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Egypt · Upper Egypt

Luxor travel guide

The world's greatest open-air museum on the Nile

Luxor Temple at night. Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5h 30mflight from London
LXRnearest main airport
32° in Julwarmest month
13° in Jancoolest month

Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, and it has more ancient monuments than anywhere else in Egypt. The temples of Karnak and Luxor are on the east bank; the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's temple on the west.

It's the start or end of most Nile cruises, and sunrise balloon flights float over the west bank.

Good forHistoryNile cruisesBalloon flightsPhotography

What Luxor is known for

  • Valley of the Kings

    Painted royal tombs in the hills.

  • Karnak

    A vast temple of giant columns.

  • Balloon flights

    Sunrise over the west bank.

  • Nile cruises

    Sail to Aswan.

Top things to do in Luxor

  1. 1

    Karnak Temple

    The Hypostyle Hall's 134 giant columns.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Valley of the Kings

    A ticket covers three tombs; Tutankhamun's costs extra.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Hatshepsut's Temple

    A terraced temple below the cliffs.

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  4. 4

    A balloon flight

    Sunrise over the temples and the Nile.

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  5. 5

    Luxor Temple at night

    Beautifully floodlit.

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  6. 6

    A felucca sail

    A sunset sail on the Nile.

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See all tours and tickets in Luxor

Where to stay in Luxor

Find a hotel in Luxor

Best time to visit Luxor

Best value: Apr, Oct. October to April: warm days and cool nights. Summer often passes 40°C.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
13.3 C13°J15.9 C16°F20.2 C20°M24.8 C25°A29.3 C29°M31.9 C32°J32.5 C32°J32.5 C32°A30 C30°S26.3 C26°O20 C20°N15 C15°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Luxor, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 5h 30m from London to LXR, and flights from most UK airports.

Taxis, ferries and guided tours. Cycling on the West Bank is popular.

Find flights to Luxor (LXR)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Start sightseeing early to beat the heat.
  • Photo tickets are extra in some tombs.
  • Choose a licensed balloon operator.
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Luxor FAQ

How many days in Luxor?

Two or three days.

Is a Nile cruise worth it?

Yes, it's a relaxing way to see the temples between Luxor and Aswan.

More places in Egypt

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