Things to Do in Luxor: Temples, Tombs and Balloons

Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the capital of Egypt at the height of its power. It is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum: temples on the east bank, royal tombs on the west bank, and the Nile flowing between them.

The East Bank

Karnak is a vast temple complex built over two thousand years. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of giant columns, and around the sacred lake. Luxor Temple, in the middle of the modern city, is beautiful at sunset and after dark, and is linked to Karnak by the restored Avenue of Sphinxes.

The West Bank

• The Valley of the Kings – painted royal tombs cut deep into the mountain; a standard ticket includes three tombs.
• The Temple of Hatshepsut, built in terraces against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
• The Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III.
• Medinet Habu and the Valley of the Queens for quieter visits with superb colours.

A hot-air balloon at sunrise

Floating over the West Bank as the sun rises over the Nile is one of the most beautiful experiences in Egypt. Flights last around 45 minutes and leave very early in the morning, weather permitting.

Day trips from Luxor

North of Luxor, the temples of Dendera and Abydos have some of the finest reliefs and painted ceilings in Egypt. To the south, Edfu and Kom Ombo can be visited by car in a day if you are not taking a Nile cruise.

How long to stay

Two full days are enough for the main sights of both banks. With three days you can add the balloon, Dendera and Abydos, and quiet time by the river. Most Nile cruises also start or end in Luxor.