Bon Appetit

1886 Restaurant
Smart dress required, but 1886 – housed in a classic old Luxor institution – really delivers on the fine European delicacies. Old Winter Palace Hotel, Corniche El-Nil, East Bank, +20 95 238 0422

Oasis Café
Brims with colonial elegance, which is reason enough to savour a frothy cappuccino at least. Sharia Dr Labib Habashi, East Bank, +20 95 336 7121

Sofra
A home-style restaurant specialising in traditional Egyptian cuisine. 90 Sharia Mohamed Farid, East Bank, +20 95 235 9752, www.sofra.com.eg

A Brush with the Past

The ancient city of Luxor has recently enjoyed a much-needed facelift. In addition to a new railway station, a new hospital and new roads, the city centre has benefitted from an intenstive clean-up.

Suitcase Fillers

Fair Trade Centre
The only place to shop in Luxor for the conscientious traveller. Sharia Al-Karnak, East Bank, +20 95 236 0870, www.egyptfairtrade.com

At Your Leisure

Hot-air Ballooning
The best way to beat the crowds among the tombs and temples of Luxor’s West Bank. The view over the monuments and mountains is breathtaking. Arrange through your hotel or any travel agent.