Luxor is one of Egypt’s most evocative destinations. There’s so much to do, from descending deep underground to some of the world’s most spectacular tombs, to sunset sailing on the Nile, gliding gently over the West Bank in a hot air balloon, marvelling at exquisite temples and toasting your trip with drinks at the historic Winter Palace.
As well as the incredible things to do, you’ll find Luxor to be more calm and orderly than places like Cairo and Giza, so a trip here is generally much more relaxing - although this is still Egypt, so you’ll need to get your haggle on!
Here’s all the best things to do in Luxor, along with some general city tips at the end of the post.
-
1: Visit the Valley of the Kings
2: Sail into the sunset on a traditional felucca
3. Soak in the atmosphere of the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple
4. See the best preserved art of ancient Egypt at The Valley of the Queens
5. Wander the galleries of the Luxor Museum by night
6. Toast your trip with drinks at the Winter Palace
7. Visit Howard Carter’s House and the incredible replica of Tutankhamen’s tomb
8. See the lesser visited (but vibrant) tombs in the Valley of the Nobles
9. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon
10. Admire the unique carvings at Medinat Habu Temple
11. Sample the Bedouin inspired food at Sofra Restaurant
12. Get up close with mummies you wouldn’t expect at the Mummification Museum
13. Wander the historic Luxor Temple
14. Check out the most beautifully located temple in Luxor
15. Sip drinks beside the Nile
16. Escape the crowds at the Ramesseum
Things to do in Luxor
1. Be blown away by the incredible tombs at the Valley of the Kings
Forgive us for starting with the obvious, but the Valley of the Kings is Luxor’s unmissable destination.
The scale of the tombs here are incredible and you’ll find exquisite artwork so well preserved that you’ll be wondering how it can possibly be over 3000 years old.
Twelve of them are currently open to the public, and even those with little knowledge of ancient Egypt will be in awe.
Exactly what your experience will be like depends on which tombs you choose to visit. If you’re willing to splash the cash, you can enter the most phenomenal tomb of them all (and no it doesn’t belong to King Tut).
The tomb of Seti I has a golden burial chamber, floor to ceiling artwork across several rooms, and low lighting - making it the most atmospheric tomb in the valley (and we visited them all).
However, you don’t have to spend much to see tombs without another soul in sight - you just need to know which to go for.
One of our favourites is located just outside the main valley and had to be opened especially for us (yet entry is just a few dollars), it felt like a real Indiana Jones moment!
We’ve detailed our personal experience and tips for every tomb in the valley in this guide.
2. Sail into the sunset on a traditional felucca
If you’re looking for the most relaxing way to end a day in Luxor, this is it. Sailing along the Nile, bathed in golden light, is a quintessential Egyptian experience, especially if you’re not planning on doing a Nile cruise.
The traditional feluccas are the way to go, and it’s wonderful to drift along the water without the typical engine noise.
A couple of hours is enough time to enjoy the river and stop at Banana Island to pick up some fruit for a late afternoon snack. There’s not much to see on the journey, it’s more about relaxing and looking out for the local birdlife (sadly you’ll also be doing a fair amount of plastic spotting), but it’s a great trip and especially captivating at sunset.
You don’t need a tour to do this, you can easily organise your own private boat down at the dock opposite the Winter Palace Hotel. If you don’t want to negotiate with the boat drivers directly, ask your taxi driver to help (although they’ll take a cut).
Our boat was USD $20 for four people for around 2.5 hours - this is by no means the best price you could get if you haggled yourself instead of using a driver, but we were short on time.
3. Soak in the atmosphere of the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple
I’ve visited Karnak Temple three times now and it never loses its magic. Although the site is huge, it’s the 134 giant columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall that will be forever etched in your memory.
Walking amongst them makes you feel small in the best possible way. Some still have detailed artwork in quite good condition, although most is largely worn away.
As Karnak is one of the most popular sites in Luxor, it does get very, very busy. If you want to skip the crowds, we’d recommend visiting as soon as it opens at 6am. This is also the most beautiful time of day for light if you’re keen on photography.
This time around we visited in the late afternoon and stayed until sunset, which was lovely, although very busy.
