Historically known as Thebes and holding the title “The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum” – Luxor, Egypt welcomes curious adventurers with its collection of the oldest Ancient Egyptian sites, transporting all back to a time when Pharaohs and dynasties ruled this important civilization!

Situated next to the Nile River, explore the abundance of things to do in Luxor, starting with wandering through the famed Karnak and Luxor Temple! Set foot inside, look up at the towering columns sustaining the temples, and appreciate the wall hieroglyphics and carvings still visible today.

Cruise along the historic Nile River to appreciate the local way of life as you pass small villages, the grand city, and historical monuments, painting a picture of Luxor from the past to the present.

Those looking for adventure, seek out a Jeep tour and take off for the desert or hop on a thrilling hot air balloon to see the sun’s golden rays bounce off the Sun God’s temple.

From endless traditional restaurants, traditional souks, informative museums, and more, let’s reveal all the activities and attractions to do in Luxor!

1 – See the ancient burial grounds at Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings, Luxor

Visit the main burial grounds for Egyptian Royals’ at the 11th-century Valley of the Kings, located beside the Nile River!

Walk through the tombs, with the majority of them belonging to important Pharaohs that were buried between 1539-1075 BC. The first important ruler to be buried here was Thutmose l (18th Dynasty King of Egypt) who expanded the empire of Egypt during his reign.

When you book a tour of the Valley of the Kings, you’ll also visit the most popular tomb of King Tutankhamun, and learn interesting facts about his tomb, while looking at some of the hieroglyphics.

On your tour, you’ll get to stop at the Hatshepsut Temple and admire its historic architecture, and for even more fun – consider a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings for epic views!

Valley of the Kings tours in Luxor

2 – Sail through the Nile River on a felucca tour

sailing felucca tours in Luxor

Embark on a true Egyptian cruise experience when you book a sailing ride on a felucca tour!

A felucca is a traditional type of Egyptian sailboat made to sail over shallow waters, and lucky for you, there are tons of sailing felucca tours to explore the Nile River and a few other fun attractions along the way!

Enjoy a lovely 3-hour felucca boat tour down the Nile River, and stop by Banana and Camel Island for some refreshing swimming, and a memorable camel ride through the desert terrain of the island, followed by lunch!

If you want a day-long, jam-packed day of experiences with endless fun, check out an all-inclusive Felucca tour with a hot air balloon experience, a camel ride, and even a trip to Kings of Valley!

Felucca tours start at $36 USD.

sailing felucca tours in Luxor

3 – Marvel at the history inside the Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple

Explore the mystical Luxor Temple, and discover its fascinating origins as a holy space where the greatest Pharaohs of Egypt were crowned, either physically or symbolically, and the meaning behind the Temple of Kingship.

Throughout the years, the Luxor Temple, which dates back to 1400 BCE was captured and changed to become a strict religious space, from a church to a mosque, over 3,4000 consecutive years.

On a Luxor temple tour, guided by an Egyptologist, you’ll get to explore a few other sites near Luxor Temple, including the nearby Karnak Temple, and you’ll get to learn about the Kabash path that connects both temples.

Something else to consider is an East Bank tour in Luxor, which includes a full-day tour of the must-see landmarks on the East Bank, including the Luxor Temple!

Luxor Temple tours

4 – Peek into the longest-running Mosque in Egypt at the Abou al-Haggag Mosque

Abou al-Haggag Mosque, Luxor

Visit one of the world’s longest-running mosques – the Abou al-Haggag Mosque, located on the East Bank of the Nile River.

Dating back to the times when the Pharaoh Amenhotep lll was reigning in the 14th century BC, the Abou al-Haggag Mosque was named after a local Muslim leader, Youssef, who spread Islam around the area and was known for his care of Muslim pilgrims.

Because of his actions, the mosque was named after him, and Abu Haggag which means Pilgrim in Arabic, became the name of the mosque. The mosque has dozens of ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture, from the statues to the columns, and the religious relics. Entry to the mosque is free.

Pro tip: Visit it at night to see the historic mosque light up in a beautiful light and music show.

5 – See the Nile River and historic landmarks from a hot air balloon

Have a pinch-me moment as you hop on a hot air balloon, offering stunning views of the coexistence of Luxor’s modern life and historic landmarks!

