Things to do in Luxor

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All about Luxor

When to visit

The months of November through March are the most comfortable in Luxor, with warm, pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing. The downside of this season is that the city and its famous sites are fairly crowded. Winter also brings Luxor’s most popular annual events, including January’s Egyptian Marathon and March’s African Film Festival. The periods of April to May and September to October offer a trade-off between heat and crowds; if you can endure soaring temperatures, you’ll get more elbow room at the temples.

Getting around

Most visitors book tours to Luxor’s main sights, so transportation is only an issue if you’re exploring independently before or after these tours. You can stroll around downtown Luxor in the cool of the morning or at dusk, and hotel buses and local cabs always available when it’s too hot to walk. Cabs are cheap and ever-present, but make sure you negotiate a price before your trip. If you’re sightseeing by yourself, try the ferries to the West Bank that depart from the docks near Luxor Temple.

Traveler tips

While in Luxor, make sure to skip the hotel restaurants and fast-food joints at least once. The city has a number of mid-range eateries that offer visitors authentic Egyptian cuisine. To enjoy classic food in an old-world setting, try Sofra on Mohamed Farid Street, just a 10-minute walk from Luxor Temple. Settle into the lantern-lit interior or sit on the shaded terrace, and savor dishes like baba ganoush and stuffed pigeon, both of which are served with bowls of flatbread and chopped salad.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about Luxor, Egypt?

Luxor is special for two reasons. First, today’s city occupies the site of ancient Thebes, the long-ago capital of pharaonic Upper Egypt, giving it archaeological significance. This heritage also means the city has the highest concentration of ancient monuments of anywhere in Egypt, making it a popular tourist attraction.

What is Luxor, Egypt known for?

Luxor is famous for Karnak, a huge complex started after 2100 BC, and the Valley of the Kings, a network of pharaoh’s tombs—including Tutankhamun’s—in mountains on the Nile’s West Bank, facing the city. Other claims to fame include Hatshepsut Temple, another West Bank site, and Luxor Temple in the city center.

What is unique in Luxor?

The city stands out for its sheer number of antiquities. However, for uniqueness, the necropolis at Valley of the Kings on the Nile’s West Bank wins. Home to numerous rock-cut royal tombs, the hieroglyph-painted burial compounds include Ramses X, Hatshepsut, and Tutankhamun, whose treasures were famously discovered in 1922.

What is the big attraction near Luxor?

Karnak, sited just outside Luxor, is the city’s biggest attraction. A vast ensemble of temples, pylons, and halls covering 2,000 acres (80 hectares), it’s a tourist must-see for its grandiose scale. Don’t miss Hypostyle Hall, where 134 soaring stone columns—122 still standing—supported the roof.

Is Luxor, Egypt worth visiting?

Yes, it’s worth visiting, especially for history enthusiasts. Luxor sits where the ancient capital of Thebes stood and boasts well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage protection. Age-old ruins proliferate, from the tomb-filled Valley of the Kings to Karnak and sights including Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon statues.

How do I spend a day in Luxor?

Begin with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, floating above Luxor’s West and East Bank sights. Next, spend the morning exploring pharaohs’ tombs at the Valley of the Kings, along with Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon statues. Use the afternoon for experiencing Karnak and Luxor Temple.

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