As well as the Great Hypostyle Hall (where you’ll find the columns) it’s worth also walking through the temple to the sacred lake at the southern end. There is also a small “open air” museum (which is essentially a lot of artefacts laid on the ground beside some smaller temples) onsite if you’re really keen.
4. See the best preserved art of ancient Egypt at The Valley of the Queens
The Valley of the Queens is not a must do in the same way as the Valley of the Kings, but for one extraordinary tomb.
A tomb so extraordinary that you’ll have to pay a staggering 1,400 EGP (USD $45) for a mere 10 minutes inside its elaborate chambers.
The first time I saw the price written down I assumed it was a typo - surely it’s 140 EGP?! But no, it’s 1400 and despite this, the allure of a tomb so exquisite that this price could be charged was just too much, and we knew we had to visit.
The paintings are unlike any you will see anywhere else in Luxor. Despite being over 3200 years old, many are still pristine and so vivid that I had to google afterwards that they really hadn’t been touched up (they hadn’t).
Visiting the tomb of Queen Nefertari, was probably the most expensive 10 minutes of my life, but the memory will last forever.
We have a detailed guide to the tomb to help you make up your own mind as to whether you should visit - and it includes a tip for how you can extend your time beyond the 10 minute allowance.
5. Wander the galleries of the Luxor Museum by night
The Luxor Museum is pretty much my ideal museum. It’s small enough that you feel like you can see it all, and the information panels are interesting and informative, without being overwhelming.
The artefacts are also fascinating and you’ll find everything from a mummified princess, to beautifully carved statues of various pharaohs, and even some reliefs from Karnak Temple - which allow you to see the detail up close.
My personal favourite time to visit is at night, not only is it quieter and more atmospheric, but you won’t have to take any time away from daytime activities.
At time of writing, the museum is open at split times, from 9am to 2pm, and then again from 5pm to 9pm.
6. Toast your trip with drinks at the Winter Palace
The Winter Palace is Luxor’s most prestigious hotel, and it’s welcomed guests from Winston Churchill to Agatha Christie.
If you don’t have the budget to stay here, then you can still pop in for drinks or something to eat.
Having a glass of wine in the Royal Bar, or a cup of tea in the Victorian lounge is a great way to soak up that old world charm.
They also have a fabulous garden, with tropical trees and plenty of delightful little Hoopoes.
7. Visit Howard Carter’s House and the incredible replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb
Howard Carter is the Egyptologist who rose to fame when he discovered the un-looted tomb of King Tutankhamun.
We’d watched quite a few documentaries featuring Carter before we arrived in Luxor, so we were really keen to visit his house, but you definitely don’t need to know anything about him to enjoy having a poke around the old mud brick home (built in 1910).
Before the house became a tourist attraction, it was converted into a guesthouse, so though lots of care has been taken when recreating the house as it would have once been (using old photographs and descriptions), it’s not completely authentic.
I especially enjoyed reading some of the letters which have been been put up on the wall - the one between Carter and his long term financial backer and friend, Lord Carnarvon was especially poignant.
Don’t miss the exact replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb, which is also onsite and included in the entry fee (it’s literally indistinguishable from the real thing and a cheaper option if you don’t want to pay the entry fee to the original).
8. See the lesser visited (but vibrant) tombs in the Valley of the Nobles
With so many outstanding historical sites on offer in the Luxor area, the Valley of the Nobles often gets overlooked. If you have even an hour to spare, then we highly recommend you don’t make the same mistake.
Sennefer’s tomb was actually one of our favourites in the whole of the West Bank, with fantastically well preserved artwork, including the most charming ceiling, covered in grape vines and other bright colourful patterns.
As these tombs are not royal tombs, you’ll also see different scenes depicted in the artwork, that of daily life rather than awe inspiring gods.
We also really enjoyed the tomb of Rekhmire. This tomb was not as well preserved, but dark and mysterious - how you imagine tomb exploring in Egypt might be. Keep an eye out for the wonderful depictions of giraffes, cheetahs, baboons and monkeys to the left of the entrance.
Details on accessing the tombs and more tips for your visit are in this guide.
9. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon
I took a hot air balloon ride over Luxor on my first visit - and the photos really weren’t up to scratch, which is why I haven’t included them here. The experience however was wonderful and also very reasonably priced compared to anywhere else in the world. The flights coincide with sunrise, so it’s a beautiful time of day to glide over the West Bank. The aim is to fly over the Valley of the Kings, although the wind doesn’t always cooperate.
It’s so peaceful up in the air and not in the least bit scary - and that comes from someone who is scared of flying. Landings can be a bit bumpy, but you know when you’re about to land and can hold on.
All in all, there’s no more memorable way to begin your day than gliding over Luxor in a hot air balloon.
10. Admire the unique carvings at Medinet Habu Temple
In a place packed with temples, Medinat Habu still stands out. The huge mortuary temple of Rameses III is situated on the West Bank, and receives fewer visitors than some of the more famous temples in the area.
It’s made up of several pylons, with corridors covered in some of the most unusual carvings you’ll see in Egypt - including some of scribes counting the hands and even penises of Rameses III’s slaughtered enemies.
The site is hugely impressive, but you don’t need too long to look around, so you can easily slot it into a a day on the West Bank.
11. Sample the Bedouin inspired food at Sofra Restaurant
If you’re looking to try some authentic Egyptian food in a gorgeous setting, then head to Sofra Restaurant. We sat in the little annex section and it was one of those places where you walk in and instantly feel relaxed.
The walls are covered in creeping vines and the low lighting gives it a romantic atmosphere. The restaurant is located in a 1930s Egyptian house, which has retained lots of its original character, and the tiles, mirrors and furniture give it so much charm.
The main dishes were great and definitely the best we had in Luxor. I didn’t however rate any of the mezze dishes I tried, so maybe skip those! If you’re visiting in peak season, you might want to book in advance, unless you’re planning an early dinner as it often gets fully booked.
12. Get up close with mummies you wouldn’t expect at the Mummification Museum
Going to look at mummies might sound a bit macabre, but then I guess so does wandering into pharaohs tombs!
This small museum tells you all about the mummification process and offers the chance to see various mummified creatures, including a croc, cat and baboon, amongst others. There’s also one person.
I enjoyed having a look around, but it’s not your only chance to see a mummy. You’ll also see them at the Luxor Museum and the tomb of King Tutankhamun, so it’s not a must do in that sense.
However, you do get more information about the mummification process and as with the Luxor Museum, you can visit at night.
13. Wander the historic Luxor Temple
Located right in the city centre, the Luxor Temple is yet another example of the pharaohs’ incredible architectural feats.
Whilst not quite as impressive as Karnak, it is still a remarkable temple that has several ages of history depicted on its walls - including sections commissioned by Alexander the Great!
As with Karnak, the temple is very busy, so a sunrise visit is recommended to avoid the masses. We visited at sunset, which was atmospheric, but still crowded.
Once you’ve had a look around the temple, it’s worth walking for a few minutes along the Avenue of Sphinxes, which begins just outside the temple.
The first 130m of the paved walkway had the most intact statues, although you could walk all the way to Karnak Temple, 3km away.
14. Check out the most beautifully located temple in Luxor
The Temple of Hatshepsut is probably the most visually stunning of any temple in Luxor on the approach. It’s one of the most iconic spots on the West Bank, and it features on almost every program you watch about ancient Egypt.
A trip here is a must for the view alone. However, unfortunately, as it was destroyed by earthquakes in the 9th century BC, it is heavily reconstructed, and it does feel that way. Almost like it’s too new when compared to Luxor’s other sites.
There’s also not much to see in the way of paintings and reliefs, as little remains intact and the best chambers are no longer open to the public. Having said this, although it wasn’t our favourite stop, it is still absolutely worth the visit.
15. Sip drinks beside the Nile
If you’re looking for a fabulous view of the Nile, then head to the Hilton Resort and Spa. Again, you don’t have to stay there to experience the view, you can just pop by for a brew, or a well earned glass of wine at the end of the day.
The uninterrupted Nile vista is second to none and there’s plenty of comfy seating. The coffee isn’t the best, so we’d recommend tea, soft drinks or alcohol. Look out for the pied kingfishers which regularly flit across the water.
Although the Hilton does have tables right on the Nile, which they set up beautifully with candles, that all looks very inviting, we don’t recommend eating here. The food was generally really bad and absolutely not worth the money (apart from brekkie if you’re staying there).
