Best things to do in Aswan 2025

July 11, 2025

Aswan offers a fascinating blend of ancient history, Nubian culture, and natural beauty.

Things to do in Aswan include visiting the Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, and the Nubian Museum.

Top attractions also include felucca rides on the Nile to explore the colorful Nubian villages, as well as visits to Abu Simbel or the Monastery of St. Simeon.

Best things to do in aswan

In the past, Aswan was the frontier of Egypt. If you were traveling south from anywhere in Ancient Egypt, you knew you were at the end of the empire once you came to Aswan.

Philae Temple

If you have one thing to do in Aswan, you should do it to visit the stunning Philae Temple.

It is believed that the Philae Temple is one of the best-preserved Ptolemaic temples found in Egypt and is now included alongside those of Dendera and Edfu.

Over two-thirds of the temple complex was constructed in the Ptolemaic period 332 to 30 BC Isis was the main god worshipped at the temple; however, Osiris and Hathor were also honored.

Christians also used Philae Temple as a church, and you can find the carvings of Coptic crosses inside the temple.

Kom Ombo Temple

The Temple of Kom Ombo, one of the best Aswan Egypt attractions, is a double temple built for two gods.

The eastern half of the temple has been dedicated to Sobek, the god with a crocodile head, who is believed to be the god of fertility of the land that runs along the Nile River.

The other part of the complex is dedicated to Horus, the god with a falcon head.

Unfinished Obelisk

If it had been built, the obelisk would have been the largest. It was initially planned to be 42 metres tall.

Hatshepsut decided to build an obelisk to complement the Lateran Obelisk, located in Karnak Temple in Luxor. After the obelisk broke during excavation, the project was put on hold.

However, the Unfinished Obelisk provides a wealth of information on how the ancient Egyptians were cutting stone.

Aswan High Dam

The Aswan High Dam is one of the best Aswan tourist attractions today as an engineering wonder that has had a significant impact on Egypt’s economy and environment.

Completed in 1971, this dam manages river flooding, generates electricity, and creates one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, Lake Nasser.

A visit to the Aswan High Dam offers insight into its past as well as its political significance.

Building this dam required extensive effort, including the relocation of several ancient temples, such as Abu Simbel and Philae.

Abu Simbel

4 Days Luxor and Aswan Trip from Marsa Alam 2025

Abu Simbel temples may be three hours’ drive from Aswan, but certainly worth visiting! Ramses II constructed these majestic structures known for their huge statues and intricate carvings – they even had to be relocated in 1960 due to rising waters in Lake Nasser.

Relocating these grandiose monuments proved quite an engineering challenge that was worth experiencing.

Ramses II was honored with two temples; one dedicated to himself and another dedicated to Queen Nefertari.

These two monuments are constructed so that during February 22 and October 22, the sun’s rays penetrate deep within their inner sanctuary; thus, marking this date as Sun Festival celebration day.

Nubian Museum

While visiting Egypt and learning about its ancient world, you might hear of the Nubian civilization.

They were an ancient race who once resided in what is today southern Egypt and Sudan.

Although Nubian culture was distinct, the Ancient Egyptian Empire’s strength meant it would eventually come under its control and influence.

Aswan is home to many people of Nubian heritage, who reside there today, making it a suitable location for a museum dedicated to their culture. This museum has since proven itself to be one of the most impressive galleries in Egypt.

Elephantine Island

Elephantine Island lies across the Nile and is home to the remains of ancient temples, as well as Nubian communities, and is the location of the Aswan Museum.

A fascinating history that dates back to Pharaonic Egypt, this island is a great place to escape the bustling life of Aswan.

The Pharaonic historical background inspired the name Elephantine Island due to its elephant-like appearance, which makes it a fitting location for an ancient trading post.

Presently, the Aswan Museum, located on Elephantine, is home to artifacts such as pottery, tools, and statues from various archaeological sites scattered throughout the surrounding waters.

Monastery of St. Simeon

The Monastery that has been abandoned in St. Simeon is one of the largest and best attractions in Aswan.

The monastery is situated on a hill overlooking the west bank, near the Aga Khan Mausoleum in Aswan, and was formerly inhabited by thousands of people.

The monastery’s construction began at the start of the 6th century; however, it wasn’t completed until the 7th century.

It was initially dedicated to Amba Hadra, the bishop of Aswan, who was also a saint and died during the 4th century. It is believed that Amba Hadra, on the day of his wedding, saw a funeral procession that led him to live the rest of his life in solitude.

Aga Khan Mausoleum

It is believed that the Mausoleum of Aga Khan, situated near the Monastery of St. Simeon on the west bank of the Nile and has a spectacular view of Aswan from all directions.

Mohammed Shah Aga Khan was the spiritual leader of the Ismailis which is an Ismaili Shiite sect. He was the son of his father who succeeded him in 1885 and became the 48th Imam. There were followers from all over the globe, but he was particularly popular in India.

Mohammed Shah Aga Khan died in 1957, and his grandson Karim Aga Khan succeeded him.

Temple of Kalabsha

Kalabsha Temple is situated on an island in the middle of Lake Nasser, near the Aswan High Dam, and is approximately 16 km from Aswan. It turns out that this temple isn’t located where it was initially.

Due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temple was relocated to protect it from rising waters.

Tombs of the Nobles

On the west bank of the Nile, the Tombs of the Nobles offer a more tranquil alternative to the other sites.

The tombs serve as the dumping ground for murals that tell fascinating stories about the lives of ancient Egyptian elites. These ancient tombs’ paintings bring life to ancient portraits with intricately engraved designs.

The tombs date back to early times in both the Old and Middle Kingdoms. They show scenes of everyday rituals, daily life, and sacrifices to the gods. The tombs are not as crowded as other tombs, making them an excellent site to explore.

Cultural Experiences in Aswan

Nubian Villages

If you have the opportunity to experience dinner in a traditional Nubian village, you will understand what Nubian warmth and hospitality entail.

Explore traditional cuisines such as stew and bamiya, then wash them down with hibiscus tea, and learn about Nubian tradition and culture.

Many Nubian families’ welcome guests from outside to their homes to enjoy plates of food, a delightful little snack.

A unique event is an unusual and distinctive opportunity to taste authentic Nubian food styles in extremely traditional, vibrant, and fascinating homes that serve such meals.

Aswan Souk

A souq, also known as an Arabic marketplace, located in Aswan, is a slender street situated in the city’s centre that has stalls for everything from books to spices and musical instruments.

It offers the best of both worlds, as people from both the local and tourist markets frequent this street, allowing it to provide a diverse range of shops. To access the souq, take a few steps away in the direction of the Nile River from downtown Aswan. You’ll be able to see the long, crowded street with shops on both sides.

Felucca Ride on the Nile

Felucca rides are one of the many distinctive aspects of Aswan’s culture and traditions that are vital to appreciate Aswan’s beauty to its fullest extent.

Feluccas have been a common sight on the Nile for quite some time due to their simple design and reliance on wind energy.

Additionally, the captains of feluccas enjoy telling stories of their travels to enrich your experience aboard the felucca.

Aswan Botanical Garden

Aswan Botanical Gardens can be found on Kitchener’s Island in the River Nile to the west of Elephantine Island.

These manicured gardens make an excellent day trip and can be combined with visits to Elephantine Island, the Temple of Philae, and the Aswan Dam for an enjoyable trip experience.

As we’ll see when we dive deeper into the Aswan Botanical Garden, this tropical oasis boasts an extensive and fascinating history.

From species of plants and birds inhabiting its islands to its creation, our guide to Aswan Botanical Garden will give you everything you need to know before visiting this fantastic destination.

Camel riding

The Camel ride in the Nubian Village, close to Aswan, is a fantastic tourism activity that offers visitors an interesting way to explore the local culture and scenery.

Coptic Orthodox Churches

Aswan has witnessed a diverse range of cultures throughout the ages. There is the Nubian civilization as well as the Ancient Egyptians. Today, as with the rest of Egypt, the city is predominantly Islamic.

However, there is an active Coptic Christian community here that has been in existence since the region’s conversion to Christianity.

Islamic Sites in Aswan

El-Tabia Mosque

The El-Tabia Mosque in Aswan has an architectural style that is distinctive and is among the largest and most ancient Mosques in Aswan.

It was referred to as El-Tabia, The Fortification, due to its location on the highest point of a hill in the middle of the city.

Muhammad Ali Pasha had built a fortress that overlooked the Nile.

The mosque, whose tall minarets are visible from any point within the city, can accommodate thousands of worshippers.

It also allows visitors to view the Ramadan crescent and has since become an extremely popular tourist destination.

The mosque has recently installed outdoor lighting in its garden, allowing visitors to enjoy it at night.

Fatimid Cemetery

The cemetery, one of the best Aswan Attractions, is situated at the eastern end of the town center and is among the oldest cemetery sites in the Muslim world.

It has two graveyards; one located in the north and the other in the south. Dry climates contributed to the cemetery’s preservation.

It is believed to date back to the second century AH and was used until it became part of the Mamluk period.

The cemetery witnessed the first attempts to construct domes over mausoleums within Egypt throughout the Fatimid period.

One of the most critical structures in the cemetery is the 707 walis and the maschhads mausoleums from Al-Sharif Hassan, Al-Sharif Shedra Abbasa Bint Khadyj Al-Sada al Gha’afera, Zainab bint al-Hanafyya, and Sayyida Aamna, located in the cemetery’s southern part.

Things to do in Aswan at night

Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple

One of the things to see in Aswan is the temple come alive with an engaging performance that tells its story through the use of lights and music.

Nubian Village Visit

Explore one of the best places to visit in Aswan, the lively Nubian tradition and culture in the village, and experience the unique Nubian way of living.

Dinner at Movenpick’s Panorama Bar & Restaurant

Take a break and enjoy a meal with stunning views of Aswan, or enjoy some entertainment or live music.

Shopping in Aswan

Explore the markets to find unusual Egyptian souvenirs and local artifacts.

Night Cruises on the Nile

Take a tranquil and scenic cruise along the Nile and get away from the hustle and bustle.

