Luxor
Visited in October 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Egypt
- Region
- Luxor Governorate
- Population
- 202,232
- Best time to go
- October to April
- Main airport
- Luxor International (LXR)
- Coordinates
- 25.72°N, 32.62°E
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Overview
Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, capital of Egypt at the height of the pharaohs' power. The Nile divides it in two: temples and the modern town on the east bank, tombs and mortuary temples on the west.
There are more ancient monuments here than you can see in a week. Start early to beat the heat and the crowds, pace yourself, and save time for the river itself.
Things to see
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Photo: René Hourdry, CC BY-SA 4.0 Karnak
A vast temple complex built over two thousand years, with a forest of giant columns in the Hypostyle Hall.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0 Luxor Temple
Elegant colonnades and colossal statues in the middle of town, beautifully lit at night.
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Photo: Fotograf/Photographer: Peter J. Bubenik (1995), CC BY-SA 2.0 Valley of the Kings
Royal tombs cut deep into the hills, their walls still bright with paintings.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Temple of Hatshepsut
Terraced mortuary temple of a female pharaoh, set against sheer limestone cliffs.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Medinet Habu
Ramesses III's temple, with deeply carved reliefs and some of the best-preserved colour on the west bank.
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Photo: MusikAnimal, CC BY-SA 4.0 Colossi of Memnon
Two weathered giant statues of Amenhotep III standing alone in the fields.
Things to do
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Photo: Balloon_over_Luxor_-_Egypt.jpg : Marcosleal derivative work:, CC BY-SA 3.0 Hot-air balloon at dawn
Drift over the west bank temples and green fields as the sun rises.
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Photo: Marc Ryckaert ( MJJR ), CC BY 3.0 Felucca at sunset
Sail the Nile in a traditional wooden boat as the light turns gold.
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Photo: Roland Unger, CC BY-SA 3.0 Cycle the west bank
Hire a bike to ride between villages, sugar cane fields and the quieter tombs.
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Dendera
A remarkably complete temple of Hathor with a painted astronomical ceiling, north of Luxor.
Find tours
Where to stay
East Bank
Hotels along the Corniche close to the temples, restaurants and station.
Hotels in East BankWest Bank
Quiet guesthouses among the fields, close to the tombs.
Hotels in West Bank
Getting around
Taxis and horse-drawn carriages work on the east bank; the local ferry crosses the Nile, and a driver is easiest for the west bank sites.
The airport is a short taxi ride east of town, about 20 minutes, and overnight sleeper trains run from Cairo.
When to go
October to April is warm and sunny, with mild winter days ideal for sightseeing. Summer is extremely hot, often well over 40°C.
Plan your trip to Luxor
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.