Where to stay in Luxor in Egypt for first timers? West Bank vs East Bank.
Home to the temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and some of Egypt’s most unforgettable Nile views…
Luxor was my favourite stop on my Egypt itinerary.
But with hotels spread across both sides of the Nile, choosing where to stay in Luxor can feel confusing for first-time visitors.
I thought any hotel with ‘Nile view’ in the title would be bucket-list worthy…
But what I quickly learned is that in Luxor, it’s not just about the hotel, it’s about which side of the river you stay on.
The East Bank is lively, central, and close to Luxor Temple and the city’s best restaurants.
The West Bank, on the other hand, is peaceful, local, and surrounded by ancient tombs, hot-air balloons, and desert sunsets.
The good news? Luxor has something for everyone!
From 5-star Nile-view resorts and boutique hotels near Karnak Temple, to budget guesthouses tucked away on the West Bank.
In this guide, I’ll help you decide where to stay in Luxor — East Bank vs West Bank.
I have also shared my top hotel and Nile cruise recommendations to make booking effortless.
Entering Karnak Temple is surreal.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Quick Mini Guide to Luxor.
Where to Stay:
East Bank (Central, lively, and close to major temples).
– Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor (Historic 5-star hotel with Nile views and elegant gardens).
– Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor (Modern 4-star riverside stay with pool and easy access to Luxor Temple).
West Bank (Peaceful, local vibe + close to Valley of the Kings).
– Al Moudira Hotel (Luxury boutique palace near the desert edges).
– Villa Nile House (Mid-range Nubian-style guesthouse with pool and rooftop view).
When to Visit:
– The best time to visit Luxor is October to April, when the weather is warm, but comfortable for exploring temples and tombs.
– Avoid June to August, when daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C.
Things to Do:
– Explore Karnak and Luxor Temples (both magical at sunset).
– Visit the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank.
– Take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Nile and the desert.
– Enjoy a felucca sunset cruise or dine by the river.
The colouful Bob Marley Hotel in the East Bank.
Pick your style of accommodation.
You’ll find every kind of place to stay in Luxor, from 5-star Nile-view resorts and boutique hotels near Karnak Temple, to budget-friendly guesthouses tucked away on the West Bank.
But after visiting Luxor myself, I realised something most first-time travellers miss…
In Luxor, it’s not just about picking the nicest hotel, it’s about choosing the right area to stay in.
I remember walking around the back streets of the East Bank thinking this is a true travel experience… But it definitely isn’t for everybody!
If you want easy access to Luxor Temple, restaurants, and nightlife, stay on the East Bank, it’s the most convenient base for first-time visitors, and home to many of the best hotels in Luxor Egypt.
For travellers seeking peace, sunsets, and authentic Egyptian life, the West Bank offers budget hotels and boutique stays with rooftop terraces overlooking the Nile and hot-air balloons drifting above the desert.
I’ve listed my top hotels and Nile cruise recommendations below — you can check the latest Luxor hotel deals here.
A famous cruise on the Nile.
And if you’re continuing your Egypt adventure, staying on a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the country, combining luxury cabins, guided excursions, and ever-changing views from your deck.
No matter your style or budget, Luxor has the perfect stay waiting, you just need to decide which side of the Nile suits you best
Ask yourself:
Do you want to be close to Luxor Temple, restaurants, and nightlife on the East Bank?
Or would you prefer quiet mornings, Nile views, and sunsets over the desert on the West Bank?
Once you know your travel style, picking the best place to stay in Luxor becomes much easier.
The Nile is amazing.
Understanding Luxor’s Layout.
Luxor may look small on the map, but the Nile divides the city into two very different worlds, and choosing the right side can completely shape your experience.
Believe me, walking through the East Bank with locals, dodging tuk-tuks and grabbing falafel by Luxor Temple, is a totally different experience to sipping coffee beside the Nile on the West Bank at a resort with panoramic river views.
On my first backpacking trip through Egypt, I wanted to be close to the temples, markets, and restaurants, so I based myself on the East Bank, and it turned out to be the perfect choice for exploring the city with ease.
Still, the West Bank has its magic too. Waking up surrounded by desert cliffs and knowing the Valley of the Kings is just minutes away is a true bucket-list experience…
Where you’re quite literally staying among Egypt’s ancient pharaohs.
Simple Map of Luxor’s landscape.
A city divided by the Nile.
The Nile isn’t just a river in Luxor, it’s the city’s lifeline and the reason it exists at all…
In ancient Egypt, the East Bank represented the land of the living, where the sun rose and temples were built to honour the gods.
The West Bank, where the sun set, symbolised the land of the dead… The resting place of pharaohs and nobles in the Valley of the Kings.