Choose from a variety of hot air balloon experiences, like a traditional sunrise 50-minute hot air balloon over Luxor’s famous landmarks, from tombs to ancient temples! Move through the sky and see the locals get to their day-to-day jobs and routines as the city starts to come alive before your eyes!

Some hot air balloons may include hotel pick up and drop off, which is helpful as the tours start very early in the morning, and in some cases, breakfast is included in your hot air balloon experience.

Other tours will also include tours to nearby temples and landmarks! Hot air balloon experiences start at $50 USD.

hot air balloon rides in Luxor

6 – Walk the ruins of the grand Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III

Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, Luxor

Also known as the Kom el-Hettân, the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep lll is a temple dedicated to the deceased 9th Pharaoh of the 18th Egyptian dynasty. His rule between 1386-1349 BC, was known as a good time in Egypt as far as political stability and the construction of many important landmarks we see today.

Mortuary temples are known as temples where a Pharaoh was buried, and where the living would visit him, and continue to worship him. Iconically recognizable by the two large statues standing each on one side of the entry, the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep lll was known to be one of the most opulent temples of its time, as large as 5 American football fields!

Though it’s been damaged by floods from the Nile River, archaeologists have been able to find a wealth of artifacts from repair works worth learning about!

7 – Travel through the West Bank on a camel ride

camel riding in Luxor

Enjoy a classic cruise through the deserts of Luxor on a traditional camel riding experience!

For 2 hours, enjoy getting to know your camel, and learning the basics of camel riding especially if it’s your first ride. Afterward, get ready to hop on, and gently trek through the golden, powder sands of the West Bank, while taking in the scenery of the Nile River on the horizon.

You’ll also get to explore the local charm of a few villages you’ll pass by, as well as a few farms too! Depending on which tour you choose, you may opt for a longer experience, and head to the countryside, and onto further away dunes and desserts.

On your camel riding journey, your expert guide will share interesting facts about Luxor, camels in ancient Luxor, and so much more!

camel riding in Luxor

8 – Plan a day trip to Abydos

Abydos, Egypt

Check out one of the oldest sites in Ancient Egypt, Abydos, a historic city that dates back as early as 3,300 BCE, on the West Bank of Upper Egypt.

Throughout the years, Abydos has proven to shed light into the mystical world of Ancient Egypt as a whole, through what’s been found on the city grounds. One of those findings was the discovery of the original burial grounds of the first few Pharaohs, the city’s view of what was known as the “Passage to the Realm of the Dead” and many more important sites.

Get to know the historic city, and explore the many Abydos tours from Luxor, some with a bonus stop in the equally ancient town of Dendera! Uncover the mysteries of these two ancient cities through its temples, and hieroglyphics!

Abydos tours from Luxor

9 – Visit the Sun God’s temple at the Precinct of Amun-Re

Precinct of Amun-Re, Luxor

Visit the fascinating Precinct of Amun-Re, the only precinct of its kind open for visitors, that is part of the large Karnak Temple Complex.

Within the Karnak Temple Complex, there are 4 precincts, and the precinct of Amun-Re is one of the very few that are open. The Precinct of Amun-Re was a temple dedicated to the Sun God, believed to be the place where the Sun God manifested themselves. The Precinct of Amun-Re is conveniently the largest one out of them all, located right beside the Nile River.

Check out the incredible ruins of the Amun-Re temple, including the Hypostyle Hall, and remnants of colors and drawings on the large pillar and towering roof! See the Temple of the Cosmos, while learning about the Egyptian belief of temples and the creation of the world.

10 – Dig more into the history of Humanity at Luxor Museum

Luxor Museum

Visit the culmination of ancient Egyptian art at the Luxor Museum, housing invaluable Egyptian artifacts, art, and other historical finds throughout its 2 floors.

Inside, you can see everything from some of the treasured items found inside Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s grave, a variety of statues found at the temples, and even a few mummies belonging to two important Pharaohs!

Check out pieces from Karnak, including from Akhenaten’s temple as well as pieces of African art and culture dating back to the 18th century. In comparison to other Egyptian museums, many past visitors enjoy browsing through the Luxor Museum for its ample space, carefully curated exhibits, and relaxed ambiance.

Additionally, since Luxor is already known as an open-air museum, many of the remnants from the city’s tombs, temples, and landmarks are at this museum before anywhere else.

