at between E£50-200 a day.

Public Transportation

Minibuses are the cheapest and most common way to travel around the city, with most terminating at the train station. Fare is E£0.50 and can be paid directly to the driver on entering the bus.

Taxi

There are many taxis in Luxor. Taxi prices start at E£5 and cost around E£10-20 for a trip around Luxor.

Car

Rental cars and motorcycles can be picked up from the train or airport locations. Prices start at between E£50-200 a day.

The Cost of Living in Luxor

Shopping Streets

There are two main markets in Luxor for shopping, located side by side at the Market Hall near Luxor Temple. Here you can haggle over prices of textiles, local handicrafts, and other tourist souvenirs.

Groceries and Other

Most of the grocery shopping in Luxor is done at small farmers markets or "souks." A dozen eggs costs E£17.50.

Everything you need to know for your stay in Luxor

Other popular cities in Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh
Cairo
Alexandria
Hurghada
Giza

Luxor Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Luxor city guide for the best Luxor travel tips. To help you organise your Luxor trip ideas, this Luxor visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.