I still felt that contrast in Luxor on my visits.
The East Bank is all energy, temples, markets, rooftop cafés, and most of the best hotels in Luxor.
The West Bank still remains peaceful, lined with palm trees, local guesthouses, and endless desert views.
As the sun sets, feluccas glide across the river, and the light turns gold over the water, it was a daily reminder of why many travellers choose to stay in a Nile-view hotel in Luxor, or even sleep on a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.
If you’d rather wake up steps from the temples, cafés, and ferry docks, surrounded by the pulse of the city, then staying on the East Bank is the perfect base for your first time in Luxor.
Heading to Cairo aswell?
Here is my Cairo Hotel guide, with the best Pyramids view hotels!
Luxor’s landscape is separated by the Nile.
Where to stay on the East Bank — Central, Convenient & Lively.
For many first-timers in Luxor, the appeal of staying steps from Luxor Temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes is very appealing.
It’s the most convenient base for sightseeing, dining, and evening walks by the Nile, everything you’ll want to experience in Luxor is right on your doorstep.
This area includes:
Luxor Temple & Corniche Area.
The cultural centre of Luxor, where feluccas sail by the promenade and the temple glows golden at sunset. Many of the top-rated Nile view hotels in Luxor are located here, within walking distance of the ferry to the West Bank.
Karnak Temple Complex.
Just a short taxi or carriage ride north, Karnak is one of Egypt’s most impressive ancient sites. Staying nearby means you can visit early before the crowds and heat set in.
Luxor Market & Train Station.
Perfect for travellers continuing south to Aswan, or north to Cairo, this area has plenty of mid-range hotels, famous restaurants, and easy transport links.
If you’re looking for boutique hotels near Luxor Temple or Nile-view resorts on the East Bank, this side of the river has the widest range, from luxury to affordable comfort:
→ The Sofitel Winter Palace is Luxor’s timeless classic — elegant, central, and steps from the temple itself.
Views of Luxor Temple from my hotel.
✅ Why stay on the East Bank side?
Walking distance to Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Mummification Museum, and the Luxor Museum.
Home to most of the best hotels in Luxor, from boutique Nile-view stays to 5-star resorts.
Easy access to restaurants, Luxor Market, cafés, ATMs, and the ferry crossing to the West Bank.
Great base for day tours and Nile cruise departures.
⚠️ Things to keep in mind.
It’s busier and more tourist-focused than the West Bank.
Expect some street noise and touts near the main temples, similar to the Pyramids of Giza.
Nile-view rooms and riverfront hotels can book up quickly in peak season.
👉 Still wondering whether Luxor and Egypt are worth adding to your itinerary?
Read my full post on the top reasons to visit Egypt before you book your trip.
👉 See today’s top-rated hotels on Luxor’s East Bank (with updated prices).
A chaotic East Bank.
My Recommendation.
If it’s your first time in Luxor, the East Bank is by far the easiest and most practical base.
On my first visit, I stayed in a small hotel near the river and loved being able to stroll to the temple after dinner just as it lit up.
If I were visiting again, I’d choose a Nile-view hotel with breakfast included, as mornings here are made a beautiful breakfast with bucket list views.
These hotels are located close to the Nile banks with breakfast included:
🔑 Compare the best Luxor East Bank hotels with free breakfast here.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations on East Bank (Near Luxor Temple).
Budget: Happy Land Luxor Hostel (£) – A friendly, budget-friendly stay just a short walk from Luxor Temple and the Corniche. Perfect for solo travellers and backpackers who want a clean room, rooftop breakfasts, and an easy base near restaurants and ferry docks.
Mid-Range: Pavillon Winter Luxor (££) – A 4-star gem with garden views, modern rooms, and access to the legendary Sofitel Winter Palace pool and restaurants. Ideal for couples or first-timers looking for comfort, convenience, and a touch of old-world charm.
Luxury: Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor (££££) – A true Egyptian classic set on the Nile’s edge. This 5-star hotel offers elegant rooms, lush gardens, and unbeatable proximity to Luxor Temple. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in Luxor East Bank for travellers chasing timeless atmosphere and world-class service.
👉 Check today’s best deals for hotels near Luxor Temple and the Corniche here.
Luxor Temple at golden hours is steps away from the East Bank hotels.
Staying on the West Bank (Near Hot Air Balloons and Valley of the Kings).
There’s something almost otherworldly about waking up on Luxor’s West Bank.
While most travellers rush across the Nile for a few hours of sightseeing, staying here lets you slow down and live inside the history that made Egypt famous.
My mornings started quietly here…
Just the sound of birds and the faint hum of boats crossing the Nile.
