Luxor Egypt

Luxor: A Traveler’s Guide to the Ancient City

Welcome to Luxor, the ancient Egyptian city steeped in history and renowned as the “World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum”! This vibrant city on the banks of the Nile River is home to some of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world.

Things to Know Before You Go:

  • Best time to visit: Luxor enjoys warm weather year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to April. Avoid May to September as temperatures can be extreme and uncomfortable for sightseeing.

  • Visa Requirements: Most tourists will need a visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain this upon arrival at the airport or apply for it online before your trip.

  • Currency: The Egyptian currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While US dollars are widely accepted, it’s recommended to exchange some money into local currency for smaller purchases and tipping.

  • Language: The official language is Arabic, but English is spoken by many people in the tourism industry.

Learning a few basic Arabic phrases like “shukran” (thank you) and “ma’a as-salaama” (peace) can be helpful.

  • Safety: Luxor is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting Around in Luxor:

  • Within Luxor City:

    • Walking: Exploring the city center is best done on foot. It’s a great way to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
    • Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Luxor, but be sure to negotiate the price before your journey begins.

  • Exploring the Temples:

    • Horse-drawn carriages: A fun and romantic way to travel around the city’s main attractions on the West Bank.
    • Taxis: Can take you to individual sites, but it’s best to agree on a price beforehand, as some drivers may try to overcharge tourists.

  • On the Nile:

    • Felucca ride: Enjoy a traditional Egyptian sailing experience on a beautiful felucca boat along the Nile River.
    • Boat tours: Luxor is known for its “Nile cruises,” which are multi-day boat trips up and down the river, often stopping at different temples and sites along the way.

Things to See:

  • East Bank:

    • Karnak Temple: This vast temple complex is a must-see for any visitor to Luxor. Explore its massive columns, towering obelisks, and intricate hieroglyphics, uncovering the secrets of ancient Egyptian architecture and religion.**

    • Luxor Temple: Dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, this well-preserved temple offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Luxor’s ancient past.

    • Temple of Hatshepsut: This impressive temple dedicated to a female pharaoh is a unique example of ancient Egyptian architecture and craftsmanship.

    • The Luxor Museum: Explore a fascinating collection of artifacts from the ancient Luxor Temple and other historical sites in a serene, air-conditioned setting.

  • West Bank:

    • Valley of the Kings: This ancient necropolis on the west side of the Nile is home to the tombs of many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb.
    • Temple of Luxor: Located near the Nile River, this temple is a marvel of architecture and art. It features the Temple of Karnak (a temple complex) and the Karnak Temple, which are located on the West Bank.

Valley of the Kings:

  • Visit: This site offers tours for a variety of durations, from 1 hour to a full day.
  • Tip: Remember that the Valley of the Queens is a separate site across the Nile.

Other Sites:

* **Temple of Luxor:**

Explore this impressive temple complex on a leisurely felucca ride or by taking a taxi. * Karnak Sound and Light Show: Experience the history of the ancient temples at night through an immersive show. * Luxor Temple: A smaller but equally impressive temple to the west, dedicated to the god Amun.

  • Nile River Cruise: Enjoy the Nile on a traditional felucca (sailing boat) or a modern cruise ship for a unique perspective on Luxor’s history and culture.

Things to Do:

  • Explore Karnak Temple: Visit this ancient site across the river, where you can witness the grandeur of the Great Temple of Karnak and learn about its fascinating history.

  • Visit the Luxor Museum: This museum houses some of the most important artifacts from the ancient temples on the west bank.

  • Explore the Valley of the Temples: Experience the beauty and wonder of other ancient sites in the area, including the Temple of Karnak (near the Temple of Hatshepsut) and the Temple of Luxor (which is a great place to start).

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Enjoy a breathtaking experience with a sunrise ride over the Valley of the Kings.

  • Visit Abu Simbel: Located in southern Egypt, this ancient site is home to two massive temples dedicated to Ramses II and his wife Nefertari.

Where to Eat:

  • Local Cuisine:

    • El-Darwish Restaurant: A local favorite on the West Bank, offering delicious Egyptian dishes like koshari (a hearty mix of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and onions).
    • The Lantern Restaurant: Experience fine dining with a modern twist, featuring traditional Egyptian dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.

  • Markets & Street Food:

    For a unique culinary experience, try the local street food like “ful medames” (broad beans) or “tahini” (sesame paste).

  • Dining Experiences:

    • Local restaurants and cafes: Enjoy the traditional charm of the West Bank.

    • Luxor Market: A vibrant hub for fresh produce, spices, and spices, it’s a great place to sample authentic Egyptian street food.

Tips for Tipping:

  • Restaurants: Always tip 10-15% of the bill.

  • Tipping in hotels:

    • It’s customary to tip bellhops, porters, and room service staff.

