Luxor Sightseeing: A Day on Each Bank
The Nile divides Luxor into two days. East bank first for the great temples, then west bank for the desert sites. Splitting it that way saves crossings and keeps the heat from catching you in the open.
Day one: the east bank
Karnak opens first. Adult entry is EGP 600. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 columns, is the highlight, and the Sacred Lake and Hatshepsut’s obelisk sit nearby. Spend the morning there. After lunch, take it slowly toward Luxor Temple, EGP 500 for adults, and return after dusk, when the temple is floodlit and the colossi of Ramesses II glow. Plan on paying by card at the main ticket gates, and carry small EGP cash for lunch and tips.
Crossing over
There is no pedestrian bridge in central Luxor. The public ferry runs from the landing near Luxor Temple every 10 to 15 minutes and costs EGP 5 to 10 for a foreigner. A private motorboat costs about EGP 30 to 50. For the west bank itself, a taxi for a half day, about EGP 500 to 800, saves a lot of walking in the sun.
Day two: the west bank
Start with the Valley of the Kings when it opens, since it gets hot quickly. The general ticket is EGP 750 (EGP 375 for students) and covers three tombs. Tutankhamun costs about EGP 700 to 750 extra, Seti I about EGP 2,000 extra and Ramesses V and VI about EGP 220 extra. The tomb lineup rotates, so confirm the open tombs on the day. Flash photography is banned, and for the camera permit, check at the gate.
From there, Hatshepsut’s terraced temple, EGP 440, rises out of the cliffs, with reliefs of the voyage to Punt. Medinet Habu, about EGP 200 to 300, has some of the best preserved colour in Upper Egypt. On the way back, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, a free roadside photo stop.
Booking and checks
A licensed guide adds a lot at Karnak and the tombs. You can compare Luxor sightseeing tours on GetYourGuide . The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is the official reference for the sites, and entry is USD 30 for the visa through the Egypt e-visa portal .
Heat
In June to August the temperature reaches 42 to 46C, so start before 09:30 and break for the afternoon. From October to April the days are mild. See also the five-day Luxor itinerary .
Tip: take the first ferry across at dawn so you reach the Valley of the Kings with the cool air still around.