Aswan places to visit

Aswan, where history and nature go hand in hand, creates a picturesque scene at every step you take. 

As a tourist, you’ll get only 1 or 2 days to cover most of the top attractions in Aswan, whether you take the Nile Cruise trip to or from Luxor or not. 

In the following lines, we discuss in full detail all that regards visiting Aswan, Egypt, like the top places to visit, things to do, hotels, and the historical and cultural background of the city.  

See more: Top 5 Hotels in Luxor City, Egypt 

What is the Historical Significance of Aswan?

As much as its tranquility and natural beauty, Aswan has a great historical significance for thousands of years, as it served as Egypt’s southern shield.   

And this does not only regard the military point of view, but also economically, culturally, and politically, linking Egypt and the rest of the African countries in the south.   

Ancient Exploration and Expeditions to the South of Aswan

Ancient Egyptians like Ramses II and Hatshepsut continuously kicked off expedition trips into the southern lands to exchange goods and create strong relations with other countries, such as Punt (Somalia and Yemen). 

And when expedition trips returned to Egypt, they came back with animals, plants, and goods, and later, they depicted their trips in the temples’ carvings.  

How was Aswan a Center of Trade and Commerce historically?

For thousands of years, Aswan gained significant importance commercially regarding its location at the gates of Nubia, resulting in trading gold, ebony, and other precious materials. Not only that, but also, as Aswan had the first Nile cataract, it became a harbor for ships to unload and reload their goods.  

Also, Aswan is known for its granite quarries that became a vital source of granite for most temples and pyramids all over Egypt, such as the obelisks of Hatshepsut and the pyramids of Giza.  

What is the Military and Strategic Outpost of Aswan?

Military speaking, Aswan defended Egyptian lands from the south against the southern countries such as Nubia. Thus, ancient Egyptian leaders constructed barracks, forts, and watchtowers on the Elephantine Island.

Visit Elephantine Island with a discount of up to 10%

What are the Nubian Cultural Aspects in Aswan, Egypt?

The cultural aspects of Aswan are countless, and each imposes the characteristics of this great city.

Nubian Culture

In the past, Aswan was known to be a Nubian city. As Egypt expanded its territory from the south, it joined the Egyptian territory with all of its cultural aspects in language, music, traditions, and food that you can witness whenever visiting the Nubian Village. 

Nubian Language

Nubians in Aswan are still following their traditions in terms of language, which differs from Arabic. 

Nubian Music

People in Aswan still use their musical instruments, such as Simsimiya and Tambour, with a certain musical style during different celebrations and occasions.

Nubian Food

Nubian food is as vibrant as much the colorful houses in the Nubian Village and includes meals with ingredients such as sorghum and spices. 

Local Legends in Aswan 

As it’s the house of many attractions, there are many legends related to Aswan’s ancient culture, such as:

What is the Legend of Isis and Osiris?

The legend of Isis and Osiris, which is associated with the Philae Temple (one of the top tourist destinations in Aswan), is one of the most well-known tales about ancient Egypt. The legend says that the god “Osiris” was murdered by his brother “Set”, and his body parts were spread across many places. 

Osiris became the god of the afterlife after his wife, the goddess Isis, gathered his bodily parts and raised him from the dead.

Find Philae Temple tour best prices. 

What is the Curse of the Unfinished Obelisk?

The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan was left unfinished due to a crack that occurred while crafting the obelisk. According to local legend, it’s believed that the workers who were working on it were cursed, leading to the abandonment of the project.

What is the legend of Elephantine Island?

Aswan’s Elephantine Island is associated with a tale about the god Khnum, who was thought to have made the island his home. The legend mentions that the god Khnum was controlling the waters of the Nile from his temple on the Island, bringing the annual flood to Egypt for the plants.

What is the Enchanted Rock at Agilkia Island?

As mentioned before, the goddess Isis resurrected her husband, the god Osiris, at the Philae temple using very powerful rituals that enchanted the whole temple, specifically one of the rocks on the island that was once believed to bring good fortune to anyone who touched it.   

LIMITED OFFER! Book a Felucca ride to both Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island with Magic Carpet with discounts of up to 10%

Where to Stay in Aswan?

Whether you like luxurious accommodations with splendid views, budget-friendly seekers, or aiming to try the Nubian villages’ guesthouses, you’ll definitely find your preferences for accommodation in Aswan, as it has what suits every traveler. 

But to save you both time and effort, we gathered you our top selection of accommodation choices that you’ll surely find what suits you.

Kato Dool Nubian House

An ideal choice for those looking to delve into the local Nubian culture.  Kato Dool is a Nubian guesthouse residing in Aswan West Bank that boasts colorful architecture and vibrant Nubian decorations, offering a unique atmosphere of the local Nubian culture for guests and visitors. 

Kato Dool Nubian House’s rooms are comfortable and adorned with beautiful local crafts, needless to mention the mesmerizing views of both the Nile and the desert. 

One problem regarding the Kato Dool Nubian House is its distance from anything like Aswan attractions, which adds to the budget for transportation. 

Mövenpick Resort Aswan

For luxurious accommodation seekers, Mövenpick Resort Aswan is one of the top choices residing on the historical Elephantine Island, making it perfect for serenity seekers regarding its surrounding natural mixture of green landscapes and Nile views. 

Mövenpick Resort is filled with many unique rooms and suites that overlook the Nile, with all the included features like WiFi and flat-screen TVs.   

You may enjoy your dinner with a variety of options from restaurants like Orangerie Restaurant, where you can enjoy food from many countries, and Panorama Bar, where you can enjoy multiple choices of drinks. 

Mövenpick Resort Aswan also offers its residents: 

• Heated pool

• Fitness center

• Massage rooms

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan

Looking for accommodation with a taste of history? Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is the best choice. The hotel was designed in the Victorian-era architectural style, combining beauty and authenticity. 

Sofitel offers not only comfort but also history, as guests enjoy their food at the historical restaurant, The Terrace, where multiple historical figures once sat there including Agatha Christie, who wrote some parts of her novels.  

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan features: 

• Heated outdoor pool

• Full-service spa 

• Fitness center

TOLIP Hotel Aswan

Enjoy both comfort and mesmerizing views as you stay at TOLIP Hotel Aswan, which resides on the Nile Corniche and offers many options for accommodations, featuring balconies that overlook the Nile, and other traditional features to ensure a smooth stay. 

TOLIP Hotel features:

• Swimming pool

• Fitness center

• Spa 

• Multiple dining options

• Poolside snack bar 

• Cozy café.

Also, the hotel location is close to many historical attractions like the Nubian Museum and the Unfinished Obelisk, making it a good choice in terms of transportation.

Hapi Hotel Aswan 

A budget hotel that offers the fanciest accommodation options and suits those looking to go on a budget. 

Habi Hotel features many things, such as: 

• Overlooking the Nile

• Being close to Aswan’s main attractions, like the Nubian Museum

• Comfortable rooms

• Private balconies 

• International food

What are the Top 5 Hidden Gems to visit in Aswan?

Unlike other blog posts that tell you the top places to visit in Aswan easily, we will discuss the other side of the story and tell you about the hidden gems in Aswan, where you can witness history away from the crowdedness of Aswan’s top attractions like Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan High Dam.

Sehel Island and the Famine Stela

One of the hidden gems in Aswan is Sehel Island, which is mainly a granite island and has such historical importance for 3 reasons:

• The inscriptions carved on its rocks were formed over many years by ancient Egyptians, pilgrims, or travelers. 
• Sehel Island was once a mining location for precious stones and granite.
• The area was a religious site dedicated to the god Khnum, and locals used to make their offerings there.

For the Famine Stela, it’s a famous inscription that resides on Sehel Island, dating back to the Ptolemaic era, describing the famine period that struck Egypt that happened in the days of King Djoser and what he did to drive away the scourge.

Temple of Kalabsha

One of the best locations to see in Aswan is the Temple of Kalabsha, which is located close to the village of Kalabsha and is devoted to the Roman god Mandulis of the Nubians.  

As you venture into the temple of Kalabsha, you’ll see how it consists of a gigantic pylon ornate with many different carvings of the Roman emperors, with an open courtyard, 

Next, you’ll meet the hypostyle hall, which consists mainly of columns with different religious carvings of the gods: Mandulis, Osiris, and Isis. 

Finally, at the heart of the temple of Kalabsha, you’ll meet the temple sanctuary, where offerings were made, with many carvings on the walls.   

Aga Khan Mausoleum

On the west bank of Aswan erected the Aga Khan Mausoleum was erected, one of the best places to visit in Aswan, which belongs to Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III and is known for its beautiful architecture that overlooks the Nile River. 

The Mausoleum boasts intricate Islamic carvings as it was designed according to the Fatimid architectural style from granite and pink limestone, making it shine and glow during the day.   

The Monastery of St. Simeon

Among the top Aswan places to visit is the Monastery of St. Simeon, a Coptic monastery that resides in the west of Aswan and dates back to the 6th century 

Speaking of its design, the Monastery of St. Simeon blends both Byzantine and Coptic architectural styles, with its main church having a dome, an apse, 3 unique naves, and many wall paintings that depict either saints, scenes from the bible, and different Christian symbols.

The Tombs of the Nobles

The last element on our list of the top lesser-known places to visit in Aswan is the Tombs of the Nobles in the west of Aswan. 

Similar to the ones in Luxor, the Tombs of the Nobles in Aswan belong to prestigious people like priests and governors from different eras spanning from the Old Kingdom era until the Ptolemaic period.

Among the most notable tombs for their beautifully painted tombs are:

• Tomb of Harkhuf

• Tomb of Sarenput II

• Tomb of Qubbet el-Hawa

• Tomb of Mekhu and Sabni

Unique 5 Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt

As Aswan boasts historical places, there are many things to do in Aswan Egypt that add a unique taste to your trip to Egypt. 

