Login

Luxor

Today
28°C

Photo of Luxor

About Luxor

Luxor, in Upper (South) Egypt and on the banks of the river Nile, is the site of ancient Thebes. It was the dynastic and religious capital of the Middle and New Kingdoms of Pharaonic times. Nowadays the city is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and the best places to stay in Luxor provide style, comfort and a great base for enjoying this fascinating city.

Modern Luxor which is also known as the world’s greatest open air museum. It contains the ruins of the temples of Karnak and Luxor. The valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, ancient burial grounds, lie nearby - these are where the ritual burials of the Pharaohs took place.

However, there's much more to Luxor than museums and archaeology. The desert and river scenery is dramatically beautiful. The city bustles with life and there are a raft of excellent places to eat, drink and shop. There are two main souks where you can browse and practise your haggling skills. There are boat trips down the Nile and transport is cheap and plentiful whether by taxi, train, bicycle, motor bike or horse drawn caleche.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

There are so many things to see and do that it can be difficult to narrow down the options, but here's our pick of the things that you'd be mad to miss:

  • The Valley of the Kings/Queens
  • Temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor
  • Medinet Habu - the memorial temple to Ramesses III
  • The Ramesseum Temple - the memorial to Ramesses II, situated on Luxor's West Bank
  • Deir El Medina is an ancient Egyptian workers' village, situated just south of the Valley of the Kings, and is the remains of where the creators of the stunning tombs lived.
  • Luxor Museum of Mummification offers a fascinating insight into this extraordinary practice.
  • A trip down the Nile on a traditional felucca.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Luxor are centrally located properties that are ideal bases for exploring this bucket-list destination.

    For Dreamy Luxury

    • Al Moudira Hotel is a very lovely boutique hotel on the west bank of the Nile. Its gorgeous rooms all have four poster beds and are filled with antique furniture. There is an a la carte restaurant and evening jazz. Swimming pool and Spa also. A honeymoon favorite!

    For an apartment

    • If you think that you'd prefer a self catering option, then check out the wide range available with our online partner, Booking.com.

    Travel Information

    • Luxor has a hot desert climate - it is one of the hottest, driest and sunniest cities in the world. So if you want to avoid the searing heat of the summer months, we recommend you plan to visit from September through to April (but remember that Christmas, New Year and Easter are always popular and expensive). Temperature highs during these months range from the mid 20s to the mid 30s Celcius.
    • Luxor International airport is about 6 kilometres from the centre of the city. It is best to use either one of the transfer companies or an airport taxi to get into town.
    • The train station has excellent links - North to Cairo and South to Aswan.
    • For those wanting to hire a car, we recommend our partner, Rentalcars.

    Still not sure which to book?

    Weather

    Monthly Weather in Luxor

    Best Hotels in Luxor

    • Pavillon Winter Hotel Luxor 102 rooms from $88

      Local exploring  -  Located on the River Nile and in the heart of Luxor, many of Ancient Egypt's historic and cultural sites are on your doorstep
      Sights nearby  -  Visit the the tomb of Tutankhamen, Valley of the Kings, the ancient city of Thebes and the Colossi of Memnon
      Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
      Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
      Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

      Great-value luxury hotel which shares the incredible riverside location and facilities of historic sister-hotel Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor. A contemporary block of spacious garden-facing rooms is situated in large palm-fringed gardens, with ample outdoor dining options and heated swimming pool. See More

      Check Availability
    • Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel Luxor 92 rooms from $210

      Local exploring  -  Perfect combination of central city and riverside location with space, grandeur and access to cultural sites
      Outstanding location  -  Located on the banks of the River Nile next to 3500 year-old Karnak Temple
      Colonial  -  Built in 1886, the architecture is classic British Colonial style
      City Style  -  One-of-a-kind iconic property in Luxor
      Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

      A grand-dame luxury hotel located on the banks of the River Nile. Steeped in history, this former royal retreat is where Agatha Christie wrote 'Death on the Nile'. Its opulent rooms, lush gardens, numerous restaurants and a heated outdoor pool make this the ultimate base from which to explore Luxor. See More

      Check Availability
    • Al Moudira Hotel Luxor 54 rooms from $250

      Luxury
      Romantic Break
      Romantic  -  Good for couples.
      City Style
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
      Recommended by  -  I Escape, Great Small Hotels

      Utterly romantic boutique hotel on the West Bank of Luxor. Gorgeous rooms have four poster beds and are filled with antiques and soft fabrics. Excellent restaurant with an a la carte menu, evening jazz, and an ivy clad courtyard. Also a spa and large swimming pool. Dreamy. See More

      Check Availability