Aswan – Travel Guide
Aswan, a serene city on the Nile in southern Egypt, is known for its stunning landscapes and rich ancient history. The iconic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, sits on an island and is a must-visit site. Visitors can explore the impressive Abu Simbel temples, built by Ramses II, or take a relaxing felucca boat ride on the Nile. The vibrant Nubian villages, with their colorful houses and warm hospitality, offer a unique cultural experience. Aswan`s peaceful charm, archaeological treasures, and beautiful river scenery make it a top destination in Egypt.
All about Aswan
Getting around Aswan
By Walking
Aswan is compact enough to primarily get around on foot. Many of the sites are grouped around the waterfront and on Elephantine Island, but some are a little further away. Walking is a great way to see the city.
By Taxi
For further away destinations, in particular the bus and train station, a taxi is the easiest option if you don’t feel like a long walk. Be careful to negotiate the price before setting off, as the taxis are not metered.
To access the sights on the river islands or on the West Bank, you will need to cross the river by motor boat or felluca. Be sure to pay attention to the prices as operators try to overcharge tourists.
By Bus
There are various local buses in Aswan. The difficulty is knowing where they’re going. If you want to try this option, stick out a hand to stop the bus and say your destination. The driver will then tell you whether he’s going there or not. It’s generally best to check the price as well. This can sometimes be tricky with the language barrier.
By Boat
For hopping back and forth across the Nile, ferries are the best and most economical option. Someone will usually be happy to hire out their boat to you if you’re not near a ferry stop, but be careful to negotiate the price before boarding.
By Bike
Biking is a great way to get around Aswan. There are rental places dotted around town. Around the train station, heading up Souk Street toward downtown are two areas in particular you can find these kiosks. The bikes are pay-per-day, single-speed, and lack regular maintenance.
Aswan FAQ
How do I get into Aswan?
There are several options for reaching Aswan. Flying is generally the best way to get to Aswan. There are several flights from Cairo each day, the flight is 1 hour and 25-minutes. The airport is about 15-miles outside of town.
Trains are a great way to get into Aswan. Cairo to Aswan by train takes between 13 – 12 hours. Luxor to Aswan by train is around 3 hours. The train station is at the edge of the souk, and there are several hotels within an easy walk as well as plenty of taxis.
By bus from Cairo is an overnight journey. If you travel by bus, the bus station is around 2.5 miles from the middle of town. There are plenty of taxis around the station to negotiate your trip into town.
What are my transportation options in Aswan?
Aswan is a fairly easy city to get around. Most of the places within Aswan are walkable as the city is not very big, but some areas are only accessible by tours and, at times, by boat.
Unfortunately, Uber is not available in Aswan, so you’ll have to take Careem (similar to Uber) or taxis if you prefer to get around on your own. Careem works similarly to Uber and is inexpensive, safe and hassle-free.
Water taxis are a major part of traveling around Aswan. Your options for crossing the Nile or visiting the islands are either a water taxi or fellucca. Water taxis are a bit faster. A felucca trip is fun if you are comfortable with haggling for prices.
Is Aswan a dangerous city?
Aswan is generally a safe city with a lot of tourists. The biggest problem is typically tourists being ripped off. However, most people are very friendly and helpful to travelers. It’s important to respect local customs and dress modestly, particularly in more traditional areas. This is especially true for women, who should consider covering their shoulders and knees.
We recommend sticking to bottled water and be mindful of the food you consume to avoid common travel-related illnesses.
Aswan is extremely hot, especially in the summer months. Take precautions to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid the midday sun.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
Egypt’s official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). U.S. Dollars are not accepted. One Egyptian Pound is subdivided into smaller currency denominations known as piastres and millimes. 1 EGP = 100 piastres = 1000 milliemes. In Arabic, Egyptian pounds are called gineih, and piastres are called qirsh.
Many shops, hotels and restaurants in tourist areas will accept credit or debit card payments. Remember that there can be hidden fees when you use your card abroad. Check with your bank what it will cost to use your card for payments in Egypt.
