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16 Epic Things to Do in Luxor: First-Time Visitor’s Guide

16 Epic Things to Do in Luxor: First-Time Visitor’s Guide

Olly Gaspar

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum—and it truly is. This ancient city was once Thebes, the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom, and today it holds one-third of the world’s most valuable monuments.

But as I found out, Luxor isn’t just about temples and tombs. Beyond Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, there are quieter, hidden gems: sunrise felucca rides across the Nile, tucked-away West Bank villages, and ancient workers’ villages like Deir el-Medina.

I explored all over the region and in this guide, I’ll show you the most exciting things to do in Luxor—from the famous sites to the lesser-known spots that made my trip unforgettable.

Quicklist: My Top Recommendations in Luxor

This guide is packed with everything you need to explore Luxor—from must-see attractions to insider tips on how to get there to easily plan your adventure-packed Egypt itinerary. But if you're short on time or only have a day or two to spend in Luxor, here are three convenient tours that cover all the can't-miss highlights.

Egyptian hieroglyphs of a pharaoh smoking a pipe

1. Valley of the Kings & Queens

Visit Luxor's most iconic landmarks with a professional Egyptologist on a guided tour. Discover royal tombs of Egypt's New Kingdom at the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens!

Hot air balloon during sunrise

2. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon

The sunrise hot air balloon experience over the Valley of the Kings was one of my favorite experiences in Egypt and surprisingly affordable– highly recommend for a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Sailing on the nile river in front of luxor hotels, egypt

3. Full-Day East & West Bank Tour

Explore the best of Luxor's East and West Bank with an Egyptologist guide. You won't see everything, but you'll see as much as physically possible with only one day!

Things to Do in Luxor East Bank

1. Explore Karnak Temple

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 600 EGP (approx. $12 USD)
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds and heat.

Karnak Temple is Egypt's largest temple complex and absolutely unmissable. Built over 2,000 years, the scale and detail of this site are mind-blowing.

Start at the Hypostyle Hall—its 134 massive columns are breathtaking. Don’t miss the Sacred Lake and the scarab beetle statue—locals believe circling it brings good luck! The entire complex is vast, so give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore.

Here are a few photos from my visit to Karnak temple.

2. Visit Luxor Temple at Night for the Light Show

  • Starting time: 8:00 pm
  • Entrance fee: $20 per person

Luxor Temple has a completely different vibe after dark. There's a sound and light show that kicks off at 8 pm every night and tickets are $20 per person.

The soft lighting on the towering statues and hieroglyphs makes it feel even more magical. It's easy to walk here after dinner since it's right in the city center. I always recommend walking the Avenue of Sphinxes, especially now that it fully connects to Karnak Temple.

3. Discover the Luxor Museum

  • Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 300 EGP (approx. $6 USD)
  • Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for a quieter experience.

Luxor Museum is one of Egypt's best-curated museums. It houses artifacts from Luxor's temples and tombs, including statues, jewelry, and even mummies.

The highlight for me was the statues from the Luxor Temple cachette. In my experience the museum is quieter and more organized than Cairo's Egyptian Museum, which made it much easier to absorb the information without a guide.

Egyptian artifact at luxor museum

4. Walk the Avenue of Sphinxes

Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Entrance Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening to avoid the heat.

The Avenue of Sphinxes is a 2.7 km ancient pathway lined with sphinx statues, connecting Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. It's an impressive sight, especially when illuminated at night. Walking this path offers a glimpse into how ancient Egyptians once moved between these two significant temples.

Luxor avenue of sphinxes

5. Mummification Museum

  • Opening Hours: 9 am–2 pm, 5–10 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 200 EGP
  • Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon (before the Luxor Temple Light Show)

The Mummification Museum is one of Luxor’s most underrated attractions, but I found it incredibly fascinating. It offers a deep dive into the ancient Egyptian art of preserving the dead—one of the things I was most excited to learn about on my trip to Egypt.

In honesty though, this museum is quite small but is well-curated and packed with artifacts and tools that explain how the ancient Egyptians prepared bodies for the afterlife. Oh, and there are actual mummies you can see in person. In total expect to spend about 30-45 minutes here, it's a quick but worthwhile stop on your Luxor itinerary.

Tip: Don't miss the mummy of Maserharti, a high priest of Amun. His preserved body, along with the tools used for mummification, gives a hauntingly intimate glimpse into ancient burial customs.

Egyptian mummy

6. Embark on a Nile Cruise from Luxor

  • Departure Times: Vary by company (most depart in the morning)
  • Cost: Starting from $300 USD for 3–4 days (luxury options are higher)
  • Best Time to go: October to April for cooler weather and calmer waters.

A Nile cruise from Luxor is one of the most iconic ways to experience Egypt. Most cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan, typically lasting 3 to 4 days, stopping at major historical sites along the way.

Standard itineraries include visits to Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, and the Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely shared by two gods. Cruises also often include a day in Aswan, where you can take an optional trip to the breathtaking Abu Simbel Temples, though this requires an early start and a long drive (or a short flight).

You can choose from a variety of cruise options, ranging from budget-friendly boats to ultra-luxury ships with pools, spas, and fine dining. There are also traditional dahabiyas, smaller sailing boats for a more intimate and quiet journey, though these are typically more expensive. I recommend booking a cruise that includes guided tours of each site to make the most of your time.

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7. Or... Take a Short Felucca Ride on the Nile

  • Departure Times: All day, but sunset is the most popular time
  • Cost: 100–200 EGP per hour (price can vary, so negotiate)
  • Best Time to go: Late afternoon or sunset for the best views.

If you don’t have time for a full Nile cruise, hopping on a felucca for a short sail is a perfect alternative. These traditional wooden sailboats are a popular and affordable way to experience the Nile. You can easily find feluccas along the Luxor Corniche near the Luxor Temple, where boat captains offer short rides ranging from 30 minutes to an hour.

Felucca on the river nile

Most feluccas sail to Banana Island, a small palm-covered island where you can enjoy fresh fruit and stroll through banana plantations, or they simply glide along the Nile for scenic views of both the East and West Banks.

This is one of my favorite quick activities in Luxor. It’s peaceful, offers amazing views of the city and the surrounding desert, and is much cooler on the water. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. I recommend going just before sunset when the sky turns golden and the river reflects the temples along the banks.

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Things to do in Luxor West Bank

8. Explore the Valley of the Kings

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 750 EGP (includes 3 tombs)
    • Optional Tomb of Tutankhamun: EGP 700
    • Optional Tomb of Seti I: EGP 2000
    • Optional Tomb of Ramses VI: EGP 220
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning before tour buses arrive.

The Valley of the Kings was by far one of the most fascinating historical landmarks I visited in Egypt. This is the famous valley where Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs were laid to rest. You can explore inside the tombs which have been immaculately preserved due to being underneath the desert sand.

The Valley of the Kings is enormous, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so I recommend hiring a guide to give context to the incredible tombs. Your ticket will only include entry into three tombs, but I've written a separate guide about the best tombs to visit which will be helpful.

However just make sure you don't miss I Seti I's tomb for the most stunning artwork!

My Recommended Tour: Valley of the Kings & Queens

9. Marvel at Hatshepsut's Temple

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 500 EGP
  • Best Time to Visit: Straight from the Valley of the Kings

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Its terraces rise dramatically against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

Arrive as early as possible to enjoy the stillness before tour buses roll in, many make this the first stop of the day due to the early opening.

Don’t miss the intricate carvings showcasing Hatshepsut’s reign and her expedition to the Land of Punt. For the best panoramic views, hike up the trail behind the temple. I found the climb well worth it for a quiet perspective over the West Bank.

Hatshepsut's temple in luxor

10. Hot Air Ballooning Over the Valley of the Kings

  • Departure Times: Around 4:30 am
  • Cost: as low as $75 per person
  • Best Time to Visit: Sunrise for the most breathtaking views.

Hot Air Ballooning over the West Bank was by far the most epic thing I did in Luxor—honestly, maybe even in all of Egypt. I’ve been hot air ballooning in a few places around the world, but nothing has ever come close to the experience here. Floating high above the West Bank as the sun rises, casting golden light over the Valley of the Kings, is absolutely surreal.

I couldn’t stop thinking about all the undiscovered tombs and hidden treasures still buried beneath the sands. It’s a humbling perspective, realizing how much history is still untouched.

Yes, the 4:00 am wake-up call is rough, but it’s so worth it. Plus, it’s surprisingly affordable for how incredible the experience is. I recommend booking with a reputable company (this tour on GetYourGuide was great for me) to make sure everything runs smoothly.

11. See the Colossi of Memnon

  • Opening Hours: Open 24/7
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning before visiting the Valley of the Kings

The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that stand guard over what was once a sprawling mortuary temple. Standing at 18 meters tall, these giants have weathered thousands of years of history, wars, and earthquakes, yet they still dominate the landscape.

Visiting this ancient monument is convenient because it is a quick stop that requires no entrance fee and is located right beside the road leading to the Valley of the Kings tomb sites.

What fascinated me most was the thought of how grand this temple must have been in its prime. Early Greek travelers reported that one of the statues “sang” at dawn due to cracks caused by an ancient earthquake, though today, they stand silently.

Colossi of memnon
Colossi of memnon

12. The Valley of the Queens

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 180 EGP (standard ticket) + additional fee for Nefertari’s Tomb (currently closed)
  • Best Time to Visit: After the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Queens often gets overshadowed by the more famous Valley of the Kings, but trust me—this site is just as awesome. This is where the wives and children of pharaohs were buried, and the tombs here are smaller but incredibly beautiful.

The highlight for me was Queen Nefertari’s Tomb, which was quite expensive to visit but is widely considered the most stunning tomb in all of Egypt. The vivid colors and detailed carvings feel like they were painted yesterday and it is well worth visiting.

However, unfortunately, Nefertari’s Tomb has been closed since early 2024 for urgent renovations. As of 2025, it is still closed, however make sure to check regularly for updates as it's worth it!

Wall carvings at the valley of the queens

13. Discover the Valley of the Workers (Deir el-Medina)

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 200 EGP
  • Best Time to Visit: Late morning after visiting the Valley of the Kings.

Exploring beyond the famous Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Medina, or the Valley of the Workers, offers a unique insight into the daily lives of the artisans who built the royal tombs.

Walking through the ruins of their village, you can see their homes and even graffiti left behind by the workers. The tombs here are smaller but beautifully decorated with bright, detailed artwork. I loved how this site humanizes ancient Egypt to understand that it’s not about kings and gods but ordinary people with families and stories. This site is much quieter than the bigger sites, so you can take your time exploring.

New Discovery in 2025: A very recent and remarkable archaeological find in Luxor’s Deir el-Bahari revealed 4,000-year-old tombs, vibrant artwork from Queen Hatshepsut’s reign, and the tomb of Queen Tetisheri’s palace overseer!

Hieroglyphs at the valley of the workers

14. Visit the Ramesseum

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 20 EGP
  • Best Time to Visit: After the Valley of the Kings

The Ramesseum is the mortuary temple of Ramses II, one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs. Though now mostly in ruins, the temple still is worth visiting to see the remains of a colossal fallen statue of Ramses II that once stood at 19 meters tall!

Walking through the ruins, it's pretty amazing to see the scale and intricate hieroglyphics that still cover the walls. However due to its damaged nature it is quieter than other sites, but I like this as you can take your time soaking in the atmosphere without the crowds you'll see at Karnak. It's also one of the cheapest attractions you can enter in Luxor!

Hieroglyphs at ramesseum

15. Visit the Temple of the Nobles

  • Opening Hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 80 EGP
  • Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning after Valley of the Kings

After visiting the Ramesseum, I highly recommend walking over to the nearby Tombs of the Nobles—they’re conveniently located just a short distance away. This area contains dozens of tombs belonging to high officials, scribes, and priests who served the pharaohs. Unlike the grand tombs in the Valley of the Kings, these tombs offer a more intimate and colorful look into ancient Egyptian daily life.

One of my favorites was the Tomb of Sennefer, known for its stunning grapevine ceiling, and the Tomb of Rekhmire, which beautifully illustrates scenes of agriculture, craftsmanship, and governance. These tombs are smaller but I was surprised to find they are still incredibly detailed. And best of all I loved that they show scenes of everyday life rather than grand royal rituals.

Tip: What’s great is that the Ramesseum, Tombs of the Nobles, Deir el-Medina, and even the Valley of the Workers are all within close proximity. This makes it super convenient to visit several sites in one trip to the West Bank without needing to travel far.

Hieroglyphs at the valley of the nobles in luxor

16. The Deir El-Shelwit Temple

  • Opening Hours: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Entrance Fee: 60 EGP (must be purchased in advance at the main ticket office)
  • Best Time to Visit: Before or after the Collossi of Memnon

I had heard about a small, hidden Temple of Isis tucked away on the West Bank, far from the main tourist trail. So, during a tour of some of Luxor's smaller sites, we asked our hotel taxi driver to take us there. The road to Deir El-Shelwit Temple was rough and rocky, adding to the feeling that we were discovering something truly off the beaten path.