Bars and Clubs

Some establishments, such as Tower Bar or the New Cataract Hotel’s Nightclub, offer entertainment options, including dancing and live music.

Romantic things to do in Aswan for couples

Sunset Felucca Ride

Aswan is famed for its stunning sunsets over the Nile. A private felucca ride offers an intimate way to appreciate this scene, taking you through a desert landscape and peaceful waters for an enjoyable Aswan vacation.

Romantic Dinner on a Felucca

Enjoy a private and romantic dining experience aboard a felucca boat at night one of the Unique things to do in Aswan, creating an unforgettable and magical memory.

Explore the Souks

Walk through the vibrant Aswan old souks to experience the local culture and discover unique souvenirs.

Best time to visit Aswan Egypt

The perfect temperature and atmosphere for Aswan sights and outdoor activities from November to March, when temperatures range between pleasant warmth and mildly cool.

Summers May through September tend to be very hot; October through April offer manageable weather with fewer crowds.

Hidden gems in Aswan beyond temples

Aswan Bazaar

An exciting market where you can discover local crafts, spices, and souvenirs.

Kitchener’s Island

A perfect island boasting an exquisite botanical garden showcasing an abundance of plant species.

Qubbet el-Hawa

On the western bank of the Nile lies an ancient cemetery of tombs carved into its cliffs, boasting stunning views of both the river and its environs.

Best restaurants in Aswan

El Dokka Restaurant
Porto Sonu
Makka Restaurant
Ismailia Restaurant
Ashry Toky
Bob Marley Moonlight

Book your Aswan city tour – Day Trips from Aswan

Egypt Hero Tours can make the most of your Aswan visit with their fun, safe, and informative day tours, guided by friendly Aswan Travel Guide who are passionate about sharing Egypt’s rich culture and history.

Discover incredible temples, villages, and historical landmarks with us during one of our day trips from Aswan city in egypt.

Take one or more of these top Aswan day trips:

1-Explore Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Private Tour

High-Dam-Unfinished-Obelisk-and-Phila-Private-Tour-

See the famous Aswan High Dam, learn how ancient Egyptians carved stone at the Unfinished Obelisk, and take a boat ride to the beautiful Philae Temple, located on an island in the Nile.

Join the best Aswan dam tours with us and enjoy a chill experience.

Check our High-Dam-Unfinished-Obelisk-and-Phila-Private-Tour

2-Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Tour

Visit two of Egypt’s most revered temples: the Edfu Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo’s extraordinary double temple, dedicated to two gods, are both great destinations.

Check our Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Tour

3-Day Tour to Edfu and Kom Ombo from Aswan

If you’re staying in Aswan and would like to visit both temples easily on a one-day trip, this tour offers comfortable transportation and expert guidance.

Check our Day Tour to Edfu and Kom Ombo from Aswan

4-Abu Simbel Temples tour from Aswan

Explore one of Egypt’s most stunning sights — Abu Simbel was constructed by Ramses II.

We take care of everything for your trip here, including transportation and entry tickets.

At Egypt Hero Tours, our priority is your comfort and experience.

All our tours include hotel pickup and drop-off services with air-conditioned vehicles, as well as friendly guides who speak your language.

Choose between joining small group excursions or designing one exclusively tailored to you or your family members.

Book an Aswan trip now with us to experience its exquisite beauty.

Check our Abu Simbel Temples tour from Aswan

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FAQs About things to do in aswan

Is Aswan worth visiting?

For those who have spent at least seven days in Egypt, Aswan is indeed worth a visit.

Aswan is a city with a distinct history and culture that differs from those of Cairo and Luxor.

This is why, after visiting the major sites of those two cities, a trip to Aswan is an excellent option.

What is Aswan famous for?

Aswan is renowned for its historic sites, its River, and its distinctive Nubian culture. It’s a favorite spot for travelers interested in visiting temples such as Philae and Abu Simbel, taking felucca cruises along the Nile, and experiencing Nubian villages and customs.

Which is better, Luxor or Aswan?

If you’re a lover of beautiful temples, tombs, and a rich culture, Luxor is an unmissable location.

If you’re looking for a perfect, relaxing environment infused with Nubian culture and breathtaking Nile landscapes, Aswan is the ideal destination.

Is there much to do in Aswan?

Indeed, Aswan offers a variety of entertainment and activities This makes it an attractive tourist destination. It is possible to visit historical sites such as Philae Temple and Abu Simbel. Enjoy scenic Nile views by taking felucca-ride rides, and dive in Nubian culture.

How far is Aswan from Cairo?

Aswan is around 870km 540 miles south of Cairo.

How many days do you need in Aswan?

Aswan requires two to three days for visitors to experience its main sights without feeling hustled.

Is it safe to travel to Aswan?

Yes, Aswan is generally safe for tourists. It is one of Egypt’s calmest and friendliest cities.

What should I wear when visiting Aswan?

Aswan is a hot and sunny city in Egypt; therefore, it is wise to wear clothing that is light, modest, and comfortable when visiting Aswan. Egypt tends to be quite conservative as a country.

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