EG
Luxor
Ancient Thebes on the Nile: colossal temples on the east bank and the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings on the west
Ancient Thebes on the Nile: colossal temples on the east bank and the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings on the west
A vast complex of temples built over some 2,000 years, including the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 giant columns.
Go at opening time; the site is huge and exposed to the sun.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
A temple in the heart of the city, linked to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. It is especially atmospheric when lit up after dark.
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
The burial place of New Kingdom pharaohs, with richly painted tombs cut into the desert hills. A standard ticket covers three tombs; Tutankhamun’s and Seti I’s cost extra.
Photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY-SA 4.0
The terraced mortuary temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, set against cliffs at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank.
Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try Egyptian staples such as koshari, grilled meats, stuffed pigeon and molokhia, and fresh juices.
Rooftop restaurants on the east bank have views over Luxor Temple and the Nile.
Luxor International Airport has flights from Cairo and Europe. Overnight sleeper and day trains run from Cairo, and Nile cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan in three to four nights. Ferries and bridges link the two banks.
Most visitors need a visa. You can apply online for an e-visa (US$25) or buy a visa on arrival at airports (US$30 since 1 March 2026); both allow stays of up to 30 days. The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). The US State Department rates Egypt Level 2 (exercise increased caution), with “do not travel” advice for northern and middle Sinai and border areas. Check current rules and advice before you travel.
Accommodation and food are cheap; tickets to the many sites add up.
Excludes entrance fees.
East bank, west bank and the sky.
Visit Karnak in the morning and Luxor Temple at sunset, then the Luxor Museum.
See the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Take a sunrise balloon flight, then visit Medinet Habu and the Valley of the Queens or the Tombs of the Nobles.
Tipping is expected for many small services; carry small notes in Egyptian pounds.
At major sites, politely but firmly decline unofficial guides, camel rides and “free” gifts.
Start sightseeing at dawn and rest in the afternoon, especially from May to September.
Choose a licensed, reputable balloon operator; flights depend on weather.
Quick answers for planning time in Luxor.
Most visitors do: an e-visa costs US$25 online, or a visa on arrival US$30, each for up to 30 days.
Two to three days covers the main temples and tombs on both banks.
Yes, with a separate ticket at the Valley of the Kings; his treasures are at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Usually three to four nights.
October to April; summer temperatures are often above 40°C.
Google Maps works well in cities; download offline maps for desert areas.
Free
Arabic is the language; English is common in tourist businesses.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Egypt travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.