Luxor Museum tickets & tours

11 – Wrap yourself up in knowledge at the Mummification Museum

Mummification Museum, Luxor

Learn about the fascinating process of mummification at the Mummification Museum, and go over the process of this historic process of burying the dead in ancient Egypt.

From the canopic jars used to store the organs of the person, to the embalming process, the religious ceremonies that took place, and the beliefs that drove these practices, the Mummification Museum is by far one of the most incredible things to do in Luxor!

Take a glance at the different types of coffins, analyze what the hieroglyphics on the coffins mean, check out the different tools used to perform the small incisions on the body to extract the organs, and learn about the mummification process that was also practiced on pets, from dogs to crocodiles!

Tickets and tours to the Mummification Museum can be booked ahead of time!

Mummification Museum tickets & tours

12 – Wake up early for a day trip to Dendera

Dendera, Egypt

Explore the ancient temple and ancient city of Dendera on a day trip from Luxor, located 60 kilometers north of Luxor on the West Bank of the Nile River.

The temple was dedicated to worshiping Hathor, known as the Goddess of Healing and Femininity, and it was also a place where miraculous cures were gifted by the Goddess, and where rituals and processions occurred for New Year and more.

With so much mystery and intrigue, the Dendera Temple is an amazing plan to explore on a day trip, the ancient history of this sacred space, with a private tour guide, and experienced driver.

On your tour, stop by a few other historic sites, like the Temple of Abydos, or if you want to, go for the Nile Cruise to Denedra with a tour and lunch included!

Dendera tours from Luxor

13 – Book a tour to see the Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple, Luxor

Be amazed by the sheer beauty and state of the Hatshepsut Temple, a mortuary temple dedicated to the Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of the first female Pharaohs in Egyptian history!

Admire the vision of statues, columns, and other historic hieroglyphics of the 3-story temple, with the incredible backdrop of the golden-colored rock canyons. When you book a tour of the Hatshepsut Temple from Luxor, you’ll get to learn more about the life of the Queen, from birth to her death, and everything she did in between.

The temple is truly an incredible sight to see, and on a tour, you’ll also get to stop by the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon, or even get to hop on the Nile cruise with your visit to the Hatshepsut temple.

Pro tip: Flash-free photography is allowed.

Hatshepsut Temple tours in Luxor

14 – Uncover the secrets of Valley of the Queens

Valley of the Queens, Luxor

After exploring the grand Valley of the Kings, make sure to visit the Valley of the Queens, the final resting place of the wives of the Pharaohs, only an 11-minute drive from the Valley of the Kings.

Very similar to the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens has 90 tombs and was also the final resting place for princes, princesses, and other members related to the Pharaohs. Unlike the safety measures taken for the Valley of the Kings, the tombs at Valley of the Queens unfortunately were stolen from on a few occasions, and today, only certain parts of the coffins are kept in relatively good shape.

Explore and learn more about Valley of the Queens on a tour from Luxor, starting at $51 USD!

Valley of the Queens tours in Luxor

15 – Visit the ruins of the Mut Temple

Mut Temple, Luxor

Also located within the Karnak temple complex, the Mut Temple is another temple to check out with an interesting history, and site worth seeing.

The Mut Temple is named after the wife of the Sun God, and it stored many artifacts and cultural objects from ancient Egypt. During its time, it was also the space where many people came to cure themselves of illness with Mut. Mut was known as a healer, aside from her role of protecting the king and the kingship.

On your visit, take note of the impressive rows of ram-headed sphinxes, and ruins of the temple that remain today. The temple is located only a few feet away from the Amun-Re Temple, the biggest temple in the Karnak Temple precinct.

16 – Set foot on the grounds of the holy Karnak temple

Karnak Temple, Luxor

Walk through one of the most historic and important religious complexes in all of ancient Egypt at the Karnak Temple.

With over 200 acres, and the site of a pilgrimage base for over 1,500 years, the Karnak Temple is made up of 4 temples/precincts and was historically believed to be the place where creation began.

This space, according to the ancient text, was the place where the Sun God would interact with the local Egyptians, which made this site an important religious place for worship.

The whole temple was dedicated to 3 gods: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, who was the Moon God. To see the impressive and remarkable Karnak Temple, make sure to book your day-long tour from Luxor, including other historical site visits to the Valley of the Kings and Queens.

