2025 Aswan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

Arriving in Aswan, a wave of heat hit me, but the air carried a unique freshness, the scent of the desert. The sun was shining brightly, the sky was a deep blue, and the Nile River sparkled with golden light under the sun, everything was so enthusiastic and unrestrained. I stayed at a hotel by the Nile, where I could enjoy the magnificent river view from the balcony of my room. In the morning, I would drink rich Egyptian coffee on the balcony, watching the sunrise dye the sky golden red, and the felucca sailboats slowly gliding through the morning light, creating a breathtaking scene. In Aswan, I experienced many water activities. I took a ride on a traditional felucca sailboat, drifting on the Nile. The breeze gently caressed my face, the sun shone on my face, and the river was so clear that I could see the fish playing at the bottom. The boatman was a friendly old captain who steered the boat while singing ancient Egyptian folk songs, his voice melodious and pleasant, making me feel relaxed and happy. On the boat, I felt a sense of isolation and tranquility, all my worries vanished. I also joined a sunset cruise on the Nile. The setting sun dyed the sky golden red, the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. On the boat, I enjoyed a delicious Egyptian dinner, chatting with other travelers, feeling the joy of traveling. It was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. Besides the Nile, the desert scenery in Aswan was also stunning. I went on a desert adventure, riding a camel through the desert. The camel's pace was slow and steady, and I felt the vastness and tranquility of the desert as I sat on its back. The desert scenery was spectacular and awe-inspiring, with golden dunes shining under the sun and rolling mountains in the distance, everything was so majestic and grand. In the desert, I felt a sense of freedom and tranquility that was completely different from city life. In the desert, I also experienced the thrill of riding a dune buggy. Driving the buggy through the desert, feeling the rush of speed, experiencing the wildness and passion of the desert. It was a challenging and exciting experience that gave me an unprecedented sense of excitement and satisfaction. In Aswan, I also visited a local Nubian village. The villagers were simple and kind, warm and hospitable. They showed me their traditional costumes and way of life, and invited me to taste their homemade food. Here, I felt a simplicity and warmth that was completely different from city life. The Nubian people's singing was melodious, their dancing was enthusiastic, their smiles were as warm as the sun, deeply touching me. In Aswan, I also learned to make a local traditional dessert. Under the guidance of an experienced pastry chef, I made a delicious dessert with my own hands. Although my work was not perfect, the process of making it gave me a unique sense of accomplishment. I took this unique dessert as a precious souvenir of this trip. In the evenings in Aswan, I would sit on the balcony of the hotel, enjoying the night view of the Nile. The night sky was dotted with stars, the fresh air filled with the scent of the desert, everything was so peaceful and serene. I felt relaxed and all my worries vanished. During my days in Aswan, I experienced a different way of life. There was no hustle and bustle of the city, but a peaceful and serene atmosphere, filled with nature and culture. The local people were simple and kind, warm and hospitable, their traditional culture and way of life deeply touched me. Aswan, this charming city, will become one of the most beautiful memories in my heart. I will always remember the Nile, the desert, and the indescribable emotion. The natural scenery, cultural charm, and the hospitality of the local people will become the most precious memories of my travels. I look forward to returning here again, to feel this rare tranquility and beauty once more.

Philae Temple is definitely one of the must-visit temples in Egypt. You need to take a boat to reach Philae Temple. The experience starts with bargaining for a boat ride, which is a unique Egyptian experience. While on the boat, the boatman whistles to call the seagulls. With the bright sunshine, the boat gradually approaches Philae Temple. Apart from the very dry air, everything is wonderful. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis, known for its stone carvings and mythological stories depicted on the stone walls. Both the murals and the architecture are very photogenic.

Visiting the Nubian Eco Village was a unique cultural experience. I enjoyed exploring the colorful houses and local handicrafts, and learning about the traditional Nubian way of life 🌿. The atmosphere was relaxed and intimate, and I received a warm welcome from the locals who shared their stories and cultural experiences with me 🏡. The trip provided a great opportunity to experience traditional Nubian cuisine and learn about their traditions and daily customs 🌟. The experience was a wonderful blend of culture and nature, adding depth to my knowledge of the region and its way of life.

