Luxor, known as Thebes in ancient era, was the capital of the illustrious New Kingdom. Luxor is a city where history lives and breathes at every turn. Its wonders need little introduction. Huddled around the Nile, the magnificent ancient temples of the east bank and the exquisite tombs of the west bank represent one of the most epic clusters of antiquities in the world. If there’s one city that brings ancient Egypt vividly to life, it’s Luxor.
So many unforgettable things to do in Luxor that it could take a lifetime to fathom it. Moreover, the best things to do in Luxor are not just about seeing the ancient sites – it’s about experiencing the grains of the past that engulf ancient Thebes. Often called the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor offers an extraordinary concentration of temples, tombs, and timeless Nile experiences. In this blog, we have curated 10 best things to do in Luxor that define its true essence.
1. Sunrise sojourn at Karnak Temple
- Why visit: The ancient Egyptians revered the Karnak Temple as ‘Ipet-Sut’, the most selected of places. It was the most sacred site in Pharaonic Egypt, the construction of which spanned over 1,500 years!
The temple looks exceptional at the break of day. As the sun rises, Karnak’s mighty pylons shine bright as a new penny. Its hypostyle hall, teeming with colossal columns, turns into a playground for light and shadow. Hatshepsut’s Obelisks beam like a beacon, as if still guiding the devotees of Amun towards the temple’s way.
During sunrise, Karnak looks luminous. At the same time, the crowd is almost nil. Given that Karnak is the second most visited spot in Egypt (right after the Great Pyramids), it is packed with countless visitors all day long. However, dawn provides a small window when you can explore Karnak peacefully. Thus, early morning is really the best time to visit Karnak, Luxor’s most famous attraction.
- Highlights: Don’t miss the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, Great Hypostyle Hall, Obelisks of Thutmose I and Hatshepsut, Chapelle Rouge of Hatshepsut, Amun’s Sacred Chamber, Festival Hall of Thutmose III, and Sacred Lake.
- Insider tips: The Sound & Light Show in Karnak is a must-see as it gives a rare opportunity to visit the temple at night.
2. Sunset stroll in Luxor Temple–
- Why visit: Back when tigers used to smoke, the Luxor Temple hosted the annual Opet Festival. A splendid procession saw the statues of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu carried on sacred barques from Karnak Temple to Luxor.
The Luxor Temple lies just beside the Nile. Its atmospheric location makes it look resplendent during the sunset. The warm golden hour glow showers on the sandstone walls and highlights the intricate hieroglyph reliefs. The statues and obelisks of Ramesses the Great silhouette spectacularly against the sunset sky.
Throughout the day, the Luxor Temple is flooded with innumerable tourists. But as the sun bids goodbye, the courtyards become quieter and more evocative. Thus, visiting the Luxor Temple at sunset is definitely one of the best things to do in Luxor.
- Highlights: Explore the Avenue of Sphinxes, Ramesses II’s towering statues and obelisk, and the Great Colonnade of Amenhotep III.
- Insider tips: Combine your visit to the Luxor Temple with the souk nearby.
3. Explore the Valley of the Kings–
- Why visit: One of the most outstanding historical sites of Egypt, the arid Valley of the Kings was the eternal home of the New Kingdom Pharaohs. The necropolis is dotted with a plethora of hidden rock-cut tombs. The tombs are bedecked with lavish hieroglyphs and complex networks of tunnels, corridors, and chambers in order to deceive the tomb robbers.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 60 tombs have so far been discovered in the Valley of the Kings. Quiet and separate, concealed in the cliffs of western Thebes, royal crypts were cut deep into the rock offering a secure resting place for eternity, devoid of any outward sign to attract unwanted attention.
- Highlights: Don’t miss the lavishly decorated tombs of Seti I, Ramesses V/VI, Ramesses III, Ramesses IV, and Tutankhamun.
- Insider tips: There are no eateries near the Valley of the Kings. You won’t even get water bottles. So don’t forget to carry water as exploring the tombs is quite taxing. Wear loose-fitting cotton or linen clothes as it’s boiling inside the tombs.
4. Marvel at the vivid reliefs of Medinat Habu–
- Why visit: Ramesses III, the last great Pharaoh of Egypt, had commissioned Medinat Habu as his mortuary temple. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved temples of New Kingdom.
Medinat Habu is embellished with the deepest hieroglyphs and vivid reliefs. Like the Esna and Dendera Temples, it has retained most of its original colors.
Medinat Habu is tucked in a quiet corner of Luxor’s West Bank. Most of the tourists turn a blind eye to this majestic temple and instead throng to the more popular Karnak and Luxor Temples. However, you will regret missing Medinat Habu. Its sky-kissing pylons, ornate hieroglyphs, vibrant walls – all yearn for attention. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Luxor.
- Highlights: The reliefs showcasing Ramesses III defeating the ‘Sea Peoples’, deeply carved hieroglyphics, vivid wall paintings, a minor King list, and a carving showing the ‘Procession of Princes’.
