Luxor, often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum, is a city where history comes alive at every turn. Situated along the Nile River in southern Egypt, Luxor offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into ancient Egypt’s grandeur.  From the majestic tombs of the Valley of the Kings to the towering columns of Karnak Temple, Luxor is a destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking to explore the cradle of civilization. This 2-day Luxor itinerary will guide you through the most iconic sites ensuring you make the most of your short stay while soaking in the ancient wonders that define this extraordinary city.

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While you can visit Luxor year round the weather can be extreme from time to time. The city experiences a hot desert climate, with scorching temperatures in the summer months and mild, more pleasant weather during the winter.

I highly recommend visiting in either the winter of spring as this is when climates tend to be cooler. The temperatures in the winter months are moderate, averaging around 68-77°F, while nights are cooler but comfortable. In the spring temperatures start to rise, ranging from 77-95°F. So it’s advisable to visit outdoor attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. I visited during March and honestly the temperatures were perfect.

Summer and fall can have very brutal temperatures, making outdoor activities miserable. Summer is incredibly hot in Luxor, with temperatures regularly exceeding 104°F during the day. Fall temperatures cool down from the summer heat, but still relatively high, 86-104°F. If you plan on visiting during these months, make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Also do not let Ramadan deter you from visiting Luxor or Egypt. This is still a great time to visit, and your experience won’t change much. You might notice short breaks in the evening once the sun goes down as this is when everyone can eat and drink again. Most places understand that not everyone celebrities Ramadan and there is no problem finding places that are open for lunch.

This 2 day Luxor itinerary will take you to all the major highlights that Luxor has to offer. That being said, 2 days in Luxor is a tight and busy schedule. Most of the flights out of Luxor are early, so it is best to spend 2 full days. Luxor is a large and spread out city so it takes time to get between attractions. If you are trying to see more sights, I would recommend spending a few extra days in Luxor. Many of the destinations can also be seen from Aswan on day trips. 

The short answer is no, tours are not required for the major attractions in Luxor. That being said booking tours are helpful as they will also serve as your driver in the area. I took a few tours throughout my trip to Luxor. It doesn’t have to be the same tour guide for each day.

 I highly recommend doing research of exactly what you want to see and then reach out to a guide. A quick tip is that if you don’t want to visit the shops that they might try to bring you to like papyrus, perfume, etc., just tell them. I told my tour guide I had no intent on buying anything from these shops and just to skip them, which he had no problem with.

Luxor is a destination where there really is accommodations in all brackets. There are very high end hotels located along the Nile and similarly there are very cheap hostels that you can find.

If you’re looking for a lavish experience, there are several high-end hotels in Luxor that offer impeccable service, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking views of the Nile.

The 19th-century Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, renowned for its opulent colonial-style architecture, stands as an iconic hotel..

The Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is another excellent option, known for its contemporary style and outstanding facilities, including an infinity pool overlooking the river. Both of these hotels provide a blend of relaxation and convenience, allowing you to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

For those looking for a more affordable yet comfortable stay, Luxor has a range of mid-range hotels that provide great value. Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor is a fantastic choice, offering spacious rooms, a large pool, and a prime location by the Nile River, just a short distance from the city’s main attractions.

Another great option is the Pavilion Winter Luxor, located next to the Luxor Temple, offering a serene atmosphere and beautiful gardens. Both of these hotels offer a balance of comfort and convenience, ideal for visitors who want a bit of luxury without breaking the bank.

If you’re traveling on a budget, there are several budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses in Luxor that offer clean and basic accommodations. The Nile Hotel is a great budget option, located near the city center and offering simple rooms with great views of the Nile.

Another affordable yet cozy choice is Emilio Hotel, known for its friendly staff, clean rooms, and great location near Luxor’s main attractions. Of course there are a number of hostels to choose from as well. 

Karnak Temple is one of the largest and most impressive religious complexes in Egypt. The temple, dedicated to the god Amun, took over 2,000 years to complete, and its grandeur will leave you awe-struck.

As you wander through the massive hypostyle hall, which features 134 towering columns, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The temple complex also includes smaller shrines, sacred lakes, and stunning statues, making it an essential stop on any Luxor itinerary.

Luxor Temple, located right in the heart of the city. This temple, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, is particularly magical at sunset when the golden light bathes the stone walls. The temple’s entrance is flanked by massive statues of Ramses II, and the central courtyard features a beautiful obelisk. Be sure to take your time here as the complex reveals intricate carvings that tell the stories of the pharaohs.

It’s a smaller museum compared to others in Egypt, but it houses an excellent collection of artifacts, including statues, mummies, and the famous statues of Akhenaten.

To close your day, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Nile Corniche or visit the Luxor Market for some last-minute souvenirs and a glimpse of local life. You’ll find colorful textiles, spices, jewelry, and trinkets to take home as a reminder of your time in this historic city.

Set that alarm for 3:30 am because the day should start with a sunrise air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. The views are just breathtaking. It is important to note though that strong winds can cause cancellations.

If you’re staying for additional days, they will offer to reschedule it for another day. If your reservation gets canceled, like mine did, and you’re unable to stay in Luxor, they will provide a refund. Head back to your hotel to get some breakfast before heading onto the next adventure.

Valley of the Kings, where many of Egypt’s pharaohs were buried, including the tomb of King Tutankhamun. The Valley is home to elaborate rock-cut tombs adorned with vivid scenes from Egyptian mythology.

Make sure to visit the tombs of Ramses VI, Seti I, and, of course, Tutankhamun’s tomb. The small, treasure-filled tomb of Tut is worth the visit, as it showcases the riches unearthed by archaeologists in the 1920s.

Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning architectural marvel built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. This temple, dedicated to the only female pharaoh of ancient Egypt, is known for its grand terraces and colonnades. The location and design make it one of the most photogenic sites in Luxor.

Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III’s temple. Though the temple itself no longer stands, the statues are a monumental sight, with each standing over 18 meters tall.

In the late afternoon, wind down with a Nile River cruise. There are numerous boat operators offering sunset cruises, where you can relax on the water and enjoy the stunning views of the West Bank.

Watching the sun dip behind the mountains of the West Bank and the ancient ruins is an unforgettable experience. Some Nile River cruises will try to offer a visit to Banana Island, honestly skip it. The island is nothing more than a few cages with animals and banana trees.

Luxor was one of my favorite cities to visit in Egypt. While this is the 2 day Luxor itinerary that I did for myself, I could definitely see myself returning to spend more time.

Going in March was the perfect time, since most of the activities in Luxor are outdoors avoiding the heat is essential. I hope this 2 day Luxor itinerary help plans your visit.