Three kinds of location
Near the river landings
Staying close to where the boats come in, in Gezira and Ramla beside the public ferry landing, is the practical West Bank base. You can cross to the East Bank for dinner, the station or Luxor Temple without arranging a car, and come back on the public ferry, which runs around the clock with fewer departures late at night, or on a private boat. Small restaurants, cafés and shops cluster around the landings.
Who it suits
- A first West Bank stay
- Travellers on foot
- Anyone who wants both banks without much planning
Check before you book
- How far the property is from the landing in practice.
- How often the ferry runs at the time you plan to come back. Late at night you can also take a private boat or a taxi over one of the road bridges.
Near the monuments
Villages around Medinet Habu and Al-Qurna put the temples and tombs closest. By road, Medinet Habu is about 8 km from the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut about 6 km, against roughly 17 km from Luxor Temple on the East Bank. Medinet Habu is about 1.3 km on foot from the Colossi of Memnon and about 1.6 km from the Ramesseum. Being this close means you can reach the ticket offices soon after opening and be back in the shade before midday.
Who it suits
- Travellers whose trip is the tombs
- Photographers after early light
- Slow travel
Check before you book
- Evening plans. There are local restaurants and cafés near the main sites, but evenings are quiet, so ask whether your hotel serves dinner.
- Arrange a driver the evening before for an early start.
Local villages
Further from both the river and the main monument roads, villages such as New Qurna are the most rural and the quietest. They suit longer stays where the hotel is part of the point.
Who it suits
- Four nights or more
- A garden and a pool
- Few plans after dark
Check before you book
- That transport is easy to arrange from the property.
- How long each trip takes.
Getting around from a West Bank base
Taxis and drivers are the normal way to reach the monuments, which are spread out along the edge of the hills. Depending on where you are staying, you may be able to flag down a taxi on the road, or a driver may approach you. In the more remote villages, ask your host: they will usually arrange a driver for you on request. Either way, agree the route, the waiting time and the price before you set off. Cycling is possible early in the day in cool months. For crossings and transfers, see Getting around Luxor.
Who the West Bank suits, and who it does not
It suits travellers who want to see the tombs early, stay longer, and trade nightlife for quiet. It suits a short first visit less well, because arrival, the two big East Bank temples and most restaurants are on the other side. If that is your trip, compare the banks first in Where to stay in Luxor.
Browse places to stay on the West Bank hotels and guesthouses page.
West Bank area guides
All areas →
Questions
Is the West Bank safe to stay on?+
It is a quiet, rural area with many small guesthouses. Follow the same general precautions as anywhere in Luxor, and check current official travel advice before you go.
Can I walk to the Valley of the Kings?+
Not practically from most hotels: it sits in a valley in the hills, several kilometres by road from the villages. Use a taxi or driver.
How do I get back from an East Bank dinner?+
The public ferry runs around the clock, with fewer departures late at night. You can also take a private boat, or a taxi over one of the road bridges. If you are staying away from the landing, ask your hotel to arrange a car to meet you.
