Narrow it down
Pick what matters and we'll show only the areas that do all of it.
East Bank
The city side of the Nile: Karnak, Luxor Temple, the station and most of the hotels.
West Bank
Across the Nile: the tombs and mortuary temples, the villages around them, and the ferry landing at Gezira.
Up and down the Nile
Towns and villages beyond Luxor city, upriver to the south and downriver to the north. Better for a day trip than a base.
Five popular areas compared
The other twelve pages cover smaller districts, villages and towns along the river. For the full comparison of where to sleep, read the where-to-stay guide.
| Area | Best for | Skip if |
|---|---|---|
| Luxor City Center East Bank | First trips, eating well, walking everywhere | You want silence after 9pm |
| Corniche al-Nil East Bank | The river view and sunset from your room | You would rather spend the view money on space |
| Karnak East Bank | Pools, gardens and the temple at opening | You want to walk out to dinner options |
| West Bank West Bank | Dawn tombs, balloons and quiet villages | You want bars and a busy nightlife on your doorstep |
| Al-Qurna West Bank | Staying at the foot of the Theban mountain, close to the tombs | You want restaurants and evening services nearby |
Choosing between the areas
East Bank or West Bank for a first visit?+
East Bank. The temples, the Corniche, the restaurants, the station and most of the hotels are all there, and the public ferry takes you across to the West Bank. Choose the West Bank on a second trip, or if dawn starts and village life matter more to you than being in the city.
Is it worth staying on the Corniche itself?+
For one or two nights of the trip, yes, a room facing the river at sunset is the memory people come home with. One street back you get noticeably more space and quiet for the rest of the stay.
Which area is best for the balloon flight?+
Anywhere on the West Bank. Pickups are before dawn, and staying on that side saves a river crossing in the dark. Ask the operator where it collects from before you book.
Should I ever stay in the villages up- or downriver?+
Rarely. We list no places to stay in El-Ballas, Naqada, Al-Zeiniya, Armant or Al-Tod, and they have almost no visitor infrastructure, so most travellers visit them as day trips from Luxor, for example for the pottery in El-Ballas.
Do I need a car to get between areas?+
No. The public ferry and private boats cross the river, taxis and caleches cover the East Bank, and on the West Bank a driver or a bike between the tombs is the usual arrangement. Agree fares before you set off.
