Overview

Aswan, located in the south of Egypt about 81 miles from Luxor, has long been recognized as an essential gateway city on Egypt’s trade route. As the capital of the Aswan Governate, the town boasts a beautiful, serene setting on the Nile River and is worlds away from the bustling streets of Cairo, which lie over 500 miles to the north. While Aswan is much smaller and more laidback than The City of a Thousand Minarets, the mood is also very different from Cairo’s. An African feel is palpable since Aswan is located just 200 miles from Sudan’s border. The city is a true treasure with ancient ruins, museums, beautiful gardens, and a must-see while visiting Egypt.

Things to See & Do

Explore the city and wander around the ancient streets of Aswan, taking in the authentic sights and delicious smells of food. Along the Riverfront there are plenty of great cafes and restaurants offering outdoor seating with spectacular views of the Nile.

Explore the magnificent Souqs in Aswan. These colorful bazaars offer a rich cultural experience filled with the scents of spices and exotic food. Wander around the bustling market and pick out some unique souvenirs including handmade African masks, baskets, live produce, perfumes, and spices. Check out Sharia as-Souq, one of the most charming in all of Egypt.

Visit the Nubian Museum, an archeological gem built in 1997. The museum is spread over three floors and features an information center and a library along with botanical gardens. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from the region dating from prehistory through the pharaonic ages and before the construction of the Aswan Dam, some highlights include a statue of Ramses II, a statue of Amenras, the head of the Shpatka, and the black granite head of Tahraqa.

Explore the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest ancient obelisk known in the world carved directly out of bedrock and would have measured up to 137 feet if it had been completed and weighed an estimated 1,200 tons.

Take an afternoon felucca ride over to Elephantine Island on the Nile River which is the location of many archeological sites along with the Aswan Museum, Nubian Villages of Koti and Siou and the luxury Movenpick Resort. The island is a major tourist attraction where the Ruins of Abu, the most ancient settlement in the city, the Old Kingdom Temple of Khnum and the Temple of Satet are located.

Discover the Aswan Museum housing various Nubian artifacts, many of which were kept here on the island during the construction of the Aswan Dam. There are some 3,000 objects on display in the museum including weapons, encased mummies, pottery, and utensils.

Visit The Historical Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie once stayed and wrote part of the `Death on the Nile`, the luxury hotel serves afternoon high-tea on its terrace, which is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.

Back on the mainland, take in the charming surroundings from the beautiful traditional Egyptian sailboat. The picturesque riverside is lined by Nubian villages, vibrant homes, and restaurants and cafes that sparkle at night when the sun begins to set.

A bit further outside the city (140 miles southwest) is the Abu Simbel Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its twin rock temples carved out of a sandstone cliff. The Great Temple was established in 1265 BC and is considered the grandest and most beautiful temple in Egypt.