I did see locals heading to the fields while the first hot-air balloons rose over the desert cliffs.
It was calm, authentic, and a completely different experience to staying in the city across the river. If that’s your things, Luxor is a great place in Egypt to relax.
Mornings in Luxor are dreamy.
Luxor’s sky is always full of balloons.
✅ Why stay on the West Bank — Calm, cultural & close to the tombs.
The West Bank isn’t just across the river; it’s a world apart.
Here, days begin with balloon launches and end with sunsets over the desert. It’s perfect for travellers who crave authenticity without losing comfort.
Instagram worthy balloon views:
Seeing a sky full of hot air balloons up close was such an awesome travel experience…
Most guesthouses and boutique stays have rooftops made for sunrise watching. I loved sipping tea while balloons rose silently over the tombs. It was surreal, and definitely one of the best Instagram moments in Egypt!
Walk to Ancient Egypt:
You’re minutes from the Valley of the Kings (home to some of the most famous tombs), the Temple of Hatshepsut, and Medinet Habu.
Waking up early gave us the ancient sites to ourselves on one trip. An Absolutely amazing moment!
Just imagine it… Walking where the pharaohs one did, but thousands of years later!
Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank.
Nile-Side Living:
You can almost guarantee a hotel on the banks of the Nile, as many stays sit right along the river, where the sound of passing feluccas replaces city noise.
I found the sunsets here to be as beautiful as anywhere I have visited in the world!
Warm Local Hospitality:
The West Bank is home to family-run lodges and Nubian-inspired guesthouses, where hosts greet you by name and our daily breakfast feels fresh and homemade.
Breakfast with the ultimate view - The River Nile.
Entering the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank.
⚠️ Things to know before booking.
Of course, staying on each side has its own benefits, and complications. You should be aware of these:
Crossing the Nile:
It’s quick and easy, as ferries run all day, but plan around the last crossings in the evening.
Expect Quiet Nights:
You won’t find nightlife or rooftop bars here. Evenings are for stargazing, not parties. It is completely different from the noisy bright lights of the East Bank.
Fewer Luxury Options:
Apart from Al Moudira Hotel, most stays are intimate guesthouses, which are charming, and authentic, but not exactly flashy
Luxor Train Station is on the East Bank.
🏨 Top 3 Hotels near Valley of the Kings.
These stays combine location, charm, and authentic Egyptian hospitality, the perfect base for exploring Luxor’s ancient wonders at the base of the Deir el-Bahari cliffs:
Al Moudira Hotel, West Bank (£££).
A true oasis on the edge of the desert, Al Moudira Hotel blends palace-style architecture with artistic Nubian touches.
Set amid lush courtyards and domed walkways, it’s the closest luxury hotel to the Valley of the Kings, with a pool, hammam, and rooms that feel like they belong in another era.
Villa Nile House (££).
A beautifully designed Nubian-style boutique stay with colourful murals, a rooftop terrace, and a small pool — all within a short drive of the tombs.
The home-cooked breakfast, friendly hosts, and peaceful setting make it one of the most loved mid-range hotels near the Valley of the Kings.
Perched along the river with sweeping views of the Nile and Theban Hills, this family-run guesthouse captures the warmth of the West Bank.
Simple but full of character, it’s ideal for travellers who want affordable accommodation near the Valley of the Kings without sacrificing atmosphere.
My Recommendation.
If the Valley of the Kings is on your bucket list then it is a no brainer to stay on the West Bank side.
Imagine sleeping next to the greatest pharaohs from ancient Egypt…
It is one way to tick off your bucket list in style.
If you are on a longer Egypt itinerary, with spare days, then you should spend a few nigths on each side of the river Nile, to enjoy a rounded experience.
The East Bank does get full on after a few days!
Temple life in Luxor.
🚢 Staying on the Nile — The Cruise Experience.
If you’d rather wake up somewhere new each morning, staying on a Nile cruise is one of the best ways to experience Egypt…
Most cruises sail between Aswan and Luxor over three to four days, stopping at iconic sites like Karnak Temple, Edfu, and Kom Ombo along the way…
However, there are plenty of ways to add one to your Cairo itinerary.
It’s comfortable, all-inclusive, and completely hassle-free, and your transport, accommodation, meals, and guided tours are all built into one unforgettable journey.
From the sundeck, you’ll watch daily life unfold along the river, such as fishermen casting nets, kids waving from the banks, and palm trees glowing at sunset.
✅ Why stay on a Nile cruise:
See Egypt’s highlights without unpacking twice.
Includes all meals and guided tours.
Enjoy rooftop pools, panoramic decks, and evening entertainment.
