🏛️Main Attractions
- ✓Karnak Temple
- ✓Luxor Temple
- ✓Valley of the Kings
- ✓Temple of Hatshepsut
- ✓Colossi
- ✓Colossi of Memnon
- ✓Luxor Museum
- ✓Hot Air Balloon Ride
Luxor
Luxor
The world's greatest open-air museum, built on the ruins of ancient Thebes. Home to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and countless pharaonic treasures.
🌐Other Cities in Egypt
Recommended Hotels in Luxor
Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (20 properties)
🏨Recommended Hotels
- ★Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor
- ★Al Moudira Hotel
- ★Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
- ★Steigenberger Nile Palace
- ★Nour El Balad
🍜Restaurants & Food
•1886 Restaurant
$$$Fine dining at Sofitel Winter Palace, French-Egyptian fusion with Nile views
•Sofra Restaurant & Café
$$Traditional Egyptian cuisine in historic house - molokhia, pigeon, tagines
•Al-Sahaby Lane Restaurant
$$Rooftop dining overlooking Luxor Temple with traditional Egyptian dishes
•Gerda's Garden
$West Bank garden restaurant, vegetarian-friendly with organic ingredients
•Aboudi Coffee Break
$Authentic local café near Luxor Temple - fresh juices, koshari, sandwiches
•Nile Maxim Boat Restaurant
$$Floating restaurant with Egyptian buffet and Nile sunset views
🛍️ Shopping
- •Luxor SoukTraditional Market
Local market near Luxor Temple for alabaster, spices, textiles, papyrus. Less touristy than Cairo, better prices.
- •Alabaster Factories (West Bank)Artisan Workshops
Family workshops creating alabaster vases, statues, scarabs. Watch craftsmen, buy directly from source.
- •Habiba GalleryArt & Crafts
Fair-trade shop supporting local artisans - quality textiles, jewelry, recycled crafts
- •Papyrus InstitutesSpecialty Shops
Genuine papyrus paintings and demonstrations. Ask for authentication certificate. Avoid banana leaf imitations.
💡 Travel Tips
- • Visit Valley of the Kings early (6 AM opening) to beat heat and crowds. Temperature reaches 45°C by midday in summer
- • Photography banned inside all tombs and temples - cameras must be left at entrance. Buy official guidebooks for images
- • Valley of Kings standard ticket includes 3 tombs. Tutankhamun tomb requires separate ticket (300 EGP extra)
- • Hire licensed guide for deeper understanding - hieroglyphics and symbolism require expert explanation
- • Stay on West Bank for authentic village life, East Bank for convenience and nightlife near Luxor Temple
- • Hot air balloon rides book quickly - reserve 2-3 days ahead, especially in peak season (October-April)
🔗 Related Information
📋Quick Info
📅Best Season
October - April (20-25°C), avoid May-September (40-50°C scorching heat)
💰Daily Budget
$40-80 per day (budget), $100-180 (mid-range), $250+ (luxury)/day
👥Popular With
History enthusiastsArchaeology loversPhotographersAdventure travelersCultural explorers
🗓️Recommended Stay
3-4 days (2 days minimum for major sites, 4+ for comprehensive exploration)
🌐Timezone
UTC+2
💬Local Language
Arabic (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
💱Currency
EGP (Egyptian Pound)
📅Luxor 3-Day Itinerary
Recommended plan for efficient sightseeing
East Bank Temples
🌅
Morning3-4h
Karnak Temple Complex
💡 Arrive at 6 AM opening for best light and fewer crowds. Explore Great Hypostyle Hall, Sacred Lake, Obelisks. Hire guide to understand hieroglyphics. Allow minimum 3 hours.
☀️
Afternoon2h
Luxor Museum
💡 Air-conditioned refuge from midday heat. Excellent collection of statues, mummies, Tutankhamun artifacts. Well-labeled in English.
🌙
Evening2h
Luxor Temple by Night
💡 Visit after sunset (7-9 PM) when beautifully illuminated. Avenue of Sphinxes, Abu Haggag Mosque, massive statues. Open until 9 PM.
💡Tips
- •Buy Valley of Kings tickets at main ticket office before entering valley - saves time
- •West Bank sites spread out - taxi, bicycle, or organized tour more efficient than walking
- •Each tomb different - ask guide which currently open have best paintings/hieroglyphics
- •Sunset from West Bank offers magical views of Nile, mountains, and East Bank monuments