Karnak temple tours in Luxor

17 – See for yourself the Tomb of King Tutankhamun

Tomb of King Tutankhamun, Luxor

Known as one of the most important archaeological finds, the Tomb of King Tutankhamun was one of the largest discoveries at the Valley of the Kings, as it was the best-preserved tomb out of the rest, which meant breakthroughs for the understanding of king burials in ancient Egypt!

Opened in 1922 by a British archaeologist, Howard Carter, the tomb of King Tut was finally unveiled, and so were the jewels and treasures found inside, including the mummy of Tutankhamun.

When you book a tour of the Tomb of King Tut at the Valley of the Kings, you’ll be able to step inside the historic Tomb of King Tut and see the sarcophagus and mummy. The rest of his precious items are kept safely at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.

Tomb of King Tutankhamun tours in Luxor

18 – End the day on an incredible quad tour

quad tours in Luxor

Get out to the dunes of the Egyptian desert on an adrenaline-inducing quad tour!

Get out of your comfort zone, and hop on a thrilling ride through the dunes and desserts not too far from Luxor on a quad tour! Enjoy an early sunrise quad tour, or opt for a sunset quad tour, equally taking in the outstanding gold colors of the sand complimented by the golden sun rays.

Some quad tours include a cruise down the Nile River on a motorboat, and all quad tours include a safety briefing, and a few practice laps, so even if you’ve never gotten on a quad tour, this is the perfect place to start!

Tours start at $45 USD, and also provide ground transport between the hotel and the desert!

quad tours in Luxor

19 – Have the best meal and views on a dinner cruise

Luxor dinner cruise

Imagine a soft breeze hitting you as you enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal on your cruise along the historic Nile River.

The Nile is a historical resource for Egypt, as this was an important source of water for agricultural needs and a means of travel and transport!

When looking into dinner cruises, check out all the options available, from classic dinner and cruise trip only, or a combined dinner and cruise fare, that includes a few stops to see some historic sites, and then heading off to dinner on the Nile.

Dinner cruises oftentimes include pick-up and drop-off services, a special tour guide who will offer insight and knowledge as you explore the Nile, and of course dinner and drinks. Other dinner cruises include a buffet-style dinner, with live music for a more incredible time!

dinner cruises in Luxor

20 – Get your picture with the Colossi of Memnon

Colossi of Memnon, Luxor

Take note of the towering two stone-made statues that sit at the entry of the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep lll, called the Colossi of Memnon.

Most recognizable for their 3,000-year-old stance, the image of these statues is that of 2 kings sitting down on their thrones at the entry of the temple. After a significant earthquake, one of the statues had a portion of it fall off, and it was said that every day at dusk, a strange sound would come out of the statue, many of which said it was “singing”.

It has since been fixed, and although the statue doesn’t sing anymore, the Colossi of Memnon is quite the sight to see on a tour of the Mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep lll.

Colossi of Memnon tours in Luxor

21 – Giddy up on a horse riding experience

horse riding in Luxor

Journey through the magnificent landscapes of Luxor and nearby on a horse riding trip, passing idyllic villages, the wide coast, and even the desert on a fun 2-3 hour experience!

Whether you’ve ridden horseback before or not, you’ll love the experience of riding through the Egyptian landscape, following your tour guide as they share interesting tidbits about Luxor and the different sites along the way.

Your guide will ensure to give you safety tips and riding tips, along with providing you with your free helmet and chaps for the experience.

To enjoy the experience even further, couple your horse riding experience with a hot air balloon ride, quad biking, a Felucca boat tour, and a meal in the whole-day experience, or for an old-school experience, look into the romantic horse carriage ride through Luxor!

horse riding in Luxor

22 – See the visible details on the Habu Temple

Habu Temple, Luxor

Investigate the history of the Habu Temple, also known as the Temple of Ramesses lll, an ancient temple that was dedicated to Amun, God of the Air, after his appearance there, and then afterward, another memorial temple was built known as the Temple of Ramses lll.

Known as one of the last best-preserved mortuary temples on the West Bank, you can still make out the detailed carvings on the pylons of the temple, shedding a light on the story behind the temple, and it’s used from a refuge from war to a Christian church and much more.

