A Practical Guide to Luxor, Egypt

Indisputably, the city of Luxor is one of Egypt's most popular tourist destinations among holidaymakers from all over the world. Luxor was the seat of Ancient Thebes in the reign of the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom, which trace back to as early as the 20th century BC. Ancient Thebes has left amounts of archaeological treasures in Luxor. It is located in the south-central part of Egypt, and the Nile flows through the heart of the city, divided into the East Bank and West Bank of the river. The East Bank is home to many historical complexes, including the world-famous Temples of Karnak and Luxor, as well as the Museums of Luxor and Mummification. The West Bank is renowned for the Valley of the Kings and Queens and some worth-exploring tombs. Keep reading. We'll offer you a complete travel guide to Luxor so that you have a basic knowledge of the city and can be well-prepared beforehand.

What to See or Do in Luxor

Karnak Temple

Located in northern Luxor, Karnak Temple was first completed more than 39,000 years ago. It is a large temple complex that includes the Great Temple of Amun, the Temple of Khons, and the Festival Temple of Tuthmosis III, as well as over 20 other small temples. The colossal carved columns and statuary are a great sight to behold. The temple's gigantic scale takes lots of time to explore its carvings and details.

A sound and light show takes place at Karnak Temple in the evening, which offers a different picture of the temple than in the daytime. Most of the significant monuments within Karnak Temple are illuminated by colorful lights. It will bring you to learn more about ancient Egypt's glorious achievements. You can listen to intriguing stories and easily understand them since ten languages are provided during the show, including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, etc. The show is open from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It's recommended to book tickets online in advance.

Karnak Temple

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple enjoys a worldwide reputation and is another fascinating of Luxor's monuments. Lying on the east bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt, the temple stands at the heart of downtown Luxor, bearing witness to the developing look of the city. Built around the 14th century BC, Luxor Temple draws attention to marvelous reliefs, columns, and statuary. One of the most fascinating parts is the Avenue of Sphinxes, lined with hundreds of Sphinxes that run as long as 2.7 km. The avenue serves as a connection between Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. Besides, the open Hypostyle Hall and Peristyle Court are well worth a visit.

Luxor Temple

The Valley of the Kings

Tucked among an extensive area of deserts, the Valley of the Kings was the sacred burial place for successive pharaohs between 1539 BC and 1075 BC. Hidden along rocky palisades, more than 60 tombs for the pharaohs and nobility have been unearthed within the Valley so far. The prominent parts of the valley are colossal colonnades and grand temples. There is an underground palace that was built in huge caves. The main attraction is a vast collection of ornate paintings decorated in tombs' walls and ceilings. The tombs are not simultaneously open, so pay attention to your visit time.

The Valley of the Kings

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut is considered a masterpiece of Egyptian architecture. The mortuary temple was built to dedicate the queen of Hatshepsut during the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. It leans amazingly against the foot of the golden-yellow rocky cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Made of light white sandstone, the temple features three massive terraces at an average elevation of 100m above the desert floor. Inside the temple are ornately carved statues, reliefs, and impressive inscriptions. These artworks are important records of Queen Hatshepsut.

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are two famed colossal statues that stand beside the road on a field that links the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings. Both were once part of a temple for Amenhotep III and served to guard the king's temple. Despite a thousand-year-long abrasion by wind and humidity, the two statues remain magnificent and eye-catching. The better-preserved South Colossus is 19.59 meters tall, and its foundation is partially submerged beneath the sand. The North Colossus, known as the "musical statue", is said that the statue may send out a sound at sunrise.

The Colossi of Memnon

Watch the Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple

The nighttime sound and light show can be a reason for stopping at Karnak Temple again. Most of the significant monuments within Karnak Temple are illuminated by colorful lights. Some rocky walls are used as screens, and visitors can watch a visual introduction from a projector on the wall. It will bring you to learn more about ancient Egypt's glorious achievements. You can listen to intriguing stories and easily understand them since ten languages are provided during the show, including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, etc. The show is open from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. It's recommended to book tickets online in advance.

Take a Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise

You can take a hot air balloon ride early in the morning to catch sight of a stunning sunrise and behold a spectacular panorama of some of Luxor's mountains and famous historical monuments dotted in it. Shared and private balloon baskets are two popular options. Every balloon flight lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The aerial views are very suitable for photography.

Shop in the Local Markets

Shopping is an essential part of your journey to a foreign city. Luxor is filled with vibrant markets and shops. The city is immersed in bustling buying and selling from the day until the evening. There are a variety of products for sale. You can find souvenirs, such as statues, accessories, and silver or gold jewelry. Fancy t-shirts, dresses, and other clothing are available at many stalls and shops. Local street delicacies are irresistible to foodies. Highly recommended markets include Caravanserai for superb pottery, Siwan embroideries, and handwoven scarfs; Habiba, a gallery for a colorful collection of Siwan scarves and Egyptian towels; and Sandouk, for an array of handicrafts of brass, wood, and copper. Bringing some quality bargains as souvenirs back home is a good idea.

