Best Things To Do in Aswan

Aswan is a true miracle that reflects the purity of almost everything, starting from people’s hearts to the spectacular raw nature.

If you are willing to live a daydream, experiencing the beauty of Aswan, this article is made especially for you! Let’s discover together Aswan’s both must-see attractions and top things to do.

1- Having a Tour Around Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)

Settled in Aglika Island, Philae Temple needs a ride by water taxi to be reached. The temple was moved to this location as a part of UNESCO’S project to save the temple from drowning due to the High Dam’s flood.

It’s one of the top places to visit if you want to contemplate inscriptions that tell a story about Isis, who was a very famous goddess in ancient Egypt.

Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Entry Fees: 100 EGP – Boat Ride: 120 EGP

Location: Philae Temple is located on the island of Agilika, Aswan, Egypt.

2- Exploring Elephantine Island

The island is considered a real-life witness to a huge economic and political power, especially because it was a place where they traded ivory in ancient times.

The island remained authorized not only in the Pharaonic period but also during the Greco-Roman period. Right now, it is a rich historical site visited by people from all over the world.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Entry Fees: 4 EGP both ways

Location: Across the Nile from Aswan, at the southern border of Upper Egypt with Lower Nubia, Aswan, Egypt.

3- Visiting Nubian Villages (Siou and Koti)

It’s funny when we keep repeating heritage without noticing its details. You hear the famous song “ Shamandora,” sung by Muhamed Monir’s amazing voice.

Drawn by the music, you keep dreaming about the shiny sailboat or as it is called in Nubian language “Shamandora,” sailing in River Nile’s west bank.

With a festive of bright colors, painted walls, warm hospitality, and a picturesque view, the Nubian Village is truly one of the top things to see in Aswan.

Location: Nubian Villages are located in southern Egypt, on the west bank of The Nile River near Aswan.

4- Wandering in The Temple of Kalabsha

This ancient temple, situated in front of Lake Nasser, is a historical treasure that tells a story about a wide range of Egyptian gods.

It was built in the honor of Mandulis, the lower Nubian sun god, and it was rebuilt again in the 1960s to be saved from the lake formed by the High Dam.

Opening Hours: 8 am – 4 pm

Entry Fees: 60 EGP

Location: The Temple of Kalabsha is located in New Kalabsha, very close to both Beit al-Wali and the Kiosk of Qertassi.

5-Visiting the Tomb of Muhammad Shah Aga Khan

The Tomb of Muhammad Shah Aga is one of the places to visit if you are looking for the best Aswan day trips.

It is maybe unknown to many people, but it is worth visiting, especially because it holds a great legacy concerning a man who was a spiritual leader.

Opening Hours: 6 am – 5 pm

Location: It is located at Shaikhah Oula, Aswan, Egypt

6- Going on a Trip to Aswan High Dam

Driving to the High Dam, settling at the top of it for a while, is one of the best things to do in Aswan.

Don’t miss the chance to observe the beautiful landscape, and get to know one of the miracles that doubled our share from both water and electricity.

Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 am

Entry Fees: 30 EGP

Location: Aswan High Dam is located in Manteqet El Sad Al Aali, Qism Aswan, Aswan.

7- Strolling Around the Unfinished Obelisk

It is technically the largest stone quarry ever designed by ancient Egyptians with a huge mark stretched in the rock that appeared at an early stage.

It is called an unfinished obelisk mainly because it is a complete figure, yet missing some inscriptions.

However, away from the surrounding ramp and by stepping a little bit down, one can find lots of ancient paintings in the pit of the obelisk.

Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Entry Fees: 30 EGP

Location: The Unfinished Obelisk is located in Sheyakhah Oula, Qism Aswan, Aswan.

8- Passing by the Nubian Museum

Enjoy the exquisite Nubian culture by visiting one of Aswan’s top attractions, the Nubian Museum. It gives us a whole overview of the life of the Nubian communities, especially right before the creation of Aswan Dam.

Opening Hours: 9 am – 1 pm

Entry Fees: 50 EGP

Location: The Nubian Museum is located in Sheyakhah Oula, Qism Aswan, Aswan.

9- Visiting St. Simeon Monastery

Visiting St. Simeon Monastery is one of the top things to do in Aswan; maybe it appears like a deserted old building, but it is a spectacular piece of architecture.

This mud monastery in the middle of the desert is considered the best among Aswan’s sightseeing attractions.

Opening Hours: 8 am – 4 pm

Entry Fees: 40 EGP for one person – 20 EGP for students

Location: St. Simeon Monastery is located next to Qism Aswan, Aswan.

10- Having a Look at Abu Simbel Temples

Though the fact that this temple is not technically located in Aswan, lots of tourism companies always arrange a day tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan by bus.

Abu Simple temples are a lot more than one of Aswan’s tourist attractions; they are a mixture of royal tombs that overlook Lake Nasser.

You will find four of the most gracious statues in ancient Egyptian history, greeting you inside and outside the temple; it is really among one of the top Aswan’s places to visit.

Opening Hours: 5 am – 6 pm

Entry Fees: 240 EGP

Location: Abu Simbel Temples are located in a small village called Abu Simbel in Upper Egypt, overlooking Lake Nasser.

11- Having a Drink at Old Cataract Hotel

This luxurious place has welcomed a lot of great people in human history like Agatha Christie, Princess Diana, Jimmy Carter, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher.

Spending time in the Terrace restaurant will be the best favor you can do for yourself. All you need to do is to try saving up for your next trip to Aswan!

Entry Fees: 300 EGP per person

The Terrace Restaurant Price Range: 157 EGP – 236 EGP

Location: Old Cataract Hotel is located in the Nubian Desert, on the banks of the Nile, opposite Elephantine Island.

12- Shopping from the Spice Market

It is the perfect place for perfume lovers, souvenir hunters, and people who want to do fun activities in Aswan, including buying delicious spices.

You can easily find a wide variety of amazing spices like pepper, bergamot, hibiscus, nutmeg, and saffron; it is also one of the top things to do in Aswan at night.

Entry Fees: For free

Location: The Spice Market is located in the center of the town, near both the train’s station and the banks of the Nile.

13- Riding a Felucca in the Nile River

What is more wonderful than a one-hour felucca ride in one of the most prestigious places in Egypt. Nothing can be compared to enjoying beautiful landscapes, old ruins, and monuments in one place.

Fees: negotiable / depending on your skills.

In the end, we hope that you had the opportunity to see Aswan from a magical point of view, as the most beautiful and historic getaway.