Best Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt: Temples, Tombs & Top Experiences
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Luxor, get ready to explore the world’s largest open-air museum — a timeless city filled with temples, tombs, and breathtaking ancient wonders. Luxor combines history, spirituality, and adventure in a way no other place in Egypt can.
With Egypt Tours Group, you’ll discover the key differences between East Luxor and West Luxor, plus the top things to do in Luxor Egypt, including temples, museums, day trips, hot-air balloons, and perfect itineraries to plan an unforgettable visit.
Quick Answer – Top 10 Things to Do in Luxor
Here are the top things to do in Luxor — the essential landmarks and activities you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple (by night)
- Valley of the Kings
- Hatshepsut Temple
- Hot-Air Balloon
- Deir el-Medina
- Medinet Habu
- Felucca Sunset
- Luxor Museum
- Day Trip: Abydos & Dendera
Map & Areas – East Bank VS West Bank of Luxor
There are many differences and different atmospheres between East Luxor and West Luxor. All of Luxor’s attractions enable you to truly know all aspects of the lives of the ancient Egyptians, whether their daily lives or their beliefs about the afterlife, and to discover the different forms of their civilization.
If you’re planning the top things to do in Luxor, understanding the contrast between both sides will help you choose where to start.
🌅 East Bank
- Move between temples that serve a religious purpose, such as the Karnak Temple or the Luxor Temple.
- Enjoy the Avenue of Sphinxes that extends from Karnak Temple to Luxor and visit the Luxor Museum.
- Discover the ancient Egyptians’ love for their gods, their reverence for them, and the magnificence of their construction.
🌄 West Bank
- See and understand the ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about life after death.
- Visit the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens and admire the detailed artwork by ancient craftsmen.
- Explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and learn about the story that she was the daughter of the god Amun.
- Enjoy the Nile, ride hot-air balloons, and see Luxor from above for breathtaking views.
Top Experiences in Luxor (Must-Do Activities)
To make the most of your trip, here are the top things to do in Luxor — the unmissable experiences and landmarks that reveal the true depth of ancient Egyptian history. These highlights represent the very best of what to see in both East and West Luxor.
Karnak Temple
Why go? To visit the largest religious complex built in the modern kingdom and be amazed by what ancient Egyptian art offers, in which most of the kings participated, each with his own special touch.
Time needed? You only need a few hours of the day you will spend in East Luxor.
Best time? It is best to visit the temple early in the morning before the crowds and during the cool time of the year.
Tip? Bring a bottle of water with you, as the temple is large and you will need drinks to refresh yourself constantly.
Luxor Temple (Night Visit)
Why go? To visit Luxor Temple and the stages of its development and construction in two phases, what it represented to the kings of the New Kingdom, and the story of the second obelisk that is not present.
Time needed? You may be able to visit it in the second half of the day, meaning you can visit the Karnak and Luxor temples on the same day.
Best time? The more we enter the winter atmosphere, the more enjoyable the Luxor trip becomes. Enjoy your trip between the months of October and April.
Tip? Bring a heavy coat or scarf to avoid getting cold.
Valley of the Kings
Why go? To be amazed by the masterpieces of ancient Egyptian construction of tombs in the heart of the mountain, and each tomb is distinguished from the others by its own drawings and special vibes.
Time needed? You can visit it on the west Luxor day, and it only takes a few hours.
Best time? It is best to visit it in winter, such as December and January.
Tip? Bring a hat as you will be on the mountain and the sun may be a bit intense at noon.
Hatshepsut Temple
Why go? To know the story of the birth of Queen Hatshepsut from the god Amun, visit the great temple and climb its stairs until the end of the story of the queen’s legitimacy.
Time needed? A few hours on the same day as visiting the Valley of the Kings.
Best time? The best time to visit is in the deep winter because there is sun and many stairs to go up and down.
Tip? Make sure to hire a guide with you throughout the trip to learn the facts behind the ancient Egyptian heritage.
Hot-Air Balloon in Luxor (Sunrise)
Why go? See the western side of Luxor from above at sunrise — a must-do experience.
Time needed? Starts at dawn and does not take long.
Best time? The best time to visit is during fall or spring, e.g., October or April.
Tip? Take a scarf or coat; it’s cold at dawn.
Nile Cruise
Why go? Enjoy the Nile breezes and views of ancient landmarks.
Time needed? Choose between a 3, 5, or 7 nights Nile cruise depending on your plans.
Best time? October through April.
Tip? Plan your route well before boarding.
Felucca Sunset on the Nile
Why go? Enjoy a peaceful Felucca ride on the Nile while watching the sunset.
Time needed? A short, relaxing trip — perfect for your last day.
Best time? October onwards.
Tip? Take your camera to capture the golden sunset reflections.
Deir el-Medina (Artisans’ Village)
Why go? Visit the city where craftsmen who built the royal tombs once lived.
Time needed? Just a few hours.
Best time? During the winter months to avoid exhaustion from the sun.
Tip? Listen carefully to your guide’s stories about the workers’ lives.
Medinet Habu
Why go? Visit one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and see battle inscriptions of King Ramses III.
Time needed? A short visit during your West Luxor day.
Best time? Autumn may be ideal.
Tip? Take a camera to capture the colorful inscriptions and reliefs.
Luxor Museum
Why go? See one of Luxor’s hidden gems, featuring artifacts like the mummy of Ramses I.
Time needed? A few hours in East Luxor.
Best time? Autumn or winter.
Tip? Enjoy and prepare to be amazed.
