What should I know before my first visit to Luxor?
First time in Luxor
Start with the river: Karnak and Luxor Temple are on the east bank; the royal tombs and many funerary temples are on the west. Group visits by bank, start exposed walks early and leave room for a midday break. We suggest three full days for a first visit, though a shorter stay can still be rewarding. Check tickets and opening hours separately, and read a little about each place before you go. A few names and stories will help the stone come alive.
Before you go
Luxor is a living city around an ancient landscape. Karnak, Luxor Temple and Luxor Museum are on the east bank. The Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Bahari, Medinet Habu, Deir el-Medina and the Ramesseum are across the river. Both banks have places to stay; choose your base around the visits and evenings you want.
Build the day around the weather and your energy. Early visits are often more comfortable at exposed sites, but an early start does not guarantee an empty temple. Keep a proper break in the middle of a hot day and check that any afternoon destination will still be open.
Plan admissions before setting out. Sites and individual tombs may have different tickets, and any pass needs checking for inclusions and exclusions. Official online booking is available for a range of monuments through egymonuments.com. Confirm the date, visitor category and accepted payment method; do not assume a driver or guide has included admission.
Three days gives a first visit breathing room. With one day, choose a few priorities and accept that you will leave plenty for another trip. At Karnak, a knowledgeable licensed guide can help connect the different building phases. Elsewhere, reading beforehand may suit you just as well.
The city deserves the same attention as the monuments. Ask before photographing people, respect worshippers and private land, and agree prices before accepting a service. You can decline an offer politely without continuing the conversation.
Bring water, sun protection and shoes suited to uneven ground. Carry a payment card as well as some cash for everyday expenses, and check arrangements for transport, toilets and any access needs in advance.
This changes. Prices, hours and access can change. Check the official information for each site before setting out. Our site guides show what has been verified and what still needs checking; a blank field is not confirmation that a service is unavailable.
Sources & further reading2
Source review is incomplete. Consultation dates are shown only for checked references.