Top 5 Tips & Hotels for the Perfect Luxor City Egypt Holiday
- Brief History of Luxor Egypt
- Top Unique things to do in Luxor City
- Top Luxor Egypt Hotels
- FAQs
No sir! This page doesn’t concern the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, but it regards the city that sits on the throne of top historical cities in Egypt. Luxor city in Egypt or “Thebes” is considered a vital benchmark in Egyptian history, and once was the capital of Egypt during the days of the New Kingdom era!
Brief History of Luxor City Egypt
If we look through the pages of history, we’ll find that Luxor became the capital of Egypt during the days of the Middle Kingdom (2030 BC to 1650 BC) as a trading center, and continued flourishing until it became the central nerve of Egypt for religion and culture in the New Kingdom period (1550 BC to 1070 BC).
In the days of the New Kingdom, Luxor Egypt became the center of worshipping the God Amun and witnessed the building of its glorious temples: Karnak and Luxor Temples we strongly suggest you visit when you plan your Luxor Egypt visit.
Unfortunately, when the sun of the New Kingdom began to set, by the 11th century BC, by shifting the capital to the Nile Delta area, resulting in the degradation to the city and being invaded many times.
But, when Egypt fell under the Greco-Roman Era, Luxor City witnessed a remarkable evolution religiously due to the expansions in the Karnak Temple and the building of the Temple of Esna.
Top Unique things to do in Luxor City
The things to do in Luxor City are endless, whether you visit its attractions, looking for relaxation, or seek exciting activities, we assure you won’t regret it!
1. See Famous Luxor Egypt Attractions
Throughout the long history of Luxor City, many temples were erected on both of its banks: the East & West banks.
- On the East Bank you’ll find:
Karnak Temple
Among the largest in the world, Karnak Temple was once the pulsating religious heart of all Egypt. It was dedicated to the god Amun, spanning 200 acres, and evolved through the years of great rulers like Ramses II and Thutmose III until it gained its current shape.
As you visit Karnak Temple, you’ll meet:
- Great Hypostyle Hall
- Avenue of Sphinxes
- Sacred Lake
- Obelisks
Luxor Temple
No matter what religion it is, you’ll find Luxor Temple housing it just perfect!
Most people know Luxor Temple of its ancient Egypt importance only, but, with the progression of the ages, Luxor Temple housed other cultural backgrounds such as the Roman, Christian (seen in the Last Supper painting on the wall of the temple), and later the Islamic as it houses the Abu Haggag Mosque since the 13th century.
- On the West bank, you’ll see:
Valley of the Kings
What will really fascinate you about the Valley of the Kings isn’t just the paintings and royal belongings, but the fact that the tombs of the valley once had complicated defense systems that you’ll see in the false doors, traps, concealed passages, and hidden chambers, to keep the tombs from getting robbed through the years.
Also, the Valley of the Kings suffered as well from seasonal floodings that removed some of its wall paintings, but in total, it remained through the ages witnessing the majestic work of Egypt’s ancient artists.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut “Deir el-Bahari”
For the sake of love, Architect Senenmut made Hatshepsut Temple fascinatingly to mirror its outer surroundings of Theban Mountains, which can be seen in the alignment of the Temple’s terraces with the vertical lines that reside in the cliff, making a harmony and a mixture between nature and man-made beauty.
Also, in the early Coptic era, Christians once used the temple as a monastery resulting in its name “Deir el-Bahari”
Needless to mention, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut still has its special beauty of skillfully crafted statues and well-preserved paintings.
There are other places to visit in Luxor City such as:
- Valley of the Queens
- Ramesseum
- Tombs of the Nobles
- Temple Of Khonsu
2. Venture to Luxor Museums
Mummification Museum
Get to know the secrets to the mummification process as you see mummies of different animals and humans at the Mummification Museum. You’ll be introduced to the techniques ancient Egyptians used to prepare for the afterlife and that left the world in wonder of how they remain preserved all these thousands of years.
You’ll see how ancient Egyptians honor their gods and goddesses by mummifying animals that represent them like cats and crocodiles honoring the goddess Bastet and the god Sobek.
Luxor Museum
Marking among the top museums in Egypt, not only in Luxor city Egypt, as it contains treasuries and artifacts that are over 3000 years old, along with mummies of some of the greatest rulers that governed Egypt like Ramses I and Ahmose I, each of great accomplishments that marked the history of Luxor city Egypt during the days of the New Kingdom era (1550 BC – 1070 BC).
You’ll also see some of the exquisite remaining artifacts that belong to Akhenaten, the first to introduce the worship of the one god, Aten.
You may not believe it, but for one point Luxor Museum is better than the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, as it focuses on the quality and the long history of its exhibited collection, not the number of the artifacts it houses, unlike the Egyptian Museum which focuses on the number of the exhibits that contains up to 170,000 pieces, resulting in overwhelming its visitors.
3. Fly with Luxor Hot Air Balloon
Wanna feel the connection between Egyptian beliefs and flying while you enjoy the astonishing and mesmerizing sunrise views?
Luxor hot air balloon allows you “metaphorically” to feel the act of rebirth during sunrise similar to the ancient Egypt beliefs, as the sun represents renewal and being reborn in Egyptian mythology.
