Explore Karnak and Luxor temples on the East Bank, then cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple and a sunrise hot air balloon. Luxor is the world's greatest open-air museum: two vast temple complexes on the East Bank, a royal necropolis of painted tombs and mortuary temples on the West Bank, and the Nile in between. Two full days cover the highlights, and a private day tour with an Egyptologist is the way to make sense of it all.
You can book every experience below as a private Luxor day tour. Start with our Karnak and Luxor temples tour. We guide Luxor every week, and it never gets old. This is where the pharaohs built on a scale that still stops people in their tracks — Karnak alone took 2,000 years to finish. The city splits neatly in two: the living East Bank, where the sun rises over Karnak and Luxor temples and the modern town hums along the corniche, and the West Bank, where the sun sets over the Theban necropolis, the Valley of the Kings and the great mortuary temples. Get the rhythm of the two banks right and you'll see the best of Luxor without ever feeling rushed. Here's how we'd spend your time.
| Experience | Time needed | Best time of day | Tour link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnak Temple | 2+ hours | Early morning, or late afternoon for golden light | Karnak and Luxor temples tour |
| Luxor Temple | About 1 hour | Late afternoon or evening, when it is floodlit | Karnak and Luxor temples tour |
| Valley of the Kings | About 2 hours | Morning, before the heat | Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut tour |
| Temple of Hatshepsut | About 1 hour | First thing in the morning | Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut tour |
| Hot air balloon | About 2 hours including pickup | Sunrise | Luxor hot air balloon ride |
| Valley of the Queens | About 1 hour | Morning | Luxor West Bank private tour |
| Medinet Habu | About 1 hour | Late afternoon | Luxor West Bank private tour |
| Colossi of Memnon | 15–20 minutes | First or last stop of a West Bank day | East and West Bank day tour |
| Luxor Museum | 1–1.5 hours | Afternoon, to escape the heat | Tailor-made Luxor tour |
| Nile felucca ride | About 3 hours | Late afternoon | Felucca ride on the Nile |
| Karnak Sound & Light Show | About 2 hours | After dark | Sound and Light Show in Karnak |
No visit to Luxor is complete without seeing Karnak Temple, one of the largest ancient religious complexes in the world. Its highlight is the Great Hypostyle Hall, with 134 towering columns covered in detailed carvings and hieroglyphics. Allow at least two hours to explore the complex properly, and try to arrive early in the morning before the crowds and afternoon heat set in. For a closer look at its history and architecture, read our Karnak Temple guide or join our Karnak and Luxor Temples tour to visit both landmarks in one trip.
Located in the centre of Luxor, Luxor Temple is one of the city's most beautiful ancient landmarks. Unlike Karnak, it has a more intimate atmosphere, but its towering columns, statues, and ancient carvings are just as impressive. The temple is particularly beautiful in the evening, when the lights illuminate its sandstone walls and statues. It was once connected to Karnak Temple by the famous Avenue of Sphinxes, making it easy to explore both sites in the same day. If possible, visit around sunset and stay after dark to enjoy the changing atmosphere. Our Luxor Temple guide covers more of its history and the highlights worth seeing during your visit.
The burial ground of the New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramesses the Great, the valley hides more than 60 tombs cut deep into the hills. Your standard ticket covers three; we'd add Seti I's tomb, the finest of them all. The painted ceilings and corridors are breathtaking. Valley of the Kings guide
Built against the dramatic cliffs of Deir el-Bahri, Hatshepsut's Temple is one of the most beautiful landmarks on Luxor's West Bank. Its three levels of terraces, long rows of columns, and detailed wall carvings make it stand out from other ancient temples in Egypt. The temple was built for Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt's most remarkable female rulers. Try to arrive early in the morning, as the open terraces offer very little shade and can become extremely hot later in the day. To learn more about the queen and the temple's history, read our Temple of Hatshepsut guide or explore the West Bank with our Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut tour.
A hot air balloon ride at sunrise is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Luxor. As you float above the West Bank, you'll get beautiful views of the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, green farmland, and the Nile as the first sunlight spreads across the landscape. The early start is well worth it, especially on a clear morning when the views are at their best. It's a popular experience, so booking in advance with a reputable operator is recommended. You can enjoy these incredible views with our Luxor hot air balloon tour.
If you have already visited the Valley of the Kings, make time for the nearby Valley of the Queens. This quieter archaeological site is home to the tombs of royal wives and children, with beautifully decorated burial chambers that reveal another side of ancient Egyptian history. The most famous is the tomb of Queen Nefertari, the wife of Ramesses II, known for its remarkably preserved colours and detailed wall paintings. Access to her tomb requires a separate ticket and may be subject to visitor restrictions, so it's worth checking availability before your visit. Read our Valley of the Queens guide to learn more about the tombs and what to expect.
