Aswan, a city located in the south of Egypt, is known for its fascinating history and breathtaking natural beauty. With its rich cultural heritage and ancient landmarks, this city is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, or just seeking an adventure. Aswan offers an abundance of exciting activities, from exploring the charming Nubian villages and visiting ancient temples to taking a tranquil sail along the Nile River. In this post, we’ll explore the best attractions and things to do in Aswan, helping you plan the perfect itinerary for your trip. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the wonders of Aswan.

The 12 Best Activities in Aswan

1. 4 Days 3 Nights Aswan and Luxor Nile Cruise
2. Amazing 3 Nights Cruise from Aswan to Luxor Including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon
3. 4 Day 3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan
4. Day Tour of Aswan Philae Temple and Obelisk
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6. Visit One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Egyptian Pyramids
7. Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan
8. Private Day Tour to Luxor from Aswan by Vehicle
9. Aswan Botanical Garden
10. 04 Days 03 Nights Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
11. 3 Nights on Cruise Board Aswan and Luxor With Hot Air Balloon Abu Simbel from Aswan
12. Aswan Tour the Temple of Philae High Dam

The 12 Best Activities in Aswan

1. 4 Days 3 Nights Aswan and Luxor Nile Cruise

This 4-day Aswan and Luxor Nile cruise offers a relaxing and well-rounded experience, with ample time at each attraction. Explore popular places like Philae, the Aswan Dam, Temple of Kom Ombo, Temple of Edfu, and Karnak. You’ll also have the option to take an additional tour to Abu Simple. This stress-free journey includes meals, private transportation, entrance fees, and tipping, as well as three nights of comfortable accommodations on the 5-star Nile cruise ship featuring a relaxing pool and sun deck. Pickup points are available and the confirmation will be received upon booking. Experience the best of Aswan and Luxor on this unforgettable Nile cruise.

2. Amazing 3 Nights Cruise from Aswan to Luxor Including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon

Experience the best of Egypt with this amazing 3 Nights Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, including a visit to Abu Simbel Temples and Hot Air Balloon Ride. The tour includes 3 nights on a 5-star cruise board with a cabin equipped with all facilities. Enjoy delicious meals starting with lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day. The tour also includes gratuities and entrance fees for all the sites, which amounts to around 50 US dollars per person.

On Day 1, upon arrival at the Nile Cruise, embark on a tour of Aswan and visit 3 breathtaking sites. The following day, explore the majestic Abu Simbel Temples and continue navigation to Kom Ombo Temple with 2 stops. On Day 3, visit the Edfu Temple and arrive at Luxor for a visit to the Luxor Temple with 2 stops along the way.

On the final day, enjoy an early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor before making 4 more stops before departing for your transfer. The tour is wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, and infant seats are available. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

3. 4 Day 3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan

Experience the oldest and most iconic ruins in the region with a 4 day 3 night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Led by a qualified and professional Egyptologist guide, take a multi-day Nile sailing cruise with airport transfers and meals included. Enjoy door-to-door transfers in a private vehicle, felucca and horse-drawn carriage rides, plus tasty meals onboard the sailing boat. All entrance fees are included, with top-quality guided tours of each attraction. Tick off all the highlights in a single tour with free time to explore the sights on your own. Get an in-depth introduction to one of the world’s oldest civilizations—from the world’s longest river. Private tours available. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase, but not included. Don’t miss this opportunity to cover thousands of years of Egyptian history with this fantastic, all-inclusive tour.

4. Day Tour of Aswan Philae Temple and Obelisk

Discover the highlights of Aswan on this day tour that takes you to two of the city’s top historic sites. Your professional English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan and take you to the Unfinished Obelisk, where you can marvel at this massive rock feature that was abandoned during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. Next, you’ll visit the Temple of Philae, a beautiful ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. This tour includes entrance fees to both attractions, as well as the convenience of a wheelchair-accessible transport. Infant seats and surfaces are also wheelchair accessible, making it easy for people of all abilities to enjoy this tour. Keep in mind that tipping is not included and that you should bring cash for this purpose. You’ll return to your hotel after the tour is complete.

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Experience the wonders of Egypt on this 4-day Nile cruise. Your first day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Aswan or Aswan airport, followed by a transfer to the Nile Cruise. On day 2, you will visit the famous Abu Simbel Temples and continue navigation to the Kom Ombo Temple. Day 3 includes a visit to the Edfu Temple and arrival in Luxor, where you’ll have the chance to see the Luxor Temple. On your last day, participate in a balloon ride over Luxor before your departure transfer. Throughout the tour, you’ll receive meet and assist services from English-speaking representatives and the guidance of an Egyptology English-speaking tour guide. Your tour also includes accommodations on board the 5-star Nile cruise, all entrance fees, and tips for the tour guide, driver, and cruise staff. This wheelchair and stroller accessible tour is open to most travelers. Book with confidence knowing that you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

6. Visit One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Egyptian Pyramids

Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World with this comprehensive tour of the Egyptian Pyramids. Your experience will start with a hotel pickup and a delicious breakfast to fuel your day of exploring. All necessary fees and taxes are included in the tour price, as well as international and domestic flights and an Egypt Entry Visa.

