Egypt has many great places and cities with so much to offer. Every city in Egypt has a rich history, too. One of the historically rich cities in Egypt is Luxor, located in southern Egypt. What makes Luxor unique are the monuments and historical places. Luxor is an essential part of Egypt, from temples to museums and then to tombs of famous pharaohs.
The many historical spots in Luxor have earned it the nickname “the world’s largest open-air museum.” When you go there, you will agree with that nickname, too! While most things to do in Luxor include visiting the historical sites, you can also find unique things unrelated to museums or tombs.
One important tip to know before heading to Luxor is that, unfortunately, some people at tourist attractions will try to exploit you. They might demand a lot of money for services that aren’t worth much. Therefore, say a firm “no” when approached by sellers you don’t know or can’t trust. Now, here are the best things to do in Luxor, Egypt.
Read Also:
- How to Get to Luxor from Cairo, Egypt: By Flight, Train, Bus, and Taxi
- Famous Places vs Hidden Gems in Egypt
- Best 10 Egyptian Museums in Egypt
- Visit the Amazing Karnak Temple
- Head to Luxor Temple
- Visit Hatshepsut Temple
- Explore the Temple of Seti I
- Explore Everything At Medinet Habu
- Visit Different Tombs at Tombs of the Nobles
- Witness the Magnificent Tomb of Tutankhamun
- Enjoy the Tombs at Valley of the Kings
- Head to Valley of the Queens
- Visit the Unique Karnak Open Air Museum
- Explore the Beauty of Luxor Museum
- Visit the Mummification Museum
- Admire the Colossi of Memnon
- Head to Deir el-Medina
- Escape the Crowd At Ramesseum
- Visit Howard Carter House
- Go On A Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Try Going On A Quad Tour
- Enjoy Going on A Nile River Cruise
- Visit Abydos Before You Leave
- Visit the Dendera Temple Complex and Temple of Hathor
- Head To Abou al-Haggag Mosque
- Enjoy Going on A Horse Carriage Ride
- Enjoy the Sound and Light Show At Karnak Temple
- Appreciate the Beauty of New Gourna Village
- Go to the Ruins of Mut Temple
- Go on A Camel Ride Through the West Bank
- Buy Egyptian Handicrafts at Caravanserai
- Buy Souvenirs From Shop Sandouk
- Witness the History of Gaddis & Co
- Go on A Felucca Ride in the Nile
- Walk Through The Sphinx Avenue
Visit the Amazing Karnak Temple
One of the first things to do in Luxor is to visit the wonderful Karnak Temple. The temple is quite magnificent and special, especially when it comes to its architecture and design. It took around 1000 years to be built, so it is not surprising that it looks great. The large size of Karnak Temple also makes it one of the world’s largest places of worship.
One visit to Karnak Temple in Luxor won’t be enough to truly appreciate this place. The temple contains statues, temples, and columns; you can’t enjoy everything during one visit. My advice to you would be to head there as early as possible. Since Karnak Temple is one of the most famous places in Luxor, it gets busy and full of tourists quickly. So, head early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
- Ticket prices: $9.68 for adults (equals 450 EGP). $4.95 for students (equals 230 EGP). You can book through the official booking website established by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Please keep in mind that all prices mentioned are subject to change because of any changes in currency value.
- Opening hours: Every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: It is on the East Bank of Luxor, Egypt, about 3 kilometers north of Luxor Temple.
Check these handpicked tours:
- Full Day Tour to East and West Banks of Luxor
- Luxor Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens & Hatchepsut Temples
- Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor Egypt with Transfers Included
Head to Luxor Temple
Another thing to do while in Luxor is to head to Luxor Temple. Most of the structure of the famous temple was built during the reigns of pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II, and more additions were added later on. Inside Luxor Temple, you will find many great spots to admire, including an obelisk, columns, drawings of the two pharaohs we just mentioned, and hieroglyphs. The ancient sanctuary of Luxor Temple is a must-visit. Make sure to take pictures in front of the giant pillars there!
- Ticket prices: $8.59 for adults (400 EGP) and $4.30 for students (200 EGP). You can book through the official booking website established by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 6 am to 8 pm.
- Location: Luxor, Egypt. It is located around three kilometers to the south of Karnak Temple.
