Things to do in Luxor Egypt offer some of the most extraordinary ancient experiences in the world — from the legendary Valley of the Kings to a magical hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the West Bank.
Why Luxor Should Be on Every Egypt Itinerary
Often called the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor was the capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom period — the golden age of the pharaohs. The city is divided by the Nile into the East Bank, home to the temples of the living gods, and the West Bank, where the pharaohs were buried in elaborate rock-cut tombs.
Best Things to Do in Luxor
1. Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings is the single most important archaeological site in Egypt. Carved into the limestone cliffs of the West Bank, this royal necropolis contains the tombs of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. The most famous is the tomb of Tutankhamun — discovered virtually intact in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter.
Book your Valley of the Kings tour:
Luxor Day Trip from Hurghada — Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun’s Tomb — small group tour with expert Egyptologist guide and lunch included. From $89 per person.
2. Karnak Temple Complex
The Karnak Temple Complex is one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed — a vast sacred precinct covering over 100 hectares built over 2,000 years by successive pharaohs. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 colossal columns rising 21 meters high, is one of the most breathtaking architectural achievements of the ancient world.
3. Luxor Temple
Located in the heart of modern Luxor on the East Bank of the Nile, Luxor Temple is particularly spectacular when illuminated at night. Connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes — a 3km processional road lined with sphinx statues.
4. Hot Air Balloon over the West Bank
A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank of Luxor is one of the most magical experiences in Egypt. Drifting silently over the Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, and Hatshepsut Temple as the sun rises over the desert is truly unforgettable.
Book your hot air balloon experience:
4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan — includes hot air balloon over Luxor — the ultimate way to experience Luxor from $450 per person.
5. Hatshepsut Temple
The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut — Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh — is one of the most architecturally striking monuments in Egypt. Built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari on the West Bank, its three colonnaded terraces rise dramatically against the golden limestone backdrop.
6. Colossi of Memnon
These two enormous stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III stand 18 meters tall on the West Bank plain. Entry is free, making them a perfect addition to any Luxor itinerary.
7. Medinet Habu — Temple of Ramesses III
One of Luxor’s most underrated monuments, the Temple of Ramesses III is remarkably well-preserved and retains much of its original painted decoration. Far fewer tourists visit compared to Karnak and Luxor Temple.
8. Nile Felucca Ride
A traditional felucca sailboat ride on the Nile at sunset is one of the most peaceful experiences in Luxor. Watch the golden light fade over the West Bank temples from the deck of a traditional wooden sailboat.
Day Trips from Luxor
Abu Simbel from Aswan
A short internal flight to Aswan opens up the possibility of visiting the spectacular Abu Simbel Temples of Ramesses II.
Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan — visit the colossal temples of Ramesses II from $70 per person.
Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
The classic way to experience both Aswan and Luxor is on a multi-day Nile cruise, stopping at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings along the way.
4-Day Nile Cruise — Aswan to Luxor with Abu Simbel & Hot Air Balloon — from $450 per person.
Best Time to Visit Luxor
The best time to visit Luxor is October to March when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor sightseeing. Luxor summers are extremely hot — temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in July and August.
Read our complete weather guide: Best Time to Visit Egypt — Month by Month Guide
Getting to Luxor
From Cairo: 1-hour domestic flight or overnight sleeper train.
From Hurghada: 3-hour drive or day trip by road with a tour guide.
From Aswan: Nile cruise north (3–4 days) or 1-hour domestic flight.
Luxor Practical Tips
West Bank vs East Bank: Most ancient tombs are on the West Bank. Most hotels and living temples are on the East Bank.
Getting around: All our tours include private air-conditioned vehicles.
What to wear: Lightweight breathable clothing. Cover shoulders and knees when entering temples. Sun hat and sunscreen are essential.
Best time of day: Visit outdoor sites early morning (8–10am) or late afternoon (4–6pm) to avoid midday heat.
Browse All Luxor Tours
Ready to experience the wonders of Luxor? Browse our complete selection of expert-guided tours — all bookable through GetYourGuide with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
