Luxor, in Upper (South) Egypt and on the banks of the river Nile, is the site of ancient Thebes. It was the dynastic and religious capital of the Middle and New Kingdoms of Pharaonic times. Nowadays the city is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and the best places to stay in Luxor provide style, comfort and a great base for enjoying this fascinating city.
Modern Luxor which is also known as the world’s greatest open air museum. It contains the ruins of the temples of Karnak and Luxor. The valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, ancient burial grounds, lie nearby - these are where the ritual burials of the Pharaohs took place.
However, there's much more to Luxor than museums and archaeology. The desert and river scenery is dramatically beautiful. The city bustles with life and there are a raft of excellent places to eat, drink and shop. There are two main souks where you can browse and practise your haggling skills. There are boat trips down the Nile and transport is cheap and plentiful whether by taxi, train, bicycle, motor bike or horse drawn caleche.
WHAT NOT TO MISS
There are so many things to see and do that it can be difficult to narrow down the options, but here's our pick of the things that you'd be mad to miss:
- The Valley of the Kings/Queens
- Temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor
- Medinet Habu - the memorial temple to Ramesses III
- The Ramesseum Temple - the memorial to Ramesses II, situated on Luxor's West Bank
- Deir El Medina is an ancient Egyptian workers' village, situated just south of the Valley of the Kings, and is the remains of where the creators of the stunning tombs lived.
- Luxor Museum of Mummification offers a fascinating insight into this extraordinary practice.
- A trip down the Nile on a traditional felucca.
Our pick of the best places to stay in Luxor are centrally located properties that are ideal bases for exploring this bucket-list destination.