15 Epic Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt

The oasis feeling as I was wandering around Aswan was a welcome change from other cities I had visited in Egypt. There is something special about the Nubian culture which offers visitors an authentic charm throughout the city.

The city is spread across the cataracts of the Nile, with many of its highlights situated on different islands, making a trip on the Nile a welcome necessity while exploring Egypt’s most southern city.

Here are 15 epic things to do in Aswan, which will capture your heart and make your trip rewarding!

The activities are in no particular order, however if you visit the Nubian Museum first and learn the interesting history of the Nubian people, it will make the rest of your trip more rewarding.

1. Nubian Museum

The Nubian Museum is a great place to start on your Aswan trip as it will help you to gain an understanding behind the cultural differences to other cities in Egypt.

I found the museum to be immaculate and my attention was captured as soon as I wandered into the main exhibition room and spotted the giant sandstone statue of Ramses II.

There is an impressive Abu Simbel model displayed which is really detailed, alongside some information about the temple.

I found one hour to be long enough to read the information boards, and to admire the artefacts on display. The museum has them ordered chronologically which makes it easier to follow the timeline of the long Nubian history.

The museum is air-conditioned well, so this makes for a good cheap activity to escape the soaring summer temperatures in Aswan.

Nubian Museum opening times: 9am – 5pm daily

Nubian Museum entrance fees: 200 EGP (£5)

2. Philae Temple

Another historical highlight in Aswan is the Temple of Philae on Agilkia Island. Also known as the ‘Temple of Isis’, the iconic structure was first built in 690 BS to honour Goddess ‘Isis’, and it has lived through many civilisations, including the Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Roman eras. All of which have left their own relics on the complex.

I found it fascinating trying to figure out the different wall carvings inside the main temple.

As one of the most picturesque temples in Egypt, Philae is very popular with visitors in Aswan, and many visit as the sun sets, so they can enjoy the daily ‘lights and songs show’ which is showcased. This includes vibrant bright lights, loud music, and expert storytelling. This is a great way to learn the history of such a famed landmark.

Philae Temple has been through a turbulent history in recent decades, as it has had to be completely moved from its original location, due to rising waters from the construction of the Aswan High Dam. In the 1960’s UNESCO and the Egyptian Government worked together to disassemble the temple, and relocate it to Agilkia Island. This made it even more impressive when I was observing the intricacies of the complex.

Philae Temple opening times: 7am – 5pm daily for regular visiting

Philae Temple entrance fees: 180 EGP (£4.50)

3. Aswan Botanical Garden

Another island that offers some tranquil vibes is ‘Kitchener’s Island’, which is located close to Elephantine Island, but a little further west. It is home to the Aswan Botanical Garden, an immaculate nature space, filled with exotic plants and birds.

This was the first stop on my felucca tour of Aswan, so I managed to catch the beauty of the island while the sun was still shining. 

Although the garden is 6.8 hectares, it didn’t take long to explore it, however, it does have some unique aspects. Imported birds from parts of Asia and other countries in Africa can be spotted on the grounds.

I only spent 30 minutes on this activity in Aswan, but it was really cheap and part of the route my local captain had planned for us. It is a recommended addition to your Nile tour!

Aswan Botanic Garden opening times: 8am – 5pm daily

Aswan Botanic Garden entrance fees: 70 EGP (£1.80)

4. Sunset felucca ride on the Nile

Sailing on a felucca boat on the Nile at sunset is the best way to feel the magic of Aswan. I deliberately waited for the perfect opportunity to ride on a felucca boat during my Egypt trip, and Aswan ticked every box.

A city full of tranquillity and picturesque islands combined perfectly with the beautiful Aswan sunset to make my felucca ride on the Nile one that I will never forget.

There are other ways to experience the famous river including luxurious cruises, or taxi boats, however, nothing beats the historical aspect of felucca boat sailing.

The quirky boats have been a bedrock to civilisations in Egypt dating back to ancient times. The local gentleman who was in charge of my felucca tour was saying that the boats were used for almost everything in antiquity, such as fishing, transportation and importing goods. I found it interesting that the feluccas still hold as much importance in modern day Egypt.

There are an abundance of options for a felucca ride, so it is a good idea to decide on a price you are willing to pay and stay firm with it until you secure your ride.

Average cost for a felucca ride = 250 EGP (£6.50)

5. Elephantine Island

Elephantine Island is an intriguing island, as it is the oldest inhabited part of Aswan. It is home to most of the Nubian guesthouses, so it was the area I chose to stay in during my Aswan stay. I found all the locals to be very polite and helpful, which made it extra special.

