Welcome to the enchanting world of Egypt and explore the best things to do in Luxor and immerse in grandeur of ancient Egypt. Unravel the mysteries of a bygone era as you embark on a journey filled with captivating experiences. From exploring the majestic temples like Karnak and Luxor, adorned with colossal statues and intricate hieroglyphics, to cruising along the timeless Nile River at sunset, Luxor offers a myriad of adventures. Don't miss the thrill of a hot air balloon ride, providing a bird's-eye view of the Valley of the Kings. Dive into the bustling markets, savoring the aroma of exotic spices and vibrant textiles. Luxor isn't just a destination; it's a portal to an ancient civilization waiting to be discovered.
Best Things to Do in Luxor: Discover the Diverse Array of Activities for Countless Memories
Step into the timeless allure of Luxor, where history whispers through every stone and the air is infused with ancient tales. Embark on a hot air balloon adventure at dawn, floating over the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs rest beneath the golden sands. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture at the Luxor Museum, where relics of a glorious past come to life. Unwind on a traditional felucca cruise along the Nile, where the rhythmic flow of the river mirrors the continuity of Luxor's legacy. As night falls, wander through the atmospheric bazaars, where treasures from antiquity beckon. Every moment is a bridge between epochs, inviting you to dance through the pages of history by offering you the exceptional things to do in Luxor.
Luxor fascinates everyone looking for mysteries of Egyptian Pharos, but this is not it, there are much more to do for all kinds of interests from adventure to luxury and exploration. Here is a list of top 10 things to do in Luxor for your impeccable travel to this historically rich city of Egypt.
- Explore the Valleys of Kings & Queens
- Sail Through the Nile on Cruise
- Hot Air Ballon Ride in Luxor
- Camel Ride through the West Bank
- Visit Museums and Journey through Time
- Take a Day Trip to Dendera Temple of Hathor
- Unveil the Mystic Luxor Temples
- Enjoy Incredible Quad Tour in Luxor
- Savor Delicious Egyptian Cuisine
- Enjoy Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show
1. Explore the Valleys of Kings and Queens
Explore the 11th-century Valley of the Kings, located beside the Nile River, where you can visit the tombs of important Pharaohs buried between 1539-1075 BC. Among the most popular things to see in Luxor is the tomb is King Tutankhamun, known for his hieroglyphics and his discoveries. The Hatshepsut Temple and hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings are also worth a visit. The Tomb of King Tutankhamun, opened in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter, is one of the largest discoveries at the Valley of the Kings and is the best-preserved tomb. The Valley of the Queens, the final resting place for Pharaohs' wives, has 90 tombs and was the final resting place for princes, princesses, and other Pharaohs.
The Valley of the Artisians, the official burial ground of workers who built the famous tombs, is also worth visiting. This Egyptian workmen’s village is also known as Deir el-Medina, or Dayr al-Madīnah. The Valley of the Nobles, located on the West Bank, has 400-500 tombs, most belonging to the 6th dynasty of the Graeco-Roman period in Thebes. The Tomb of Sennefer, a mayor of Thebes, is one of the most famous, with paintings depicting his day-to-day life with family. All these attractions are worth the visit and worth viewing from the hot air balloon in Luxor that makes them even more fascinating.
Location:
- Valley of Kings: Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1340420, Egypt (6 am to 4 pm)
- Valley of Queens: PHHV+C5M, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1340410, Egypt (6 am to 5 pm)
- Valley of Artisans: PJH2+37, Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1340412, Egypt (6 am to 5 pm)
- Valley of the Nobles: Kharga Oasis Section, Luxor Governorate 1340420, Egypt (8 am to 6 pm)
2. Sail Through the Nile on Cruise
Set sail on a true Egyptian cruise with a felucca tour on Nile, a traditional Egyptian sailboat designed for shallow waters and experience one of the things to do in Luxor Egypt. Enjoy a tour down the Nile River, stopping at Banana and Camel Island for swimming and a camel ride. With a day-long adventure, consider indulging yourself in a hot air balloon experience, camel ride, and a trip to Kings of Valley. Similarly, the dinner cruises on the Nile offer stops at historic sites and dinner on the Nile. Explore the Nile River for a memorable 3–7-day cruise, featuring temples, landmarks, and city attractions. Don’t forget each day on a Nile cruise would bring the best things to do in Egypt to remember for a lifetime.
Attractions in Luxor to Explore: Valley of Kings, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple. Colossi of Memnon, Abu Sumbel Temples, Luxor Museum, Dendera Temple of Hathor, etc.
Best Month for Nile Cruise: October to April
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3. Hot Air Ballon Ride in Luxor
Luxor, a city on the eastern bank of the river Nile, offers a unique way to view its historical, cultural, social, and physical landscapes. Hot air balloon rides in Luxor are among the best things to do in Luxor. The rides are available year-round, with early morning rides being the most beautiful. Choose from a variety of experiences, including a traditional sunrise 50-minute balloon over famous landmarks like tombs and ancient temples. Some tours may include hotel pick-up and drop-off, and in some cases, breakfast is included. If you are on your honeymoon in Egypt, book yourselves the morning ride and witness the gorgeous glimpse into Luxor's modern life and historic landmarks.
