Things To Do
in Al Karnak

Central market near Luxor Temple selling spices, dried fruits, tea, falafel and shawarma stalls; ideal for trying small bites and buying local ingredients.

Clusters of vendors by the temple area offering koshari, falafel sandwiches and roasted corn — good for a quick, inexpensive meal.

Dress conservatively — shoulders and knees covered in many public places, and women should carry a scarf for mosque visits or conservative neighborhoods.

Start with a polite 'Salam Alaikum' (peace be upon you) and use right-hand for handshakes or passing objects. Men and women may avoid handshakes across genders unless offered.

Haggling is expected in souks and for many services — be friendly, polite and enjoy the process; know a rough price before agreeing.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women; some sites restrict flash or tripod use and guidelines are enforced at museums and some temples.

Tipping (baksheesh) is customary for many services: small helpers/porters 5–20 EGP, restaurant service 5–10% if no service charge, guides $5–10+ depending on length and quality, and drivers for day trips $3–10. Always carry small bills and tip in local currency (EGP).

Egyptian pound (EGP) is the currency; cash is king for markets, small restaurants and tips. Credit/debit cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and tourist shops but internet connectivity can be spotty; ATMs are common in Luxor but bring backup cash for remote areas.

Extremely hot and dry (June–August): daytime highs often exceed 40°C (104°F). Plan early-morning or late-afternoon temple visits, stay hydrated, wear sun protection and avoid strenuous activity midday.

Warm days and cooler nights (September–November), pleasant for touring. Occasional khamsin dust events can occur but overall comfortable for sightseeing.

Mild days and cool nights (December–February) — daytime temps 15–22°C (59–72°F) and chilly after dark. Great season for long visits and comfortable walks; bring a light jacket for evenings.

Warming up (March–May) and the start of khamsin (sandstorms) in late spring; mornings are pleasant but be prepared for dusty gusts and rising temperatures toward May.

Short but steep hike offering panoramic views over the Valley of the Kings and Luxor; best done early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat.

Guided walks between tomb sites, ridgelines and desert plateaus near the Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Medina — combine history with landscape views.

Explorable slopes and tracks around large mortuary temples that provide quieter walking and good vantage points for photography.

A riverside and village walk connecting the East Bank corniche to nearby Qurna settlements; cultural insight combined with light walking.

Majority of residents are Egyptian Arabs involved in tourism, agriculture and local trade; family-run businesses and multigenerational households are common.

Nubian cultural influences appear in southern Upper Egypt; Nubian villages along the Nile south of Luxor contribute distinct crafts, music and traditions.

A small population of expat archaeologists, tour operators and hospitality staff live seasonally in Luxor to support the tourism industry.

Visitors from around the world (Europe, Asia, the Americas) drawn to the archaeological sites; numbers fluctuate seasonally.

Vegetarian options are widely available (ful, koshari, salads, falafel). Ask for dishes without meat stock and be cautious with hidden animal fats. Many restaurants will accommodate simple vegetarian requests.

Vegan choices exist but are fewer; koshari, ful (confirm no butter/ghee), falafel, salads and lentils are safe bets — communicate requirements clearly in Arabic if possible.

Challenging in traditional bakeries and street food where breads are common; rice-based dishes and grilled meats are usually safe, but cross-contamination is possible.

Carry translated allergy cards; the use of nuts, sesame and dairy is common in Egyptian cooking, so inform cooks and check street food carefully.