Luxor – Travel Guide
Luxor, often referred to as the world`s greatest open-air museum, is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian history and archaeology. Visitors can explore the majestic temples of Karnak and Luxor on the east bank of the Nile, as well as the iconic Valley of the Kings on the west bank, home to the tombs of pharaohs like Tutankhamun. The Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon are other must-see historical landmarks. Luxor`s setting along the Nile River offers beautiful views and the opportunity for relaxing river cruises. The city`s rich heritage, monumental sites, and scenic landscapes make Luxor a top destination for history enthusiasts.
All about Luxor
Getting around Luxor
By Walking
Luxor is relatively compact, especially the area around the Nile, making exploring on foot possible, however, it may not be very pleasant. Along the Corniche, the aggressive hassling is some of the worst in Egypt. To avoid unwanted attention you will need to constantly repeat the words “no Hassle,” or “Laa Shukran,’ which means No Thank you in Arabic. Also, be prepared to yell out for the Tourist Police if you feel concerns for your safety. They are usually always nearby and sometimes they’ll be wearing civilian clothes. The best area for walking is in the immediate vicinity of the Luxor Temple and the souk, and between the ferry landing and the hotels on the West Bank.
By Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Luxor, they are blue-and-white. They have no meters, but there are current rates that are accepted if you stay firm and be sure to agree upon a fare before starting your journey. If you don’t feel like haggling, order a Careem (equivalent to an Uber).
If you need a taxi for the day, you can hire one to take you around multiple sites. This can be most cost-effective and convenient.
By Calèche (Horse-Drawn Carriages)
Calèches, or horse-drawn carriages, are common on the east bank and are a delightful way to see the city, especially at night time. Prices vary according to bargaining skill, you’ll need to haggle to get the best price. This is a leisurely, traditional way to explore the city, especially around the Corniche (Nile promenade).
However, it is worth noting, that several animal rights groups have advised against calèches due to the poor treatment of the horses. It is not uncommon for drivers to beat their horses, and most Western tourists will notice many skinny and scarred animals. Some drivers are reputable but use common sense when choosing.
By Boat
An essential way of getting between the East and West banks of Luxor is to use a boat. As you walk by the river, dozens of felucca owners will offer you their services to take you over the river, and normally a taxi driver will be on standby on the other side. It is much easier to take the Blue local ferry, a very basic boat that you can use for a set rate per person. The downside is that the ferry only leaves when it is full, or when another ferry arrives, so taking the ferry is generally a bit slower, though you avoid the haggling. Taxis are available at the ferry terminal on both sides, and the trip takes just a few minutes.
By Minibus
The Minibus is great for budget-conscious travelers looking for local experiences. Minibusses are shared vehicles that run on set routes around Luxor. they are cheap, but routes may not be obvious to visitors, and they can be crowded. All bus routes seem to converge at the railway station. Hail a bus by looking at it while it is approaching, and raise your arm. When the bus is full it will not stop (there are about 14 seats in a bus). Otherwise, you can jump in, take an empty seat, and pass money to the driver, a flat rate per person for a ride (no haggling required). Getting off is possible anytime, and is done by simply asking the driver to stop when you are near your destination.
By Bicycles
Biking around the city is great for independent travelers looking to explore at their own pace. Bicycles can be rented from several places in Luxor and are a popular way to explore the West Bank, where there is less traffic. Just be cautious on busy roads and carry water, especially during the heat of the day.
The East Bank is the metropolitan side, so consider the traffic and crowds while deciding whether to bike on that side.
Be aware, that at the sites, guards will try to convince you to avoid locking your bicycle as they will watch it. Which they will do very well – and then demand a large tip for having done so. Lock your bike yourself to avoid unnecessary expenses.
By Car
Renting a car is possible but not common due to the chaotic traffic and unfamiliar driving conditions. Some tourists will hire a driver for the day through the hotel, or simply by negotiating a day rate with a taxi from the street.
An organized tour generally includes transportation by air-conditioned coach. This can be convenient if you prefer a guided experience.
Luxor FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
The airport is a 15- to 20-minute ride from town. If you haven’t booked a private transfer with us, you have a few options. There are taxis available at the airport to the east coast and west coast. Vehicles have an additional fee (around 20 EGP) when leaving the airport, so ensure to take that into account in your negotiation. If you walk outside the gates of the airport, you can find a taxi on the streets. You will find some imposter taxi drivers, the best way to avoid any kind of scam is to call a Careem (similar to Uber).
How do I get from the train station to my hotel?
A train ride is about 9 to 10 hours from Cairo. The train station in Luxor is conveniently located downtown, and taxis are readily available to take you wherever you want to go.
What are my transportation options in Luxor?
The most convenient way to get around Luxor are by tour bus and bike. Driving can be a bit chaotic in the city, and taxis are likely to overcharge tourists who don’t negotiate fares. Uber and Lyft are not available in Luxor, but a local ride-sharing app, Careem, is available here. For full days of sightseeing, hire a car and driver instead.
Ferries and minibuses are common ways for locals to get around but only operate at select times and in limited areas. Calèches, or horse-drawn carriages, are also available, though calèche drivers are regularly criticized by animal rights groups for mistreating their horses. And while you may be tempted to save some money by getting around on foot, Luxor’s high temperatures and notoriously aggressive street hawkers can make walking around the city more of a hassle than a convenience.
For more information about getting around in Luxor, visit Getting Around in Luxor.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
The blue-and-white taxis in Luxor tend to be very expensive. They have no meters so negotiate the rate before getting in. Order a Careem (equivalent to an Uber) if you do not feel like haggling or paying expensive taxi fares.
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Is Luxor a walking city?
It’s possible to walk around Luxor, but it’s not very pleasant. Along the Corniche, the aggressive hassling is some of the worst in Egypt, and as you get away from the river, the view becomes unappealing and the traffic gets worse. To avoid unwanted attention you will need to constantly repeat the words “No Hassle,” or “Laa Shukran,” which means No Thank you in Arabic. Also, be prepared to yell out for the Tourist Police if you feel concerns for your safety. There are usually always some policemen nearby since they may be also wearing civilian clothes. The only walkable area is the immediate vicinity of the Luxor Temple and the souk, and between the ferry landing and the hotels on the West Bank.
A good tactic for avoiding hassle is to buy an Egyptian paper each day (in Arabic) and carry this with you. Locals will assume that you know Arabic (and therefore their tricks) and leave you alone.
Is Luxor a dangerous city?
The main tourist sites like the Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings are well-guarded, and visitors usually feel safe there. Luxor is known for aggressive vendors or people offering unsolicited services, such as guiding you at sites or offering camel rides. It’s advisable to be polite but firm in declining if you’re not interested. For those not on fully organized tours, touts can make sightseeing very frustrating and unenjoyable. However within temples, one must contend with the government tour guides who are legitimate government workers who aggressively “guide you” and then demand a tip. It may be worthwhile to give a small tip upfront and then ask to “self tour”. Pre-book accommodations ahead of time to avoid touts at the stations. Luxor taxis and the horse carriages are difficult to handle. Do be very careful with them. Tourist police are very helpful in handling these cases. Flag your voice or concern to them if you have any.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Merchants in Luxor are notoriously aggressive and manipulative. Politely ignore them. In shops and the market, the phrase “no hassle” or “Laa Shukran”, meaning no thanks in Arabic. Being polite will make your life easier, as people will remember you if you were rude and may hassle more later. If problems persist, threaten to call the tourist police.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
No. The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). The symbol for the Egyptian Pound is £ or LE (which stands for “livre égyptienne” in French).
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Luxor, Egypt, is during the cooler months, from October to April. During these months, the daytime temperatures range from 68°F to 86°F. Nights can be cooler, especially in December and January. This is the peak tourist season, so popular sites will be busier, and prices for hotels will be higher.
May to September is extremely hot with daytime temperatures often reaching above 104°F. June and August are the hottest months. Because of the heat, there are much fewer tourists and for this reason, prices are usually a lot lower. The intense heat can make sightseeing unbearable, particularly during the middle of the day.
I don`t speak Arabic. Will many people speak English?
While Arabic is the official language, you should have no trouble communicating in English in most tourist areas. Many people, especially those working in the tourism industry, speak English. This includes staff at hotels, restaurants, tour guides, and workers at historical sites. English is commonly spoken due to the high number of international tourists visiting the city. We suggest you get a good English-Arabic guidebook or app on your phone and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the food like?
Vegetarians will love eating in Luxor with so many fresh seasonal vegetables on offer. A meal typically begins with pita-bread and mezze such as baba ganoush or taboulé.
Your main course may include meat or poultry, or regional dishes such as pigeon or rabbit. (To avoid an upset stomach, you may prefer to stick with the beef.) As with any heavily touristed area in Egypt, it’s never hard to find reasonably well-executed Western food.
Dairy products, such as yogurt or gibna bayda cheese (think feta but much creamier), might accompany your main meal.
On the road near television street and the train station are lots of fruit vendors – be sure to pick up some fruit that is delicious and cheap. These guys make an honest living with their shop and will not try to scam you. You will find the non-tourist part of Luxor to be very friendly and inviting, indicative of true Egyptian culture.
What is the nightlife like in Luxor?
People in Luxor have an early night and they usually get up early. Nevertheless, there are plenty of things to do as nightfall in the city. Many hotels, especially the bigger ones have some or the other source of entertainment in the evening. There is usually a local band or vocalist and sometimes cultural shows.
The city also offers a variety of activities at night outside of your hotel, including sound and light shows, Nile cruises, and carriage rides, which highlight its beauty and historical sites.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Emergency number: 123
International Hospital of Luxor is one of the main hospitals in Luxor, offering a range of medical services. It is commonly used by both locals and tourists.
If you don’t speak Arabic, ask if there is an English-speaking doctor available. In tourist areas like Luxor, many medical professionals can speak English.
Top Attractions
Karnak
The Karnak Temple Complex comprises a vast mix of temples, pylons, chapels, and other buildings near Luxor.
Luxor Temple
Is a large Ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile River and was constructed approximately 1400 BCE.
Valley of the Kings
The Valley of the Kings includes over sixty tombs and an additional twenty unfinished ones that are little more than pits.
Luxor Museum
It is an archaeological museum in Luxor and stands on the corniche, overlooking the east bank of the River Nile.
Unique Experiences
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Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor Egypt: Get a bird`s eye view of Luxor`s ancient sites from aboard a hot air balloon. Your driver will pick you up and take you to the launch site in an air-conditioned vehicle, where you`ll attend a safety briefing before getting ready to fly.
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Tour of Luxor West Bank Temples and Tombs: You`ll visit the Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Kings, see the Colossi of Memnon, and spend time at the Hatshepsut Temple, dedicated to one of Egypt`s most revered queens.
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Luxor`s East & West Bank Highlights Tour: Spend a day discovering ancient attractions across the city`s East and West Banks on a private tour, benefiting from the personalized attention and explanations of an Egyptologist guide.
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Discover the Nile: Discover both the east and west banks of the Nile River on a private tour of Luxor. Stay cool and relaxed as you travel between top Luxor attractions such as the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, and Queen Hatshepsut Temple in air-conditioned comfort.
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Eat Like a Local: Traditional Egyptian Food/Dinner at Local Family Home: Learn about Egyptian culture and the typical lifestyle for men and women in the Middle East. See what a local kitchen looks like and learn the recipes of traditional Egyptian dishes.
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What to expect while traveling
