About Luxor
Luxor is a city in Upper Egypt. Luxor had a population of 284,952 in 2023, with an area of 43.0 km2 (16.6 sq mi) and is the capital of the Luxor Governorate. Nicknamed the City of a Hundred Gates or the City of the Sun, formerly known as Thebes. It was one of the capitals of Ancient Egypt. The city is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Places to visit in Luxor
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Karnak
Historic · 2 mi from centreA vast temple complex dedicated to Amun, with the famous Hypostyle Hall of giant columns. Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds and heat, and consider returning for the evening sound and light show.
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Valley of the Kings
Historic · 4 mi from centreThe burial site of New Kingdom pharaohs, with tombs decorated by colorful paintings. The standard ticket covers three tombs, so buy extra tickets for special tombs such as Tutankhamun's.
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Luxor Temple
HistoricAn ancient temple in the center of the city, connected to Karnak by a long avenue of sphinxes. Visit at dusk, when the temple is lit and the stone glows in the evening light.
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Temple of Hatshepsut
Historic · 4 mi from centreA terraced temple built for the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, set against dramatic cliffs on the west bank. Visit early in the morning, since there is little shade and it gets very hot.
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Colossi of Memnon
Historic · 3 mi from centreTwo massive seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III standing in the fields of the west bank. It is a quick roadside stop, so combine it with nearby temples and tombs.
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Medinet Habu
Historic · 3 mi from centreThe mortuary temple of Ramesses III, with well-preserved reliefs showing battles and religious scenes. It is usually quieter than the main sites, making it a good choice for a calmer visit.
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Luxor Museum
MuseumA modern museum on the Nile Corniche with high-quality statues and objects from Theban temples and tombs. It is small and well organized, so it fits easily into an afternoon.
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Valley of the Queens
Historic · 4 mi from centreThe burial site of royal wives and children, including the beautifully painted tomb of Nefertari. The Nefertari tomb needs a separate ticket and is worth it if you can afford it.
Things to do in Luxor by type
29 tours, tickets and experiences across 6 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Art & culture 14 experiences 3 Days / 2 Nights: Tour off Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simble -
Cruise & Water Tours 5 experiences 5 Days / 4 Nights: 5 star Nile Cruise Aswan - From Luxor -
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours 3 experiences Discover Luxor from Above - Hot-Air Balloon Ride -
Specialist tours 3 experiences 3 Days / 2 Nights: Tour off Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simble -
Day Trips & Excursions 2 experiences 3 Days / 2 Nights: Tour off Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simble -
Shows, sports and special events 2 experiences Karnak Sound and Light - Half-Day Tour
- 3-6 hours 7
- 1-3 hours 6
- Over 6 hours 5
- Flexible 1
- Couples 6
- Youth 6
- Families 6
- Senior 5
- Private 6
- Small group 3
Top experiences in Luxor
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 29 available.
Visit to the Temple of Karnak - Half-Day Tour
From $47 per adult
Visit Luxor East Bank - Half-Day Tour
From $84 per adult
Visit to West Bank of Luxor (Kings Valley, Queens Valley and Hatshepsut Temple)
From $114 per adult
Explore East and West Bank - Full-Day Tour
From $90 per adult
Sound and Light at the Karnak
From $51 per adult
Quad Bike Safari
From $70 per adult
Luxor Museum - Half-Day Tour
From $30 per adult
Full Day Esna Edfu Komombo
From $151 per adult
Private Full Day Habu and Deir El Madina
From $75 per adult
Banana Island
From $25 per adult
Trip to Dendera and Abydos
From $119 per adult
Aswan Overday
From $151 per adult
Where to stay in Luxor
Popular hotels in Luxor, out of 74 properties you can book.
