Where to Stay in Luxor 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Luxor is the world's greatest open-air museum, with ancient Thebes split across the Nile - the 'City of the Living' (East Bank temples) and 'City of the Dead' (West Bank tombs). Accommodation ranges from legendary colonial hotels that hosted Egyptologists and royalty to simple West Bank guesthouses with rooftop views of the Theban Hills. The Nile runs through everything.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

East Bank (City Center)

Walking distance to Luxor Temple, easy access to Karnak, all restaurants and services, plus ferries to West Bank. Best balance of convenience, atmosphere, and choice. The Corniche hotels offer the romance; central hotels offer practicality.

First-Timers & Sightseeing

East Bank (City Center)

Luxury & Romance

Nile Corniche

History Buffs & Quiet

West Bank

Budget & Karnak Focus

Karnak Area

Quick Guide: Best Areas

East Bank (Luxor City): Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Corniche promenade, restaurants, main hotels
West Bank (Valley of the Kings): Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, quieter atmosphere, sunrise tomb visits
Nile Corniche: Luxury hotels with Nile views, felucca rides, sunset drinks, upscale dining
Karnak Area: Near Karnak Temple, quieter than center, budget options

Things to Know

  • Beware of 'free' felucca/calèche rides that end with aggressive demands for huge tips
  • Some budget hotels near the train station are very basic - check reviews carefully
  • Hotels promising 'Nile view' may overlook a road with distant river glimpses - verify
  • High summer (June-August) temperatures exceed 40°C - ensure proper AC

Understanding Luxor Geography

The Nile divides Luxor into East Bank (modern city, Luxor & Karnak Temples) and West Bank (Valley of the Kings, mortuary temples). East Bank has all major hotels, restaurants, and transport. West Bank is rural with scattered guesthouses near the ancient necropolis. A local ferry (5 min, very cheap) connects both sides.

Main Districts East Bank: City Center (Luxor Temple area), Corniche (luxury hotels), Karnak (north, near temple). West Bank: Gezira (ferry landing), Gurna (near Hatshepsut Temple), Valley of the Kings area. Nile: Cruise ships dock at various points, feluccas everywhere.

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Luxor

East Bank (Luxor City)

Best for: Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Corniche promenade, restaurants, main hotels

$27+ $86+ $324+
Mid-range
First-timers History Convenience Sightseeing

"Ancient temples rising from a modern Egyptian city along the Nile"

Walk to Luxor Temple, 15 min to Karnak
Nearest Stations
Luxor Train Station Luxor Airport
Attractions
Luxor Temple Karnak Temple Luxor Museum Mummification Museum
8
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe but expect persistent hawkers near temples. Agree on prices before taking taxis or horse carriages.

Pros

  • Walking distance to major temples
  • Best restaurants
  • Easy transport

Cons

  • Persistent touts
  • Busy streets
  • Less peaceful

West Bank (Valley of the Kings)

Best for: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, quieter atmosphere, sunrise tomb visits

$16+ $54+ $216+
Budget
History buffs Peace seekers Photography Off-beaten-path

"Rural Nile landscape with ancient necropolis and desert mountains"

Ferry + taxi to East Bank (30 min total)
Nearest Stations
Local ferry from East Bank West Bank taxi stand
Attractions
Valley of the Kings Hatshepsut Temple Valley of the Queens Medinet Habu
5
Transit
Low noise
Very safe. Local ferry is cheap and safe. Agree taxi prices in advance.

Pros

  • Near Valley of the Kings
  • Peaceful
  • Authentic village life

Cons

  • Limited restaurants
  • Need transport everywhere
  • Hot and dusty

Nile Corniche

Best for: Luxury hotels with Nile views, felucca rides, sunset drinks, upscale dining

$65+ $162+ $432+
Luxury
Luxury Couples Romance Views

"Grand colonial-era hotels overlooking the Nile with romantic sunsets"

Walk to Luxor Temple, easy felucca access
Nearest Stations
Luxor Temple walking distance
Attractions
Luxor Temple Felucca departure points Winter Palace Corniche promenade
8
Transit
Low noise
Very safe, upscale hotel zone.