Luxor Itinerary – 1, 2 & 3 Days (Quick Plans)
With a clear Luxor itinerary in your hands, you’ll easily decide where to go and how to spend your time without confusion or mixed suggestions. And with the help of a professional tour guide, your visit becomes smoother, richer, and far more enjoyable.
Example: Luxor 2-day itinerary (East + West Bank)
As an example, we can review two days in Luxor and what you can do in them.
Day 1: ☀️ You can go on the first day to East Luxor and experience the Karnak and Luxor Temples and learn about the fingerprints of the kings of the New Kingdom.
Day 2: 🌄 Spend the second day at the Valley of the Kings (West Bank) to explore how the ancient Egyptians viewed resurrection and immortality, and visit the Temple of Hatshepsut or even try a hot air balloon ride.
In the end, you can spend one day in Luxor, two days, or even five days. The more days you have, the more adventures you will be able to experience, such as visiting the Valley of the Queens and the Colossi of Memnon.
🎯 Finally, the answer to the question “how many days in Luxor” you need to spend is totally up to you.
Day Trips from Luxor
Enjoy day trips from Luxor to the nearest possible temples and make the most of your trip while discovering ancient Egyptian history.
Abydos & Dendera (Long Day)
You will have the opportunity to visit Abydos Temple and learn the story of its construction by Kings Seti I and Ramses II, the symbol of Osiris in it, and the special touch it offers.
After a nice lunch in a high-class restaurant, we will go to the Temple of Dendera — the Temple of the Goddess Hathor, goddess of goodness and love — to explore her story and symbols spread throughout the temple.
Edfu & Kom Ombo (En Route with Aswan or Return)
Take a one-day trip between Luxor and Aswan to visit the two great temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo.
Edfu Temple — the second largest in Egypt after Karnak — is dedicated to the god Horus, Lord of the Sky, and features stunning wall carvings and drawings.
Temple of Kom Ombo is one of the first dual temples in Egypt, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, famously known as the Temple of the Crocodiles.
You can visit both temples either from Luxor or Aswan, as they are located midway between the two.
Esna Temple (Shorter Option)
The beautiful Temple of Khnum — god of creation and the Nile — offers a relatively unknown but rewarding journey to witness one of the best manifestations of ancient Egyptian civilization and religious beliefs.
Although dedicated to an ancient Egyptian god, this temple was built in the Ptolemaic era and is located in western Luxor.
Where to Stay in Luxor (East vs West)
What is the best place to stay in Luxor? East or West? And what distinguishes each area from the other?
The best place to stay depends on what you personally want to visit, because each of the two sides has its own special touches.
- ✅East Bank: Includes the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, lively nightlife, and many restaurants.
- ✅ West Bank: Includes the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, and is known for its calm and peaceful atmosphere.
- ✅ You can also enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the West Bank for breathtaking panoramic views straight out of a movie.
You have a variety of hotels in Luxor to choose from, such as Steigenberger Nile Palace and others — check with us to provide you with a full list of the best hotels in Luxor.
Getting Around Luxor (Transport & Tickets)
Moving around Luxor may be easier than you think, and with Egypt Tours Group, your trip will be much easier than any other way.
- Transportation from the airport to the hotel will be via our private vehicle and professional driver.
- If your trip is a Nile cruise, make sure that transportation from the temple to the Nile cruise is guaranteed.
- It is recommended to start your day early to avoid heat and crowds.
- You can travel by ferry between the two banks of the Nile.
- A shuttle is available to transport you easily and comfortably within the valley to save time and effort.
- Before visiting any temple or site, make sure to obtain an entrance ticket; prices vary by location.
- Get a Luxor Pass to simplify ticketing if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Best Time to Visit Luxor, Egypt
To really enjoy your stay at Luxor, you need to know what the best time to visit Luxor is. Here is a tip provided by us to make your trip easier.
- ➤ The best time to visit Luxor is in the winter between October and April to enjoy the mild air and royal views.
- ➤ It is better to avoid the summer heat and the scorching sun so that your trip is completely enjoyable and comfortable.
- ➤ There may be severe cold snaps in the early morning in winter, and it is advisable to take a coat or scarf.
- ➤ It is better to avoid months like May, June, July, and August.
Plan Your Trip To Luxor
Get ready for an unforgettable experience with Egypt Tours Group. From exploring Luxor’s temples and tombs to enjoying the sunrise balloon ride or discovering both the East and West Bank, we’re here to help you plan the perfect Luxor tour in Egypt and tailor-make your trip exactly the way you want..
FAQs – Things to Do in Luxor
How many days do you need in Luxor?
You can spend only one day in Luxor, but it’s not recommended as you’ll miss many important landmarks. It’s better to spend around three days to fully enjoy the experience.
Is the Luxor hot-air balloon worth it?
Of course!! You’ll get to see Luxor from the highest point at sunrise or sunset — a magical and unforgettable view.
Can you do Luxor in one day?
You can take an overnight stay in Luxor and visit the four most important landmarks, but you’ll still miss a lot of amazing sites.
What’s the best time to visit Luxor?
The best time to visit Luxor is during the winter months to avoid high temperatures and fatigue, enjoying the sights with cool and pleasant breezes.
Do you need a guide for the West Bank?
Yes! Our professional guide will help you understand the stories behind each site, interpret the ancient inscriptions, and make your trip more insightful and enjoyable.
Is Luxor safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Luxor is a safe and peaceful city. With its high tourist presence and constant security, travelers can explore comfortably and confidently.
