Luxor Travel Guide: Attractions and 2-day Itinerary

Luxor Travel Guide: Attractions and 2-day Itinerary

Table of Contents 

• Introduction 

• What to do in Luxor in 2 days?

• Egyptian attractions in Luxor  

• West bank Luxor attractions

• East Bank, Luxor Attarctions 

• Things to do in Luxor other than temples

• Unique things to do in Luxor

• What to do in Luxor at night? 

• Conclusion  

• Frequently Asked Questions 

• What is Luxor best known for?

• Where is Luxor located? 

• How is Luxor best explored?

• Can you visit Luxor without a guide?

Introduction 

The city of Luxor is one of Egypt’s major cities, with the highest recorded number of tourists every year. Both the east and west banks of the Nile narrate the great timeline of pharaohs; that’s why it’s also called the world’s largest open-air museum with the Karnak and Luxor temples. It’s a city blend of history, adventure, and leisurely experiences. 

Whether you are staying in the city for 2 days or longer, you will have a bunch of things to explore, and it does not only include temple visits but a lot more. From felucca rides in the evening to nighttime walks on the Nile corniche, it offers you a silent and soulful unique experience that you may not have had before. So, below is almost everything you should do while in Luxor with a perfect 2-day tourist-friendly itinerary. 

What to do in Luxor in 2 days?

In 2 days you can explore both the east and west banks of Luxor, and in the evening you can make tons of memories with the unique things to do in Luxor mentioned here. Follow this itinerary and ensure that you do not miss out on anything. 

Egyptian attractions in Luxor  

You can divide the exploration of the east and west banks into 2 days; in this way, you can get time for enjoyable activities in the evening like hot air ballooning and dinner on the cruises. 

West bank Luxor attractions

The Valley of the Kings: Over centuries the pharaohs are buried in the valley with their different tombs. To date, the tourists can see the paintings and carvings on the walls of tombs narrating the Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife. 

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut: One of the greatest females in Egypt has a mortuary temple, which is present-day an archeological marvel situated at Deir el-Bahari; it’s a three-tier temple carved directly into the limestone. 

The Colossi of Memnon: It’s a 10-minute visit to the 18-meter-high statues, situated near the Valley of Kings. It’s a good spot for photography to capture the historical monuments in Egypt. 

East Bank, Luxor Attarctions 

Karnak Temple Complex: On day two, start exploring the east bank with the Karnak Temple and see the Hypostyle Hall with 134 giant sandstone columns. A sacred lake and the Egyptian-style obelisks in the temple surroundings. 

Luxor Temple: It is located in the center of the city and is famous for its unique culture and rituals. Also, there is an active mosque inside the temple building, so tourists should visit this sacred place. 

Avenue of the Sphinxes: This is the 3-km-long road that connects the Karnak Temple complex with the Luxor Temple. Offers the best picturesque backgrounds.  The parade for the Opet Festival also travelled from the same road. 

With these locations, the historical explorations can be completed in Luxor. 

Things to do in Luxor other than temples

Felucca rides: In the evening or during the sunset, take traditional felucca rides and visit the local villages. Click the pictures and witness magical sunsets over the Nile horizon and feel the cooling breeze of the Nile that you may miss on large cruise ships. 

Hot air balloon: If you have time and want to have an adventure, then get on the hot air balloon and look at Luxor from a wide view. It offers mesmerizing experiences as you see landscapes of tombs, temples, the Nile, and the city from above. A must-have moment in Luxor during evening adventures. 

Unique things to do in Luxor

Explore markets: after the day of exploration, collect your souvenir from the Luxor markets. You can also visit the small museums as part of mid-afternoon schedules. 

Corniche walk: in the evening, the corniche of the Nile offers lively experiences, as you can walk and can share moments of joy with your loved ones, click selfies, and capture moments with colorful skies when the sun is setting over the Nile horizon. 

What to do in Luxor at night? 

Light and sound show: After the exploration on the east banks of Luxor, ensure that you witness the laser and sound show at the Karnak Temple Complex. As the temple illuminates and history comes alive, learn about Egyptian history in a vibrant way with storytelling sessions organized in the temple complex. 

Dinner on the Nile cruise: If you are in Luxor for 2 days, then prefer having a dinner on the Nile cruise at the open-air deck. Freshly prepared Egyptian and multi-cuisine dishes are served in the gourmet-style dining atmosphere, and dance and musical evenings are organized on the Night Nile cruises especially for tourists, so it’s a must-try on the 2-day Luxor itinerary. 

Conclusion  

Luxor is more than just an ancient city; it has a lot to offer you. Travellers only need to plan effectively. Even in two days you can do a number of activities. So, if you also want a 2-day itinerary in Luxor with a Nile cruise, then check Nile Cruisen, itineraries for luxury cruise itineraries and explore Luxor with us. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Luxor best known for?

The city of Luxor is best known for its archeological sites and museums that, for centuries, have been carrying the rich history of Egypt and early civilization. Also now the city is also home to a large population, so the travellers can also witness the unique blend of modernity with the history. In ancient times the city was once the capital, named Thebes during the New Kingdom. Globally the city is recognized for its monumental temple and preserved sculptures on both banks of the Nile.

Where is Luxor located? 

Luxor is located in the southern part of Egypt, around 650 km from Cairo. On the east bank of the Nile, the city is situated with the large population. It is one of the major river port cities of Egypt, and it is a prominent tourist spot as well. 

How is Luxor best explored?

To explore the open-air museum, the best way is a Nile cruise from Luxor. Most of the Nile cruises also depart from Luxor for the Nile exploration; that is the major reason, as travelers explore the historical monuments at the start of the trip and then can enjoy the sailing towards Aswan, with leisurely experiences on board. 

Can you visit Luxor without a guide?

Yes, it can be explored, but for first-time explorers, it is advised to travel in the city with a guide, as locals speak Arabic, which may be difficult for the foreigners to understand. By hiring tour guides, the travelers can enhance the overall exploration experience.