16. Escape the crowds at the Ramesseum
Anywhere else in the world, the Ramesseum would be a huge tourist attraction that brings in tour buses galore. However, it was one of the quietest places we visited in the whole of Luxor, and that’s probably because it’s not in quite as good condition as many of the other sites.
The Ramesseum is the mortuary temple of Rameses II, one of the greatest of ancient Egypt’s pharaohs. There are still a few statues, and colossi of the great pharaoh, as well as reliefs of Rameses’ greatest victories.
It also has a hypostyle hall, but it’s not as impressive as the grand one at Karnak. The site isn’t huge, so you don’t need too long, and can slot it in with the Valley of the Nobles across the road.
It also has a cafe where you can get a cold drink, which is very welcome during the heat of the day.
Tips for your visit
Luxor can get incredibly hot, especially if you’re visiting outside the winter time (which is a pleasantly warm temperature throughout the day). With temperatures soaring to over 40C, it’s recommended to head out in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. The first time I visited Luxor was in summer, and we took a lot of siestas!
Be prepared to haggle, particularly with taxi drivers. Unfortunately as of yet there is no Uber in this part of Egypt, and though technically you do have Careem, we never managed to get a ride. The taxi drivers know this and will try and extort you for as much as they can - even the friendly ones, in fact especially the friendly ones!
If you’re trying to haggle outside one of the big hotels you’re going to find it difficult, particularly at the Hilton where all the drivers have the Hilton’s rate card. When you find a good driver who offers a fair price, grab their whatsapp and book them for all of your trips - it’s so much easier than negotiating everyday.
Certain taxi drivers will try and add extra stops into your itinerary in order to earn commission. These tend to be shops masquerading as museums. If you don’t want to visit an alabaster factory etc then be firm with your no.
Make sure you have a decent amount of small change in the Egyptian currency for visiting sites on the West Bank (Valley of the Kings etc). This will enable you to slip a little baksheesh to any of the tomb guardians that show you a special painting, or let you into the roped off areas.
Sites in Luxor can be extremely busy. As a general rule sunrise is best for avoiding the crowds.
Avoid the caleche drivers. Yes the horse and carts look like a romantic way to explore Luxor, but one look at the state of most of the horses will tell you everything you need to know. They’re generally really badly treated and it’s best not to support this industry.
If you’re a history buff and planning to visit all of Luxor’s historical sites over a number of days, you might want to consider buying the five day Luxor Pass. Whether it’s good value will depend on the current exchange rate with the US dollar (as they can only be purchased in dollars), as well as how many sites you plan to see. We have a full guide on whether the pass is worth it here.
Opening hours for certain attractions like the museums are not always accurate online. Ask your hotel for up to date times, or check out the site early in your trip if possible, so you don’t miss out.
Where to stay in Luxor
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
We stayed in the Hilton in Luxor (not sponsored) and it was one of the best hotels we stayed at in Egypt. Firstly, it is a bit of a quiet oasis, you can step into your room and escape the road noise and bustle of the streets of Luxor. The beds were incredibly comfortable, the rooms were spacious and the showers were perfect for washing off the dust from a day visiting the West Bank.
The breakfasts served here were really good and a great way to prepare for a day exploring. Set on the banks of the Nile, we loved grabbing a coffee in front of the river and viewing the mountains of the Valley of the Kings, Queens and Nobles in the distance.
They will also help you organise taxis that aren’t extortionate and are great for people who don’t want to spend all their time trying to haggle with taxi drivers. However, deal hunters will be able to get a better price in the centre of Luxor (the taxis on the street in front of the Hilton will go by the Hilton’s price list and generally won’t deviate much).
Check the latest prices & reviews on:
The Winter Palace
On my first trip to Luxor I stayed in the Winter Palace. The location and setting is the best in Luxor in my opinion, but the rooms can be dated depending on which room type you opt for. You can’t beat the hotel for the old world charm and heritage feel, and if you have the budget I would highly recommend it.
Rooms were clean and comfy and it is walking distance to many of the city’s best attractions. It was also the quietest of the three hotels i stayed in, in Luxor.
Check the latest prices & reviews on:
