Luxor Holidays

You’ll never be at a loose end when it comes to things to do during your stay in Luxor. Explore the city via a Nile cruise on a traditional felucca boat, or if you fancy something on dry land, hop on a camel or horse and explore the magic of the desert. These family-friendly activities are perfect for those in search of relaxation and discovery on their holidays in Luxor. 

Possibly the most memorable monument of this region of Egypt is the Luxor Temple. Inscriptions grace the stone walls alongside god-like statues that are illuminated at night. The hieroglyphics depicted on the enormous columns provide an educational and grand insight into Egypt’s rich history. Equally as impressive are the ancient burial grounds the Valley of the Kings. It was here where Howard Carter uncovered King Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922. 

Luxor is the gold mine of ancient Egypt and is home to more famous sites than Giza in the north. Once the capital of Upper Egypt – a name referring to the elevation, not the location – one of the top things to do in Luxor is to pay a visit to the incredible Valley of the Kings. Cruise along the Nile, get a real taste of Egyptian cuisine and explore the fertile region from above in a hot air balloon ride.

Luxor is a city of past and present, tombs and temples, and rich in history, but you don’t have to be an Egyptologist to enjoy it – although you may want to become one after your holiday here!

For those who prefer relaxation of the sandy kind, of course there are pretty few beaches in Luxor… However, the nearby cities of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh have a similarly hot climate with long stretches of sandy beaches. Sharm El Sheikh is particularly famous for its fantastic diving scene, allowing a great contrast to the historic exploration of Luxor.

Nearby streets feature an array of restaurants serving local food, including spicy dishes balanced with the sweet taste of baklava for dessert in the desert. If the food really takes your fancy, head to the souk where you can purchase traditional spices and souvenirs. 

Egypt has its own delicious type of Middle Eastern cuisine that you should definitely try while on holiday in Luxor. Koshari is a must-try dish of noodles, rice, chickpeas and tomato sauce that is served at many locations around town and one of the more tasty Luxor attractions. Picky eaters have no fear, there are also plenty of restaurants serving international food, including a McDonald’s featuring frescoes on the interior walls showing chicken nuggets excavating pyramids!

As Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, pork products aren’t widely available and drinking alcohol out in the open is frowned upon, but that’s not to say it cannot be consumed in certain restaurants and bars; even the ancient Egyptians drank a version of beer daily!

For evening entertainment, head to Karnak Temple for the sound and light show. Walk through the beautifully-lit temple accompanied by a soundtrack of haunting music and stories of pharaohs.

Though not party central in quite the same way as Sharm el Sheikh, Luxor has a vibrant and varied nightlife to enjoy. The Nile waterfront in Luxor is also home to some good bars and restaurants serving great food. Listen to local folk music whilst sipping on a glass of fresh sahlab in one of the music clubs, one of the top night time Luxor attractions.

Take a romantic trip for two with a moonlit tour in a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Luxor. If you crave home, the Kings Head Pub is the perfect taste of Britain in this sun-drenched paradise.

Visit the Valley of the Kings by donkey if you’re travelling with young children - they will love it! Plus, there’s always the option of an air-conditioned taxi if the senior family members need some luxury in the hot midday sun. If you fancy a little horse riding in the early morning or late afternoon, check out Nobi’s Arabian Horse Stables to ride horses, camels and donkeys around town or down to Kom Ombo.

If you and the kids are looking for Luxor attractions with a difference and want to give back to the working animals of the local area, pay a visit to the animal care centre ACE near the traffic police station to donate a bit of time and get to know these creatures better.

Experience the charm and mystery of Luxor whilst sailing up the Nile on one of Egypt's most ancient forms of transport - the felucca. No trip to Luxor would be complete without a trip up the road on the East Bank to Karnak - the biggest temple in the world. But don't just go during the day, go back one evening for the special sound and light show.

When it's time to do a bit of shopping, head to the Souks market, browse and have fun haggling over your holiday souvenirs.

With a range of options available, our selection of hotels will be sure to accommodate any family, group or couple on Luxor holidays. If you need a break from the city life, head to the coast or a traditional desert village. El Gouna is likely to fit the bill, promising indulgence and calm beside the gorgeous Red Sea.

Luxor is a fantastic couples’ destination, including as it does, the perfect balance of city break and sunshine escape. The city offers a great range of chic and comfortable hotels with large pools and spas to lounge in. And when the sun sets, couples can head out into town to explore the opulent range of eateries and cafes. 

Most of the things to do in Luxor can be done at a leisurely pace, but there are quite a few things to get your heart pumping. For a magical and memorable experience in Luxor, start the day by watching the sun rise over the Nile in a hot air balloon.

Put on those trainers and rent a bicycle for an easy way to get out and about in Luxor or hail down a caleche, a horse-drawn carriage, to take you up and down the scenic Luxor Cornish.

If you ever get tired from all that sightseeing, the Royal Valley Golf course has a challenging 18-hole course with stunning views of Luxor's West Bank.

The West Bank of the Nile houses the most sites and things to do in Luxor. We all know the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered here in what is famously referred to as the Valley of the Kings, but there is also a Valley of the Queens, located a few kilometres to the southwest, home to 75 royal ladies and certainly worth a visit. Hike up to nearby Deir el-Medina, the site of ancient workers of the Valleys and an early Christian temple.

The second most famous woman in ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut has her own memorial temple of Deir el-Bahri. The temple blends in with the limestone cliffs behind it and is best visited in the early morning or evening, so you can fully appreciate the intricate relief carvings detailing the first female pharaoh.

Get to know two of the most famous Middle Kingdom pharaohs, Ramses II at the Ramesseum and Ramses III at Medinet Habu, both situated on the West Bank. On your way back across the Nile, make sure to snap a photo of the imposing Colossi of Memnon – you can’t miss them.

On the East Bank is where you will find the impressive Luxor Temple along the water and the largest temple complex of them all, Karnak Temple. Visit the Luxor Museum where you will be able to see a small collection of items from Tutankhamun’s tomb.