Summary

• Aswan, a UNESCO creative city, boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, including magnificent constructions and colorful Nubian neighborhoods.
• Key attractions include Elephantine Island, Nubian City, Monastery of St. Simeon, Tombs of the Nobles, and Abu Simbel Temple, each offering unique insights into Aswan’s past and present.
• Sites like Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk provide a deep dive into ancient Egyptian civilization.
• The Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser Nile River Cruise showcase modern engineering feats, while the Nubian Museum preserves the region’s rich cultural heritage.
• Visitors can enjoy sunset views, felucca rides on the Nile, shopping at the souq area, and staying at the historic Old Cataract Hotel for a complete Aswan experience.

Things to do in Aswan are numerous, granted to make every moment worthy of remembering. The main goal of this article is to provide every traveler with all the activities that can be enjoyed in Aswan. All the information and details in this article are provided by the ETP team, which is a group of experts, skilled tour guides, and tour operators who have gathered all these facts from their long experience in Aswan for more than two decades. Some might ask, Is Aswan worth visiting? Or What are the things to do in Aswan? The answer is there is plenty to see and explore.

Within the city of the immortal golden heritage, Aswan exists a collection of tremendous allure and grandeur that has survived for thousands of years, showcasing a beautiful vision of brilliance and wonder to the point where the city has become one of the UNESCO creative cities network in the category of folk art and Craft because of the number of great constructions and a ray of colorful walls across the Nubian neighborhood. All around there are countless things to do in Aswan that will leave a beautiful memory on your mind and soul for eternity. Here are the best things to do in Aswan:

1. Explore Elephantine Island

One of the most captivating sites to explore & best things to do in Aswan is the magnificent elephantine island found at the southern border of Upper Egypt with lower nubia downstream of the first cataract, which is known for its strategic location and religious significance that contributed to its development and cultural importance in ancient times where everyone can explore some of the most amazing archaeological attractions are found such as the temple of Khnum who is associated with the Nile’s inundation and the creation of human beings, a nilometer and a number of ruins dating to more than 300 years old.

Aswan Museum, the Island exhibits epic artifacts and marvelous findings from the island’s archaeological excavations. Everyone will get to cast their eyes on a variety of plants, trees, and flowers from different parts of the world on Kitchener Island Botanical Garden. Through Elephantine Island, all travelers will get to enjoy legendary access to the glorious Nubian Villages.

2. Enjoy A Tour to the Nubian City

The majestic Nubian City is an ethereal realm filled with divine allure that is able to provide everyone with the most magical creations of natural bliss, which feature the most blessed form of culture, languages, traditions, colorful artwork, and unique architecture, which was cultivated over thousands of years. Everyone will witness the finest examples of natural allure and creativity within the Nubian city that lies on the Nile River, 123,000 sq km between the city of Aswan in southern Egypt and Khartoum in central northern Sudan.

]The history of Nubia dates back to 2000 BCE, and the Nubian villages are like a magical dimension filled with the rarest artistic elements, man-made structures, symbols, and mesmerizing colors. The Nubian can be found in a number of epic places like Gharb Soheil is found on the west bank of the Nile which is known for its traditional Nubian houses and vibrant cultural heritage, Seheil Island on the Nile that is home to a Nubian community with a distinct culture and architecture which offer boat tours exploring the many Nubian villages around Aswan.

3. Discover the Monastery of St. Simeon

One of the most unique places to explore is the Monastery of Saint Simeon, which dates back to the 7th century. It is the largest ancient Coptic architectural complex in Egypt, located in the heart of the desert, 700 m from the Nile’s west bank opposite the island of Elephantine. It was home to monks traveling into Nubia, established by local saint Anba Hedra, who had renounced the mortal world on the same day of his wedding. This well-preserved wonder was established in honor of a Christian hermit known as St. Simeon, who lived in seclusion and asceticism.

The monastery reflects the most majestic architecture, which reflects the typical style of artistic Coptic architecture. It was abandoned in the 13th century, possibly due to the decline of the Christian community in the region, but in the modern era. The monastery’s ruins have been preserved in the modern era, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical and architectural significance of the site. Everyone will get to discover a very enriching and blessed marvel of divine beauty that will showcase the true immortal power of faith.

4. Visit Tombs of the Nobles

In Aswan lies a rare site called the tombs of the nobles, which was the final resting place for many nobles, officials, and governors who were the keepers of the southern gates from the old kingdom of Egypt (2686–2181 BC). Inside the tombs are family complexes that carry various descriptions in hieroglyphics, wall paintings & decorations that showcase the incredible daily Life in ancient Egypt, plus a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the elite class in ancient Aswan.

The tomb of the nobles is in close proximity to the Mausoleum of Aga Khan and the Monastery of St. Simeon, which makes it unique. The tombs are known for their rock-cut architecture, with the burial chambers carved directly into the natural rock formations. The design of the tombs is known to reflect the traditional Egyptian mortuary & funerary practices and religious beliefs regarding the afterlife. When exploring all the tombs, everyone will come to cast their eyes on intricate wall carvings, paintings, and inscriptions that depict scenes from the deceased’s life, religious rituals, and offerings, plus an insight into the cultural and religious practices that date from the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt, and New Kingdom of ancient Egypt.

5. Marvel at Abu Simbel Temple

There are no tours complete in Aswan without a visit to the legendary Abu Simbel temple, the southern protector of Egypt that belongs to Ozymandias or Ramses the Great (1279-1213 BCE), who constructed a legendary marvel which was successful in immortalizing his legacy and victory at the battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC for generations to come which led to the creation of the first peace treaty in existence. Visiting the golden Abu Simbel temples is one of the majestic things to do in Aswan where it hosts the sun festival that takes place on the 22 of February & October of each year when the sun shines on the faces of the four seated god statues of Ra-Harakhty, Ptah, and Amun, and Ramses Himself.

The greater temple features four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II at its entrance, each standing at about 20 meters tall. The interior of the epic temple is adorned with impressive carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Ramesses II’s reign and religious rituals. The smaller temple is dedicated to Nefertari, Ramesses II’s beloved queen. One of the remarkable features of the Great Temple is its solar alignment, which happens Twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, when the sun’s rays penetrate the temple and illuminate the statues in the inner sanctuary, so make sure to be in the temple during that marvelous time. It grabbed international attention during the 60s when it was relocated from its current location in order to preserve the temples’ original orientation and structure.

6. Discover Philae Temple

The Philae temple of Isis and the immortal myth of Osiris came to be between 380 BC & 362 BC by King Ptolemy II and was enlarged by various kings throughout the Ptolemaic Era. It was dedicated to Isis, goddess of motherhood, magic, healing, and protection, plus the wife of the ruler of the underworld. What makes the temple special is the story on the temple’s walls, which showcases the story of the infamous Osiris Myth, where he comes to life.

The construction of the Philae Temple complex has spanned several centuries, with contributions from various pharaohs, including Ptolemaic and Roman rulers. Everyone will come to cast their eyes on several structures, including the main temple dedicated to Isis, a smaller temple dedicated to Hathor, who is the goddess of love and joy, and an enclosed birth house. This UNESCO wonder is highly renowned for being adorned with intricate carvings, reliefs, and hieroglyphs, which are able to depict incredible mythological and religious scenes. The sound and light show in the temple is able to provide a combination of illuminated structures, storytelling, and music that creates a captivating experience that brings the temple’s history to life.

7. Head to Kom Ombo Temple

Across the bank of the Nile is the hill of gold Kom Ombo, which was constructed in the Greco-Roman period between 205 BC & 180 BC in the reign of Ptolemy V. It has a unique double design divided into two identical sectors; the first section is dedicated for the crocodile god Sobek of fertility and the Nile waters while the other sector is dedicated for Horus, the elder.

The design of the Kom Ombo Temple is symmetrical, with duplicate halls, sanctuaries, and courts for each of the two gods. This layout is unusual in ancient Egyptian temple architecture and reflects the dual dedication of the temple. The double and identical temples are able to shed light on the medical, astronomical, and mythical facts of the greatest civilization on earth during the Greco-Roman period. Boarding a Nile cruise across Upper Egypt will be the key to discovering the blessed beauty and the informational wealth radiating from the Kom Ombo temple.

8. Visit Edfu Temple

Every traveler will have the chance to step inside the house of victory, the temple of Edfu, constructed in the Ptolemaic age between the years 237 BC and 57 BC to be the official temple of the victorious sky deity Horus, the son of the motherhood goddess Isis & the ruler of the underworld Osiris. Many believe the temple was built upon the exact spot where the battle between the devil god Set and Horus took place, according to Osiris Myth, where Hours became victorious.

Everyone will get to explore one of the last temples ever created in the history of mankind, where all will learn about the immortal history of the great battle that took place between Horus and set, which took thousands of years spanned eighty years on this great location which shed light on ancient Egyptian religious beliefs, rituals, and mythological stories. The Edfu Temple is renowned for its Ptolemaic temple architecture, characterized by its well-preserved hypostyle hall, layout with a pylon, courtyard, hypostyle hall, sanctuaries, enclosed area, towering pylons, and impressive entrance gateways.

9. Visit the Unfinished Obelisk

Everyone will cast their eyes on one of the pillars of paradise that was established by Queen Hatshepsut (1508-1458 BC) to pierce the sky at the height of 42 m, but it was broken during construction, which it was able to showcase a great deal of information about constructions in ancient times. If completed, it would have been one of the largest obelisks ever erected in ancient Egypt. It measures about 42 meters (137 feet) in length and would have weighed around 1,168 tons.

