Best Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt

Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost major city, sitting on the Nile at the point where granite outcrops slow and divide the river into channels, creating the classic postcard image of felucca sailboats weaving between palm-shaded islands. The things to do in Aswan are concentrated around the Nile and the magnificent temples of Egyptian Nubia: Philae Temple (dedicated to Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island after the High Dam flooded its original site) is the most beautiful temple complex in Egypt; Abu Simbel, 280 km south, is Rameses II’s monumental achievement, relocated in one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century before Lake Nasser’s waters rose. The Nubian Museum in Aswan gives essential context for the culture, archaeology, and catastrophic displacement caused by the dam’s construction.

Best time to visit

October through April. Aswan is the hottest city in Egypt; June through August sees temperatures regularly above 42-45°C, making outdoor activities brutal. The winter season (November through February) brings perfect conditions (20-28°C) and clear skies. Abu Simbel is famous for its twice-yearly solar phenomenon: on February 22 and October 22, sunlight penetrates the innermost sanctuary and illuminates three of the four seated statues — these dates attract large crowds. Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan operate year-round but peak October through April.

Getting around

Aswan Airport handles direct flights from Cairo (1.5 hours). The city center, corniche, and boat landing are walkable. For Philae Temple, motorboat taxis take 10 minutes from the Shellal boat landing. For the High Dam, taxis are necessary (8 km south). For Abu Simbel, most visitors take the organized bus convoy from Aswan (departs 4am, 3.5-hour drive) or fly (30 minutes, Egyptian Air has twice-daily flights). Felucca sailing is the most pleasant way to spend an afternoon — negotiate with captains at the Aswan corniche boat landing.

What to eat and drink

Aswan’s food reflects its Nubian character: more fish (Nile perch, tilapia) and spices than northern Egypt. Emy’s Restaurant on the corniche is the most consistent for traditional Egyptian and Nubian food. The floating restaurants on the Nile offer reasonable set menus. For breakfast, the local fuul (fava bean stew) and tamiya (Egyptian falafel) from the market stalls are excellent. Nubian herbal tea made with hibiscus (karkade), ginger, and mint is the essential beverage.

Neighborhoods to explore

Philae Temple (Temple of Isis) – On Agilkia Island (reached by motorboat), the most complete temple complex in Egypt. The exterior reliefs of Isis, Osiris, and Horus are in extraordinary condition. The evening sound-and-light show is one of Egypt’s better ones. Open daily.

Abu Simbel – The twin temples of Rameses II and Nefertari at the Sudanese border, 280 km south of Aswan by road or 30 minutes by air. The relocation of the temples in 1968 (carved out of the mountain and reassembled 65 meters higher to escape Lake Nasser) was one of the greatest UNESCO salvage operations ever conducted.

The Nubian Museum – On the southern corniche, one of Egypt’s finest regional museums. The collection documents Nubian history, culture, and the displacement of 120,000 people during the High Dam construction. Exceptional gold jewelry, decorated pottery, and Christian-era murals.

Elephant Island (Elephantine Island) – The largest island in the Nile at Aswan, inhabited since prehistoric times. The ruins of the ancient city of Abu (Yeb) include Egypt’s oldest Khnum Temple and an ancient Nilometer for measuring flood levels. The Aswan Botanical Garden on Kitchener’s Island (adjacent) is lovely in winter.

Nubian Villages (Siou and Koti) – West bank Nubian villages accessible by motorboat. Colorfully painted houses, traditional crafts, crocodile breeding, and a genuinely different cultural encounter from the main tourist circuit. Arrange through the corniche boat captains.