Best Things to Do in Aswan – Top Islands, Temples & Day Trips
Aswan is one of Egypt’s most charming destinations — a peaceful Nile-side city filled with islands, temples, and ancient stories. It offers some of the top things to do in Aswan, from exploring the majestic Philae Temple to discovering the vibrant Nubian culture and its colorful traditions that still thrive today.
With Egypt Tours Group, we’ve gathered the ultimate guide to the best places to visit in Aswan, including must-do experiences, islands, day trips, and quick itineraries to help you plan your perfect visit with ease.
⚡ Quick Answer – Top 10 Things to Do in Aswan
Don’t waste your time searching. Here are the top 10 things to do in Aswan, presented by ETG.
- 🏛️ Philae Temple
- ⛵ Felucca Sunset Sail
- 🐘 Elephantine Island
- 🏺 Nubian Museum
- 🎨 Nubian Village (Gharb Soheil)
- 🌿 Kitchener’s Botanical Island
- 🌊 Aswan High Dam & Lake Nasser View
- 🪨 Unfinished Obelisk & Granite Quarries
- ⛰️ Tombs of the Nobles (Qubbet el-Hawa)
- 🚌 Day Trip: Abu Simbel
Aswan Districts Guide – Islands, East Bank & West Bank
Aswan is clearly divided into several unique areas, and each one offers some of the Best Things to Do in Aswan, including picturesque islands, iconic temples, and must-visit attractions that every traveler should explore.
🏝️ Islands
- You can reach Elephantine Island via the Corniche or a felucca.
- It includes ancient ruins, a small museum, and hotels and inns.
- Kitchener Island is known as the Island of Plants because of its rare and beautiful plants.
- Ideal for sunset and photoshoots.
🌅 East Bank
- The Nubian Museum and the antiquities saved from drowning.
- The Corniche is a great opportunity to walk on it at night in the quiet, and in the morning, it is a convenient point for boats and ships.
- The Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie’s novels were set, has a distinctive view of the Nile.
- Towards the High Dam, boats depart for Philae Temple.
🌄 West Bank
- The air dome (Qubbet el-Hawa) was built for the nobles and priests and carved into the mountain.
- The Monastery of St. Simeon is in the middle of the desert, away from the crowds and noise.
Best Experiences in Aswan (Top 10 Must-Do Activities)
Egypt Tours Group offers you a list of the best experiences that you should not miss during your visit to Aswan.
1. Philae Temple (Boat Access)
Explore the Temple of Philae and the majestic Hathoric columns. Philae Temple (Boat Access)
➤ Why visit? In the middle of a picturesque island, visit the Philae temple in Aswan, dedicated to the goddess Isis, one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt.
➤ Time needed? About two hours is enough for the visit.
➤ Best time? Early morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
➤ Tip: Agree in advance on the price of the launch that will take you to the temple, and put on sunscreen.
3. Elephantine Island (Walks, Museum, Villages)
➤ Why visit? One of the Best Things to do in Aswan. You can walk among the archaeological ruins, the small museum, and the Nubian villages.
➤ Time needed? It may only take a couple of hours.
➤ Best time? Morning or afternoon may be the best time to visit.
➤ Tip: Enjoy walking through the streets and talking to the locals for a deeper and more authentic experience.
4. Kitchener’s Botanical Island (Palm & Shade Loops)
➤ Why visit? A natural rest area surrounded by rare plants and picturesque trees in the middle of the Nile.
➤ Time needed? You may only need an hour to visit it all, but the time may steal you away in the magical plants.
➤ Best time? Either early morning or afternoon.
➤ Tip: Have a juice or a refreshing drink during your visit to the island.
5. Nubian Museum
➤ Why visit? The perfect place to understand Nubian culture, its history, and the story of their displacement.
➤ Time needed? One to two hours might be enough.
➤ Best time? Any time would be ideal since the place is closed and air-conditioned.
➤ Tip: A private guide will accompany you so that you can understand Nubian history well.
6. Nubian Village (Gharb Soheil) – Culture & Colors
Have the time of your life in the colorful village2. Felucca Sunset on the Nile
➤ Why visit? The most beautiful thing about Nubia is that you will see the true stories and original customs of the Nubian people themselves, and the beautiful decorations of their homes.
➤ Time needed? About three hours is enough for a quick visit.
➤ Best time? From the afternoon until sunset is the best time to visit.