Check these handpicked tours:
- Private Full-Day Luxor Highlights East and West Banks
- Luxor Private Full-Day Tour: Discover the East and West Banks of the Nile
- Full Day Private Luxor East & West Bank Tour With Egyptian Lunch
Visit Hatshepsut Temple
When your eyes fall on Hatshepsut Temple, you will be glad you decided to visit it. There, you will find limestone cliffs that add to the majestic atmosphere that surrounds the place. Hatshepsut Temple was built for the Egyptian female pharaoh Queen Hatshepsut, and it remains one of the best places to visit in Luxor. As you near the entrance, you will find many depictions of Hatshepsut herself; they can only be described as jaw-dropping. The temple serves as a symbol of Hatshepsut’s power. One look at her statues, and you will certainly feel this power.
- Ticket prices: $7.74 for adults (equals 360 EGP). $3.87 for students (equals 180 EGP). You can book through the official booking website established by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1340420. It is located at Deir al-Bahari on the West Bank of Luxor. You will find it directly across Karnak Temple, with the Nile separating the two.
Check these handpicked tours:
- One Package Hot Air Balloon with Best of Luxor Full Day Tour
- Full Day Tour of Luxor West Bank Temples and Tombs (Private)
- Luxor Private Transfer East Bank hotels to Airport or vice versa
Explore the Temple of Seti I
Another thing that we recommend doing while in Luxor is visiting the Temple of Seti I. The construction of this temple started under the commands of Seti I, and it was completed by Ramesses II. While the temple’s name is Temple of Seti I, it is dedicated to Amun-Re. Like everything in Luxor, this temple is a perfect destination for history lovers. The Temple of Seti I is even more unique because you can find palm trees near it; the sight is always appreciated. Not many tourists visit the temple, so you can enjoy the place in a mostly quiet atmosphere.
- Ticket prices: $30.08 (equals 1400 EGP).
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 7 am to 5 pm.
- Location: PJMH+377, Naga Al Taref Inside Rd, Al Qarnah, Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1341767.
Explore Everything At Medinet Habu
Our next suggestion is to head to Medinet Habu, sometimes called the Temple of Ramesses III, because it was built there. Located on the west bank of Luxor, Medinet Habu is underrated despite everything it has to offer. It has temples and constructions built by several pharaohs, so it is worth a visit.
The walls are covered with amazing art and carvings that share a part of ancient Egyptian history that you wouldn’t want to miss. One famous part of these walls is the one that depicts the battle between Ramesses III and the Sea People. Who wouldn’t like to see that?
- Ticket prices: $4.30 for adults (equals 200 EGP). $2.15 for students (equals 100 EGP). You can book through the official booking website established by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: Al Bairat, Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1340550, Egypt.
Visit Different Tombs at Tombs of the Nobles
One of the underrated places in Luxor is the Tombs of the Nobles, also known as the Valley of the Nobles. What makes the Tombs of the Nobles a unique place is that it has several tombs inside it. If you decide to check all the tombs there, it would be difficult to leave without having a favorite tomb. Get ready to enjoy the drawings inside each tomb; just like everything in Luxor, you will love them!
The paintings offer you a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Egyptians. Looking at and appreciating these paintings will be like a trip through time. The tombs you can visit at Tombs of the Nobles are the tombs of Rekhimre, Sennefer, Nakht, Menna, El-Khokha, Ramose, Gurnet Murai, Khonsu, and Abo naga. Our favorite tomb has to be Sennefer since it is one of the most well-preserved tombs there. However, enjoy the entirety of Tombs of the Nobles and judge for yourself!
- Ticket prices: Since the place has many tombs, each has its own price. You can check all the ticket prices and book your tickets through the official booking website. The ticket price ranges from $0.53 (25 EGP) to $3.17 (150 EGP).
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: Thebes, New Valley, 1340420, West Bank, Luxor, Egypt.
Witness the Magnificent Tomb of Tutankhamun
There are many reasons to visit the Tomb of Tutankhamun while in Luxor. One of these reasons is that it is the most well-preserved tomb in Egypt’s history. When it was discovered, the tomb had Tutankhamun’s mummy and many artifacts, including his golden face mask. This amazing archaeological find was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Since then, the tomb located at the Valley of the Kings has become a tourist attraction that you just can’t miss!