Pros

  • Stunning Nile views
  • Historic hotels
  • Central location

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Tourist-focused
  • Less authentic

Karnak Area

Best for: Near Karnak Temple, quieter than center, budget options

$22+ $65+ $194+
Budget
Budget History Quiet Local life

"Residential area between city center and Egypt's greatest temple"

20 min walk to Karnak, taxi to city center
Nearest Stations
Karnak Temple entrance Local buses
Attractions
Karnak Temple Avenue of Sphinxes Open Air Museum
6
Transit
Low noise
Safe residential area.

Pros

  • Walk to Karnak
  • Quieter
  • Better value

Cons

  • Far from Luxor Temple
  • Limited dining
  • Less atmosphere

Accommodation Budget in Luxor

Budget

$25 /night
Typical Range: $22 – $27

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$58 /night
Typical Range: $49 – $65

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$122 /night
Typical Range: $103 – $140

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

Best Budget Hotels

Bob Marley House Luxor

West Bank

8.5

Legendary backpacker favorite with rooftop views of Theban Hills, helpful staff, and excellent tour arrangements. The social hub for budget travelers.

Solo travelersBackpackersBudget-conscious
Check Availability

Nefertiti Hotel

East Bank (City Center)

8.3

Central budget hotel with rooftop restaurant overlooking Luxor Temple. Clean rooms, helpful staff, and unbeatable location for the price.

Budget travelersCentral locationSolo travelers
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€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Djorff Palace

West Bank

8.7

Nubian-style boutique hotel with mud-brick architecture, garden pool, and stunning mountain views. Peaceful base for exploring the necropolis.

CouplesArchitecture loversPeace seekers
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Steigenberger Nile Palace

Nile Corniche

8.8

Modern 5-star with Nile-view rooms, multiple pools, and excellent restaurants. Best value among the upscale Corniche hotels.

FamiliesComfort seekersViews
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Sonesta St. George

Nile Corniche

8.6

Elegant Corniche hotel with rooftop pool, Nile views from most rooms, and excellent Italian restaurant. Classic Luxor hospitality.

CouplesBusiness travelersCentral location
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€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Sofitel Winter Palace

Nile Corniche

9.3

Legendary 1886 palace hotel where Howard Carter announced Tutankhamun's discovery. Victorian grandeur, tropical gardens, and Nile views. Pure history.

History loversSpecial occasionsClassic luxury
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Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

South of City (New Karnak)

9

Modern resort with private beach, water park, extensive pools, and full spa. Shuttle to temples. Best for resort-style comfort.

FamiliesResort loversSpa seekers
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Unique & Boutique Stays

Al Moudira Hotel

West Bank

9.2

Eccentric Lebanese owner's passion project - a palatial Syrian/Moroccan fantasy with 54 unique suites, gardens, and pool. Unlike anything else in Luxor.

Design loversUnique experiencesRomance
Check Availability

Nile Cruise (Various)

The Nile

8.5

Classic Luxor experience - multi-day cruises between Luxor and Aswan stopping at temples. Range from budget to ultra-luxury. Book reputable operators.

Classic Egypt experienceTemple hoppingUnique stays
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Smart Booking Tips for Luxor

  • 1 Book 1-2 months ahead for peak season (October-April) and holidays
  • 2 Summer (May-September) sees 30-50% lower prices but extreme heat
  • 3 Many hotels include breakfast and can arrange tours - compare packages
  • 4 West Bank accommodation ideal if planning multiple early morning tomb visits
  • 5 Consider 1 night Nile cruise for unique Luxor-Aswan experience
  • 6 Historic hotels like Winter Palace worth splurging for at least one night

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Luxor?
East Bank (City Center). Walking distance to Luxor Temple, easy access to Karnak, all restaurants and services, plus ferries to West Bank. Best balance of convenience, atmosphere, and choice. The Corniche hotels offer the romance; central hotels offer practicality.
How much does a hotel cost in Luxor?
Hotels in Luxor range from $25 per night for budget accommodation to $58 for mid-range and $122 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Luxor?
East Bank (Luxor City) (Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Corniche promenade, restaurants, main hotels); West Bank (Valley of the Kings) (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, quieter atmosphere, sunrise tomb visits); Nile Corniche (Luxury hotels with Nile views, felucca rides, sunset drinks, upscale dining); Karnak Area (Near Karnak Temple, quieter than center, budget options)
Are there areas to avoid in Luxor?
Beware of 'free' felucca/calèche rides that end with aggressive demands for huge tips Some budget hotels near the train station are very basic - check reviews carefully
When should I book a hotel in Luxor?
Book 1-2 months ahead for peak season (October-April) and holidays