This might be one of the most unknown ancient Egyptian temples still standing today. The temple itself is quite small, and while some of the wall carvings are interesting, they’re not very well preserved. That said, if you’re spending a few days in Luxor and want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, it’s worth checking out. I enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, but it was disappointing to find out that you can’t buy a ticket at the site—you need to purchase it in advance at the main ticket office along with other West Bank sites.

Egyptian temple in luxor

17. Catch Sunset on the River Nile

  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Best Time to Visit: At sunset

If you're looking for one of the best free things to do in Luxor, then I recommend walking to any of the accessible parts backing onto the River Nile, either on the West Bank or the East Bank for sunset.

While you could go to one of the riverside restaurants or tourist spots, there are plenty of spots where you can access the Nile for free without needing to buy anything. When I was in Luxor, we went for a walk down on the East Bank and watched the sunset over the Nile.

Sunset in luxor

18. Visit the Alabaster Artisans of Luxor

  • Opening Hours: Typically 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (varies by workshop)
  • Cost: Free to visit, but purchases support local artisans
  • Best Time to Visit: Late morning or afternoon after exploring the famous sites.

If you're looking for an authentic cultural experience in Luxor with a chance to buy a unique souvenir, then I highly recommend visiting one of the more reputable alabaster workshops on the West Bank. These family-run workshops have been carving alabaster (a soft local stone used by Ancient Egyptians) by hand for generations, using traditional tools and methods passed down through the centuries.

Most workshops offer a brief demonstration of how raw alabaster is transformed into delicate pieces of art including vases, statues, and lamps. While places like this can be a bit of a high-pressure sales tourist trap in many other parts of Egypt, I had a great experience at "Imhotep Alabaster Luxor" and I didn't feel like I needed to buy anything. However, buying something directly supports the local families keeping this ancient craft alive.

Alabaster artisan in luxor

Where to Stay in Luxor

Map showing the east and west bank of luxor

Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes is nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Gates" due to its many temples and historic sites.

Most of the attractions in the city itself, including the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple are situated on the east bank of the Nile. However, there are also many great hotels on the West Bank, with cheap and easy boat crossings available.

Make sure to read my comprehensive guide to the best Hotels in Luxor, or take a peek at the three top picks below for each budget.

Steigenberger nile palace luxor outdoor pool with hot air balloon and nile river, aswan

1. Steigenberger Nile Palace East

Located in the East Bank of Luxor this hotel showcases a beautifully decorated interior with large open rooms. The buffet is one of the best I've ever had and the rooms are incredibly affordable for the luxury you get.

Al moudira hotel outdoor view with seating and garden, aswan

2. Al Moudira Hotel West

This is not just a hotel. This is an experience like no other. The rooms showcase a traditional Egyptian design and the overall layout of the hotel draws you into another world. With exceptional service, facilities, and location, it is a top choice on the West Bank of the Nile River.

Apartments nature hotel in omiš

3. Sweet Hostel Budget

The best budget/backpacker option is the Sweet Hostel. Guests are offered a free la carte breakfast each morning and the location serves as a great base to explore Luxor's landmarks including Luxor Temple– which is only a 9-minute walk away!

I hope this quick guide to the best things to do in Luxor has helped you plan your journey to one of my favorite historical cities of Egypt!

I've spent a lot of time exploring and writing about travel in Egypt, take a pick below for more useful guides and unique experiences for your trip.

Exploring karnak temple in luxor, egypt

Read My Egypt Accommodation Guides

If you're still planning your adventures, check out my useful guides on where to stay in Egypt before you go:

Thanks for Reading

I’m Olly Gaspar, Australian adventure traveler and founder of We Seek Travel. Six years ago, I left home to travel full-time and started this website to share my journey. Today, it’s grown into one of the world’s largest free adventure travel resources, now supported by a team of passionate travelers writing travel guides to the places we visit.

We only make genuine, worthwhile recommendations based on our experience, expertise, & research. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, supporting this website and keeping us on the road. Read Olly's Publishing Ethics Statement.

ellie

Friday 17th of January 2025

Hi this is such a useful guide!