9 km
from city center 1 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

The Philae temple complex is an island-based structure that was built during the reign of Ptolemy ll. Also known as the 'Pearl of Egypt', this mystical temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis and remains the centre of her cult. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is frequented by tourists who seek to explore Aswan’s cultural history. In addition, the Light & Sound Show at Philae Temple is extremely popular.

2 km
from city center 2 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Elephantine is one of the largest islands, located on the west bank of the Nile River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is often visited for its enchanting beauty and archaeological heritage. Elephantine Island can be reached by ferry or via a felucca from the Aswan river bank.

2 km
from city center 3 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

A would-be granite structure, the Unfinished Obelisk was left incomplete thousands of years ago in Aswan's quarries. When finished, it would be the largest known obelisk, at over 41 meters tall. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Egypt owing to the insights it gives us into archaeology, particularly the stone mastery craft of ancient Egypt.

4 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

The western bank of the Nile provides a dramatic contrast between the mighty desert and the lush green surroundings of the river, making it an ideal spot for camel-back rides. It is one of the best ways to travel between the Tombs of the Nobles and the Monastery of St. Simeon. Camels can be hired from the ferry landing at the Tomb of the Nobles. It is best to do it early morning to avoid the heat.

2 km
from city center 5 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Nubian Museum is an archaeological museum in Aswan dedicated to protecting the history of the Nubian era. With over 3,000 antiques and a chronologically themed set-up, learn more about the Land of Gold's history and Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic eras. Dating back to 4500 BC, the artefacts are exhibited across two areas, a three-storeyed building in one dimension and an outdoor display area.

1 km
from city center 6 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Traditional felucca rides have been a constant on the river Nile. Take a felucca ride to Elephantine Islands and the Kitchener Islands. On this hour-long activity, you can enjoy the rapids of the river or soak in the vistas and unwind. For a fantastic experience, try booking a ride around sunset or sunrise. Feluccas are private tours, and you'll have to book an entire ride.

1 km
from city center 7 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Also known as Qubbet el-Hawa, the Tombs of the Nobles is an ancient Egyptian necropolis on the western bank of the Nile, adjacent to Aswan. Providing an insight into the burial practices of Upper Egyptian Nome 1, these tombs date back to the Old Kingdom. Most tombs of this period are inaccessible. Only six are open to the public.

40 km
from city center 8 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Located on the banks of the river Nile, the Temple of Kom Ombo is situated in a village that goes by a similar name. This unusual temple of ancient Egypt is dedicated to two deities, Haroeris – the falcon-headed god Horus the Elder and God Sobek –crocodile–headed god, who was also the first known god of the kingdom.

0 km
from city center 9 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Nestled in Kitchener Island, towards the west of Elephantine Island, are the Aswan Botanical Gardens. Spread across 17 acres, it makes for a perfect picnic spot creating a unique blend of the panoramic views of the River Nile and the desert and is an excellent spot for bird-watching. The only way to reach here is by boat; either take a public ferry that runs for both Aswan, Elephantine Island, and Kitchener's Island or hire a private felucca. 

14 km
from city center 10 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

The Aswan High Dam, one of the largest embankment dams in the world, was constructed across the Nile in Aswan in 1970. It has been regarded as an engineering marvel. It was built to create Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. At the top of this dam, one can watch the panoramic views of the lake contrasting with the vast sandy desert.

1 km
from city center 11 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

One of Aswan's ancient archaeological sites, the Monastery of St. Simeon is among Egypt's most historical and well-preserved domed, oblong churches. It is also known as the Anba Hatre Monastery and is a well-known Bakhmi monastery that played a significant social role in the history of Nubian culture. You can hire a felucca or a boat, or take a camel ride to get here.

15 km
from city center 12 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

A recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, the Lake Nasser Temple of Kalabsha is one of Egypt's most magnificent archaeological sites. This temple, constructed during the Ptolemaic period, is devoted to a Nubian solar deity called Mandulis by the Greeks and Merwel by the Romans. Later, it was used as a church. Visit this archaeological site to learn more about the history of this region.

1 km
from city center 13 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Aga Khan Mausoleum is an architectural site in Aswan, perched on a hilltop overlooking the former residence of Aga Khan III and Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan on the western bank of the Nile. Made out of Pink Granite, this structure resembles the Fatimid tombs in Cairo and is situated next to the Monastery of St. Simeons. It is worth a visit for the serenity of the place and the amazing panoramas of the Nile and the village below.

1 km
from city center 14 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Also known as Sharia as-Souq, the bustling Aswan Souq offers many Egyptian and African souvenirs. Located four blocks from the Nile, this Souq offers a wide range of stores selling cheap Nubian souvenirs like Pharaonic statues, swords, hand-crafted wooden artefacts and beaded galabiyyas. Running across seven blocks, this market is much frequented by tourists and remains a local favourite.

15 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Gebal Simaan is an ancient archaeological site in Aswan, within the Western Quarry, located near the border with Syria. Considered to be an off-beat place in Aswan, the site comprises several giant megaliths believed to have been used for various purposes. Since there are no roads in this area, you can take a camel ride to get here. They can be hired at the Gharb Aswan boat landing.

149 km
from city center 16 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Wadi al-Sebua temple is a complex with two temples, literally translating to the Valley of Lions. Located a 40 km ride south of the High Dam in Aswan, this temple was constructed by Ramesses II and was initially named House-of-Amun. Constructed out of stone blocks, this temple has a sanctuary imbibed into the bedrock; out of the three towers, only two have survived.

98 km
from city center 17 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

The Temple of Horus at Edfu is the second-largest temple in Egypt after Karnak. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. It consists of several grand columns and statues, including the famous statue of the goddess Hathor. Many tourism companies offer a day trip to Edfu from Luxor. Edfu is a usual pit stop on a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.

18 out of 18
Things To Do in Aswan

Abu Simbel complex makes for an excellent day-trip location. Abu Simbel is a complex housing two temples, the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor. It is a 4-hour trip and hiring a taxi from Aswan to Abu Simbel will cost anywhere between TRY 700- 850.