Which is better to go to: Luxor or Alexandria?
Dec 30, 2023 By Sean William

Where should I go, Alexandria or Luxor? Many vacationers wonder about this very thing. You'll get more for your money if you take the time to research the two cities to see which one offers the best combination of price and entertainment. The information shown here were gathered from real passengers, so let's get down to business.

Luxor or Alexandria?

Luxor

History buffs should visit Egypt. Luxor has a wonderful past. This beautiful city is full of history, from ancient Thebes-era architecture to the Nile-side temples. Most guests stay on the East Bank, Luxor Township's centre. The West Bank has the best archaeological sites, but most hotels and resorts are here. Before visiting Egypt, investigate current events and politics. Postponing due to inclement weather may reduce attendance. Dress modestly, ladies. This region is traditional.

Alexandria

Alexandria, Egypt, has one of the few rich, complex, tragic, and intriguing histories. Alexander the Great established Egypt's second-largest metropolis in 331 BC. Storms wrecked the magnificent Alexandria Lighthouse, horrifying the town. The Alexandria library burned, destroying irreplaceable historical treasures. Despite their demise, these structures are historically significant. Alexandria attracts tourists worldwide. Alexandria has overcome difficulties and is ready to recuperate.

What's More Interesting, Luxor or Alexandria?

You'll spend time in the city and on the water in Alexandria. In and around the historic Corniche and Al Ibrahimiyyah, you'll find modern urban areas teeming with cafes frequented by locals. You may explore the area at your own pace, stopping to sample Egyptian coffees and the aromatic tobacco smoke rising from the many shisha pipes lining the streets. Zanket el-Setat Bazaar is fantastic for people-watching and eating, while the Alexandria National Museum is excellent for history buffs. Abu Qir Beach, located just beneath the Burj fort, is a great place to relax, as is Cleopatra Beach, located a bit closer to the city centre and known for its calm waters.

The ancient past of Luxor is the main attraction. Spend most of your time seeing major temples and UNESCO-recognized landmarks. The Valley of the Kings on the western bank of the Nile and the Temple of Karnak on the eastern bank are the two most important sites to see. After that, you may book a trip on a tour boat down the Nile to Aswan or a 4x4 excursion into the desert in the interior.

Luxor Or Alexandria for Outdoor Adventure?

Alexandria is still larger than Cairo, but it is no longer one of the largest Mediterranean towns as it was during Alexander the Great. Nature enthusiasts will be disappointed because it's a big city unless you look north at the ocean. The Corniche's wave-lapped beaches or the farther east and west beaches constantly call. Snorkelling, wild swimming, and scuba diving abound.

Luxor has no saltwater. Hurghada, Egypt's centre, is four hours from the Red Sea. Wide deserts and cinnamon-colored mountains surround it. It offers three- to four-hour hikes across the lush Nile Valley and the arid Valley of the Kings. A desert safari to find poisonous snakes and other reptiles in the area's dunes might begin here. It also starts river cruises to Aswan. This matchup benefits from that.

Historic Sites: Luxor or Alexandria.

Alexandria is quite old, but time has yet to be kind. A Wonder of the Ancient World once stood where a gigantic 700-year-old fortress now stands (the Pharos lighthouse). Roman fires destroyed the library. A new, enhanced version replaced it. Alexandria's Corniche retains some of its 1950s beauty despite a complete renovation.

Luxor is unaffected. This southern village is a "veritable open-air museum." This is Egypt's most impressive historical site. The towering columns of the 4,000-year-old Temple of Karnak, the enigmatic tombs of the Valley of the Kings (some of which are 3,500 years old), and the hamlet of Deir el-Medina, formerly home to the people who built these massive shrines and chambers, are some of the things to see.

Where Can You Get Better Food, Luxor, or Alexandria?

Alexandria has Egypt's best meals. Its cuisine is mainly influenced by Greek mezze and Italian flair, while Luxor can only dream of its delicious fish. Try the famous liver sandwiches, chilli-topped snappers and prawns, and Alexandrian fondue spreads. Luxor offers Upper Egypt's southernmost cuisine. This cuisine, inspired by sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean, features a strong pulse, chicken soups, and fire-cooked bread like aish baladi (the Egyptian answer to pita or nan).

Hotels In Luxor or Alexandria?

Luxor has Egypt's best hotels. Booking.com has just 190 accommodations. The luxurious houses here overlook the palm-lined Nile River, where you may rest in one of the numerous sparkling pools. Luxor has several budget and mid-range hotels. Alexandria isn't an Egyptian tourist destination. It has fewer hotels than Cairo, for example.

Conclusion

This is a game Luxor must win. No matter how many other destinations a first-time tourist has on their itinerary, Egypt should be towards the top. The Valley of the Kings is home to some of Africa's most impressive structures, including monumental temples and royal tombs. I implore you not to sleep on it. Alexandria is a fantastic alternative for individuals who only have a little time and can only see northern Egypt. This is the superior option if you enjoy city and beach vacations.