Things to do in Luxor

Luxor, often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, is an amazing destination for history enthusiasts wanting to explore the grandeur of ancient Egypt. With its rich wide of archaeological sites and an array of thrilling activities, Luxor brings Egypt’s ancient past to life. By booking Thrillophilia’s Luxor tour packages, you can explore the sacred tombs, monumental temples, and vibrant local markets on the East and West Banks.

Thrillophilia’s Egypt tour packages include tours to all the significant attractions of Luxor, including the Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple and Temple of Hatshepsut. The Karnak Temple Complex Sound and Light Show, a day tour to Bahariya Oasis and a trip to Dendara and Abydos Temples are some of the other things to do in Luxor.

Beyond visiting the ancient ruins, there are many other exciting things to do in Luxor, like a hot air balloon ride over the West Bank at sunrise. You can also embark on a Nile River cruise to see Luxor’s ancient monuments from the water. If you wish to indulge in adventure activities, go on a quad bike desert safari or desert camping in the Black and White Deserts. 

Visit Iconic Temples & Ancient Civilisations

• Tour the Karnak Temple Complex – Walk through colossal pylons, obelisks, and the massive Hypostyle Hall.
• Attend the Karnak Sound and Light Show – Watch temple history unfold through illuminated ruins and narration.
• Watch the Sunset from Luxor Temple – Experience carvings and statues glowing during golden hour.
• Walk the Avenue of Sphinxes – Follow the ancient ceremonial path connecting Karnak and Luxor Temple.
• Go for an Excursion to Dendara and Abydos Temples – Explore astronomical ceilings, sacred chapels, and royal reliefs.

Explore Royal Tombs & Archaeological Wonders

• Visit the Valley of the Kings – Enter royal tombs filled with hieroglyphs and burial chambers.
• Explore Tutankhamun’s Tomb – See the resting place of Egypt’s most famous pharaoh.
• Explore the Valley of the Queens – Discover tombs of royal women with vivid wall paintings.
• Visit Queen Nefertari’s Tomb – Admire one of Egypt’s finest surviving examples of tomb art.
• Witness Ancient Burial Rituals – Learn how tomb layouts reflected beliefs about the afterlife.

Indulge in Aerial & River Experiences in Luxor

• Take a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the West Bank – Float above temples, farms, and villages as the Nile valley lights up at dawn.
• Spot the Valley of the Kings from the Air – Identify royal tomb complexes and desert ridges from a bird’s-eye perspective.
• Capture Aerial Views of Hatshepsut’s Temple – See the temple’s terraces and symmetry clearly from above.
• Go on a Nile River Cruise – Sail between Luxor and Aswan while passing riverbanks, temples, and rural settlements.

Enjoy Desert Adventures & Outdoor Thrills

• Take a Quad Bike Desert Safari – Ride across open sand trails and rocky desert paths near Luxor.
• Spend a Night Desert Camping in the White and Black Deserts – Sleep amid chalk formations and volcanic hills.
• Enjoy Bedouin-Style Camp Experiences – Share meals, campfires, and stories under a star-filled sky.
• Try Sandboarding in the Dunes – Slide down soft desert slopes during guided stops.

Take on Oasis and Desert Experiences

• Enjoy a Day Tour of Bahariya Oasis – Discover palm groves, springs, and desert landscapes by 4x4.
• Visit the White Desert Formations – See wind-shaped chalk rocks resembling sculptures.
• Explore the Black Desert Hills – Walk across dark volcanic terrain scattered with basalt stones.
• Stop at Crystal Mountain – Observe glittering quartz formations rising from the desert floor.

Top 10 things to do in Luxor 

1. Take a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the West Bank

Witness the first rays of the sun illuminating the ancient wonders of Luxor with the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank. As you glide above the Nile River, you can see a breathtaking tapestry of lush fields, palm groves and small villages. Known to be one of the best things to do in Luxor, the hot air balloon ride over the West Bank offers a panoramic view of the city’s iconic monuments. You can spot the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and Hatshepsut’s Temple.

How to Reach: The West Bank hot air balloon launch sites are about 13–16 km from central Luxor (east bank). A taxi from Luxor city centre takes about 20–25 minutes via the West Bank road. 

Highlights:

• Float above the Valley of the Kings and the Nile at dawn for spectacular light.
• Enjoy panoramic aerial views of Karnak, Luxor Temple, and Hatshepsut’s Temple.
• Spot lush fields, palm groves, and Nile villages from the balloon basket.
• Capture once-in-a-lifetime golden hour photography from the skies.
• Witness the remnants of ancient history from a unique elevated point at sunrise.

Nearby Attractions:

• Valley of the Kings
• Hatshepsut Temple
• Colossi of Memnon
• Medinet Habu
• Ramesseum

2. Go on a Nile River cruise

The Nile River cruise, a 230 km ride between Luxor and Aswan, is one of the most exciting things to do in Luxor. The cruise lets you explore the Egyptian lifestyle and culture and discover the civilisations that rose along the banks of the river. As you sail through deserts, farmlands and colourful villages, you can witness the glory of Egypt’s temples, palaces and tombs. Some popular monuments you can visit during the cruise are Cairo’s Sphinx, Karnak Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple. 

