Top 5 Aswan Attractions: How to Discover Egypt’s Hidden Gem

Aswan is often the departure or arrival point for many Nile cruises. Whether you decide to board a cruise or not, we highly recommend spending a few days (2 to 4, depending on your schedule) exploring Aswan attractions.

To make the most of your stay in this beautiful city and discover its rich history, check out these top Aswan attractions!

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Aswan Highlights Map

• 1. Discover Abu Simbel: A Marvel of Ancient Egyptian Architecture – Aswan Attractions
• 2- Sunset Felucca Ride on the Nile – Aswan Attractions
• 3. Elephantine Island – Aswan Attractions
• 4. Aswan Souq – Aswan Attractions
• 5. Philae Temple – Aswan Attractions
• Wrapping Up: Top Aswan Attractions

1. Discover Abu Simbel: A Marvel of Ancient Egyptian Architecture – Aswan Attractions

First, one of our favorite Aswan attractions is Abu Simbel.

Abu Simbel is truly a marvel of ancient Egypt, known for its stunning rock-cut temples built by Ramses II. These colossal structures were relocated in the 1960s to save them from rising floodwaters.

We loved stepping inside the temple and uncovering the ancient hieroglyphs. It felt like we were transported to another world, immersed in the mysteries of the past.

We were also very impressed to see that from Abu Simbel, you can catch a glimpse of the border with Sudan. The distant views of the Nubian Desert stretching into Sudan added an extra layer of awe to our visit.

Day Trip: The Best Way to Explore Abu Simbel

As Abu Simbel is about a 3-hour drive from Aswan, the best way to visit is by booking a day trip. You can start by arranging a tour through your hotel.

If you’d prefer to book in advance, GetYourGuide offers an affordable day trip that includes hotel pickup.

Most tours will include a packed breakfast, but make sure to bring some snacks as there are limited places to purchase food.

Entry ticket

Tours do not include the entry ticket; you’ll need to purchase it on-site. The price is $15 USD or 500 Egyptian pounds.

Private Guide

Some tours also include a private guide. While we don’t always enjoy guided tours, we found it incredibly valuable at Abu Simbel. Learning about the history of the site’s relocation and the significance of its features greatly enhanced our experience. The Abu Simbel day trip with GetYourGuide includes a private guide in the price.

Tips for your visit

1. Heat: Depending on the month you visit, be sure to bring something to cover your head, as there isn’t much shade around the temple. It can get extremely hot, especially during the summer.
2. Bring Plenty of Water: The desert heat can be intense, and there are only a few spots to buy refreshments on-site, with prices often inflated.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The site requires a fair amount of walking and exploring, so comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the uneven terrain and stairs inside the temples.

2- Sunset Felucca Ride on the Nile – Aswan Attractions

One of our top memories from Aswan was our private felucca ride on the Nile.

This majestic river, the longest in the world, is famous for its role in shaping Egyptian history and nurturing the vibrant life along its banks.

Spanning over 6,600 kilometers, the Nile’s beauty is unmatched.

We joked about crocodiles, but rest assured, there are none to worry about!

Private Felucca Ride

One of our favorite experiences in Aswan was a private felucca ride on the Nile.

We arranged our own boat by heading to the docks and negotiating the price.

Even though the common price is usually around 500-800 Egyptian pounds for a few hours, we managed to get a lovely two-hour ride for about 300 Egyptian pounds.

We brought along some drinks and snacks, and then just kicked back and enjoyed the breathtaking views.

Floating along the Nile with the sun setting and the gentle breeze in our hair felt incredibly magical and personal—one of those moments you never forget.

Organized Felucca Ride: Stress-Free and All-Inclusive

If you’d rather skip the hassle of negotiating a price, you can opt for an organized felucca ride on the Nile.

We found that GetYourGuide offers a fantastic package that includes hotel pick-up, a scenic tour around Elephantine Island, and a private tour guide.

This all-inclusive experience also provides water to keep you refreshed during your cruise.

Although it’s a bit more expensive than arranging a boat directly, it’s still quite affordable and offers a hassle-free way to enjoy the Nile.

For a seamless experience, you can check out the GetYourGuide felucca ride here.

3. Elephantine Island – Aswan Attractions

Elephantine Island is a historic site located on the Nile River in Aswan. It features ancient ruins and is a beautiful place to visit.

Moreover, we loved it because it’s quiet, surrounded by the Nile, and has a magical atmosphere.

Additionally, it’s not as crowded as some other attractions, offering a more serene experience.

Also, the way we got there made our whole experience….

How to get there? Elephantine Island – Aswan Attractions

There are different ways to get to Elephantine Island.

What we did, and what made our experience even more meaningful, was taking the local route.

It’s up to you to decide which option suits you best.

Get to Elephantine Island – The Local Way

The tips were given to us by our lovely host at Go Inn Backpackers.

During our stay in Aswan Nubian Village, which made our experience incredible, our host ensured we received the best recommendations and openly shared local options to help us save money.