- The ticket prices are $10.55 for adults (500 EGP) and $5.28 for students (250 EGP).
- Opening hours: Every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: Kings Valley Road, New Valley, 1340420, Luxor, Egypt.
Enjoy the Tombs at Valley of the Kings
Our next suggestion is probably one of the most famous places in Luxor. The Valley of the Kings has about 60 amazing tombs with great hieroglyphics and art. Just be prepared to deal with the hot weather in the Valley of the Kings.
This burial site has the tombs of many royal Egyptians, and it might be the perfect place to enjoy Egypt’s history. One tip we can give you is to remember that the tombs open there vary depending on when you visit. So the tombs you can access during your visit will be a surprise.
- Ticket prices: $12.66 for adults (equals 600 EGP). $6.33 for students (equals 300 EGP). This ticket allows you free access to 3 tombs there. Make sure to keep your ticket with you during the entire visit. You can book through the official booking website.
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: Kings Valley Road, Luxor, 1340420, Egypt.
Head to Valley of the Queens
Like there is a Valley of the Kings, Luxor has another spot called Valley of the Queens. This one has more than 70 royal tombs, the most famous of which is the tomb of Nefertari. You must buy a ticket to the Valley of the Queens. However, remember that to go inside the tomb of Nefertari, you have to pay an additional fee. It would be worth it, though! You can visit more open tombs in the Valley of the Queens: Titi, Khaemwaset, and Amenherkhepshef. After you check out the Valley of the Queens, you can decide whether you prefer it or the Valley of the Kings.
- Ticket prices are $3.80 for adults (180 EGP) and $1.90 for students (90 EGP). You can book tickets here.
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: Valley of the Queens, Luxor, 1340410, Egypt.
Visit the Unique Karnak Open Air Museum
The Karnak Open Air Museum is part of the Karnak Temple in Luxor. While at Karnak Temple, you can also head to the Karnak Open Air Museum and enjoy it. You will find reconstructed shrines and other parts from the Karnak Temple inside the museum. The blocks there are also picture-worthy because of the beautiful carvings on them. Some of the things you will find inside this open-air museum include the White Chapel of Senusret, the Red Chapel of Hatshepsut, statues of Sekhmet, and many more.
- Opening hours: Every day from 6 am to 4:30 pm.
- Location: Karnak, Luxor Governorate, Egypt.
Explore the Beauty of Luxor Museum
One of the best places to visit in Luxor is the Luxor Museum, which is also one of the best museums in Egypt. Inside the Museum, you will find many great artifacts and collections related to the pharaohs and other historical periods. The museum also has art pieces dating back to the Old Kingdom period. While the museum is not huge, the collections and artifacts shown there won’t be a waste of your time.
Some of the items there were taken from Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, which was done to protect these precious items from theft. So, head to the Luxor Museum after you visit Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.
- Ticket prices: $6.33 for adults (equals 300 EGP). $3.17 for students (150 EGP). You can book tickets here.
- Opening hours: It opens every day for two periods. The morning period is from 9 am to 2 pm, and the evening is from 5 pm to 9 pm.
- Location: Kornish Al Nile, Luxor City, Luxor, 1362503, Egypt.
Visit the Mummification Museum
Another museum that you should check out while in Luxor is the Mummification Museum. While it is considered a small museum, the knowledge it holds inside its walls is huge. At the Mummification Museum, you can learn about Ancient Egyptian mummification practice. Scientists are still curious about this wonderful practice many years after that period. However, the museum isn’t a perfect destination for the faint of heart since it does include real mummies.
A fun fact is that mummification wasn’t done only to humans; animals were also mummified. So you would find inside the Mummification mummies of both humans and animals. A less scary display is the tools used by Ancient Egyptians during mummification. So, if you aren’t scared of the idea of mummification, visiting the Mummification Museum is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
- Ticket prices: $4.30 for adults (equals 200 EGP). $2.15 for students (equals 100 EGP). You can book tickets here.
- Opening hours: It opens every day for two periods. The morning period is from 9 am to 2 pm, and the evening is from 5 pm to 9 pm.