How to Reach: River cruises depart from the Luxor Corniche on the east bank, easily accessible on foot or by a short local taxi ride from most central Luxor hotels (walkable in many cases). 

Highlights:

• Sail 230+ km along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.
• View desert landscapes, farmlands, and Nile villages from the deck.
• Visit Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and more temple stops along the way.
• Witness local life along the riverbanks morning to evening.
• Enjoy onboard leisure time with traditional music and dining.

Nearby Attractions:

• Luxor Corniche
• Luxor Museum
• Mummification Museum
• Karnak Temple (Riverfront)
• Luxor Temple (Night Lights)

3. Watch the sunset from Luxor Temple

If you are looking for offbeat things to do in Luxor, visit the Luxor Temple at sunset to witness its magnificence during the golden hour. Walk through the gigantic columns and grand halls and marvel at the intricate carvings and hieroglyphs adorning the temple walls. The monumental structures, illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun, tell stories of gods, pharaohs and daily life in ancient Egypt. As the sun slowly dips below the horizon, you can witness a scene of surreal beauty and tranquillity embracing the Luxor Temple. 

How to Reach: Luxor Temple is located within the city, approximately 1 kilometre from the Nile Corniche. It can be reached in 5 to 10 minutes via Temple Street or Corniche Road, or comfortably on foot from nearby areas.

Highlights:

• Golden-hour lighting that enhances carvings and monumental columns
• A quieter, more atmospheric experience compared to daytime visits
• Changing shadows that bring hieroglyphs and reliefs to life
• A serene combination of ancient architecture and modern city life
• Excellent conditions for photography and slow exploration

Nearby Attractions

• Avenue of Sphinxes
• Luxor Museum
• Mummification Museum
• Abu Haggag Mosque
• Nile Corniche

4. Visit the Valley of the Kings

History buffs seeking meaningful things to do in Luxor must take a tour of the Valley of the Kings to explore Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. Located on the west bank of the Nile River, the Valley of the Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was the royal burial ground of the Pharaohs. The intricate wall carvings and hieroglyphs on the tombs depict scenes and tales of Egyptian daily life. Of all the 63 tombs and burial chambers on the site, the tomb of Tutankhamun is the most famous. 

How to Reach: The Valley of the Kings is located around 14 kilometres from Luxor city centre. You can reach it in approximately 20 minutes by road via the Luxor–Al Qarna Road to the West Bank.

Highlights

• Exploration of royal tombs carved deep into desert hillsides
• Detailed wall paintings narrating ancient Egyptian beliefs and rituals
• Access to multiple burial chambers from the New Kingdom era
• A chance to see the famous tomb of Tutankhamun
• Deep insights into pharaonic funerary traditions

Nearby Attractions

• Valley of the Queens
• Hatshepsut Temple
• Colossi of Memnon
• Medinet Habu
• Ramesseum

5. Take a quad bike desert safari

A quad bike desert safari in the golden sands of the Egyptian desert is one of the thrilling things to do in Luxor, Egypt. After a quick briefing about the basics of quad biking, embark on an adventurous high-speed ATV ride through sand dunes. Witness breathtaking views of the scenery, with mountains on one side and the sea stretching out on the other end, as you drive. The safari also lets you visit Bedouin villages, explore ancient routes and soak in the natural beauty of the region.

How to Reach: Quad biking areas are situated on the outskirts of Luxor, roughly 18 to 22 kilometres from the city centre. Transfers usually take 25 to 30 minutes by road via West Bank desert routes, depending on the operator.

Highlights

• High-energy rides across sand dunes and open desert tracks
• Sweeping views of mountains and vast desert landscapes
• Visits to remote Bedouin settlements along traditional paths
• A break from temple-focused sightseeing with outdoor adventure
• An authentic look at Luxor’s desert surroundings

Nearby Attractions

• West Bank desert trails
• Bedouin villages
• Desert viewpoints
• Rural West Bank farmlands

6. Explore the Valley of the Queens

The Valley of the Queens, an archaeological site in the Nile Valley, houses 75 tombs of the queens of the 19th and 20th dynasties. The most famous tomb belongs to Queen Nefertari, the wife of Ramses II, which is considered a masterpiece of Egyptian art. With walls decorated in vibrant colours and vivid artworks, the Tomb of Nefertari depicts scenes of the queen in her afterlife. Exploring other tombs of Titi, Khaemwaset and Amunherkhepshef are some things to do in Luxor.

How to Reach: If travelling by road, the Valley of the Queens is located around 15 kilometres from Luxor city centre. You can reach it in approximately 25 minutes via the Luxor–Al Qarna Road, crossing to the West Bank and continuing towards the necropolis zone.

