Introduction
Searching for the best things to do in Luxor? Explore the geography: temples dominate the East Bank and royal tombs and mortuary temples line the West Bank across the river.
This guide takes you from one bank to the other, plus offers a few options for seeing the sights from the water and the sky. For context on visiting Luxor with Cairo and Aswan, browse our travel packages to Egypt.
Table of content:
Which Luxor Attractions Sit on the East Bank?
Karnak is the place to begin. This temple complex grew over millennia under different pharaohs, and the Great Hypostyle Hall is a good example of its grandeur. Most tourists will visit Karnak during the day, then return after sunset for the sound and light show, which uses storytelling and lighting to illuminate the history of this temple complex.
Luxor Temple, located in the city center along the Nile River, is connected to Karnak by the ancient Avenue of Sphinxes. This temple is also well-lit after dark.
A less crowded alternative between the major temples is the Luxor Museum, located on the Nile Corniche, with a collection of statues, royal mummies, and the Wall of Akhenaten.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Luxor on the West Bank?
On the opposite side of the river, the landscape changes from temples to rock formations, valleys, and fields. This was the ancient burial ground, with many royal tombs and mortuary temples built into the hills.
The Valley of the Kings is the biggest of the Luxor attractions here. Only a selection of tombs are open to the public at any given time, with the standard ticket granting access to a certain number of them and a few famous tombs requiring an additional ticket. Arrive early in the morning, as it can get hot in the Valley of the Kings by midday.
Not far from here is the Valley of the Queens, home to the tomb of Nefertari, which has vibrant wall paintings. This tomb is well-preserved, partially because it was closed to the public for a while. Note that the Valley of the Queens requires a separate ticket.
Hatshepsut Temple at Deir el-Bahari is perched on the cliffs, and the Colossi of Memnon, two seated statues that flank the entrance, are worth seeing. Not far from here is Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, which has well-preserved reliefs.
How Can You See Luxor From the Nile and the Sky?
A felucca ride, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, is one of the easiest ways to people-watch and take in the views along the shore. For something more aerial, try a hot air balloon ride, which drifts over the Nile River, the Valley of the Kings, and other West Bank landmarks. Rides in the hot air balloon are dependent on the weather and require an early morning departure. For a longer look around the city and the temples, consider a Nile river cruises, which goes to Aswan as well, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples along the way.
The sky has a special place in Luxor on 2 August 2027: the solar eclipse will reach totality in this city, with over six minutes of darkness. The Egypt eclipse guide will have more details on the path of totality and the temples to see while waiting for the sun to return.
Which Day Trips From Luxor Are Worth Taking?
While the temples are the main things to do in Luxor, some travelers like to make a day trip north to see two more. The tour to Dendera and Abydos is worth doing, as both Dendera Temple (dedicated to Hathor) and Abydos (with its Temple of Seti I) have well-preserved wall reliefs. These are located north of Luxor and usually require a private car to get to.
Another option is Edfu, home to one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt, the Temple of Horus. It is also a few hours north of Luxor by car, with a round-trip taking about four hours. Arrive early in the day to have enough daylight for exploring.
Further south, Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, is more of a stop along the river cruise from Luxor to Aswan than a day trip.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Luxor’s Temples and Tombs?
Dress modestly if visiting religious sites and wear comfortable shoes, as the ground can be uneven and some temples have large open-air spaces. Bring water, especially if visiting the Valley of the Kings or Karnak Temple, which don’t have much shade.
Once at the temple or tomb, follow the rules of the place. Many require that visitors stay within designated areas and do not touch the ancient carvings. Photography is generally not allowed, and some tombs require an additional ticket for photography.
Ready to plan the things to do in Luxor? Combine your temple tours with visits to other cities through our multi-country tours, or get in touch with our travel experts and let them design your own route.
FAQs
What are the top things to do in Luxor for history lovers?
The Karnak, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Medinet Habu represent different periods and styles of ancient Egypt. A guide can help you put it all together, from the open-air temples to the crypts of ancient rulers.
Which Luxor attractions can I visit in the evening?
The sound and light show at Karnak and the Luxor Temple, which has illuminations after dark, are good options for an evening out. The timings and languages of the shows vary by the day and the season, so double-check the schedules before heading to these temples.
Are all the tombs in the Valley of the Kings open to visitors?
Not all of them: only a selection is available at any given time, with the general ticket covering a number of them and a few special tombs requiring an additional ticket. The selection is subject to change as some tombs are closed for restoration or conservation. Always remember to bring your own water with you in the Valley of the Kings, as there are not many places to buy drinks and eat.
Can I go on a hot air balloon ride in Luxor?
Yes: a hot air balloon ride is an optional activity at sunrise, hovering over the Nile, the Valley of the Kings, and the West Bank in general. The flight depends on the weather and can be cancelled on a whim, so be prepared to have an early morning wake-up call.