Make sure to book a West Bank tour which includes a stop at Habu Temple, where you can walk through the temple, and appreciate a closer look at some of the original paintings still visible!

Habu Temple tours in Luxor

23 – Visit the crypts of workers at Valley of the Artisans

Valley of the Artisans, Luxor

Go to the highly underrated Valley of the Artisians, similar to the Valley of Kings and Queens, which is the official burial ground of the workers that built the famous graves and tombs of the Valley of the Kings and Queens.

Built under the belief that those who were in charge of constructing the tombs of the Pharaohs, were gifted and inspired spiritually to create the tombs, step inside the 3 crypts and see what their tombs looked like.

Explore the ruins of the graves, as well as the small temple of the Egyptian Goddess of love and truth nearby. Aside from its fascinating history, visiting the Valley of the Artisans is one of the best places to visit in Luxor due to fewer visits and shorter lines to see the crypts.

Valley of the Artisans tours in Luxor

24 – Refresh yourself with some Utopia Island snorkeling

snorkeling tours from Luxor

Book a fun snorkeling tour from Luxor through the Red Sea at Utopia Island where the group will take care of everything for your refreshing dive from accessories, transportation, guide, and more!

Board the snorkeling boat, and your on-board guide will take you to the best snorkeling spots, so you can relish taking a peek at the sea life from colorful coral to schools of fish and so much more! Enjoy a swim in the turquoise blue waters, and then hop on a banana boat ride to explore Utopia Island!

At the end of your snorkel adventures, you’ll be able to replenish your energy at the boat’s open buffet for lunch, and drinks.

Snorkeling experiences start at $128 USD and can last anywhere between 3-8 hours.

snorkeling tours from Luxor

25 – Walk through the Avenue of the Rams

Avenue of the Rams, Luxor

Also known as The Sphinx Avenue, the Avenue of the Rams is a long avenue that stretches between Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Re-opened in 2011 after over 3,000 years of construction, the Avenue of the Rams is a definitive top sight to see while in Luxor!

As you walk the 3 kilometers between the temples, note the differences in the statues, as the sphinxes have ram heads instead of traditional human heads, and if you look closer, you’ll be able to spot the royal seal of Cleopatra.

Cleopatra and Mac Antony visited the temple while they were passing through the Nile River, and therefore, the royal seal was placed to commemorate her visit.

Pro tip: If you can, visit the temples at night to see the beautiful lights illuminate the statues and complexes.

26 – Roam the living history at the Karnak Open-air Museum

Karnak Open-air Museum, Luxor

Learn more about the Karnak Temple complex at the Karnak Open-Air Museum, and see pieces of the structure of the temple placed back together, detailing more of the history, and transporting you back to the time of Pharaohs.

Located across from the Great Court and the Ramses lll Temple, the Kanak Open-Air Museum is one of the popular activities to do in Luxor because of its impressive excavations on display.

The Kanak Open-Air Museum has undergone excavations since the late 19th century, and today, the towering columns, wall paintings, and carvings are all visible to simply walk through, and explore on your own.

Visit the White Cathedral of Strys, the Red Church of Hatshepsut, and a few reliefs from the Middle Kingdom period. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall and the Festival Hall of Tuthmosis lll!

27 – Uncover the great state of the tombs at the Valley of the Nobles

Valley of the Nobles, Luxor

You’ve seen the Valley of the Kings, Queens, and Artisans, now it’s time to explore the Valley of the Nobles and see where some of Luxor’s most prominent figures were buried.

Located on the West Bank, the Valley of the Nobles has an estimated 400-500 tombs, with most of them belonging to the 6th dynasty of the Graeco-Roman period in Thebes.

Of the many tombs, one of the most famous was the Tomb of Sennefer, who was a mayor of Thebes. His tomb is one of the most well-preserved tombs in the Valley, as you can see the paintings in his tombs, many of which depict his day-to-day life with family.

Explore the Valley of the Nobles in depth with a tour guide, who can direct you to more impressive tombs to discover!

Valley of the Nobles tours in Luxor

28 – Plan a trip to Ramesseum Temple

Ramesseum Temple, Luxor

Also located on the West Bank of the Nile is the conserved Ramesseum Temple, where you can admire the state of the temple, and in specific the 17-metre statue of a seated Ramses ll.

