Things to do in Aswan, Egypt

Aswan is one of Egypt’s most famous cities, and with good reason. Being located on the eastern bank of the Nile, and most importantly at its first cataract, it has always enjoyed a privileged importance. When considering what to see in Aswan, you’ll find both authentic gems of the ancient world and charming souks. Aswan is a city that perfectly reflects the mix of the characteristic colour of the Arab world and the mysticism of ancient Egypt.

In this post we are going to explain everything you must see in Aswan! Its gigantic Dam, the magnificent temple of Philae at sunrise, an excursion to Abu Simbel… Read on so you don’t miss any of the treasures hidden in this beautiful commercial city that belonged to the ancient Kingdom of Nubia. Take advantage of all our tips and worry only about enjoying all the wonders you’ll be able to see in Aswan.

What are the best places to see in Aswan?

1. Temple of Philae

The Temple of Philae or Philae is located about ten kilometres from Aswan, on a small island called Agilkia. This temple dedicated to Isis, goddess of love, magic and motherhood, is in a unique setting, surrounded by the waters of the Nile River – one of the most beautiful and best preserved you’ll see in Aswan and Egypt! As you walk through its mystical entrance pillars, you’ll spend hours admiring its hieroglyphs from the time of the pharaohs. From the Temple of Philae you can also visit other monuments on the island such as the Temple of Hathor, Hadrian’s Gate and Trajan’s Kiosk.

The island is accessible by taxi or boat and is open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 4pm. The entrance fee is 100 EGP for adults and 50 EGP for accredited students. However, there are several packs with various companies that include the Temple of Philae, the Aswan Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in a single fixed price. In that case, it ranges from €55 to €65.

2. The Aswan Dam

The massive Aswan Dam is one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century and stands at no less than 111 metres high. In Aswan, you’ll be impressed to see this massive construction that helped control the numerous floods of the Nile River and produce electricity for much of the country. Although some temples had to be moved, it also gave rise to Lake Nasser. Just 20 kilometres south of Aswan, come and be impressed by the sheer scale of this enormous dam!

3. The Unfinished Obelisk

You can also visit an Unfinished Obelisk from over 3,500 years ago. In fact, this city was one of the most important quarries in Ancient Egypt. Legend has it that the Pharaoh Hatshepsut ordered its construction with the idea that it would be the largest obelisk in Egypt. However, several cracks formed during the splitting of the original rock and so the project was stalled. When you visit it you will be able to discover the work and techniques that were used at that time, it is most curious.

4. The Elephantine Island

Elephantine Island is located opposite the first waterfall because it was used as a key point to control ancient trade routes. This island is notable for its bright white structures decorated with other colours, as it was once inhabited by the Nubian community. From here you can also visit the Aswan Museum, the ruins of the ancient temple of Khnum and two curious nilometers (an ancient instrument used to measure the clarity and level of the river).

When you go to see Aswan, you’ll find that Elephantine Island is easily accessible by public ferry – there’s no excuse!

5. Hunger Trail

The Stele of Hunger is another of the wonders you must see in Aswan. It is a text of exactly thirty-two columns engraved on a single block of granite rock. No traveller is indifferent to such a work whose texts are more than 2,000 years old! It tells the story of a great drought during the reign of the Zoser dynasty. We don’t know if this is a true story or not, but we assure you that you will be mesmerised by these mysterious hieroglyphs.

6. Gharb Soheil

Gharb Soheil is a charming and colourful little town that you can’t miss on your trip to Aswan. It’s easily accessible from Aswan by boat, and we particularly recommend the falucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

The best part is that you get to experience the Nubian culture! The Nubian people are an ancient civilisation that spread along the banks of the Nile River and still maintain their customs and way of life today. The Nubians share traditions that are very different from those of the Egyptians, and by visiting this enclave you can take advantage of your trip to Aswan to get to know two different cultures. As well as strolling through the colourful streets, we recommend a visit to the many craft shops in the town.

@AXP Photography Walk through the beautiful streets of Gharb Soheil

7. Tombs of the Nobles

The Tombs of the Nobles are also known as the necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa. They are located in a most stunning location, high above the banks of the mystical River Nile. It consists of no less than 60 tombs of high-ranking officials from the late Pharaonic period and mummies dating back more than 2,500 years. The Tombs of the Nobles are open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is 70 EGP.

8. Monastery of St. Simeon

Near the Tombs of the Nobles, the Monastery of San Simeon is hidden. This monastery was built to promote Christianity in Nubia and is one of the 6th-century pearls to see in Aswan. Although it was abandoned in the 13th century, millions of travellers still marvel at the frescoes in the remains of what was once the basilica. Entrance to the Monastery of St. Simeon costs 40 EGP, although there are several tours of varying price ranges that offer guided tours. It is important to note that the site closes at 16:00.

