Luxor is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Once known as Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt, this city holds one-third of all the world’s ancient monuments — earning it the title of the world’s greatest open-air museum. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply someone chasing unforgettable experiences, the things to do in Luxor will leave you completely awestruck.

This guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect Luxor trip — from the iconic temples and royal tombs to unique experiences like hot air ballooning at sunrise, plus practical tips on getting around, where to eat, and how to stay safe.

About Luxor, Egypt

Located in southern Egypt (Upper Egypt), modern Luxor sits on the site of ancient Thebes, which served as Egypt’s capital during the Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BC) and New Kingdom (c. 1550–1069 BC). The city was the political and religious heart of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.

The Nile River divides Luxor into two distinct sides:

East Bank — the land of the living, home to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
West Bank — the land of the dead, home to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and royal necropolises

In 1979, Luxor and its necropolises were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites — a recognition well deserved.

Best Time to Visit Luxor

Luxor is hot year-round, so timing matters. Here’s what you need to know:

October to April — Best overall period, with cooler and more comfortable temperatures
December to February — Peak season with the best weather; expect larger crowds
March and April — Shoulder season with pleasant weather and fewer tourists
May to September — Avoid if possible; temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F)

Getting Around Luxor

Luxor is a compact city, making it relatively easy to navigate. Here are your main options:

Taxi

The most convenient option. Taxis are affordable and widely available. Once you find a reliable driver, it’s worth keeping their number for the rest of your stay.

Walking

The East Bank city center is very walkable. Strolling the Corniche along the Nile is one of the most pleasant things to do in Luxor in the evening.

Felucca

A traditional Egyptian sailboat used to cross between the East and West Banks. It’s a beautiful experience on the Nile and an essential part of any Luxor visit.

Guided Tour

For the most efficient and informative experience, booking a guided tour is highly recommended. A knowledgeable Egyptologist guide will bring the history of each site to life in ways a self-guided visit simply can’t match.

Things to Do in Luxor: Top Attractions

1. Karnak Temple

Karnak is not just a temple — it’s an entire ancient city of temples, chapels, and pylons built over more than 2,000 years. Known to the ancient Egyptians as Ipet-Sut (“the most esteemed of places”), it remains one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed.

The highlights include the Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 massive columns, and the Avenue of Sphinxes connecting Karnak to Luxor Temple. Don’t miss the Sacred Lake and the giant Kheper Scarab statue — legend says walking around it brings good luck.

Opening hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 600 / Students EGP 300

2. Luxor Temple

Unlike most Egyptian temples aligned on an East-West axis, Luxor Temple faces Karnak Temple, 3 kilometers to the north. It was the site of the annual Opet Festival, one of ancient Egypt’s most celebrated religious ceremonies.

Built and expanded by multiple pharaohs — including Amenhotep III and Ramesses II — the temple features towering pylons, massive colossal statues, and two original obelisks (one now stands at the Place de la Concorde in Paris). Visiting at night when the temple is illuminated is one of the most magical things to do in Luxor.

Opening hours: 6 AM – 8 PM
Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 500 / Students EGP 250

3. Valley of the Kings

On the West Bank lies the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs from the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties. Over 60 tombs have been discovered here, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, found nearly intact in 1922.

Your standard ticket includes access to 3 tombs of your choice. Additional tickets are required for the tombs of Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramesses V & VI. The painted walls inside these tombs contain some of the most breathtaking ancient artwork you will ever see.

Opening hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 750 / Students EGP 375

4. Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

One of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable rulers, Queen Hatshepsut (c. 1473–1458 BC) built this stunning funerary temple at Deir el-Bahari, carved into the cliffs of the West Bank. Its three colonnaded terraces rising against the dramatic limestone backdrop make it one of the most architecturally distinctive structures in all of Egypt.

The temple includes sections dedicated to the goddess Hathor, the god Anubis, and Hatshepsut’s own father, Thutmose I.

Opening hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 360 / Students EGP 180

5. Valley of the Queens

Just south of the Valley of the Kings, this burial site was dedicated to queens, princesses, and royal children. The crown jewel is the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, often called the Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt for its extraordinarily vivid and well-preserved frescoes. Access is limited to a small number of visitors daily, so book in advance.

Opening hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 220 / Students EGP 110

6. Colossi of Memnon

These two towering statues — each standing approximately 18 meters tall and weighing 1,000 tons — are the first thing most visitors encounter on the West Bank. Originally representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III, the Colossi stand guard at the entrance to his mortuary temple, which is still being excavated.

Pro tip: Visit just after sunrise for crowd-free photos with hot air balloons floating in the background.

Unique Experiences: Things to Do in Luxor Beyond the Temples

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

Without question, a hot air balloon ride over the West Bank at sunrise is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Luxor — or anywhere in Egypt, for that matter. As your balloon drifts silently above the Valley of the Kings, the Nile, and the glowing temples below, you’ll understand why this experience belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.

Flights typically depart before dawn and last 45–60 minutes. The views of the sunrise over the desert and ancient monuments are simply beyond words.