Constructed to honor Ramses ll, the 3rd ruler of the 19th Dynasty who ruled for 66 years, it’s believed that Ramses was a fan of architecture, and was responsible for completing a few architectural pieces around Ancient Luxor.

The temple was built after his death, as a space where the living could continue to worship him, as well as a sign of power after the recent conquest of Nubia.

A Ramesseum Temple tour includes a few more temple stops and even stops by the Valley of the Nobles. Tours also include hotel pick-up and drop-off, and entry fees.

Ramesseum Temple tours in Luxor

29 – Plan for a day trip to Edfu

Edfu, Egypt

Plan a day trip to Edfu, a historic city on the West Bank, housing numerous other ancient temples including the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus and the Edfu Temple.

The sight of Edfu is a must-see for history buffs, as many archaeologists and historians claim that Edfu contains an ample amount of history and archaeological pieces especially with the grand Ptolemaic temple, that goes back hundreds of years. Not to mention, it’s one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt.

Explore the temple’s stunning front courtyard, tall 32 floral columns, and reliefs on the walls showcasing the kings making offerings to the gods.

Nearby Edfu is the Kom Ombo Temple, a fascinating temple dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek. To see the temples in their entirety with a knowledgeable guide, book an Edfu tour.

Edfu tours from Luxor

30 – Catch epic thrills on a Jeep tour

jeep tours in Luxor

Up for some major fun? Head to the desserts and the dunes for a crazy fun Jeep tour adventure!

Lasting anywhere from 2-5 hours, a Jeep tour will kick up the fun on your travels in Luxor, as you make your way around the golden sand deserts, and make your way around mountains, passing near ancient temples like the Egyptian temple to Isis and the Deir el-Shelwit temple, and even drive alongside the Nile River.

Depending on the tour you opt for, you’ll also get to enjoy a lavish BBQ dinner and enjoy incredible sunset vistas from the desert. You may even get a chance to stick around at night for a starry night under the night sky in the desert for the ultimate end to an epic day.

Jeep tours start at $40 USD.

jeep tours in Luxor

31 – Light up with excitement at the Sound and Light Show

Sound and Light Show, Luxor

Visit the historic site of Karnak Temple at night to experience it from a whole different perspective! The Sound and Light Show takes place at the Karnak Temple, and illuminates the ruins of the landmarks and ancient temples in a stunning spectacle of lights and colors!

As you step inside the lit-up temple complex, hear the ancient story of the temple, certain legends of the gods, and other not-so-commonly shared stories on other day tours. You’ll get to sit in a designated area and see the lights do their magic, as you get transported to one of the world’s most significant civilizations.

You can buy tickets for the 75-minute long, Sound and Light show ahead of time, which also includes roundtrip tickets with private hotel transfers.

Sound and Light Show tickets

32 – Eat your heart out at the best restaurants

best restaurants in Luxor

Dine in style with views of the Nile River at El-Kababgy Luxor, a wonderful restaurant that prepares traditional Egyptian food and classic dishes, from shawarma to kebabs, lentil dishes, and a few tagine dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients.

Al-Sahaby Lane is another great food option, situated atop the Nefertiti Hotel, with stunning views of the local souks around! Enjoy the decor of the restaurant, decked out in Egyptian-style fabrics and patterns, dressing the comfortable and cushioned seating under a string of lights. Most dishes are traditional Egyptian dishes, with a good variety of vegetarian dishes.

El Tarboush Luxor is a great place to grab a bite of classic Middle Eastern cuisine, from lentil soups, grilled meats, and more food Lebanese, and Egyptian style! The restaurant is highly rated for its efficient service and warm hospitality, too!

33 – Sleep peacefully in an Egyptian palace

sleep in an Egyptian palace

Stay a night or two at the phenomenal Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, and enjoy the hotel’s stunning grounds. Admire the views from your floor-to-ceiling windows and the balcony it leads to.

Comfortably enjoy the classic decor of the hotel, and admire the music of the live musician throughout the hotel. Lastly, enjoy the stunning gardens outside, or take a refreshing dip in the pool to cool off after sightseeing.

Fit for Egyptian royalty, stay the night at Djorff Palace, an Egyptian-style palace hotel with wonderful terraces, on-site restaurants, and close to many of Luxor’s landmarks. From the room’s Egyptian tapestries to the sandstone colors of the wall, and beautiful lanterns and furnishings, this hotel is nothing short of beautiful.