Visiting BenBen By Dhara Hotels was a luxurious and comfortable experience 🌟. This hotel, with its modern and elegant design, offers contemporary facilities and a relaxing atmosphere 🌿. I enjoyed not only staying in the spacious rooms that provide comfort and recreation but also taking advantage of the excellent services offered by the hotel 🏨. The food at the restaurant, which offers a variety of options, was delicious 🍽️. Overall, the ambiance was warm and welcoming, making the stay a pleasant and comfortable experience. BenBen By Dhara Hotels is an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and luxury in a modern setting.

Visiting the Temple of Philae was a wonderful experience filled with history 🌟. Located on an island in the Nile River, the temple features unique architectural designs and beautiful decorations 🏛️. I enjoyed wandering among the columns and inscriptions that tell ancient stories of Egyptian civilization 🌿. The temple's views were captivating, offering stunning vistas of the river and surrounding islands 🌊. Overall, the atmosphere was serene and majestic, making the visit a rich and enjoyable experience. The Temple of Philae is an excellent destination for those who love history and cultural heritage.

#summerdestinations 📍Nubian Village, Aswan, Egypt 🇪🇬 Everyone knows about Egyptians, but what do you know about the Nubians? The Nubian civilization has a history dating back to 2000 BC and is situated in the Nile River Valley, encompassing regions of northern Sudan and southern Egypt. Today, modern Nubians primarily reside in the areas of Aswan and Kom Ombo. Traditionally, Nubian villages are found along the banks of the Nile River. However, in 1963, the completion of the High Dam under Abdel Nasser’s leadership led to the displacement of 135,000 Nubians from 44 villages. Sadly, many ancient Nubian monuments now lie submerged at the bottom of Lake Nasser. Some temples were rescued, thanks in part to the efforts of the “Nubian company” and UNESCO. For example, the Philae Temple relocated to an island, and the Abu Simbel temple moved onto a man-made hill. 🐊In Nubian culture, it was believed that hanging the body of a crocodile over a house’s door could protect its occupants from the evil eye. 🎨One distinctive feature of Nubian villages is their vibrant houses, constructed from mudbrick and adorned with bright colors. 🚕 You can get to the Nubian village by taking a taxi or a tour from Aswan. #nubianvillage #aswan #visitegypt #aswan_egypt #nubians #travelgram #travelcommunity #travelwithme

Highly recommended is the Solaih Nubian Restaurant located on a small island opposite the Philae Temple. It's situated on an island where you can gaze at the Philae Temple from the restaurant. We went there around 4 PM, and there were no other customers yet, so we leisurely enjoyed the view! However, for those planning to visit, I suggest either going at noon or in the evening. After 5 PM, as the sun sets, the sky fills with swarms of little bugs... The food at the restaurant is delicious and affordable! Starters, drinks, and sides range from 20 to 50 Egyptian pounds, while main courses are between 100 to 200 Egyptian pounds. We had a big lunch and ate dinner too early, plus we underestimated the portions and accidentally ordered too much... We ordered 8 dishes + 4 drinks for less than 800 Egyptian pounds in total. The round-trip boat transfer to the dock for two people was only 150 Egyptian pounds. If we had ordered less, we probably could have been very full for just 500 Egyptian pounds. What really left an impression on me was the hour spent sitting by the campfire, chatting with Egyptian students. I felt their genuine enthusiasm and heartfelt welcome. Dancing to traditional music, I sensed their desire for the freedom of the soul. 🏰 Historic Feature - Aswan's Cultural Treasure Aswan is a historically rich city in southern Egypt, home to many impressive sites. The Aswan market reflects the local commercial vitality, while the Felucca sailboats are an ancient mode of transportation on the Nile. The Nubian villages are a treasure trove of ancient traditions, where locals inherit history through their unique way of life. This day in Aswan has deeply made me feel the unique charm of Egypt. Looking forward to tomorrow's adventure🌈✨

