How to Plan Your Trip to Luxor

Luxor was the seat of Ancient Thebes in the reign of the Middle Kingdom and the New Kingdom, which trace back to as early as the 20th century BC. It is like a huge open-air museum, hosting plenty of things to see. Keep reading. This guide will tell you how to plan your trip to Luxor.

What to See or Do in Luxor

Before starting to plan your trip to Luxor, let's check the must-see attractions here and where they are.

Map of Luxor Attractions

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple

Located in northern Luxor, Karnak Temple is one of the largest religious complexes in the world, and its history stretches back over 3,900 years. It includes the Great Temple of Amun, the Temple of Khonsu, the Festival Temple of Tuthmosis III, and over 20 smaller temples and chapels. 

You will need a half day or a bit more time to explore its carvings and details. It's best to visit in the early morning when the site is less crowded and temperatures are cooler.

You may have heard of the Karnak Sound and Light Show. While the colorful lighting does create an atmospheric view of the temple at night, the narration and overall presentation feel quite outdated. Personally, I wouldn't recommend it unless you are particularly interested in nighttime photography.

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple, located right in the heart of downtown Luxor on the east bank of the Nile, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. One of the most remarkable features is the Avenue of Sphinxes. It is a 2.7 km stretch lined with hundreds of sphinx statues that once connected Luxor Temple to nearby Karnak Temple.

Inside, don't miss the open-air Hypostyle Hall and Peristyle Court, both offering great photo opportunities and a closer look at well-preserved carvings.

The Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings

Tucked among an extensive area of deserts, the Valley of the Kings was the sacred burial place for successive pharaohs between 1539 BC and 1075 BC. Hidden along rocky palisades, more than 60 tombs for the pharaohs and nobility have been unearthed within the valley so far. The underground palaces were decorated with ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings, which are really impressive.

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut is considered a masterpiece of Egyptian architecture. The mortuary temple was built to dedicate the queen of Hatshepsut during the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt.

Made of light white sandstone, the temple features three massive terraces at an average elevation of 100 meters above the desert floor. Inside the temple you can see statues, reliefs, and inscriptions recording stories of Queen Hatshepsut.

Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are two famed colossal statues that stand beside the road on a field that links the West Bank of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings. Both were once part of a temple for Amenhotep III and served to guard the king's temple. Despite a thousand-year-long abrasion by wind and humidity, the two statues remain magnificent and eye-catching. The better-preserved South Colossus is 19.59 meters tall, and its foundation is partially submerged beneath the sand. The North Colossus, known as the "musical statue", is said that the statue may send out a sound at sunrise.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor

You can take a hot air balloon ride early in the morning to catch sight of a stunning sunrise and behold a spectacular panorama of some of Luxor's mountains and famous historical monuments dotted in it. Shared and private balloon baskets are two popular options. Every balloon flight lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The aerial views are very suitable for photography.

How Many Days to Spend in Luxor

Now, let's set your travel duration. If you don't have that much time, two days in Luxor for its main attractions is enough. One day for Karnak Temple, Luxor Museum, and Luxor Temple on the east bank, and another day for the Valley of the Kings and Queens, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon on the west bank.

If you prefer to explore at a slower pace, 3 days or even 4 days is recommended. The longer days allow you to admire the best of the city's temples, tombs, museums, and other attractions more deeply. Moreover, you still have plenty of time to experience local daily life and activities, such as shopping, hot air balloon riding, the light show at Karnak Temple, etc.

Where to Stay in Luxor

Looking at the map, you will see the Nile splits Luxor into the East Bank and West Bank, both home to incredible historic sites. So, where is the best place to stay?

For most travelers (myself included), the East Bank wins. It offers a wider range of amenities, more comfortable accommodations, and a selection of international luxury hotels. Plus, it's close to Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, which makes it super convenient for attending the night sound-and-light shows. You will also find plenty of shopping options and restaurants within walking distance.

That said, if you are after a quieter stay, the West Bank is also considerable. It is closer to major sites like the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple. While it is less developed, it offers cozy guesthouses and boutique stays with a more local vibe.

Note: You have one more option: the Nile cruise ship! It is one of the must-have experiences in Egypt, with Luxor often treated as the starting and ending spot.

When is the Best Time to Visit Luxor

Luxor is in deserts, which means it enjoys warm temperatures, very little rainfall, and plenty of sunshine year-round.

The coolest months are December through February, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C. It is perfect for sightseeing without breaking a sweat. Besides, winter is also festival season, with events like the Luxor African Film Festival and the Egyptian International Marathon. However, this popularity means tourist spots can get crowded, and flights and hotels may book up quickly. If you're visiting in winter, it's best to make your reservations a few months in advance.

For fewer crowds and still pleasant weather, March to May and October to November are excellent times to visit. Temperatures stay around 30°C during the day and cool down to around 20°C at night.

From June to September, Luxor becomes very hot and dry, often exceeding 40°C. While the heat can be intense, this is also when you will find the lowest prices on accommodation and tours. By the way, Luxor is the best place to watch the solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, the longest eclipse of this century. If you are interested in it, you make join in our Luxor Solar Eclipse Tour.

How to Get to Luxor

From Cairo to Luxor

• By Air: Flying from Cairo to Luxor takes just 1 to 2 hours, making it the fastest and most convenient option. Multiple daily flights are available.
• By Road: The distance from Cairo to Luxor is about 660 kilometers. A private car ride takes around 8 hours, while buses typically take about 10 hours. It's a long journey, but doable if you're looking to save on airfare or make stops along the way.

By Train: Taking the train is a budget-friendly option, with travel times ranging from 9 to 12 hours. Ticket prices vary by class and comfort, generally between $25 and $35.

From Aswan to Luxor

• By Nile Cruise: It's the most popular and scenic way to travel from Aswan to Luxor. Taking 4 days, you can explore the attractions along the river bank relaxing. The cost depends on your cruise type, ranging from $450 to more than $3000.
• By Train: Trains run frequently from Aswan to Luxor, usually taking 3 to 4 hours. It is super affordable as it just costs about $2 - $5.
• By Private Car: Using a private car offers the most flexibility. You can stop at attractions like Kom Ombo and Edfu or skip them entirely, it's your call. The drive along the Nile is scenic and takes around 3.5 hours.

By Bus: While buses are available between Aswan and Luxor, I personally don't recommend this option. They tend to be less comfortable than trains and sometimes cost more.

Custom Your Trip to Luxor

Feeling inspired to explore Luxor? Let Odynovo help you plan a worry-free, tailor-made itinerary just for you. From expert guides to immersive local experiences, we will handle every detail. So, you can simply enjoy the journey!