- Location: Kornish Al Nile, East Bank, Luxor City, Luxor, 1362501, Egypt.
Admire the Colossi of Memnon
Our next suggestion is the Colossi of Memnon, one of Luxor’s best places. This free-to-see tourist attraction comprises two huge statues depicting King Amenhotep III. Both statues are about 59 feet, so you can try and imagine how magnificent they look. Many people like to visit Colossi of Memnon because it is free. It also allows you to take many great pictures of the two statues. Their size is around 1000 tons, which is fitting since they once guarded the entrance to a funerary temple. All this and more make Colossi of Memnon a place worth visiting in Luxor.
- Ticket prices: Free entry.
- Opening hours: Every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: Thebes, Al Qarnah, West Bank across the Nile River, Luxor Governorate 1341703, Egypt.
Head to Deir el-Medina
Deir el-Medina, or Valley of the Artisans, is the next place you should head to in Luxor. Located in the West Bank, Deir el-Medina includes a small temple, what remains of a workers’ village, and the tombs of those workers. Who exactly were these workers? They are the artisans who worked on the royal tombs, hence the name Valley of the Artisans.
While Deir el-Medina has many great things for you to witness, many people go there just for the paintings on the walls. They are unique in their way and differ from the ones you would find in royal places. Another great thing about this place is that it is mostly less crowded than more famous places. So you can head there and have some quiet time away from crowds. Who wouldn’t like that?
- Ticket prices: $4.30 for adults (equals 200 EGP). $2.15 for students (equals 100 EGP). You can book tickets here.
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: PJH2+37, Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1340412, Egypt.
Escape the Crowd At Ramesseum
While many of Luxor’s tourist attractions are almost always crowded, the Ramesseum is less crowded. What exactly is the Ramesseum? It is the mortuary temple of Rameses II. Therefore, if you love Ancient Egyptian history, you will love visiting the Ramesseum. The place may be small, but it has benefits: You can enjoy it and then head to another spot on our list.
The sad side of the Ramesseum is that it didn’t endure the test of time, so not all of it survived. However, the Ramesseum will remain immortal for many because poet English poet Percy Shelley wrote about it in his poem “Ozymandias.” All of this makes the Ramesseum worth the visit. It would be even more interesting to you if you want to feel close to Ancient Egyptian history and Ramses II. Or if you are an English literature lover, like me, and want to read Shelley’s poem while there.
- Ticket prices: $3.75 for adults (equals 180 EGP). $1.87 for students (equals 90 EGP). You can book tickets here.
- Opening hours: Opens from 6 am to 6 pm during summer. Opens from 6 am to 5 pm during winter.
- Location: West Bank, Edfo, Luxor, 1341711, Luxor, Egypt.
Visit Howard Carter House
Our next spot is famous because of the person it’s named after. This place is the Howard Carter House, named after British archaeologist Howard Carter. He is quite famous because he led the team that discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Most people go there because they are interested in Egyptology, but you can still enjoy it even if you don’t know anything about Carter.
Another reason to go there is that you will find a similar replica of the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Some choose to see the replica because the tickets for the original tomb are more expensive. There is also a café next to the house which you can enjoy after exploring. So, if you feel like looking into Carter’s life and seeing a well-executed replica, you must head to Carter House.
- Ticket prices: $4.30 for adults (equals 200 EGP). $2.15 for students (equals 100 EGP). You can book tickets here.
- Opening hours: It opens from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer and from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. during winter.
- Location: Kings Valley Rd, The New Valley Governorate 1340604, Luxor, Egypt.
Go On A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Who said that the only way to enjoy Luxor and its monuments is when you are on the ground? This isn’t true at all. You can see the beauty of Luxor from the sky just by going on a hot air balloon ride. Just check the weather beforehand because if it’s not suitable, you won’t find any rides available.
What makes such a ride magical is that you experience Luxor from the air, and the rides mostly happen right before sunrise. Hot air balloon rides at Luxor usually take 45 minutes or more, depending on which one you pick. However, whether you choose the shortest ride or the longest one, you will have a great time. Who can resist such a view?