| A laid-back day tour across 'Death on the Nile' in Aswan. To be honest, the Aswan experience is too good (apart from the heat). The hotel we stayed at was right by the Nile River, and the next day when I opened the window, there was the Nile, shimmering in gold. The masts of the feluccas gently swayed, and having breakfast in such a scene, no amount of heat or sun could scare us away. 🛶 Nile River Cruise ⛵️ Felucca On the way to Nubian Village by boat, we experienced the unique felucca, isn't this the scene from the movie 'Death on the Nile'? The Nile and the deserts on both banks were radiating golden light, and there were white birds perching. 🚢 Cruise Ship We had booked the cruise in advance, a three-day two-night journey from Aswan to Luxor, but later we found out that we could directly find a boat on the shores of Aswan and book on the spot if satisfied. 🌈 Nubian Village In ancient times, Nubia was an independent small kingdom, and today these minorities living on Egyptian land are descendants of primitive tribes, still maintaining their unique tribal culture. At first, I thought I had arrived at a large kindergarten, with the houses' exterior walls and decorations in bright colors, extremely high in color saturation, especially dazzling on a sandy slope, and even the camels here were dressed in a playful style. 🐊 Kom Ombo Temple Taking a cruise from Aswan to Luxor, there are many attractions to stop and visit along the way. In the evening, the cruise reached the Kom Ombo Temple, located on the hills of the eastern bank of the Nile. Unlike ordinary temples, this is the only double temple in Egypt, with the left side dedicated to the falcon-headed sun and war god Horus (Harus), and the right side to the crocodile-headed fertility god Sobek (Sobek). 🏠 Accommodation Isis Hotel The hotel is right on the banks of the Nile River, and if it weren't for the signature river view, you might think it was a riverside park. The garden is picturesque, and from the window, you can see the clear Nile. Breakfast was average, with not many varieties; I just had a glass of juice and took two biscuits before getting on the ship to appreciate the Nile.

Nubian smiley guest house is on elaphantine island in aswan, it was a lovely big 2 bedroom apartment and we only paid £12 for a night, it had a full kitchen with all utensils and pans etc, it had a beautiful roof terrace with a Bedouin seating area and a big bbq, it also had a big balcony. It was lovely and clean. We would definitely stay here again when we visit aswan #sun #tripblazers #passionpassport

Getting There - by flight, train or bus Attractions - With Aswan the closest town to Ramses II's colossal temples of Abu Simbel, the island temple of Philae, and the Nile-side Temple of Kom Ombo, there are plenty of things to do within day-tripping distance. The best way to discover Aswan's charms, and the most relaxing sightseeing experience, is to hop aboard a felucca (traditional sailboat) and view town from the watery highway that once made Aswan an important trading post. If you have time for only one day trip from Aswan, pick a visit to Abu Simbel. Built by Ramses II, and saved from destruction by a remarkable UNESCO rescue project in the 1970s, Abu Simbel is not only a triumph of ancient architecture, but also of modern engineering. Hotels - a lots of hotel but my stay was on the cruise to explore my luxor aswan trip! 😍 Food & Restaurants - should try their local food! Shopping - shops their handmade products by the local in nubian village. #awesomepic

#newyearadventure wow what a trip, we stayed on elaphantine island Aswan and saw the high dam, the unfinished obelisk and a Nubian village, then we took the semiramis 11 river cruise for 3 days sailing down the Nile to Luxor stopping at night at Kom ombo temple on the way. We stayed in Luxor and visited the Luxor museum and Karnak temple Then we took the sleeping train to cairo… it was an amazing adventure #wintergetaway#bucketlist #Wow

firstly sorry I didn’t get better pictures, this Unfinished Obelisk is massive and the largest know obelisk in the world and was something I was looking forward to visiting for a long time, it is very close to the bank of the Nile in aswan… we rented a taxi for a few hours and he took us and waited… we visited a few other places also, if you go to Aswan then don’t miss it it’s a fantastic experience and don’t be like me and take lots of photos 🙈#urbanexplorer #Unfinished obelisk #tripblazers