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When is the Best Time to Visit Luxor

Luxor sits in desert terrain. The location brings the city warm temperatures, a lack of rainfall, and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The winter months, including December, January, and February, enjoy Luxor's coolest temperatures ranging averagely from 22°C to 28°C. A visit during these months ensures no sweat. Besides, many unique festivals and events are held during winter, like Luxor's International Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Egyptian & European Film Festival, and the Egyptian International Marathon. But these may also bring flocks of tourists full of many top attractions, making it hard to book flights and hotels. If you plan to visit Egypt during this period, you'd better make your reservation several months in advance.

Thus, March through May and October through November are much more recommended for visiting Luxor. The climate during these times is warm but not scorching and has very little rainfall. The temperatures average 30°C at noon and 20°C at night. Tourism is pretty slower in these periods than in winter, and the significant monuments are not as crowded.

Luxor between June and September seems daunting due to its arid and hot weather. However, very few crowds bring you the cheapest hotel and travel fares. Additionally, you can experience some significant events, like the Moulid of Abu el-Haggar and Ramadan in Luxor, during this time.

How Many Days to Spend in Luxor

When it comes to a trip to Luxor, there is a common question: How many days should I spend in Luxor? Two Day? Or longer? There's no easy answer. Many factors should be accounted for, ranging from the time of arrival and departure to your real itinerary and passions or interests for top attractions.

If you don't have that much time, it is recommended to spend two days in Luxor for its main attractions. One day for Karnak temple, Luxor Museum, and Luxor Temple on the east bank, and another day for the Valley of the Kings and Queens, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon on the west bank.

If you prefer to explore at a slower pace, 3 days or even 4 days is recommended. The longer days allow you to admire the best of the city's temples, tombs, museums, and other attractions more carefully. Moreover, you still have plenty of time to experience local daily life and activities, such as shopping, hot air balloon riding, the light show at Karnak Temple, etc.

Where to Stay in Luxor

Generally speaking, both sides of the River Nile has accommodations to offer, but it is more recommended to choose stay on the east bank due to a wider range of amenities, more comfortable lodging, and close proximity to Karnak temple and Luxor temple. In addition, lots of shopping malls and restaurants are conveniently accessible on the east bank. Here are some highly recommended hotels to choose from:

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

The 5-star hotel, located on the east bank in the town of Karnak, offers world-class service to tourists. You have a modern room that overlooks incredible views of the Nile River and Luxor. The luxury hotel is equipped with eight restaurants and bars, a garden, a library, and two swimming pools, as well as a spa and fitness center. Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is just a place that helps you unwind after a busy day.

Sofitel Old Winter Palace

Sofitel Old Winter is regarded as one of the best palace hotels in Luxor. The palace hotel gains an increasing reputation for entertaining royalty and celebrities all year. It is situated at El Street and Kornish Al Nile and features 86 guest rooms and 6 suites, each ornately adorned. The hotel's colonial and traditional Egyptian designs are another fascination. It has some suites with stunning Nile River views, a bar with live piano music, and a pool embraced by palm trees. Very close to the Luxor Temple, the hotel gives you a short time to reach some of the city's historic attractions.

Steigenberger Nile Palace

Staying in this world-class resort is a fabulous experience on your journey to Luxor. Located on the bank of the Nile River, the hotel boasts a total of 303 rooms, each with a satellite TV and air conditioning. The interior decoration of the hotel, in vintage traditional Egyptian styles, holds great appeal. Leisure facilities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness and sauna center, an all-day café, and three bars, are readily available. And a variety of international cuisines are served, such as Lebanese, Thai, and Italian delicacies.

How to Get to Luxor from Cairo

By Air

It always takes you one or two hours to fly to Luxor from Cairo, and flying fares cost between $200 and $400 for duration-varied flights.

By Road

It's about 6It'silometers to drive from Cairo to Luxor. If you take a private car, it may use about 8 hours to get to Luxor. And there are also buses from Cairo to Luxor, which usually take about 10 hours on the road. But it may be one of the cheapest ways as the bus tickets only cost US$14-US$20.

By Train

The train is an excellent way to reach Luxor for a budget purpose if you have plenty of timeIt's9- to 10-hour ride is necessary. There are many types of trains from Cairo to choose from $14 in first class, $7 in second class in seats, and $80 to $120 on sleepers.

Touring around Luxor will undoubtedly be very fond parts of your memories. Luxor is lovely, successfully blending old history with modern vigor. You will be captivated by the city's collection of well-preserved historic temples and palaces. Besides, local delicacies and vibrant markets amid the festive atmosphere never fail to impress. Luxor has abundant historical significance, so it's hard to get a full taste of the city without a complete travel guide. Would you like to take a memorable trip to Luxor after reading our travel guide? Contact us, Odynovo will plan a tailor-made itinerary according to your needs and provide you with a uniquely local experience.