➤ Tip: Enjoy the vivid colors and talk to the locals to learn their stories.
7. Aswan High Dam & Lake Nasser View
➤ Why visit? Gateway to the world’s largest artificial lake and a chance to admire the massive architectural structure.
➤ Time needed? Half an hour to an hour might be an acceptable time for a visit.
➤ Best time? Either early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sunlight.
➤ Tip: Take sunglasses and listen carefully to the technical details if you are interested in engineering.
8. Unfinished Obelisk & Granite Quarries
➤ Why visit? To see the huge piece that explains how obelisks were built in ancient Egypt, and what happened to this particular obelisk.
➤ Time needed? About an hour might be enough to visit the obelisk.
➤ Best time? Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit.
➤ Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the ground may be uneven.
9. Tombs of the Nobles & St. Simeon Monastery
➤ Why visit? To see the tombs carved inside the mountain for priests and nobles, and a special monastery in the middle of the desert.
➤ Time needed? Two to three hours for both sites.
➤ Best time? Either early morning or late afternoon to avoid the tiring heat.
➤ Tip: Book a camel to move between the cemetery and monastery for a full experience.
10. Old Cataract Tea at Sunset (Heritage Stop)
➤ Why visit? Amidst a luxurious view and distinctive architectural heritage, you can calm down and relax.
➤ Time needed? About an hour and a half might be enough for a meal of peace and relaxation.
➤ Best time? Sunset is the perfect time for this experience.
➤ Tip: Book in advance for this experience.
Aswan Itinerary – 1, 2 & 3-Day Suggested Plans
Planning your visit to Aswan? and want to know what the Best Things to do in Aswan during your visit. Here are three quick itineraries to help you decide what to do in 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days — all practical, easy to follow, and perfect for any travel plan.
| Itinerary | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 Day (Highlights) | 🌅 Morning: Philae Temple (relocation story) 🏛️ Midday: Nubian Museum ⛵ Sunset: Felucca sail + Elephantine Island (optional) |
| 2 Days | 📍 Day 1: Philae Temple → Nubian Museum → Felucca Sunset 📍 Day 2: Nubian Village → High Dam → Unfinished Obelisk |
| 3 Days | 📍 Day 1: Philae → Nubian Museum → Felucca 📍 Day 2: High Dam → Nubian Village → Unfinished Obelisk 📍 Day 3: Day Trip to Abu Simbel or visit Kalabsha Temples |
Day Trips from Aswan
What makes Aswan one of the greatest cities to visit in Egypt is that you will be able to do a lot of day trips from Aswan to breathtaking landmarks near it. Here is a small list of Egypt Day Trips.
Abu Simbel Temples (long day, flights or convoy)
Abu Simbel Temples visit is the most important trip ever and an unmissable opportunity to visit the temple of King Ramses II and the small temple he built for his beloved.
✈️ You can travel there by plane, but it is a bit expensive.
🚌 You can travel there by a secure bus, which takes a long time.
🏔️ A perfect opportunity to see the temple carved into the mountain and the story of how it almost sank.
Kalabsha Temples (by boat from High Dam)
Visiting one of the Best Things to do in Aswan. The closest distance to Abu Simbel Temple is only three hours.
🛶 The way to move is by boat from the High Dam to the Kalabsha Temples.
🌅 An ideal trip for those who do not like fatigue and long distances.
Edfu & Kom Ombo (northbound)
Ideal if you are planning to go to Luxor, as Kom Ombo and Edfu are located between Aswan and Luxor.
🏯 A unique opportunity to see the second largest temple in Egypt (Edfu Temple) and one of the rare double temples in Egypt (Kom Ombo Temple).
🚗 If you are traveling to Luxor by Nile cruise, you can stop in both, and even by car, you can visit them with utmost ease.
Where to Stay in Aswan (Islands VS Corniche VS Nubian Village)
Aswan is full of diverse accommodations according to tastes and budgets, all of which guarantee that you will enjoy your trip to Aswan through different experiences. Here are some examples of accommodations:
| Islands | Corniche (East Bank) | Nubian Village |
|---|---|---|
| Islands like Elephantine guarantee complete tranquility and magical nature. 🌿 Ideal for those who love relaxation and isolation from the outside world. 🌊 Direct view of the Nile. ⛵ But you need a felucca to take you anywhere. |
🚗 Suitable for quick transportation and has more hotels than the islands. 🏛️ Close to the city market, Philae Temple, and the Nubian Museum. 🔊 More crowded and noisy than the islands. |
🏡 Guest houses with stunning and traditional décor. 🎭 The most culturally significant experience in Aswan — a truly unique adventure. 🍲 Taste authentic Nubian food and learn about local customs and traditions. 🚤 The daily commute to and from the village can be a bit tiring. |
Each area offers a different charm — whether you seek peace, convenience, or authentic culture, Aswan has it all.
