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Luxor

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City
—°5
Luxor (Egypt)
ℹ️

Practical info — Luxor

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Start your West Bank tours at sunrise to beat the extreme heat and the large tour bus crowds.
  • If taking a felucca ride on the Nile, agree on the exact price and duration before stepping onto the boat.
  • The Luxor Pass is worth it if you plan to visit multiple expensive tombs like Seti I and Nefertari.
  • Cross the river using the local public ferry; it costs only a few Egyptian pounds compared to tourist motorboats.
  • Dress in breathable, light layers but keep shoulders and knees covered when visiting temples.

🍽 Food

🍽
Hamam Mahshi

Pigeon stuffed with rice, an Egyptian delicacy in traditional restaurants.

🍽
Sugarcane juice

Refreshing and freshly pressed from numerous street vendors.

🍽
Mahshi

Vegetables stuffed with a rice and herb mixture, often found in home-style eateries.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Alabaster carvings

Straight from the workshops on the West Bank (ensure you check for authenticity).

🛍
Spices

The Luxor souq provides a huge selection of fresh spices.

🛍
Local pottery

Traditional clay crafts produced in the villages around Luxor.

🧘
Banana Island (Gezira el-Mozh)

A quiet boat ride brings you to this peaceful island.

🧘
Mummification Museum grounds

A quiet, small spot away from the major temple hustle.

🧘
West Bank corniche

Good for a relaxing stroll as the sun sets.

Luxor, often described as the 'world's greatest open-air museum,' is located on the east bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt. The city stands on the site of ancient Thebes, which served as the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom. Luxor's archaeological significance is unparalleled, featuring the massive Karnak Temple Complex and the elegant Luxor Temple situated in the heart of the city. Across the river on the West Bank lies the famous Theban Necropolis, encompassing the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and numerous tombs of the nobles. It was here in 1922 that Howard Carter discovered the nearly intact tomb of Tutankhamun. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of visitors annually who come to witness its monumental statues and intricately carved hieroglyphics. Beyond its ancient treasures, Luxor has an animated modern culture with traditional markets (souks) and a scenic riverside corniche. The local economy is almost entirely driven by tourism and agriculture in the fertile Nile Valley.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131620252932333330262015
Rain mm100000000000

Geography

Population
422,407 (2019)
Coordinates
25.68720, 32.63960

Facts

  • Ancient name was Waset, known to Greeks as Thebes
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979
  • Karnak is the largest religious building ever constructed
  • Discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb (KV62) in 1922
  • Features the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues
  • The Valley of the Kings contains 63 known tombs

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Luxor (5)

Theban Necropolis🏺 historical

The Theban Necropolis is a vast ancient Egyptian archaeological site located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor.

Temple of Mut🏺 historical

The temple dedicated to the goddess Mut, part of the Karnak temple complex in Luxor.

Avenue of Sphinxes📍 landmark

The Avenue of Sphinxes is a historic attraction in Luxor that originally connected the temples of Karnak and Luxor.

Luxor Governorate Diwan📍 landmark

The administrative building of the Luxor Governorate, located on the corniche.

Conference Hall📍 landmark

A modern conference hall in Luxor used for events and exhibitions.

Frequently asked questions

What is a must-see in Luxor?
The Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple are essential.
Is a hot air balloon ride worth it?
Yes, sunrise over the monuments and the Nile is a highlight of any trip.
How many days do you need?
At least 2-3 days to comfortably explore both the East and West banks.
Can you go to Aswan by boat?
Yes, Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan are very popular, usually taking 4-5 days.
What is the local food?
Try stuffed pigeon or a traditional koshary.
Luxor: where is it located?
Luxor is located in Egypt.
Luxor: what is there to see?
Highlights include Theban Necropolis, Temple of Mut, Avenue of Sphinxes.
Luxor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Luxor: why is it worth visiting?
Luxor, often described as the 'world's greatest open-air museum,' is located on the east bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt.
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