Try Going On A Quad Tour
If hot balloons aren’t your thing, there are other ways to enjoy Luxor. Our next suggestion is not another monument, but it is still special. Since Egypt has a huge desert, a quad tour is always great. It would be even better to do that in Luxor. There are two types of quad tours: sunrise or sunset tours. So choose whichever one you prefer to experience!
If you never tried going on a quad tour, you can still experience this amazing suggestion. This is because most tours, if not all, include some safety briefing. Some even offer to go on practice laps before starting the actual tour. Therefore, go on a quad tour if you want adrenaline in Luxor.
Enjoy Going on A Nile River Cruise
If you aren’t the type of person who is scared of water, then our next suggestion is perfect for you. If you loved exploring Luxor on the ground, why don’t you go on a Nile River cruise? The view itself will be unlike anything you have ever seen. Since many of the historical places in Luxor are very close to the Nile River, you will love going on a cruise. So you will have a double adventure where you see monuments and enjoy the Nile.
Most cruises in Luxor take about 3 to 7 days. During the cruise, you will get to enjoy Luxor all over again. There is also the fact that you will be comfortable on a cruise and also have many things to enjoy. There is a very high possibility that you will get to try Egyptian dishes while on your cruise. This in itself is a beautiful experience that you must never miss. Now you know that going on a Nile River cruise is something you don’t want to miss.
Visit Abydos Before You Leave
Our next suggestion regarding places to visit near Luxor is quite underrated. I’m talking about Abydos city, a significant place with the Temple of Seti I. While in Luxor, you can plan a day trip to Abydos, which will probably take around 3 hours by car; it is worth it. When you reach Abydos, you will find that it is quite huge. Of course, you can always head to Temple of Seti I and call it a day. The Temple of Seti I is also known as the Great Temple of Abydos, so don’t get confused if you hear both names used.
While the Temple of Seti I is the most famous place there, Abydos has much to offer, like cemeteries. There is also the Osireion, which is also a temple. You can check it all out when you get there. After all, it is one of the oldest historical sites related to Ancient Egypt. Abydos is the perfect place for you if you love archeology and want to see one of the oldest archeological sites in Egypt.
- Location: Abydos, New Valley, on the West Bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt.
Visit the Dendera Temple Complex and Temple of Hathor
Like Abydos, the Dendera Temple Complex is worth visiting before leaving Luxor. Dendera is special because you will find the Temple of Hathor there. Many tourists consider it their favorite temple. A unique thing about the Temple of Hathor is that it has a blue ceiling. This temple was built to be a place of worship for Hathor, the goddess of love, fertility, and music. Another unique aspect of the temple is the six massive columns with Hathor’s head on them.
The complex also has a sacred lake, the Temple of the Birth of Isis, and many other great spots. Yet, the Temple of Hathor remains the main attraction at the Dendera Temple Complex. You will understand why everyone goes there once you see its colorful ceiling and the beautiful carvings. With the many things you can see at Dendera Temple Complex, you wouldn’t want to miss it. It is also a must to visit the Temple of Hathor.
- Ticket prices: Tickets for Temple of Hathor are $5.06 for adults (equal to 240 EGP) and $2.53 for students (equal to 120 EGP).
- Opening hours: The Temple of Hathor opens daily from 7 am to 5 pm.
- Location: Qism Qena, Qena, Qena Governorate 1455046, Egypt.
Head To Abou al-Haggag Mosque
You know by now that Luxor has many temples and museums, but these aren’t the only things you will find there. Another historic place that you can visit in Luxor is Abou al-Haggag Mosque. This mosque belongs on the list of the longest-running mosques; this is how ancient it is. It has been around for such a long time. Inside the Abou al-Haggag Mosque, you will find artifacts dating back to Ancient Egypt and religious relics.
Abou al-Haggag Mosque is also special because it was built on the ancient structure of Luxor Temple. Now, it is in the heart of Luxor Temple. Therefore, it will always be part of Luxor’s history. While the mosque is open 24/7, we recommend you go at night. This is only because you can’t miss the chance to see the beautiful lights outside the mosque, which are turned on at night. No matter what time you choose to go, you will enjoy visiting Abou al-Haggag Mosque.
- Location: MJXQ+WWR, the East Bank of the Nile River, Luxor City, Luxor Governorate 1362501, Egypt.