- Insider Tips: After exploring the nooks and crannies of Medinat Habu, enjoy the refreshing Hibiscus Tea at the nearby Café Maratonga.
5. Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise–
- Why visit: Taking a hot air balloon ride during sunrise is hands down one of the best things to do in Luxor. An unparalleled adventure, it offers a remarkable opportunity to see the West Bank from above. The sunrise from the hot air balloon looks nothing short of magic.
The balloon ride takes visitors across the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Medina, Colossi of Memnon and Medinat Habu. It soars above the verdant crop fields and provide a glimpse of the Nile. It will be a memorable experience in Egypt.
- Highlights: Don’t miss the bird’s eye view of some of iconic ruins of ancient Egyptian civilization. The gentle drift in the morning sky is tranquil. Also, the numerous balloons flying across the sky creates a stunning visual.
- Insider Tips: Take a light jacket or wrap as its windy above in the sky.
6. Wonder at Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple–
- Why visit: Hatshepsut was the most powerful female Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. No wonder, her memorial temple is one of the most stunning masterpieces of ancient architecture.
The temple is carved dramatically at the foothills of the honey-hued Deir el-
Bahari. Decorated with a fragrant garden, it was called Djeser-djeseru or Most
Holy of the Holies. Senenmut, Hatshepsut’s favourite courtier and possible paramour, designed this funerary temple with three massive terraces.
- Highlights: Go through the reliefs that adorn the temple walls and chart the life and achievements of Hatshepsut. The carvings are mostly defaced and faded over time, however their historical significance is still unmatched. See the panels depicting Hatshepsut’s divine birth where she is styled a male child, vivid description of her Punt expedition, and shrines dedicated to Hathor and Anubis.
- Insider tips: Visit the Hatshepsut’s Temple first thing in the morning as it gets flooded with multitude of visitors.
7. Check out the Mummification Museum–
- Why visit: Majority of the tourists skip this ‘blink-and-you-miss’ museum. Don’t make the same mistake. The compact Mummification Museum, situated near the Luxor Temple, offers a detailed insight into the process of mummification practiced in ancient Egypt.
The museum displays the tools, embalming liquids and materials, canopic jars, ushabtis, and amulets which were used for the process. The step-by-step explanation of the process as well as its religious significance are all mentioned through graphics.
- Highlights: Check out the mummified remains of a cat, crocodile, and baboon, coffin of Padiamun, statues of Anubis and Nepthys, mummy of Masaharta, and a part of mummified human skull.
- Insider tips: The entry ticket costs EGP 220 for adults and EGP 110 for students. The museum remains open from 9 AM to 2 PM and again from 5 PM to 9 PM.
8. Relish the serenity of Ramesseum
- Why visit: For explorers wanting to discover the lesser-known temples of Luxor, the Ramesseum is a treasure waiting to be discovered. One of the greatest temples of ancient Egypt, it was the funerary temple of Ramesses the Great. Tourists ignore the Ramesseum despite the fact that it is one of the best things to do in Luxor.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ramesseum is characterised by a 48- column Hypostyle Hall, ornately carved reliefs of Battle of Kadesh and Syrian Wars, and colossal statues of the Pharaoh himself – including the remains of a gigantic 18-m granite statue that once graced the temple complex.
The temple was originally dedicated to Amun, the lord of Thebes. Two small chapels were also built for the king’s mother Tuya and consort Nefertari.
- Highlights: Don’t miss the fallen remains of Ramesses II’s gigantic statue, the carvings showing his military prowess in the battles, and and interesting relief where the deities Seshat and Thoth inscribing the name of Ramesses II on the leaves of the mythical Ished tree.
- Insider tips: Try to schedule your visit around the sunset when the temple looks and feel magical.
9. Visit the little-known tombs of Deir el-Medina
- Why visit: In the olden days of New Kingdom, Deir el-Medina was known as the Place of Truth. It was the segregated village of the workers who toiled to build the royal sepulchres in the Valley of the Kings. Its royal patrons were Amenhotep I and his royal mother Ahmose-Nefertari.
To ensure complete secrecy of the royal burial and to keep it under wraps from the grave robbers, Amenhotep I felt it crucial to isolate the builders of the royal tombs from the rest of the population. His solution was to erect a workmen’s village, tucked away in a secluded valley in the Theban hills, where those employed on the royal tombs, together with their families, could live in splendid isolation. The Place of Truth fulfilled its purpose for five centuries. Today, it is the single most important source of evidence for daily life in New Kingdom.
- Highlights: Visit the immensely vibrant tombs of Sennedjem, Pashedu, and Inerkhau – all characterised by beautiful and detailed paintings of the Egyptian deities and the Book of the Dead.
- Insider tips: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as going inside the tombs of the workers involve crouching, crawling, and steep stairs.
10. Hop on a sunset felucca ride on the Nile
- Why visit: The sunset felucca ride on the Nile is akin to a meditative pause after a busy day of exploring ancient monuments. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Luxor and an experience of lifetime that you shouldn’t miss while in Egypt.