The mortuary temple of Ramesses III is one of Luxor's most underrated sites — vast, beautifully preserved and gloriously uncrowded. Look for the original painted colour still clinging to the ceilings and the dramatic battle reliefs carved into the outer walls. We often have the whole place almost to ourselves in the late afternoon. Luxor West Bank guide
These two 18-metre stone giants have guarded the West Bank for 3,400 years, all that survives of a mortuary temple long since vanished. They sit right beside the road, so they make a natural first or last stop on a West Bank day. In Roman times one of them was famous for 'singing' at dawn. Luxor West Bank guide
Compact, air-conditioned and superbly curated, the Luxor Museum is a welcome contrast to the open-air sites. Its highlights include statues from the Luxor Temple cache and a hall devoted to the New Kingdom. It's the perfect place to escape the afternoon heat and put the temples you've seen into context. Luxor East Bank guide
A felucca ride is a lovely way to experience a quieter side of Luxor. These traditional wooden sailing boats offer a relaxing escape from busy streets and temple visits, giving you time to enjoy the Nile and watch daily life along its banks. Late afternoon is a particularly nice time to go, when the sun begins to set and the river takes on a beautiful golden colour. Whether you're travelling as a couple or simply want a peaceful break during your sightseeing, a felucca trip is worth adding to your plans. You can arrange a felucca ride on the Nile to enjoy this experience during your stay.
If you're looking for something to do in Luxor after sunset, the Karnak Sound and Light Show offers a different way to explore one of Egypt's most famous temple complexes. As you walk through the illuminated courtyards and towering columns, recorded narration tells the story of ancient Thebes and the pharaohs who shaped its history. The lighting and storytelling create a memorable atmosphere, especially around the Great Hypostyle Hall. It's a good option for an evening activity after a day of sightseeing. Check out our Karnak Sound and Light Show to include this experience in your Luxor itinerary.
Getting the two banks right is the key to Luxor. The East Bank, where the sun rises, was the land of the living — temples and the modern city. The West Bank, where it sets, was the land of the dead — tombs and mortuary temples. We plan West Bank sites for the cooler morning and the East Bank for later. Luxor East Bank guide
Tell us when you can travel and we'll suggest the ideal route and season — usually within the hour.
Chat with a local expertMost visitors explore Luxor through one or two organized day tours, which makes it easier to visit the main attractions on both sides of the Nile without worrying about transport between them. Having a local Egyptologist with you also makes a big difference, as you'll learn the stories behind the temples, tombs, and ancient carvings rather than simply walking around the sites. A full-day tour can cover both the East and West Banks, starting with Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple before heading to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple. If you have another day to spare, you can visit the Valley of the Queens and Medinet Habu or enjoy an early-morning hot air balloon ride over the West Bank. Another popular way to continue your journey is by taking one of the Luxor and Aswan Nile cruises, with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. This gives you more time to enjoy the Nile while discovering some of Upper Egypt's most famous ancient sites.
Two full days in Luxor are usually enough to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. Spend the first day exploring the East Bank, including Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, then use the second day to visit the West Bank, with an early-morning hot air balloon ride if you'd like to see the city from above. If you only have one day, you can still cover the main highlights, but expect a busy sightseeing schedule. With three days, you'll have more time to explore lesser-known temples, visit nearby archaeological sites, and enjoy a relaxing felucca ride on the Nile. Many travelers also combine Luxor with Cairo and Aswan as part of a longer Egypt holiday. If you're planning to visit more than one city, check out our guides to the best things to do in Aswan and things to do in Cairo, or use our 7-day Egypt itinerary to plan how to divide your time between the country's main destinations.
We'll tell you honestly what the weather and crowds are really like for your travel dates.
Chat with a local expertLuxor has its own airport with quick flights from Cairo (about an hour) and Hurghada, and it's a stop on the overnight sleeper train from Cairo for those who want the scenic route. Many visitors arrive by Nile cruise from Aswan. Once here, the sites are split across the river: taxis, hotel drivers and the occasional felucca crossing get you around, but for the West Bank especially, a private car with a guide saves a lot of heat and hassle.
Choosing where to stay in Luxor depends on the kind of experience you're looking for. The East Bank, particularly around the Corniche, is a convenient choice, with Luxor Temple, the museum, restaurants, and many hotels close by. Across the river, the West Bank offers a quieter atmosphere, with a more rural setting and easy access to the Valley of the Kings and other ancient sites. If you prefer something more special, Luxor also has historic riverside hotels where you can enjoy beautiful Nile views and a touch of old-world charm. To compare locations, accommodation styles, and different budgets, read our full guide on where to stay in Luxor.
The months from October to April are generally the most comfortable for visiting Luxor, with warm, dry weather that's well suited to exploring temples, tombs, and archaeological sites. December and January are particularly busy, so it's worth booking your hotel and tours ahead of time. Summer is a different story. From June to August, temperatures often climb above 40°C, making sightseeing during the middle of the day difficult. If you're visiting during this period, plan your outdoor activities for early morning and take a break during the hottest hours. For a closer look at seasonal weather and travel conditions, check our guide to the best time to visit Egypt.
★ Rather have the whole trip planned for you? Tell us your dates and interests and we'll build a private Egypt itinerary around Luxor — cruise, guide, hotels and transfers included, tailored to your pace. Plan a Tailor-made Egypt tour
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The day trip to the Luxor West Bank is an unforgettable experience anywhere. You'll get to see the world-famous Valley of the Kings, with the tomb...
Luxor's balloons take off at sunrise, weather permitting, and hotels or cruises usually pick you up between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. Weather can delay or cancel flights, so book at least 24 hours ahead and plan your balloon for your first clear morning.
With one day, start on the West Bank as early as you can, because the tombs and Hatshepsut's terraces get very hot by mid-morning. Afterward, cross the river to Karnak and Luxor Temple, and finish at Luxor Temple at sunset. With two days, give Karnak its own early morning on the East Bank day.
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