- Best Attractions for Hot Air Balloon: Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Nile River, Karnak Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, Temple of Hatshepsut (at Deir el-Bahari), Temple of Horus (at Edfu), Sunrise and Sunset View
- Best Hot Air Balloon Ride: HODHOD SOLIMAN HOT Air Balloon, Sindbad Hot Air Balloons, Magic Horizon Balloons, Magic Horizon Balloons
- Best Time for Hot Air Balloon Ride:
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Time:
Winter- 6:30 am to 7:00 am
Summer- 4:30 am to 5:00 am
Pickup- 3:30 am – 4:00 am (depending on the time of sunrise.)
- Duration of a Hot Air Balloon Ride: 45 minutes to 1 hour
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4. Camel Ride through the West Bank
Luxor Egypt things to do list cannot complete without adding the experience of the enchanting camel ride, exploring the desert surroundings and iconic landmarks like the Ramesseum, Habu Temple, and Hatshepsut Temple. This adventure provides an authentic connection to the region's natural beauty and historical heritage. Whether you're a solo traveler or with a group, this unforgettable experience will leave cherished memories of this remarkable destination. Enjoy a classic tour to the deserts of Luxor on a traditional camel riding experience, learning the basics of camel riding for 2 hours. After, trek through the golden sands of the West Bank, taking in the scenery of the Nile River. Explore the local charm of villages and farms and choose a longer tour to explore the countryside and further away dunes and deserts.
- Attractions to Explore on a Camel Ride: Al Qarnah, Luxor Governorate, the desert
- Duration: 2 hours
- Age Group: 9 Years to 90 Years
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5. Visit Museums and Journey through Time
Museums are the true facets of history and a bygone era and are the best places to visit in Luxor. Luxor boasts of several museums, and all of them are equally important. The Luxor Museum is a two-story museum that houses a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, art, and historical finds. Visitors can explore treasured items found in Pharaoh Tutankhamun's grave, statues from temples, and mummies from two important Pharaohs, which I must say are among the top things to do in Luxor for some people. The museum also features pieces from Karnak, including Akhenaten's temple and 18th-century African art.
The Mummification Museum Luxor offers a fascinating insight into the historic process of mummification in ancient Egypt, including canopic jars, embalming, religious ceremonies, and beliefs. The Karnak Open-Air Museum showcases the Karnak Temple complex and its reconstruction, tracing the history of Pharaohs. The Kanak Open-Air Museum, located across from the Great Court and Ramses Ill Temple, showcases impressive excavations since the late 19th century, including towering columns, wall paintings, and carvings. Other attractions include the White Cathedral of Strys, the Red Church of Hatshepsut, and the Great Hypostyle Hall and Festival Hall of Tuthmosis Ill.
- Luxor Museum:
Address: PJ5V+2RV, Kornish Al Nile, Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1362503, Egypt
Opening Hours: 9 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm
Entry Fee: 50 EGP for students and 100 EGP for adult
Opened: 1975
Burials: Ramesses I
- Mummification Museum:
Address: Kornish Al Nile, Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1362501, Egypt
Opening Hours: 9 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 10 pm
Opened: 1997
Entry Fee: €30 per person to €55 per person.
- Karnak Open-Air Museum:
Address: Karnak, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Opening Hours: 6 am to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: 25 EGP
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6. Take a Day Trip to Dendera Temple of Hathor
The Dendera Temple Complex, located on the Nile River north of Luxor, is home to two of Egypt's best-preserved temple complexes and offers unique things to do in Luxor. The sacred city of Abydos houses the temple of Seti I, while Dendera's Hathor Temple is a colorful and intricately detailed temple with a brilliant blue ceiling. The temple was dedicated to worshiping Hathor, the Goddess of Healing and Femininity. It was a place where miraculous cures were gifted, and rituals were performed for New Year. The temple is among the popular places to visit in Egypt for day trips, with a private tour guide and experienced driver. The main temple at the Dendera Temple Complex is the Hathor Temple, dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods (323 BC to 37 AD). The most striking part of the temple is the hypostyle hall, which features twenty-four massive columns with Hathor's head on it.
The Temple Complex Features:
- Hathor temple (the main temple)
- Temple of the birth of Isis
- Sacred Lake
- Sanatorium
- Mammisi of Nectanebo II
- Christian Basilica
- Roman Mammisi
- A Barque Shrine
- Gateways of Domitian and Trajan
- The Roman Kiosk
Note: The Dendera Temple is not to be confused with the Dendera Necropolis, which consists of a series of tombs.