Abu Simbel temples Abu Simbel is an archaeological site located on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 290 km southwest of Aswan. It is one of the "Nubian Antiquities" sites included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Which starts from the direction of the flow of the river from Abu Simbel to Philae. #abusimbel#temples #aswan #egypt #2023travelwish #mytripvlog #tripblazers #infinitypool #mountainview

For my trip, I went from Aswan to Abu simbel temple in the early morning, it took like 2-3 hours to reach Abu simbel temple. On the way to Abu simbel, you can see desert on the way long. Moreover, there was a strong wind here in the morning and it was located next to the lake, so I recommended you to prepare the jacket or sweater and sunglasses even though it was shiny day (maybe, I went there during December, so it might be cold.)#abusimbel #egypt #travel

You can enjoy to visit the city with the horse or you can sit in the boat (Felucca) to see the sunset which is so beautiful. Take your time to relax and enjoy the moment at nile river with clear blue sky. You can walk a long the local market. There are many interesting things to buy such as clothes,food , fruits and etc. #mytripvlog#swancity #nileriver

Philae Temple This temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, which was flooded by the waters of the Nile, was divided and reassembled in a new location on the island of Egilika, about 500 meters from its original place on the island of Philae. Its buildings include a temple of Hathor, and the visitor can watch the sound and light show at night, which is presented in different languages. Egypt was a prosperous part of the parts of the Roman Empire, it became truly rich and several new cities were built in it, and among the most famous facilities in Egypt in the Roman era is what is called the Pharaoh’s bed, that is, the booth of Trajan, and this monument was built on the island of Philae by Trajan, the Roman ruler.#philaetemple

wow🥰😍 Kom Ombo Temple This temple was established during the reign of Ptolemy VI Philomtor, but its decoration was not completed except in the Roman era, the time of Emperor Tiberius, and we also see in this temple the same characteristics that we find in other Egyptian Ptolemaic temples in terms of design, architecture and decoration, but this temple has a special feature that resulted in Local worship in the place, where people worshiped two local gods, Sobek and Horus with the head of the falcon, and despite the difference in origin and character of these two gods, they lived side by side for many centuries without mixing or mixing with each other, and therefore it is not found in This temple has two adjacent sanctuaries only, but there are also in it on the axis of each of these two sanctuaries, doors next to each other, in the outer wall and in the walls of the two halls of the columns and beyond, and accordingly the temple is divided into two parts, each of which is dedicated to the worship of one of these two gods. The walls of this temple were decorated with an intimate Egyptian decoration, characterized by the accuracy of its workmanship, good harmony, and the beauty of the balance between the characters of its scenes and the surrounding hieroglyphic inscriptions that complete these scenes. #spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #fallingforfall #infinitypool #mountainview #kom Ombo Temple

wow wow wow The Nubian village of Aswan, or West Suhail, as its residents and visitors like to call it, is one of the Egyptian villages that were established and formed in harsh conditions, to overcome all the suffering and become today one of the most prominent tourism attractions in Aswan and the one with the advanced ranking on the agenda of Egyptian, Arab and foreign tourists. The village has its roots going back about 100 years from now, when the construction of the old Aswan reservoir began in 1902 AD, and then it was raised in 1912 AD. It was necessary to establish a village on a sandy slope on the western bank of the river, to the west of Suhail Island, so that the residents could live in it, away from the dangers of high flood levels. In any year, little by little, the people of the village showed the world their culture, customs, and traditions, and most importantly, they preserved their Nubian environment in form and theme. To become the most enjoyable destinations in all of Egypt. #aswan nubian village#spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #fallingforfall #infinitypool #mountainview

experience Philae Island through my pictures , it was a beautiful place to be in and the history is so rich and beautiful . We were shown where the king of Horus was born and where he grew up. This place was also made a church at some point in history , they also made some perfumes here and I was lucky enough to get some natural oil perfume . When you come to Aswan please make sure to get yourself some perfume , this will go a long way for the locals . I had a great time exploring Aswan with my tour guide and I hope to come back one day and experience all of this with other people as well . #aswan #philae #egypt #summervacation #passionpassport

Getting There - I got on a boat and they moved swiftly through the Nile and it was beautiful , with a tour guide who told me all about the history of the different places on the way there . Attractions - Nubian Village is just as beautiful and the people are so gracious and kind . On getting there , I was offered mint tea with bread and traditional butter bread , served alongside some old cheese and maple syrup . Hotels - I am taking a 3 day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with stops in the most important places and you get to enjoy the sites and the best part is my room has a beautiful view !!!! Food & Restaurants - There is a restaurant at the top of the boat that I am on , they offer great food and drinks . Shopping - You can shop at your stops , take an opportunity to get loved ones something small and beautiful. #tripblazers #egypt #aswan #livinglife #bookthetrip

one of my favourite temples I have visited in Egypt. it located in the southern part of Egypt. and the special thing about this temple is first you need to take the boat to get there since it located on this island. this is the most picturesque temples, and the history is really fascinating. i highly recommend to hire a guide or read up online before visiting the temple. this temple was initially submerged and abandoned, then by he government decided to move this temple from the North to the south, by the lower dam. the best time to visit this temple is before or around sunset time, while you can take some good pictures of the island and the temple. this is def one of the best one, must visit place in Aswan and in Egypt #passionpassport #gooutside #egypt#history#temple

These two immense carved rock temples at Abu Simbel, a village in the ancient Upper Egyptian region of Nubia, are dedicated to 13th century Pharaoh Ramesses II and his first wife Nefertari. Their construction, including the carving of the massive rock-cut statues of the royals, took twenty years. Dedicated to the Ancient Egyptian gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty and Ptah and to Ramesses himself, they are considered to be the most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the Pharaoh's reign, placed by many tourists as a highlight on their travels around the country. Buried in the sand for centuries, the temples were rediscovered at the beginning of the 19th century CE. They had to be dismantled and relocated in the 1960s to avoid damage by floods during the construction of the Aswan Dam. This incredible feat was achieved thanks to the financial support of a number of countries around the world; to show gratitude, Egypt donated four temples to the different nations who provided assistance, including the Temple of Debod, located in Madrid, Spain. As well as admiring the majestic architecture of the ancient temple complex during the daytime, if you decide to stay overnight in Abu Simbel, you'll have time to experience the light and sound show put on every evening (at 6 pm in winter and 7 pm in summer, costs LE 250). Top tip: take an early bus or excursion so that you'll arrive to see the sun rise over the desert. Well worth getting up early! How to get to Abu Simbel While the town of Abu Simbel does have accommodation options, the majority of visitors tend to make a day trip to the temples from Aswan. There are a few different ways to travel to Abu Simbel: by road, river or air: Travelling by plane is technically the quickest option, with the journey between Aswan and Abu Simbel airports taking only 45 minutes. However, flights do not depart every day, and once you factor in the time taken to arrive at the airport and go through security, and generally high prices, this isn't the most convenient way to get to Abu Simbel. Travelling by boat is probably the most luxury option, and it certainly gets you close to the temples, as ships dock close to the complex. Cruises on Lake Nasser sail from Aswan to Abu Simbel, and vice versa, stopping at the ancient Nubian monuments along the way. Travelling by bus is the cheapest and most popular way to reach Abu Simbel, and it's about a 3 hour drive. There's one public bus a day which charges around LE 50, but it doesn't arrive until 11:30 am, meaning you'll miss the sunrise. Chartered tourist buses cost about LE 160 per person if you book directly with the bus company; hotels usually charge extra to book them for you. Hiring your own car with a driver is more expensive but a lot more comfortable. Buses have to leave Abu Simbel by 4 pm, so make the most of the time you have there!#passionpassport #egypt #aswan #abusimbel #globetrotter #pharoahs #ancientegypt #history #ramses #nile