Ideal for couples and first-time visitors wanting a stress-free adventure.
⚠️ Things to know:
Cruises follow set itineraries and depart on fixed days.
Wi-Fi can be limited, but the views more than make up for it.
👉 Check availability for the top-rated Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise with hot air balloon here.
🚢 Top-Rated Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor - with Hot Air Balloon Ride!
Sail the legendary Nile in style on this 3-day luxury cruise from Aswan to Luxor — one of Egypt’s most unforgettable experiences.
You’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and other ancient highlights, with all meals included and a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West Bank to top it all off.
👉 Check live availability and prices for this highly rated Nile Cruise here.
Book the 3-Day Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise with Hot Air Balloon.
Luxor’s East Bank is an iconic cruise ship stop.
Best time to visit Luxor.
The best time to visit Luxor is from October to April, when days are warm, skies are clear, and it’s comfortable to explore temples and tombs.
Winter (December–February) is the most pleasant, while March – May and September – October offer fewer crowds and great hotel deals. The temperatures were still very hot in September when I visited Luxor and Aswan.
I would advise against visiting between June – August if you can, as temperatures often pass 40°C, making sightseeing tough unless you’re mostly relaxing by the pool or on a Nile cruise.
👉 For a full month-by-month guide, check my post on the Best and Worst Time to Visit Egypt before you book.
Crossing the Nile.
Things to do in Luxor.
Luxor is one of the world’s greatest open-air museums, therefore, every corner holds a piece of ancient history.
Visit the Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut: Explore the tombs of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs and one of the country’s most striking temples.
See Karnak & Luxor Temples: Wander these monumental sites by day or experience them dramatically lit at night.
Take a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: Watch the sun rise over the Nile and desert hills — an unforgettable highlight.
Sail on a Felucca at Sunset: Glide along the river as the sky turns gold and pink.
👉 Check out my guide to the best budget tours in Egypt for top-rated options and affordable ways to see Luxor’s highlights.
My first trip to Karnak Temple.
FAQs About Staying in Luxor.
After visiting Luxor several times, these are the questions I get asked most about where to stay, safety, and how long you really need here:
What is the best area to stay in Luxor for first-time visitors?
For most travellers, the East Bank is the best area to stay in Luxor. You’ll be within walking distance of Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, shops, and the best hotels in Luxor Egypt, including luxury Nile-view resorts and affordable mid-range options.
Is it better to stay on the East Bank or West Bank of Luxor?
It depends on your travel style. The East Bank is ideal for first-time visitors who want convenience, restaurants, and easy access to the main temples.
The West Bank offers a peaceful, local vibe with guesthouses near the Valley of the Kings, perfect for those seeking authentic stays and sunset views across the Nile. Many visitors split their time between both sides for the full experience.
What are the best hotels in Luxor with Nile views?
Some of the most popular Nile-view hotels in Luxor include the Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa, and Steigenberger Nile Palace. Each offers rooftop terraces, pools, and direct riverfront access, ideal for couples and first-time visitors.
👉 Check current rates for Nile-view hotels in Luxor here.
Are there budget hotels or guesthouses on Luxor’s West Bank?
Yes! The West Bank is home to many budget hotels and Nubian guesthouses with Nile or desert views.
Popular choices include Nile View Hotel and Villa Sunrise Luxor, both family-run, friendly, and within easy reach of the Valley of the Kings.
👉 Browse the latest deals for guesthouses on Luxor’s West Bank here.
Is Luxor safe for tourists?
Yes, Luxor is very safe for tourists, including solo travellers. Although I did come across some scamming locals, I didn’t feel threatened. Both the East and West Bank have strong security and friendly locals.
How many days do you need in Luxor?
I would suggest you plan at least 2–3 days in Luxor to see the main temples, tombs, and experience both banks of the Nile. Many travellers also extend their stay with a Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise, which is one of Egypt’s most iconic travel experiences.
Visiting King Tut.
My honest recommendation.
Luxor surprised me more than any other place in Egypt on my first trip.
As soon as I stepped off the sleeper train from Cairo, the hectic vibe just hit me!
I loved the energy of the East Bank… The sound of horse carriages clattering past Luxor Temple, the calls to prayer echoing across the Nile, and locals offering me tea as I wandered through the markets.
There’s a rhythm to it that feels chaotic at first… but once you settle in, it’s hard not to fall in love with the buzz.
Evenings by the river were ideal also, sitting on the Corniche, watching feluccas drift past while the temples created an ancient backdrop.
It is easy to head over to the West Bank to explore the wonders, therefore, I recommend you choose a nice hotel near Luxor Temple, and plan day trips to the West Bank.
Enjoy Luxor!