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Looking for the best things to do in Luxor? Look no further!
Luxor is like stepping into a living museum, where ancient wonders and epic adventures await around every corner. With so much to see and do, planning your visit can feel overwhelming – but that’s where I come in! After exploring Luxor extensively I’ve put together this list of the absolute best things to do.
These experiences go beyond simple sightseeing, from soaring over the city in a hot air balloon at sunrise to walking through royal tombs adorned with vivid hieroglyphs. So if you’re ready to discover the best Luxor has to offer, let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Luxor was this hot air balloon ride! It was magical as we watched the sunrise and saw the best sights from above. It’s a bucket list adventure at an affordable price too!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Luxor, Egypt
- 1. See Luxor’s top ancient sights on a private guided tour
- 2. Take a hot air balloon ride and see the ruins from above
- 3. Go on a multi-day Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor
- 4. Visit the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple
- 5. Explore the desert on a quad bike safari
- 6. Have a traditional Egyptian breakfast on an Arabian horse farm
- 7. Check out the Dendara and Abydos Temples
- Where to Stay in Luxor, Egypt
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Luxor, Egypt
1. See Luxor’s top ancient sights on a private guided tour
- Price: $90 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 7 am, 7:30 am, 8 am, 8:30 am, 9 am
- Highlights: Learn about Egypt’s ancient history from a private Egyptologist guide, and visit Luxor’s top sights such as the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and Deir El-Medina
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, private Egyptologist guide, bottled water, all entry fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
To start off, I have to tell you about one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had – this private full-day tour of Luxor’s West Bank. If you’re even thinking about visiting Luxor’s ancient monuments, temples, and tombs, this tour is an absolute must!
It all started at the Valley of the Kings, and wow – nothing prepares you for the moment you step into those ancient tombs. The colors of the hieroglyphics are still so vivid after thousands of years, and the stories behind them are even more fascinating. It felt like I was walking through a piece of living history!
Then, we headed to the Temple of Hatshepsut, and I was blown away. This temple is built right into the cliffs, and it’s just as grand as it sounds. Knowing it was built for one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs made it even more inspiring.
We made a few more stops before wrapping up the day at the Valley of the Queens. Here, I had the chance to see Queen Nefertari’s tomb – easily one of the most beautifully preserved tombs I have seen in all of Egypt!
But what really made this day unforgettable was having a private Egyptologist guide lead the way. They knew every story and secret detail making this the absolute best way to see Luxor’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a must-do if you want to experience Egypt’s ancient history up close – I mean, just look at the 1,000+ 5-star reviews!
Read the full itinerary and reserve your spot here!
2. Take a hot air balloon ride and see the ruins from above
- Price: $75 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 4:30 am
- Highlights: Watch the sunrise over Luxor while on a magical hot air balloon ride, view the city’s top archaic sights from above, learn about the region from your guide’s live commentary
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, balloon ride with commentary
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 3,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable activity in Luxor, this hot air balloon ride should be at the top of your list!
Watching the sunrise from the sky is nothing short of magical. Trust me, it’s one of those pinch-me moments that you’ll be talking about for years to come!
The experience starts early (yes, before sunrise), but trust me, it’s worth every second of lost sleep. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the launch site, where you’ll watch the balloon inflate before soaring up in the air for some unbeatable views.
You’ll take in Luxor’s most iconic landmarks, from the vast deserts to the iconic Valley of the Kings and the Nile River. It gave me a whole new perspective on Luxor and made me fall in love with it even more!
What sets this hot air balloon experience apart is its reputation for safety and smaller group sizes. This allows you to get a front-row seat to some of the best views in Egypt!
For me, this ride was pure magic, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a bucket-list adventure that’s worth every penny of the $75 USD price tag, and I’m not the only one who thinks that – look at the thousands of 5-star reviews here!
Check availability and book my favorite Luxor tour here!
3. Go on a multi-day Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor
- Price: $349+ USD
- Duration: 4 days (3 nights)
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Sail down the Nile River on a cruise ship, visit the region’s most iconic sights such as the Abu Simbel Temples, learn about Eygpt’s history from your Egyptologist guide, go on a sunrise hot air balloon tour
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, 3-night cruise accommodations, tour guide, all meals, hot air balloon ride, Abu Simbel tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 2,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Sailing down the Nile on this 4-day, 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor was hands-down one of the most memorable things I did on my trip to Egypt!