Historically, the island was a centre for trade in the city, for ivory and other goods. Its name derives from the terms ‘ivory’ and ‘elephant’ which is a constant reminder of the island’s important trade history.

I found the island to be very quiet these days, however, it is a great place to observe local life that offered a sense of gratitude during my wanderings.

I found Elephantine Island to offer the best views of the river Nile, especially from the restaurant terraces, which many of the guesthouses have. I found my meal in Bob Marley Guesthouse to be extra special with sunset views of the world famous river. 

Ferry from Mainland to Elephantine Island = 5 EGP each way

6. Aswan Market

If you are looking for an authentic market experience that is more oriented towards locals than tourists, then the bazaar in Aswan is a good place to experience the local shopping traditions.

The market experience in Aswan doesn’t compare to Khan el Khalili, or Luxor Market in terms of atmosphere and intensity, however, still shows insight into the unique haggling culture in Egypt. 

The market runs parallel with the main corniche of Aswan, so you can pop into the main walkway at various points of the marketplace.

If you visit the market on a morning like I did, then you will enjoy the experience of smelling freshly baked bread and the coffee beans from the market stalls.

There are several coffee shops with outdoor seating in the vicinity of the market area, which makes for a good spot to sit and observe the locals. The market is a great free activity, which filled up one of my afternoons in the Nubian sunshine.

7. Unfinished Obelisk

Building an obelisk was a popular funerary tradition in ancient Egypt, with the grand monuments said to attract the sun’s rays to start the resurrection of the dead.

The large number of obelisks in Egypt has reduced in number throughout the years, with only five still standing strong at the famous temples of ancient Egypt.

Interestingly in Aswan, the unfinished obelisk was discovered in its original spot within a quarry, as it was never erected due to cracks appearing in the granite. Queen Hatshepsut had ordered the project to place the obelisk in the Karnak Temple in Luxor, and it would have been the tallest and heaviest in Egyptian history.

Visitors can explore the flat obelisk which is lying in its original spot, but although it doesn’t offer too much to look at, if you book an official tour, you can learn a great deal about the history of the UNESCO site from the knowledgeable locals.

Unfinished Obelisk opening times: 7am – 4pm daily

Unfinished Obelisk entrance fees: 80 EGP (£2)

8. Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel

Lunch in a world-famous hotel is a great way to break up your action-packed Aswan itinerary, especially in the summer heat. The Sofitel Hotel is a luxurious hotel sitting on the banks of the Nile, that offers an escape from the city.

The private pool area has spa facilities and ideal views of the Nile. The palm trees combine perfectly with the sunshine to offer a serene experience.

Many visitors take a tour of the hotel to learn about the history of the spot, which has hosted Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie over the last century. The price range for the hotel’s suites are a small fortune, so a tour is the best way to appreciate the elegance of the hotel, without breaking the bank.

After your tour, you can dine in the 1902 restaurant, that is more friendly to all levels of budget, while still offering a nice day retreat feeling.

You can reach this famous hotel by walking straight down the main corniche alongside the Nile, and you will reach it just before the Nubian Museum.

9. Nubian Village

To experience the full essence of Nubian culture, you should visit a Nubian Village. A tourist’s visit to the famous villages usually includes a wander around the bazaar, a camel ride, and a traditional dinner in a Nubian home.

I visited the most famous village, which is called ‘Gharb Seheyl’. I took a taxi boat from Aswan directly to the village, and that included a young local captain to navigate us up the Nile and wait at the port area of the village until I was finished exploring.

The village was abundant with colourful homes, quirky art murals, and many local smiles!

My favorite part of the tour was sharing local tea in the local homes, and watching the locals perform. They played music, sang songs, and dragged all the tourists up to dance with them. A very unique travel experience.

You are likely to spot a crocodile or two in the Nubian villages, as the reptiles have lived side by side with the locals for thousands of years.

Average tour cost for Gharb Seheyl village tour = 1200 EGP (£30)

10. Aswan High Dam

The Aswan High Dam was constructed over half a century ago, in order to protect communities along the banks of the river Nile from flooding.

Another important reason why the Dam was built was to generate electricity for the growing population in Egypt, which was the vision of ‘Gamal Abdel Nasser’, the president of the time.

Today, the High Dam is usually included as part of a day tour covering multiple Aswan landmarks for international tourists.

The Dam is located around 13 km south of Aswan, and stands tall and wide, with its height reaching 11 metres, and its length of 3600 metres.

Although this isn’t the most iconic landmark in Aswan, it is a key part of the history of the region. It caused the relocation of some important temples and structures, so it is an interesting way to understand some of the city’s controversial recent past.

11. Abu Simbel day trip

Although the iconic Abu Simbel Temple is located several hundred kilometres south of Aswan, it is one of the most popular day trips for tourists in the city.