You’ll have the opportunity to see the Nubian Museum and Sehel Island, both of which are wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. The Nubian Museum houses artifacts that showcase the region’s rich history, while Sehel Island is home to a complex of ancient Egyptian rock inscriptions.

This tour is open to all travelers, as transportation and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. You’ll have the option to select a pickup point, making it convenient for you to start your adventure.

Please note that confirmation will be received at the time of booking, and you may cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, any cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be refunded. We recommend that any changes be made with ample time before the start of the tour to avoid any issues.

Be ready to experience the wonders of the ancient world with our comprehensive tour of the Egyptian Pyramids.

7. Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan

If you’re visiting Aswan, you can’t miss the opportunity to see the incredible Abu Simbel Temple Complex. This day trip takes you on a three-hour journey to explore these amazing temples, which were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II.

Your qualified Egyptologist guide will provide in-depth information and commentary as you admire the temples and their intricate carvings. All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the price, as well as bottled water.

The pickup point for this tour is flexible; you can choose to be picked up at your Aswan hotel or the Old Cataract Port area. The tour departs at 4:00 a.m., so be prepared for an early start.

Please note that confirmation will be received at the time of booking, and infant seats and wheelchair accessibility are available upon request. Additionally, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. This is a private tour, so only your group will be participating.

Finally, be aware of the cancellation policy: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund, but if you cancel less than 24 hours beforehand, you will not receive a refund. Don’t miss your chance to see one of Egypt’s most impressive historical sites – book your Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan now.

8. Private Day Tour to Luxor from Aswan by Vehicle

Explore the best of Luxor on a private day tour from Aswan, saving you the hassle of spending the night there. Your private Egyptologist guide will accompany you to the Karnak Temple Complex and the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll have plenty of time to admire the architecture and learn about ancient Egyptian history. You’ll also visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon before returning to your Aswan hotel or port. This private tour ensures a personalized experience and includes taxes, fees, handling charges, lunch, and gratuities. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the top sights of Luxor in just one day.

9. Aswan Botanical Garden

Explore the beauty of Aswan Botanical Garden on this tour with a private qualified Egyptologist tour-guide. You will be picked up from your hotel/port in a private air-conditioned car and dropped off at the botanical garden. While on your way, you will pass by the garden and get a glimpse of its lush greenery.
Please note that food and drinks are not included in the tour price, and any extra tours or tipping should be paid for separately.
This tour is wheelchair accessible, and most travelers can participate. Infants must sit on laps, and surfaces are also wheelchair accessible.
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you will not receive a refund. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

10. 04 Days 03 Nights Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor

Sail down one of the world’s most famous waterways with this multi-day five-star Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to tick off the region’s top attractions in just a few days, including visits to Kom Ombo, the Valley of Kings and Philae Temple. Delve deeper into the history of the sites with the help of an Egyptologist English-speaking tour guide. Enjoy onboard luxury accommodation, VIP meals and drinks/water throughout the cruise. Pickup from the airport, train station or your Aswan hotel is included, making this an easy and convenient trip for travelers. Tipping to tour guide, driver, cruise staff, etc, and entrance fees to all the mentioned sightseeing are also included in the package.

11. 3 Nights on Cruise Board Aswan and Luxor With Hot Air Balloon Abu Simbel from Aswan

Journey from Aswan to Luxor on a standard Nile cruise during this multi-day Nile River sightseeing package. Enjoy comfortable ground transfers in an air-conditioned van to the Amu Simbel temple complex, Kom Ombo, and the Valley of the Kings with a shared or small-group Egyptologist guide. Other highlights include a hot-air balloon ride over the West Bank of Luxor and a trip in a horse-drawn carriage. This tour package includes shared tours and transfers with hotel or airport pickup and drop-off, lunch, three nights on a 5-star cruise board with a cabin that has all facilities, tipping to guides, drivers, and the cruise crew, entrance fees to the mentioned sightseeing (around 80 US dollars per person for all the sites), and water or drinks on the cruise. You will also have the opportunity to watch live dancing and entertainment on the standard Nile ship.

12. Aswan Tour the Temple of Philae High Dam

Discover two of Aswan’s most popular attractions on this half-day small-group combo tour without the hassle of transportation. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to the High Dam, a modern engineering marvel of the 20th century that created Lake Nasser. Enjoy the comfort of knowing that the fully guided tour includes not only historical but also geographical explanations about the dam. Next, head to Agilika Island by motorboat and explore the impressive Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, accompanied by an experienced English-speaking Egyptologist guide. With your entrance fees and parking fees paid, you need only relax while enjoying a personalized service capped at 10 fellow travelers. Note that pickup with A/C from your hotel in Aswan is provided free of charge, except for Gharb Sohel hotels, where an added fee is necessary. Don’t miss this opportunity to feel the magic of the Nile while seeing the temple of the goddess Isis and Egypt’s most famous dam.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aswan

Aswan is a fascinating city located in southern Egypt, famous for its stunning natural landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you may have some questions about what to expect in this unique destination. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Aswan.