Those who stay at the Djorff Palace will also enjoy free shuttle boats to make it across the Nile.

34 – Experience a Nile cruise

Nile cruises tours in Luxor

Explore the Nile River for a few more days on a memorable Nile cruise! No matter your travel style, or availability, there are a variety of Nile cruises to choose from!

Enjoy anywhere from a 3-7 day cruise, where you’ll get to embark on a comfortable cruise and enjoy the luxuries of the 5-star boats, while admiring the sights from the Nile, from temples, landmarks, the city, and more.

What’s more is that many of these Nile cruises come with bonus activities to fill your days, from a hot air balloon experience to stopping at the different landmarks and entering them on a guided tour! Each day will have an itinerary that everyone will follow, including meals to be enjoyed on the cruise.

Wondering if this is something you want to do? Read our Nile Cruises (Egypt) Complete Guide to learn more!

Nile cruises tours from Luxor

See also: Nile Cruises (Egypt) – Complete Guide

How to get to Luxor?

Only a 20-minute ride from Luxor is the city’s main airport, the Luxor International Airport. Since the city doesn’t have much public transportation, the main way that travelers get to their hotels is via an airport transfer.

An airport transfer will conveniently pick you up at the airport, and take you straight to the hotel. No hailing or searching, just pre-booking!

Where to stay in Luxor?

Stay a mere few minutes from the Temple of Habu when you stay at the Malkata House! If you’re looking for apartment-style accommodation, this is your spot! Offering beautiful garden spaces, a stunning terrace with views of the temple, high-speed wifi, and air conditioning, the Malkata House is ready to welcome you in!

The Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor – Convention Center is another wonderful hotel option for your stay! Offering grand amenities, proximity to some of Luxor’s best shopping districts, phenomenal food, and uninterrupted views of the Nile River, this hotel should be one to consider!

Enjoy the hospitality and proximity to Luxor’s best landmarks at Pavillon Winter Luxor! This hotel features 3 in-house restaurants, 2 bars, and amazing views of the Nile River, and is only a few minutes away from the Luxor Temple and the Mummification Museum! Enjoy the hotel’s lavish decor, and sink into the quiet of the hotel without being too far from the action.

best hotels in Luxor

Visiting Luxor on a budget?

Make sure to take advantage of the free walking tours in Luxor, to get an idea of the city’s history, and main sites, mixed with local tips and tricks to help make your stay in the city as amazing as possible! Pre-book your slot, and simply meet your guide in a central location in the city!

Where to go next?

Explore Luxor in-depth and for longer when you look into booking a multi-day trip!

Multi-day trips are amazing to travel beyond the city limits and experience everything from the temples to a multi-day cruise of the Nile River, and combination tours jam-packed with fun activities for 2-3 days!

Travel south to the city of Aswan, also near the Nile River, most famously known for housing the Philae Temple complex, located on the island of Agilkia. Ride on a beautiful Felucca cruise, and take in the peaceful sites nearby.

You can’t visit Egypt and not stop by Cairo for a bit! Walk around the Cairo Citadel, explore the Pyramids of Giza on a day trip, and appreciate the greenery at Abdeen Palace Museum. Make sure to visit our things to do in Cairo post to add more to your Cairo itinerary!

Move north towards Hurghada, a desert oasis with dozens of fun activities lined up. From snorkeling the most pristine waters in Egypt to admiring the sand art at Sand City Hurghada! Add more ideas to your list by checking our round-up of the best things to do in Hurghada!

If you’re looking for another great coastal city to visit in Egypt, consider a trip to Sharm El Sheikh. Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, it’s a snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiast’s paradise, with beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Its luxurious resorts, bustling markets and vibrant nightlife, make Sharm El Sheikh the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Final thoughts

Luxor’s incredible history, sites, and ruins surely speak for themselves when it comes to all the incredible things to do in Luxor.

From the mystical atmosphere within the Karnak Temple to exploring the tombs of King Tut and the other important Pharaohs and their wives at Valley of the Kings, and Queens, cruising along the historic Nile River – there’s no shortage of activities in Luxor!

Which one will you go for first?

Happy travels!

Table of contents:

34 Fun & Unsusual Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt