Quick Answer
The best Things to Do in Aswan Egypt are: visiting Philae Temple on Agilika Island, touring the Aswan High Dam, sailing a felucca around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Island, exploring a Nubian village in Gharb Soheil, browsing the Aswan Souk, visiting the Nubian Museum, and taking a full-day trip to Abu Simbel. Most travelers need a minimum of two full days in Aswan to cover the city’s sites plus the Abu Simbel excursion.
With all the time spent guiding visitors through the Nile Valley between Luxor and Aswan, I am still convinced that Aswan is the most underappreciated destination on the river. Traffic and crowded conditions rule the roost in Cairo, while visits to the temple sites in Luxor become little more than tick-the-box experiences. In contrast, Aswan is less frenetic. The river is squeezed between the granite boulders and palm-fringed islands. Nubian families continue to occupy the Nile’s banks, as they always have, and the light around the local temples is among the finest in all of Egypt. Here’s what you must do, in what order, and how much it will all cost.
1- Visit Philae Temple on Agilika Island
Philae Temple, the house of goddess Isis, is the landmark attraction of Aswan – and one of the greatest acts of rescue in Egypt’s history of archaeology. The entire complex had been built originally on an island called Philae; however, when it became clear that the construction of the dam would make the place inaccessible due to flooding, UNESCO organized a salvage mission to carefully dismantle and then reconstruct the temple on dry land, about half a mile away on the island of Agilika.
The temple can be accessed by a short boat ride from the docks located close to the High Dam, which usually comes at no additional charge within tour packages, or approximately 100–150 EGP per person, if booked separately. Entrance fees are about 450 EGP for foreign tourists (prices may vary). It is advisable to visit early, by around 7:00 AM, to avoid the heat and crowds, who begin pouring in en masse during mid-morning hours. In winter months, Philae offers a nighttime sound and light show, too – definitely worth seeing if there is a free night in Aswan.
2- Tour the Aswan High Dam
One of the most significant engineering feats in Egypt’s recent history is The Aswan High Dam, built around 1970 after a period of approximately ten years. This project curbed the flooding by the Nile, formed Lake Nasser, and brought fundamental changes in people’s lives on the banks of the river, displacing many Nubian villages whose inhabitants were forced to relocate to higher ground. History makes us contemplate, not just figures.
The public observation point is a quick visit: a view from the top of the dam, a Soviet-Egyptian collaboration memorial, and vistas of Lake Nasser. The entrance fee is approximately 100 EGP. Fifteen minutes is truly the right amount of time to spend here, especially as most tourists tend to combine it with the cruise to Philae, which also starts from that side of the Nile.
3- See the Unfinished Obelisk
Inside the Northern Quarry, on the outskirts of town, is the remains of a granite obelisk that was left unfinished because of a split that occurred during the carving process. With a total length of about 42 meters, it was to be the largest obelisk ever erected in Egypt. Strolling around its massive body, visitors can clearly observe the grooves left by the tools used for extracting granite from this quarry to construct temples and statutes throughout Egypt. The cost of entry is 100 Egyptian Pounds (EGP), and visiting in the late afternoon at around 4:00 PM provides softer lighting.
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4- Sail a Felucca Around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Island
Do this one thing, at least, while in Aswan. Felucca refers to a traditional wooden sailboat moved purely by the wind, and traveling along Elephantine Island, Kitchener’s Island, and the Nubian village area at sunset time is the highlight of a visit to Aswan for most people. Kitchener’s Island hosts a garden known as the Aswan Botanical Garden which is also interesting for those who want to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Prices for riding in a felucca vary depending on per boat basis and are also negotiable. Make sure that you negotiate for prices and the length of time spent in the boat before boarding, not after. Prices are likely to be between 150-300 EGP per boat for about an hour; you will be expected to pay extra for sunset departure time and longer journeys to Seheyl Island.
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5- Explore a Nubian Village
The city of Aswan lies within the heart of the Nubian area of Egypt, and seeing a Nubian village is one of the few occasions that allows tourists to come face to face with an existing culture in the country. The two major approaches to doing this include taking a cruise to the colorful villages of Elephantine Island, or going to see the painted buildings of Gharb Soheil in the West Bank, with a crocodile usually living in one of the houses.
There are some important aspects of etiquette that you should take into consideration during your visit. Always ask permission prior to taking pictures of the locals, especially the children; being offered tea will definitely not be just another ploy to lure you into purchasing souvenirs, though if you do buy anything, it will be appreciated; last but not least, wear appropriate clothing as you would anywhere else in Upper Egypt.
6- Visit the Nubian Museum
It is constantly considered the best museum in Aswan, and that’s due to several reasons. The exhibition covers the long period starting from ancient times and finishing with the construction of Lake Nasser. There are preserved objects from those times as well as pictures documenting the international efforts in order to save temples of Philae and Abu Simbel from being flooded. It has an air-conditioning system, which is why you should visit this place during lunchtime if you have to bear hot desert weather.
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7- Browse the Aswan Souk
The spice souk on Sharia al-Souq near the Corniche is among the most enchanting places in Egypt – less pushy than the Khan al-Khalili of Cairo but no less colorful, including stalls of cumin, hibiscus, saffron alternatives, and dried fruits, among other scarves and items made by Nubians. The marketplace is partly covered, which makes things easier in terms of the heat, and it really picks up in the evening as the day’s heat dissipates. Bargaining is expected; try for about halfway between the initial price mentioned.