The Unfinished Obelisk is a valuable source to archaeologists and historians as it offers insights into the ancient Egyptian quarrying and carving techniques used by ancient craftsmen and the methods they employed in creating monumental structures. Touring around this immortal gem will be an eye-opener to the true skills of the New Kingdom builders.

10. Go To Aswan High Dam

One of the only few modern attractions constructed in the ’60s is the Aswan High Dam, which was designed as a cooperation project between the Egyptian and the Russian governments; the Moscow Hydro project Institute was able to provide Egypt with the means to be able to full the advantage of the Nile floods, increase the water storage for irrigation in lake Nasser and generating Hydroelectricity.

All will get to watch the process where the water is saved and used to advance agriculture and the entire culture of Egypt. Everyone will get to learn about the gigantic device built by modern Egyptians to create a passage to the new industrial age where the future of the country was established to paint an epic path leading to a brighter future.

11. Explore Kalabsha Temple

One of the only Roman temples in Egypt is the great temple of Kalabsha, built during the Roman period, around 30 BCE to 14 CE, during the reign of Augustus, to honor the Nubian goddess of the sun, Mandulis (Merul). It is located 50 Km south of Aswan on the west bank of the Nile and is the finest example of ancient Egyptian architecture in Nubia.

The architectural style reflects a fusion of Roman and Egyptian elements. The main structure consists of an entrance porch, a hypostyle hall, and a sanctuary. All the walls of the temple are adorned with detailed reliefs and carvings depicting various scenes, including representations of the gods Mandulis, Horus, and Osiris, as well as images of Roman emperors such as Augustus and Tiberius. All travelers will get cast their eyes on epic reliefs that include depictions of the annual Opet Festival, which was dedicated to the Theban Triad (Amun, Mut, and Khonsu).

12. Witness Aswan Beauty at Sunset

The sunset across Aswan is a heavenly sight as if the sun is waving goodbye in the most magical and blessed manner. Any form of activity, like a boat ride, will be a truly majestic super safari across the desert on the back of a camel or quad to the Nubian villages. All travelers will get to watch the sun kissing the Abu Simbel temple a farewell kiss until the next morning.

Everyone will get to catch a miraculous vision of the natural allure and historical greatness of Aswan that was cultivated over thousands of years. While in Aswan, everyone will get to catch a piece of all the immortal treasures of southern Egypt that have stood the test of time for many ages, thus providing everyone with the chance to make the most marvelous memories.

13. Visit Wadi Al-Subua

One of Ramses the Great many constructions is the Valley of the Lions, “Wadi Es Sebua” constructed in lower Nubia and dedicated to Horus but then altered to honor Amun. It consists of a rock-cut sanctuary fronted by a brick-built pylon, court, hall, and amazing wall paintings. The Wadi is a true archaeological gem that dates to the reign of Ramesses the Great.

Found near it is the Temple of Dakka, which was constructed during the reigns of Ptolemy II Philadelphus and Ptolemy III Euergetes in the 3rd century BCE and was dedicated to the gods Thoth (the god of wisdom) and Horus (the falcon-headed god). Wadi Al-Subua is home to a Coptic Christian monastery called Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary. The monastery, also relocated, consists of several buildings, including a church, monks’ cells, and a cemetery. Like Philae temple and Abu Simbel Temple, it was relocated to a new location in the 60s by UNESCO.

14. Ride a Felucca in the Nile River

One of the finest things to do in Aswan is boarding a Felucca on the Nile River and watch the sunrises and sunsets over the mesmerizing Nile River that showcase the immortal beauty of the great civilization through the shining towers of art and brilliance across its banks.

Everyone can enjoy the chance to live a heavenly quest in total comfort and tranquility where everyone will be provided the finest series of services in the most majestic and enchanting surroundings. All travelers will get to feel a deep connection to the river and its history and may share stories and insights about the region, adding depth to the experience.

15. Experience the Nile River Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan

Since the dawn of time, Nile river cruises have been the main highlight and centerpiece of a genuine Egyptian holiday. The Nile cruise is able to create a state of peace and grace while drifting in complete relaxation and luxury across the most captivating examples of natural and man-made beauty in ancient Egypt. Between the two poles of wonder are the two magical Egyptian cities of Luxor and Aswan, where ancient natural beauty and immortal secrets are clearly expressed.