Most big hotels and established stores and restaurants will accept Mastercard and Visa, and contactless payments are common. Smaller hotels, cafés, shops and markets are more likely to expect cash.
It is generally a good idea to have at least some local currency to pay for tips, transport, snacks, and drinks.
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When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Aswan is from October to May. We recommend to avoid the summer season between June and September when the temperatures are extremely high. Aswan is in the desert and being outside in the summer isn’t much fun. It’s hot in Egypt year-round, and the farther south you go, the hotter it gets.
I don’t speak Arabic. Will many people speak English?
In southern Egypt, Saidi Arabic is the main spoken language for most people. A majority of the citizens also have no problem speaking English. We suggest you get a good English-Arabic guidebook or app on your phone and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the food like?
Aswan, Egypt is known for its unique Nubian culture, which is distinct in language, music, art, and customs. The Nubians, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, have contributed significantly to the city’s cultural richness. Aswan also has many restaurants that serve international cuisine, including Italian, French, or even American food.
What is the shopping like in Aswan?
Aswan offers a unique shopping experience that combines traditional markets (souks) with modern shops. The Aswan Souks are vibrant, filled with colorful stalls and a lively atmosphere. It is an excellent place to experience local culture. The souk is famous for its spices, handicrafts, perfumes, and Nubian artifacts. You can also find clothing, handwoven baskets, jewelry, and souvenirs.
When it comes to modern shopping in Aswan, there are some higher-end shops and boutiques that offer jewelry, clothing, and other luxury goods. Most of these shopping locations are in central pars of Aswan, near the Corniche and popular tourist areas.
Aswan is known for its high-quality spices like saffron, cumin, and hibiscus. You can also find a variety of locally produced perfumes and essential oils, often sold in beautiful glass bottles.
What is the nightlife like in Aswan?
Aswan’s nightlife is laidback compared to other cities such as Cairo or Alexandria. The city is much slower-paced with a more relaxed atmosphere. Some of the luxury hotels have elegant bars and lounges where you can enjoy a drink with a view of the Nile. These establishments often have a refined atmosphere with live music. Some hotels offer rooftop bars where you can unwind with a drink while enjoying panoramic views of the city and the river.
Many tourists enjoy spending an evening on a traditional felucca or Nile cruise boat. These cruises often offer dinner, live music, and sometimes traditional Nubian dance performances. This is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Nile at night.
There are a number of traditional cafes where you can relax with a cup of tea, coffee, or shisha (water pipe). These cafes are great for taking in the local culture and often have a relaxes, communal vibe.
The Aswan Souk (market) is a bustling place to visit in the evening. While it’s not a nightlife spot, wandering through the market at night can be a fun experience, with stalls selling spices, souvenirs, and local crafts. It’s a great way to take in the local atmosphere of the city.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Emergency number: 123
Aswan University Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in Aswan, offering a range of medical services and facilities. Pharmacies are common in Aswan, and many are open 24 hours. Pharmacists in Egypt are generally knowledgeable and provide basic medical advice and over-the-counter medications.
Many of the healthcare professionals in Aswan speak some English. If you are staying in a hotel, the staff can usually help you find medical care, recommend a doctor, or arrange transportation to a hospital.
Top Attractions
Nubian Museum
This archaeological museum features a variety of artifacts portraying Nubian culture & civilization.
Unfinished Obelisk
Ancient archeological site featuring a discarded bedrock-carved obelisk set among granite quarries.
The High Dam
Landmark Nile dam, first built by the British in 1898, with a new bigger version completed in 1970.
Philae Temple
It is dedicated to Isis, the goddess of healing, birth, and magic, her husband Osiris, and their son Horus.
Unique Experiences
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Aswan Philae Temple, Obelisk, and High Dam Private Tour: With this half-day tour, you travel with your own Egyptologist guide to the Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam, and Philae Temple, with the opportunity to view and learn about them as you like.
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Abu Simbel Private Tour From Aswan: See the greatness of Egyptian history. By visiting Abu Simbel Temple and the Queen Nefertari Temple, the guide will explain to you the historical monuments of the place. Do not miss out this incredible experience.
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What to expect while traveling