Address: Address: Qism Qena, Qena, Qena Governorate 1455046, Egypt
Timings: 7 am to 5 pm
7. Unveil the Mystic Luxor Temples
Luxor things to do are incomplete without taking captivating journey through the ancient wonders of Luxor, beginning with the mystical Luxor Temple. Here, delve into its rich origins as a holy space where Egypt's greatest Pharaohs were crowned. Explore the Abou Al-Haggag Mosque, a historic site dating back to the 14th century BC, showcasing ancient Egyptian artifacts and religious relics. Venture into the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III and engage with the Precinct of Amun-Re within the Karnak Temple Complex, learning about the Egyptian belief in temples and the creation of the world. Admire the grandeur of the Hatshepsut Temple, dedicated to one of Egypt's first female Pharaohs and discover the Mut Temple, dedicated to the wife of the Sun God. Immerse yourself in the historic Karnak Temple, a pilgrimage base for over 1,500 years, dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Unearth the mysteries of the Habu Temple, a refuge from war turned Christian church, and marvel at the Ramesseum Temple, honoring Ramses II. Luxor unfolds as an unparalleled historical tapestry, where each site tells a compelling story, from ancient rituals to architectural feats.
- Karnak Temple
- Ramesseum Temple
- Habu Temple
- Mut Temple
- Hatshepsut Temple
- Precinct of Amun-Re
- Grand Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III
- Abou al-Haggag Mosque
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8. Enjoy Incredible Quad Tour in Luxor
Try one of the best things to do in Luxor Egypt, the Quad Bike Safari that offers a thrilling adventure for tourists of all ages, including families and teenagers. This sporty quad bike safari takes you through the dunes of the Egyptian desert, offering adrenaline-inducing rides through the desert. You can choose from early sunrise or sunset quad tours, taking in the stunning gold colors of the sand and golden sun rays. Some tours include a cruise down the Nile River on a motorboat, and all quad tours come with a safety briefing and practice laps. This is an excellent starting point for those new to quad biking.
Duration: 2 hours
Type: Private Tour
Availability: Runs Daily
Prices Per Person in U.S.D ($):
- Single Person- Approx. 60 $
- From 2 to 3 People- Approx. 50 $
- From 4 to 15 People - Approx. 45 $
- Child from (10 to 16 Y)- Approx. 30 $ Sharing Bike
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9. Savor Delicious Egyptian Cuisine
Egyptian cuisine, influenced by its rich history, ancient culture, and Mediterranean location, is characterized by a blend of sea and land ingredients. Past invasions and conquests have left a legacy of Middle Eastern foods, making it more Arab than African. Meat is a common ingredient, along with bread and yogurt sauces resembling Turkish and Greek. Popular dishes in almost all of the restaurants in Egypt include mashi and kushari, and sweets like baklava are also prevalent. Popular dishes include eish baladi, a local pita bread, and cheesemaking dating back to the First Dynasty. Meats like squab, chicken, and lamb are also used. Tea is the national drink, while beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage.
Best Restaurants in Luxor: Marsam Restaurant, Nile Valley Restaurant, Lantern Restaurant, Tutankhamun Restaurant, Maison Thomas, El Hussein Restaurant
Most famous Dishes: Fatteh, Kofta, Kebab, Koshari, Baklava, Stuffed pigeon, Bamia, Mashi
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10. Enjoy Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show
Experience the ancient Egyptian era at the Karnak Temple in Luxor, the largest open-air museum in the world. Discover the secrets behind the temple's ancient name, Thebes, and explore its significant monuments. The Pharaohs' architectural achievements are evident in the massive monuments and magnificent temples of Luxor. The Karnak Sound and Light show offers an unforgettable experience in 10 languages, allowing visitors to choose from 10 languages to listen to the interesting story. Book tickets online for groups and individuals to enjoy the Karnak Light show which is truly one of the most captivating things to do in Luxor at night.
Address: Kornish Al Nile, Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate
Timings: 6 pm to 8 pm
Languages: Arabic, English, and German
Charges: *Subject to change
- Adults above 12 Years- Approx. $20
- Children Below 12 Years- Approx. $11
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Luxor, a living canvas of ancient marvels, beckons explorers to traverse epochs through its timeless offerings. From hot air balloon rides above the Valley of the Kings to the bustling markets and Nile cruises, one may enjoy an array of things to do in Luxor. Every cobblestone and monument, from Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple, narrates the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Each moment spent deciphering hieroglyphics in the Luxor Museum or sailing the Nile at sunset is a brushstroke on this historic canvas. Luxor is more than a destination; it's an immersive journey into the splendor of an ancient civilization that you can take in with one of our best Luxor tour packages.
Things to Do in Luxor FAQs
Karnak Temple, an expansive complex, and Luxor Temple, an iconic monument, are must-visit for their ancient significance and architectural splendor.
Absolutely, hot air balloon rides provide a breathtaking aerial perspective of Luxor's iconic landmarks, including the Valley of the Kings.
The Valley of the Kings is a royal burial ground, housing tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom, adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and treasures.
Yes, guided tours offer in-depth insights into the Luxor Museum's extensive collection of ancient artifacts, including statues, jewelry, and mummies.
Nile cruises, felucca rides, and sunset cruises are popular activities, offering scenic views of Luxor's riverside temples and landscapes.
The early morning hours, when the air is calm and the sunrise bathes the landscape in warm hues, offer the best conditions for a hot air balloon ride.
Hot air balloon rides typically last around 45 minutes to an hour, allowing ample time to marvel at Luxor's iconic sites from the sky.
Certainly, day trips from Cairo to Luxor are possible, usually by air. This allows visitors to explore key attractions, including Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, in a single day.
