Best Things to Do in Aswan

Aswan is one of the most beautiful Egyptian cities, located in the south of the country on the banks of the eternal Nile River.

It is famous for its distinguished strategic location and its charming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and tranquility which makes it a distinctive tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. 

Aswan has an ancient history that extends for thousands of years; it is home to many important archaeological sites such as the Philae Temple and the Kom Ombo Temple.

The city is characterized by the beauty of its picturesque nature as it embraces charming islands and the vast Nile, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy wonderful and unforgettable Nile trips. 

In this article, we will talk about the most important things to do in Aswan which make visiting it a unique experience.

Top things to do in Aswan

Top things to do in Aswan include visiting the majestic ancient temples such as Philae Temple and Kom Ombo Temple, enjoying fun river trips aboard a felucca which is a symbol of the Nile and discovering the city’s vibrant traditional markets that reflect its culture. 

Exploring Elephantine Island, which embraces important historical monuments, is also recommended.

Visitors can also enjoy experiencing the authentic Nubian culture and learning about its ancient history and rich traditions that distinguish it from other cultures. 

We will provide you with some of the most important things to do in Aswan in detail below to help you plan your trip:

Boat trip to Philae temple

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Philae Island is considered one of the most prominent tourist destinations that can be reached through a boat trip on the Nile River which adds a special charm to the place.

This island is located in the middle of the Nile and is considered one of the strongest fortresses on the southern borders of Egypt which played an important role in protecting the country throughout history as it separates the Nile into two opposite canals in the Aswan region Which increases its strategic importance. 

The main Philae Temple was located on the island but it was moved to Agilkia Island after the construction of the High Dam to save it from drowning and protect this important cultural heritage.

This allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of historical temples in a new and amazing environment that combines the splendor of history with the beauty of nature.

Stroll through the local market

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The old tourist market in Aswan is considered a unique destination for strolling and exploring as it is characterized by its rich prizes and the diversity of its shops that display various products and goods that reflect the city’s culture and ancient history. 

The market includes a wide range of shops that display perfumes and spices for which the region is famous as well as heritage collectibles such as clothes and handicrafts that express authentic Nubian art which attracts visitors from all over the world.

The market is a meeting point for tourists and citizens who come to buy local gifts and souvenirs from jewelry to pottery.

It is not limited to shopping only but the area also provides a group of restaurants and cafes for relaxation while strolling and having a delicious meal or a refreshing drink. 

The tourist market in Aswan embodies the spirit of Egyptian culture and is considered the most prominent shopping center in the city where you can find everything you are looking for from traditional products and souvenirs.

Walk along the Nile Corniche

The Nile Corniche extends from Damietta in the north to Aswan in the south and is considered one of the most crowded places in Egypt especially in the evenings and on official holidays thanks to the beauty of its nature and its charming night lighting which gives it a special charm. 

The Corniche includes a variety of restaurants, cafes, juice and snack shops, and flower shops, making it an ideal place to spend quality time with family or friends and enjoy the picturesque atmosphere of the Nile. 

The Corniche also allows visitors to enjoy the Nile atmosphere in the clubs and halls spread along it, in addition to the boats that host daily evenings which offer various artistic performances and delicious food.

Desert Safari Experience Near Aswan

The desert safari experience near Aswan is an exceptional adventure that takes visitors on a tour through the picturesque landscapes of the Eastern Desert.

Trips usually start from Aswan and allow visitors to explore sand dunes, mountains, and natural landmarks.

It also allows them to get acquainted with wildlife in the desert and enjoy its beauty. 

The experience also includes riding four-wheel drive cars or camels to discover the local culture by visiting Nubian villages and learning about their customs, traditions, and rich heritage.

Visitors can also enjoy activities such as sandboarding and watching the sunset which is considered one of the most beautiful scenes in the region and gives the desert a special charm.

Major tourist attractions to visit

Aswan enjoys a diversity of tourist attractions where visitors can enjoy tours along the Nile River and explorations in archaeological sites that include ancient temples and royal tombs which reflect the greatness of ancient Egyptian civilization and its ancient history.

