Aswan, dispersed along the Nile’s banks, is a laid-back and amiable town that offers a peaceful diversion from the busy Luxor or Cairo.
We will as well introduce you to some of the things to do in Aswan that will enchant you with the beauty of Egypt. However, what makes Aswan preferable to big cities like Cairo and Luxor? After knowing the answer, surely it will be at the top of your bucket list!
TOP 10 Things to Do in Aswan:
1- Visit The Unfinished Obelisk
The Unfinished Obelisk is a fascinating remnant of Aswan’s past and a must-see destination to discover how the ancient Egyptians used a process called “levering” that used expanding wooden planks to remove these massive amounts of stone from quarries!
A fissure that developed in the rock during the quarrying process is thought to be the reason the obelisk was not completed. The obelisk is anticipated to have stood at a startling 42 meters tall if it had been finished!
2- Explore the Nubian Village
An ethnic group that is mostly in Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt is called the Nubians. They are among the oldest indigenous populations in Africa, having lived in the region surrounding Aswan for thousands of years, in addition to having their own language and social norms.
Learn everything about the Nubian people by taking a half-day journey to the stunning Sohail Island, which is well-known for its colorful homes with geometric patterns and vibrant colors.
3- Check out Aswan’s Temples
The temples of Aswan are a visual and spiritual feast, full of Egyptian architecture and mystique! These are the ones that should be on your list:
- Philae Temple: An island in the Nile is home to this serene sanctuary, which is adorned with vibrant text, stone windows, and exquisitely illuminated hieroglyphics. As you cruise towards the Temple of Isis, the exquisite reflection it creates in the river will captivate you with its flawless symmetry. Also, Don’t miss one of the most memorable events to see in Aswan at night, which is to attend the Light and Sound Show.
- Monastery of St. Simeon: on the west bank of the Nile, this picturesque sanctuary is surrounded by flawless stretches of sand. It is the oldest and best-preserved monastery in Egypt, dating back to the 7th century. Also be sure to see the altarpiece depicting Christ enthroned between angels and the peculiar aisled Basilica.
- Temple of Kalabsha: Originally built during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus, Kalabsha is the youngest temple in Aswan. As the most impressive relic in Nubia, it spared demolition during the construction of the dam due to UNESCO’s intervention. Travelers are frequently go into a trance by the vibrant historical reliefs that portray scenes from Ramses II’s wars!
4- The Aswan High Dam
In addition to providing a steady water supply for irrigation that would support nearby agriculture, they built the Aswan Dam to prevent floods on the Nile. With funding from the Soviet Union, the Aswan Dam finished in 1970.
A few historical landmarks moved to various locations during the dam’s construction to lessen the chance of facing the flood.
Seeing this engineering project in person can help you appreciate its significance. From the High Dam, enjoy stunning views of Lake Nasser’s waters.
5- Sail along the Nile with a Cruise
Traveling down the fabled banks of the Nile is an essential part of any trip to Egypt. Most cruise excursions depart from Aswan and travel to Luxor over three nights and four days.
On a cruise, guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Nile River, and the cruise makes stops along the way to explore impressive temples like Edfu and Kom Ombo.
6- Visit the Old Cataract Hotel and Savor High Tea
The luxurious Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is a must-visit if you enjoy staying in historic hotels and would like to live where famous people like Lady Diana and Agatha Christie formerly called home. Egypt’s most well-known hotel, this five-star marvel features Persian rugs, Moorish roofs, scarlet chandeliers, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a sizable pool. Agatha Christie authored her novel Death on the Nile within these walls, and the hotel was in the film adaptation.
If you decide not to stay here, you can still pass the time by enjoying a good English selection of biscuits, sandwiches, and high tea while sitting in the cafe with a spectacular terrace and stunning views of Elephantine Island and the Nile directly ahead of you!
7- Taking a Falucca
A felucca is a type of traditional wooden sailing boat that go on the Nile. Getting on one of these boats lets you enjoy the tranquility of the wind and water’s waves while floating down the Nile without the roar of the motor.
Visitors may also have the chance to see Elephantine Island up close on a felucca trip, offering stunning views of the rocky vegetation. Alternatively, felucca trips can take guests to see the Agha Khan Mausoleum or the Aswan Botanical Gardens.
8- Head to Abu Simbel
To get there, you can select between a Nile cruise plan that includes a stop at Abu Simbel or schedule an additional day trip departing from Aswan.
Pharaoh Ramesses II constructed Abu Simbel as a monument to honor his victory over the Hittite Empire in the Battle of Kadesh.
While exploring the vast temple, take amazing pictures of the four enormous seated sculptures of Ramesses II. In addition to the larger temple, a modest temple honoring his wife, Queen Nefertari, exists—evidence of a love that has endured the ages!
9- Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples
The temple of Kom Ombo is especially remarkable because it is for two distinct deities: Sobek, the god of crocodiles, and Haroeris, the god of falcons. Crocodiles were widely famous in ancient Egypt because they had a link to both protection and fertility.
The biggest temple devoted to Horus is called the Temple of Horus.
This temple is quite gorgeous. It is over two millennia old, yet it is in superb condition. You can really get an impression of how those temples appeared when they were first built by looking at the nearly flawless first pylon.
10- Shop at the Aswan Old Souks
the historic old bazaar in Aswan is an excellent place to end with your stay. Numerous stores lining the street provide Egyptian merchandise, and the sensations of fresh herbs and spices, jasmine flowers, green tea leaves, and henna greet guests as they stroll through the market, providing a sensory feast for the senses. Dried fruit bundles and scent flasks abound as well. Take your time and enjoy the Egyptian-style bargaining with the local sellers to get a decent deal!
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