As the political situation currently stands, Luxor is not particularly popular – probably because Egypt isn’t particularly safe or popular itself at the moment. But much like other sites in the country, there are so many simply amazing antiquities on offer in Luxor that this city is bound to have its heyday many times over. But as Luxor feeds pretty much solely on tourism, it is certainly struggling with the low influx of visitors at the moment. Such low numbers has only increased the hassle and expense for the few backpackers that do trickle through, and further encourages the tour-bus tourists to wander away from their vehicle as little as possible. This situation in combination with the frankly poor dining scene and obvious poverty means that you might want to consider lingering for only as long as you have to, although you should still make sure to put your money in the hands of the locals wherever possible. – Daniel
Luxor illuminates Egypt’s ancient past perhaps better than any other location in the country. Once the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor town contains two captivating sites which have enough towering relics and preserved hieroglyphics to make most feel a little bit like Indiana Jones. Not to mention this town sits on the famous Nile. In the surrounding area there is also the enchanting and much less visited Temple of Temple of Hathor at Dendera, as well as the numerous other tombs and mortuaries in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. However, despite years of tourism, Luxor town has been rather neglected. Step back from the exorbitant hotels and (mostly closed) souvenir shops along the East bank river front and you are quickly confronted with basic amenities and fairly low living standards. This is even more true of the west bank, where desperate boatman may well follow you back to your hotel in the hope of you taking their service. It is, sadly, a bit off putting. Big tour groups drive through in big busses from other locations and put their money into the hands of out-of-town, or even out-of-country, tour companies. – Sarah
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Top Tips
Consider staying on the west bank of the The Nile. There’s more accommodation over the river, a few passable riverside dining options such as Nile View Restaurant, and generally less hassle. There are frequent and cheap ferry boats connecting both sides.
An excellent trip out of town would be to Temple of Hathor at Dendera. You’ll have to hire a driver, and they should check for you whether the quick desert road is open or safe.
Don’t let the horse-and-cart drivers hassle you too much. They can get just a little aggressive, so just be firm back if you want to walk. Saying that, they are desperate for business and do make for a good way of getting about. The boatman can also be quite persistant, to the point of following you back to your accommodation and then waiting until you surface again.
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The Directions
If you know how to get to Luxor and would like to share that information with the community, contact [email protected] and we’ll post it right here in the directory.
The Directions
If you know how to get to Luxor and would like to share that information with the community, contact [email protected] and we’ll post it right here in the directory.
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