Luxor holidays

How to reach Luxor

• Flight time: Direct flights to Luxor from London and other major UK airports, such as Manchester and Birmingham, typically take about 5 hours. More commonly, flights with a stopover in Cairo or Europe take 8 hours or more.

• Transfer time: The transfer time from Luxor International Airport to the East Bank in the city centre, where most hotels and tourist attractions are located, is about 20 minutes by taxi or private transfer. Many hotels also offer shuttle services.

• Price: A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre will cost around £5–£10. Private transfers can be booked in advance for about £10–£15. Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle services for guests.

Weather and best time to visit Luxor

There is plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall year-round, but the most popular times for holidays to Luxor are the milder months from autumn to spring, depending on how hot you like it and whether you are interested in avoiding the busiest times for visitors.

• March to May sees average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, a more comfortable climate than summer, and pleasant weather for sightseeing.

• June to September can be very hot, with temperatures soaring between 35°C and 45°C in mid-summer and is best avoided if you’re not good with intense heat. At the very least, this time of year requires staying hydrated and planning outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday peak.

• October to November brings a return to milder temperatures, from 30°C down to 20°C, making it a nicer time to be outside for trips and sightseeing.

• December to February are the coolest months, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This is a popular time to escape the UK winter and explore the ancient sites more comfortably.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and restaurants. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful and appreciated by locals.

• Local habits and customs: Egyptian culture is conservative, so dress modestly when away from resorts – especially if visiting a mosque – and public displays of affection are frowned upon. Haggling is common in markets and shops.

• Health and safety: Luxor is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions, such as not flaunting valuables and being cautious about accepting anything from people selling on the street. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so stick to bottled water.

• Currency: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency, divided into 100 piastres (pt). ATMs are plentiful in tourist areas, and credit cards are widely accepted. It's useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tips.

• Getting around: Taxis and minibuses are Luxor's main transport modes. A typical taxi ride within the city costs about £2–£5. Agree on a fare before your journey or insist on the meter being used. Public minibuses are cheaper but can be crowded and confusing for newcomers. Renting a bike can be an excellent way to get around.

• Electricity and plug types: Egypt’s supply is 220V, with either plug type C or F. UK travellers will need an adaptor for their devices.

• Time zone: Luxor operates on Eastern European Time (EET), 2 hours ahead of GMT and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport for around £25 or apply for an e-visa in advance.

Best things to do in Luxor

Luxor is a living museum brimming with Egypt's most spectacular collection of historical landmarks and ancient wonders. Here’s the best of what Luxor holidays have to offer:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for a breathtaking view of Luxor and the Nile. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the ancient temples, the river meandering through lush, green fields and the rocky desert landscape.

The best districts

• East Bank: Home to some of Luxor’s most famous attractions, including the Luxor and Karnak temple complexes. This area is also filled with hotels, restaurants, souqs and shops, making it a hub for tourists.

• West Bank: Known for its historical sites such as the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Hatshepsut, this area is quieter and more rural than the bustling East Bank. The few places to eat and stay here are more peaceful than in the main part of the city.

Historical monuments

• Karnak Temple: One of Egypt's largest and most impressive temple complexes, Karnak has the famous Hypostyle Hall, with 134 massive columns.

• Luxor Temple: Located in the heart of the city and smaller than Karnak, this temple features a large avenue of sphinxes and is beautifully lit at night.

• Valley of the Kings: This valley contains the tombs of many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. The tombs are richly decorated with hieroglyphs and paintings.

• Valley of the Queens: Home to the tombs of queens and royal children. The tomb of Queen Nefertari is particularly well-preserved and stunning.

• Temple of Hatshepsut: This mortuary temple is dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut and is known for its impressive architecture and terraces.

• Colossi of Memnon: Two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood for nearly 3,400 years.

Activities for families in Luxor

Luxor is an exciting destination for a fun and educational holiday, with various activities for all ages.