You’ll also enjoy the magical views over the west bank, especially over the Valley of the Kings, The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and The Valley of the Queens.
Don’t miss our LIMITED-TIME offer to Luxor Egypt Hot Air Balloon!
4. Savor a dinner onboard a Nile Cruise boat
A unique thing regards Luxor Egypt is its Nile Cruise trips and dinners onboard, which give a unique mixture of traditional Egyptian cuisine and the beauty of wandering in the Nile river waters.
We strongly suggest you take the Nile cruise trip from Luxor to Aswan which takes up to 5 days and 4 nights and gives you an unprecedented mixture of feelings of relaxation, wondering, and fun as it wanders you between the temples of Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo.
Check our Nile Cruise trips with discounts of up to 50%
5. Feel the excitement of the Sound and Light show
Similar to the “Night at the Museum” film series, Karnak temple comes back to life at night during the Sound and Light Show which is among the best options to consider when you aiming for a unique evening.
Sound and Light Show is a great storyteller show, spoken by ancient gods and Kings that tells of the unspoken secrets of Egypt along with mesmerizing, unique, and colorful illuminations of the Karnak Temple landmarks.
Top Luxor Egypt Hotels
Luxor boasts many beautiful hotels of various budgets that suit every traveler, overlook the Nile and historical sites, or are only a few steps from downtown.
Jolie ville Luxor
Enjoy your stay on the lands of the Kings and Queens at the Jolie Ville Hotel in Luxor, and savor your time with top-rated bars and restaurants, while enjoying the quiet atmosphere and relaxation.
Jolie Ville spans 24 acres and features:
- Gardens
- Swimming pools
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Children playground
Book your stay at Jolie Ville Luxor with us!
Nefertiti Hotel Luxor
Residing at Al Sahaby Lane, Nefertiti Hotel is among the hotels that know the way to customers’ satisfaction, in terms of service, comfort, food, price, and location!
The hotel is among the top-rated hotels in Luxor and is known for its proximity to Luxor Egypt attractions and famous landmarks.
Nefertiti Hotel Luxor features:
- Al-Sahaby Lane Restaurant
- Coffee Shop Aal al‑Bayt
- Outstanding views of the West Bank and the Nile River
- TV & Satellite channels
- Wifi
- Much more!
Book your stay at Nefertiti Hotel Luxor with us!
Steigenberger Nile palace Luxor
Located in Luxor Egypt downtown, Steigenberger Luxor is a luxurious option that offers all means of relaxation and elegance to its guests, along with panoramic views of the West Bank.
Steigenberger Luxor features:
- Egyptian, Lebanese, and Italian cuisines.
- Gardens
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Business facilities such as conference rooms for business travelers
Book your stay at Steigenberger Luxor with us!
Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor
One of the most iconic landmarks in Luxor City and the oldest hotel in Luxor! Winter Palace Luxor is one of the top luxurious and prestigious hotels on the banks of the Nile River, offering you an unforgettable accommodation experience.
Winter Palace Luxor features:
- Multiple restaurants like 1886 Restaurant and La Corniche Restaurant.
- The Royal Bar
- Gardens
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Fitness center
- Business facilities
Book your stay at Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor with us!
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Hilton Luxor is a representation of modern-age elegance and an example of comfort, with scenic views that amaze everyone.
The resort boasts comfortable amenities and a relaxing atmosphere, connected with the historical heritage of Luxor city as it’s easily accessed from Luxor’s main attractions.
Hilton Luxor features:
- Restaurants and bars
- Gardens
- Swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Yoga classes
- Spa
Book your stay at Hilton Luxor with us!
How to plan a Luxor Egypt Holiday?
Typically, for a condensed visit, you need 2 days to cover the city landmarks.
On the First day, in the early morning, you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memmnon on the West bank, and visit the Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple.
On the Second day, venture to Abydos and Dendera, and at night, you can go to the Luxor Museum and Mummification Museum.
You may extend the program to a third day for a more comfortable experience, or change any of the places listed above with any other activity rather than visiting the attractions of the city.
FAQs
What is so special about Luxor City Egypt?
Luxor City in Egypt is mostly known among travelers for its unique history, things to visit, and things to do during your stay. Luxor was once the capital of Egypt when it was called (Thebes) in the New Kingdom Era.
Why is the Luxor Temple so famous?
Luxor Temple is very famous for being the most important religious temple and housing important royal festivals such as the Opet Festival
How many days are needed in Luxor City?
Typically, for a condensed visit, you need 2 days to cover the city landmarks. On the First day, in the early morning, you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memmnon on the West bank, and visit the Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. On the Second day, venture to Abydos and Dendera, and at night, you can go to the Luxor Museum and Mummification Museum.
Are there pyramids in Luxor Egypt?
No, there are no Pyramids in Luxor city in Egypt. Rather, the pyramids in Egypt reside mainly in Giza, Dahshur, and Saqqara
Is the Sphinx in Luxor?
There’s an avenue of sphinxes that connects between Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple Complex. However, the Great Sphinx resides at the Giza Plateau opposing the Great Pyramids of Giza.