There’s something magical about waking up to the sight of the Nile’s waters right outside your window. Every day felt like a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and a front-row seat to Egypt’s timeless beauty.
The daily excursions were a highlight for me. We visited awe-inspiring sites like Kom Ombo and Edfu’s Temple of Horus – places I’d only ever seen in photos. With a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide leading the way, I felt like I was stepping straight into Egypt’s ancient past.
Between stops, life on the boat was pure bliss. I spent hours on the sun deck, soaking up the views of palm-lined riverbanks and golden deserts stretching into the distance. Watching the sunset over the Nile was one of those moments I’ll never forget.
If you only have a few days to spend in Egypt, definitely consider doing this cruise – it’s an unforgettable way to see some of Egypt’s most incredible sights in a short amount of time. Plus it offers incredible value starting at only $349 USD per person, which includes the cruise, all your meals, and some activities (like a sunrise hot air balloon experience!).
Click here to learn more about this 4-day cruise and reserve your spot!
4. Visit the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple
- Price: $40 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Visit the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple with a private guide, enjoy air-conditioned private transportation
- Inclusions: Private Egyptologist English-speaking guide, hotel pick-up/drop-off, lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking to experience the heart of ancient Egypt, this private half-day tour of Karnak and Luxor Temples is a must!
These two legendary sites are packed with history, larger-than-life architecture, and jaw-dropping photo opportunities. Seeing them both in one morning was the perfect way to explore without feeling rushed.
We started at Karnak Temple, and to be honest, I had no idea how massive it was! Walking into the Great Hypostyle Hall, surrounded by 134 towering stone columns, felt like stepping into another world. Our guide shared stories about the pharaohs who built it and pointed out hidden carvings I would have missed on my own.
Next, we made our way to Luxor Temple, which has a completely different vibe. The avenue of sphinxes leading up to the entrance is iconic, and the temple itself has layers of history from Egyptian, Roman, and Islamic influences. It was so neat seeing how it all seamlessly blended together!
This tour is the perfect way to experience two of Luxor’s most famous landmarks in one go. Plus, being on a private tour meant we could take our time soaking it all in and ask all of the questions we wanted.
Check availability and book this highly-rated tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Explore the desert on a quad bike safari
- Price: $50 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times throughout the day
- Highlights: Ride an ATV quad through the desert, learn how to drive safely from an experienced guide, take in beautiful views of the mountains and the sea
- Inclusions: Private guide/instructor, hotel pick-up/drop-off, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for adventure beyond the temples of Luxor, this private desert safari is exactly what you need!
The chance to drive your own quad through the open desert is an experience like no other – and don’t worry if you’re a beginner. They provided clear instructions, and I felt confident taking the wheel after just a few minutes of practice.
After a pickup from my hotel, we headed straight into the desert. Once I got the hang of driving the quad, it was non-stop fun. Racing over the sand and conquering small dunes was such an adrenaline rush!
The fact that it’s a private tour makes it even better. There are no crowds or pressure to keep up with a big group, so you can go at your own pace and fully enjoy the experience.
If you can, I highly recommend booking the 4 pm departure. Timing it this way means you’ll be out in the desert just as the sun begins to set. Watching the sky shift from golden hues to deep oranges and pinks over the desert is an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect way to end an adventure-packed day.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just want to try something new, this desert safari in Luxor is a must. It’s a unique way to see the desert and add some adventure to your Egypt itinerary!
Secure your spot on this fun ATV tour here!
6. Have a traditional Egyptian breakfast on an Arabian horse farm
- Price: $30 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Departure time varies (confirm with tour operator)
- Highlights: Visit a typical organic Egyptian farm, enjoy a traditional Egyptian breakfast, walk around the orchards, and interact with farm animals including dozens of pure-breed Arabian horses
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, A/C transportation, traditional breakfast
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for a unique and peaceful start to your day in Luxor, I can’t recommend this traditional Egyptian breakfast at a local Arabian horse farm enough!
