Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt: Temples, Nubian Villages & Abu Simbel

The main things to do in Aswan are Philae Temple, a felucca sail around Elephantine and Kitchener's Islands, a visit to a Nubian village, the Nubian Museum, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam, and a sunrise trip to Abu Simbel. Two full days covers the highlights; add a third if you are going to Abu Simbel.

Aswan is Egypt's southernmost city on the Nile, and it feels different from Cairo and Luxor. The river here is broken by granite boulders and islands, the desert comes right down to the west bank, and the city has a slower, gentler rhythm. It is also the heart of Nubian culture in Egypt, which gives Aswan its colorful villages, music, food, and hospitality.

This guide covers the main sights and experiences, how long to spend, and how to fit Aswan into a wider journey along the Nile.

Philae Temple

The Temple of Isis at Philae is many visitors' favorite stop in Aswan. It stands on Agilkia Island in the reservoir between the old Aswan Dam and the High Dam, and you reach it by a short motorboat ride from the landing.

The temple you see was dismantled and moved block by block to Agilkia in the 1970s and 1980s, as part of an international campaign to save the monuments of Nubia from rising waters. Most of the buildings date from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, and Philae was one of the last places in Egypt where the old religion was practiced.

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours including the boat. Look for the great pylons, the colonnaded courts, the birth house, and the elegant open kiosk known as Trajan's Kiosk by the water. An evening sound and light show is held at Philae; check current schedules if you are interested.

A felucca sail on the Nile

A late-afternoon sail on a felucca, the traditional wooden sailboat, is the classic Aswan experience. The usual route passes Elephantine Island, the granite boulders of the First Cataract area, the hilltop Mausoleum of the Aga Khan on the west bank, and Kitchener's Island with its Botanical Garden.

Plan about one to two hours, timed to end around sunset. Feluccas depend on the wind, so on calm days the boat may drift or be towed. Agree the route, duration and price clearly before you set off, or book through your hotel or a trusted operator.

Kitchener's Island and the Botanical Garden

Many sails stop at Kitchener's Island, where the Botanical Garden has shaded paths among palms and exotic trees. It is a pleasant, quiet hour, especially for families and keen gardeners.

Elephantine Island

Elephantine sits in the middle of the river opposite the city. Its southern end holds the ruins of ancient Abu, with the remains of the Temple of Khnum, a Nilometer and the small Aswan Museum. Two Nubian villages occupy the rest of the island, and walking between them is a good way to see daily life.

Visiting a Nubian village

Nubian villages on the west bank south of the city, often reached by motorboat, welcome visitors with brightly painted houses, tea, local food, and crafts. Many visits include a stop at a family home, a chance to try henna, and time to browse handmade baskets and jewelry. Some households keep pet crocodiles, a tradition that divides opinion; you are free to skip that part.

Go by boat for the best views of the river and desert, and ideally in the afternoon when it is cooler. Treat the visit as a meeting with a community rather than a show: ask before photographing people, dress modestly and buy crafts directly from makers if you want to support them.

The Nubian Museum

The Nubian Museum, on a hillside in the city, tells the story of Nubia from prehistory to the present, including the campaign to rescue its monuments and the resettlement of Nubian communities when Lake Nasser was created. Its displays, gardens and models are well presented, and an hour or two here gives depth to everything else you see in the region. It is an excellent choice for a hot midday break.

The Unfinished Obelisk and the High Dam

The Unfinished Obelisk

In an ancient granite quarry in the city lies an obelisk that was abandoned after it cracked during carving. Had it been finished, it would have been larger than any obelisk known to have been raised in ancient Egypt. Seeing it still attached to the bedrock shows how ancient builders cut and shaped granite. The visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

The High Dam

The High Dam, completed in 1970, controls the Nile flood and created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. The view from the top shows the lake on one side and the river on the other. It is an important part of modern Egypt's story, though the stop itself is short.

Abu Simbel from Aswan

Abu Simbel, with the great temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, is about 280 km south of Aswan near the Sudanese border. Like Philae, the temples were moved to higher ground in the 1960s to save them from Lake Nasser.

There are two ways to go:

• By road. Most travelers drive, about three to four hours each way, usually leaving Aswan very early to arrive in the morning. It is a long day, but you return by early afternoon.
• By air. Short flights connect Aswan and Abu Simbel, giving you more time at the site with less travel, but schedules vary.

Some travelers also see Abu Simbel on a Lake Nasser cruise or with an overnight stay nearby. Twice a year, around February 22 and October 22, sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary at sunrise, drawing large crowds. See our Abu Simbel guide for more.

More things to do in Aswan

• Tombs of the Nobles. Rock-cut tombs of local officials on the west bank hill of Qubbet el-Hawa, with wide views of the river.
• Monastery of St. Simeon. Ruins of a large medieval monastery in the desert on the west bank, reached on foot or by camel.
• Kalabsha Temple. Another relocated temple, set beside Lake Nasser near the High Dam, usually quieter than Philae.
• The Aswan souk. A long market street with spices, scarves, baskets, and Nubian crafts; go in the evening when it is cooler.
• Sunset from the Old Cataract. The terrace of the historic Old Cataract hotel is a well-known spot for tea and a river view; check whether non-guests need to book.

How many days to spend and when to go

The more comfortable months are roughly October to April, when days are warm rather than hot. From May to September temperatures can be extremely high, so start early, rest in the middle of the day and save sailing and village visits for late afternoon.

Luxor to Aswan: how to travel

The most popular way between Luxor and Aswan is a Nile cruise: typically 4 nights from Luxor to Aswan or 3 nights from Aswan to Luxor, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo, with 7-night round trips also available. Other options include a dahabiya, a smaller sailing boat taking longer and more relaxed journeys, the train, or a private car. Compare cruise options on our Nile cruises page.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Aswan?

Two full days cover the main sights at a comfortable pace, and three days let you add Abu Simbel. If you arrive or leave on a cruise, some sights may already be included in your itinerary.

What is the best time to visit Aswan?

October to April is a comfortable period, with warm, sunny days and cool evenings. Summer is very hot, so if you travel then, plan outdoor sights for early morning and late afternoon.

Should I do Luxor and Aswan together?

Yes. The two cities are linked by the Nile, and most Egypt itineraries combine them, usually with a cruise in between. Each has a different character, and seeing both gives you a fuller picture of Upper Egypt.

Is it worth going to Abu Simbel from Aswan?

For most travelers, yes. The temples are among the most impressive monuments in Egypt. The road trip makes for an early, long day, so if you prefer a gentler pace, consider flying or staying overnight nearby.

Is a felucca ride safe for children?

Generally yes, when you use a reputable operator, ask for life jackets and keep children seated. The sail is calm and slow, and many families find it a highlight of their visit to Aswan.

Plan it with Nourbelle

Tell us how many days you have in Upper Egypt and what interests you most, and we will help you balance temples, the river, and Nubian culture. Our Aswan guide has more ideas.