Why you should go to Luxor with kids 2024
Welcome to Luxor, Egypt – where history isn’t just studied, it’s lived and breathed. With the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Museum, all within arm’s reach; Luxor isn’t just a city, it’s an open-air museum.
When my family and I visited Luxor, we were blown away by the sheer magnitude of ancient wonders. With every step, we felt like time travelers/Indiana Jones (I genuinely thought I probably would discover something new), immersing ourselves in the stories etched in stone.
Luxor surprised us. We knew the history was going to be amazing but we were surprised with how much there was to do, we discovered the hidden gems that made our trip truly unforgettable.
So, if you’re thinking about a family trip to Egypt, don’t skip Luxor, after a month on living in the West Bank of Luxor, we have all the hints and tips.
Why Visit Luxor with Kids
Why Luxor is a great choice for a family visit
Imagine wandering through towering temples and ancient tombs, feeling like you’ve traveled back in time. Luxor, once the grand capital of Upper Egypt, is like a massive open-air museum, just waiting for your family to discover its treasures.
From the awe-inspiring Temple of Luxor to the mysterious Valley of the Kings, Luxor is packed with history and adventure. Did you know that Luxor is split into the East Bank, full of hustle and bustle, and the serene West Bank? It’s like getting two experiences in one!
Now, you might be wondering if one day is enough. Spoiler alert: it’s not! Plan for at least three days to soak up all the magic of Luxor. And here’s a handy tip: mornings and evenings are the best times to explore, avoiding the scorching midday sun.
Oh, and don’t miss out on a hot air balloon ride over the city – it’s a breathtaking experience for the whole family!
Planning Your Trip to Luxor
Best Time to Visit Luxor with Kids
The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Why? Well, temperatures are cooler, making it more comfortable to explore those ancient temples and tombs without feeling like you’re melting under the Egyptian sun.
Just a heads up, summers can get scorching hot, so unless you’re a fan of sweating buckets, you might want to avoid visiting between June and August. And if you’re not a fan of crowds, try to steer clear of peak tourist season around Christmas and New Year.
Is it Safe to Travel to Luxor?
While Luxor is generally safe for families, Luxor, rest assured, it’s generally safe for families. Like any tourist destination, it’s essential to stay vigilant against petty theft, especially in crowded areas and markets. Also, it’s a good idea to avoid wandering around alone at night.
As for health concerns, make sure you stay hydrated and slap on some sunscreen, especially during those scorching summer months. And hey, don’t forget the mosquito repellent to ward off those pesky bugs.
Overall, as long as you keep your wits about you and take basic precautions, Luxor is a fantastic place to explore with your family.
How to Get to Luxor
Traveling from Cairo to Luxor: Options and Details
Here’s a breakdown of different travel options from Cairo to Luxor, including approximate travel times and price ranges in both GBP and USD:
Fly to Luxor
You’ll probably start your trip to Egypt in the capital Cairo. We always use Kiwi.com and Skyscanner to find the best deals for flights (we actually came from Athens). We usually book directly with the airline once we have figured out the best dates and route.
For domestic flights, within Egypt, we use 12Go. We booked a flight from Luxor to Cairo to save on time.
- Time: 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Price Range:
- GBP: £80 – £160
- USD: $100 – $200
Flights are the fastest way to travel between Cairo and Luxor. Several airlines offer daily flights, making this a convenient and time-saving option. However, it is also the most expensive option.
Train to Luxor
There is also the option to take the train within Egypt. You can book all train tickets via 12Go or head to the station if you have time. We took a train from Aswan to Luxor, as tourists you can’t book the lower classes. The train was fine, clean…ish and on time. Maybe try not to use the toilet though.
- Time: 9 – 12 hours (depending on train type)
- Price Range:
- GBP: £5 – £15
- USD: $6 – $18
The night train from Cairo to Luxor, also known as the sleeper train, has a price range of approximately:
- GBP: £45 – £70
- USD: $55 – $85
Trains offer a comfortable and affordable way to travel between Cairo and Luxor. You can choose between regular day trains and sleeper trains with sleeping cabins for overnight journeys.
Bus to Luxor
Another option is the GoBus for transport throughout Egypt. If time isn’t an issue, check it out. It is a good option to consider. Check out our more detailed posts on the GoBus here.
- Time: 10 – 12 hours
- Price Range:
- GBP: £10 – £25
- USD: $12 – $30
Buses are a budget-friendly option for traveling between Cairo and Luxor. Several companies offer overnight journeys with various amenities. While slower than flights, buses allow you to experience the Egyptian countryside and enjoy the scenery.
gO Bus, for travelling around Egypt with Kids
How To Get Around Luxor with Kids
1. Private Guide and Driver
For a hassle-free experience, consider hiring a private driver and guide. For trips to certain places, these guides are invaluable but Luxor is easy enough to navigate yourself.
2. Taxi
Taxis are convenient for short trips or day-long excursions. Just remember to negotiate the fare before getting in. While Uber and similar services are available in Cairo and Alexandria, they aren’t available in Luxor. You should always be able to find a local taxi. You will likely be asked if you need a taxi 47 times a day. If you find a driver you like, take their number to use again.
