🏛️Main Attractions
- ✓Abu Simbel Temple
- ✓Temple of Philae
- ✓Aswan Dam
- ✓Nile River Cruise
- ✓Unfinished Obelisk
- ✓Elephantine Island
- ✓Nubian Villages
- ✓Felucca Sailing
Aswan
Aswan
Egypt's southernmost city on the Nile, gateway to Nubian culture and the magnificent Abu Simbel temples. A tranquil desert oasis with stunning river views and ancient monuments.
🌐Other Cities in Egypt
Recommended Hotels in Aswan
Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (20 properties)
🏨Recommended Hotels
- ★Old Cataract Hotel
- ★Mövenpick Resort Aswan
- ★Pyramisa Isis Island Resort
- ★Basma Hotel Aswan
- ★Nubian Eco Village
🍜Restaurants & Food
•1902 Restaurant
$$$Fine dining at Old Cataract Hotel, French-Nubian fusion with Nile sunset views
•Nubian House Restaurant
$Traditional Nubian cuisine - okra stew, grilled Nile perch, homemade bread
•Panorama Restaurant
$$Rooftop dining with Nile views, Egyptian and international buffet
•Emy Restaurant
$Local favorite for authentic Egyptian food near the souk
•Makani Café
$Modern café with healthy bowls, fresh juices, and riverside seating
•Obelisk Floating Restaurant
$$Nile cruise dining with Egyptian buffet and live music
🛍️ Shopping
- •Aswan SoukTraditional Market
Authentic local market with spices, hibiscus tea (karkade), henna, textiles. Less touristy than Cairo and Luxor, better prices and friendlier atmosphere.
- •Nubian Handicraft VillagesArtisan Crafts
Colorful hand-woven baskets, beadwork, palm-leaf products, traditional jewelry. Buy directly from Nubian artisans in their villages.
- •Granite and Spice ShopsSpecialty Items
Local granite crafts, aromatic spices, natural perfumes, healing herbs. Quality higher than mass-market tourist shops.
💡 Travel Tips
- • Book Abu Simbel tour 1-2 days ahead. Early 3 AM departure avoids heat and catches sunrise alignment (Feb 22 & Oct 22)
- • Nubian villages welcome visitors - accept tea invitation for authentic cultural exchange. Small gift (fruit, sweets) appreciated
- • Aswan is hottest Egyptian city - summer temperatures reach 50°C. Visit October-April for comfortable weather
- • Sound and light show at Philae Temple stunning but book through hotel to avoid commission touts
- • Felucca sunset sailing on the Nile one of Egypt's most peaceful experiences - negotiate price beforehand
- • Learn basic Nubian phrases - locals appreciate the cultural interest and are very welcoming
🔗 Related Information
📋Quick Info
📅Best Season
October - April (20-30°C), avoid May-September (extreme heat 40-50°C)
💰Daily Budget
$35-70 per day (budget), $90-160 (mid-range), $200+ (luxury)/day
👥Popular With
Culture enthusiastsNile cruise travelersPhotography loversHistory buffsPeaceful retreat seekers
🗓️Recommended Stay
2-3 days (add Abu Simbel day trip, 3-4 days for relaxed exploration)
🌐Timezone
UTC+2
💬Local Language
Arabic, Nubian (English in tourist areas)
💱Currency
EGP (Egyptian Pound)
📅Aswan 3-Day Itinerary
Recommended plan for efficient sightseeing
Ancient Monuments & Engineering
🌅
Morning3h
Philae Temple
💡 Take motorboat to Agilkia Island (included in entry). Explore Temple of Isis, Roman kiosk, hieroglyphics. Morning light best for photos. Allow 2-3 hours.
☀️
Afternoon2-3h
Aswan High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk
💡 High Dam visitor center explains modern engineering and Lake Nasser creation. Then visit ancient granite quarries to see abandoned obelisk and stone-cutting techniques.
🌙
Evening2h
Sunset Felucca Sailing
💡 Sail around Elephantine Island at golden hour. Peaceful, photogenic, authentic Nile experience. Negotiate 80-120 EGP for private boat.
💡Tips
- •Abu Simbel police convoy no longer mandatory - flexible departure times now available
- •Bargaining expected at souk and for boat rides - start at 40-50% of asking price
- •Photography allowed at all sites (unlike Luxor tombs) - bring charged camera for Abu Simbel
- •Aswan much more relaxed than Cairo and Luxor - less hassle, friendlier atmosphere