Summary
Luxor is the ancient city of Thebes, and it holds more of ancient Egypt in one place than anywhere else. The Nile divides it in two.
- The East Bank is the modern city, with Karnak and Luxor Temple.
- The West Bank was the city of the dead, with the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and hundreds of tombs.
Two full days, one for each bank, are enough for the highlights. Three days leave time for a sunrise balloon flight and the smaller sites. With us, a guided half-day on either bank costs from $45 per person in a group, or $60 each for two.
Tour prices as of November 2026; each tour page has its full price table.
The East Bank: Karnak and Luxor Temple
The East Bank is where Luxor lives today, and where its two great temples stand:
- Karnak, the largest temple complex of ancient Egypt, built and rebuilt over some two thousand years for the god Amun-Ra. Its Hypostyle Hall of 134 columns is the sight most visitors remember.
- Luxor Temple, in the middle of the city, is beautiful at sunset and after dark, when it is lit.
- The Avenue of Sphinxes joins the two temples.
- The Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum are both on the Corniche.
Our East Bank tour covers Karnak and Luxor Temple, from $45 per person.
The West Bank: The Valley of the Kings and the Theban Tombs
Across the river, the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in the hills:
- The Valley of the Kings, where the standard ticket covers three tombs. The tomb of Tutankhamun needs an extra ticket.
- The Temple of Hatshepsut, set in terraces against the cliffs.
- The Colossi of Memnon, the two giant statues of Amenhotep III.
- The Valley of the Queens, with the painted tomb of Nefertari (a separate ticket).
- Quieter sites: Medinet Habu, the Ramesseum, Deir el-Medina and the Tombs of the Nobles.
Our West Bank tour costs from $45 per person. The full-day tour of both banks costs from $80. Ticket prices are in our Egypt ticket prices guide.
A Sunrise Balloon Flight over Luxor
The best-known way to see the West Bank is from the air. Balloons take off at dawn and drift over the temples, the green fields and the edge of the desert. Read our guide to hot-air balloon rides in Luxor, or see the balloon flight.
How Many Days in Luxor?
- One day: the full-day tour of both banks. It is a long day, but it covers the highlights.
- Two days: one day for each bank, at an easier pace.
- Three days: add the balloon flight, Medinet Habu and the Tombs of the Nobles, or a day trip to the temples of Dendera, dedicated to Hathor.
Many visitors see Luxor from a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, which includes guided visits on both banks.
Egypt Honeymoon Journey: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Red Sea
Want to see this for yourself? This trip covers it.
View This TripWhere to Stay in Luxor
Most hotels are on the East Bank, along the Nile:
- The Sofitel Winter Palace is the historic choice in the centre, a short walk from Luxor Temple.
- The Steigenberger Nile Palace and the Sonesta St. George are on the Corniche.
- The Hilton Luxor is north of the centre, near Karnak.
- The Jolie Ville is on an island to the south.
The West Bank has smaller, quieter hotels close to the tombs. Compare them in our guide to Luxor hotels.
Getting to Luxor and Getting Around
- From Cairo: about an hour by air, or overnight by train.
- From Hurghada: about 300 km, roughly four hours by road. See our Luxor day trip from Hurghada.
- From Aswan: by Nile cruise, or about three hours by road.
- Crossing the river: by bridge south of the city, or by the public ferry and motorboats from the Corniche.
When to Visit Luxor
October to April is the comfortable season, with warm days and cool nights. From May to September it is very hot in the middle of the day, so visits start at dawn, but the sites are quieter and prices lower. Luxor has two special dates in 2027: the total solar eclipse on 2 August (see our eclipse guide) and the Luxor Marathon in January. For the history of the city, read Thebes, Egypt and the life of Thutmose III, who added the Festival Hall at Karnak.
Luxor Travel Guide: FAQ
Is Luxor worth visiting?
Yes. Luxor has the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and the Temple of Hatshepsut, and for most visitors it is the highlight of a trip to Egypt.
How many days do you need in Luxor?
Two days: one for the East Bank and one for the West Bank. One long day covers the highlights.
Should I stay on the East Bank or the West Bank?
The East Bank has most of the hotels, restaurants and the two big temples. The West Bank is quieter and close to the tombs.
How do I get from Cairo to Luxor?
The quickest way is a flight of about an hour. There are also day and overnight trains.