Enjoy Going on A Horse Carriage Ride
Another unique experience that you can have in Luxor is going on a horse carriage ride. In Egypt and Luxor, you will find many places with horse carriages. It is more of an activity and less of a means of transportation used by Egyptians. You can ride a horse carriage through the Nile corniche or the city.
The price for the ride itself changes according to the distance and the time of the ride. A horse carriage ride in Luxor can also be romantic if you go on one at night. So, if you want to experience Luxor and see it in a new light, don’t miss out on trying this activity.
Enjoy the Sound and Light Show At Karnak Temple
We started our article by talking about the amazing Karnak Temple, but we didn’t mention a particular show that takes place there. I’m talking about the Sound and Light Show at the Karnak Temple. This show takes place at night, and you can walk through the temple and witness the beautiful lights; this is the “light” part of the show. While the “sound” part refers to the narration that takes place during the show. This narration tells you about the history of Egypt and its rulers.
The narration and the lights make the Sound and Light Show a magical experience you shouldn’t miss. I recommend visiting the Karnak Temple during the day and attending the show at night. The two experiences are completely different; you won’t regret trying both. Two shows happen on each day. However, make sure to check the show’s official website before going.
- Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $11 for children aged 6 to 12. You can book tickets through the official website.
- Starting hours: The first show starts at 8 p.m. during the entire week, and the narration language is English. The second show starts at 9 p.m. during the entire week, and all languages are available for narration except on Thursdays when only the Arabic language is available. Remember that these dates may change, so always check their website beforehand.
- Location: Kornish Al Nile, Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt.
- Social media: Official website. Official Instagram. Official Facebook.
Appreciate the Beauty of New Gourna Village
Another great spot that is underrated in Luxor is New Gourna Village. The place was developed by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy, who gave us an amazing place to appreciate. Before Fathy developed the place, it was simply old Gourna or Al-Qurna. After Fathy’s development, which took around 6 years, the New Gourna Village combines modern and traditional features. The place itself is evidence of Fathy’s sustainable values and architecture. The rich history and beautiful story behind New Gourna Village make it a must-visit in Luxor.
- Location: In the West Bank of the Nile River, Al Qarnah, Luxor, Egypt.
Go to the Ruins of Mut Temple
Our next suggestion for what to do in Luxor is Mut Temple. You can find Mut Temple at the same location as Karnak Temple. What makes this place special is that you will find the ruins of what it used to be. How is that beautiful or special, you might ask? Despite some parts of Mut Temple becoming ruins, it still is part of Ancient Egyptian history. The temple is named after Mut, the sun god’s daughter. People would go there back in the day in hopes of healing since Mut was known for being a healer. So, while Mut Temple isn’t in perfect shape, it is still a place worth checking out.
- Ticket prices: $2.58 for adults (equals 120 EGP). $1.29 for students (equals 60 EGP). You can book through the official booking website established by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
- Location: PM64+M38, Rd Lead to Al Oksor, Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1363067, Egypt.
Go on A Camel Ride Through the West Bank
We can’t either if you feel you can’t get enough fun activities in Luxor. Another fun activity in Luxor is going on a camel ride through the West Bank. You can rent a camel in Luxor and ride it through the sands there. This is another way to explore and appreciate the beauty of Luxor. You will pass by some places we mentioned and maybe even see the Nile while on the camel. Most camel rides last around 2 hours, so you have a lot of time to get used to riding a camel if it’s your first time. You don’t get to ride a camel in Luxor every day, so don’t miss out on this!
Buy Egyptian Handicrafts at Caravanserai
Whenever you go to a new place, you want to buy souvenirs or anything that will remind you of your visit. You can do that in Luxor too! A perfect place to buy souvenirs or gifts would be Caravanserai. At Caravanserai, you will find handicrafts that come from all over Egypt. For example, you will find scarves, pottery, jewelry, fabric, palm baskets, and many more. Where exactly is Caravanserai? It is east of Medinet Habu and located around 250 meters from it. What adds to the beauty of Caravanserai is that there is a little bridge that leads to it.
