Luxor, The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum: A Fun-Filled Visitor’s Guide

Tasting Luxor: What to Eat and Where

Exploring ancient temples works up an appetite! Luckily, Luxor offers a delicious journey into authentic Egyptian cuisine. Forget the generic hotel buffets and dive into these local flavors.

Must-Try Egyptian Dishes

• Koshary: The undisputed national dish of Egypt. It’s a hearty and flavorful bowl of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It sounds strange, but it’s pure comfort food!
• Ful Medames & Ta’ameya: This is the classic Egyptian breakfast. Ful is a rich paste of slow-cooked fava beans, while Ta’ameya is Egypt’s version of falafel (made with fava beans instead of chickpeas), which makes it lighter and fluffier.
• Mahshi: A beloved home-style dish. Vegetables like zucchini, peppers, eggplant, or cabbage leaves are stuffed with a fragrant mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, then slow-cooked in a tomato broth.
• Feteer Meshaltet: An incredible flaky, layered pastry that can be eaten for any meal. Enjoy it plain, dipped in honey, or stuffed with cheese or minced meat.
• Kofta and Kebab: You can’t go wrong with savory grilled meats. Kofta is spiced minced lamb or beef formed onto a skewer, while Kebab is chunks of marinated grilled meat. Served with fresh bread, tahini, and salads, it’s always a winner.

Where to Find the Best Food

• Restaurants with a Nile View: Many eateries along the East Bank corniche and on the quieter West Bank offer stunning views of the Nile. They are perfect for a relaxing dinner while watching the feluccas sail by.
• Authentic Local Eateries: Don’t be afraid to step into the smaller, bustling local spots away from the main tourist drag. This is where you’ll find the most delicious and affordable Koshari and Ta’ameya.
• Sofra Restaurant: For a guaranteed fantastic meal, visit Sofra. It’s one of Luxor’s most famous restaurants, serving traditional Egyptian food in a beautifully decorated, classic Egyptian house. It’s an experience in itself.

From authentic local kitchens to elegant dining with a Nile view, the city is full of culinary treasures. For a guaranteed great meal, explore our guide to the 10 best restaurants in Luxor.

Luxor After Dark: Best Evening Activities

When the sun sets and the desert heat subsides, Luxor transforms. The evenings offer a magical and relaxed atmosphere perfect for new adventures.

• See the Temples Illuminated: Both Karnak and Luxor Temples are even more dramatic at night. Attend the famous Karnak Sound and Light Show, where you walk through the temple as stories from its history are narrated with lights and music. Afterwards, visit Luxor Temple, which stays open late and is breathtakingly beautiful under the floodlights.
• Take a Dinner Cruise on the Nile: A classic Luxor experience. Enjoy a buffet dinner while floating down the majestic Nile. Most cruises feature live music and traditional entertainment like belly dancing and a mesmerizing Tanoura (whirling dervish) show.
• Explore the Luxor Souq: The local market truly comes alive at night. The air is cooler, and the shops are buzzing. It’s the perfect time to browse for spices, alabaster crafts, scarves, and souvenirs. Remember to haggle with a smile!
• Relax at a Shisha Café: Do as the locals do! Find a comfortable outdoor café along the Nile or near the market, order a refreshing mint tea (shai be nana), and maybe try a shisha pipe. It’s the best way to people-watch and soak in the local atmosphere.
• Enjoy a Quiet Felucca Ride: While sunset rides are popular, an evening sail on a traditional felucca can be even more magical. Gliding silently on the Nile under a sky full of stars is a peaceful and unforgettable way to end your day.

While these are the highlights, Luxor offers even more ways to enjoy the cooler evening air. For a complete list of ideas and insider tips, see our full guide on the best things to do in Luxor at night.