This experience was a refreshing change of pace, offering a chance to connect with local culture while surrounded by the beauty of the countryside.
The farm itself is stunning – think lush greenery, open pastures, orchards, and of course, the majestic Arabian horses grazing nearby. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed and guided to a shaded outdoor seating area where a traditional Egyptian breakfast spread awaited.
The food was absolutely delicious! Freshly baked bread, creamy falafel, eggs, cheese, and an assortment of local dips and spreads were laid out in front of me. We also got to try honey straight from the farm’s bees and mangoes fresh off the trees!
After breakfast, we wandered the grounds and saw all the different animals such as cows, goats, and even a camel. But of course, the highlight was seeing the dozens of pure-breed Arabian horses that were raised here.
This experience is perfect for foodies, animal lovers, and anyone who wants to experience Luxor’s authentic culture from locals. It offers a great chance to slow down and recharge outside of the city, and for only $30 USD, it’s one of the most affordable activities to add to your itinerary!
Book this tour here and receive FREE 24-hour cancellation!
7. Check out the Dendara and Abydos Temples
- Price: $45 – $80 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 7 am or 8 am
- Highlights: Enjoy a private day trip to see the temples of Dendera and Abydos, and learn about the history and culture of Ancient Egypt from a professional guide (if the option is selected)
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, comfortable private transportation, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check out the 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re fascinated by Egypt’s ancient temples like I am, this full-day tour to Dendera and Abydos temples is one you absolutely have to do. These two temples are a bit off the typical tourist path, which makes them feel even more special.
The adventure began at Abydos, home to the Temple of Seti I. Fun fact: Abydos was one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in ancient Egypt because it’s believed to be the burial place of Osiris, the god of the afterlife.
The vivid paintings here are among the best-preserved in Egypt, and my guide made sure I didn’t miss the famous “Abydos King List”, which is a chronological list of Egypt’s pharaohs etched into the walls – how cool is that?
Next, we visited the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, and it was every bit as mesmerizing. The bright blue ceilings are covered with hieroglyphics and zodiac symbols, creating one of the most magical sights I’ve seen in Egypt. Don’t miss the “Dendera Light Bulb” carving – a mysterious image that sparks endless debate about ancient technology.
I highly recommend upgrading this tour to one of the options that includes a professional guide. Exploring the temples with a guide brought so much meaning to every carving, story, and symbol I saw along the way and it only cost a few dollars more per person!
Reserve your spot on this popular tour here before it sells out!
Where to Stay in Luxor, Egypt
Now that we’ve uncovered the wonders of Luxor, it’s time to choose the perfect place to stay! In a city steeped in history and culture, your accommodation should offer more than just a place to rest – think views of the majestic Nile or easy access to iconic sites. Whether you’re seeking luxury, comfort, or a budget-friendly stay, I’ve handpicked the best options to make your time in Luxor unforgettable!
Luxury – $$$
The Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is a luxurious oasis along the Nile, offering breathtaking river views and easy access to top sites like the Karnak Temple. Highlights include 2 infinity pools overlooking the Nile, a relaxing spa, and multiple dining options featuring Egyptian and international cuisine. You can also choose between a variety of room categories including Nile view, family rooms, and even a spa room!
Prices usually average around $200-$300 USD per night but vary depending on the season. You can check out all the options and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Djorff Palace is a fantastic mid-range option on Luxor’s west bank, offering a quiet and picturesque location. This boutique hotel features a beautifully designed outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine, Egyption-styled rooms with modern amenities, and lush gardens perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Djorff Palace provides excellent value with rooms starting as low as $115 UD per night. You can book this stay on Booking.com!
Budget – $
For travelers on a budget, Nile Castle is an excellent choice! This affordable guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the Nile and friendly staff who can help arrange tours to nearby attractions. With its great value and convenient location near Luxor’s key sites, it’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
With prices around only $30 USD per night, it provides great value and a convenient location for your stay. Book it here on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Luxor here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Visiting Luxor is one of those places you’ll always remember! I hope our guide helped you find a few unforgettable activities for your trip here.
If you need more travel inspiration, check out all our travel blogs. We have tons of tips and travel guides for places all over the world!
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