Luxor
City of temples and tombs, steeped in history
Overview
Luxor, located in the southern region of Egypt, is a city that boasts a rich history and is home to some of the most fascinating ancient Egyptian sites. The city is situated on the east bank of the Nile River and covers an area of approximately 416 square kilometers. Luxor is known for its hot, dry climate, with temperatures reaching as high as 40°C during the summer months. Visitors to Luxor can explore a diverse range of flora and fauna, including palm trees, olive groves, and a variety of bird species. The city is also home to some of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, including the Karnak Temple Complex and the Valley of the Kings. Our expertly curated narrative provides a professional, unique, and factual overview of Luxor, ensuring that visitors have access to all the information they need to plan an unforgettable trip.
Things to Do
Visit the Karnak Temple Complex: Explore the vast and impressive ancient Egyptian temple complex that is considered one of the largest religious structures in the world.
Discover the Valley of the Kings: Visit the burial ground that was used for pharaohs and nobles during the New Kingdom period and explore the fascinating tombs.
Explore the Luxor Museum: Discover the fascinating collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts housed in this museum.
Take a hot air balloon ride: Experience a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscape of Luxor by taking a hot air balloon ride over the city.
Take a felucca ride down the Nile: Enjoy a more relaxed pace and take in the beauty of the city from a different perspective by taking a felucca ride down the Nile River.
Visit the Luxor Temple: Explore the ancient Egyptian temple dating back to the New Kingdom period, located in the heart of Luxor.
Wander around the Souq: Immerse yourself in the bustling local market of Luxor, where you can find everything from spices to traditional handicrafts.
What to See
Karnak Temple Complex: Considered one of the largest religious structures in the world, Karnak is an impressive ancient Egyptian temple complex that boasts a range of architectural styles.
Valley of the Kings: A fascinating burial ground used for pharaohs and nobles during the New Kingdom period, the Valley of the Kings is home to over 60 tombs.
Luxor Temple: Located in the heart of Luxor, this ancient Egyptian temple dates back to the New Kingdom period and features stunning architectural details.
Colossi of Memnon: These two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III are a popular tourist attraction and are believed to have guarded a temple complex that no longer exists.
Luxor Museum: A must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Egyptian history, the Luxor Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including statues, jewelry, and sarcophagi.
Hatshepsut Temple: A unique temple built for one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs, Hatshepsut Temple features a stunning design and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Medinet Habu: Located on the west bank of the Nile, Medinet Habu is an impressive temple complex that boasts some of the best-preserved reliefs and hieroglyphs in Egypt.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Luxor is during the winter months, from December to February, when the weather is pleasantly warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. During this time, the city is less crowded, and visitors can explore the ancient Egyptian sites at their own pace without having to deal with the scorching heat that Luxor is known for during the summer months. The shoulder seasons of March to April and October to November are also good times to visit Luxor, as the weather is still mild, and there are fewer crowds.
Visitors should be prepared for occasional sandstorms and high winds during these months. The summer months, from June to August, are the hottest time of the year, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C or higher, making it uncomfortable to explore the city and the ancient sites
Getting there
By Air: Luxor International Airport is located just 6 km east of the city center and is served by several major airlines, including EgyptAir, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines. Direct flights to Luxor are available from several international destinations, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Istanbul. Domestic flights from Cairo, Aswan, and other Egyptian cities are also available.
By Road: Luxor is well-connected to other parts of Egypt by road. The city is located on the east bank of the Nile River and is easily accessible from Cairo via the desert road or the Nile Valley road. There are also several bus companies that offer regular services to Luxor from major cities across Egypt.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor Hotel & Convention Center
Situated along the banks of the Nile River, this hotel offers comfortable mid-range accommodation with stunning views of the river and the surrounding area. The hotel features spacious rooms, a range of dining options, a swimming pool, and a spa, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration.
Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor
Located on the east bank of the Nile River, Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor offers modern mid-range accommodation with easy access to the city’s main attractions. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a variety of dining options, a swimming pool, and a fitness center, making it a convenient base for exploring Luxor.
Luxury Accommodation:
Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor
A historic hotel that has hosted royalty and celebrities, Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor offers luxurious accommodation with a touch of old-world charm. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, several dining options serving gourmet cuisine, a swimming pool, and lush gardens, providing a tranquil escape in the heart of Luxor.
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Nestled on the banks of the Nile River, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers luxurious accommodation with breathtaking views of the river and the Valley of the Kings. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, several dining options, a spa, a swimming pool, and easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Other Attractions in Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
The Pyramids of Giza
Alexandria
Hurghada
Mount Sinai
The Valley of the Kings
Abu Simbel
Museum of Egypt
Karnak Temples
Pyramids of Djoser
Saint Catherine's Monastery
General Knowledge Base
General information about Luxor
, Egypt.
Luxor is a city in Upper Egypt and the capital of Luxor Governorate.
Luxor was the ancient city of Thebes, the great capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC).
Luxor is famous for its ancient ruins and temples, including the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple.
The Karnak Temple is a vast temple complex in Luxor. It was built over a period of 2,000 years and is one of the largest religious complexes in the world.
The Luxor Temple is a large temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River. It was built in the 14th century BC and is dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
Tutankhamun was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 18th dynasty (1332-1323 BC). He is famous for his tomb in the Valley of the Kings, which was discovered nearly intact in 1922.
The Luxor Sound and Light Show is a multimedia show that takes place at the Karnak Temple. It tells the story of ancient Egypt through sound and light effects.
The best time to visit Luxor is during the winter months (December to February) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