Book a hot air balloon ride in Luxor on GetYourGuide

Felucca Ride on the Nile

No visit to Egypt is complete without sailing on a felucca, the traditional wooden sailboat that has glided along the Nile for centuries. In Luxor, a felucca ride gives you a completely different perspective of the city — watching the temples and palm trees drift by from the water is a truly serene experience.

Book a felucca ride in Luxor on GetYourGuide

Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple

After dark, Karnak Temple transforms into a dramatic stage for its famous Sound and Light Show. Walking through the illuminated temple while listening to narrated ancient history is a powerful and atmospheric experience — particularly impressive around the Sacred Lake.

More Attractions Worth Visiting

The Ramesseum (Temple of Ramesses II)

The funerary temple of Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s most celebrated pharaohs, now stands largely in ruins but remains deeply impressive. The reliefs on its walls depict the famous Battle of Kadesh and other military victories. Though less visited than the major sites, it’s well worth the detour for those with extra time.

Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 220 / Students EGP 110

Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III)

One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, Medinet Habu is a masterpiece of New Kingdom architecture. Surrounded by massive mud-brick walls, its reliefs document the military campaigns of Ramesses III in extraordinary detail. It receives far fewer visitors than the Valley of the Kings, making it a peaceful and rewarding experience.

Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 240 / Students EGP 110

Luxor Museum

Smaller and less crowded than the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Luxor Museum offers a carefully curated collection of artifacts from the Theban region. Its modern presentation and thoughtful layout make it an excellent complement to the outdoor sites.

Opening hours: 9 AM – 1 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM
Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 400 / Students EGP 200

Mummification Museum

A compact but fascinating museum dedicated entirely to the ancient Egyptian art of mummification. Actual mummies of both humans and animals are on display, along with the tools and materials used in the process. An excellent stop for history enthusiasts of all ages.

Opening hours: 9 AM – 1 PM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Tickets: Foreign adults EGP 220 / Students EGP 110

Day Trips from Luxor

Dendera Temple

Located in Qena, about 60 km north of Luxor, the Temple of Dendera is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the goddess Hathor — associated with music, joy, and motherhood — it features iconic columns with Hathor’s carved face and remarkably vivid ceiling paintings. A half-day trip from Luxor is more than enough to explore it thoroughly.

Book a Dendera day trip from Luxor on GetYourGuide

Esna Temple

The Temple of Esna, dedicated to the ram-headed god Khnum, is located just 55 km south of Luxor. Famous for its beautifully decorated lotus columns and vivid inscriptions from the Roman and Ptolemaic periods, it’s a worthwhile stop — especially if you’re traveling south towards Aswan.

Edfu Temple

One of the most impressive and best-preserved temples in all of Egypt, the Temple of Edfu is dedicated to the god Horus. Remarkably intact thanks to centuries of protective desert sand, it offers a complete picture of ancient Egyptian temple architecture. Located about 115 km south of Luxor, it’s easily combined with an Aswan trip.

Aswan and Abu Simbel

Aswan pairs perfectly with Luxor as a multi-day itinerary. The city offers a completely different pace — slower, greener, and more scenic — with highlights including Philae Temple, Nubian villages, and the breathtaking temples of Abu Simbel.

We offer two dedicated tours for those wishing to explore this legendary region:

Where to Eat in Luxor

Luxor isn’t Egypt’s culinary capital, but there are good options, particularly on the East Bank. Look for restaurants serving traditional Egyptian dishes like koshari, ful medames, and grilled meats. The Corniche waterfront area has a solid selection of restaurants with Nile views.

For an authentic local experience, venture away from the main tourist strip and ask your guide for recommendations — they’ll know the best spots that don’t cater exclusively to tourists.

Practical Tips for Visiting Luxor

Stay hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle at all times. Dehydration is a real risk even in cooler months.
Dress appropriately: Cover your shoulders and knees when entering temples and religious sites.
Agree on prices first: Whether for a taxi, carriage, or local vendor, always settle the price before committing.
Use licensed guides: Booking through reputable platforms like GetYourGuide ensures you get qualified, vetted Egyptologist guides.
Tourism Police: Available at most major sites and reachable on hotline 126 if needed.
Currency: Egyptian Pounds (EGP) are required for entrance fees. ATMs are available in the city center.
Photography: Photography is generally permitted outside tombs and temples. Inside certain tombs, separate photography tickets are required.

How Many Days Do You Need in Luxor?

Two to three days is the minimum to cover the major highlights comfortably. If you want to include day trips to Dendera, Esna, or Edfu, plan for four to five days. Those combining Luxor with Aswan and Abu Simbel should budget at least a week for the full Upper Egypt experience.

Final Thoughts

The things to do in Luxor are unlike anything else on the planet. Walking through temples built 3,500 years ago, descending into royal tombs adorned with breathtaking paintings, floating above it all in a hot air balloon at sunrise — Luxor delivers experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.

Ready to explore? Browse our Egypt tours or get in touch to start planning your perfect Luxor itinerary.