Highlights

• Walk through the burial grounds of queens and royal children from the New Kingdom era
• Explore vividly painted tombs that retain rich colours even today
• Visit the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, considered one of the finest in Egypt
• Learn about ancient Egyptian beliefs around the afterlife through wall art
• Experience a quieter, less crowded alternative to the Valley of the Kings

Nearby Attractions

• Valley of the Kings
• Hatshepsut Temple
• Medinet Habu
• Colossi of Memnon
• Ramesseum

7. Tour the Karnak Temple Complex

Egypt’s most expansive religious site, the Karnak Temple Complex on the east bank of the Nile River, is a testament to Egyptian history and architecture. The temple features grand pylons, chapels, obelisks, colossal statues and a Hypostyle Hall with 134 giant columns. You can also discover various sections of the temple, including the shrines of Amun, Khonsu and Mut, the Sacred Lake and the Avenue of Sphinxes. The Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show, depicting the stories of the pharaohs, is one of the culturally enriching things to do in Luxor.

How to Reach: Karnak Temple Complex is located about 3 kilometres from Luxor city centre. It can be reached in 10 minutes via Karnak Temple Road, either by taxi or local transport.

Highlights

• Walk through the massive Hypostyle Hall with 134 towering columns
• Explore temples dedicated to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu
• See ancient obelisks, sacred lakes, and ceremonial pathways
• Understand centuries of temple expansion by multiple pharaohs
• Attend the Sound and Light Show for historical storytelling after dark

Nearby Attractions

• Luxor Temple
• Avenue of Sphinxes
• Luxor Museum
• Mummification Museum
• Nile Corniche

8. Spend a night desert camping in the White and Black Deserts

For those looking for unique things to do in Luxor, book an overnight desert camping tour in the White and Black Deserts. Sleep under the starlit sky and discover the stunning landscape of the region with volcanic hills in the Black Desert and surreal chalk formations in the White Desert. The camping experience also offers other exciting things to do in Luxor City like sand boarding and swimming in the natural springs of the Bahariya Oasis. As dusk falls, enjoy a Bedouin-style campfire, a delectable BBQ dinner and retire to your tents.

How to Reach: If travelling by road, the White and Black Deserts near Bahariya Oasis are located around 370 kilometres from Luxor. You can reach the area in approximately 6.5 to 7 hours via the Luxor–Assiut Road and Bahariya Oasis Road, usually as part of an organised tour.

Highlights

• Camp under a star-filled sky in Egypt’s remote desert landscapes
• Witness volcanic hills of the Black Desert and chalk formations of the White Desert
• Enjoy sandboarding and short desert walks at sunset
• Experience traditional Bedouin-style meals and campfires
• Disconnect completely from city life in a natural setting

Nearby Attractions

• Bahariya Oasis
• Crystal Mountain
• Black Desert viewpoints
• White Desert formations
• Natural desert springs

9. Enjoy a day tour of Bahariya Oasis

Exploring the stunning desert landscape and historical significance of Bahariya Oasis is one of the most immersive things to do in Luxor. Embark on a 4x4 jeep tour and visit the White Desert, known for its chalk formations, the Black Desert with volcanic rocks and the Crystal Mountain. You can also take a dip in the healing waters of the natural hot springs and mineral baths scattered around the oasis. The tour ends with a delicious meal featuring authentic Egyptian dishes amidst palm trees and serene beauty.

How to Reach: Bahariya Oasis is located approximately 370 kilometres from Luxor. You can reach it in 6 to 7 hours by road via Luxor–Assiut Road, typically in a 4x4 vehicle as part of a guided tour.

Highlights

• Explore desert landscapes using a 4x4 jeep safari
• Visit the White Desert’s sculpted chalk formations
• Discover volcanic terrain in the Black Desert
• Relax in natural hot springs and mineral baths
• Enjoy traditional Egyptian meals amid palm groves

Nearby Attractions

• White Desert National Park
• Black Desert
• Crystal Mountain
• Bahariya hot springs
• Desert viewpoints

10. Go on an excursion to the Dendara and Abydos Temples

Take a tour of the Dendara and Abydos Temples and learn about the religious history and architecture of Egypt. Dedicated to the goddess Hathor, the Dendera Temple Complex features a unique astronomical ceiling, intricate crypts, and the Hypostyle Hall. At the Abydos Temple, you can visit the well-preserved Temple of Seti I, witness the Abydos King List and marvel at the detailed reliefs of Ramesses II. Exploring the seven chapels, the Tomb of Osiris and the mysterious Blind Room at Abydos are some Luxor things to do.

How to Reach: If travelling by road, Dendera Temple is located around 60 kilometres north of Luxor, while Abydos Temple is about 165 kilometres away. The full journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours via the Luxor–Qena Road and Sohag–Abydos Road.

Highlights

• Explore the Temple of Hathor with its astronomical ceiling at Dendera
• Walk through well-preserved halls and crypts rich in symbolism
• Visit the Temple of Seti I at Abydos, one of Egypt’s finest temples
• View the Abydos King List documenting ancient rulers
• Gain deeper insight into Egypt’s religious evolution

Nearby Attractions

• Dendera Temple Complex
• Temple of Seti I
• Abydos archaeological site
• Osireion
• Sohag heritage sites