• Museums: The Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum offer fascinating exhibits that will captivate adults and children and provide a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian history and culture.

• Horse and carriage rides: Take a traditional horse and carriage ride around Luxor to see the city from a different perspective. It’s a fun way to explore, and the kids will love it.

• Felucca rides on the Nile: A relaxing sail on a traditional Egyptian boat (felucca) is a must-do. It’s a peaceful way to see Luxor from the river and a great way to enjoy sunsets.

• Temples: Exploring Luxor’s many temples, you’ll find interactive elements like storytelling tours and hieroglyphic workshops, helping to make history come alive for young visitors.

Free things to do in Luxor

Luxor offers plenty of activities that let you explore the city and its rich history for free.

• Local markets: Wandering through the souqs in Luxor is a great way to people-watch, soak up the atmosphere and experience local life without spending a penny.

• Luxor Corniche: A lovely place for a stroll, with picturesque views of the peaceful Nile and back to the city. You’ll just need to tune out all the attention from street vendors, people pushing carriage rides and the like.

Wellness in Luxor

• Spas: Many of Luxor’s top hotels, such as the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa and the Steigenberger Nile Palace, offer luxurious spa facilities. These offer massages and a range of treatments, providing an oasis of relaxation amidst the historical splendour.

• Traditional body care: Experience traditional Egyptian wellness practices like the hammam. These steam baths offer a deeply cleansing experience, often featuring exfoliation with natural loofahs and the application of rich, moisturising oils.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Bird-watching: The area around the Nile is home to a wide variety of bird species. Bird watchers can enjoy spotting herons, egrets and other native birds along the riverbanks and in nearby fields.

• Hiking: The Theban Hills on the West Bank of the Nile offer opportunities for hiking and exploring, with views from the hills providing a unique perspective of the ancient sites below.

• Horse- and camel-riding: Experience the desert and rural areas around Luxor on horseback or camel. Guided tours are available for all levels of riders and offer a different perspective of Luxor’s stunning landscapes.

Local dishes in Luxor

An exciting part of holidays to Luxor is trying the rich and diverse range of food. Here’s a guide to some of the typical dishes and drinks you must try:

Some typical dishes

• Ful Medames: A popular dish made from fava beans, garlic and lemon juice, typically served with bread, and commonly found at breakfast.

• Koshari: A hearty mix of rice, macaroni, lentils and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s a super cheap meal and true Egyptian comfort food.

• Molokhia: A traditional green soup made from jute leaves, often flavoured with garlic and coriander, and typically served with rice or bread.

• Taameya: Egyptian falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, flavoured with fresh herbs and spices, and deep-fried to perfection.

Meat and fish dishes

• Kebabs and kofta: Kebabs are grilled skewers of lamb or chicken marinated in aromatic spices; kofta is minced meat, usually lamb or beef, mixed with herbs and spices before grilling.

• Shawarma: Marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, slow-cooked on a rotisserie and served in pita bread with tahini, garlic sauce, vegetables and pickles.

• Sayadeya: A classic dish in which white fish is cooked with rice, tomatoes, onions and a mix of spices, often served with tahini sauce on the side.

Sweets and desserts

• Basbousa: A semolina cake soaked in syrup and often topped with almonds.

• Kunafa: Shredded pastry filled with cheese or cream and nuts, soaked in sweet syrup.

• Baklava: Layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.

• Umm Ali: A warm, comforting bread pudding with coconut, raisins, nuts and cream.

Local drinks

• Karkade: A refreshing tea made from dried hibiscus petals, served hot or cold, with a tart flavour similar to cranberry.

• Fruit juices: Freshly pressed juices are popular in Egypt. Try fresh lemon, lime, guava, pomegranate or sugarcane juice.

• Sahlab: A warm, thick drink made from milk and flavoured with rose water, often topped with nuts and coconut. It’s perfect for cooler evenings.