Everyone will uncover the greatness, stunning river scenery, rich history, vibrant Nubian culture, and beauty of the many archaeological marvels of Upper Egypt, such as Karnak temples complex, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Abu Simbel Temple, and more that achieved immortality to keep the world alive about the ethereal heritage of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

16. Enjoy Lake Nasser Nile River Cruise

A Nile cruise to Lake Nasser is a majestic chance to sail across a modern miracle, feel all the powerful spirits of ancient Egypt, and enjoy the true taste of relaxation and luxury. The extraordinary Lake Nasser cruise will shed light on several ancient temples like the Temples of Abu Simbel, Kalabsha, Wadi Al-Subua, Amada, and the Temple of Dakka that were relocated to higher ground to prevent them from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Lake Nasser cruises will provide a serene and peaceful environment as the lake is much less crowded compared to the northern section of the Nile, which provide the chance to enjoy a heavenly passage to the most stunning desert landscapes and Nubian villages plus archaeological blessings where everyone can learn about the history, archaeology, and cultural significance of some of the most beautiful places on earth.

17. Shopping Tour at Souq Area

One of the busiest places in all of Aswan is the Aswan souk, where the shopping experience is like shopping across different cultures and timelines. The souq is filled with various colorful Egyptian and Nubian goods, and if any traveler is looking for stylish and beautiful souvenirs, then Thebazzar has a variety of goods at the best prices.

Getting the journey of your dreams will only be completed through the purchase of one of the items found in the souq area across all the narrow winding streets, stalls, and shops lining the pathways. Everyone will have the chance to pay for spices, herbs, perfumes, textiles, scarves, jewelry, Nubian handicrafts, traditional clothing, and souvenirs. Everyone will have fun and enjoy a sense of adventure in the glorious street of Aswan in order to try traditional Egyptian and Nubian dishes & drinks.

18. Discover Gebel El-Silsila

In Aswan lies a natural miracle which is known as Gebel El-Silsila, “Series of Mountains“, “Place of Rowing” which is located in Upper Egypt 65 km north of Aswan where the cliffs on both ends of the Nile close up to the narrowest point all along the entire length of the Nile between Edfu and Kom Ombo. It used to be a major important query used to harness limestone during the New Kingdom (1550–1070 BCE).

The quarries supplied sandstone used for various construction projects, including temples, statues, and other monumental structures, which were ordered by great pharaohs called Amenhotep III, Akhenaten, and Ramesses II. Gebel El-Silsila features rock-cut shrines and small temples dedicated to various deities, including Sobek, Khnum, and more. The entire location has the power to explore the history and culture of one of the greatest locations in southern Egypt, which played a vital role in shaping the landscape of the entire civilization.

19. Accommodate at Old Cataract Hotel

If you are looking for history, honor, and grace, then the Old Cataract Hotel is the one where everyone can enjoy the most incredible stay among the most beautiful surroundings and hypnotic natural beauty. It is a historical five-star hotel located on the banks of the Nile River, built in 1899 by Thomas Cook.

It is one of the finest hotels in Aswan, and it is able to provide the most amazing collections of services, staff, and requested services. The hotel will provide a truly majestic experience with the full luxury and allure of Aswan. From the hotel, everyone will get to have marvelous access to some of the most majestic archaeological wonders during a very amazing holiday.

20. Explore Aga Khan Mausoleum

In Aswan lies the marvelous mausoleum of Mohammed Shan Agha Khan, who was one of the richest men in the world at that time. Mohammed Shan Agha Khan (1877–1957) served as the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community for 72 years. He played a significant role in various fields, including education, diplomacy, and the welfare of his community. He spent time in Aswan during his recovery from leg paralysis, where he admired the allure of the city, so he decided Aswan to be his final resting place.

In late 1950, he ordered the construction of a mausoleum resembling the Fatimid tombs in Cairo with a special Pink Granite Structure. It is placed on the west bank of the Nile near the monastery of St. Simeons. The Aga Khan Mausoleum offers a breathtaking view of the Nile River and the city of Aswan, which mixes greatly with its modern Islamic architecture. The interior of the mausoleum is adorned with intricate marble and tile work. For ages, the mausoleum has attracted pilgrims due to its famous statue and captivating design.

21. Visit Nubian Museum

In the golden, beautiful city of Aswan lies a magical chance to wander inside history, which is a part of the extraordinary Archaeological Museum, which was constructed to honor the culture of Nubian culture. The Nubian museum is able to shed light on the history, art, and traditions of the Nubian region, providing travelers with a comprehensive understanding of this ancient civilization. It contains 3,000 artifacts that date to 3500 BC across different historical ages, from the Pharaonic era to the Greco-Roman period to the Coptic & Islamic age, and more than 500,000 displays that tell the full story of the Nubian culture.

The structure incorporates elements inspired by Nubian architecture, with its terraced design resembling traditional Nubian villages. The museum is divided into many exhibition halls that present artifacts from different historical periods, showcasing the continuity and richness of Nubian culture. The exhibits cover prehistoric, Pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic, and modern Nubian periods. It is able to showcase the various scripts used in the region throughout history, such as hieroglyphs and the Old Nubian script. Live exhibits and models can be found in this epic museum.