EG
Aswan
A relaxed Nile town of granite islands, feluccas and colourful Nubian villages, and the gateway to Abu Simbel
A relaxed Nile town of granite islands, feluccas and colourful Nubian villages, and the gateway to Abu Simbel
The Temple of Isis was moved stone by stone to Agilkia Island in the 1970s to save it from the rising waters behind the dams. It is reached by a short boat ride.
Photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0
Two temples carved into the rock by Ramesses II, fronted by four colossal statues of the king. They were relocated in the 1960s in a famous UNESCO rescue campaign.
Visit on an early-morning tour by road (about three and a half hours each way) or fly.
Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0
An island in the Nile opposite the city, with ancient temple ruins, a Nilometer and Nubian villages with brightly painted houses.
Photo: Marc Ryckaert, CC BY 3.0
Villages such as Gharb Soheil on the west bank, reached by boat, are known for their colourful houses, crafts and hospitality.
Photo: Warren LeMay, CC0
Try Nubian dishes such as stews baked in clay pots, flatbreads, and karkadeh (hibiscus tea).
Restaurants on the Corniche and floating restaurants on the Nile are good for sunset dinners.
Aswan International Airport has flights from Cairo, and trains run from Cairo and Luxor. Nile cruises connect Aswan and Luxor in three to four nights.
Most visitors need a visa. You can apply online for an e-visa (US$25) or buy a visa on arrival at airports (US$30 since 1 March 2026); both allow stays of up to 30 days. The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). The US State Department rates Egypt Level 2 (exercise increased caution), with “do not travel” advice for northern and middle Sinai and border areas. Check current rules and advice before you travel.
Aswan is good value; the Abu Simbel trip is the biggest extra cost.
Excludes entrance fees.
Temples, islands and the Nile.
Visit Philae Temple and the High Dam, then sail on a felucca around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Island at sunset.
Take an early-morning trip to Abu Simbel.
Visit the Nubian Museum and a Nubian village on the west bank.
Tipping is expected for many small services; carry small notes in Egyptian pounds.
Agree the price and duration with the captain before setting off.
Aswan is one of the hottest places in Egypt; avoid midday sightseeing.
Around 22 February and 22 October, sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary at Abu Simbel; expect crowds.
Quick answers for planning time in Aswan.
Most visitors do: an e-visa costs US$25 online, or a visa on arrival US$30, each for up to 30 days.
By road on an organised tour (about three and a half hours each way) or by flight.
To save it from flooding after the building of the Aswan dams; it was rebuilt on Agilkia Island.
Yes, sailing on the Nile at sunset is one of the highlights of Aswan.
October to April; summer is extremely hot.
Google Maps works well in cities; download offline maps for desert areas.
Free
Arabic is the language; English is common in tourist businesses.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Egypt travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.