3. Tuk Tuk
In the West Bank, Tuk tuks are a quick and easy way of getting around the village. There are also tuk tuk tour options if you fancy something a little different.
4. Bike
With older kids, renting bikes is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore Luxor. Many hotels offer bike rentals, or you can find them at shops on both banks. Don’t forget to check the tire pressure and brakes before you set off! Rentals are usually around 100EGP per day
5. Horse-Drawn Carriages (Calèche)
While a bit touristy, horse-drawn carriages offer a charming way to see the city. Bargain for a fair price before hopping in. These rides can be great for shorter distances or leisurely sightseeing tours. Check the conditions of the horses. We didn’t feel particularly comfortable using this service as the horses didn’t look particularly well taken care of. There is also a local charity helping with horses if you want to find out more.
Where to Stay in Luxor with Kids
West bank or East Bank, that is the question? A lot of this will come down to one main thing. Are you looking for high end luxury or looking for more budget friendly accommodation?
The East bank is the main city and has lots of options for accommodation available such as;
East Bank, Luxor – Family Friendly Accommodation:
- Top End: £200 – £500 per night
Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor – Refined rooms in an upscale 19th-century hotel with multiple bars & restaurants, plus river views.
Steigenberger Nile Palace – Unpretentious rooms in a formal hotel with 4 restaurants, 3 bars & a cafe, plus an outdoor pool. (BONUS TIP – YOU CAN JUST TURN AND USE THE POOL FOR THE DAY FPOR A SMALL CHARGE)
- Mid-Range: £40 – £100 per night
Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel – Polished hotel along the River Nile with an outdoor pool & open-air dining, plus bars & live music.
- Budget: £10 – £30 per night
- Cleopatra Hotel Luxor – Down-to-earth quarters with balconies & 4-poster beds in an informal hotel with a rooftop eatery.
West Bank
It’s much easier to find guest houses and Airbnb’s here. Make sure you read reviews first. Some hotels to check out.
Modern hotel offering an outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant with Nile River views.
Relaxed hotel near the River Nile offering dining & an outdoor pool, plus a bar & a rooftop terrace. They host a great musical feast here too with dancing shows and buffet.
– Should I Hire a Guide?
This is definitely one of those things which is personal choice. Read our pros and cons here but in general, a good guide can massively enhance your experience of a place. It is also a way to support the local economy but do your research before you decide!
What to do in Luxor- the East Bank
Karnak Temple
As much as we are visiting Luxor for the awe-inspiring history, you can begin to feel a little ‘templed out’ and this is definitely the case for kids. But when it comes to exploring Luxor with kids, Karnak Temple is an absolute must-see. As the second largest religious site in the world, Karnak Temple is packed with towering columns, fascinating hieroglyphics, and hidden nooks just waiting to be discovered and with that comes an epic game of hide and seek!
To make the most of your visit, try to arrive early in the morning before the sun gets too hot. Trust me, your family will thank you for it! Karnak Temple opens at 6 am, and if you’re there around 8 am, you’ll beat the crowds and have the place practically to yourselves.
Now, here’s a pro tip: consider hiring a tour guide or grabbing a temple guidebook before you go. There’s so much history packed into Karnak that you’ll want someone to help unravel its mysteries. You won’t find many information plaques scattered around, so having a guide will really enhance your experience.
Did you know that Karnak Temple was originally built to honor the god Amun, along with his family? But over the course of 2,000 years, more than 30 different pharaohs put their own spin on things, including Ramses the Great.
Now, let’s talk about the highlight of Karnak: The Hypostyle Hall. An area the size of two football fields, filled with rows of towering columns reaching up to the sky. The perfect place to hide, another bonus to going early to avoid the crowds.
Luxor Museum
A visit to the small yet captivating Luxor Museum is a good way to break up your day. It doesn’t compare to the museums in Cairo in terms of exhibits but that’s also what is good about it. It’s all very manageable with a small selection of mummified Pharaohs, sarcophagi, and burial artifacts.
Luxor Temple
Dating back over 3,000 years, Luxor Temple is dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Its columns and intricate carvings offer a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture.
There is an option for a nighttime visit when the temple is lit for visitors. It’s a very cool experience (literally also).
Avenue of the Sphinx
The Avenue of Sphinxes is 2.7-kilometer avenue connecting Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple. Recently reopened after extensive restoration work, it is lined with over 1300 sphinxes and ram-headed statues.
It is a bit of a trek, so if taking the kids make sure you have water and snacks. It’s definitely not the most interesting of places you can visit in Luxor but worth a visit if you fancy a walk without the hassle of street vendors.
Other East Bank Sites
Two other places worth mentioning are El Souk and the Mummification Museum.
Souk al-Khamis (El-Souk), is a busy market where you can get a sense of the vibrant atmosphere of local life. Through narrow alleyways you can check out colourful textiles and spices to handmade crafts and souvenirs, practising your haggling skills as you go.
