Luxor: the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and a balloon over the Nile

Luxor: where Thebes once stood

It is half past five and the balloon's burner roars above your head. Below you the west bank emerges from the dark: green fields along the Nile, then a sharp line where the desert begins, and the hills where the pharaohs were buried. Luxor is ancient Thebes, Egypt's capital at the height of its power more than 3,000 years ago.

The city sits on the Nile in Upper Egypt, around 650 kilometres south of Cairo. Its temples and tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you need at least two full days to see the highlights. For the rest of the country, see our Egypt travel guide.

The east bank: the temples

Karnak

The largest temple complex of the ancient world, built and expanded over some 2,000 years. The Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns, many over 20 metres tall. Arrive early, before the coaches.

Luxor Temple

In the heart of town, and at its best in the evening when it is lit up. The Avenue of Sphinxes, which once ran the three kilometres to Karnak, has been excavated and reopened.

The Luxor Museum

A small, well laid-out museum on the Nile with finds from the temples and tombs in the area.

The west bank: the tombs

The Valley of the Kings

The pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in this mountain valley on the west bank. The standard ticket covers three tombs. The tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I, and Nefertari's in the Valley of the Queens, need extra tickets.

Hatshepsut's temple

The temple of one of the few female pharaohs rises in terraces beneath a sheer cliff at Deir el-Bahari.

The Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu

Two giant statues standing alone in a field, and a temple with some of the best-preserved colours in all of Egypt.

A balloon at sunrise

The balloons lift off from the west bank just before sunrise and fly for around 45 minutes over the temples and the Valley of the Kings. Flights depend on the wind and can be cancelled at short notice. Choose an operator with good reviews and ask about their safety standards.

Nile cruises from Luxor

Luxor is the start or end point of most Nile cruises. The cruise between Luxor and Aswan takes three or four nights and stops at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo.

The 2027 solar eclipse

On 2 August 2027 a total solar eclipse passes directly over Luxor, with more than six minutes of totality. Hotels are already filling up. Read where to stay for the 2027 solar eclipse.

When to go to Luxor

October to April is best, with daytime highs of 20 to 30°C. From May to September it often tops 40°C, so see the temples early in the morning and late in the afternoon. December and January are peak season.

How to get there

Domestic flights from Cairo take around an hour, and sleeper trains run between Cairo and Luxor. From Hurghada on the Red Sea it is about four hours by car, and many visitors come on a day trip. To combine temples and beach, read our guide to Hurghada.

Frequently asked questions about Luxor

How many days do you need in Luxor?

Two full days cover the temples on the east bank and the tombs on the west bank. With three days you can add a balloon flight, the museum and Medinet Habu at a gentler pace.

Can you do a day trip to Luxor from Hurghada?

Yes, it is around four hours each way by car. It makes for a long day, but you can see Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.

When is the best time to visit Luxor?

October to April, when it is warm but not too hot. In summer, visit the temples early in the morning.

Is a balloon ride in Luxor worth it?

For many people it is the highlight of the trip. You see the temples, the Nile and the desert at sunrise, but flights can be cancelled if it is windy.