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Luxor
ℹ️Practical info — Luxor
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🌤 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
Pigeon stuffed with rice, an Egyptian delicacy in traditional restaurants.
Refreshing and freshly pressed from numerous street vendors.
Vegetables stuffed with a rice and herb mixture, often found in home-style eateries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Straight from the workshops on the West Bank (ensure you check for authenticity).
The Luxor souq provides a huge selection of fresh spices.
Traditional clay crafts produced in the villages around Luxor.
A quiet boat ride brings you to this peaceful island.
A quiet, small spot away from the major temple hustle.
Good for a relaxing stroll as the sun sets.
Water temperature…
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.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Theban Necropolis · Temple of Mut · Avenue of Sphinxes
- Nearby: Qus (26 km)
- Population: ~422.407 (2019)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 13 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 29 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 30 | 26 | 20 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Geography
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Begin your morning at the magnificent Luxor Temple, feeling the weight of millennia. Midday brings you past the small but significant Chapel of Serapis, reflecting ancient cultural blends. In the afternoon, watch the Nile flow by at the ferry dock and pass the modern Governorate. Finally, evening falls as you explore the world-class Luxor Museum, ending your day immersed in pharaonic glory.
Luxor Temple
Chapel of Serapis
local ferry to West Bank
Luxor Governorate Diwan
Luxor Museum
Start your walk at the Luxor Temple, where the rain adds a unique sheen to the ancient stones. At noon, the local ferry's covered deck provides a dry crossing to the West Bank. In the afternoon, the Luxor Museum serves as a perfect indoor sanctuary from the showers. Spend your evening under the city's covered walkways, enjoying the fresh, cooled air.
Luxor Temple
Chapel of Serapis
local ferry to West Bank
Luxor Governorate Diwan
Luxor Museum
Enjoy the Luxor Temple in the mild winter sun, perfect for long explorations on foot. At noon, the ferry ride under the bright blue sky is particularly pleasant. Be mindful of the early sunset around 17:00, which paints the sky in gold. Evenings cool down quickly, making a visit to the museum a welcome, warm indoor activity.
Luxor Temple
Chapel of Serapis
local ferry to West Bank
Luxor Governorate Diwan
Luxor Museum
Kick off your ride with essential supplies at Awlad Ragab before pedaling to the colossal Luxor Temple. Midday invites a scenic cycle along the grand Avenue of Sphinxes, bridging ancient complexes. Spend your afternoon admiring the intricate statues at the Luxor Museum and the secluded Temple of Mut. Conclude your adventure at Nut Art Store & Kaffee, resting your legs with art and tea.
Awlad Ragab
Luxor Temple
Avenue of Sphinxes
Luxor Museum
Temple of Mut
Nut Art Store & Kaffee
Cycling in the rain requires caution on Luxor's slippery roads. Start at Awlad Ragab to gather supplies. Use the Luxor Temple and the Museum as extended dry breaks. The Avenue of Sphinxes is atmospheric in the rain, but watch out for deep puddles. End your day at the cozy Nut Art Store with a hot drink indoors.
Awlad Ragab
Luxor Temple
Avenue of Sphinxes
Luxor Museum
Temple of Mut
Nut Art Store & Kaffee
Winter is the prime time for a bike tour in Luxor due to the mild temperatures. Start your morning at Awlad Ragab. Cycling along the Avenue of Sphinxes is refreshing in the cool breeze. Remember the early sunset; reach the Temple of Mut in time. End your day at the Nut Art Store as the evening chill sets in after 17:00.
Awlad Ragab
Luxor Temple
Avenue of Sphinxes
Luxor Museum
Temple of Mut
Nut Art Store & Kaffee
Your drive starts at the serene Temple of Mut, exploring its sacred lake without the crowds. By midday, cruise past the monumental Avenue of Sphinxes to the spectacular Luxor Museum. Afternoon highlights include the grandeur of Luxor Temple before crossing to Banana Island for a tropical interlude. The evening culminates majestically at the Theban Necropolis amidst ancient tombs.
Temple of Mut
Avenue of Sphinxes
Luxor Museum
Luxor Temple
Banana Island
Theban Necropolis
By car, you are perfectly protected against the rain in Luxor. Start dry at the Temple of Mut and get dropped off directly at the entrances. The museums provide perfect shelter at noon. In the afternoon, the car takes you to Banana Island, where you can view the rainy river landscape from the boat's cover. The Necropolis feels especially mystical in the grey light.
Temple of Mut
Avenue of Sphinxes
Luxor Museum
Luxor Temple
Banana Island
Theban Necropolis
Winter in Luxor is ideal for covering long distances comfortably by car. Start your morning at the Temple of Mut in the soft sun. At noon, the museums and temples offer the best light for photography. Be mindful of the early sunset at 17:00; reach the Necropolis in good time. In the evening, the ride back in the car will be very comfortable.
Temple of Mut
Avenue of Sphinxes
Luxor Museum
Luxor Temple
Banana Island
Theban Necropolis
Sights in the town Luxor (5)
Frequently asked questions
What is a must-see in Luxor?
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