The Great Temple at Abu Simbel is probably the most famous and visited place in the city of Aswan. As this landmark is very far from the nearest city, you need to arrange private transportation to get there or buy a half day tour which is quite popular. This tour will arrange round trip transportation in comfortable buses. You might need a whole morning or a whole afternoon to plan both: the transportation and sightseen time for this place. It is more comfortable to visit this place in the morning or late afternoon as the weather is quite hot. I was always overwhelmed when looking at this temple in pictures, but it is even more amazing in person. The exuberant and the gorgeous paintings and interior details will make you love this place. #createwithtrip #egypt #aswan #abusimbel

Aswan Province Egypt

This is a must-see Temple in Egypt. To get there is only one way possible: by boat. The temple is in a private island and it’s amazing to arrive there. You feel like you are in a movie. 😳 The temple is beautiful. Every wall is a different history. Its so rich historically. I strongly recommend you to take water with you since there is no stores selling water in this small island. This temple will be forever in my mind. #summervacation

The Nile River in Egypt is so beautiful. I was very happy to wake up with the river view. We were in Aswan city and you can see the desert right on the side of the Nile River. There is a lot of people who sell Nile cruises for 30 minutes or 1 hour. I recommend you to always negotiate the price before closing the deal. The river is also rich in history and to imagine everything that happened here in the past is amazing. 👏🏻 I can’t wait to be back! #historicculture#summervacation

This is one of the most famous hotel in the world located in Aswan. The hotel was built in 1899 by Thomas Cook to house European travelers. Its guests have included Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill, Howard Carter, Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Carter, François Mitterrand, Princess Diana, Queen Noor and Agatha Christie, who set portions of her novel Death on the Nile at the hotel. 👏🏻 It was beautiful to visit it. The hotel is WONDERFUL. #beautifulhotel#summervacation

On the way to see the Temples we stopped to see a glass blowing demonstration. In less than 5 minutes he made a dainty glass bottle. It was very impressive. Of course, there was the standard sales speech afterwards. #wintergetaway

Aswan is a place that is very impressive in Egypt. A temple of Philae opens a corner of the 7000-year history of ancient civilizations

Explore Egypt and more on a 12-day journey through history! Visit museums and experience the splendor of ancient civilizations. Don't miss this itinerary! / Egypt, a land of ancient civilization, where the pyramids 🏰 and the Sphinx 🗿 tell stories of history. Explore multiple countries, experience exotic cultures, and feel the charm of different cultures colliding. Let travel be a spiritual journey. / 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Shanghai, fly directly to Dubai, then transfer to Cairo to start your mysterious Egyptian journey! Days 2-3: Explore Cairo in depth, visit the Egyptian Museum and markets, then fly to Aswan, enjoy a 5-star Nile cruise, explore the Philae Temple, and experience the popular felucca and camel rides! Days 4-6: Continue visiting temples on the cruise, enjoy a special cocktail afternoon tea, then head to Luxor, attend a special Egyptian history lecture, and finally arrive at the Red Sea in Hurghada for a romantic vacation. Days 7-8: Spend a leisurely holiday at the Red Sea, choose from sea activities, snorkeling, or a glass-bottom boat ride, then return to Cairo. Day 9: Explore the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, visit the Egyptian Civilization Museum, and fly to Dubai in the evening. Days 10-12: Experience luxury in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, visit temples, check out popular attractions, enjoy free time at the Dubai Mall, and then return to Shanghai. / Travel Tips: - February Weather: Egypt has pleasant weather in February, warm during the day and cool at night. Remember to bring a light jacket. 🧥 - Airport Transportation: Cairo Airport has convenient transportation options, including buses and taxis, making it easy to reach the city center. 🚖 - Souvenir Prices: Egypt offers a variety of affordable souvenirs, such as date chocolates and wooden carvings. 🎁 - Visa Information: For multi-country travel, pay attention to visa requirements for each country and prepare in advance for a worry-free trip. 📖 / Explore Egypt and experience the charm of multiple countries. Don't miss this guide to make your exotic journey even more exciting. Start your adventure now!