Take in Philae Temple’s Sound and Light Show

Imagine yourself in a unique atmosphere as the Philae Temple gets back to life through the Sound and Light Show that involves dramatic lightning on the temple walls & statues and dramatic narration of many legends of ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses like Osiris and Isis.  

The show is available in different languages at specific times. 

Reserve a seat at Philae Temple for the Sound and Light Show.

Experience the Felucca boat ride adventure

Felucca boat ride in Aswan has far more beauty than its counterparts, either in Luxor or Cairo, as gets you to many natural scenes that bring you serenity and amusement, making it among the list of top things to do in Aswan Egypt. 

The boat trip in Aswan is better than other cities due to the places you’ll pass by, such as Kitchener’s Island and Elephantine Island, both adding a unique taste and serenity to your ride. 

Book a mesmerizing Felucca boat ride in Aswan.

Head to Abu Simbel temples

A remarkable journey awaits you as you travel to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, two exquisitely preserved temples: the Great Temple honors Ramses II and is renowned for its mysterious sculptures of the king, each standing 66 feet tall. The temple’s interior is decorated with numerous halls and rooms that talk about Ramses II’s triumphs, particularly his victory at the Battle of Kadesh.

The Small Temple honors his wife, Queen Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor. It is renowned for its six 33-foot-tall statues of Queen Nefertari and Ramses II, as well as religious reliefs and beautiful artwork and crafts that highlight Queen Nefertari’s heavenly position.

Know more: Top 5 Abu Simbel Tours: Sun Festival, Flights, Ticket Price

Buy some gold

One of the unique things to do in Aswan is to buy your 18-carat jewelry for its purity level at low prices when compared to other countries.

You can get a ring, a necklace, or our top suggestion: a cartouche and add your name in hieroglyphics to it, creating such an attachment to the city and the Egyptian culture, creating an unforgettable experience.   

Buy a perfume made for you

Being the house for many fragrant oils and essences makes Aswan one of the best and cheapest choices for perfumes. 

You’ll for sure find whatever suits you at Aswan’s Souk (Market), even from the global brands, just with a different name.    

How to Spend a Day Trip in Aswan?

A typical day trip in Aswan mixes between Aswan places to visit and the things to do. 

But in general, you can enjoy a full day trip in Aswan visiting both famous and hidden attractions such as: 

After breakfast, you may see the Aswan High Dam, Egypt’s defense against floods that previously submerged the country. The Aswan High Dam, a feat of engineering measuring 12,570 feet in length and 364 feet in height, serves as Egypt’s primary source of hydroelectric power in addition to preventing flooding. (Duration: 1 hour)

Following there, go on to Philae Temple, an Isis-focused complex of pylons, structures, courtyards, and shrines. The temple, which combined Egyptian and Greco-Roman design, was split up into 40,000 pieces and moved to Agilkia Island to avoid flooding. (Duration: 1.5 hours)

Then, visit the Nubian Museum, which exhibits many artifacts and statues from Nubia’s ancient history. (Duration: 1 hour)

After launch, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, a pink granite obelisk that is in ruins and would have been the biggest in the world, standing 137 feet tall and weighing about 1200 tons. A fracture that occurred during the quarrying process prevented the obelisk from being finished. Nonetheless, a lot of tourists continue to visit the Unfinished Obelisk.  (Duration: 30 minutes)

After that, take pleasure in a boat excursion that will take you to both Kitchener’s Island and Elephantine Island, providing you with an unparalleled opportunity to have fun while admiring serene and natural surroundings. (Duration: 1.5 hours)

Finally, get some free time at leisure to explore Aswan the way you like, wandering in its streets. 

We suggest you spend 2 days in Aswan to visit more attractions of the city more freely.  

Get a day trip in Aswan like nothing else, and enjoy all the features you like at a discount of up to 30%.

FAQs

Is Aswan worth visiting?

Definitely! Aswan boasts many attractions that you should visit at least once in your lifetime, like Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, Kitchener’s Island, and the Unfinished Obelisk.

What is Aswan famous for?

Aswan is known for many things, like its attractions, like the Philae Temple, granite quarries of different colors, like black, pink, and red, the Nubian heritage, and Nile rides such as Nile Cruises and Felucca.  

How to spend a day in Aswan?

A typical day in Aswan can include visiting the following attractions sequentially: Head to the Aswan High Dam, then head to Philae Temple, then Nubian Museum, and get a local Egyptian lunch. Next, view the Unfinished Obelisk by boat to Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island.

How to spend 2 days in Aswan?

On the first day, see the Aswan High Dam, then the Philae Temple, the Nubian Museum, a local Egyptian launch, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Kitchener’s Island via boat.

On the second day, see the Tombs of the Nobles and then proceed to the Monastery of St. Simeon, then visit Nubian Village and have lunch at a Nubian Restaurant, then visit Kalabsha Temple, explore Sehel Island and the Famine Stela, and end your day with a Dinner Cruise.