Pyramisa Hotel Luxor
From $111 per night
Steigenberger Resort Achti
From $151 per night
Iberotel Luxor
From $121 per night
Steigenberger Nile Palace
From $650 per night
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
From $311 per night
Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor
From $193 per night
Happy Land Luxor
From $16 per night
Queens Valley Hotel Luxor
From $38 per night
Karnak Hotel Luxor
From $39 per night
Alhambra Hotel
From $17 per night
Hotel Sheherazade
From $82 per night
Nile Valley Hotel & Restaurant
From $58 per night
Best time to visit Luxor
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Luxor is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 76°F and rain falls on about 0 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Luxor weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 88° 61° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 89° 61° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 93° 62° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 94° 68° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 94° 71° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 94° 70° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Egyptian pound (EGP)1 US dollar ≈ £53.9
- Language
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +20
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Africa/CairoUTC+3
- Capital
- Cairo
Upcoming public holidays in Egypt
- Christmas Day (Orthodox)عيد الميلاد المجيد
- Revolution Day 2011 / National Police Dayعيد الثورة 25 يناير
- Sinai Liberation Dayعيد تحرير سيناء
- Labour Dayعيد العمال
- Easter MondaySham El-Nessim
- Islamic New Year
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Luxor
These are the airports closest to central Luxor. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- LXR Luxor International Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Luxor
Uber doesn't work in Luxor, but its sister app Careem does. It takes card payments, and saves you having to explain your destination or negotiate with the driver. InDrive also works in Luxor.
By bicycle
Luxor is brimming with rental shops for bikes and a great many hotels also hire out bicycles. Rental rates are about maximum 5USD (June 2025), depending on your bargaining skills, the relative demand on bikes that day and the quality of the bike in question. Check the tires and be wary of last minute inflating as they may deflate just as fast. It is normal to be asked to leave behind your passport, drivers licence or student ID card as a deposit.
By motorcycle
For the even more brave, Luxor is brimming with Chinese motorcycles around 150cc. With the right bargaining skills you can net one for LE50 per hour, or less for the day or evening. In the summer, the roads around the West Bank are relatively empty, and motorcycling around the ruins and mountains is easy and efficient. In a slow season, many are willing to rent you their own motorcycle for the right price. Ask for a helmet -- you won't get one otherwise.
By taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Luxor. They have no meters, but there are current rates that are accepted if you stay firm. Short trips within Luxor are between LE40 and LE60 (first offer from taxi driver will inevitably more). A round trip to the West Bank is about LE200.
Luxor travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Luxor?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Luxor is December to February, when average daytime highs are around 76°F and rain falls on about 0 days a month.
What is the weather like in Luxor?
August is usually the warmest month in Luxor, with average highs of 110°F (43°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 50°F (10°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 1 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Luxor?
Luxor International Airport (LXR) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Luxor.
What currency is used in Luxor?
Luxor uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ £53.9.
What time zone is Luxor in?
Luxor uses the Africa/Cairo time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Luxor?
Uber doesn't work in Luxor, but its sister app Careem does. It takes card payments, and saves you having to explain your destination or negotiate with the driver. InDrive also works in Luxor.
What are the best places to visit in Luxor?
Top sights in Luxor include Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple and Temple of Hatshepsut. A vast temple complex dedicated to Amun, with the famous Hypostyle Hall of giant columns. Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds and heat, and consider returning for the evening sound and light show.
What are the top things to do in Luxor?
Popular experiences you can book in Luxor include Visit to the Temple of Karnak - Half-Day Tour, Visit Luxor East Bank - Half-Day Tour and Visit to West Bank of Luxor (Kings Valley, Queens Valley and Hatshepsut Temple) . Destina Holidays offers 29 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Luxor?
The most popular types of experiences in Luxor are art & culture (14), cruise & water tours (5), air, helicopter & balloon tours (3) and specialist tours (3). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Luxor?
Popular areas for hotels in Luxor include Luxor. Well-reviewed options include Pyramisa Hotel Luxor and Steigenberger Resort Achti.
How many hotels can I book in Luxor?
Destina Holidays currently lists 74 properties in and around Luxor, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