8- Take the Day Trip to Abu Simbel
Located some 300 km south of Aswan near the Sudanese border, Abu Simbel is the place that tourists look forward to seeing after the Pyramids. Both temples at Abu Simbel were relocated by the UNESCO program as a means of rescuing them from the effects of the flooding of Lake Nasser in 1968. Two methods can be used to reach Abu Simbel from Aswan:
- Convoy travel in a car or private transport: It takes about 3 hours on each trip traveling through the open desert. The police convoy used to leave around 4:00 or 4:30 AM. However, private cars that are driven by an authorized driver can offer more flexible arrangements for leaving Aswan to Abu Simbel. No mobile signal will work near Sudanese border area.
- By air: about half an hour each way from Aswan airport, usually two flights daily on selected days. The cost is considerably higher compared to the road route, but it reduces your day into a half day.
The entrance fee to the temple is 600 Egyptian pounds for foreigners. In either case, the booking must be done the previous day through your hotel, tour guide, or cruise line; last-minute bookings are unreliable, especially during the peak months of October through April.
9- Relax at Feryal Gardens or a Nile-Side Café
To unwind during the afternoon, one can go to the nearby Feryal Gardens located at the Old Cataract Hotel. The gardens offer a small, shady area for relaxation and are usually frequented by Aswan families. Several restaurants along the Corniche provide the opportunity to watch feluccas and cruisers move past as you relax in the middle of the day’s heat.
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How Many Days Do You Need in Aswan?
The minimum realistic amount of time would be two full days: one full day for Philae Temple, the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, felucca ride, and the souk; and another full day just for visiting Abu Simbel because only the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel will take a whole morning. If you are going to join/complete the cruise on the Nile, then it is quite possible that you will have visited all the in-town places already, and it may pay off to add one more night for Abu Simbel.
| When | What to Do | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – Morning | Philae Temple by motorboat from the High Dam marina | Arrive at opening (7:00 AM) to avoid both heat and tour-bus crowds |
| Day 1: Midday | Aswan High Dam observation point | 10–15 minutes is enough; combine with the drive back from Philae |
| Day 1: Afternoon | Unfinished Obelisk at the Northern Quarry | Best light and shade in late afternoon, around 4:00 PM |
| Day 1: Evening | Felucca sail around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Island at sunset | Negotiate the price before boarding, not mid-sail |
| Day 2: Early AM | Abu Simbel day trip (convoy or private car) | Departs 4:00–4:30 AM; book the night before through your hotel or guide |
| Day 2: Late Morning | Return drive, rest at hotel | 3-hour drive each way — budget the whole morning |
| Day 2: Afternoon | Nubian Museum | Air-conditioned and shaded — ideal during the hottest hours |
| Day 2: Evening | Nubian village dinner in Gharb Soheil or Aswan Souk for spices and souvenirs | Souk stays open late and is far cooler after sunset |
Best Time to Visit Aswan
One of the driest places on earth is Aswan, which records less than 1 mm of rainfall per year. The city also receives more sunlight than most others across the world, and during summer temperatures average above 40°C (104°F). The ideal months for travel are therefore from November to March, where the temperature ranges between 20 and 25°C (68°F to 77°F) during daytime, making nighttime strolls along the river quite pleasant. When visiting in June through August, plan outdoor activities during mornings and late afternoons only.
Where to Stay in Aswan
| Tier | Where to Stay | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hapi Hotel / Keylany Hotel | Clean, central, Nile-adjacent rooftops; roughly $25–$45/night |
| Mid-range | Nubian-run guesthouses on Elephantine Island (Kato Dool, Nuba Dool) | Best for cultural immersion and quiet river views; $50–$90/night |
| Luxury | Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Mövenpick Resort Aswan | Historic terraces and pool access overlooking the First Cataract; $200+/night |
FAQs About: Best Things to Do in Aswan Egypt
Is one day enough in Aswan?
In one day you will have time for visiting all those in-city key attractions, like Philae Temple, High Dam, and felucca sail. However, a visit to Abu Simbel will be impossible, since the latter takes at least one whole day itself. So, be prepared to spend two days at least.
Do I need a guide to visit Philae Temple?
Absolutely not, you can do that on your own; however, you will certainly get some insight into the temple’s moving story, as well as its mythology, from an Egyptianology-certified guide who accompanies most of Nile cruises’ itineraries.
How much does the Abu Simbel day trip cost from Aswan?
Transport cost depends on type of transport: ticket to join a convoy/tour costs less compared to hiring a private car, but a round trip flight from Aswan will definitely be costlier than the two previous choices. The entry fee for the temples is around 600 EGP per adult tourist.
Is Aswan safe for tourists?
Generally speaking, Aswan is said to be a laid-back city compared to other Egyptian destinations and offers less harassment than in places such as Cairo. However, as always, tourists are advised to take necessary precautions, and government travel advice should always be taken into account.
What should I wear in Aswan?
Dress should be light and conservative, covering both shoulders and knees. A hat and sunscreen become important in this region than in almost any other part of Egypt due to the heat of the desert.
Plan Your Aswan Visit With a Local Nile Cruise Specialist
A trip to Aswan is worth your while and will pay off when you allow yourself a few extra hours on your schedule during your passage through this charming city. Be it an arrangement of a Nile cruise that either starts or finishes in Aswan, or perhaps planning an individual visit that may include Abu Simbel, the experienced crew at Nile Cruise Offers is ready to make all necessary arrangements according to your schedule.
