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Best sunset spots in Luxor

The sun sets behind the Theban hills every evening — five places to watch it, ranging from free to $50.

Guide
Experiences
Length
5 min read
Region
Luxor
Sun setting behind the West Bank hills across the Nile from Luxor Sun setting behind the West Bank hills across the Nile from Luxor

From a felucca

This is the classic. Board at the Winter Palace jetty or the ferry landing 45 minutes before sunset. $10-15 for the whole boat for an hour, private. The captain will tack across the river so the temples slide past on one side and the palms silhouette on the other. Bring a beer from the hotel bar; sunset itself is 6 minutes.

From a rooftop

Nefertiti Hotel's roof (free with a drink, $3 for a mint tea) faces the West Bank with Luxor Temple's pylon in the foreground. The Sofitel Winter Palace's garden pool has the same westerly view with more polish. On the West Bank, Marsam Hotel's terrace looks back east over the sugarcane with the hills behind you glowing.

From the West Bank hills

The path above Hatshepsut's temple to the ancient workers' village at Deir el-Medina climbs to a saddle with a view over the whole floodplain. It's a 30-minute steep walk from the Valley of the Queens road. Sites close at 5pm so you’d be doing this late afternoon and walking down at dusk — bring a torch.

From a balloon (technically sunrise)

For symmetry: the sunrise balloon flight ($80-100) does for morning what the felucca does for evening. Both should be on your list.

From Banana Island

The motorboat trip 5km south to Banana Island ($10 including boat, walk and tea) gets you back to the East Bank right at sunset. Ask the captain to time it — most will.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask before they set off on this one.

What time does the sun set in Luxor?

Around 5pm in December, 6:45pm in June. Check on the day — the Theban hills eat the last 15 minutes of light.

Is the felucca captain reliable at the ferry landing?

Yes, but agree the price and length in advance. $12-15 for an hour is fair for the whole boat.

Any sunset spot away from other tourists?

The Marsam Hotel terrace on the West Bank, or a bike ride out to the sugarcane fields at Ba’irat.

Can I combine sunset with dinner?

Yes — do the felucca 5-6pm, then walk to Sofra or Al-Sahaby Lane for dinner by 7.

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