It is also a timeless experience that connects you to the very river that cradled the ancient Egyptian civilisation. This slow, sail-powered journey allows you to experience the Nile the way Egyptians have for thousands of years—unhurried, intimate, and deeply atmospheric.
- Highlights: Relish the panoramic sunset views of Luxor, speckled with palm groves and distant temples.
- Insider tips: Ditch the motorboats, and sail on a traditional felucca. Go for a private felucca as it offers more intimate experience. Also, start 40-50 minutes before the sun sets.
How many days are required in Luxor:
There is no dearth of ancient ruins in Luxor. The bustling city is scattered with remains of countless temples and tombs. You need to spare a minimum of 2 days for exploring Luxor. Even then, 2 days may seem short! We spent 3 full days and soak in the historic aura of Luxor.
3-day itinerary for Luxor:
Start your Luxor sojourn with the Valley of the Kings, followed by the Hatshepsut’s Temple and the nearby Mentuhotep’s funerary temple. Take a lunch break at Cafe Maratonga. Post-lunch, explore the Medinat Habu Temple and Colossi of Memnon.
Kick off your second day with the hot air balloon ride. After breakfast, see the Tombs of the Nobles, Tombs of the Workers, and Ramesseum. Have your lunch at Marsam. Then explore the galleries of the Luxor Museum and finish it off with sunset felucca ride.
On your last day, watch sunrise at the Karnak Temple. For properly exploring the Karnak complex, keep aside at least 4 hours. Later, sneak into the Mummification Museum. Save yourself from the scorching sun by heading to the Luxor souk for souvenir hunting. Afterwards, go to the Luxor Temple at sunset. End your day with the Light & Sound show at the Karnak Temple.
2-day itinerary for Luxor:
Begin with the hot air balloon ride. Post-breakfast, visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple. After having lunch at Cafe Maratonga, go to Medinat Habu and Colossi of Memnon.
On your second day, start with Karnak Temple, followed by the Luxor Museum, Mummification Museum, and Luxor Temple. You can enjoy either felucca ride or Light and Sound show at the Karnak Temple as per your choice.
1-day itinerary for Luxor:
A single day is too short for exploring Luxor. It will be a tight schedule and you have to be swift to cover the main points. On the West Bank, visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon. On the East Bank, keep your choices limited to the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
Important FAQ:
1. Where is Luxor located?
It is convenient to be well-acquainted with the location of Luxor before scheduling a visit to this historic city. Luxor is located on the east bank of Nile in southern Egypt. The approximate distance of Luxor from other Egyptian cities are
- From Cairo – 665 km
- From Aswan – 241 km
- From Hurghada – 316 km
- From Alexandria – 882 km
2. How can I reach Luxor?
- By train: Overnight Abela trains run daily from Cairo to Luxor. However, the trains are not quite comfortable and ticket prices are steep. Also, the trains often run late.
- By air: Flight is the best option to travel from Cairo to Luxor. Opt for Egypt Air flights, the flights fares are affordable and they run on time. Avoid Nile Air, flights get delayed without prior information.
- By bus: Another convenient mode of transport is the air-conditioned buses. GoBus runs many buses daily on the Cairo – Luxor route.
- By cruise: If you’re arriving from Aswan, you can go for the classic Nile cruise.
3. What is the best time to visit Luxor?
November to March is the best season for travelling to Luxor. The weather remains pleasant, perfect for exploring the historical attractions. However, keep in mind that Luxor remains most crowded during this time while prices are exorbitant. The shoulder seasons of September – October and April – May are also fine.
4. Where can I stay in Luxor?
On the west bank, Marsam is the best place for staying in Luxor. It used to be a dig house of archaeologists till the 1920s. On the east bank, you can stay in Nefertiti Hotel, Iberotel, and Steigenberger Nile Palace.
5. Where can I eat in Luxor?
- West Bank: Marsam, Cafe Maratonga, Wannas Art & Cafe.
- East Bank: Sofra, Gerda’s Garden, Pizza Roma.It, Cilantro, Koshari Alzaem.
6. Can I get vegetarian food in Luxor?
The Egyptian cuisine offers a lot of plant-based and dairy-free food options such as Koshari, Taameya, Ful Medame, Mahshi, Baba Ganoush, Hummus, Tahini, various salads and breads. For more details on Egypt’s food, check our blog here.
7. What to pack for Luxor?
There is no strict dress code in Luxor. You can wear anything but stay away from OTT outfits that scream attention.
Exploring Luxor involves a lot of walking. So pack comfortable shoes and sandals.
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and umbrellas.
If you’re visiting during winter, pack lights woollens as the evenings may turn chilly.
8. Travel agencies in Luxor:
Aladin Tours, Travel Choice Egypt, and Sky One Airsports.
Luxor is one of those few places where it feels like you’re undergoing time travel. Here sunrises over the ancient temples and sunsets on the Nile feel just as vivid today as they did thousands of years ago. These ten experiences shaped my journey and represent some of the best things to do in Egypt for anyone wanting to truly understand the country’s past and present.
