Luxor Travel Guide
Quick answer: This Luxor travel guide covers the top things to do in Luxor, from a sunrise hot air balloon ride to the Luxor Temple, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple, plus the best time to visit (March–April and October–November) and where to stay. Luxor is often called the world’s finest open-air museum, and it earns the title.
Luxor has so much to offer that it has long been called the “City of Palaces.” It rests peacefully on the banks of the Nile and is divided into the East and West Banks. Its well-preserved monuments, burial sites, palaces and ancient temples give it a historic atmosphere second only to Cairo, and it is among the most beautiful cities in Egypt.
Here is a Luxor Travel Guide with everything you need to know before travelling, including the top things to do, the best time to visit and where to stay.
Top Things to Do in Luxor
1. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor
A sunrise hot air balloon ride is one of the most exciting ways to start your day in Luxor. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see from above why Luxor is known as the world’s finest open-air museum.
2. The Luxor Temple
Built largely by Amenophis III (Amenhotep III), the Luxor Temple is often the first temple you see in Luxor. It is dedicated to Amun, his consort Mut, and their son Khons, the moon god.
Many pharaohs, including Amenophis IV, Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses II, expanded the temple, and their work is evident in the ruins. Explore the grounds after 6 p.m., when the temple is lit up with hundreds of lamps.
3. The Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is a phenomenal place to visit because it was the final resting place of New Kingdom pharaohs. There are 63 tombs here, the most iconic being the tomb of the legendary boy-king Tutankhamun.
Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat of the sun.
4. Temple of Karnak
Karnak, Egypt’s most sacred temple complex, is both mesmerising and mystical. Exploring it, you’ll feel like an ant in a gigantic world as you move through spaces such as the Festival Temple of Tuthmosis III, the Great Temple of Amun and the Temple of Khons.
5. Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple
Also known as Deir el-Bahri, this almost-white limestone temple sits splendidly at the foot of the cliffs on Luxor’s West Bank. Its most notable portrayals are of Queen Hatshepsut, who became pharaoh around 1473 BC.
She is shown with the attributes of a male pharaoh, such as a beard and a short kilt, to convey that she held all the power of a king.
6. The Valley of the Queens
Another impressive attraction is the Valley of the Queens, which contains approximately 80 tombs of queens from the 19th and 20th dynasties. Only four are open to the public, the best known being the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramses II.
7. Temple of Medinet Habu
Medinet Habu is one of the must-sees on Luxor’s West Bank. The ornately decorated complex includes the great mortuary temple of Ramses III, linked to a royal palace and built to commemorate the pharaoh.
8. Tombs of the Nobles
The Tombs of the Nobles are exactly what they sound like: over 400 tombs of officials and dignitaries, dating from the 6th dynasty to the Ptolemaic period. The paintings inside show Egyptians going about their daily lives.
While you’re here, visit the Tomb of Sennofer, the Tomb of Rekhmire, the Tomb of Khonsu and the Tomb of Benia.
Best Time to Visit Luxor
Luxor is best visited between March and April, and between October and November. These relatively short seasons offer delightful temperatures, fewer crowds and lower hotel rates.
Where to Stay in Luxor
If you’re looking for places to stay in Luxor, consider:
- Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa
- Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor
- Nefertiti Hotel
- Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Luxor?
March to April and October to November, for pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and lower hotel rates.
What is the best time to visit the Valley of the Kings?
Early in the morning, to avoid both the crowds and the midday heat.
When should I visit the Luxor Temple?
After 6 p.m., when the temple grounds are lit up with hundreds of lamps.
Which tomb is the highlight of the Valley of the Queens?
The Tomb of Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramses II, is the best known of the four tombs open to the public.
Conclusion
From balloon flights at sunrise to lamp-lit temples at night, Luxor rewards every traveller. Use this Luxor travel guide to plan your visit in the right season and make the most of Egypt’s greatest open-air museum.
