Egypt travel guide
Aswan
Yes, Aswan is worth visiting for Philae's Temple of Isis, Elephantine Island, the Nubian Museum and the Unfinished Obelisk. Allow two or three days, plus one more for Abu Simbel.
Photo: Original: Mohamed Hozyen Derivative work: Aristeas / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Aswan in brief
Yes, Aswan is worth visiting for Philae's Temple of Isis, Elephantine Island, the Nubian Museum and the Unfinished Obelisk. Allow two or three days, plus one more for Abu Simbel.
Why visit Aswan
Visit Aswan for Nubian culture, island temples, and Nile scenery at a slower pace than Luxor. Take a boat to Philae to see the Temple of Isis. Explore Elephantine Island, then visit the Nubian Museum for regional history. The Unfinished Obelisk reveals ancient stonework in the granite quarry. A felucca sail offers a relaxed way to enjoy the river.
Allow two or three days for the main sights, with an extra day for Abu Simbel. Plan the Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser as separate excursions from the city sights. October through April offers more comfortable weather for walking and boat trips. Bring sun protection for exposed sites.
History, tips, best time to go and what to see.
Read the full Aswan guideWhat to see
Top Places to Visit in Aswan
Elephantine Island
Elephantine, opposite central Aswan, holds an ancient frontier town, the temples of Khnum and Satet, a Nilometer, and living Nubian villages. How to visit in about two hours.
Explore
Nubian Museum
A practical guide to Aswan's Nubian Museum: its galleries and garden, a suggested route, how long to allow, and how to fit it into your Aswan days.
ExploreSail the Nile
Nile Cruises from Aswan
Popular routes: 3 nights Aswan to Luxor · 7 nights round trip via Luxor.
Luxury · 4N
Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise offers a luxury river journey between Luxor and Aswan, providing guests with attentive service, spacious accommodations, and…
Cruise from, per person$3,420View
Standard · 3N / 4N
Jaz Crown Jubilee Nile Cruise
The Jaz Crown Jubilee Nile Cruise offers a deluxe river experience between Luxor and Aswan, blending modern comfort with classic Egyptian hospitality…
Cruise from, per person$750View
Deluxe · 3N / 4N
Royal Beaurivage
The Royal Beaurivage is a deluxe Nile cruise vessel offering a sophisticated sailing experience between Luxor and Aswan, blending classic elegance with…
Cruise from, per person$485View
Deluxe · 3N / 4N
Concerto Plus
The Concerto Plus offers a deluxe Nile cruise experience between Luxor and Aswan, blending contemporary design with traditional Egyptian hospitality for a…
Cruise from, per person$750View
Luxury · 3N / 4N
Acamar Nile Cruise
The MS Acamar is a deluxe Nile cruise ship offering a refined boutique experience between Luxor and Aswan, blending modern elegance with…
Cruise from, per person$925View
Luxury · 3N / 4N
Sonesta Star Goddess
The Sonesta Star Goddess is an all-suite luxury Nile vessel offering an elegant cruising experience between Luxor and Aswan for discerning travelers…
Cruise from, per person$1,500View
What to book
Recommended Aswan tours
View all tours
Aswan Day Trip from Luxor: High Dam, Philae & Unfinished Obelisk
Luxor · Aswan
- Guided toursEgyptologist guide
- MealsAs listed
Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan by Flight with a Private Guide
Aswan · Abu Simbel
- FlightsIncluded
- Guided toursEgyptologist guide
5-Day Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Tour with Domestic Flights
Cairo · Luxor · Aswan
- 4 nightsIn hotels
- Domestic flightsIncluded
- Guided toursEgyptologist guide
- Entrance ticketsIncluded
10-Day Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise Tour with Abu Simbel
Cairo · Alexandria · Luxor · Aswan · Abu Simbel
- 5 nightsIn hotels
- 4 nightsOn the Nile cruise
- Domestic flightsIncluded
- Guided toursEgyptologist guide
7-Day Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour by Flight, Aswan to Luxor
Cairo · Aswan · Luxor
- 3 nightsIn hotels
- 3 nightsOn the Nile cruise
- Domestic flightsIncluded
- Guided toursEgyptologist guide
Where to stay
Top Hotels in Aswan
Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Aswan
Mövenpick Resort Aswan offers a five-star retreat situated on Elephantine Island, providing panoramic views of the Nile River and the historic city of Aswan.
View HotelTolip Aswan Hotel
Aswan
Tolip Aswan Hotel offers a 5-star retreat on the banks of the Nile, featuring panoramic river views and high-end amenities in the heart of Aswan.
View Hotel
Pyramisa Island Hotel Aswan
Aswan
Pyramisa Island Hotel Aswan is a 5-star resort located on a private island in the middle of the Nile, offering views of the river and the Aga Khan Mausoleum.
View HotelBenben by Le Méridien
Aswan
Perched on a granite island in the Nile, Benben by Le Méridien is a boutique eco-luxury retreat offering panoramic views of Aswan's historic landmarks and the High Dam.
View HotelSofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
Aswan
Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is a historic 5-star colonial-era hotel offering views of the Nile and Elephantine Island from its perch on a pink granite cliff.
View HotelPlan your visit
Useful travel information for Aswan
Best time to visit
The most comfortable months for walking and boat trips are October through April. Avoid the summer months when the heat makes outdoor sightseeing difficult.
How many days?
Plan for two or three days to see the main sites at a comfortable speed. You will need an extra day if you intend to travel south to Abu Simbel.
Getting around
Small wooden boats called feluccas or motorized ferries are the main way to reach the island sites. On land, taxis are common for reaching the Unfinished Obelisk or the High Dam.
FAQs
Aswan FAQs
Is Abu Simbel in Aswan?
No. Abu Simbel is about 280 km (175 miles) south of Aswan, near the Sudan border. Most travelers stay in Aswan and go by road, about three hours each way, or on a short flight.
How do you get to Philae Temple?
By boat. Philae sits on Agilkia Island, so you drive to the Philae marina and take a short motorboat ride to the temple.
Is Aswan or Luxor better?
They suit different travelers. Luxor has more temples and tombs, while Aswan is quieter, with river scenery and Nubian heritage. A Nile cruise lets you see both.
Can you swim in the Nile at Aswan?
Only in a few spots near the Nubian villages, and only after checking with locals. Currents are strong, and some stretches carry a parasite risk.
What's the best way to see the First Cataract?
By felucca. A private sail takes you slowly between the granite islands, where larger cruise boats can't go.
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