Luxor in 5 days

The world's greatest open-air museum - temples, tombs, and the Valley of the Kings on the Nile. Best time to visit: October-April (cooler, comfortable for sightseeing). Average daily budget: $40 to $90 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: East Bank (city centre), The living city - hotels, the corniche, Luxor Temple, Karnak and the souk.

Morning: Valley of the Kings. The royal tombs of pharaohs including Tutankhamun. Go at opening before heat and crowds; buy extra tomb tickets.

Afternoon: Explore East Bank (city centre), The living city - hotels, the corniche, Luxor Temple, Karnak and the souk.

Evening: Karnak Temple. The colossal Hypostyle Hall of 134 columns - the largest religious complex of the ancient world.

Eat: Koshary and ful medames

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: West Bank, The land of the dead - Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, the Colossi. Quieter, rural, some boutique stays.

Morning: Hot-air balloon over the West Bank. Dawn flight over temples, tombs and the green Nile valley - Luxor's signature splurge.

Afternoon: Explore West Bank, The land of the dead - Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, the Colossi. Quieter, rural, some boutique stays.

Evening: Temple of Hatshepsut. The dramatic terraced temple set against desert cliffs at Deir el-Bahari.

Eat: Grilled pigeon (hamam), an Egyptian specialty

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Corniche el-Nil, The riverfront promenade with felucca docks, restaurants and sunset views.

Morning: Luxor Temple after dark, beautifully floodlit and far cooler than midday.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Corniche el-Nil, The riverfront promenade with felucca docks, restaurants and sunset views.

Evening: Tombs of the Nobles, vividly painted and almost crowd-free compared to the royal valley.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Tagen (clay-pot stews)

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Karnak area, North of the centre around the vast temple complex - convenient for early or evening visits.

Morning: Medinet Habu, Ramesses III's huge, colourful and overlooked mortuary temple.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Karnak area, North of the centre around the vast temple complex - convenient for early or evening visits.

Evening: A sunset felucca sail to Banana Island for the calmest hour on the river.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh sugarcane and hibiscus (karkade) drinks

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: East Bank (city centre), The living city - hotels, the corniche, Luxor Temple, Karnak and the souk.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in East Bank (city centre), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore East Bank (city centre), The living city - hotels, the corniche, Luxor Temple, Karnak and the souk.

Evening: Dinner at Koshary and ful medames, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in East Bank (city centre).

Eat: Koshary and ful medames

Hidden gems

Luxor Temple after dark, beautifully floodlit and far cooler than midday.
Tombs of the Nobles, vividly painted and almost crowd-free compared to the royal valley.
Medinet Habu, Ramesses III's huge, colourful and overlooked mortuary temple.
A sunset felucca sail to Banana Island for the calmest hour on the river.

Getting around

Cross between banks by motorboat, the local ferry or the bridge. On the West Bank, hire a trusted driver for the day - the sites are spread across the desert. In town, the corniche is walkable, and metered or pre-agreed taxis cover the rest. A private guide adds real value at the temples.

Safety

Luxor is safe and tourism-focused, with persistent touts, calash drivers and 'helpful' guides the main hassle rather than crime. Agree all prices upfront, be firm but polite with vendors, carry small change for tips (baksheesh), and dress modestly. Solo female travellers should expect attention and dress conservatively.

Luxor in 3 days | Luxor in 7 days | Full Luxor guide