The grand landmark is located very close to the border with Sudan and can be reached by road or air. Many visitors book an official tour, which includes a knowledgeable guide, and return transport. This does include a very early alarm wake-up call though, as most tours aim to be back in Aswan for lunchtime.

There are two temples on site at Abu Simbel which Pharaoh Ramses II built, one for himself, and one dedicated to his wife, ‘Queen Nefatari’. The most famous features of the site are the four ‘10 meter’ high colossi statues that guard its entrance.

This temple dates back to 1264 BCE, however, had to be relocated further back from the banks of the Nile in the 1960’s, due to rising flood water from the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Average tour cost for Abu Simbel = 1000 EGP (£25)

12. Kalabsha Temple

Kalabsha Temple is located around 50km from Aswan, but it is a popular day trip for visitors to the city. It was first constructed dedicated to ‘Horus’, the Egyptian god.

It is said to be Egypt’s largest free-standing Temple, and similarly to the Temple of Philae in Aswan, it has intricate carvings throughout the site dating back through different civilizations.

Visitors to the Temple are free to wander around and explore what is usually a very quiet structure, as a result of its remote location. You do have to take a boat to Kalabsha, which is included in the cost of official tours. If you have a keen interest in Egyptology, then a guide is the best way to learn about the history of the temple.

As with other nearby temples, Kalabsha has undertaken a complete relocation due to the Aswan High Dam. This has now created a beautifully scenic location.

Kalabsha Temple opening times: 8am – 4pm daily

Kalabsha Temple entrance fees: 60 EGP (£1.50)

13. Qubbet el-Hawa

The Qubbet el-Hawa in Aswan is another short itinerary filler which offers a different perspective of the city. Many tourists enjoy visiting the necropolis to pay their respects at the site which is the final resting place of some ancient nobles and priests.

The small domed tombs is also known as ‘dome of the wind’, and were used between the Fourth dynasty and the Roman period.

Along with its vast history, the location of Quebbet el-Hawa also offers rewarding views of the river Nile and the surrounding city. It does require a steep hike to reach the landmark, so be prepared if visiting in hotter months.

I visited the site as part of my felucca tour, but you can reach it via ferry if you are visiting on your own.

14. Monastery of St. Simeon

Sitting on the West Bank of the Nile in Aswan is the Monastery of St. Simeon, a historic religious site. Although this side of the Nile in Aswan is inhabited due to the vast desert landscape, it still draws intrigue from visitors who want a glimpse into the city’s past.

It is said that Coptic monks would travel into Nubia with the aim of converting the locals to Christianity, and the Monastery would be their place of worship.

If you want to visit St. Simeon’s, then you need to travel across the Nile via taxi boat, before a short walk along the desert to the religious structure. Some International tourists enjoy riding a camel to the site. I also noticed many locals riding camels throughout my time in Aswan.

An important tip for you to consider when visiting the monastery is that there are no information boards across the site, like other landmarks in Aswan. If you want to gain understanding while exploring the site, you should consider hiring a local tour guide.

I read about the history of the monastery before I visited, so I had some understanding.

15. Aga Khan Mausoleum

A popular landmark in Aswan is the ‘Aga Khan Mausoleum’, which sits high on the Nile West Bank. Although visitors cannot enter inside the memorial building anymore, it is a common stop on felucca tours of Aswan.

The structure is steeped in history since it was constructed in 1957 to be the final resting place for the famous ‘Aga Khan’, a very influential figure in world affairs. There is also a love story attached to the famous building, as after his death, his wife laid a rose at the site in his memory every day for over 40 years.

His ‘tomb’ is located opposite the Cataract Hotel, so it is in prime position for visitors to take photos from the river Nile.

Some Tips for your Aswan Trip

If you are staying in the Nubian guest houses on Elephantine Island, there is a ferry crossing for 5 EGP each way per person. This is considerably cheaper than what the locals will charge on feluccas or taxi boats.

You can tick off several of the famous landmarks on one tour of the Nile, so some planning can ensure you can tick off all of the highlights in a cheaper and more efficient way.

As you leave Aswan Railway station upon arrival, you will be approached by locals offering taxis and tours. I found it a good idea to walk away from the station towards the main corniche alongside the Nile to get my bearings. You can then find a cheaper taxi or most accommodation options on the mainland are within walking distance.

Best time to visit Aswan

Due to Aswan’s southern location in Egypt, it is subject to the hottest and driest weather conditions. A summer visit is not recommended for International visitors. I toured Aswan in September and it reached 47 degrees Celsius making some activities difficult.

Traveling between October and May is the best time to make the most of your time in the city, while still enjoying some sunshine.