Quick Tips & Getting Around
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| Hatshepshut's Temple |
Karnak is almost 3km north on the Corniche from Luxor Temple, which can be a pleasant walk. A taxi between temples should cost 3EP.
Food along the Corniche is overpriced and not particularly good, as the setting is the main draw.
A student ID (ISIC) will give substantial discounts on temples, museums, and West Bank tickets.
I bought my ticket to Cairo right after arriving from Aswan. Seats may sell out, and you don't want to make a special trip to the train station. "Lines" are loosely defined here, so you must keep pressing toward the ticket window or people will just walk in front of you. I managed to throw a couple tourists up as a blockade when an old woman was eyeing me. I got to the window first and she still yelled out her request while I spoke to the clerk.
Getting Around
Most hotels are on the East Bank. The ferry to the West Bank is 1EP each way and the pier is across from Luxor Temple. If you are charged for round-trip, save your receipt. Caleches, horse carriages, are very cheap with good bargaining—only tourists ride these. Taxis will slow down and honk to attract you, so if you don't need one, don't make eye contact. If you don't mind the Corniche touts, take a felucca ride, as the scenery is lovely. It should be around 15EP per hour if prices in Cairo and Aswan are on par.
Buses are confusing for travelers. They are minibuses and the routes are not clear to non-Arabic speakers; flag them down, tell the driver where you are going, and squeeze in. Since I never needed one until I returned to the train station and I'd have difficulty fitting my backpack on the little van, it wasn't an option - I just walked. If you do want to take a minibus, be aware they do not drive along the Corniche. Catch them before they turn away from the Nile.
Luxor is small, and many attractions can be reached by walking from your hotel.
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| Statues at Hatshepshut's Temple |