The Mummification Museum, located near Luxor Temple, showcases the ancient art of mummification through a collection of artifacts, tools, and mummified remains. It’s a great place to learn about the rituals and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife in ancient Egypt.
What to do in Luxor- the West Bank
The Valley of The Kings
The big one. I had to start with this really and it’s pretty obvious why!
The Valley of the Kings in Luxor is a must-visit for anyone exploring ancient Egypt. This hidden valley is where pharaohs and nobles were laid to rest in tombs, away from the prying eyes of tomb raiders. With over 60 tombs discovered so far, it’s an amazing glimpse into the afterlife beliefs of ancient Egyptians.
Your ticket allows you to explore three of the open tombs, with the option to pay extra for special ones like Tutankhamun’s (500EGP). Honestly, the tomb is pretty small, and not as impressive as some of the others.
An extra tip for you, if you have time, a trip to Howard Carter’s house has a replica of King Tut’s tomb and it’s cheaper to visit (200EGP).
Each tomb is unique and different in their own way. You can read more about each tomb here.
For kids, it’s an adventure exploring the hidden passageways and discovering the intricate hieroglyphics adorning the walls. The valley is easily accessible, with small buses transporting visitors to the site and ramps leading into the tombs. I’d recommend having an idea of the tombs you would like to see beforehand.
A Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Valley of The Kings
Honestly, one of our all-time highlights whilst we have been travelling. Don’t miss this experience, with breathtaking views of the Nile River and the Valley of Kings (the early morning isn’t so great but I promise it’s so worth it). Read all the details here.
Hatshepsut
An interesting detail about Queen Hatshepsut is her unique approach to self-representation. Despite traditional gender roles, she ruled Egypt as a pharaoh and portrayed herself in masculine regalia, wearing the traditional kilt and pharaoh’s beard. This boldness is presented in the boldness of her temple too.
Visit the Colossi of Memnon
Alright, so imagine cruising through Luxor and catching sight of these massive statues, the Colossi of Memnon. These bad boys have been chilling there for over 3,000 years, greeting travellers like us. They’re all that’s left of a huge temple complex, and man, they’re impressive!
How Long Do You Need in Luxor with Kids?
We stayed in Luxor for a month, which obviously meant we could see and do a huge amount of what Luxor has to offer but if I was limited by time, I would suggest a minimum of 3 Days in Luxor with Kids.
Here would be my suggested itinerary
Day 1: Luxor’s East Bank
Morning:
- Explore Karnak Temple early to beat the crowds and marvel at its grandeur.
Lunch:
- Enjoy Egyptian cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Afternoon:
- Visit Luxor Museum for an interactive history lesson.
Evening:
- Take a sunset stroll along the Avenue of Sphinxes.
Day 2: Luxor’s West Bank
Morning:
- Soar over the Valley of the Kings on a hot air balloon ride.
Lunch:
- Grab a quick bite before heading to the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Afternoon:
- Explore three tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
Evening:
- Relax with a sunset felucca trip on the Nile.
Day 3: Leisure and Exploration
Morning:
- Relax by the pool or explore Luxor’s local markets.
Lunch:
- Have a family picnic at Luxor Corniche.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Mummification Museum for an educational experience.
Evening:
- Experience Luxor Temple illuminated at night.
Practical Information
Haggling:
Haggling is a common practice in Luxor, especially when shopping in local markets or dealing with vendors. Remember to negotiate politely and be prepared to walk away if the price isn’t right. Start by offering around half of the initial asking price and work your way up from there.
Water:
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in Luxor’s warm climate. Make sure to carry bottled water with you at all times, and don’t drink the tap water.
Currency:
The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While cards are accepted in larger establishments, it’s always a very good idea to carry cash for smaller purchases and transactions. ATMs are widely available in Luxor but may not always have cash available.
Language:
Arabic is the official language of Egypt, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas like Luxor. However, learning a few basic Arabic phrases can enhance your experience and help you connect with locals. The most important is no thank you! لا، شكرًا” (pronounced: la, shukran)
Dress Code:
While Luxor is a tourist-friendly destination, it’s important to respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or mosques. Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is appropriate.
Kid Friendly food:
Read our guide to eating in Egypt here.
Tipping
Tipping in Luxor is customary and expected. Here’s a brief guide:
- Tour Guides and Drivers: Tip around 10-15% of the tour cost or per day.
- Hotel Staff: Tip 5-10 Egyptian pounds for services like carrying luggage or cleaning rooms.
- Restaurant Servers: Tip 5-10% of the bill, unless a service charge is included.
- Other Services: For taxis, boats, or spa treatments, a small tip is appreciated.
Luxor is an ideal destination for families seeking adventure and exploration. From the majestic temples of Karnak and Luxor to the serene beauty of the Nile River, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Meet the author
Lisa is the founder of Boston Tribe Travels. She has lived and travelled abroad for the last 15 years, visited more than 30 countries and has done most of that with her husband and two children. As a full time travel family, they like to travel slow, worldschool and seek new adventures. From living in Borneo for 5 years to backpacking South America, Lisa shares a wealth of travel experience to empower more families to travel and learn together.