Besides buying from Caravanserai to support it, you can also take pictures outside. On its walls, you will find paintings representing aspects of the daily life of Egyptians in Upper Egypt. The place is built of mud bricks, making it fit in with the atmosphere in Luxor. If you thought that Caravanserai couldn’t get any better, then we must tell you it can. You would love the place even more when you know that they sell their products for reasonable prices. So make sure to go to Caravanserai and buy a thing or two.
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 8 am to 9 pm.
- Location: Medinet Habu Road, West Bank, Luxor, Egypt.
- Social media: Official Facebook.
Buy Souvenirs From Shop Sandouk
Shop Sandouk (yes, that’s its name) is another amazing place to buy souvenirs in Luxor. They have a wide selection of products like antiques and crafts made of different materials. A good thing about Shop Sandouk is that they have fixed prices that are also fair. So the price you see is the price you pay. Whether you plan to buy or not, you can still go to Shop Sandouk and enjoy the local culture of Luxor. Many tourists consider it a place filled with treasure. This is because the items displayed at Shop Sandouk are of high quality and carefully chosen by the shop owners. Therefore, if you want to check some shops before leaving Luxor, head to Shop Sandouk.
- Opening hours: Opens from Saturday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm. Closed on Fridays.
- Location: West Bank, ferry boat area behind El Mesala Hotel and Nile Valley Hotel, Luxor, Egypt.
- Social media: Official Facebook. Official Instagram.
Witness the History of Gaddis & Co
Our suggestions for souvenir shops in Luxor haven’t ended yet. The next souvenir shop to visit is Gaddis & Co., which has a rich history. At Gaddis & Co., you will find many things to buy, such as books, jewelry, silverware, and other great items. But Gaddis & Co isn’t your normal souvenir shop. This is because of the many photographs you will see there; some of them date back to the twentieth century. So you can head there to buy souvenirs or enjoy these photographs if you love photography. It is also the perfect destination for book lovers.
The founder of Gaddis & Co is Attiya Gaddis, who was also one of the first to open an Egyptian photography studio. We told you that the place has a rich history! If you want to listen to the stories hidden inside Gaddis & Co., the owners wouldn’t mind telling you more about the history behind the place. All of this makes it unfair to call Gaddis & Co. a souvenir shop and stop at that; it has a lot more to offer. It is now part of Luxor’s history, so you can’t miss it!
- Opening hours: It opens Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 9:30 pm, Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, and Saturday from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.
- Location: Kornish Al Nile, Nile Street, outside of Winter Palace Hotel, Luxor City, Luxor Governorate 1362404, Egypt.
- Social media: Official Facebook.
Go on A Felucca Ride in the Nile
We have one more fun activity for you to enjoy in Luxor. That will be going on a felucca ride in the Nile. A felucca is used in Egypt for small sailboats, so now you know what it means. A felucca ride is always nice in Luxor or elsewhere because it offers calmness. So whenever you tire of the crowds, head to the Nile and try going on a felucca ride there. You can consider this option a replacement for the cruise. You can always ride a felucca if you can’t experience going on a cruise.
Besides feeling calm while on a felucca ride, you will also see the Karnak Temple from the Nile. You will have enough time to clear your mind since most felucca rides last about 3 hours. Trust me, you won’t mind the time with the beautiful views you will get to see. If you managed to find a ride that happens during sunset, then you wouldn’t want to miss it. A felucca ride is also a perfect idea for a romantic activity. However, whether alone or with your partner, you will still enjoy this activity.
Walk Through The Sphinx Avenue
Our last suggestion for what to do in Luxor is to walk through Sphinx Avenue, also known as the Avenue of the Rams. This avenue is located between the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. What makes the Sphinx Avenue unique is that the sphinxes there have ram heads, hence the name.
Before 2021, people couldn’t go there because the place was under reconstruction. Now, you will experience walking through Sphinx Avenue, one of the most unique places in Luxor. This ancient ceremonial pathway was used during festivals in Ancient Egypt. Today, you can imagine being part of this festival as you walk there. Who wouldn’t like to have such an experience?
- Opening hours: Opens every day from 6 am to 10 pm.
- Location: The road between Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, Egypt.
We have shared our picks for what you can do in Luxor. Our list includes temples, museums, historical places, fun activities, and shops. With our suggestions, you are ready to have the experience of a lifetime when you visit Luxor in Egypt!