Leave a small tip for housekeeping staff daily. * Consider tipping 1-2 USD per night for cleaning and maintenance.

  • Tour Guides:

    • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated.
    • Offer 5-10 USD per day for excellent service.
    • Remember that the best tours in Luxor are often informal and involve a lot of interaction with your guide.

  • Tipping in general:

Always tip in Egyptian pounds (EGP).

Restaurants on the West Bank:

  • Restaurant “Sofra”: Located near the Nile, it offers stunning views while you enjoy traditional Egyptian dishes.

  • The Nile Terrace Restaurant: Known for its delicious food and its location across from the Valley of the Kings.

  • Winter Palace Hotel: This luxurious hotel houses a restaurant with beautiful gardens and Nile views.

  • Remember:

    • Always be respectful when tipping.

Other Options:

  • Nile Cruises: Many offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options on board, but the food is often limited to what’s offered in the buffet. Consider tipping your guide 5-10% of the total tour cost, especially if they are going above and beyond for you.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxor Temple Hotel: Offers luxurious rooms with a Nile view.

  • Sofitel Winter Luxor: A 5-star hotel with a variety of amenities and stunning views of the Nile River and its West Bank temples.

  • Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa: Located in the heart of Luxor, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations for all budgets.

Other Tips:

  • Stay on the East Bank: This is generally recommended for easy access to transportation options and a wider range of hotels.

  • Bargain for Everything:

Tipping is not always expected but often appreciated in Egypt. It’s a good idea to have small bills (EGP) on hand for everyday expenses. Remember that the Nile cruise will offer tours of the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

  • Negotiate with your driver:

    This is a common practice in Egypt, especially with tour guides who are part of the experience.

  • Bargaining Tips:

Be prepared to haggle. The price of a felucca ride is often negotiable.

Prices are generally quoted in USD:

  • For a short trip:

Start by offering 50% or less than what you are offered, and then negotiate up from there.

  • Bargain for a specific price:

It’s important to be clear on the exact cost of the tour before setting off.

  • Consider carrying a small Arabic phrasebook:

This can be helpful for communicating with your guide about prices and other details.

  • Be aware of safety:

While most tourists are safe in Luxor, it is still wise to be cautious.

Remember:

  • Avoid traveling alone:

It’s always safer to travel with a companion or in a group.

Tips for staying safe:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Just like any other tourist destination,

be mindful of pickpockets and petty theft when exploring crowded areas.

  • Carry a small amount of money:

Don’t carry large sums of cash with you.

Keep enough for souvenirs and transportation in a secure location.

Consider the following:

  • Carry a photocopy of your passport: Keep the original safe and carry a photocopy

(or a copy saved on your phone) when visiting various sites.

This will help you avoid losing it if your bag is stolen or misplaced. Keep an eye out for local scams:**

Remember, prices are generally negotiable. Be prepared to negotiate with vendors and taxi drivers. Consider carrying small bills:

It’s a good idea to have a mix of denominations for easy bargaining.

  • Carry a Nile River cruise guide:

A guide can help you navigate the various tours and options available in Luxor.

Remember:

  • Learn basic Arabic phrases:

This can be helpful when interacting with locals,

negotiating prices, or ordering food at the many restaurants that offer local cuisine.

  • Be aware of cultural differences:

Remember to dress respectfully when visiting

religious sites like the temples on the West Bank.

  • Respect religious customs:

Avoid revealing clothing and public displays of affection.

Photography inside the temples should be avoided, unless you are taking photos of the Nile River view.

Consider carrying a travel guide:

A good one will have information on

local customs, transportation options, and key phrases in Arabic for

negotiating prices.

Remember:

  • Prices are generally negotiable: Always use a reputable tour company,

especially for excursions like the Luxor Temple

tours.

  • Negotiate with respect: Remember that haggling is common practice

in Luxor, but be polite and

firm when negotiating.

  • Tip:

Consider bringing

small bills to avoid complications in

negotiating

prices:

Remember that local vendors rely on tips

for income, so consider carrying a few dollars for tipping

them as well.

  • **Know the difference between

bargaining and haggling:**

  • Bargaining

is usually done for larger items.

You will need to negotiate for the best possible price.

Remember that

prices are generally not fixed in

Egypt, so it’s important to be a savvy traveler.

Other tips:

  • Carry small change for taxi fares and local

markets.

  • Learn basic Arabic phrases like “thank you” (shukran) and “no

thank you” (la shukran).

Remember that the

price of transport, meals and

drinks are

negotiable in the

market.

**Be prepared to negotiate for a

lower price:**

A good rule of thumb is to

offer 50% - 75% of the

initial price offered.

  • Always research prices beforehand: This will give you an idea of the market value and help

you avoid being overcharged.

  • Consider the context:

    • Is it a private tour or are you

negotiating a price for

everything?

Remember to factor in the cost of

transportation, as it’s often

necessary to negotiate a fair

price.

Use these tips for a safe and enjoyable trip:

Transportation:

  • Learn the local pricing norms:

Ask your hotel or tour operator about typical transportation costs

beforehand.

  • Be firm but polite:

A smile and “shukran” (thank you) can go a long

way, even

when negotiating for a lower price.

Consider these factors:

  • The time of year:

Prices are often

higher during the peak season and lower

during the off-season. *

Be prepared to negotiate:

  • **Bargain for a specific

price:** Don’t just say “less” - offer a price that reflects what you think is fair.

Don’t be afraid to walk away:

If you don’t get the price

you want,

politely decline and try

another

vendor.

A: This section provides some good information for tourists

visiting Luxor, but it’s missing crucial details.

Let me help you with a more comprehensive guide!

Here’s a detailed list of tips to make your trip to Luxor safe and enjoyable:

  • Transportation:
    • Prepare to negotiate:

Prices for tours and transportation are rarely fixed in Luxor. Be prepared to haggle,

especially with taxi drivers.

Remember that the

price of a felucca ride will vary depending on the duration

and the route.

  • Choose your mode of transport:

For shorter trips, a “taxi” (meaning

a shared taxi) is often cheaper and easier.

Safety Tips:

  • Stay aware:

Keep an eye out for your surroundings,

particularly at night.

Pickpockets are a concern in

crowded areas.

Carry small amounts of money

and avoid using your phone while walking in

busy streets.

Be prepared to barter:

The prices you’re given are likely inflated, so

don’t hesitate to negotiate

with vendors.

  • Learn about the local currency (Egyptian Pound) and exchange rates: This will help you get a better price for souvenirs or goods.

Respectful Interaction:

Remember that the Egyptian culture is very hospitable, but it

is important to be respectful of local customs.

For example, it’s not

appropriate to bargain at

the same rate as a taxi driver would:

Use “tips” to

avoid

being disrespectful and

to ensure you are dealing with a

reputable business.

  • Transportation Costs:

It’s generally a good idea to

negotiate with the

driver

before

getting in,

especially if it’s a private tour

guide who is offering a price for transport.

Remember:

These tips are not exhaustive and are meant to serve as a starting point.

It’s important to do

further research on local customs and traditions before visiting.

  • Safety:

Always be

aware

of your

surroundings and

take precautions:

Carry only small bills for transportation,

dress conservatively when

visiting the temples, and be

mindful of

your belongings.

Consider:

Keep a close eye on

prices,

and don’t

hesitate to

use

a

different taxi driver if you

don’t feel they are

offering a fair price.

The key is to

negotiate

a good price before getting in the

taxi

or starting the tour,

as prices can vary widely.

  • Transportation:

Be prepared for

bargaining:

Remember to

ask for a

fixed price

before

committing to a ride.

Avoid

being pressured into a higher price by a taxi driver who is insistent on a

higher fare. *

Remember the price of transportation and

be willing to negotiate it.

Respectful Travel:

Always remember that local tourism is a

valuable source of income for many people.

  • Negotiation:

Be aware that

prices are generally negotiable,

especially at the local markets.

Don’t

be afraid

to haggle

respectfully.

  • Health and Safety:

    • Consider

bringing

a

supply of

small bills (EGP) for

everyday transactions

  • Price Awareness:

Remember that prices in Egypt are rarely fixed, so be

prepared to

negotiate

and ask your local guide or tour operator for

advice on what

price

to

expect

.

  • Safety Tips:

Keep

your belongings close and

be aware of

potential scams.

Consider:

Making a copy

of

your passport and

keep it separate from the original.

  • A good rule

for

negotiation:

Start by offering 50% - 75% of the

initial price, but be willing to

adjust

to

reach a

fair

price

that

both

parties

can

agree on.

Keep in mind: The best prices for tours and services are often obtained before you

arrive at your destination, through

negotiation.

You can

use these

tips

for

successful haggling:

  • Research: Before arriving in Egypt, research typical prices for

tourist attractions and activities.

  • Know the value:

Understand the price range

beforehand.

Negotiate in person:

Remember that

prices are a

matter of

negotiation

Consider using a reputable taxi service or

tour operator, as they are more likely to offer fair prices.

**Always ask for local

recommendations and use your

best

judgment when it comes to

negotiating

prices

in Luxor.

Tip:

You can often get

a better price by

booking

through a local tour guide or

driver,

rather than

directly.

  • Use a Reliable Guide: A good

guide will be

familiar with the local market and customs for negotiating

prices.** **Always remember to be respectful of

the vendor’s

time and effort.

Don’t

expect them

to

accept your first offer,

especially if it’s