For family-friendly planning, you can explore our Egypt Family Tours. If you’re traveling on a budget, check our Egypt Budget Tours for affordable options across Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.
Getting Around Aswan (Boats, Taxis & Tickets)
Getting around Aswan is easy and enjoyable, especially since most attractions are close to the Nile. Whether you’re taking a boat, a taxi, or walking along the Corniche, here’s a quick guide to how transportation works in the city.
💡 Top tip: Always agree on the price before boarding a felucca, motorboat, or taxi. Prices are usually fair, but asking in advance avoids surprises.
- Feluccas (traditional sailboats): Perfect for short rides, sunset trips, and crossing between the East and West Bank. Best for slow, scenic trips.
- Motorboats: Faster and used for reaching major sites like Philae Temple, the Nubian Village, or Kitchener Island. Prices vary by distance and group size.
- Taxis: Available everywhere and ideal for airport transfers or moving between hotels and main sites. They’re more expensive than boats but still affordable.
- Tickets for attractions: Most entrance fees in Aswan are clearly displayed at each site and follow standard tourist pricing across Egypt. Credit cards are accepted at major sites.
- Best time to explore: Start your visits early in the morning or after 3 PM to avoid the intense midday sun.
Best Time to Visit Aswan
To enjoy your trip to Aswan to the fullest, you need to know what the best time to visit Aswan is, as the weather in Egypt is a great factor in whether you will have fun during your vacation or get exhausted.
- 🌤️ Once the weather starts to get a little cold (October) until late spring (April) is the ideal time to visit Aswan and southern Egypt in general
- 🌤️ Most of the winter months, such as January, are excellent for visiting Aswan, especially during the day when the weather is warm and beautiful, and at night, there are cool breezes that add a poetic atmosphere
- 🌤️ Don’t make a small mistake like choosing a random time in the middle of summer to travel to Aswan!
Final Thoughts – Planning Your Trip to Aswan
Aswan is one of Egypt’s most peaceful and culturally rich destinations — a city where ancient temples, Nubian traditions, and stunning Nile scenery blend beautifully, offering some of the Best Things to Do in Aswan for an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re exploring Philae Temple, sailing on a sunset felucca, visiting vibrant Nubian villages, or starting a day trip to Abu Simbel, Aswan offers something for every traveler.
Use this guide to choose the best attractions, plan your itinerary, and decide where to stay. And if you want a seamless experience, you can always browse our curated Aswan Day Tours or request a tailor-made trip designed just for you.
Enjoy your journey — Aswan will surely be one of the highlights of your Egypt trip.
Discover the Best Things to do in Aswan — from Philae Temple and the Nubian Village to unforgettable felucca sunsets.
You can also check our Aswan Day Trips for private guided experiences, or browse Egypt’s best day tours from Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada.
Let Egypt Tours Group help you plan a smooth, comfortable, and fully guided visit to Aswan and all of Upper Egypt.
FAQs – Visiting Aswan
What is the best time to visit Aswan?
The best time is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and perfect for sightseeing and Nile activities.
How many days do you need in Aswan?
Most visitors spend 1–3 days, enough to see Philae Temple, the Nubian Museum, Elephantine Island, and enjoy a sunset felucca.
What are the must-see attractions in Aswan?
Key attractions include Philae Temple, Nubian Museum, Elephantine Island, Kitchener’s Island, and the Nubian Village.
How do you get around Aswan?
The easiest options are feluccas for short rides, motorboats for main attractions, and taxis for airport or hotel transfers.
Is it worth visiting Abu Simbel from Aswan?
Yes — it’s one of Egypt’s most impressive temples and an essential day trip, usually taking 8–9 hours round-trip.
Where should you stay in Aswan?
Popular areas include Elephantine Island, the East Bank, and Nile-view hotels for quiet sunsets and easy transportation.