We were so grateful to have him as our guide. If you haven’t read about why you should stay in the Aswan Nubian Village on your next visit to Aswan, make sure to check out our post about it.

• Take the Local Bus: Catch a local bus or shared minibus from the main road in Aswan. The local buses in Aswan usually follow the main road along the Nile. Just make sure to ask the driver or confirm the bus’s route to ensure it stops at or near the corner where you can catch a boat to the island. The bus fare is typically around 1-2 Egyptian pounds.

• Get Off at the Main Road Corner: Ask the driver to drop you off at the corner of the main road where you can catch a boat to Elephantine Island. The bus ride will take you to a central area where boat transfers are available.

• Walk to the Boat Dock: Once you’re at the corner, it’s a short walk to the dock area. There, you’ll need to use your negotiation skills to agree on the fare. The boat ride typically costs between 50 and 100 Egyptian pounds for a one-way trip. It’s depending on factors like the number of passengers and the type of boat.

We loved this way of getting to Elephantine Island because it was much cheaper than taking a tour or private boat. Plus, it was a great experience to ride the local shared minibus and be surrounded by friendly locals who were eager to help us—everyone was incredibly nice.

Get to Elephantine Island – The Practical Way

Secondly, if you’re tired from all the visits and just want a quick and easy way to get to Elephantine Island, you have other options!

A private boat to Elephantine Island can be arranged from several locations in Aswan:

• Nile Docks: You can hire a private boat directly from the main Nile docks in Aswan, located near the city center. This typically costs around 200-300 Egyptian pounds for a round trip. Be prepared to use your negotiation skills to get the best price.

• Hotels and Tours: Many hotels and tour operators in Aswan offer private boat rentals to Elephantine Island. Prices generally range from 300-500 Egyptian pounds, often including additional services like pick-up and drop-off. These options are more convenient but might be pricier.

• Local Boatmen: You can also negotiate with local boatmen at popular docks or along the Nile. The cost is usually around 150-250 Egyptian pounds for a round trip. This option gives you the chance to practice your negotiation skills and find a good deal.

In all cases, it’s a good idea to confirm the price and duration of the trip before setting off.

4. Aswan Souq – Aswan Attractions

The Aswan Souq is a vibrant market where you can experience the local culture and shop for unique crafts, spices, and souvenirs. Located in the heart of Aswan, it’s easily accessible whether you’re walking from the Nubian Village or staying downtown.

Vibrant Atmosphere:

We loved the lively and colorful atmosphere of the Aswan Souq. The energy and buzz from the bustling stalls made for an unforgettable experience.

Local Crafts and Souvenirs:

We enjoyed exploring the market’s stalls filled with traditional Nubian crafts and souvenirs. From handwoven baskets to beautiful jewelry, we felt like we were on a treasure hunt for unique finds.

Spice and Food Stalls:

The array of spices was incredible, and we couldn’t resist sampling local delicacies from the food stalls. Freshly baked bread and flavorful falafel were some of our favorites.

Traditional Experience:

Visiting the market gave us a genuine look into daily life in Aswan. We really enjoyed meeting local sellers, hearing their stories, and having interesting conversations with them.

Negotiation is Key:

Bargaining at the Aswan Souq is part of the fun! We found that haggling with vendors not only helped us snag great deals but also created a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. People love it when you engage in the bargaining process, making for a memorable experience. DON’T BE SHY!!!

5. Philae Temple – Aswan Attractions

Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is located on Agilkia Island in Aswan.

This beautiful temple complex is renowned for its stunning architecture and serene setting on the Nile.

We were truly impressed by the intricate carvings and the peaceful atmosphere of the site.

How to get there

To reach Philae Temple, we decided to take a local boat from the main docks in Aswan.

The boat ride was quite charming and cost us around 100-150 Egyptian pounds for a round trip, depending on your negotiation skills and the type of boat you choose.

If you prefer a bit more convenience, you can book a boat ride through your hotel or a local tour operator, though it might be a bit pricier.

Either way, the journey adds a lovely touch to the experience, making it even more memorable.

Additional Information

The entry ticket costs about 200 Egyptian pounds.

We found that visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon was the best time, as it avoids the peak crowds and allows for a more relaxed exploration.

For an even easier option, you can pre-book your tour with GetYourGuide. This way, you can get picked up from your hotel, and both the boat ride and entry ticket to Philae Temple are included in the price. It’s a stress-free choice that simplifies your visit while keeping it affordable.

Wrapping Up: Top Aswan Attractions

In conclusion, Aswan offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and breathtaking sights.

From the grandeur of Abu Simbel to the tranquil charm of Elephantine Island, each attraction provides a unique glimpse into this remarkable city.

We found our private felucca ride on the Nile to be an unforgettable highlight, perfect for a peaceful escape.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out our blog post about staying in the Aswan Nubian Village. It made our experience even more special, providing authentic local insights and an unforgettable stay.