Where to Stay in Luxor – A Guide to the “City of a Thousand Gates”
Luxor is a city located in southern Egypt on the banks of the Nile River. It is famous for being one of the most important tourist destinations in the country, its spectacular Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs and its river views. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Luxor.
Thanks to its numerous temples, Luxor is nicknamed “The City of a Thousand Gates”. The current settlement was built on the remains of Thebes, the ancient capital of the pharaohs.
Luxor is divided into the east and west banks, connected by a bridge over the Nile. The main tourist attractions, such as the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple, are located on the east bank. See accommodation in the East Bank.
The West Bank is home to the famous Valley of the Kings, a world-renowned funerary complex where many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were buried. See accommodation in the West Bank.
The best way to move between the attractions and enjoy Luxor is by booking a guided tour.
To reach Luxor by air, the city is connected through Luxor International Airport. This major Egyptian airport is located 6 km east of the city and offers direct connections to various domestic and international destinations, mainly in the Middle East. Additionally, Luxor has train services connecting it to Cairo and Aswan twice a day.
Due to its geographical location, and not unlike the rest of Egypt, the climate in Luxor is hot and dry, with oppressive summers and cool winters. Being a city packed with open-air museums and monuments, the best time to visit Luxor is during autumn and winter (between September and March), when the weather is pleasant enough to explore the area on foot without the summer’s oppressive heat.
The best area to stay in Luxor is around the Temple of Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile. This lively area of the city is home to the main landmarks and some of the best hotels in the Egyptian city. See accommodation around the Temple of Luxor.
Another great area to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Luxor is the West Bank of the city.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Luxor, Egypt.
The Best Areas to Stay in Luxor, Egypt
1. Recommended area: Around the Temple of Luxor (East Bank)
Luxor Temple is considered one of Egypt’s greatest attractions.
This popular historic site is located on the east bank of the Nile River, next to the Karnak Temple.
The Luxor Temple archaeological site includes pharaoh-era, Greco-Roman, Christian and Islamic works of arts.
Not far, Karnak Temple offers sphinxes, obelisks and statues, as well as a mosque inside.
The Karnak Temple was the most important religious complex in Ancient Egypt. It is dedicated to Amun, god of gods, as well as other deities.
From this area, you can get incredible views of the Nile and its cruise ships.
The east side is also a great place to enjoy Egyptian flavours in its many restaurants and food outlets, the area is also packed with souvenir stores.
You can visit the temples at any time of day. However, to avoid the heat, it is recommended to visit them after sundown.
Another unmissable attraction in the East Bank is the Luxor Museum. Located near the temple complex, this major institution holds historic objects and artefacts.
Luxor’s East Bank and the area around the Temple of Luxor are the best areas to stay in Luxor; it is a fairly busy area with luxury hotels, so it is good to book in advance.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Luxor:
- Best area for tousrists
- Karnak Temple
- Lovely river views
- Luxury Hotels
- Luxor Temple
- City Centre
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Pavillon Winter Luxor
Pavillon Winter Luxor offers 3 restaurants, 2 bars, and warm hospitality in the heart of Luxor city. It overlooks the River Nile and is just 100 m away from the Luxor Temple.
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Budget
Nefertiti Hotel
Overlooking the ancient Luxor Temple, Nefertiti offers comfortable rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom. Luxor’s railway station is only a 10-minute walk away.
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Luxury
Steigenberger Nile Palace – Convention Center
This Steigenberger hotel is situated in the heart of Luxor and provides modern accommodation with stunning views of the Nile. The spacious rooms are air conditioned and feature satellite TV. Some have a balcony and all are filled with natural light.
2. West Bank of the Nile
This area of Luxor is home to the world-famous Valley of the Kings, as well as the Valley of the Queens and the Colossi of Memnon.
Luxor’s Royal Valleys are ancient necropolis built to host the tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs and the queens of the 17th, 19th and 20th dynasties. They are also the final resting place of several mummified animals.
The Colossi of Memnon are two giant stone statues representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III. They are located at the western entrance of the city of Luxor and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Other important burial sites, such as the Valley of the Prince Ahmose, the Valley of Dolmen and the Valley of the Rope, are located in this area.
The west bank of the Nile can be explored on foot, on an organized tour or by car.
The hotels available in this area offer luxury services and great value for money.
The West Bank of the Nile is a recommended area to stay in Luxor, Egypt.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Luxor
- Valley of the Kings
- Valley of the Queens
- Colossi of Memnon
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