Things to Do in Luxor: Karnak, Valley of the Kings and More

Often called the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes. The Nile splits the city into two halves: the east bank of temples and the living town, and the west bank of royal tombs and mortuary temples. This guide covers what to see on each side and how to plan your days.

The east bank: Karnak and Luxor temples

The east bank is the land of the living, home to two of Egypt’s grandest temple complexes. Karnak is a vast precinct built over centuries, famous for its forest of giant columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall. Luxor Temple, linked to Karnak by an avenue of sphinxes, sits in the heart of town and is spectacular when lit after dark.

Visit Karnak early to enjoy the columns before the midday sun, and save Luxor Temple for late afternoon or evening.

Tip: a guide transforms these temples — without one, the carvings and cartouches are beautiful but silent. Booking a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide is the single best upgrade for Luxor.

The west bank: Valley of the Kings

Cross the Nile to the necropolis of the pharaohs. The Valley of the Kings holds the rock-cut tombs of New Kingdom rulers, including Tutankhamun. Nearby, the terraced mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari rises dramatically against the cliffs, and the Colossi of Memnon stand guard over the plain.

The west bank is hot and spread out, so an early start and transport between sites are essential.

Experience	Where	Best time
Karnak Temple	East bank	Early morning
Luxor Temple	East bank	Evening (lit)
Valley of the Kings	West bank	Early morning
Deir el-Bahari	West bank	Morning
Hot-air balloon	West bank	Sunrise

A sunrise hot-air balloon

Luxor is one of the world’s premier ballooning spots. Flights lift off at dawn over the west bank, floating above temples, tombs and the green Nile valley as the sun rises. It’s a bucket-list experience — book with a licensed operator and confirm the early hotel pickup.

Planning your days

Two to three days lets you see Luxor without rushing. A classic plan: balloon at sunrise and the west bank in the morning, rest during the midday heat, then temples in the cooler late afternoon and evening. Many travellers also arrive or leave by Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.

See our plan your trip page to arrange guides, tickets and the balloon ride in one place. Bring water, sun protection and comfortable shoes — Luxor is generous to those who pace themselves around its heat.