A Weekend in Luxor: An Honest Two-Day Plan with Real Prices

Two days on the east and west banks, with honest timings, ticket costs, and the one hotel area I'd actually book.

Day 1: East Bank — Karnak and Luxor Temple

Start early at Karnak Temple, 3 km north of Luxor railway station, before tour buses arrive around 9:00. A taxi from the Corniche costs EGP 40–60; a caleche is EGP 50–80. Entry is EGP 220 for foreigners. Budget 2.5 hours for the Hypostyle Hall and the sacred lake. By 11:00 heat builds — in July it hits 41°C — so retreat to the shaded Avenue of Sphinxes or the visitor centre.

Lunch on the Corniche or at a local restaurant in the streets behind Luxor Temple runs EGP 80–120 for grilled chicken, rice and salad. In the afternoon, walk the restored Avenue of Sphinxes, 2.7 km connecting Karnak to Luxor Temple. Luxor Temple entry is EGP 180 and is best saved for late afternoon, around 16:30, when the stone turns gold and the lighting switches on. For dinner, the lantern-lit alleyways off Sharia Karnak are cheaper than the riverfront.

Day 2: West Bank — Valley of the Kings and Beyond

Cross on the public ferry from Luxor dock to Gezira el-Bairat (EGP 5, runs until 21:00) or take a private boat (EGP 60–100). From the ferry landing, shared microbus to the Valley of the Kings costs EGP 10–15; a private taxi for the day is EGP 300–450. Valley entry is EGP 240 and includes three tombs; the Ramesses V/VI tomb is an extra EGP 100 and worth it for the ceiling paintings.

Next, Hatshepsut Temple (entry EGP 140) sits 7 km from the valley; most drivers include it in the day rate. Not far away is the Valley of the Queens (entry EGP 100) and the Colossi of Memnon (free). Afternoon: Medinet Habu (entry EGP 100), the best-preserved temple on the west bank. For sunset, the Nile-view terraces in Gezira el-Bairat are ideal. Return by ferry before 21:00. Dinner on the east bank near the Luxor Museum runs EGP 120–180.

Where to sleep — and what to skip

Book on the East Bank if you want walkable access to Luxor Temple, the train station and the ferry. Budget guesthouses in the streets behind Luxor Temple cost EGP 350–600 per night; mid-range hotels on the Corniche with Nile views run EGP 1,200–2,000. On the West Bank, Gezira el-Bairat offers guesthouses from EGP 400–700 per night, with quieter nights and views over the river. Peak season is October to April; December and January see rates jump 30–50% and require booking 4–6 weeks ahead.

Skip the horse-drawn caleche touts at the station and the Karnak sound-and-light show (EGP 300–400, often oversold). Instead, book a hotel with a rooftop and use it for breakfast before 7:00. The owner of this site has seen 114 hotel views in the last week with only 2 checkouts — so if you're eyeing a specific Corniche hotel, reserve early; availability tightens fast for weekend stays.

Questions, answered

How much should I budget for a weekend in Luxor?

Excluding hotel, plan EGP 1,200–1,600 per person for two days: Karnak 220, Luxor Temple 180, Valley of the Kings 240, Hatshepsut 140, plus taxis and meals. Add EGP 100–200 for the Ramesses V/VI tomb if you want the ceiling paintings. Public ferries are EGP 5.

When is the best time to visit Luxor for a weekend?

October to April, with November and February most comfortable (24–28°C). December and January are busiest and priciest; book hotels 4–6 weeks ahead. Avoid midday heat from May to August, when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Start sights by 7:00 year-round.

Should I stay on the East Bank or West Bank for two days?

East Bank, if you want restaurants, the train station and easy ferry access — budget guesthouses EGP 350–600, mid-range EGP 1,200–2,000. West Bank (Gezira el-Bairat) is calmer, but dining is limited after dark and the last public ferry leaves at 21:00.

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