Luxor in 2 Days: East Bank, West Bank, Balloon Ride and Where to Stay

Updated October 2026 · The HAPPYDAYS team

Luxor is often called the world’s largest open-air museum, and two days is enough to see its highlights without rushing. The idea is simple: the Nile splits the city in two. On the East Bank, where the modern town is, you’ll find Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Luxor Museum. On the West Bank lie the tombs and mortuary temples: the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. This guide gives you one day for each bank, plus a sunrise balloon ride if you want it.

The 2-day plan at a glance

Day 1: The East Bank

Karnak Temple

Karnak isn’t a single temple but a vast complex built and expanded over many centuries, dedicated mainly to the god Amun. Its most famous part is the Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of giant columns covered in carvings. Get there early: the light is softer, the crowds are thinner and the heat is still bearable. Allow at least 2–3 hours, and more if you love history.

The Avenue of Sphinxes

An ancient processional road about 2.7 km long that links Karnak to Luxor Temple, lined with sphinx and ram-headed statues. After decades of excavation and restoration it reopened in November 2021 with a grand ceremony. You don’t need to walk the whole length: the stretch near Luxor Temple is beautiful at sunset and after dark.

Luxor Museum

A small, well-presented museum on the Corniche, with carefully chosen pieces from Luxor’s temples and tombs. It’s a good way to spend the hot part of the afternoon indoors, and it gives the sites you’ll see context. Check the current opening hours on the official site before you go.

Luxor Temple at night

Right in the town centre, on the Nile. You can visit it during the day, but it’s at its most magical after sunset, when the columns and statues are lit up. Leave it for the end of your first day, then walk along the Corniche.

Day 2: The West Bank

Sunrise hot-air balloon

The balloons rise at dawn over the West Bank, with views of the temples, the fields and the Nile. It’s an unforgettable experience, but book only with licensed operators through a trusted agency or your accommodation, and don’t pick on price alone. Flights depend on the weather and can be cancelled at short notice because of wind, so don’t schedule it on the morning of a flight or train out of Luxor.

Valley of the Kings

The burial place of New Kingdom pharaohs, carved deep into the mountain, with corridors covered in colourful paintings. The general entry ticket includes a set number of tombs from those open on the day, and the open tombs rotate for conservation. Some famous tombs need an extra ticket, such as Tutankhamun’s, Seti I’s and the tomb of Ramesses V and VI. Check what’s included and what’s open on the official site or at the ticket office. Photography rules can also change, so ask before you use your camera.

Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir el-Bahari

Built for Queen Hatshepsut, one of the few women to rule Egypt as pharaoh. Its terraces rise in levels against a sheer cliff face, making it one of the most striking sights in Egypt. There is little shade, so visit in the morning and bring a hat and water.

Medinet Habu

The mortuary temple of Ramesses III, and one of the best preserved on the West Bank, with deep carvings that still keep some of their original colour. It is usually quieter than the other sites, which makes it a perfect stop after the Valley of the Kings.

Valley of the Queens

Here queens, princes and princesses were buried. Its most famous tomb, Nefertari’s, needs a separate ticket and is not always open, so check its status before you plan around it. If you’re short on time, choose either the Valley of the Queens or Medinet Habu.

Colossi of Memnon

Two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded his now-vanished temple. They stand by the main road, so stop for 15 minutes on your way in or out.

Crossing the Nile

• Public ferry: the cheapest and most local option, crossing between the East Bank and the West Bank landing. A short trip on the Nile in itself.
• Motorboat: small private boats cross whenever you like from the Corniche. Agree on the price before you board.
• The bridge: the road bridge is outside the town centre, so crossing by taxi or car means a longer detour. It’s practical if you’re taking a driver for the whole day on the West Bank.

The West Bank sites are spread out and aren’t walkable from one to the next, so once you’re across, take a taxi or a driver for the day.

Getting to Luxor

• From Cairo by plane: about 1 h 15, the quickest option for a short trip.
• From Cairo by sleeper train: about 10 hours overnight, and it saves you a night’s accommodation.
• From Hurghada by road: about 4 hours by car or bus, which makes Luxor easy to combine with a Red Sea holiday.

Times are approximate; check timetables and fares with the airline or the railway before booking.

Heat and the best time to go

The best time to visit Luxor is October to April, when days are warm and evenings pleasant. In summer the heat is fierce, especially at midday, so start your sightseeing very early, take a long break in the middle of the day and go back out late in the afternoon.

Where to stay in Luxor

East Bank: the town centre, the Corniche, restaurants and shops, and Karnak and Luxor Temple within easy reach. The most practical choice for a first visit or a short stay.

West Bank: quieter and greener, with views of the fields and the mountain, and closer to the tombs and the balloon launch area. Ideal if you want calm and early starts, though you’ll be crossing the Nile for the evening outings.

Frequently asked questions