The most important tourist attractions that can be visited are the following:

Visiting the High Dam

The High Dam in Aswan is one of the most important tourist and engineering landmarks in Egypt as it represents a symbol of transformation and development and reflects the Egyptian will to achieve progress and prosperity. 

It also provides visitors with an opportunity to explore its impact on agriculture and water resources, with breathtaking views of the Nile River and the artificial lake.

It is also possible to learn about its importance in securing water and energy for the country and its role in protecting Egypt from floods and droughts.

Nubian Museum

The Nubian Museum in Aswan, established by UNESCO, is a unique cultural destination that displays the history of the ancient Nubian civilization from prehistoric times to the modern era.

The museum consists of three floors that include exhibition halls, a library, multi-service facilities, and a spacious museum garden containing various artifacts. 

The museum houses five thousand artifacts, including a statue of King Ramses II and a skeleton dating back 200,000 years, allowing visitors to learn about Nubia’s ancient history and rich heritage which reflects an ancient and prosperous civilization, reflecting the development of Egyptian civilization and highlighting the importance of Nubia as a center for arts and crafts and trade.

Abu Simbel Temple

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Abu Simbel Temple is an archaeological site located on the western bank of Lake Nasser near Aswan. It is considered one of the most prominent World Heritage sites listed by UNESCO.

It was carved in the thirteenth century BC by order of King Ramses II and contains twin temples dedicated to him and Queen Nefertari, in commemoration of his victory in the Battle of Kadesh. 

In 1960, the entire temple was moved to another location on an artificial hill to protect it from drowning due to the creation of Lake Nasser resulting from the construction of the High Dam.

This process is considered a great engineering achievement that demonstrates the international community’s keenness to protect and preserve monuments for future generations.

Kom Ombo Temple

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The Kom Ombo Temple, located in the city of Kom Ombo in Aswan in southern Egypt, was built during the reign of Ptolemy VI.

The temple has recently undergone restoration and renovation operations aimed at preserving it and highlighting its architectural beauty and ancient history.

This makes it a destination for tourists to explore the history of ancient Egypt, the beauty of its architecture, and learn about the myths and beliefs that prevailed during that period.

Tips for travelers to enjoy an Aswan trip

To have an enjoyable trip to Aswan, here are some tips: 

1. Don’t miss visiting Abu Simbel Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Island, and the Aswan High Dam. 
2. Try traditional Egyptian dishes in local restaurants such as koshari, ful, and falafel. 
3. Be sure to visit local markets such as Aswan Souk where you can buy handicrafts and souvenirs. 
4. Try taking a Nile boat tour to enjoy the breathtaking scenery on the banks of the Nile. 
5. Aswan is known for its heat, so be sure to wear light clothing and protect yourself from the sun. 
6. You can enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the city or participate in activities such as camel riding or desert trips.

FAQs

What are the best times to explore the Nile Corniche?

The best times to explore the Nile Corniche in Aswan are in the early morning from 6 am to 9 am when the atmosphere is pleasant and the crowds are less, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. 

Sunset time from 5 pm to 7 pm is also considered an ideal time to watch the magnificent sunset where you can enjoy the view of the sun setting behind the hills and mountains surrounding the Nile.

It is preferable to visit the Corniche during the winter season from November to February when the weather is more moderate.

Is it possible to swim in the Nile in Aswan?

The Nile River in Aswan turns into a popular destination for families and youth during the summer season which attracts many visitors who wish to enjoy strolling and swimming for free.

The number of citizens increases in the area of the Suspension Bridge due to the beautiful green spaces it provides on the banks of the Nile. 

However, it should be noted that swimming in the Nile may be dangerous due to strong water currents. However, tourists should take precautions when swimming in the Nile due to potential changes in water currents and safety conditions.

How can Nubian culture be explored during the trip?

You can explore the Nubian culture by visiting the Nubian villages in Aswan where you can learn about their culture by interacting with the locals, tasting traditional food, exploring handicrafts, and learning about their ancient history and rich traditions.