9. Mausoleum of Aga Khan

Next to the monastery stands the mystical Mausoleum of the Aga Khan. There is the tomb of Sultan Mahommed Shah the Aga Khan III. Although the interior is inaccessible, it’s worth taking a stroll along the banks of the Nile River or on a boat to appreciate its shimmering pink stonework. The Mausoleum of the Aga Khan is one of the monuments you’ll want to see in Aswan and take plenty of photos of.

10. Souk of Aswan and the Nubia Museum

The souk of Aswan is one of the most representative of the country, as it is a real treat for the senses of those who visit it. Once you’ve bargained and bought souvenirs for your loved ones, we recommend a visit to the Nubia Museum, where you can see pieces that were rescued after the construction of the dam. The museum is open daily from 9am-1pm and 5-9pm and admission costs 20 EGP.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Aswan?

1. Abu Simbel

If you’re wondering what to see around Aswan, one of the must-see stops for every traveller is Abu Simbel. Before they were trapped under the waters of the Nile, the temples of the famous Pharaoh Ramses II and that of his favourite wife, Nefertari, were moved here in 1968. They are in very good condition, to the delight of all travellers who love Ancient Egypt, and it is only three hours from Aswan!

The most convenient option is to go on an organised trip from Aswan with an English-speaking Egyptologist, although you can also go by public transport or taxi. The entrance fee in either case is 255 EGP per adult and must be paid in cash, so be sure to bring cash with you. Visiting hours at Abu Simbel are from 5:00 to 18:00 Monday to Sunday, and during the month of Ramadan may change, so be well informed.

2. Kom Ombo and Edfu

Just 40 kilometres north of Aswan are the important temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu. It’s also an excellent geographical location when you’re visiting Aswan because it’s halfway between Aswan and Luxor. As well as being a place to worship the gods Sobek and Haroeris, this architectural gem is impressive for its curious design in which all the shapes are symmetrically replicated.

What to see in 2 days in Aswan?

And so that you don’t miss anything important in case you have only two days to visit the city, what we recommend you to see and do in Aswan is:

• Visit the Temple of Philae.
• Go by falucca to Gharb Soheil.
• Enter the souk of Aswan.
• Tour the Aswan Dam.

Where and what to eat in Aswan?

During your trip to Aswan, you will also be able to enjoy a gastronomic experience. As one of Egypt’s most visited cities, it has a wide range of delicious traditional food on offer. You must try the mezzes, the hummus, or the dolmas, all of which are incredible!

• Mezze Restaurant: In addition to its breathtaking views of Aswan, Mezze Restaurant stands out for offering traditional Egyptian cuisine from the best chefs. In addition, the friendliness of the waiters also permeates the atmosphere, making it a very pleasant place. The average price is €35 per person.
• Bob Marley: A charming restaurant overlooking the River Nile. At Bob Marley, you can sample Egyptian cuisine and escape the hustle and bustle. The menu is not as varied as in other restaurants, but everything is delicious. The average price is €9-14 per person.
• Al Qahwa Café: If you prefer to enjoy the best coffee and desserts in Aswan, Al Qahwa Café is the place for you. You can also eat traditional Egyptian food there, and most importantly, sweeten your trip to Aswan even more. The average price is €14-40 per person.

Where to stay in Aswan?

• Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan: A truly iconic and elegant hotel on the banks of the Nile, opposite Elephantine Island. It is a Victorian building with an impressive pink granite façade. All the luxurious rooms are en-suite, air-conditioned and beautifully decorated. Guests can enjoy multiple amenities such as a spa, gym, hammam and whirlpool bath, and there are 4 restaurants! The average price is €320 for a double room for two people.
• Mövenpick Aswan: Located in the heart of Elephantine Island, the Mövenpick Aswan blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature. An ideal accommodation for those seeking relaxation and comfort. The hotel is very conscious of respecting the wonderful environment in which it is located without compromising on spaciousness and elegance in its 404 rooms. In addition, guests can choose from 4 restaurants and 3 bars. The average price is €95 for a double room for two people.
• BenBen By Dhara Hotels: A simply spectacular location, overlooking the Nile and the Temple of Philae. All rooms have air conditioning, desk, fridge, minibar, safe, TV, terrace and private bathroom with shower. The average price is €150 for a double room for two people.

What should I consider before travelling to Aswan?

• The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
• We recommend that you exchange money before your trip to Aswan, as it will be cheaper than at the airport.
• The best months to see Aswan are March to May and September to November.
• Tourist sites and hotels are quite safe because the government spends a lot of money to protect tourists, although it was previously quite a dangerous country.
• If you’re travelling on your own, it’s best to follow the traditional road routes set by agencies and the government. This way, you’ll travel much more relaxed.
• To enter Egypt, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a visa.
• Always drink bottled water
• Take sunscreen and mosquito repellent with you, there are many mosquitoes in the Nile area!
• Get yourself an eSIM card.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Aswan?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own travel tips for Aswan
• Enjoy your trip to Aswan!

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Aswan