Luxor

Luxor offers a vibrant shopping experience with various markets and souvenirs to explore. Here are some major areas and markets where you can indulge in shopping:

• Luxor Souk: Located on Abd-El-Hameed Taha, this Souk sees tourists, as well as locals, bustling around as they look for a good deal. The Souk is divided into two parts -one for the tourists and one for the locals. From traditional clothing and jewelry to spices and souvenirs, you'll find it all here.
• Al-Karnak Market: Situated near the Karnak Temple, this market is known for its unique selection of handmade crafts, pottery, and local artwork. It's a great place to pick up authentic Egyptian souvenirs.
• Luxor West Bank Souk: Cross the Nile to the West Bank and explore this market for a more laid-back shopping experience. Here, you can find antiques, carpets, and handwoven textiles while enjoying beautiful views of the river.
• Luxor Weekly Market (Souq al-Gom'aa): Every Friday, locals and visitors alike flock to this large weekly market to browse through a wide array of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, household items, and souvenirs. It's a must-visit for an authentic shopping experience.

Note: To bargain before purchasing any item in Egypt is customary.

What to Buy:

• Egyptian Cotton Products: Luxor is famous for its high-quality Egyptian cotton, so why not take home some luxurious bed linens or towels as a souvenir?
• Alabaster Statues: Explore the local shops and markets for beautifully crafted alabaster statues depicting ancient Egyptian deities and symbols.
• Papyrus Art: Papyrus, an ancient writing material, is often used to create intricate artworks depicting scenes from Egyptian history and mythology. Look for authentic papyrus art pieces to bring home a piece of Egypt's heritage.
• Spices and Perfumes: Treat your senses to the exotic aromas of Egyptian spices and perfumes. You can find an array of spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron, as well as fragrant oils and perfumes inspired by ancient recipes.
• Handmade Jewelry: Adorn yourself with unique jewelry pieces inspired by ancient Egyptian designs. Look for intricately crafted pieces featuring scarab beetles, Ankh symbols, and hieroglyphics.
• Egyptian Antiques: For a truly special souvenir, consider purchasing an Egyptian antique such as a small statue, amulet, or piece of pottery. Just make sure to verify its authenticity and comply with any export regulations.

If you're wondering where to stay in Luxor, consider these points:

• East Bank: This area is the heart of the action. You'll find bustling markets, cozy cafes, and plenty of shops. Plus, it's super convenient because most of the top attractions like Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple are right nearby. Transportation is easy, and there are lots of options for dining and entertainment in the evenings.
• West Bank: If you prefer a more laid-back vibe and want to focus on exploring ancient sites, the West Bank might be your best bet. It's also generally more budget-friendly compared to the East Bank. However, keep in mind that you'll need to take a ferry or cab to reach the museums and markets on the East Bank.

• Public transport offers an economical way to get around, with options like buses and microbuses being the most budget-friendly, averaging around 2-5 EGP per ride.
• Accommodation in budget hotels or hostels can cost anywhere from 100-300 EGP per night, depending on amenities and location.
• Dining at local eateries and street food stalls provides delicious meals at reasonable prices, with a daily food budget ranging from 50-150 EGP.
• Sightseeing expenses include entrance fees to attractions like the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple Complex, typically around 80-200 EGP per site.
• Finally, miscellaneous activities such as shopping at local markets or taking a felucca ride on the Nile can add around 50-200 EGP to your daily budget.

• To experience amazing sunrises, head to the sites on the East Bank, and for sunsets, to the sites on the West Bank.
• Since there are numerous tombs and sites to explore, research and prioritize the ones you want to visit as getting inside a tomb often involves climbing stairs which is difficult and time taking.
• Most of the sites don't have a signage to explain what exactly they are, so it is recommended to get guided tours in case one wants indepth knowledge on them.
• Many sections of the main sites are closed off to the public, but with a small tip (baksheesh), the guards may allow you access to these forbidden areas.
• Passengers should ensure their electronic devices are fully charged before boarding trains to Luxor from Cairo and Aswan, as they lack electric sockets.