Luxor is a city where the monuments are not set apart from daily life: the temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor stand within the modern city on the East Bank, while the tombs and mortuary temples of the West Bank face them across the Nile. That split defines how you plan a stay here, because the two banks feel and function differently.
Most accommodation, transport and services are on the East Bank, which is where you arrive by train or bus and where the main concentration of places to stay is found. The West Bank is quieter and more spread out, closer to the Valley of the Kings and the surrounding tombs. This guide covers which of these two areas to base yourself in, what each suits, and how the choice changes depending on your budget and the length of your stay.
Best areas to stay in Luxor
1. East Bank
The East Bank is the city's main side, holding the vast majority of accommodation options along with the transport links, shops and services you will use day to day. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the sights, the station and the river crossing within easy reach, and it is the practical choice if you are arriving by train or bus.
Because so much of the accommodation is concentrated here, competition between places is strong, particularly in quiet periods. That competition shows up as pushy touts around the station, so it is usually best to pre-book and to use a map or a taxi to reach your accommodation rather than accept unsolicited guidance.
2. West Bank
The West Bank is the more laid-back and isolated side of the river, close to the tombs and the Valley of the Kings. It suits travellers who want a quieter base, and a growing number of places to stay are found and being developed here.
If you are planning a lengthy stay, it can be worth splitting your time between the two banks rather than committing to one. Note that the West Bank is the less convenient side for transport and services, so it works best when your priority is proximity to the monuments rather than easy access to the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: camping and hostel-style accommodation is available, and budget places are the category where you should be most careful about touts and about pre-booking rather than arriving unannounced.
- Mid-range: the broad middle of Luxor's accommodation sits on the East Bank, where the majority of options are found; rates here vary more with the season than in other categories.
- Splurge: Luxor has five-star luxury hotels, including historic properties of considerable opulence that have hosted movie stars and heads of state.
Luxor has a wide range of accommodation overall, and its seasonal variation in hotel rates is significant: some places are up to fifty per cent cheaper or more in the low season, while others keep their prices steady all year.
Best area for a first visit
The East Bank is the best base for a first visit. It holds the vast majority of accommodation, the transport links you will arrive through, and the services you will need, which makes it the simplest side to orient yourself from. Once you know the city, the West Bank becomes a rewarding alternative for a quieter stay closer to the tombs.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the Nile should I stay on?
Stay on the East Bank if you want the widest choice of accommodation and the easiest access to transport and services. Choose the West Bank if you prefer a more laid-back, isolated base close to the tombs and the Valley of the Kings.
Should I book accommodation in advance?
It is usually best to pre-book. Touts around the station can be over-friendly and pushy, and they earn commission for directing you to a particular place, which is then added to your bill.
When are hotel rates lowest?
Luxor has a pronounced low season, and some hotels are up to fifty per cent cheaper or more during it. Others do not change their prices at all, so it is worth comparing.
Is it worth staying on both banks during one trip?
For a lengthy stay, yes. Splitting your time between the East and West Banks lets you use the East Bank's convenience and the West Bank's proximity to the monuments.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.