1. What Are the Must-See Sights in Aswan?

Aswan is rich in history and culture, boasting many must-see attractions. Some of the most popular sites include:

• The Temple of Philae – a stunning complex of ancient Egyptian temples on an island in the Nile River.
• The Unfinished Obelisk – a massive, unfinished obelisk in a quarry that provides insight into how the ancient Egyptians created these iconic structures.
• The Nubian Museum – a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Nubia, an ancient civilization that existed along the Nile River.
• The Abu Simbel Temples – two massive temples built by Ramses II that were relocated in the 1960s to avoid being flooded by a new dam on the Nile River.
• The Aswan Botanical Garden – a beautiful garden on an island in the Nile River that is home to a wide variety of plant species.

2. When Is the Best Time to Visit Aswan?

The best time to visit Aswan is between October and April when the weather is mild and comfortable. During these months, temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit, and rainfall is rare. However, keep in mind that this is peak tourist season, so prices may be higher and crowds may be larger.

3. Is Aswan Safe for Tourists?

Aswan is generally a safe and welcoming city for tourists. However, as with any destination, it’s important to take common-sense precautions to stay safe. This includes avoiding isolated areas at night, being aware of your surroundings, and keeping your valuables secure.

4. What Should I Wear in Aswan?

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to dress modestly out of respect for local customs and traditions. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing and should cover their shoulders and knees. Men should also dress conservatively, especially in mosques and other religious sites. Additionally, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes as Aswan is a city with many historical and natural sites that require walking.

5. What Are Some Popular Activities to Do in Aswan?

Aswan offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including:

• A Nile River cruise – a leisurely boat ride along the stunning Nile River.
• A sunset felucca ride – a traditional wooden sailboat ride on the Nile River to watch the sunset.
• A camel ride – a fun and unique way to explore the desert landscapes around Aswan.
• A hot air balloon ride – a breathtaking way to see the landscape from above.
• Visiting local markets – a great way to experience the vibrant culture of Aswan and pick up some unique souvenirs.

6. What Is the Best Way to Get Around Aswan?

Aswan is a walkable city, but if you need to go further afield, taxis and minibusses are readily available. It’s important to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi or minibus to avoid getting overcharged. You can also book private tours or hire a private car with a driver if you prefer.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Aswan

Aswan is a gorgeous city located in the southern part of Egypt. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural significance. If you are planning a trip to Aswan, there are plenty of activities to indulge in that will make your trip unforgettable. Here is a list of activities that you can do to enjoy your time as a tourist in Aswan:

1. Visit Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Aswan. The complex consists of two temples that were built by Ramses II in the 13th century. The temples were moved to their current location in the 1960s to avoid being submerged by the Nile when the Aswan High Dam was constructed. Visitors can see the stunning architecture and artwork that has stood the test of time.

2. Take a Nile Cruise

A Nile cruise is a romantic and convenient way to see the sights of Aswan. Many cruises offer a several-day package, where they take you up and down the Nile and give you a chance to explore the surroundings. The boats are usually fitted with incredible amenities like swimming pools and spacious cabins, and offer exquisite meals inspired by the local cuisine.

3. Explore the Nubian Village

Aswan is home to the Nubian people, one of Egypt’s oldest cultures. A visit to the Nubian Village offers visitors insight into the Nubian way of life, which is characterized by vibrant colors, music, and a close community spirit. The houses are decorated with intricate patterns, and the locals often invite visitors to dine with them and share their stories.

4. Visit the Philae Temple Complex

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Philae Temple Complex was built in the 4th century BC as a tribute to the goddess Isis. The complex has a long and complex history, and visitors can explore various temples that were added throughout history. The complex is located on an island in the Nile, so visitors can take a boat ride to reach the island, which adds to the experience.

5. Shop at the Aswan Souq

The Aswan Souq is a bustling marketplace where you can buy souvenirs, textiles, and spices. The souq offers visitors a chance to experience the local culture, interact with the traders, and even bargain for goods. It is a great place to find unique gifts to take back home.

6. Take a Camel Ride to St. Simeon Monastery

The St. Simeon Monastery is located on the west bank of the Nile and is only accessible by boat or a camel ride. To get to the monastery from Aswan, visitors can take a short boat ride to the west bank, and from there, a camel ride. The monastery dates back to the 7th century and is a beautiful example of Coptic architecture.

7. Visit the Tombs of the Nobles

The Tombs of the Nobles are a collection of ancient tombs that belonged to wealthy and prominent people who lived in Aswan. The tombs are decorated with elaborate artwork and carvings, and visitors can explore the chambers to learn about the life and customs of the people who lived there.

8. Relax in the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island

Kitchener’s Island is located in the middle of the Nile and is home to the Botanical Gardens. The gardens were created by Lord Kitchener in the early 20th century and feature exotic plants and flowers from all over the world. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.In conclusion, Aswan offers visitors a chance to experience ancient history and natural beauty that cannot be found anywhere else. These activities are just a few of the things you can do to enjoy your time in Aswan. Remember to bring your camera, take your time, and soak up the local culture.