Luxor
Travel Guide > Africa > Egypt > Luxor
Introduction
Sited of the banks of the Nile roughly 650 kilometres (400 miles) south of Cairo, Luxor is one of Egypt's most popular tourist destinations and the base for several important archaelogical sites - the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Luxor.
Thebes, the ancient Egyptian capital, was located on the West bank of the river Nile. That is where most of the ruins and tombs are. Because of this, Luxor is often referred to as the "world's greatest open air museum".
Across the Nile on the East bank is the Luxor town. Most shops, restaurants and accommodations are located on this side of Luxor.
Sights and Activities
East Bank
- Luxor Temple
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Museum
- Mummification Museum
West Bank
- Valley of the Kings
- Valley of the Queens
- Medinet Habu (memorial temple of Ramesses III)
- The Ramesseum (memorial temple of Ramesses II)
- Deir al-Madinah (workers' village)
- Tombs of the Nobles
- Deir el-Bahri (Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, etc.)
- Malkata (palace of Amenophis III)
- Colossi of Memnon (memorial temple of Amenophis III)
Events and Festivals
Getting There
By Plane
Luxor is served by Luxor International Airport (LXR), located 6 km east of the city.
The only budget carrier currently operating direct to Luxor from Europe is Air Berlin, from Frankfurt. Jazeera Airways operate direct flights from Kuwait and Lebanon. Many national carriers offer direct flights. Egyptair flies direct to Luxor from Cairo nine times a day, with flights taking approximately an hour.
By Train
Direct trains from Cairo are frequent, convenient and reasonably priced. Most tourists take the comfortable Express trains.
The rail line continues direct to Aswan.
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
Getting Around
By Public Transport
Horse carriages, called "caleches," are widely available and sold hard - be prepared to haggle for a reasonable fare.
By Car
By Foot
By Bike
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Rezeiky camping offers comfortable, cheap, air conditioned rooms and extremely cheap camping, with free use of an adjoining pool.
Mid-range
Upscale
The Winter Palace (now owned by Sofitel) is the traditional upscale choice, a suitably opulent colonial-style building overlooking the Nile.
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